So this week marks the 7th week I've worked for the 88 days. I'm left with just 39 days.
The speed of production here gets faster day by day. When they say its just 150 tons, 85 pallets, 5 more pallets or going back early, don't ever trust them. Surely it's more than what is stated.
The other day, i was asked as part of a survey if i think starting earlier by 1 hour is a good idea and going back at 5pm everyday for normal grocery shopping and stuff is good. I just replied "you can't even give me a timing on what time we will end today, so its surely not going to be going back home at 5 even if we start early." Well apparently, i was the first out of 15 person to say that to the production manager.
Well enough about work, i just change the Engine oil and oil filter of my car myself since its cheaper than going to a mechanic here. The last time i changed that I was charged about AUD $300. But when i changed it myself, the cost is just about AUD $70.
To those who are saving some money or have the tools, i recommend doing it yourself only if you know what you are doing. Well if anything goes wrong, just chuck it aside and buy a new car, thats mostly what i see over here anyways, alot of abandoned cars.
I still don't know what i will do after 39 days..till then
Sunday, 7 July 2019
Wednesday, 19 June 2019
Dysfunctional
Currently in Hillston working as a labourer in Mitolo group. Basically its just a packers job. What you need to do is just carry 2-20kg of packed potatoes into crates or however they want to pack it.
Never have i been in a company where i do not know what time i will end work. There's alot of things that can change to ease the production line from what i see. Back home are lucky to get 1 hour of paid break. Over here is just 15 minutes. That's totally different.
I don't mind working long hours but just make sure everyone is working and carrying the weight. Some people are just lazy like the one we see back home. It's the same around the world.
Back home, you would know how long you going to do overtime for but for this you are not sure at all. I don't get it. Plus going back home after 5pm is normal here and worst of all the only supermarket shuts at 5pm.
Just countdown of the number of days left. 57 more days.
Never have i been in a company where i do not know what time i will end work. There's alot of things that can change to ease the production line from what i see. Back home are lucky to get 1 hour of paid break. Over here is just 15 minutes. That's totally different.
I don't mind working long hours but just make sure everyone is working and carrying the weight. Some people are just lazy like the one we see back home. It's the same around the world.
Back home, you would know how long you going to do overtime for but for this you are not sure at all. I don't get it. Plus going back home after 5pm is normal here and worst of all the only supermarket shuts at 5pm.
Just countdown of the number of days left. 57 more days.
Sunday, 2 June 2019
14 days of farm work
I was kinda lucky to not have been working in a farm during this period of transition to winter. I work in a shed processing of vegetable (potatoes) which is considered as 88days of farm work in selected postal code of NSW.
So after 14 days, i feel that the company is alright but not as well oiled as most of the companies that i've worked in SG. I think there's a huge gap which they can improve on. But hey that's just my opinion, don't take it personally.
That's why I'm here learning all the differences on how fortunate or unfortunate we are in SG. The big difference might be the wages for some but the breaks that is unpaid as well. For example i have the first 15 minutes of break (smoko) after 2 hours of work that is paid, lunch of 30 minutes unpaid and whatever smoko afterwards is not paid either. So be happy for your 45 minutes to 1 hour of lunch in Singapore is paid and whatever tea break that you might have be it official or not in SG.
Work is work, sometimes there's people that is physically there but not doing much but others pull their weight, same as SG.
Oh and I would like to share an experience that I'd encountered with a new QC manager from pakistan here.
I was called up to the side by that QC manager (Rahoul) and a new production manager previously from Pakistan Nestle (Muhammad), both are Indians basically by the way they communicate to other Indians there. So what i did when the line was running at about 44 bags per minute, and a f up in printed was throwing the f up bags of potatoes into a bin as fast as i could so that we could catch up without stopping the line.
Rahoul wasn't happy ask Muhammad to call me to the side to speak to him
R: "What is your name mate?
Me: Disgusted with an indian calling me mate trying to act all Aussie when he just got here, and so I said my name..
R: "If you're the customer, would you still buy this?"
Me: "YES" Taunting him and plus i would certainly still buy it
R: "Get the fuck out of my face"
Me: "Come again" while taking out my earplug and uncovering my N95 mask. Taunting him further
R: "Get out of here, I don't want to see your face, you shouldn't be throwing the potatoes"
Me: "The line was still running fast, we were busy, what do you expect me to do?" I
R: "I don't care, tell your boss"
Me: "He is just beside you"
Went back to work then head his way trying to taunt him further
Me: "Did you know during the induction, we are told that you shouldn't use offensive or abusive language around the workplace"
R: "Oh did you know that you shouldn't be throwing potatoes around as well during the induction"
Me: "Nope, not during the induction. But come on we are busy, what do you expect us to do? Walk slowly to the bin?"
That argument was getting pretty heated for him but I was just playing it cool and taunting him even further then Muhammad steps in and tried to explain in a nice way
Probably next time we can carry 5-7 bags of 3 kilograms and put it into the bin instead of throwing it. He knows we are crushing it with speed and meeting targets but just so that his bloody QC bro is there and diffusing the situation.
Me : "Thank you sir, this is how you should talk to people with respect if you want to earn some" while shaking his hand and having eye contact with the dickhead Rahoul.
Oh we were told not to throw the spuds as passing em was way faster rather than carrying em and packing em neatly into a crate after a few days of doing the work but we did it anyways because its efficient.
