今天，1月12日，星期一，來澳洲第486天，墨爾本天氣晴。
我的手提電腦與數位相機於雪梨遭竊，我的心裡相當難過，難過到想飆車，不過放心我並沒有真的飆車，而且我難過的不是手提電腦被偷，而是我裡頭在澳大利亞的回憶被偷了，而手提電腦本身是壞掉的(螢幕而已)，所以很遺撼的，那個天殺的賊他偷走的是一台沒什麼用處的筆電，而他(她)偷走的相機的確是好的，但也遺撼的是充電器還在我這…。那個賊把我的副駕駛座的抽屜打開，數位相機就在裡頭。但是這賊最沒品的莫過於把我的未繳罰單也偷走，讓我無法繳交它，希望他良心未泯地幫我繳了(雖然不太可能)，但總之這讓我現在陷入未能交罰鍰的窘境。
從去年十二月二十三日至今年一月九日，這段在雪梨的日子可沒什麼好，壞事與倒楣事倒不少，於是我決定要盡快離開。
一直以為房租是十日才到期，原來是我會錯意，是九日就到期了，於是我被迫提早離開此地。而且還來不及找到伴跟我分攤車油資，這會是一條漫長且孤單的行程，從雪梨至墨爾本，兩個澳洲的最大城市之間，有一些路可以選擇，我選擇最短行程的休姆公路(Hume Hwy)，這條不是沿海的，而是直接穿梭新南威爾斯州與維多利亞州內陸的高速公路。可以想見的是，沿途的景色就是澳洲的鄉村原野風情。
單調的原野令人昏昏欲睡，當然我知道這旅程是九百公里，怎麼可以無精打采呢？於是我就先把車停去休息站好好地給它睡了快一小時再上路，接下來就是開夜車囉！
在經歷漫漫長路後，我終於克服了疲勞，抵達了重逢的城市－－墨爾本市。我這時帶著自傲的感覺與口氣對自己說：我自己，一個人，一天，一輛小車，安全穿越了漫長的休姆公路至墨爾本。
我好久沒見到我的北京室友王瑩小姐，我實在是太驚喜了，很想給她又抱又親，但我實在是太累了，那種累的感覺無法形容，反正就是只想馬上躺下去睡死，其它什麼都給它拋在腦後。我想這晚我一定打鼾打得十分厲害。
隔天早上我睡至幾乎中午，然後就去找Kate小姐，她也是台灣人，跟她在北昆士蘭的Ayr工作一陣子，她即將離開墨爾本，於是我就趕緊在她上機前送她，與她一起去吃有名的越南河粉，在里奇蒙(Richmond)的勇記越南河粉十分有名，時常客滿，我吃完後就想下次還要再來這裡吃。
星期日中午，跟久未見面的老鄉Corona小姐約去看沙雕展，之前在Plunkett遇見她，她還是跟以前一個樣子(ps:年齡多了一歲)，但我沒預料到Amanda竟然也現身了，她們很沒道德地說我比以前還要"操老"。我在想如果這時是在我的愛車上，我可能要強制請她們下車了。總之我們就是跟以前一樣不忘要損一損對方。
沙雕展主題是恐龍，但我好像比較喜歡Frankston的海灘，長長的海灘，不算洶湧的波浪，和煦的陽光，許多當地居民穿泳衣戲水曬太陽，使得海灘景色要比沙雕展更搶眼一些。但是沙雕的製程也令我好奇，雖然我的英語不算太好，但看一看說明，大概是說沙雕是由上往下雕的，基本的形狀也是用木樁固定好，然後也用一些塑膠管線(tube)，把粗的管線用得像是吸管一樣地雕塑恐龍的型。我認為最後應該是有上膠把沙固定起來，不然沙雕肯定會被海灘的強風給搞亂形狀。
結束了沙雕展後，我們回到市中心去，唐人街裡的天府川菜是我們今晚晚餐地點，誰都知道川菜就是辣得可以，但我們都十分享受這種感覺，許久未回到墨爾本，就是要好好地被辣一次才過癮。
雖然回到墨爾本讓我有像回家的感覺，這裡朋友多，但我仍明白，我真正的家是在台灣台北。那個六、七千公里外的小島。
2009年1月10日 星期六
2009年1月6日 星期二
在雪梨的日子
今天，2009年1月6日，星期二，來澳洲第480天，雪梨市天氣晴朗。
自我於去年12月23日抵達雪梨市後，我留在這兒也好一段日子了，但是一直處於失業狀態(明明就是自己沒認真找工作做...)，我一直覺得這個城市十分的商業化，她的確是，無可否認。張藝謀的"滿城盡戴黃金甲"這一詞來形容Sydney，我想就是"滿城盡是外國人"了。為什麼? 因為這是標準的國際化都市，一堆外來居民、海外留學生、外國背包客，如果是遊覽勝地邦代海灘(Bondi beach)和藍山國家公園(Blue mountains)，這情形更加明顯。至於中國城則會讓你感覺像是在中國或台灣、香港。整個市中心，即使是白人，也不一定是Aussie。
12月23日我抵達雪梨，由於我突然臨時被拒入住房屋分租(因為這多半需住至少三個月)，我無法確定我能否留在這三個月，所以我們就拉倒了，我的英國旅伴Alix笑著說:跟我住同間背包客棧吧!當然我沒得選擇了，否則就得睡我的愛車上，這一點都不有趣，之前試過了。我想我的愛車也不會同意我睡在它裡頭。
當我進入Glebe(離市中心不遠的區)的背包客棧後，我得付35澳元/一天的昂貴價格，沒辦法。因為這時候算是旺季，35元已經算是客氣了!這時候的雪梨，所有的背包客棧都很有默契的一塊兒漲價。
後來我遇到了一些朋友，有台灣的也有大陸的，所以我跟他們一塊出遊，從24日到今天，我已經遊覽了一些有名景點:邦代海灘(超有名，必來)、藍山國家公園、雪梨塔(Sydney Tower)、國王十字區(Kings Cross)、海港大橋(Harbour Bridge)、庫吉海灘(Coogee Beach)、中國城、岩石區市場、搭船遊雪梨港。坦白說，這些都是很棒的體驗與回憶。
12月31日晚上，我本想跟台灣朋友Jack一同殺去歌劇院倒數，結果我出發得太晚，Jack在傍晚六、七點的時候打給我，說人太多已經管制了，我變成無法進入，我十分後悔，但也無可奈何。
但好在我住的背包客棧也是一堆人，都是老外。他們也跟我一樣被管制而無法進入，但沒關係，我們住的背包客棧夠高(有七層樓)，而我很幸運地住六樓，且是最前方，於是我很幸運的光坐在床上就可以直接看到煙火...爽。而當煙火在放的時候，樓上的一些人一直叫個不停，真是有點吵，但沒關係，新年新氣象嘛!
我不知道為什麼這時候亞洲人統統都不見了，日本、韓國人明明就多，怎麼都不見得了呢?於是我只好繼續跟老外聊天。
這些老外，我不知道要怎麼說，他們真的是熱愛一夜情，常常是黃湯下肚後就開始又親又摸，這就是為什麼他們週末都要去pub的原因，因為裡頭有太多曠男怨女，在互相找尋刺激囉!當然，我不能因此責怪他們，因為這就是他們的習性。亞洲人是不這麼做的，有也不多。
我很喜歡跟歐洲人聊天，因為他們的英語能力夠，聊起來沒什麼問題，而且還可以文化交流，跟他們聊多次以後，我可以列出亞洲背包客和歐洲背包客的不同習性給大家了解。
一、歐洲人去pub，亞洲人不去。
因為pub是西方文化的一環，我們台灣有，但發展還不夠多。而且在星期五和星期六的半夜，他們更要去，因為這時候男女都想尋歡作樂，西方女孩可是一點都不會扭捏，要的話都表現得很明顯，而且更強的是還不會放感情下去，我想這就是所謂的"玩男人"。外國男孩很會喝，因為他們全都習慣了，而且有能力玩到天亮(這點我做不到)，外國男孩也是很開放，熱愛一夜情。簡單來說就是互相找尋刺激。喝完回去就當然是直接帶剛勾搭上的"玩伴"回房去囉!而守規矩的亞洲人實在是對pub適應不良，我去過幾次，但不管是酒力還是耐力全都不如他們。
二、亞洲人熱愛工作，歐洲人熱愛旅遊。
這個不是絕對，但也是事實，亞洲人賺錢能力我一定要推韓國人，小的我以前在Townsville的肉工廠工作時，白人最多的是澳洲人，這很正常。但亞洲勞工裡，韓國人佔盡八成以上，當我開始實習時，直接用韓文跟我講話也不先問我打哪來的。而且一幹就是數個月，令人咋舌。但在雪梨反而全部看不到韓國人了，也是令人咋舌。日本、台灣與香港人也是熱愛賺錢，但工作實在是沒怎麼勤勞。歐洲人酷愛旅遊，他們觀念裡，沒有玩遍澳洲全部景點，這個旅程是不完美的，而且他們都統一用facebook這個網路相簿去紀錄他們在澳大利亞的一切。結束澳大利亞行後，他們還要再去東南亞玩一玩再回國，尤其是泰國，更是必去之地。我承認泰國是便宜國家，但歐洲男生去泰國也是去尋歡的(令人搖頭)。
三、亞洲背包客平均年齡明顯高於歐洲背包客。
歐洲人來澳洲打工渡假多半還是大學生，年齡多介於18-23歲之間，他們很多都是大學休學一年，然後到海外去體驗不同的生活，順便學學獨立自主，也許有些是想讓英語講得更好一些。而且，他們的文化更是鼓勵這麼做，當做是一種人生體驗。而亞洲背包客多半是大學畢業後才出來的，這情形日本比較沒有，日本也似乎是鼓勵大學生出遊，但整體來說亞洲的背包客多半是超過23歲的，也許我們的教育機制也該這麼做比較好。
四、亞洲的英語教育水準落後歐洲。
亞洲人的英語說最好的我首推香港人，不過我見過一些香港人，發現他們的英語並不是說非常好，廣東話還是他們的第一語言。我也遇過新加坡人，他們有成功的英語教育，但我接觸後反而覺得也還好，並沒有說十分完美。歐洲人裡頭，英國與愛爾蘭不提，北歐算非常成功，德國和荷蘭算成功，法國、比利時和義大利不十分成功，但也都還ok。不過值得慶幸的是，在我的觀點裡，台灣的英語教育好過韓國和日本(為自己拍拍手吧!)。
五、歐洲男孩可以輕鬆把到亞洲妹，亞洲男孩無法輕鬆把到歐洲妹。
我想這點我不用多說，眾所周知。(人家說愛用國貨，但真能做到的有幾個呢?)
