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  • Amelia Wilkinson
  • Amelia Wilkinson

This side of things

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  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Update

    December 11, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Ok so it's been like 12 days, to be honest not much has happened. Work, sleep, coffee. That's it.

    But I now have an update so I'm back! Yay!!

    I have decided to move on from Mission Beach in January and will be making my way down to Tasmania. I am so excited to go down there!

    I will be leaving mid January. I'm thinking of doing a couple more days in Cairns. Do the great barrier reef and crocodile tour. Them fly down to Tasmania. Unfortunately the direct flights are super expensive so I have to transfer in sydney. Good news, instead of spending 4hrs in Sydney airport bored, I'm gonna spend a few days in the city.

    I want to do the blue mountains tour and I'm going to do some walking tours and things around the city. One of my colleagues used to live in sydney so im going to get some tips from him on what to do.

    I also had a great conversation with some customers yesterday about Tasmaina. One of them grew up there and

    Its fascinating listening to peoples responses when I tell them I'm going to Tassie. Most of the locals just go "why" with a look of disgust, it's hilarious. But the other travelers and people from other parts of Aus, are much more interested.

    I had a great conversation with some customers yesterday about Tasmania, one of them grew up there and loved it. From what they said it sounded like I will love it there aswell. Theres loads of beautiful landscapes and more like a british summer this time of year. They had lived in uk as well, so I trust them on that. They were so nice and one of them handed me $50 for literally no reason. She said to look after myself and have a great time. They were honestly the nicest people ever.

    I'm feeling a bit sad to be leaving Mission. I feel like it's very easy to come here and never leave again. But it's not right for me so I know I have to. I've also gotten settled here and the thought of having to start over with friends and work in a whole new place is daunting. But that's the life I have chosen so I'm glad to be going again.

    I've really begun to miss travelling while being here. The constant moving and meeting new people is exhausting but everything is very stagnant here. Not much is happening and it's kinda dull after a while.

    But now its time to start planning again. I forgot how much effort that was!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Nearly Christmas

    December 18, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Someone took my food. I am not impressed.

    My roommate arrived on sunday evening last week. She went to her job and found out it was only for 10days. Personally I would have still worked those 10days cause its seriously good pay but she chose not too. Left again tuesday morning. I am alone once more.

    I informed my boss i was leaving. It was very funny, he said he was annoyed I was going after all the training he had given me. Tried very hard not to laugh at that. I have learnt next to nothing working there but there we go.

    Booked my flights down to Tasmania. I'm gonna spend a couple nights in Sydney on my way day. So instead of waiting for 7hrs in Sydney airport I'll have a day in the city and another in the blue mountains.

    I've booked a couple nights stay in Hobart when i first arrive but not sure what I'll do after then. I'm still fighting all that out.

    For now I am just biding my time here. I have one shift left today, once that's done I have 10days off and am so excited. Full time work is not a vibe!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    2

    Travel

    December 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    It's time to go! So excited to switch up my view and leave Mission Beach.

    I finished all of my food so didnt have to bin anything in the morning. Popped into my favourite part, the cafe. The girls all know me there and they gave me a little chocolatey christmas present. I also bought myself a sandwich and an iced tea for the journey.

    The journey was not a vibe. 15 rows, 4 people a row, not empty seats. Not fun. Ended up feeling a bit sick by the end. I don't get travel sick by and two hours on a hot, sweaty, full bus will make anyone queasy.

    Cairns is definitely a lot nice to be in when the sun isnt shining. Maybe I am just sick of the sun now, but the city is much easier to traverse when its overcast. Only 25° and glorious. It was on the verge of a storm so the wind was blowing and it was raining a little. I didnt bring my coat so just got damp. Not great but wasnt bad.

    I also walked along the coast and saw a massive Christmas popped between palm trees. I dont know why but it made me laugh so much.

    Checkd into the hostel and found out I was placed in a room directly above the bar. It was so loud genuinely sucked. Had both ear plugs in and thankfully it muffled the noise enough that I could sleep.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Nearly Christmas

    December 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Arrived safely in Cairns. The flight was super simple and easy.