So 64 more days before travelling around Australia or going back to Canberra. We'll see how it goes...
Till then, good luck on those who are doing their 88 days or 6 months or going to do it.
So after 14 days, i feel that the company is alright but not as well oiled as most of the companies that i've worked in SG. I think there's a huge gap which they can improve on. But hey that's just my opinion, don't take it personally.
That's why I'm here learning all the differences on how fortunate or unfortunate we are in SG. The big difference might be the wages for some but the breaks that is unpaid as well. For example i have the first 15 minutes of break (smoko) after 2 hours of work that is paid, lunch of 30 minutes unpaid and whatever smoko afterwards is not paid either. So be happy for your 45 minutes to 1 hour of lunch in Singapore is paid and whatever tea break that you might have be it official or not in SG.
Work is work, sometimes there's people that is physically there but not doing much but others pull their weight, same as SG.
Oh and I would like to share an experience that I'd encountered with a new QC manager from pakistan here.
I was called up to the side by that QC manager (Rahoul) and a new production manager previously from Pakistan Nestle (Muhammad), both are Indians basically by the way they communicate to other Indians there. So what i did when the line was running at about 44 bags per minute, and a f up in printed was throwing the f up bags of potatoes into a bin as fast as i could so that we could catch up without stopping the line.
Rahoul wasn't happy ask Muhammad to call me to the side to speak to him
R: "What is your name mate?
Me: Disgusted with an indian calling me mate trying to act all Aussie when he just got here, and so I said my name..
R: "If you're the customer, would you still buy this?"
Me: "YES" Taunting him and plus i would certainly still buy it
R: "Get the fuck out of my face"
Me: "Come again" while taking out my earplug and uncovering my N95 mask. Taunting him further
R: "Get out of here, I don't want to see your face, you shouldn't be throwing the potatoes"
Me: "The line was still running fast, we were busy, what do you expect me to do?" I
R: "I don't care, tell your boss"
Me: "He is just beside you"
Went back to work then head his way trying to taunt him further
Me: "Did you know during the induction, we are told that you shouldn't use offensive or abusive language around the workplace"
R: "Oh did you know that you shouldn't be throwing potatoes around as well during the induction"
Me: "Nope, not during the induction. But come on we are busy, what do you expect us to do? Walk slowly to the bin?"
That argument was getting pretty heated for him but I was just playing it cool and taunting him even further then Muhammad steps in and tried to explain in a nice way
Probably next time we can carry 5-7 bags of 3 kilograms and put it into the bin instead of throwing it. He knows we are crushing it with speed and meeting targets but just so that his bloody QC bro is there and diffusing the situation.
Me : "Thank you sir, this is how you should talk to people with respect if you want to earn some" while shaking his hand and having eye contact with the dickhead Rahoul.
Oh we were told not to throw the spuds as passing em was way faster rather than carrying em and packing em neatly into a crate after a few days of doing the work but we did it anyways because its efficient.
So 64 more days before travelling around Australia or going back to Canberra. We'll see how it goes...
Till then, good luck on those who are doing their 88 days or 6 months or going to do it.
Thursday, 16 May 2019
Farm work
So after not so successful start at braidwood I landed a fulltime job at mitolo as a labourer by applying on seek.com. Well at first it was a casual position but I kinda pester the HR officer for a full time and i was lucky since 1 of their full time guy left, so i filled in the spot.
Well, its the employment details where you have to fill in blablabla is actually sorta similar to only certain companies in Singapore by doing it online and but when they say its a big factory, i was expecting jurong island plant kinda big. But boy was i disappointed, hahahha..i was like a normal Fed-Ex warehouse i guess.
Well let's go back a few steps, I got the job offer, accepted it then book an accommodation at Hillston Backpackers for a cabin but it was full and I have to be on the list but till then I was alone in dorm 3 (4 bed sharing). I read a review regarding bed bugs that was not too recent but then I ignored it thinking that it was perfectly fine and they have solved the bloody problem by now but on the 3rd day same as my induction day, I saw a huge ass bed bug and no owners or management was around to help me out. I left them that night came back in the morning.
Caught a couple for evidence since most of the backpackers who have lived there for more than a month told me that the owner won't believe anyone and please catch some for evidence and plus write a review on tripadvisor or google to spread the word to other traveller coming here (which i did).
So inbetween during induction, I meet with a couple of malay aunties and uncles that ask for help to send 1 person to a caravan park which was on the way back, so i did. Me and a guy (Alex) ask if we can see it since he says its cheap and it can be for 5 person. We was alright we gotta move to this place, I ask if he needs a roommate and Alex got his own cabin since he's with his girlfriend.
Caravan park cabin charge you
150 deposit
280 per week (1 or 5 people)
Showers, fridge, cooking stove and everything else is in a cabin. But no wifi
Hillston backpackers charge you either
180 per person in a cabin (2 max)
No stove in it although there's fridge and shower blablabla..so cooking is still communal.
Oh and a 200 deposit i think
150 per person for dormitory room share up to 4 people.
50 for deposit of key
No brainer. I thought hostel are always cheaper but i rather stay alone 280 rather than get bed bugs. So i left for my new malay community at the caravan park. Alex and Arc both goth their girlfriends over at the caravan park but will stay there till sunday since they paid for it.