2008年12月27日 星期六
The Biggest City Of Australia
27th / Dec / 2008, Saturday. The 470th Day in Oz, the weather in Sydney is sunny in the morning, cloudy in the afternoon, rainy in the evening.
I worked in Townsville for 3 months. The weather of this tropical city made many backpackers go mad. Everybody said it's too hot...more than 30 degrees every day. I also thought it was time to leave this city.
Many backpackers have a common habit in Australia. It's "Avoiding the overheated and cold weather". Townsville is typically too hot from November to April of next year. Many backpackers want to go down to Sydney or Melbourne or Gold coast to celebrate new year and Christmas. I'm also the one who want to do it.
In the middle of December. I put on the ad for looking for a partner to travel and go down to Sydney together. I was lucky. An English guy enrolled my itinerary. His name is Alix. He is very young only 20. We started the travel from 20th December 2008. It's pity thing that Alix is not an English girl. I gotta go say English girls always have graceful character. They're more like the princess who usually drinks black tea or milk tea in a mansion. And I very like English accent.
20th Dec 2008, It is Saturday. We started our travel. We drove in north Queensland. From Townsville to Mackay. 400Km long way makes us experience the wild weather of Queensland. We experienced wild and heavy rain. This rain was just like the God dumped water from the sky. The car was lucky enough that it went through a natural shower. After this crazy shower, the weather became sunny again.
21st Dec 2008, It is Sunday. We spent more than 12 hours for driving. In this day, We drive almost 1000km. From Mackay to Brisbane. Our previous plan was from Mackay to Bundaberg. But we've already changed the plan and slept in his friends' house without paying. We even drove in the evening. I always worried we'll hit roos. But I think I just ran over a cane toad only. I also got an unforgetable experience in his friends' house. That was I've been bitten by bees. I almost screamed....absolutely unforgettable.
22nd Dec 2008, Monday. From Brisbane to Coffs harbour. Only 400km. We had driven for a long way while we started the travel in this day. It's why we didn't want to drive too much in this day. When I passed the border of Queensland and New South Wales. I suddenly lost one our coz the changing time zone.
23rd Dec 2008, Tuesday. From Coffs harbour to Sydney. We arrived safely in this city. Alix and me were very excited. During this period, no cheap hostel is found out. I gotta to pay 35 AUD per night. I intended to sleep in my car, but I changed my mind that I tried this feeling of sleeping in the car in Queensland. This was not funny and comfortable experience. We almost burned the engine in central Sydney. Sydney is more like multi-races city. I can always see different races in this city...except Aussie= =.
You can't find out the real Australian culture in Sydney. I deem Sydney is similar as Big Apple. This sin and notorious city has been commercialized seriously. It makes me get an uncomfortable feeling to Sydney. I can always face traffic jam here. The weather is much cooler than north Queensland. Maybe I need more time to get use to it.
26th Dec 2008, I went to the notorious district of Sydney...Kings Cross. I could usually see whores and visitors talked the price in this place. Sexy whores / strippers / hot tempetation / backpackers from Europe and Asia / businessmen......I and my partner Chinese oversea student Zen Wang was invited to get in the topless club to see something hot. In my opinion, I regreted I got in this club. The girls are not hot enough. Although she rubbed me with her boobs (This is the bonus of sitting on the first row...perhaps), I was still a little bit disppointed with it.
It's really difficult to find out a free parking lot in Sydney. It's why I don't want to drive my car frequently. I don't like this biggest sin city. Maybe I will leave this city after the New Year. If you want to experience the real Australian. Sydney is probably the worst place to do it. Although I always get something really cheap except the dorm fee. I don't like it either.
I worked in Townsville for 3 months. The weather of this tropical city made many backpackers go mad. Everybody said it's too hot...more than 30 degrees every day. I also thought it was time to leave this city.
Many backpackers have a common habit in Australia. It's "Avoiding the overheated and cold weather". Townsville is typically too hot from November to April of next year. Many backpackers want to go down to Sydney or Melbourne or Gold coast to celebrate new year and Christmas. I'm also the one who want to do it.
In the middle of December. I put on the ad for looking for a partner to travel and go down to Sydney together. I was lucky. An English guy enrolled my itinerary. His name is Alix. He is very young only 20. We started the travel from 20th December 2008. It's pity thing that Alix is not an English girl. I gotta go say English girls always have graceful character. They're more like the princess who usually drinks black tea or milk tea in a mansion. And I very like English accent.
20th Dec 2008, It is Saturday. We started our travel. We drove in north Queensland. From Townsville to Mackay. 400Km long way makes us experience the wild weather of Queensland. We experienced wild and heavy rain. This rain was just like the God dumped water from the sky. The car was lucky enough that it went through a natural shower. After this crazy shower, the weather became sunny again.
21st Dec 2008, It is Sunday. We spent more than 12 hours for driving. In this day, We drive almost 1000km. From Mackay to Brisbane. Our previous plan was from Mackay to Bundaberg. But we've already changed the plan and slept in his friends' house without paying. We even drove in the evening. I always worried we'll hit roos. But I think I just ran over a cane toad only. I also got an unforgetable experience in his friends' house. That was I've been bitten by bees. I almost screamed....absolutely unforgettable.
22nd Dec 2008, Monday. From Brisbane to Coffs harbour. Only 400km. We had driven for a long way while we started the travel in this day. It's why we didn't want to drive too much in this day. When I passed the border of Queensland and New South Wales. I suddenly lost one our coz the changing time zone.
23rd Dec 2008, Tuesday. From Coffs harbour to Sydney. We arrived safely in this city. Alix and me were very excited. During this period, no cheap hostel is found out. I gotta to pay 35 AUD per night. I intended to sleep in my car, but I changed my mind that I tried this feeling of sleeping in the car in Queensland. This was not funny and comfortable experience. We almost burned the engine in central Sydney. Sydney is more like multi-races city. I can always see different races in this city...except Aussie= =.
You can't find out the real Australian culture in Sydney. I deem Sydney is similar as Big Apple. This sin and notorious city has been commercialized seriously. It makes me get an uncomfortable feeling to Sydney. I can always face traffic jam here. The weather is much cooler than north Queensland. Maybe I need more time to get use to it.
26th Dec 2008, I went to the notorious district of Sydney...Kings Cross. I could usually see whores and visitors talked the price in this place. Sexy whores / strippers / hot tempetation / backpackers from Europe and Asia / businessmen......I and my partner Chinese oversea student Zen Wang was invited to get in the topless club to see something hot. In my opinion, I regreted I got in this club. The girls are not hot enough. Although she rubbed me with her boobs (This is the bonus of sitting on the first row...perhaps), I was still a little bit disppointed with it.
It's really difficult to find out a free parking lot in Sydney. It's why I don't want to drive my car frequently. I don't like this biggest sin city. Maybe I will leave this city after the New Year. If you want to experience the real Australian. Sydney is probably the worst place to do it. Although I always get something really cheap except the dorm fee. I don't like it either.