    Got my airport shuttle straight from outside the hostel, felt like I wasnt broke for once. I am still broke but nice to pretend. Security was easy, bought a coffee while I waited for my flight.

    Lucy was a legend and picked me up from the airport which was so nice. We got some dinner and then watched perhaps the worst christmas move ever. Pat and Kath, I believe it is. Apparently it is an Australian special. It was definitely something. Perhaps if I didnt find the accent so funny and could understand the cultural jokes, it might have been better. Probably not though!

    Spent Christmas eve eve relaxing on the sofa at Lucy's and went for a walk in the morning. Enjoying being able to sit without sweating or having to listen to the intensely annoying aircon machine. Honestly feels like an english summer here these last couple days. Top tier. Lucy also has a professional style coffee machine and it is wonderful. I want one in my life.

    When to visit Helen in the afternoon. Basically spent the rest of the day there. Her brother, his wife and two kids arrived later on that afternoon. They are staying with her this Christmas. Spent a bunch of time speaking with them. Then Helens parents arrived for dinner and I joined them. Everyone is super nice and had a lovely evening.

    Harry and I then went back to Lucy's as she was having a Christmas party. But this point I was beyond exhausted and social battery was at 0, but spent a few hours chatting before calling it a night.

    I woke up and decided to clean the kitchen and garden. It was left a mess after the party I wasnt hung over. I know how much it sucks cleaning after drinking all night. Gotta earn my keep aswell! Made myself a lovely iced coffee because what else is needed in the morning.

    Lucy was super hung over next morning so I took myself on another walk and relaxed some more. My hair took a reaction to the dry air and woke up looking like I'd stuck a fork in a plug socket. Then headed back over to Helen's. Ended up trying to help her prepare food for tomorrow but I am dreadful at helping in the kitchen. Instead, I wrapped all of her presents. She had a lot of gifts for people. Took me about 2hrs but was very proud of some of the wrapping. I was getting good by the end.

    I then headed back to Lucy's to shower and change before heading to church. It felt right to go to a mass on christmas eve, even if it was super different to back home. Then had dinner with them again and relaxed in the summer evening sun. Helen set the table for tomorrow and I took a quick pic now as itll no doubt be half destroyed right away tomorrow .

    It doesn't feel like Christmas. It's all different. But it's not a bad difference. Just not Christmas.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Christmas Day

    December 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Merry Christmas to everyone from a very warm and loud Adelaide.

    Never done a big Christmas before and they are definitely an experience. 5 different families, 4 generations, 3 courses, 2 difference meats and one very loved baby!

    Had a nice day with some lovely people. They have a very big family and are all so close it's crazy.

    Am completely exhausted now after being there nearly 13hrs!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Day 100

    January 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Waszzup!

    Its day 100 since I landed in Australia. Completely nearly missed it, but boom. Who knew I'd survive his long. Jk, I'm staying safe.

    That's all really. Just a few photos of the best parts so far.

    100 days!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    2

    New year

    January 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Well it's been an eventful few days.

    Ended up getting sick my final day in Adelaide. Was very concerned I would end up not making my flight but I braced myself and did not have fun, but made it. The flight ended up being 1.5hrs delayed, so o did the only thing that can be done when waiting for something. I took a nap in the sun. Felt a thousand time better after. And before anyone worries about my safely/ stuff while asleep. I was in the corner, next to the gate desk under CCTV with staff right next to me.

    Arrived back in Mission Beach, realised how much I want to not be here anymore. So very glad to be switching it up soon.

    Work is not something I am going to discuss. I have had enough. That is all that is needed to be said.

    I am slowly counting down the days before I leave and will be spending my free time planning my next steps and figuring everything out.

    I ended up rewriting the second half of my story. I dont know if I like it. But I dont hate it. I dont really like the original way but this isnt right either. So that's annoying cause now I'm not sure what to do about it. There was also a massive bug. Ergh!

    Somehow I was watching tv yesterday and fell asleep, at 5pm. Ended up waking up again at like 9pm and being super confused. Had the intention to get some sort of food, feel asleep again. My alarm for 5,30am woke me up the second time. I slept for 12hrs, completely unintentionally. That is how hard my weekend has been!