I did too but f that, i didn't mind losing the money but was disappointed i wasnt even offered a refund or compensation for that bed bugs incident.
I was only given back my deposit which wasn't cash as well, oh my goodness..i have to wait for just 50 bucks. Plus the owner asked me where am i going, I said caravan park. He replied "is that a threat?" I was like WTF...you can't be in business if you don't wanna keep your shit clean and expect people to stay with you if your rates are high.
But I washed up my clothes in hot water and dry em in the dryer for more than 1 hour. Plus i bought a bed bug spray to kill any living shit that i missed out.
Oh and washing and drying at the caravan park is cheaper, 3 bucks for washing and 1 for drying. At the backpacker hostel is 4 bucks each for washing and drying.
Plus Jennifer is excellent, always here during the morning till arvo at the caravan park.
So do your research and always be wary fellow backpackers. Have fun
Well, its the employment details where you have to fill in blablabla is actually sorta similar to only certain companies in Singapore by doing it online and but when they say its a big factory, i was expecting jurong island plant kinda big. But boy was i disappointed, hahahha..i was like a normal Fed-Ex warehouse i guess.
Well let's go back a few steps, I got the job offer, accepted it then book an accommodation at Hillston Backpackers for a cabin but it was full and I have to be on the list but till then I was alone in dorm 3 (4 bed sharing). I read a review regarding bed bugs that was not too recent but then I ignored it thinking that it was perfectly fine and they have solved the bloody problem by now but on the 3rd day same as my induction day, I saw a huge ass bed bug and no owners or management was around to help me out. I left them that night came back in the morning.
So inbetween during induction, I meet with a couple of malay aunties and uncles that ask for help to send 1 person to a caravan park which was on the way back, so i did. Me and a guy (Alex) ask if we can see it since he says its cheap and it can be for 5 person. We was alright we gotta move to this place, I ask if he needs a roommate and Alex got his own cabin since he's with his girlfriend.
Caravan park cabin charge you
150 deposit
280 per week (1 or 5 people)
Showers, fridge, cooking stove and everything else is in a cabin. But no wifi
Hillston backpackers charge you either
180 per person in a cabin (2 max)
No stove in it although there's fridge and shower blablabla..so cooking is still communal.
Oh and a 200 deposit i think
150 per person for dormitory room share up to 4 people.
50 for deposit of key
No brainer. I thought hostel are always cheaper but i rather stay alone 280 rather than get bed bugs. So i left for my new malay community at the caravan park. Alex and Arc both goth their girlfriends over at the caravan park but will stay there till sunday since they paid for it.
I did too but f that, i didn't mind losing the money but was disappointed i wasnt even offered a refund or compensation for that bed bugs incident.
I was only given back my deposit which wasn't cash as well, oh my goodness..i have to wait for just 50 bucks. Plus the owner asked me where am i going, I said caravan park. He replied "is that a threat?" I was like WTF...you can't be in business if you don't wanna keep your shit clean and expect people to stay with you if your rates are high.
But I washed up my clothes in hot water and dry em in the dryer for more than 1 hour. Plus i bought a bed bug spray to kill any living shit that i missed out.
Oh and washing and drying at the caravan park is cheaper, 3 bucks for washing and 1 for drying. At the backpacker hostel is 4 bucks each for washing and drying.
Plus Jennifer is excellent, always here during the morning till arvo at the caravan park.
So do your research and always be wary fellow backpackers. Have fun
Wednesday, 8 May 2019
Update of my life
So let me start with ANZAC day, which is Australian and New Zealand Army Corps celebrated on the 25th of April. I went to the dawn service at Jerra which started super early about 5.30am. This was a day for remembrance for those who served and died. Thank god I never went for Canberra's although is it bigger but parking will be super difficult. They start drinking beer early probably at 6.15am after all is done.
Then after talking shit and everything, people start leaving by 8am and come back again at 12 for Two-up, it is a traditional Australian gambling gambling game by throwing 2 coins into the air (but to make it quicker, now they throw 3 coins). Call a head or a tail, 2 out of 3 coins of heads/tails wins, usually AUD$5 minimum but can go to thousands pretty quick. Bet with anyone and everyone but try not to lose all your money in one day. This is the only day that Two-up is legal.
Kinda abit like Chinese New Year in Singapore when you gamble with friends and family visiting, only difference is Two-up in done in public.
So enough of holidays and traditions..
I've recently moved out from Queanbeyan to Braidwood to gain some farm work in a stable. Work was work, I don't mind hard work. But it is definately colder out there especially when you wake up for work at 4.30am with froze on the windscreen. But the coolest thing is you don't need to lock your car or house as noone will ever come around. Bad thing about rural or farm work, no reception. Holy shit it was super boring and I even slept at 6.30pm. Too bored of not doing shit or waiting for reception.
Before hand I should ask on my salary and payment but I was cool since he is a friend of a friend. On my first day of work, one of the owner went up straight to say that I was suppose to bill him with super and blablabla. I told him that it isn't going to work and it won't count as my 88 days. I thought of just giving it a go and just waste my time not accumulating 88 days but earning some money and experience. I didn't know when was tea, lunch or anything but it doesn't matter since I don't eat anyways, only smoke. However on the 2nd day a job in Hillston called me up stating that I can be turned to full time but I need to start on the 15th instead of being a casual worker starting on the 29th.