2008年11月17日 星期一
到目前為止的經驗談
11月17日，星期一，來澳洲第430天，湯斯維爾市天氣晴。
自從我來到昆士蘭州工作以後，我已來到澳洲超過一年，我認知到許多事，在此我也想提供一些情報給想來澳洲的台灣朋友們供參考。
工作方面－－
在澳洲若真要工作就好，其實非常容易，像是去到working hostel，這種hostel跟農場是合作關係，經理會自動安排工作給您，您每星期付約一百澳元給經理供住宿錢。但不保證賺錢，因為您分配到的工作變化性大，有的會讓您賺大錢，有的則只能讓您勉強供得起食宿。而有的hostel經理有些種族歧視(當然他是不可能會跟您說的)的話，也可能把較好的工作分配給某些特定國家的人。在澳洲一年四季都有農場工可以做。但是有季節性的，比方說塔斯馬尼亞的櫻桃季就只在夏季而已。
肉工廠也是一個賺錢的好地方，但取決於你的運氣，因為你會分配到的工作太多樣化，也有可能分配到需要強健的胃的工作，不適應於肉工廠的工作的人也是相當多的。肉工廠在全澳洲很多地方都有。
建築也是一種嘗試，建築的工作需要一些英語溝通，所以亞洲的背包客英語說得較差，比較無法勝任這些工作，若你具備建築的專業技能與工作經驗，時薪超過二十澳元的工作一大堆。
餐廳的工作不建議找亞洲老闆，盡量去找白人老闆，他們會提供好的待遇。若在麥當勞、肯德基打工或連鎖超市打工，一小時都是超過十五澳元的。
種族方面－－
台灣人：台灣人工作還算勤奮且也愛玩，所以多半的台灣人來此賺到一些錢的也不少，看您遇到的是誰，台灣女孩來澳洲多喜愛到處遊玩，台灣男孩有些像是來賺錢的。台灣背包客的英語水平不算好，但也不算很差，英語溝通基本上不是太大問題。
香港人：亞洲人英文講得最好的族群，就我看來是港女遠多過港男，賺到一定的錢後通常會再跑去玩一玩，他們基本上也會說中文，他們來澳洲有一年六百人的限額，所以亞洲人最小族群也是香港人。
韓國人：非常特別的背包客族群，來澳洲的數量難以評估，可能的話，他們就佔了亞洲背包族的一半以上，韓國政府應是鼓勵青年來到澳洲，所以在說英文的程度上完全沒有管制，十之八九英文水平是令人發汗，喜歡跟自己人講話，但他們還算友善，亞洲人喝啤酒喝的最多的就屬韓國人了。他們幹活非常努力，可以在同一個地方待上很長一段時間且賺一大筆錢。他們很喜歡去加入語文學校，所以您如果加入語言學校很容易看見韓國人。
日本人：日本人在幹活精神上令人敬佩，但日本人多半像歐洲人一樣是來這當觀光客的，在Ｃａｉｒｎｓ，日本人滿街都是，他們英文講得並不好，但他們在國民教育上做得成功，若您有個日本室友，就代表有個乾淨的房間，日本女孩在澳洲並不喜歡跟日本男孩戀愛，喜歡找歐洲男生戀愛。
德國人：歐洲人最多的一票，德國人的英文不錯，溝通都不是問題，德國人長得相當高大，男生一百八十幾女孩一百七十幾，德國人在農場幹活經常是最勤奮的歐洲人，不過缺點就是，他們也喜歡跟自己人聊，講的盡是德文讓其它外國人聽不懂。
英國人：英國人不是很喜歡幹農場或不需講話的活，在大城市遇到他們的機會較大，英國人在澳洲有一個特別的稱號叫POM，中文譯為來自母國英格蘭的監獄犯，這是一種侮辱千萬不要亂用。英國人男帥女美，在談吐間容易感受到英國人道貌岸然的一面，有點帶有英國的優雅高貴氣息，而且對足球有一定的熱衷。
法國人：來澳大利亞享受玩樂的族群，法國男人在蓄鬍有一定的美感，至於法國女人．．．全世界的男人誰不喜歡法國女人？法國人對所有的外國人都有一定的吸引力，所有的外國人都想要跟他們在夜店跳舞、喝酒作樂。儘管法國人的英文不是非常好，但我覺得他們非常可愛和有點懶惰，他們對性與愛的態度十分開放，喜歡逢場作戲並不喜歡長遠的關係。
北歐人：這包含了挪威、瑞典、芬蘭與丹麥人，說真的我遇過的不是很多，但不可否定的是，他們的英語講得太好了，這群來自全世界最富裕的地區的人享受著完美的教育與環境，相當高貴，這群人多半是金髮藍眼且高大，您可以說他們是維京海盜，但他們沒掠奪澳大利亞海岸，他們來這享受澳大利亞的陽光。
愛爾蘭人：愛爾蘭的男孩喝酒喝得相當兇，當他們喝醉後，到處遛鳥都有可能(不是玩笑，親眼目擊)，愛爾蘭的口音連英國人都不見得能理解，他們不說愛爾蘭語，他們只說英語，愛爾蘭人有些並非持打工度假簽來澳洲，他們只需申請工作簽証即可。
義大利人:遇到的不是很多，多半來澳洲是在義大利餐廳工作(這就是他們英語講得不是很好的原因)，義大利在50年代有一波移民澳洲的移民潮，所以要遇到義大利的農場場主並不是難事。
比利時與荷蘭人:比利時人是講法語的，並沒有比利時語這東西，但他們有著完美的巧克力工廠與法語能力，有些甚至是講荷語，在比利時官方需會講法語和荷語才行。荷蘭人在英語教育上也極為成功，但我遇過的荷蘭人數量上不多。
交通方面－－
若您要來澳洲待一年，若錢足夠的話，買車是一個好的選擇，在澳大利亞有車的方便性很高，而且澳洲的油價比台灣便宜一點點，二手車若從背包客買比較划算，但要注意車子的問題，在付錢之前，一定得詳細檢查，若認為自己外行，就送去車廠，付個五十澳元做全車檢驗。至於國內航線在澳大利亞可以說是到處都是，廉價且省時。
文化方面－－
歐洲人通常與亞洲人交集較少。此外因為亞洲人的英語水平趕不上歐洲人，所以常見的是歐洲人就常與歐洲人聚成一桌聊天，亞洲人就自己跟亞洲人聊。此外歐洲背包客不太愛加入語言學校（他們是來這享受與玩的），所以當您加入語文學校後，同學多半會是亞洲人（日本與韓國是大宗）。亞洲人不會在週末夜去酒吧喝幾杯。
歐洲人在離開澳大利亞前，多半會先去東南亞的便宜國家玩個夠再回國，像是泰國、印尼。此外，歐洲人自覺他們長得比亞洲人好看，帶著有點自傲的感覺看亞洲人。通常歐洲人若交到亞洲女友，多半不會認真這點要請亞洲女孩自覺。
自從我來到昆士蘭州工作以後，我已來到澳洲超過一年，我認知到許多事，在此我也想提供一些情報給想來澳洲的台灣朋友們供參考。
工作方面－－
在澳洲若真要工作就好，其實非常容易，像是去到working hostel，這種hostel跟農場是合作關係，經理會自動安排工作給您，您每星期付約一百澳元給經理供住宿錢。但不保證賺錢，因為您分配到的工作變化性大，有的會讓您賺大錢，有的則只能讓您勉強供得起食宿。而有的hostel經理有些種族歧視(當然他是不可能會跟您說的)的話，也可能把較好的工作分配給某些特定國家的人。在澳洲一年四季都有農場工可以做。但是有季節性的，比方說塔斯馬尼亞的櫻桃季就只在夏季而已。
肉工廠也是一個賺錢的好地方，但取決於你的運氣，因為你會分配到的工作太多樣化，也有可能分配到需要強健的胃的工作，不適應於肉工廠的工作的人也是相當多的。肉工廠在全澳洲很多地方都有。
建築也是一種嘗試，建築的工作需要一些英語溝通，所以亞洲的背包客英語說得較差，比較無法勝任這些工作，若你具備建築的專業技能與工作經驗，時薪超過二十澳元的工作一大堆。
餐廳的工作不建議找亞洲老闆，盡量去找白人老闆，他們會提供好的待遇。若在麥當勞、肯德基打工或連鎖超市打工，一小時都是超過十五澳元的。
種族方面－－
台灣人：台灣人工作還算勤奮且也愛玩，所以多半的台灣人來此賺到一些錢的也不少，看您遇到的是誰，台灣女孩來澳洲多喜愛到處遊玩，台灣男孩有些像是來賺錢的。台灣背包客的英語水平不算好，但也不算很差，英語溝通基本上不是太大問題。
香港人：亞洲人英文講得最好的族群，就我看來是港女遠多過港男，賺到一定的錢後通常會再跑去玩一玩，他們基本上也會說中文，他們來澳洲有一年六百人的限額，所以亞洲人最小族群也是香港人。
韓國人：非常特別的背包客族群，來澳洲的數量難以評估，可能的話，他們就佔了亞洲背包族的一半以上，韓國政府應是鼓勵青年來到澳洲，所以在說英文的程度上完全沒有管制，十之八九英文水平是令人發汗，喜歡跟自己人講話，但他們還算友善，亞洲人喝啤酒喝的最多的就屬韓國人了。他們幹活非常努力，可以在同一個地方待上很長一段時間且賺一大筆錢。他們很喜歡去加入語文學校，所以您如果加入語言學校很容易看見韓國人。
日本人：日本人在幹活精神上令人敬佩，但日本人多半像歐洲人一樣是來這當觀光客的，在Ｃａｉｒｎｓ，日本人滿街都是，他們英文講得並不好，但他們在國民教育上做得成功，若您有個日本室友，就代表有個乾淨的房間，日本女孩在澳洲並不喜歡跟日本男孩戀愛，喜歡找歐洲男生戀愛。
德國人：歐洲人最多的一票，德國人的英文不錯，溝通都不是問題，德國人長得相當高大，男生一百八十幾女孩一百七十幾，德國人在農場幹活經常是最勤奮的歐洲人，不過缺點就是，他們也喜歡跟自己人聊，講的盡是德文讓其它外國人聽不懂。
英國人：英國人不是很喜歡幹農場或不需講話的活，在大城市遇到他們的機會較大，英國人在澳洲有一個特別的稱號叫POM，中文譯為來自母國英格蘭的監獄犯，這是一種侮辱千萬不要亂用。英國人男帥女美，在談吐間容易感受到英國人道貌岸然的一面，有點帶有英國的優雅高貴氣息，而且對足球有一定的熱衷。
法國人：來澳大利亞享受玩樂的族群，法國男人在蓄鬍有一定的美感，至於法國女人．．．全世界的男人誰不喜歡法國女人？法國人對所有的外國人都有一定的吸引力，所有的外國人都想要跟他們在夜店跳舞、喝酒作樂。儘管法國人的英文不是非常好，但我覺得他們非常可愛和有點懶惰，他們對性與愛的態度十分開放，喜歡逢場作戲並不喜歡長遠的關係。
北歐人：這包含了挪威、瑞典、芬蘭與丹麥人，說真的我遇過的不是很多，但不可否定的是，他們的英語講得太好了，這群來自全世界最富裕的地區的人享受著完美的教育與環境，相當高貴，這群人多半是金髮藍眼且高大，您可以說他們是維京海盜，但他們沒掠奪澳大利亞海岸，他們來這享受澳大利亞的陽光。
愛爾蘭人：愛爾蘭的男孩喝酒喝得相當兇，當他們喝醉後，到處遛鳥都有可能(不是玩笑，親眼目擊)，愛爾蘭的口音連英國人都不見得能理解，他們不說愛爾蘭語，他們只說英語，愛爾蘭人有些並非持打工度假簽來澳洲，他們只需申請工作簽証即可。
義大利人:遇到的不是很多，多半來澳洲是在義大利餐廳工作(這就是他們英語講得不是很好的原因)，義大利在50年代有一波移民澳洲的移民潮，所以要遇到義大利的農場場主並不是難事。
比利時與荷蘭人:比利時人是講法語的，並沒有比利時語這東西，但他們有著完美的巧克力工廠與法語能力，有些甚至是講荷語，在比利時官方需會講法語和荷語才行。荷蘭人在英語教育上也極為成功，但我遇過的荷蘭人數量上不多。
交通方面－－
若您要來澳洲待一年，若錢足夠的話，買車是一個好的選擇，在澳大利亞有車的方便性很高，而且澳洲的油價比台灣便宜一點點，二手車若從背包客買比較划算，但要注意車子的問題，在付錢之前，一定得詳細檢查，若認為自己外行，就送去車廠，付個五十澳元做全車檢驗。至於國內航線在澳大利亞可以說是到處都是，廉價且省時。
文化方面－－
歐洲人通常與亞洲人交集較少。此外因為亞洲人的英語水平趕不上歐洲人，所以常見的是歐洲人就常與歐洲人聚成一桌聊天，亞洲人就自己跟亞洲人聊。此外歐洲背包客不太愛加入語言學校（他們是來這享受與玩的），所以當您加入語文學校後，同學多半會是亞洲人（日本與韓國是大宗）。亞洲人不會在週末夜去酒吧喝幾杯。
歐洲人在離開澳大利亞前，多半會先去東南亞的便宜國家玩個夠再回國，像是泰國、印尼。此外，歐洲人自覺他們長得比亞洲人好看，帶著有點自傲的感覺看亞洲人。通常歐洲人若交到亞洲女友，多半不會認真這點要請亞洲女孩自覺。
2008年11月1日 星期六
The Halloween (31/10)
31st/Oct/2008, Friday, Day 413 in Australia, The weather in Townsville is a bit rainy day.