    Today I took down the final Christmas decorations from work. Yes 5 days after new year, that's just how it be. And found this tinsel. I put this up two months ago outside. It was red all over when I put it up, the bits in the sunlight turned gold. A clear example of why you should not put anything outside here. It's crazy how strong the sun is.

    Beyond that, not much is happening. I'm just ticking down the days. I realised that the only part of Mission that I am going to miss (other than the people), is the cafe. So that's interesting, really shows my priorities!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Count down

    January 10, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Another few days have passed and I am on the count down outta here. Very excited to move out of Queensland and visit somewhere new.

    I've spent the last few days planning some more. Got a tour booked for tasmania. 6 days of hiking and seeing the natural beauty. Looking forward to that.

    Got the great barrier reef booked in and currently trying to figure out if I can do skydiving before my flight next week. They pick you up at 7,30 am and my flights at 6pm. So I think it should be ok. Will call them tomorrow to find out when they usually get back to the city. It may be over cautious but I'm not missing my flight outta here, not for anything.

    Also begun applying for jobs. There seems to be a lot advertised in Hobart so that's a vibe. Thanks to the Australian government being so obscure and the fun new agreement with the UK that may mean I dont have to do the 88days, I'm kinda confused. According to one website I have only completely 35 of my days. According I another I have completely 51. So cant say I'm impressed. But I'll work for a bit in Tassie then work again in a few months. No way I could mentally go that long just travelling. I know me, I'd get burnt out and restless. So not too stressed.

    Got three shifts left at work. They are all weekday closes, never done those so cant say I'm thrilled but it's easy money. Also got Friday off this week so going to go down and have a drink with the locals I've been serving which is nice.

    Not much else is happening. Cleared out the fridges at work. It would be much easier if people just took the empty boxes out once they were done. Had one of my colleagues draw all over my arm, ended up convincing a bunch of drunk locals I had it tattooed. Their reactions were fabulous. Saw a pretty moon and sat in the cafe    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    #working life

    January 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more #theunemployedlife

    I have finished work. Ngl, I'm glad but it's still bitter sweet.

    I won't miss much from Mission Beach, but I have learnt a lot and met some great people.

    Mission Beach will always be the first place I lived away from home. It will be the first place I lived abroad. The first place I had to truly look after myself (jury is still out on if i succeeded with that one). It has healed a part of my soul I lost after everything that happened and it had bosted my ego to scary heights! If you ever feel insecure about yourself, move somewhere remote. I was asked out multiple times a week, the weekends at least 3 times a shift. It has been wild.

    If I could do it again, I think I would. Just maybe try and change the temperature. 30+° daily is inhumane!

    A small collection of photos from work. The time cleaned the fridges for 4hrs and everyone couldn't figure out why I wasnt frozen (it's like 10° in there, they gave me a massive coat and everything). The time a keg exploded, when I went insane a grabbed a load of steak knives. The only nice looking coffee I've managed, the truly amazing 'tattoo' done by my crazy colleague and one of the many chocolate hauls work mum bought me. The random animals everywhere, the insanely good iced coffee and when work mum thought I had forgotten my name so underlined it loads. And finally, the drink made for my bday by one of the girlies.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    2

    Cairns once more

    January 15, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    There isnt much that concerns me at this point. Delayed flight, been there done that. Bus driving away without me, what's new. Bugs in the kitchen, yep. Honestly, not stressed at this point. But when a journey is supposed to take 2hrs 10mins. And we arrive in 1hr 40. That concerns me.

    But anyways, we move. And in this case we move up to Cairns.

    Leaving missing was easy. I picked up a coffee from the cafe, didnt say goodbye cause none of the girls I had spoken to were there. That was a shame but I left a good review so if they see it they should guess it was from me. Dropped my key off at the reception and handed 2 bags load of my unwanted stuff to my very grateful roommate. I told her to keep whatever she wanted and donate the rest at Vinys. I have no attachment to any of it so glad to be rid of the extra weight.

    I arrived up in Cairns and checked in. My third time staying at Gilligans and ended up back in the same room I was in back in October. So that was a vibe. It is the best room as it is furthest from the bar so I was pleased.