So I told the owner of my situation and I don't think he mentioned about the regular payment with payslips and super or probably it was already in my brain since the other owner brainwashed me with that straight up. So on the 3rd day after work, I made some arrangements to be back in Queanbeyan with bloody wifi and so I can watch netflix and blog. I decided to tell the owner that the job isn't going to work out and I am leaving but it seems like he was trying to keep me for another few more days till 15th. But I jumped out and landed back to a surrounding that seems familiar and comfortable.
All I know is I let my friends down and the owner down but oh well, I gotta do what I think is right to complete my 88 days without dramas. Now all I've got to do is just book my accommodation in Hillston backpackers so that I have a room to myself while working there for probably 6 months before heading back here I guess. Hillston is a long way out from the cities but I think I can make it work. Let's hope for success.
Then after talking shit and everything, people start leaving by 8am and come back again at 12 for Two-up, it is a traditional Australian gambling gambling game by throwing 2 coins into the air (but to make it quicker, now they throw 3 coins). Call a head or a tail, 2 out of 3 coins of heads/tails wins, usually AUD$5 minimum but can go to thousands pretty quick. Bet with anyone and everyone but try not to lose all your money in one day. This is the only day that Two-up is legal.
Kinda abit like Chinese New Year in Singapore when you gamble with friends and family visiting, only difference is Two-up in done in public.
So enough of holidays and traditions..
I've recently moved out from Queanbeyan to Braidwood to gain some farm work in a stable. Work was work, I don't mind hard work. But it is definately colder out there especially when you wake up for work at 4.30am with froze on the windscreen. But the coolest thing is you don't need to lock your car or house as noone will ever come around. Bad thing about rural or farm work, no reception. Holy shit it was super boring and I even slept at 6.30pm. Too bored of not doing shit or waiting for reception.
Before hand I should ask on my salary and payment but I was cool since he is a friend of a friend. On my first day of work, one of the owner went up straight to say that I was suppose to bill him with super and blablabla. I told him that it isn't going to work and it won't count as my 88 days. I thought of just giving it a go and just waste my time not accumulating 88 days but earning some money and experience. I didn't know when was tea, lunch or anything but it doesn't matter since I don't eat anyways, only smoke. However on the 2nd day a job in Hillston called me up stating that I can be turned to full time but I need to start on the 15th instead of being a casual worker starting on the 29th.
So I told the owner of my situation and I don't think he mentioned about the regular payment with payslips and super or probably it was already in my brain since the other owner brainwashed me with that straight up. So on the 3rd day after work, I made some arrangements to be back in Queanbeyan with bloody wifi and so I can watch netflix and blog. I decided to tell the owner that the job isn't going to work out and I am leaving but it seems like he was trying to keep me for another few more days till 15th. But I jumped out and landed back to a surrounding that seems familiar and comfortable.
All I know is I let my friends down and the owner down but oh well, I gotta do what I think is right to complete my 88 days without dramas. Now all I've got to do is just book my accommodation in Hillston backpackers so that I have a room to myself while working there for probably 6 months before heading back here I guess. Hillston is a long way out from the cities but I think I can make it work. Let's hope for success.
Sunday, 21 April 2019
First National Rugby League Live
Canberra Raiders VS Parramatta Eels!
19 - 0
Amazing game! Great turnout unlike Singapore's game. They had about 16,000 people came including me of course! The best part is actually taking a piss at another team. Actually I don't go for any but dissing the other team live is kinda funny when you can see the other team's supporter reaction live.
Civilize people here, sportsmanship, no punch up or whatever when people are taking a piss at your team. That's good.
Its coming to the end of my 6 months with 1 employer for my visa, so next is my farmwork or specified work. So its been about 1 week since I've been applying online however its not as easy as 1 2 3 like what some people said. Probably my template is different or my write up it shit but lets pray I can do this and stay here for another year. If all else fail, there's always another another WHV to another country or just go back home..if save probably 1-3 years before going on a trip which is more than a week or 2.
Keep your heads up for those searching for a job.
Thursday, 11 April 2019
Back to Singapore
So I've been back to Singapore for about a week. Book a flight with Scoot airlines from Sydney return trip. From Canberra, I took a Murrays coach which took about 3 hours to Sydney international airport and the trip was good. You can charge your phone from the usb points that they have, toilet on the bus and best of all is wifi as well.
However my trip didn't go as expected. I was suppose to fly out on the 26th of March and my flight got cancelled. The only international flight that I didn't buy a travel insurance and didn't expect any delays whatsoever. It was rescheduled till the next noon flight and I was stranded there from 4pm queuing for about 2 hours plus. But thank god they got me a free accommodation at Rydges hotel for 1 night as I am not staying near Sydney plus AUD$10 airport coupon and AUD$30 hotel voucher, best of all, on a SIA flight. I didn't bitch about it and complain at the counter like about 10% of the people there though but I was bloody hungry.
Went to check in to the hotel and got back to the airport since it was like 2 minutes away and thank god they have a halal option because the hotel doesn't. So I went to Taste of Thai and filled my tummy and had a good sleep. Woke up the next morning and spent all of the hotel voucher of buffet breakfast.