I've to apologize for lazy to update my blog for almost 5 months. When I was in Melbourne and Bundaberg. I used free and very cheap internet. After I left Bundaberg. I never used free and super cheap internet anymore.
From 5th/May/2008 to 21st/Sept/2008 is the period that I stayed in Ayr. The small town in North Queensland. I made much money and got my visa extension in this rural and small town. My previous plan was going back Taiwan in Mid-Sept. Due to the expensive flight ticket, I've decided to change the plan.
I worked more than 130 days for harvest jobs. It's absolutely enough to apply for the 2nd time working holiday visa.
After the working in Ayr, I intend to move to the city. The closest one in Townsville. The second largest city in Queensland.
The first step for my staying in Townsville is trying to get a job in Townsville Meat Work. I also applied a job for pizza delivery with my lovely small car. I've to say I love my tiny and old car. Although I spend lots of money on it.
The hostel I live in is Adventurous Resorts. It sounds like high-level hotel. I also hope it is, but it's still a normal hostel only.
The life in Townsville is not bad. Gorgeous beach, Magnetic island, tropical sunshine, exuberant night bar. It makes me difficult to oppose the lure.
One of the views in the CBD of Townsville
The Strand in Townsville, the island is Magnetic Island
31st/10/2008, The Western festival, Halloween. I know it's not our Asian's festival. But I also know an axiom - When you are in Rome, do as Roman's do. So when I started the work in the pizza delivery from 6PM to 9PM, I saw one of my colleague that made up like a vampire worked in the reception. That was just a beginning.
Everybody knows the Western culture means party up in the weekend. 31/10 Halloween was on Friday. The hostel owner informed all the people who live in this hostel that we'll have a party at night. I had finished my work at 9:30 and back at quarter to 10:00PM. When I was back the hostel, I know I have to join the spree. The first thing I had to do is to buy some beers. The Russian guy Alex met me first and had a talk to me. He works in the meat factory. But it's ridiculous that he possesses the working visa to Australia in the name of radio engineer. He's the first Russian I meet.
Alex, right, he's clever. He hugs the Finnish superbabe every guy in this hostel secretly fancies, Linda. (Maybe I was a bit jealous when I took this picture)
The right one is a French guy. I confess I squeezed his "boobs" without his permission. Is this sexual harassment??
In fact, when I took this picture, I was slightly pissed. Verena(German) said she needed some blood.
This guy I don't know his name. But he looked so handsome.
Halloween is the ghost festival in Western culture. But they don't prepare foods for the ghost or ancestors. It seems be more like the competition of dress up and make-up. All the people in the pub dressed up like ghost or vampire. It was really funny that you see ghost and vampire and fairies dancing on the floor.
I'll remember this special festival in my mind. It's absolutely a unforgettable experience in Australia. Now I really expect the other Christmas.
I've to apologize for lazy to update my blog for almost 5 months. When I was in Melbourne and Bundaberg. I used free and very cheap internet. After I left Bundaberg. I never used free and super cheap internet anymore.
From 5th/May/2008 to 21st/Sept/2008 is the period that I stayed in Ayr. The small town in North Queensland. I made much money and got my visa extension in this rural and small town. My previous plan was going back Taiwan in Mid-Sept. Due to the expensive flight ticket, I've decided to change the plan.
I worked more than 130 days for harvest jobs. It's absolutely enough to apply for the 2nd time working holiday visa.
After the working in Ayr, I intend to move to the city. The closest one in Townsville. The second largest city in Queensland.
The first step for my staying in Townsville is trying to get a job in Townsville Meat Work. I also applied a job for pizza delivery with my lovely small car. I've to say I love my tiny and old car. Although I spend lots of money on it.
The hostel I live in is Adventurous Resorts. It sounds like high-level hotel. I also hope it is, but it's still a normal hostel only.
The life in Townsville is not bad. Gorgeous beach, Magnetic island, tropical sunshine, exuberant night bar. It makes me difficult to oppose the lure.
One of the views in the CBD of Townsville
The Strand in Townsville, the island is Magnetic Island31st/10/2008, The Western festival, Halloween. I know it's not our Asian's festival. But I also know an axiom - When you are in Rome, do as Roman's do. So when I started the work in the pizza delivery from 6PM to 9PM, I saw one of my colleague that made up like a vampire worked in the reception. That was just a beginning.
