I CAN FEEL THE LOVE, CAN YOU FEEL IT TOO

Listening to: Feel The Love by Rudimental

Location: Coober Pedy, South Australia

 

There is a myth that opals are unlucky. A myth I did not believe. But looking back on my time in Coober Pedy, I'd say I was incredible unlucky; more so then usual...

 

I headed to Coober Pedy as I knew someone who lived there. I met him when travelling around Australia 3 years ago. We stayed in touch and he seemed like a nice guy. The person I arrived to was incredibly controlling, boring and, quite frankly, rude. It was not long before we fell out and I didn't see him for pretty much half my stay in Coober Pedy.

 

The job I had was well paid and easy work. I gave tours of old opal mines and underground homes, took groups around the town and sold opal jewellery. Although, I am not sure the easy work was worth the hassle from the owner. One day I am talking too much, the next not enough. I didn't say "thank you" or smile enough which, if you have met me in real life, is just ridiculous. I wasn't happy or cheerful enough. I had too much red bull and was always tired, which wasn't allowed even though I was working 7 days a week. The list went on.

 

The boy I was living with was very kind, generous and a good friend; but an absolute arse hole when it come to my feelings and his slutty ways. I left Coober Pedy with my feelings hurt and I don't think he actually cares.

 

I dropped my iPhone down the toilet. My anaemia got so bad I'd constantly be dizzy and nearly faint on a daily basis. I got a kidney infection which meant 2 weeks of antibiotics. I got a rash from head to toe when I discovered I am allergic to wool. Finally, I found out the job I left Coober Pedy for was in fact a scam. They say shit happens, but this is just ridiculous.

 

To come back to Australia for a second year I have to complete 3 months of fruit picking. I found a good job, too good to be true my mum said. Well, that turned out to be correct. I sat on a coach for 12 hours from Coober Pedy to Adelaide then flew from Adelaide to Perth, only to find out the job was a scam when I arrived. I hadn't slept for 40 hours by this point and it was a struggle to fight back the tears when I broke the news to my parents.

 

So I'm currently sitting in a hostel in Perth, wondering what the hell I am going to do about my life and hoping that something works out, like I keep assuring my parents it will.

TRAVEL TIPS | ONCE YOU'VE ARRIVED IN AUSTRALIA

Wearing: Sunglasses - Rayban . Tank Top - Primark

Location: Sir James McCusker Park, Western Australia

 

When you arrive in Australia, on a working holiday visa, there are some things you need to do as soon as you can. It took me a while to complete the list because I spent the first few weeks willing myself to stay awake and not give in to jet lag.

 

1. Activate Bank Account - once you set up an account with Commonwealth, they tell you where you need to go to collect your card and activate your account. Remember to make an appointment and to take your passport and any documents with you.
2. Tax File Number - you will need to apply for a Tax File Number before you start work so you are taxed the correct amount. You can still work without a Tax File Number but employers don't like it and you'll be taxed a massive 48.5%. It's easy to do, follow directions here.
3. Medicare Card - you will need to go to a local Medicare Centre to apply for a Medicare Card. There's lots of offices and once there you just need to complete a form and have your passport and a copy of your visa email showing which visa you're on. A few weeks later you'll receive your card in the post.
4. Phone - it's good to keep in touch with everyone back home. If you're taking your phone from England with you, remember to get it unlocked. I thought you had to pay for this but a simple email can get the job done. One thing I found is if you have a Vodafone phone in England, this will not work with an Aussie Vodafone SIM card so you will still need to get it unlocked. I have found Telstra to be the best network to be on in Australia, with the best coverage in remote areas.
5. Job Hunt - if you want to start work as soon as you arrive to Australia, I'd suggest starting to look for work in England. Get your CV out there as it may be a few weeks before they start the interview process. I have found Gumtree and Seek to be really good for looking for work. Good luck.

 

[For more Travel Tips; click here]

SNIPPETS | THE BREAKAWAYS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Breakaways, South Australia

 

The Breakaways is a short drive from Coober Pedy. Me and my friend took the 20 minute drive there one evening for sunset. If you ever find yourself in the middle of Australia, I would definitely recommend coming here at sunset or sunrise. As the sun changes colour, so do the colours of the stone which is pretty impressive.

 

You can drive yourself there for free, a four wheel drive is definitely recommended, or there are tours in Coober Pedy which will drive you there. I have heard great things about The Stuart Range tours and The Breakaways is just one of many stops on the tour.

 

It doesn't rain often in Coober Pedy, but if you arrive on a rainy day, the roads that take you to The Breakaways may be closed.