    Invited a girl from my room who had just checked in for a walk around the city. It wasnt raining and not too hot so the best time to go. She had been an au pair in Sydney so I learnt all about that. Despite my aversion to children I can see the appeal and perhaps can see my self doing it. As long as the kids are not brats, I think I could do it. We also saw a massive bird, I cannot remember its name.

    And that was sort of my day. I have an early one tomorrow so just going to sleep as soon as possible.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Great Barrier Reef

    January 16, 2023, Great Barrier Reef ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    It's insane. That the only way I can describe it. There are no words .

    So many fishes and coral. So pretty.

    I did not get any photos because my waterproof case is not waterproof. Which I learnt the hard way. Lots of people looked at me weirdly when i got in and jumped straight back out again. And the photographer took lots of photos but they were all bad and seriously expensive.

    Ended up falling asleep on the boat back because I was so tired. It is seriously exhausting. I am also really sunburnt. It is not fun, quite painful. But worth it.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    To Sydney

    January 17, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Woke up, kinda hurt, still quite red.

    I visited the Cairns museum which was interesting. Lots of stories from aboriginal people and the effects of tourism where the rainforest meets the reef.

    Ended up sitting at gilligans for a while using their wifi to sort stuff out. Had a minor heart attack when the woman at Hobart YHA said she couldn't find my booking. Thankfully she did and I managed to switch it up so that it fits around my tour next week.

    Found out that there is rail works going on between Sydney and Blue Mountains so might not make it there while I'm in sydney. That's annoying but ok. Means I've got two days to see the city instead of one.

    Currently waiting in the airport for my flight. I arrived in a private taxi, top tier. Was expecting a shared mini bus so that was nice. Same price as well. However I did arrive super early. So I am currently waiting to check my bag in before i can go through security to wait at my gate. Feel quite tired now, think I'll have to get a coffee if I'm going to make it without falling asleep. Or maybe I sleep in the plane?    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    2

    #flying

    January 17, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Ngl, wasnt sure we would end up taking off at one point. A huge storm came in and delayed everything. But thankfully by the time my flight was boarding it had died down. Still meant for one hell of a bumpy ride at the start.

    I get stopped at security all the time. Side effect of travelling alone as a young female, I scream drug mule. However, I wasnt stopped today. Genuinely so happy. Until my name was called out over the tannoy and I had to do the walk of shame back to check in. Turns out I had a lighter in my checked luggage. Ngl, had no clue what was there. I remember my colleague handing it too me and my just sticking it in my bag. I dont smoke, I dont need it. I have zero recollection of putting in my big bag. But security found it. I explained I dont smoke and had no clue I even packed it. The guy searching my bag did not believe me but when I told him to bin it, he did believe me. He was fully taken aback when I said that, but I dont need or want them. Thankfully he was a lot nice after that as he finally believed me. But then had to do the walk of shame back through security. Got a surprised look from the guard who had spoken to me the first time I went through but all was good.

    Once I was on the plane, it got better. Like, a lot better.

    So the woman at check in upgraded me to a window seat after I was randomly placed between a mother and child. Already she was a legend for that as that would have sucked. But then she also moved me back a row so there was me at the window and a guy on the isle, and no one in between! Had this on the way back from Adelaide at Christmas as well. It's honestly the best.

    But wait, it gets better. I am on the side of the plan that got to see the sunset. I am never on the window seat cause I always gotta pee and dont want to annoy the people by getting up loads. Thankfully, I have learnt to deal with that. I still gotta go before I leave for anything, but it's less intense (sorry for the tmi).

    Anyways, sunset was so pretty from the window. The storm was beneath us and the sky was just super bright.

    On a less good note, I'm praying that the bathroom lighting is just really bad because otherwise I am literally a tomato. Like I looked in the mirror and dear god. How? I look so sun burnt it's bad. I'm praying itll go down cause this is not a look. However I did have a flirty chat with a guy at the airport, so maybe it isnt so bad?

    Oh but then my flight got better. Came back to my seat and and was greeted with a lovely surprise. The guy on the isle, moved back a row to sit with his daughter (I think it is). So I now have a full row to myself! That's right, I am spread out and living my best life. His family seems to have booked 3 rows for 5 of them. So not sure if a bunch of people didnt show or if we just got lucky with a bunch of free seats. Or maybe they are just Hella rich? But they have all moved together and I am vibing.