Everybody knows the Western culture means party up in the weekend. 31/10 Halloween was on Friday. The hostel owner informed all the people who live in this hostel that we'll have a party at night. I had finished my work at 9:30 and back at quarter to 10:00PM. When I was back the hostel, I know I have to join the spree. The first thing I had to do is to buy some beers. The Russian guy Alex met me first and had a talk to me. He works in the meat factory. But it's ridiculous that he possesses the working visa to Australia in the name of radio engineer. He's the first Russian I meet.
Alex, right, he's clever. He hugs the Finnish superbabe every guy in this hostel secretly fancies, Linda. (Maybe I was a bit jealous when I took this picture)
The right one is a French guy. I confess I squeezed his "boobs" without his permission. Is this sexual harassment??
In fact, when I took this picture, I was slightly pissed. Verena(German) said she needed some blood.
This guy I don't know his name. But he looked so handsome.Halloween is the ghost festival in Western culture. But they don't prepare foods for the ghost or ancestors. It seems be more like the competition of dress up and make-up. All the people in the pub dressed up like ghost or vampire. It was really funny that you see ghost and vampire and fairies dancing on the floor.
I'll remember this special festival in my mind. It's absolutely a unforgettable experience in Australia. Now I really expect the other Christmas.
2008年5月24日 星期六
The simple travel in Cairns
24th/May/2008, Saturday, Day 254 in Oz. The weather in Cairns is cloudy and a little bit rainny.
I got 5 days off by my working hostel. The watermelons couldn't grow up steadily in recent cold weather. I thought it's time to enjoy the holiday and jumped on the bus to travel. Cairns is located on the north of Ayr approximately 450 KM. It's the first choice of my simple 3-day trip.
21/05/08. In this day I prepared for the trip and informed the owner of the hostel that I would have a period of the relaxed time.
22/05/08. Time to start the trip. Jumped on the bus at 2:00pm and spent almost 7 hours to the beautiful city - Cairns. The bus passed the Bruce Highway and the excellent beachs. While I arrived Cairns, I felt hungry. Looked for the McDonald to solve the hungry. The weather became rainny and a little bit cold. The time was getting more and more late. I had to look for a hostel as soon as possible. I was lucky and found out a hostel with a bit dirty appearance. But it's also cheap. This is my first night in Cairns. Do you know the name of this hostel?? It's named "asylum". Sounds a bit uncomfortable.
23/05/08. I planed my trip in early morning and wandered on the street of the CBD of Cairns. Lots of Japanese sightseed this spectacular city. Lots of signs are written by Japanese or Korean. If you can speak excellent Japanese, I would think you are able to get a job easily. Even I saw a Aussie guy spoke Japanese to the travel groups that are consisted of many Japanese. The main ingredients of Cairns are - casinos / exotic restaurants / beautiful beach / souvenir shops / the tourists that are from different countrys. I also wandered to the famous night market. But it's small and not attractive to me. Many Japanese girls walked on the street and kept speaking Japanese with their make-up. The beach has attractive charm such as a princess with her grin. There are lots of people enjoyed a sunshine bath. Most of them have good figure. Maybe you can prepare a good binocular to see their perfect figures.
24/05/08. Got up early for the trip in Kuranda. I went this town on my own by bus. It's definitely a town for the tourists. Many souvenir shops are located on the significant place. Once I got off the bus, some Japanese tried to sell some things and spoke Japanese to me. I wasn't interested in their product and kept moving forward. The place I want to go is the Koala garden.
When I came into the garden, I saw the crocodiles first. There are approximately 10 crocodiles. They swam in the pool lazily. I couldn't take picture to them coz the broken camera. It's pity. The second place - koala. Also the most important theme in Kuranda. Everybody wanna cuddle them and got a big photo with them. I also paid 15AUD to get the photo. I felt excited that I can cuddle this cute animal. The name of the koala that I cuddled is "princess". She is extremely charming just like her name. After the shot, I saw the snakes and lizards and Kangaroos. It's absolutely happy time in the garden. Everybody left the garden with their happy smile. After the garden, I wander in this town and ate some good but expensive food. I jumped on the bus and left this sightseeing town at 2:15pm. I was back in the Cairns at 3:00pm. If you wanna enjoy the rainforest and the waterfall, you would get on the train and pay 90AUD. I don't wanna see it, so I get on the bus and left quickly. While I was back my hostel, I typed this article to share my good time to everybody.
I got 5 days off by my working hostel. The watermelons couldn't grow up steadily in recent cold weather. I thought it's time to enjoy the holiday and jumped on the bus to travel. Cairns is located on the north of Ayr approximately 450 KM. It's the first choice of my simple 3-day trip.
21/05/08. In this day I prepared for the trip and informed the owner of the hostel that I would have a period of the relaxed time.
22/05/08. Time to start the trip. Jumped on the bus at 2:00pm and spent almost 7 hours to the beautiful city - Cairns. The bus passed the Bruce Highway and the excellent beachs. While I arrived Cairns, I felt hungry. Looked for the McDonald to solve the hungry. The weather became rainny and a little bit cold. The time was getting more and more late. I had to look for a hostel as soon as possible. I was lucky and found out a hostel with a bit dirty appearance. But it's also cheap. This is my first night in Cairns. Do you know the name of this hostel?? It's named "asylum". Sounds a bit uncomfortable.
23/05/08. I planed my trip in early morning and wandered on the street of the CBD of Cairns. Lots of Japanese sightseed this spectacular city. Lots of signs are written by Japanese or Korean. If you can speak excellent Japanese, I would think you are able to get a job easily. Even I saw a Aussie guy spoke Japanese to the travel groups that are consisted of many Japanese. The main ingredients of Cairns are - casinos / exotic restaurants / beautiful beach / souvenir shops / the tourists that are from different countrys. I also wandered to the famous night market. But it's small and not attractive to me. Many Japanese girls walked on the street and kept speaking Japanese with their make-up. The beach has attractive charm such as a princess with her grin. There are lots of people enjoyed a sunshine bath. Most of them have good figure. Maybe you can prepare a good binocular to see their perfect figures.
24/05/08. Got up early for the trip in Kuranda. I went this town on my own by bus. It's definitely a town for the tourists. Many souvenir shops are located on the significant place. Once I got off the bus, some Japanese tried to sell some things and spoke Japanese to me. I wasn't interested in their product and kept moving forward. The place I want to go is the Koala garden.
When I came into the garden, I saw the crocodiles first. There are approximately 10 crocodiles. They swam in the pool lazily. I couldn't take picture to them coz the broken camera. It's pity. The second place - koala. Also the most important theme in Kuranda. Everybody wanna cuddle them and got a big photo with them. I also paid 15AUD to get the photo. I felt excited that I can cuddle this cute animal. The name of the koala that I cuddled is "princess". She is extremely charming just like her name. After the shot, I saw the snakes and lizards and Kangaroos. It's absolutely happy time in the garden. Everybody left the garden with their happy smile. After the garden, I wander in this town and ate some good but expensive food. I jumped on the bus and left this sightseeing town at 2:15pm. I was back in the Cairns at 3:00pm. If you wanna enjoy the rainforest and the waterfall, you would get on the train and pay 90AUD. I don't wanna see it, so I get on the bus and left quickly. While I was back my hostel, I typed this article to share my good time to everybody.
2008年5月4日 星期日
Leaving Bundaberg
04/May/2008, Sunday, the 234th day in Australia. The weather in Bundaberg is always sunny!!
I have stayed in Bundaberg 3 weeks. There are only few happy matters in Bundy. The unfriendly owner of Bundaberg backpackers makes everybody loathe him. Everybody that mentions him usually use "shit" this word. It's difficult to look for good jobs in this hostel. Everything makes me decide to leave and look for new place I like.
The sun keep shining, the backpacks keep working, the capsicum keep growing and never stop. many children keep saying "Konichiwa" to each Asian. Aussie is much friendly than your conception.
28/04/08. Monday. I kept working on the capsicum farm. Made 113 buckets
29/04/08. Tuesday, made 132 buckets on the capsicum farm.
30/04/08 Wednesday, made 142 buckets on the capsicum farm.
01/05/08 Thursday, made 174 buckets on the capsicum farm.
02/05/08 Friday, made 103 buckets on the capsicum farm.
03/05/08 Saturday, made 74 buckets on the capsicum farm. This is my final day working on the capsicum farm. Tonight, I went to pub with some Canadian and British and German and drank as drunk. I could hardly return to the hostel. I found out many caucasian like to hang out in pub. Coz I could see only few Asian were in the pub.
Working on the capsicum farm is totally not suited to girls. I really don't know why the owner arrange some girls to work here. Many girls are unable to lift the fulled buckets. Each time I saw they lift the bucket hard under the strong sunshine. I sympathize those girls. Now I realize the farmers are always hard on the farm. Because I'm also farmer now. OK!! It's time to leave north. My next place is Ayr in Queensland!!
