The Long Farewell
- Jan 4, 2016
- 4 min read
Location:
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Over the last number of months, Melbourne has become our second home. It's hard not to fall in love with the city that has so much to offer. Since we returned last year, we have really enjoyed ourselves. We have lived like kings with nice food and we definitely didn't shy away from going out a lot more.
Of course, with both of us working full time and then having to come back and work in the hostel for our accommodation has been an absolutely fantastic opportunity for us, it has been quite tiring especially having to do extra shifts with the BBQ when Dave was stuck for someone to cover Bruno's shifts. At Urban, we are definitely part of the furniture. It's only right that we help our second home celebrate their 10th Anniversary! We didn't mind helping out. I kinda like working with my Jay Jay! Poor Jason is no stranger to hard work having to run the two weekly pool tournaments and the poker on top of everything else. So, like I said, the last few weeks have been absolutely hectic. Would we change any of it, God no! Was it like heaven we completed our final shift! Hell yeah!
Before we say goodbye, we have a few 'Nice' things planned that will hopefully make our departure that bit more easier. We are on 'Holiday' after all. It would be extremely rude not to. It's like my lovely mother always says, 'For me it's a must, I mean, you simply have to!'
From a special showing of the BBC's 'Sherlock' to a last minute booking to 'Dracula's' thanks to my generous mam. The latter proved more 'cabaret' than 'Dracula!' We both were certainly entertained for most of the night. At least we finally went as we were saying we must go since we arrived in Melbourne back in August 2014! It was well worth the wait. It's definitely a must for anyone playing on visiting Australia's most diverse city!
Myself and Jason even went to the theatre. I got Jason tickets to see 'The Illusionists 1903' which is all about the golden age of magic. Jason really likes all that kind of stuff. I got him tickets for Christmas, which I think he was really happy with. During the intermission, we both got a pint of 'James Boags.' When Jason went to the toilet, this snotty woman comes up and is horrified at me drinking Boags, of which she stares at it for a couple of seconds before she finds a seat near us before we go in. I overheard her saying to her kids in her poshest accent, 'My God, they're drinking Boags.' What a silly, pathetic woman. She must not have very much to worry about. Anyway, we both really enjoyed our night at the theatre!
Over the last few months, the two of us have made really good friends in our jobs. Jason was offered sponsorship in his, which he turned down in order to pursue his dream of living 'The Big Adventure.' Brave decision, but the right one! We're not ready to settle down just yet! With a big head, he informs me his manager is dreading him going! She simply doesn't want to think about it. To be fair, I don't know anyone that has a work ethic like my Jay Jay! Both of our organisations made sure they had fitting send offs for us. Saying goodbye is always hard to do!
Why is it, just as we are about to leave, we make some truly great friends. Both Jade and Kerry who are from Britain are two lovely girls. Before we left, we made sure we had some good nights out with them. For months, I've been telling Jason how great the 'Queen Vic Night Market' is. Finally, on our last opportunity to go, myself, Jason and Jade took to the streets of marvellous Melbourne for a night at the market. Jason agreed he should have gone sooner but at least he got to experience the charm of an institution. And with lots of great food and drink, it was a night to remember!
At long last, we are finally free from work and hostel shifts! Oh what a feeling. Jason, who has reminded me more than once not to forget to mention our lovely day out at the 'Australian Open' really enjoyed his adventure to the 'Melbourne Park.' The highlight was definitely seeing the all-time greatest champion, 'Roger Federer' play was truly a once in a life time experience. Especially as he gets closer to retiring. He may not have had a great challenger, but it was still an enjoyable match!
During our stay, we have made some great friends, from work colleagues to hostel friends. For some reason, we always seem to meet these great people every time we are about to leave a place!
By Andrew
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