So went an checked myself in early to the airport and to my dismay the airport DFS for departure doesn't sell any cigarettes or have any smoking room when you are at your gates after customs check. Holy shit was I bored for 2.5 hours. If only I knew, I would have not pass customs that early. So you guys that smoke and pampered by Singapore's smoking room at the airport while waiting for your flight, just ask before entering any space.
In-flight entertainment, blanket, socks, earpiece, toothbrush and toothpaste and 2 bloody free meal for economy. It exceeded my expectation by 100%.
But no way I am going to pay the premium myself! HAHAHA
It doesn't end there, landed in Singapore airport and was told to line up and collect some token of appreciation and sorry for the delay and the envelop was SGD$250. I was laughing my way to the DFS in Singapore since I only paid AUD$340 for the return trip. My entire flight trip cost me next to nothing with their compensation of accommodation and everything. Thank you Scoot! But if I've bought myself a travel insurance, I would be in-front by probably a minimum of $100 depending on the insurance I bought.
Oh and those coming back to Singapore, I just come to know that we can't buy cigarette in you are arriving to Singapore airport. Sigh...
But not too worry because Singapore's cigarette is not as expensive as Australia's cigarette and we have lots of variety which comes in different colours. In Australia, all their packaging is black and their red/blue/gold cigarette which I assume is red/menthol/lights are the same, you can't seem to differentiate.
So what did I do in Singapore? Eat as much as I can! 2 Prata with curry doesn't cost me AUD$16, its just about SGD$2.50 at most. I did gain some weight when I got back to Australia but it's all gone now, since its coming to winter and I sweat my butt off working.
Well soon I have to leave Canberra and find a farm work or specified work in Australia for 88 days minimum so that my visa can be extended for the 2nd year 462 visa. So far, I haven't heard from any of the employers that I've applied to. Wish me luck for a job and ease my journey in Australia..
Till next time..
However my trip didn't go as expected. I was suppose to fly out on the 26th of March and my flight got cancelled. The only international flight that I didn't buy a travel insurance and didn't expect any delays whatsoever. It was rescheduled till the next noon flight and I was stranded there from 4pm queuing for about 2 hours plus. But thank god they got me a free accommodation at Rydges hotel for 1 night as I am not staying near Sydney plus AUD$10 airport coupon and AUD$30 hotel voucher, best of all, on a SIA flight. I didn't bitch about it and complain at the counter like about 10% of the people there though but I was bloody hungry.
Went to check in to the hotel and got back to the airport since it was like 2 minutes away and thank god they have a halal option because the hotel doesn't. So I went to Taste of Thai and filled my tummy and had a good sleep. Woke up the next morning and spent all of the hotel voucher of buffet breakfast.
So went an checked myself in early to the airport and to my dismay the airport DFS for departure doesn't sell any cigarettes or have any smoking room when you are at your gates after customs check. Holy shit was I bored for 2.5 hours. If only I knew, I would have not pass customs that early. So you guys that smoke and pampered by Singapore's smoking room at the airport while waiting for your flight, just ask before entering any space.
In-flight entertainment, blanket, socks, earpiece, toothbrush and toothpaste and 2 bloody free meal for economy. It exceeded my expectation by 100%.
But no way I am going to pay the premium myself! HAHAHA
It doesn't end there, landed in Singapore airport and was told to line up and collect some token of appreciation and sorry for the delay and the envelop was SGD$250. I was laughing my way to the DFS in Singapore since I only paid AUD$340 for the return trip. My entire flight trip cost me next to nothing with their compensation of accommodation and everything. Thank you Scoot! But if I've bought myself a travel insurance, I would be in-front by probably a minimum of $100 depending on the insurance I bought.
Oh and those coming back to Singapore, I just come to know that we can't buy cigarette in you are arriving to Singapore airport. Sigh...
But not too worry because Singapore's cigarette is not as expensive as Australia's cigarette and we have lots of variety which comes in different colours. In Australia, all their packaging is black and their red/blue/gold cigarette which I assume is red/menthol/lights are the same, you can't seem to differentiate.
So what did I do in Singapore? Eat as much as I can! 2 Prata with curry doesn't cost me AUD$16, its just about SGD$2.50 at most. I did gain some weight when I got back to Australia but it's all gone now, since its coming to winter and I sweat my butt off working.
Well soon I have to leave Canberra and find a farm work or specified work in Australia for 88 days minimum so that my visa can be extended for the 2nd year 462 visa. So far, I haven't heard from any of the employers that I've applied to. Wish me luck for a job and ease my journey in Australia..
Till next time..
Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Canberra to Melbourne
Its been a while since I've posted something here as I've been away, enjoying and treating myself. I'll talk about the trip I had to Melbourne from Canberra. So its about a 8 hour drive by myself and I was bored to death since there's no one to talk to. Main goal was to grab a mower and bring it back but thank god I have a friend over there. We go back in Polytechnic, he was considered the smartest kid but when it comes to degree over here, he was struggling to cope but he made it anyways.
So Melbourne was lively in the city with free tram zones which means if you are bloody lazy to walk or your house and work is in the free tram zone, you are in luck. Canberra doesn't have these privileges. There's food stalls that opened till night and lights everywhere near the federation square. Went to the Melbourne University, and it was kinda like Hogwarts. old but not run down.