I have stayed in Bundaberg 3 weeks. There are only few happy matters in Bundy. The unfriendly owner of Bundaberg backpackers makes everybody loathe him. Everybody that mentions him usually use "shit" this word. It's difficult to look for good jobs in this hostel. Everything makes me decide to leave and look for new place I like.
The sun keep shining, the backpacks keep working, the capsicum keep growing and never stop. many children keep saying "Konichiwa" to each Asian. Aussie is much friendly than your conception.
28/04/08. Monday. I kept working on the capsicum farm. Made 113 buckets
29/04/08. Tuesday, made 132 buckets on the capsicum farm.
30/04/08 Wednesday, made 142 buckets on the capsicum farm.
01/05/08 Thursday, made 174 buckets on the capsicum farm.
02/05/08 Friday, made 103 buckets on the capsicum farm.
03/05/08 Saturday, made 74 buckets on the capsicum farm. This is my final day working on the capsicum farm. Tonight, I went to pub with some Canadian and British and German and drank as drunk. I could hardly return to the hostel. I found out many caucasian like to hang out in pub. Coz I could see only few Asian were in the pub.
Working on the capsicum farm is totally not suited to girls. I really don't know why the owner arrange some girls to work here. Many girls are unable to lift the fulled buckets. Each time I saw they lift the bucket hard under the strong sunshine. I sympathize those girls. Now I realize the farmers are always hard on the farm. Because I'm also farmer now. OK!! It's time to leave north. My next place is Ayr in Queensland!!
2008年4月27日 星期日
Working / International talk
Today, April 27th, Sunday, the 227th day in Australia. The weather in QLD is SUNNY!!
There are many German and Korean living in my hostel. I acquainted many foreigners. The living room with some sofas and a big TV usually has many people stayed. Some of those TV shows are funny. South Park and Simpson Family had been showed many times.
But I always got up in the early morning at 4:00AM. Picking capsicum is definitly a tough job. I have been working in capsicum farm nearly 2 weeks with only 1 day off. The picking capsicum job makes me look like refugee everyday. You can say this job is good for my money but not good for my body.
21st April, Picked capsicum with 130 buckets. It Spent over 7 hours to accomplish this score.
22nd April, Picked capsicum with 104 buckets. This job kept making many new staff start working and quit again and again. I could see new face everyday. In this day I ate cheap pizza definetely.
23rd April, picked capsicum with 97 buckets. I worked hard in this day and made new German friends - Christian and Evon. They are German couple. The girl is elder than the boy 5 years!!
24th April, picked capsicum with 47 buckets. The situation in the farm was totally bad. While I saw this kind of situation, I lost my working mind and worked lazily. Everybody was just like me lazily. Even I played capsicum and bucket with Christian.
25th April, picked capsicum with 123 buckets. I had worked till 4:00PM. We worked almost 10 hours in this day. After 12:00 everybody worked slowly and lazily. Ths sun was shining. It didn't care about us. We finished at 4:00PM. I almost exhausted in this day. When I came back hostel, I just wanted to finish my dinner and went to bed soon.
26th April, picked capsicum with 108 buckets. 1 Japanese guy and 1 Korean guy that look like veteran and beard worked in capsicum farm in this day. I think the supervisor recruits some veteran in this tough farm. They picked as soon as crazy rat. The supervisor requested us that picking big and good capsicum only. He kept saying "too small" or "too brown" on the big loaded truck. After I came back the hostel and finished my dinner, I drank wine with some Korean guys and had a talk with few German. They invited me to go to pub with Karaoke at night, but I had to work tomorrow morning.
27th April, picked capsicum with 92 buckets. A French guy didn't wanna work in picking capsicum. He wanna try to work on the truck that carrying the buckets. After he worked on the truck, he regreted that he worked on the truck and realized working on the truck is also tough.
Actually I don't like this job. I just keep waiting new job - avocado picking and packing. This is the hourly payment job. Though I work in tough job, I still enjoy working with many foreigners and have talk with foreigners everyday / every night. The sun in Queensland is shining and has totally exotic atmosphere just like sub-tropic region - my home place Taiwan.
There are many German and Korean living in my hostel. I acquainted many foreigners. The living room with some sofas and a big TV usually has many people stayed. Some of those TV shows are funny. South Park and Simpson Family had been showed many times.
But I always got up in the early morning at 4:00AM. Picking capsicum is definitly a tough job. I have been working in capsicum farm nearly 2 weeks with only 1 day off. The picking capsicum job makes me look like refugee everyday. You can say this job is good for my money but not good for my body.
21st April, Picked capsicum with 130 buckets. It Spent over 7 hours to accomplish this score.
22nd April, Picked capsicum with 104 buckets. This job kept making many new staff start working and quit again and again. I could see new face everyday. In this day I ate cheap pizza definetely.
23rd April, picked capsicum with 97 buckets. I worked hard in this day and made new German friends - Christian and Evon. They are German couple. The girl is elder than the boy 5 years!!
24th April, picked capsicum with 47 buckets. The situation in the farm was totally bad. While I saw this kind of situation, I lost my working mind and worked lazily. Everybody was just like me lazily. Even I played capsicum and bucket with Christian.
25th April, picked capsicum with 123 buckets. I had worked till 4:00PM. We worked almost 10 hours in this day. After 12:00 everybody worked slowly and lazily. Ths sun was shining. It didn't care about us. We finished at 4:00PM. I almost exhausted in this day. When I came back hostel, I just wanted to finish my dinner and went to bed soon.
26th April, picked capsicum with 108 buckets. 1 Japanese guy and 1 Korean guy that look like veteran and beard worked in capsicum farm in this day. I think the supervisor recruits some veteran in this tough farm. They picked as soon as crazy rat. The supervisor requested us that picking big and good capsicum only. He kept saying "too small" or "too brown" on the big loaded truck. After I came back the hostel and finished my dinner, I drank wine with some Korean guys and had a talk with few German. They invited me to go to pub with Karaoke at night, but I had to work tomorrow morning.
27th April, picked capsicum with 92 buckets. A French guy didn't wanna work in picking capsicum. He wanna try to work on the truck that carrying the buckets. After he worked on the truck, he regreted that he worked on the truck and realized working on the truck is also tough.
Actually I don't like this job. I just keep waiting new job - avocado picking and packing. This is the hourly payment job. Though I work in tough job, I still enjoy working with many foreigners and have talk with foreigners everyday / every night. The sun in Queensland is shining and has totally exotic atmosphere just like sub-tropic region - my home place Taiwan.
2008年4月20日 星期日
Queensland / Brisbane / Bundaberg
Today, 20th/April/2008, Sunday, the 220th day in AU, The weather in Bundaberg is sunny.
My Taiwanese friend Jacky (We met in the Plunkett in Victoria for apple and pears picking job) introduced me to come to Queensland for picking job. I left Victoria and arrived Queensland in 12th April by airplane. Since I arrived Brisbane, I spent too much money in trasportation. From Melbourne to Bundaberg, The transportation I got on were bus / airplane / train...feel so sad. Spent almost 240 AUD...
In 12th / April, I arrived in Brisbane. But I don't stay there too much time. Passed Brisbane only. Coz I need new farm job. There are a lot of farm jobs in Bandaberg. Many Backpackers know this place. While I arrived Bundaberg, I met many backpackers just like me. But I arrived on Saturday evening. I couldn't find any available hostel I am able to register. Thanks to Jacky, he offered me his bed and invited me to bistro. We had a drink and happy time.
13th April, got up early to look for an available room, I was lucky, A hostel named "Bundaberg backpackers" had an available bed, so I registered and checked in. There are many European backpackers in this hostel. Including Canadian / English / French / German / Japanese / Korean / Norwegian......but I was the only one Taiwanese guy at that time. The owner of the hostel is not friendly. No one likes him. He always keeps his serious face all the time. He had warned me something I can't do or he is going to kick me out before I entered my room.
After I came into the room, only 1 Korean guy was in the room. About 1 hour later, An Italian girl came into this room. Her name is Christina. We introduced each other. That's very funny. Beacause my English name is Chris. Few hours later, 2 Italian guys entered this room. They are Luca and Daniel. We introduced each other and had some talks. They talked about their jobs. It's not good that they were working in the lemon orchard. The worst job in all orchards. There are much dangerous needles in lemon trees. I heard this job before. Then they showed their arms to me. At that time I realized that lemon picking is a bad job. Christina was lucky. She picked tomato. Suddenly I wanted to know what kind of job I got, I went to the reception to ask. The hostess told me I worked in zucchini farm. 2.2 AUD per bucket.
My room was next to the kitchen. I could't sleep well at my first night. I kept saying "Oh!! my God!!" at that night. It was very noisy. I think I slept only 4 hours at that night.
14th / April, got up early morning at 4:00 AM. After the breakfast, I got on the van to picking zucchini. That's my first day picking zucchini. Comparing with the others people. I was slow and made only 40 buckets. A Japanese guy who named Koji, He has working in the zucchini farm 1 month. He made 100 buckets. Some European girls made over 60 buckets...This is the first time I realized I can't look down on European girls. They picked quickly with their strong mind.