    I got my tunes, I got my leg room and the coffee had kicked in. Sydney here I come!

    Turns out, it is just a really undercooked flight. Only a handful of row are full, around 1/4 only have one person. Tbh it is a random tuesday evening in the middle of jan. They must cater to tourists mainly. And there were 4 flights leaving to sydney in 2hrs. Weird.

    Ended up landing safely despite the initial storm. The landing was a little bit of a squeaky bum moment ngl. I've flown quite a bit lately and I'm pretty sure we are not supposed to hit the ground that hard and decelerate with quite so much noise. But I am no pilot and we are all good.

    One thing I will never understand is people inability to follow simply instructions. Stay seated until we stop moving. Boom, simple, easy. But apparently no. People are crazy. And then the need to stand in the isle. I'm in the middle of the plane, we ain't going nowhere for a hot minute. But they gotta stand. Wild. Also the photo from the window is Sydney at night. If you look super close you can see the bridge and opera house at the bottom.

    Ok this was a super long one so respect to anyone who actually finished this rant. I'm bored so just typed everytime I had a thought.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    3

    Sydney

    January 18, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Got a lovely surprise of free breakfast this morning. Very pleased with my toast. I haven't had proper toast in ages because I cannot eat an entire loaf on my own!

    Then signed myself up for a free city tour. For some reason I haven't done one in Australia yet. The tour in Melbourne did a tour, and the cousins did Adelaide but I didnt do one of Cairns. Though, there isnt much to see of Cairns!

    But anyway, I did the tour. Sydney is prettier than I was expecting. It's a city that's for sure. But it is a modern city. Lots of glass skyscrapers, which I don't like. But a good few original buildings as well from the time of the first settlers.

    The tour guide was really good and I met two other solo travelers. Ended up spend the rest of the day with Donna and Moni.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Sights to see

    January 18, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Moni, Donna and I took advantage of the beautiful 30° heat and bright sun to do a massive photo shoot. Or I should say, multiple photo shoots!

    Our first view was off a massive cruise ship. The opera house on one side and the bridge half hidden on the other!

    Thankfully Sydney harbour is big enough to get photos from all angles of both sights.

    We had loads of fun taking an immense amount of photos. These are a very small amount of the good ones! We asked a woman to take some photos of all three of us and they turned out beyond dreadful. At one point she rotated the phone so it was at an angle, cutting out the opera house and the bridge. So we then asked someone a little younger and got some cute ones.

    It was so warm with the sun directly on us but so worth it.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Evening relaxing

    January 18, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    After out immense photo shoot we decided to pretend like we had money and went for a drink beneath the Opera House. Needless to say we could not afford it, ended up just buying a coffee or soft drink. Thankfully it seemed like a lot of people were doing that. You were paying for the location rather than the drink!

    Then Donna had to go because she had her bus out of Sydney in the evening. Moni and I happened to be in the same hostel so thay was super cool.

    We wondered back through the city looking at the other half that wasnt covered in the tour. Saw the rest of Hyde Park and the Anzac memorial building.

    Once back we made some food cause we were super hungry and the food was not it. That was my soup. No. Just no. Honestly so bad.

    We then went out to Darling Harbour and attempted to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, no sunset. So we just talked as it got dark and then started raining.

    After running back, we were both super tired after me arriving in Sydney at 11pm. And her arriving at 7am. Neither of us had really slept so were quite impressed we were still half functioning. Finally retired for the night and was so thankful for my bed!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Picnics in the rain

    January 19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    On our way to the Gardens, Moni and I took a little detour to the shop to buy some food.

    We ended up having a cute little picnic on a bench in the gardens. We bought a massive bottle of orange juice and were so excited when we saw how full the bottle was. But then we took the seal off and the pressure in the bottle changed. We were very disappointed.

    After we headed to the Calyx. It was a lot smaller than expected but pretty. You used to have to pay to enter but then the made it 'free'. And by that I mean you got judged by the staff if you didnt give a donation. And they had card readers to donate $5/10 which I thought was a little much. It's free but they do not let you pass without a donation. But cheeky.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Chaos in the Gardens

    January 19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    After our tour of the Gardens and picnic. Moni and I decided that it was probably not going to stop raining so we may aswell embrace it.

