Permanent residency + no job = big change
So here I am sat, on the Spirit of Tasmania on my way to Devonport in a tasteless ferry bar, 1980’s through-back carpet in orange, listening to some terrible band and wondering what is in store for me for this adventure.... well it all began a few weeks back with phone call from my visa agent advising me that I need to go out and celebrate, because I have my permanent residency for Australia! Yes, very happy day in my life. It’s bloody hard to get in to Australia for life. I guess the studying at Uni and hard work has been paying off. I kissed my current job goodbye, where I have been working 2 1/5 years. I just knew there was something I had to do. Road trip! I searched to find a vehicle which would stand up to the challenge which is ahead.... a lap around (including off road travel) Australia to see some of the most spectacular beaches, mountains, deserts, aboriginal rock art, learn some new skills and meet some new friends for life.
Norbert comes into my life
The advert I found had a Toyota Landcruiser on it (I have had some of my happiest holiday memories in a Landcruiser, in Africa and China, the Kimberly and Tibet) and so I decided that this is what I needed. An off-road kitted out version of a ‘Landy’, ready for the outback, with Safari Snorkel (so I can drive in deep water), off-road tyres, a fridge, a top-top tent with a double bed (in case Mr Right comes along), a small kitchen and a previous German owner (always a good sign, very organised and BMW, VW, Audi need I say more). So the deal was made, and my precious it was named Norbert after the lovely previous owner. Much to my parents distress am I heading out again to see what the world can offer me this time.
All the gear but no idea - sand driving course
I thought I would sign up for an 4WD advanced driving course to learn more about off-road driving and safety and headed to Robe in South Australia (580 km from Melbourne). What a magical place! Turquoise water, sand beaches stretching 60 km long and beautiful weather. Seems as though I was on a lucky roll. The course was six cars and two support vehicles, in case we got stuck. Surprisingly, I was not the only female driver, there was a single mum with a 1 year old toddler who was learning the ropes as well and was heading for the Simpson Desert later on in the year. At least I was not the only mad one here. We learned all about sand driving, tyre pressures, how to ‘snatch’ (read pull) each other out of trouble, winching, safety equipment, key starts and lots of other techniques I think may come in handy one day. The exciting outcome of the weekend was that Norbert performed impeccably despite being one of the oldest vehicles in the convoy and weighing almost 3.5 tonnes. We learned how to drive up and down sand dunes being about the equivalent of a 7 story building... completely hair-raising stuff. Let’s just say, I tried to keep my eyes open, breathe and occasionally had to scream my head off when it got a bit too exciting. It definitely was a memorable trip. Well, it was very clear that this is not a truck that likes that motorway, but off road adventures!Lucky me.
Melbourne Wildlife
So last night was the final night in Melbourne. The girls took me out for dinner in St Kilda where it was buzzing as it was a very hot Saturday night when the city is truly blossoming. Good food, some wine and I packed the last things and went to bed in a very clean and tidy apartment. I wake up at the middle of the night by a big bang! I turn the light on and I hear something I my bedroom... it’s a possum in there that have climbed in through an open window and is trying to find a way out as he is panicking. Let me tell you, so am I! I hear more crashes, (probably bed side lights etc all falling to the floor) bugger! I want my rental bond back, stupid possum, so I say: “please don’t destroy anything, it’s my last night in the apartment and I got to get on the ferry early in the morning (well or more like, get out of my apartment you little s**t). Eventually, I got him out, rolled onto the ferry, watched Melbourne as we where leaving and got myself a glass of wine. Tassie next, 2.5 weeks of pure relaxation. Bliss!