15th / April, I had a day off and changed my picking job to capsicum picking. I went to Bundaberg library. Christina told me I could have 5 AUD pizza on Tuesday in every pizza store in Bundaberg. That's definite I ate pizza for my dinner with Jacky and 2 Jananese guys.
16th / April. Picking capsicum with many caucasian guys. It's also first day to pick capsicum. I only made 50 buckets. But the supervisor said it's not bad in the 1st day. This is not good payment job and tough job. Many people don't want to work in picking capsicum and requested changing job. It's 1 AUD per bucket. So you can realize I just made 50 AUD in my first day.
17th / April. Picking capsicum and made 51 buckets only. Many people wanted to change job. I alst wanted to change and kept thinking I'm unlucky that I worked in picking capsicum. There were only 1 Japanese girl working in picking capsicum. But she changed her job in the next day.
18th / April. Picking capsicum and made 65 buckets. I got improved. But I heard 3 Aussie middle aged men. They made at least 200 buckets per day...everybody thinks they are not humanity. A strong mind German girl made 87 buckets and a German guy made 82 buckets at this day. Now I know I have to improve more and realized German and Korean are most quick in many farms. Many people agree this viewpoint.
19th / April. Picking capsicum. Today I picked very hard and made 110 buckets. Don't think I am quick picker. Coz the 3 Aussie men made 300 buckets per person...After the picking at 12:00 PM. Many people watched the Japanese movie "Battle and royale". The bloody and funny movie. Many people said this is an excellent movie.
In the evening. I had a dinner with my Italian roommates. We drank beer and wine and ate chips. They would leave Bundaberg tomorrow. Time to drink. We can drink on Saturday night only. This is the rule in our hostel. Some hostels prohibit drinking alcohol everyday.
20th April. Day off. The 3 Italian roommates left. I had a farewell and said bye-bye to time in the morning at 11:00. Although we were together only 1 week. I think we had a good time in this hostel.
My Taiwanese friend Jacky (We met in the Plunkett in Victoria for apple and pears picking job) introduced me to come to Queensland for picking job. I left Victoria and arrived Queensland in 12th April by airplane. Since I arrived Brisbane, I spent too much money in trasportation. From Melbourne to Bundaberg, The transportation I got on were bus / airplane / train...feel so sad. Spent almost 240 AUD...
In 12th / April, I arrived in Brisbane. But I don't stay there too much time. Passed Brisbane only. Coz I need new farm job. There are a lot of farm jobs in Bandaberg. Many Backpackers know this place. While I arrived Bundaberg, I met many backpackers just like me. But I arrived on Saturday evening. I couldn't find any available hostel I am able to register. Thanks to Jacky, he offered me his bed and invited me to bistro. We had a drink and happy time.
13th April, got up early to look for an available room, I was lucky, A hostel named "Bundaberg backpackers" had an available bed, so I registered and checked in. There are many European backpackers in this hostel. Including Canadian / English / French / German / Japanese / Korean / Norwegian......but I was the only one Taiwanese guy at that time. The owner of the hostel is not friendly. No one likes him. He always keeps his serious face all the time. He had warned me something I can't do or he is going to kick me out before I entered my room.
After I came into the room, only 1 Korean guy was in the room. About 1 hour later, An Italian girl came into this room. Her name is Christina. We introduced each other. That's very funny. Beacause my English name is Chris. Few hours later, 2 Italian guys entered this room. They are Luca and Daniel. We introduced each other and had some talks. They talked about their jobs. It's not good that they were working in the lemon orchard. The worst job in all orchards. There are much dangerous needles in lemon trees. I heard this job before. Then they showed their arms to me. At that time I realized that lemon picking is a bad job. Christina was lucky. She picked tomato. Suddenly I wanted to know what kind of job I got, I went to the reception to ask. The hostess told me I worked in zucchini farm. 2.2 AUD per bucket.
My room was next to the kitchen. I could't sleep well at my first night. I kept saying "Oh!! my God!!" at that night. It was very noisy. I think I slept only 4 hours at that night.
14th / April, got up early morning at 4:00 AM. After the breakfast, I got on the van to picking zucchini. That's my first day picking zucchini. Comparing with the others people. I was slow and made only 40 buckets. A Japanese guy who named Koji, He has working in the zucchini farm 1 month. He made 100 buckets. Some European girls made over 60 buckets...This is the first time I realized I can't look down on European girls. They picked quickly with their strong mind.
15th / April, I had a day off and changed my picking job to capsicum picking. I went to Bundaberg library. Christina told me I could have 5 AUD pizza on Tuesday in every pizza store in Bundaberg. That's definite I ate pizza for my dinner with Jacky and 2 Jananese guys.
16th / April. Picking capsicum with many caucasian guys. It's also first day to pick capsicum. I only made 50 buckets. But the supervisor said it's not bad in the 1st day. This is not good payment job and tough job. Many people don't want to work in picking capsicum and requested changing job. It's 1 AUD per bucket. So you can realize I just made 50 AUD in my first day.
17th / April. Picking capsicum and made 51 buckets only. Many people wanted to change job. I alst wanted to change and kept thinking I'm unlucky that I worked in picking capsicum. There were only 1 Japanese girl working in picking capsicum. But she changed her job in the next day.
18th / April. Picking capsicum and made 65 buckets. I got improved. But I heard 3 Aussie middle aged men. They made at least 200 buckets per day...everybody thinks they are not humanity. A strong mind German girl made 87 buckets and a German guy made 82 buckets at this day. Now I know I have to improve more and realized German and Korean are most quick in many farms. Many people agree this viewpoint.
19th / April. Picking capsicum. Today I picked very hard and made 110 buckets. Don't think I am quick picker. Coz the 3 Aussie men made 300 buckets per person...After the picking at 12:00 PM. Many people watched the Japanese movie "Battle and royale". The bloody and funny movie. Many people said this is an excellent movie.
In the evening. I had a dinner with my Italian roommates. We drank beer and wine and ate chips. They would leave Bundaberg tomorrow. Time to drink. We can drink on Saturday night only. This is the rule in our hostel. Some hostels prohibit drinking alcohol everyday.
20th April. Day off. The 3 Italian roommates left. I had a farewell and said bye-bye to time in the morning at 11:00. Although we were together only 1 week. I think we had a good time in this hostel.