    Walking around the rest of the Gardens we did a couple cute photo shoots cause why not. And found some cool plants.

    We also had more of your strawberries we bought for the picnic and one of them was labelled 63. Mildly concerning out of context but I let Moni have that one so if something is sus I'm fine!

    We also found a cool tree that had a sign telling us too walk around it 3 times forward and 3 times backwards 'for luck'. So of course we did. Looked like absolute idiots. Doubled by the fact that after doing so we realised you were supposed to be touching the tree. The tree was in accessible so we did it for nothing!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Botanical Garden!

    January 19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    It's been a minute, but once more I visited a Botanical Garden.

    Moni and I booked a tour of the gardens and despite it being super overcast it was good. Our guide worked in the Herbarium so have a cool insight into the plants in a way that other guides don't.

    She showed us lots of plants that were used by aboriginal people and why. As well as how plants used to be recorded with super in depth drawings.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    2

    NSW art gallery

    January 19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    The Art Gallery is super close to the Gardens so we headed there afterwards. A little break from the drizzle but it was super crowded.

    We saw some cool aboriginal artwork and a map of the world that I loved. Took a photo of the description as well but all of the connections show the past movements of people. I'd love to take some time soon to have a look at some of the migrations and learn why cause it's such a cool representation. The map was also placed upside down to challenge typical western views of 'north up'.

    Another exhibit was happening opposite. At first we weren't going to wait because we wanted to move on but decided to in the end. We were tasked with forming a sphere out of clay of different colours. Then place them all in the centre together. It was intended to be an exercise in concentration and clearing the mind, but my dumbass dropped it making it a squished sphere! It was a lot of fun though and if you ignore the quantity of brown streaks on my jeans, harmless.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Goodbye and Hello

    January 20, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Once we finished the art gallery we went to the Rocks museum. It was interesting but not great. It wasnt bad but it was detailing the history of the aboriginals and the inital slaughter the british settlers committed on them.

    Now I understand it is important to learn about, and definitely should be something spoken about and addressed. But it is everywhere. The Rocks is a special location because it was the landing site and the main base of many protests over the years. So I'm glad I went, but I am sort of sick of it all. It should be spoken about, but hear versions of the same tragic story everywhere is a lot.

    From there it was a quick climb over to the Harbour Bridge. This thing has the best view of the opera house and harbour. It was a little overcast but still easy to see everything.

    Moni and I saw some of the people climbing in a managed to just about get a photo of them. If I had $350 I'd do it, but I'd still be terrified the entire way.

    From there we headed down to the harbour and sat and watched the ship for a bit. According to the internet they were supposed to leave the harbour at 4pm, but by 6,30 we were bored of waiting. We were curious to see how it exited the harbour. Being so long it could not rotate like the other boats could. So our options were a careful reverse back, trying not the hit the bridge and then moving forward trying not to hit the Opera House. Or reversing all the way around into the wider part and turning there. Unfortunately we may never know.

    After that we headed back to the hostel. I had intention to go straight to bed as I had to be up at 3am but fate spoke otherwise. I had to repack my back so Moni joined me in my room to do so. There we got to talking with one of the other girls in the room, then more returned and then it was 11pm and I was still up.

    Said a final goodbye to Moni and promised to visit her in Melbourne in a few months. Then went to sleep. Or tried too.

    Woke up again at 3am, I cannot have slept much more than 2hrs. Grabbed all of my stuff and checked out. My taxi dropped me off at the airport, expensive but I did not want to get the train/bus that early alone in Sydney. The idea gave me the ick. Got through bag drop and security and realised I had left my portable charger in my hostel room. Genuinely thought I was going to punch a wall as my phone was running seriously low and my phone charger was attached to the portable charger. Thankfully my ipad was still in my bag and I used it to book my bus from the airport.

    Flight was super simple, I slept for the most part. I was stuck next to a dad and child, with mum and child across the isle. That wasnt great, the kids kept waking me. But I slept as much as possible.