Miss the opportunity to explore more as I only arrive at about 3pm and went back at 10am the next day. However I discovered a great Halal Indonesian eatery which served the best ayam penyek chilli, quite similar to the one in Bali that I'd had. Spicy and delicious. There's alot more Halal choices in bigger cities from Canberra, so those Muslims that want a variety and want to have a vacation down under, do pick the bigger cities.
And if you like Chinatown in Singapore, there's one in Melbourne as well. There's more chinese than caucasian in the city of Melbourne I think
The only shitty part of the trip was if you aren't use to driving with a tram line in the middle of the road plus a hook turn, you are gonna get confused. Thank god I was not driving directly in the middle of the city, my friend did that for me with his car. So it saved me from the embarrassment and hassle.
Lots to see but little time on my hands, but I was grateful to have a little tour of the city and have a place to crash for the night. His apartment rent was technically about the same as what I am paying for a master room over here. Might I add, the apartment was like a condo in Singapore with cards access so it was kinda cool.
We'll stop here and carry on with some insights and my other travel soon..
Sunday, 17 March 2019
Shooting
So the recent shooting in Christchurch NZ was totally uncalled for. I have the thoughts of going over there for a short trip and lucky it wasn't during that particular moment. Deepest condolences to the victims families/friends who have to go through this difficult time. Before I totally forgot, the kid who egged that Sen Fraser Anning, GOOD ON YA! Way to go boy! I wouldn't think that a highly educated men that have considered a high position and representing a country would comment something so ridiculous. What is the colour of the guy shooting, what is the race of the guy shooting, what is the race of the guy shooting?
Does not matter what the reason's behind it is, he killed innocent lives. So now, define the word terrorist again.
Always think before doing anything, because you'll definitely feel uneasy if its the wrong thing. Unless you're mental.
If this guy gets away with just being put up in a mental institution and jail...pfft, what a waste of your citizen's tax money to keep the bloody person alive.
Rest in peace and do not be intimidated by these events. Be safe and be vigilant for yourself and others doesn't matter what race/religion. Be good to one another.
Does not matter what the reason's behind it is, he killed innocent lives. So now, define the word terrorist again.
Always think before doing anything, because you'll definitely feel uneasy if its the wrong thing. Unless you're mental.
If this guy gets away with just being put up in a mental institution and jail...pfft, what a waste of your citizen's tax money to keep the bloody person alive.
Rest in peace and do not be intimidated by these events. Be safe and be vigilant for yourself and others doesn't matter what race/religion. Be good to one another.
Saturday, 9 March 2019
Comparison
So its nearing my 6 months with 1 employer, in order to get my 2nd year visa I will have to do 88 days of farm work or any work that constitutes to specified work in regional area. Work here is quite easy to find if you are not choosy and it pays a minimum sum which I think you can live on.
This will be just a normal comparison of wages. Not an entire holistic comparison and its based on my views. You might have your own but you can share what your views are in the comment section below.
So lets start, for example...
Comparing with Singapore's normal wages if you just have a diploma or a secondary school education certificate. I personally have been offered the lowest at SGD$1700 per month at 44 hours work week, so deducting 20% from that ENORMOUS value will be SGD$1360 take home pay.
Australian minimum wage for a full time employee will be about AUD$19/hour at 38 hours per week. You are looking at AUD$722/week, AUD$2888 per month. But if you are working as a holiday maker like me, you are taxed at 15% from the first dollar, so your take home per month will be AUD$2166.
To another adventure of getting my 88 days starting from May. I hope to be getting a job that pays hourly before heading out to anywhere. I've gotten lucky so far to got 1 referral into a raspberry farm and accommodation by a local retired detective over here however the place isn't a guaranteed, I still have to apply but the peeps will put in a good work for me. Plus I don't know how it's going to pay but from the reviews I researched, it's going to pay per bin however I've been told that there's a chance for me to ride the tractor/fix the irrigation and other jobs instead of just picking if I shine. By the good words that have been stuff to the employer by my mate, chances are higher. However only time will tell.
Stay tune for my next adventure to find work or who knows.....
This will be just a normal comparison of wages. Not an entire holistic comparison and its based on my views. You might have your own but you can share what your views are in the comment section below.
So lets start, for example...
Comparing with Singapore's normal wages if you just have a diploma or a secondary school education certificate. I personally have been offered the lowest at SGD$1700 per month at 44 hours work week, so deducting 20% from that ENORMOUS value will be SGD$1360 take home pay.
Australian minimum wage for a full time employee will be about AUD$19/hour at 38 hours per week. You are looking at AUD$722/week, AUD$2888 per month. But if you are working as a holiday maker like me, you are taxed at 15% from the first dollar, so your take home per month will be AUD$2166.
To another adventure of getting my 88 days starting from May. I hope to be getting a job that pays hourly before heading out to anywhere. I've gotten lucky so far to got 1 referral into a raspberry farm and accommodation by a local retired detective over here however the place isn't a guaranteed, I still have to apply but the peeps will put in a good work for me. Plus I don't know how it's going to pay but from the reviews I researched, it's going to pay per bin however I've been told that there's a chance for me to ride the tractor/fix the irrigation and other jobs instead of just picking if I shine. By the good words that have been stuff to the employer by my mate, chances are higher. However only time will tell.
Stay tune for my next adventure to find work or who knows.....
