Packing, again, and again, and again ....

It would seem that this trip is a lesson in packing. Every time something new happens it seems were packing. Whether it be small bags, big boxes, or everything back into our suitcases, we are constantly packing. Even trips to work require us to pack. Life is very different when you don't have transportation and limited budget; you need to take more with you than you might otherwise. 

A good example of packing for work is the other day. It has been unusually wet here and that means extra planning when on foot. A simple trip to work now requires wet weather gear or a change of clothes, in addition to things like computers, lunches, the regular change of shirt in case of an accident at work (if you know Will, you know what he means by this), glasses, coffee cups, and other items required for a simple day at work. My case is worse than Andrea's because I often need to bring a laptop and need to dress well for the office environment (Note on office attire in Brisbane: read previous blogs).

 

When you have a vehicle and more disposable money, thing are a lot simpler. The first thing being you don't need to pack more than an umbrella just because it’s raining; that makes a big difference. Two, lunch can be an outing. You don't need to pack your lunch every day if you can afford to buy your lunch, and with a car you have greater opportunity to find a lunch.

 

Don't forget that I am a temporary employee; this makes it difficult as well because I can't keep things at the office. All of you with a full time job can keep small things at work. You can keep a back up shirt hanging on your door or coat rack. You can even keep a change of clothes at work. We've all done it in Canada. You know, the office shoes you change into when you take off those massive winter boots!? :)

 

Regardless of any of the above, it has been a great trip. Yes the constant packing is a bit annoying, but it’s all part of the package. Besides, every thing is changing, for I do have a full time job now. The move to the Whitsundays is going to be very interesting. I don't want to say it will be great, because I don't know that. What it will be is an adventure. Having a stable job and income will allow Andrea and I to do more. 

 

Yes that sounds odd, but its true. With steady income and steady accommodation we will be able to SPEND. Without the money you can't do much. Even in Brisbane it’s difficult to go and look at something with out money. Sites are spread out and transit is expensive. A typical train ride one way is usually $2.50 to $3.50. This depends on when and where you are going. Short trips downtown are often more expensive than the long treks to the end of the line, but even those can cost a small fortune. Andrea and I wanted to see the Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin, before leaving Brisbane. But the 40 - 60 min train ride north would cost about $50.00 each plus a $52.00 entrance fee each. Needless to say that a $200.00 plus outing just is not going to happen right now. Not when you compare it to airline prices.

 

Flights in OZ have been shocking. It is amazing how inexpensive air travel is here. Yes it cost a pretty penny to get to Australia, but when your here, you can hop around for very little. Considering most things are more expensive than Canada, air travel is at par. A trip from Sydney to Brisbane is about $200 round trip. That’s about the same trip and cost to go from Calgary to Vancouver. 

 

As I mentioned I hope this is the last time I need to pack for a major move in a while. Andrea and I have secured jobs in Cannonvale for the next five months. Graphic House would love to have me longer, but we decided not to commit longer at this time. Five months is when our legal ability to work in Queensland is up. At that time we either need to be sponsored or move on. A move from there would be fine, because by that time we will have a car and saved some money. We are thinking that if we don't stay there longer, we would travel back down the coast by car; head to Melbourne or Adelaide for the summer months. Follow the sun I say!

 

I am going to miss Brisbane, we've barely scratched to surface here, but there are good jobs waiting in the Whitsundays. There are also friends we've made, sailing, scuba diving, and who knows what else. We leave on Sunday, towards the sun and hopefully a better life than Brisbane.

 

It is true that I hate packing, but I think this will be that last big one for a while.