    Arrived in Hobart safely and enjoyed the very easy bus shuttle. Hopped off a street from my hostel and went to beg the receptionist to look after my bag.

    Now when I tell you I love this woman, it is with full sincerity. She not only gave me a phone charger they had extra, she also checked me in. It was 9am! She let me go to my room and told me to just pick a bed and move the bedding if it wasnt clean. She told me to come back once I had slept and she'd give me the talk then. Genuinely love this woman. I didnt end up sleeping but just being able to lie down in silence and close my eyes. Blissful and much needed.

    I dragged myself out of bed at around 11am and felt a thousand times better. Went on a shop, RIP to my bank account cause that was painful. But my shoes were no good, my leggings had multiple holes and I needed something for the colder weather. Plus a new portable charger. All in all, I am broke, but it was necessary.

    Then went for a walk around the harbour and went to my interview. I got the job working as a waitress in a seafood restaurant. It isnf ideal hours but I can afford it for the next month and I want to stay in Hobart so I'll be here for a while. There is lots I want to explore and I am going to probably get a second job just to give me a few extra hours. 20-30 is enough but I am funding until May/June, so need some more!    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler

    Tassie Tour

    January 21, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Yesterday was a lot.

    Started off at 8am, headed down to the Salamanca Markets. It was super busy but they had loads of Tasmania made products which was cool. Almost every stall was full of Tasmaina only so I will definitely be going back there next week.

    We then drove all the way up to the top of Cradle Mountain. Unfortunately the clouds were covering the city so we didnt stay long. It is supposed to be one hell of a view so I will do the hike again and see it on a good day.

    We then made the drive to Richmond. It felt like home there. Lots of Victorian style buildings, felt very European. I've missed that so it was nice being there. I did get a nasty surprise though from the tour guide. No food is provided at all. I didnt expect food to be provided all the time but at least some here and there, like I've paid a lot for this tour I expected some food. So that will end up being expensive but hopefully the views make up for it.

    We then went to a animal sanctuary. Very similar to the one on the Melbourne tour except they had some Tasmanian Devils. They had a successful breeding program last year so there were babies. They were so cute. Like ah I could not. They had a bunch of other animals but I had seen all of those so I just stuck with the Tassie Devils.

    From there we had a little tour of Bicheno where we will be staying the next 2 nights. Then headed to the memorial grave of Wauba Debar. She saved her husband from drowning in the 1800s and is the only aboriginal person to be memorialised in the 1800s. Noone else was honoured in that way until the late 1900s early 2000s. It is now tradition to visit her grave and lay a flower upon it when you visit Bicheno.

    We finished off the day with some food at the only place in town that didnt serve solely fish. I had pasta for $19 it was ok. Not very nice but food is food and it was the cheapest thing on the menu.

    I went for a bit of a walk afterwards then fell asleep super early. I am so tired and need more sleep.    Read more

  • Amelia WilkinsonThis side of thingsTraveler
    2

    I nearly died

    January 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    Before mum has a heart attack, I didnt actually. Today we went on a hike. That tells you enough.

    3 hrs. 45 mins up the massive hill to the lookout then I thought, why not and climbed down the 1,000 steps to the beach. I mean it wasnt even all that worth it. Then we had to climb back up. All 1,000. I genuinely was not doing good. And then of course the other 45mins back down to the car park. Stunning but dear god why?!

    And that is my review of wineglass bay!

    The lookout is amazing and so worth it, even on our overcast slightly drizzly day. But those steps. No. Not worth it. I've seen many a beach and I couldn't even enjoy how white the sand was because I thought I was going to pass out. And then to add insult to injury a massive ant bit me. My foot ended up swelling up and the focus of the pain was right on the side. Turns out I walk on the outside of my left foot.

    So overall it was ok.

    We began the day by getting a coffee and sausage roll. It was vegemite and cheese, not as good a cheese and marmite sadly!

    Then headed down to coles bay for an early morning look. It is stunning and I would have happily stayed longer. But alas, we had a big hill to climb.

    Then we did wineglass bay. I probably should have written this in a better order but meh. For the vibes!

    ***edit***
    My internet connection isnt strong enough to upload anything. So going to write them as I go and upload whenever i get a connection/ when I remeber!    Read more

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