Saturday, 2 March 2019
3/3 Episode of Travel
So the last stop was to Sydney the big city. I caught a cheap flight about AUD$70 as it is near YHA Coolangatta was like 500metres to the airport. Landed in Sydney domestic airport and prebooked a AUD$18 van ride from Airbussydney to Base backpackers which was just beside a bar Scary canary. However the noise was quite tolerable. If you guys want someone to pick you up for free, book Jollyswagman. The place where I stayed at was alright but nothing compared to what I had in Gold Coast. Pool, free brekkie, wifi in bed. The prices was quite similar mind you.
Well, Coming to the food, Ipoh on York was packed during lunch. I can't believe my eyes on how many white people are eating asian food and picking up sambal. It was quite shocking but I like it. Same ambiance with Papparich in Canberra however I guess Ipoh on York is super busy during lunch with takeaway and dine-in customers. So next time, try to avoid the peak period and enjoy the meal like you had back home. But oh, prata isn't the same price, so beware.
There was one malaysian restaurant that was small and it was AUD$9.90 for all you can eat prata which was the best. However i missed the name and the street I was at. What I remember was their nasi lemak sold out most of the time.
So bondi beach wasn't at their best at that time however check the Bondi Iceberg. If the waves was high and good it will technically fill up the pool with seawater. Well from the sources I gathered, Manly beach was suppose to be better than Bondi. You be the judge of that.
Monday, 25 February 2019
2/3 Episode of Travel
So next up I caught a bus from Brisbane to Gold Coast, it was just about 1hr and 30mins bus ride by Greyhound and is just AUD$18. There air-conditioning, wifi, and also a USB plug to charge your device. Genius right! What a value for money.
Landed in straight to Bunksurfersparadise which was totally amazing, the entrance made you feel like you are checking into a hotel. They serve free breakfast as well, but hold your horses. Its just bread with spreads or cereal with milk. All you can eat and not to forget free flow of coffee/tea too. Super relaxing vibe, toilets are attached to your bunk and amazingly it clean and wifi is available in your room.
I highly recommend the hostel to anyone travelling to Gold Coast. Well, there are heaps of things to do there. Don't missed out on Warner bro's movie world, Dreamworld, Seaworld, Currumbin wildlife sanctuary, lots of amazing waterfall places for your instagram shots. Plan your trip well and rent out a electric bike since they have it there and you don't need a license. Oh and I didn't went to all the tourist places if you are wondering. So next time you are here, bring a plus 1. From what I heard theme parks have some plus 1 rule as well. Make a friend, bring your girl/boy friend along and head for an amazing adventure.
For my Muslim tourist, you'll find alot of halal places like Shiraz authentic persian restaurant and lots more but definitely head to Amin's kitchen, this place is a steal. The portion of the Briyani was amazing, could fill 2 person and worth your penny.
After filling up your tummy don't forget to buy some souvenirs for your family back home because this is where you can find cheap stuff especially those I heart Australia keychain. Its super cheap here as low as AUD$2.99.
After all, what is surfers paradise if you don't surf. However the secret is, to move up like 25kms to Coolangatta, you'll get about AUD$10-15 cheaper surf lessons if you are a total beginner.
If you plan to stay in Coolangatta, and not afraid of some heat (only fan in room) with free internet in the reception area but cozy vibe and chill people. Head down to YHA Coolangatta. I did this because it was super near to the airport. If you got an early morning flight, the walking distance is just about 500metres to the airport. Oh don't you worry, you won't be able to hear the noisy take off from your bunk.
I would like to warn Muslim travelers in Coolangatta that its challenging to find a halal food there so I stick with woolies indomie.
So if you are thinking bout the ease to get to the gold coast airport in the morning probably head there at night after all your fun and joy at surfers paradise.
Just to add on, this is by far the best houses that i've seen in Australia with a bloody view. It must cost a fortune to buy a house here but it will be bloody worth it.
Next up the big city Sydney...
Landed in straight to Bunksurfersparadise which was totally amazing, the entrance made you feel like you are checking into a hotel. They serve free breakfast as well, but hold your horses. Its just bread with spreads or cereal with milk. All you can eat and not to forget free flow of coffee/tea too. Super relaxing vibe, toilets are attached to your bunk and amazingly it clean and wifi is available in your room.
I highly recommend the hostel to anyone travelling to Gold Coast. Well, there are heaps of things to do there. Don't missed out on Warner bro's movie world, Dreamworld, Seaworld, Currumbin wildlife sanctuary, lots of amazing waterfall places for your instagram shots. Plan your trip well and rent out a electric bike since they have it there and you don't need a license. Oh and I didn't went to all the tourist places if you are wondering. So next time you are here, bring a plus 1. From what I heard theme parks have some plus 1 rule as well. Make a friend, bring your girl/boy friend along and head for an amazing adventure.
For my Muslim tourist, you'll find alot of halal places like Shiraz authentic persian restaurant and lots more but definitely head to Amin's kitchen, this place is a steal. The portion of the Briyani was amazing, could fill 2 person and worth your penny.
After filling up your tummy don't forget to buy some souvenirs for your family back home because this is where you can find cheap stuff especially those I heart Australia keychain. Its super cheap here as low as AUD$2.99.
After all, what is surfers paradise if you don't surf. However the secret is, to move up like 25kms to Coolangatta, you'll get about AUD$10-15 cheaper surf lessons if you are a total beginner.