2008年4月7日 星期一
離開Plunkett
今天，2008年4月7日，星期一，墨爾本天氣陰雨。
依照現行打工度假的規定，我們背包客們需從事農業相關工作滿三個月(正確日數是88天)，方能申請第二次打工度假簽証。而我在這果園就待了50天，雖然果園工作是相當無聊的，因為我沒帶手提電腦過去，一旦下班後都會無聊，不過農場果園最有意思的地方，就是能讓您認識來自世界各地的背包客，在那邊我遇過的國籍－－英國、法國、德國、日本、捷克、瑞典、南韓、印度、馬來西亞、中港台，每天都過著像是聯合國的生活，雖然相同種族相同國家的人還是比較會混在一塊，但其實要互相當朋友、聊聊天，大家都不介意且很大方呢！
不過我本來就打算四月初時離開，現在是蘋果季，在維多利亞州，蘋果季通常是五月時結束，現在是四月，我們的工作已經越來越少了，所以我決定先離開，在農場流動率很高，我在那待了50天，我目送離開的人大概不下30人吧！當然，也少不了一些短暫、註定沒有結果的異國戀曲來當插曲囉。
至於下一站我尚未決定是哪邊，但肯定的是，我還是必須得找農場或果園工作，因為我才集到50天，還不足以申請第二次打工度假簽証。
3月23日，我從墨爾本回到Mooroopna，這次回來，又走掉八個人，一下子整個廚房變安靜了許多，之前本來晚上九點時正是社交的尖峰時間，但現在九點後，通常只剩下小貓兩三隻而已，而且溫度也突然驟降了。這時我的腦子也在思考要離開了。
3月24日，一樣是採青蘋果，這次與我合作的對象是來自捷克的IT工程師，27歲的他名叫George，身高大約180公分，整個下顎留著性感的鬍子，我們沒有太多的交談，因為我這天還跟他不熟。而今天的工作也是很平淡的。
3月25日，採青蘋果，還是跟George一塊合作，今天我們交談就比昨天多了，而我也終於又交到了一個新朋友，捷克在歐洲不算是富有國家，台灣人的年收入甚至勝於捷克人，但不管怎麼說，他是會寫Java的IT工程師。。。
3月26日，最近的天氣都變得很冷，因為前兩天的兩場大雷雨，下完後整個天氣就不再炎熱了，現在早上起來都非常冷，而冷清的氣氛也點綴著整個廚房。
3月27日，最後一批法國人即將離開，在我的目送下，隼人與瞳也離開了。這批走後整個農場唯一的白種人就只剩捷克的George而已，而今天又下起雨來，做到中午就又收工了，一個月前這裡幾乎不下雨的，現在雨越來越頻繁了。
3月28日，昨夜下的一場雨，使今早的果園還是溼答答的，不論是梯子、果子、樹葉、空氣都洗過澡了，於是我的外套與鞋子也都沾溼還付上一些泥巴，而且溫度也才十度左右，不過到了中午就改善了，天氣又突然變熱了。
3月29日，我們又休假了，因為青蘋果已全部採完，接下來要採的是紅蘋果，但紅蘋果尚未完熟而不能採，於是我們就繼續放著我們的悶假，只好找台灣女孩Corona聊聊天。她是我同鄉人，而我們話也蠻投機的，她英語也相當不錯，舉手投足間不像是適合待在農場的女孩，比較像是喜歡坐在咖啡館喝咖啡上網的都會女孩。
3月31日，是休假日，相當無聊的一天，但上午十一點時，工頭Ben突然找我和三個韓國人去Shepparton看電影，那電影名稱叫Spiderwick，片名乍看之下像恐怖片，但看了以後覺得這是給小孩子或十幾歲的青少年看的片，但有免費電影，當然是不看白不看囉！看完了以後，我跟工頭Ben一塊去Bistro喝酒啤酒順便看他賭博，可能是因為我不在旁邊的關係，他一直輸錢，邊輸邊搖頭，而我像是劉佬佬進大觀園一樣，一直走來走去看別人輸錢贏錢。今天我也順便跟Ben說我不幹了，於是我即將做到4月4日，就結束我在這的生活。
4月2日，今天採紅蘋果，但我們要採的是鮮紅超過70%的蘋果，就是所謂的colour picking，但因為這實在是不好判斷，於是許多人都被屑了一頓，當然也包括我在內。今天大家都幹得很悶，而且到中午又下起雨且刮風，於是我們又中止了今天的工作。
4月3日，今天繼續昨天的工作，但這工作真的是說不出的無聊，許多人根本就挑到了紅色不足70%以上的蘋果，而且因為要挑色的關係，大家一下子都做得很慢，可以說是邊做邊打呵欠。晚上回去後，和彰、陽平、優作三個大男人一塊看愛情喜劇－－The holiday。
4月4日，明天即將離開的關係，今天我去買了一些匹薩與蛋糕和啤酒請大家，一些台灣人與日本人也給足了我面子，參加了我的請客，大家今天都很盡興，但不管再怎麼說，跟3月14日那天的宴會相比，我這只能算是dinner而已，連banquet都算不上。台灣人Jimmy盡情的跳舞，他實在是很會跳舞，他可惜現在他已沒有舞伴了，只有一些嘻哈樂在旁邊陪襯。
4月5日，該是離開的時候了，在與幾個台灣女孩與會說中文的韓國女孩Jenny拍幾張照片後，就準備離開了，走前順便吃吃她們的豆腐，把她們一個個抱了一下，還有我的室友陽平跟優作也抱了我一下，但我們拍拍彼此的背很大力，可能是平常的怨氣要走前一次宣洩個夠吧！當然，只是開開玩笑羆了！但我絕對不會忘記我們五個大男人一塊在房裡看日本Ａ片的好時光。還有那個充滿雄性臭味、全宿舍最亂最髒、燈泡一直都修不好、還有一些黑蜘蛛當室友的16號房。
依照現行打工度假的規定，我們背包客們需從事農業相關工作滿三個月(正確日數是88天)，方能申請第二次打工度假簽証。而我在這果園就待了50天，雖然果園工作是相當無聊的，因為我沒帶手提電腦過去，一旦下班後都會無聊，不過農場果園最有意思的地方，就是能讓您認識來自世界各地的背包客，在那邊我遇過的國籍－－英國、法國、德國、日本、捷克、瑞典、南韓、印度、馬來西亞、中港台，每天都過著像是聯合國的生活，雖然相同種族相同國家的人還是比較會混在一塊，但其實要互相當朋友、聊聊天，大家都不介意且很大方呢！
不過我本來就打算四月初時離開，現在是蘋果季，在維多利亞州，蘋果季通常是五月時結束，現在是四月，我們的工作已經越來越少了，所以我決定先離開，在農場流動率很高，我在那待了50天，我目送離開的人大概不下30人吧！當然，也少不了一些短暫、註定沒有結果的異國戀曲來當插曲囉。
至於下一站我尚未決定是哪邊，但肯定的是，我還是必須得找農場或果園工作，因為我才集到50天，還不足以申請第二次打工度假簽証。
3月23日，我從墨爾本回到Mooroopna，這次回來，又走掉八個人，一下子整個廚房變安靜了許多，之前本來晚上九點時正是社交的尖峰時間，但現在九點後，通常只剩下小貓兩三隻而已，而且溫度也突然驟降了。這時我的腦子也在思考要離開了。
3月24日，一樣是採青蘋果，這次與我合作的對象是來自捷克的IT工程師，27歲的他名叫George，身高大約180公分，整個下顎留著性感的鬍子，我們沒有太多的交談，因為我這天還跟他不熟。而今天的工作也是很平淡的。
3月25日，採青蘋果，還是跟George一塊合作，今天我們交談就比昨天多了，而我也終於又交到了一個新朋友，捷克在歐洲不算是富有國家，台灣人的年收入甚至勝於捷克人，但不管怎麼說，他是會寫Java的IT工程師。。。
3月26日，最近的天氣都變得很冷，因為前兩天的兩場大雷雨，下完後整個天氣就不再炎熱了，現在早上起來都非常冷，而冷清的氣氛也點綴著整個廚房。
3月27日，最後一批法國人即將離開，在我的目送下，隼人與瞳也離開了。這批走後整個農場唯一的白種人就只剩捷克的George而已，而今天又下起雨來，做到中午就又收工了，一個月前這裡幾乎不下雨的，現在雨越來越頻繁了。
3月28日，昨夜下的一場雨，使今早的果園還是溼答答的，不論是梯子、果子、樹葉、空氣都洗過澡了，於是我的外套與鞋子也都沾溼還付上一些泥巴，而且溫度也才十度左右，不過到了中午就改善了，天氣又突然變熱了。
3月29日，我們又休假了，因為青蘋果已全部採完，接下來要採的是紅蘋果，但紅蘋果尚未完熟而不能採，於是我們就繼續放著我們的悶假，只好找台灣女孩Corona聊聊天。她是我同鄉人，而我們話也蠻投機的，她英語也相當不錯，舉手投足間不像是適合待在農場的女孩，比較像是喜歡坐在咖啡館喝咖啡上網的都會女孩。
3月31日，是休假日，相當無聊的一天，但上午十一點時，工頭Ben突然找我和三個韓國人去Shepparton看電影，那電影名稱叫Spiderwick，片名乍看之下像恐怖片，但看了以後覺得這是給小孩子或十幾歲的青少年看的片，但有免費電影，當然是不看白不看囉！看完了以後，我跟工頭Ben一塊去Bistro喝酒啤酒順便看他賭博，可能是因為我不在旁邊的關係，他一直輸錢，邊輸邊搖頭，而我像是劉佬佬進大觀園一樣，一直走來走去看別人輸錢贏錢。今天我也順便跟Ben說我不幹了，於是我即將做到4月4日，就結束我在這的生活。
4月2日，今天採紅蘋果，但我們要採的是鮮紅超過70%的蘋果，就是所謂的colour picking，但因為這實在是不好判斷，於是許多人都被屑了一頓，當然也包括我在內。今天大家都幹得很悶，而且到中午又下起雨且刮風，於是我們又中止了今天的工作。
4月3日，今天繼續昨天的工作，但這工作真的是說不出的無聊，許多人根本就挑到了紅色不足70%以上的蘋果，而且因為要挑色的關係，大家一下子都做得很慢，可以說是邊做邊打呵欠。晚上回去後，和彰、陽平、優作三個大男人一塊看愛情喜劇－－The holiday。
4月4日，明天即將離開的關係，今天我去買了一些匹薩與蛋糕和啤酒請大家，一些台灣人與日本人也給足了我面子，參加了我的請客，大家今天都很盡興，但不管再怎麼說，跟3月14日那天的宴會相比，我這只能算是dinner而已，連banquet都算不上。台灣人Jimmy盡情的跳舞，他實在是很會跳舞，他可惜現在他已沒有舞伴了，只有一些嘻哈樂在旁邊陪襯。
4月5日，該是離開的時候了，在與幾個台灣女孩與會說中文的韓國女孩Jenny拍幾張照片後，就準備離開了，走前順便吃吃她們的豆腐，把她們一個個抱了一下，還有我的室友陽平跟優作也抱了我一下，但我們拍拍彼此的背很大力，可能是平常的怨氣要走前一次宣洩個夠吧！當然，只是開開玩笑羆了！但我絕對不會忘記我們五個大男人一塊在房裡看日本Ａ片的好時光。還有那個充滿雄性臭味、全宿舍最亂最髒、燈泡一直都修不好、還有一些黑蜘蛛當室友的16號房。
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