Blossom
- Aug 1, 2015
- 6 min read
Spring is one of the nicest times of year. It makes you realise how important and how fragile life is. A stroll around the rather understated, but tranquil Albert Park allows you to realise the sheer magnificence of Mother Nature! The park, which is made up of a huge lake which you basically walk around, is a huge breeding ground for wildlife, including the eloquent Black Swan. Like any good mother, she won't leave her cygnet (Baby swan) out of her sight. To witness this connection between the two, is magical. There is nothing more magical than being able to see new life in all its glory. As the weeks go on, the cygnet grows and grows and becomes less dependent on their mother until eventually they want to go out alone. Of course, like any mother, she will prepare them for this day of true independence!
After a few weeks of running the BBQ with Lucy and chef Bruno, we have all become really close. Of course, it shouldn't be all work and no play. No no no! Remember, when good colleagues become good friends, it's always of epic proportions! And when you mix excellent company with simple, but very tasty tasty food, it's a match made in heaven! Our first dinner party together, Bruno prepared an amazing Brazilian BBQ. In preparation for our little party, he made up a gorgeous potato salad, a really nice condiment for the meat and a rather interesting, but surprisingly good dessert! Of course, with so much red meat, I was in my element. I have to say, Bruno cooked them just perfect. They were so simple, with just a little bit of sea salt for seasoning dipped in the condiment which was made up of bread crumbs! I really enjoyed it. I'm sure you are all intrigued to find out what sort of dessert Bruno had prepared for us! Judge without embracing, is a life untouched! In front of me was a bowl filled with corn in a sweet sauce. Surprisingly, it was quite delicious!
A few weeks later myself and Jason decided to wave the flag for Ireland and prepare a beautiful Irish Stew. Lucy being Lucy decided not to participate (Like I would say in Asia, 'Nicccceeeeeeeeeeee Peopleee!). At least there was more food for us, which went down really well with everyone. The two of us were really proud over how well it turned out. Keeping with the whole Irish theme, we decided to top it off with the ultimate liqueur ice cream, 'Baileys!' It went down a treat with Bruno and Maria.
While Lucy can have her odd tendencies, she did go through many, not so bright days working in a coffee shop next to a torturous barista named Vince! Eventually, it all just got too much for her, and ties were cut! Some would argue that they were cut to prematurely as money owed was not given over. Of course, with everything poor Lucy had been through, I wasn't going to let her go by herself. It killed a few hours for me and I got to see 'Port Melbourne,' while being a good friend! With Lucy like a nervous wreck, I had her singing a jingle from an ad back home! All together now... '123.ie, Just Log On And Save Moneeey!' For a whole ten minutes, poor Lucy was on replay '123.ie...' '123.ie...' '123.ie...' At least it served it's purpose as justice was served and ties were finally cut as Lucy entered the eerily dark café for the final time with a mission to get what she deserves!
After a couple of weeks of no work, I got a rather unexpected phone call one morning from my agent to say she had work for me for a few days at the 'Herald Sun' newspaper working in their online shop and packing orders. Not the most interesting jobs but it pays the bills and I got a couple of weeks work out of it. If dragons were to exist, my supervisor Anita would be one of them. Lets just say she is rather scary!
I'm so glad we came back to Melbourne. This time round, we are really seeing not only the city but Victoria as well. With our weekends just for us, it's nice to just jump a train that can bring you somewhere completely different in the space of an hour. Just being able to escape not only the hustle and bustle of the city, but the noise of the hostel as well. Stepping off the train and into the tranquility that the 'Dandenong Ranges' has to offer is simply magical. It's like a whole different world that allows you to embrace the simplicity of nature. From the singing of the birds to vegetation that is the essence of so much life. Walking up the '1,000 Steps' was a workout in itself but worth it as it allowed us to see the ranges in all their beauty. Our favourite part about the ranges had to be 'The William Ricketts Sanctuary!' To simply put it, it will take your breath away! The sanctuary is made up of 92 hand made clay sculptures that represent the complexity of Aboriginal culture. After a few more strolls, we were soon on our way back to the city!
After months of looking for a good job, I get two job offers while working somewhere as well! After a well thought out performance at an interview for high end, 'Brown Thomas' like retailer 'David Jones,' for the first time ever, I saw myself in a little bit of a predicament! A few weeks earlier I went for an interview with 'Victoria Police' for a support officer role in their 'Freedom of Information' office. It was between myself and this other guy. The other guy got it instead. Anyway, I ended up getting a call from Vic Pol asking if I would be interested in joining their team. Of course, with not much to think about I quickly said yes. It's the break I really need as hopefully I will find it easier getting similar roles in the future. The job itself is so handy. It's only a ten minute walk just over the Yarra River from the hostel. My colleagues are all lovely and so accommodating. Sarah, my supervisor is the stark contrast of my last one. She has to be one of the loveliest persons I have ever met. With views looking out on to the river with the CBD in the distance, I have well and truly landed on my feet here!
One of the great things about travelling is the amazing friendships that are created along the way. Of course, the hard part is having to say good bye, except good bye is never forever. Katie and I, whom I met while working at BMS, have become really good friends. It's a shame she can't hang around a little bit longer. As a little farewell, myself, Jason and Katie all met up for a rather tasty tasty BBQ in Flagstaff Gardens. I really enjoyed our little catch up. The company was amazing, the food was delightful and the setting was beautiful. What more could you want? Maybe a fancy bottle of wine? Don't worry, I had that sorted too. I envy Katie going home and spending Christmas with her family. Of course, I'm so glad The Big Adventure lives on!
After enjoying our last escape to the countryside so much, we thought we would do it all over again. This time we would go a little further on the train, passing the 'Dandenong Ranges' for the sloping hills of 'Belgrave.' As we disembarked from the train we were greeted with, not only the natural beauty of the area, but that off the old steam train turned tourist train, 'The Puffing Billy.' It is an impressive feat of craftsmanship. Myself and Jason got a little bit lost having to walk up the same, intensely steep hill, I don't know how many times! Eventually, we found our way and we had a really nice day. Unfortunately, we didn't have as much time as we would have liked but it's a good enough reason to go back.
After weeks of working and living with Lucy, out of the blue one evening, she announces that she is moving out the following morning and into an apartment. To be honest, we were kind of glad as towards the end, we began to see the true Lucy! For instance, myself and Jason booked tickets for a special anniversary showing of 'Back To The Future.' When I asked her if she would swap hostel shifts with me, her response was no as it didn't benefit her as I wasn't giving the shift to her. Due to cut backs at the hostels BBQ, all three of us weren't getting enough shifts to cover our rent. Lucky enough, things ended up being fine for myself and my darling Jay. I thought it was a bit selfish as we had been good friends to Lucy. And with that said, the next morning as she checked out, a friendship faded into the distance.
While it's hard to remember the importance of life, it's something we should nurture. Because without new life in Spring or the blossoming of heavenly scented flowers in the Summer, our existence on 'This Mortal Coil' would cease to exist!
By Andrew
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