If you plan to stay in Coolangatta, and not afraid of some heat (only fan in room) with free internet in the reception area but cozy vibe and chill people. Head down to YHA Coolangatta. I did this because it was super near to the airport. If you got an early morning flight, the walking distance is just about 500metres to the airport. Oh don't you worry, you won't be able to hear the noisy take off from your bunk.
I would like to warn Muslim travelers in Coolangatta that its challenging to find a halal food there so I stick with woolies indomie.
So if you are thinking bout the ease to get to the gold coast airport in the morning probably head there at night after all your fun and joy at surfers paradise.
Just to add on, this is by far the best houses that i've seen in Australia with a bloody view. It must cost a fortune to buy a house here but it will be bloody worth it.
Next up the big city Sydney...
Saturday, 23 February 2019
1/3 Episode of Travel
Finally on the 13th of Feb I was travelling somewhere in Australia. Headed to Brisbane, which I got kinda of a cheap flight from Canberra which was worth AUD$117 and stayed at YHA Brisbane @ Roma St, It was kinda cheap with a scenary at the top floor with a pool however there wasn't any wifi in the rooms, the only free wifi that you can get was at the reception area which was a bummer. If I knew any sooner, I would definitely go with bunksurfersparadise, check them out.
So first start when I landed was to get an airtrain which was about AUD$18 that takes you to roma street station and then its just about 2kms to the hostel. Its a row of hostel before getting to YHA brisbane at roma but thank god it was air condition.
I don't know how to describe Brisbane but definitely I didn't try all the tourist package or hell I didn't even take on one. I walked to all the places of interest which was alright I think. But definitely wasn't able to go through all of them. One of the places which I wish I had more time to visit was JC Slaughter Waterfalls, that's the only thing I wish I had time for. But I walked through the suburbs and I wasn't the best that I thought it was. I've seen better out here in Canberra or Queanbeyan.
Oh well, I hiked mount Coot-tha twice because the clever me did not even see where it would lead me to. Went back down and hike backed up to the outlook and my god it was packed because there was a shop there. It might be a good thing if you are dating and want a picnic set up there, amazing view and of course the ease of getting something to eat or drink.
Oh and for the halal eaters out there, you might want to eat at Dapur Dahlia if you miss Malay Asian food. But fret not, if its too far, you will have a 24/7 kebab store but its not the best that I've eaten Rocknrollkebab.
If anyone of you want some real juicy kebab, come over to Canberra and enjoy Turkish Halal Pide House . The best, juicy and god damn they are not stingy with their servings.
So after Brisbane...Gold Coast the best I've been to, stay tune to know more...
So first start when I landed was to get an airtrain which was about AUD$18 that takes you to roma street station and then its just about 2kms to the hostel. Its a row of hostel before getting to YHA brisbane at roma but thank god it was air condition.
I don't know how to describe Brisbane but definitely I didn't try all the tourist package or hell I didn't even take on one. I walked to all the places of interest which was alright I think. But definitely wasn't able to go through all of them. One of the places which I wish I had more time to visit was JC Slaughter Waterfalls, that's the only thing I wish I had time for. But I walked through the suburbs and I wasn't the best that I thought it was. I've seen better out here in Canberra or Queanbeyan.
Oh well, I hiked mount Coot-tha twice because the clever me did not even see where it would lead me to. Went back down and hike backed up to the outlook and my god it was packed because there was a shop there. It might be a good thing if you are dating and want a picnic set up there, amazing view and of course the ease of getting something to eat or drink.
Oh and for the halal eaters out there, you might want to eat at Dapur Dahlia if you miss Malay Asian food. But fret not, if its too far, you will have a 24/7 kebab store but its not the best that I've eaten Rocknrollkebab.
If anyone of you want some real juicy kebab, come over to Canberra and enjoy Turkish Halal Pide House . The best, juicy and god damn they are not stingy with their servings.
So after Brisbane...Gold Coast the best I've been to, stay tune to know more...
Sunday, 3 February 2019
3 Months Into It
To summarise my 3 months into Australia work and holiday visa 462, I've not been travelling like other backpackers or holiday go-ers. However I've been to almost all the suburbs in Canberra than any normal traveller.
Been travelling my way to work and got to see some of the spots, however its not how everyone would want to travel and enjoy their holidays. On the bright side, I've managed to recoup whatever the cost of expenses to get here inclusive of the car that I've bought. So YAY me!
Been planning to visit some places, but we'll see how we go. Other than that, here will be some Australian lingo's or slang you'll probably hear. Well there's more, so speak to the locals to find out more..
| Phrase/term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace | great, excellent |
| Ankle-biter | child |
| Arvo | afternoon |
| Barbie | barbeque |
| Barrack | support (a sports team) |
| Bathers (also swimmers, cozzies) | garment you swim in |
| Bogan | uncool person |
| Bottle-o | bottle shop (liquor store) |
| Bloke | male |
| Bludger | lazy person |
| Buggered | tired, broken |
| Call it a day | finish what you are doing |
| Dodgy | not quite right, suspicious |
| Dunny | toilet |
| Fair go | give someone an equal chance |
| Give someone a bell | call someone on the phone |
| Good on ya | good for you (can be sarcastic) |
| Have a blue | have a fight |
| Hot under the collar | get angry |
| Idiot box | television |
| Jumper | sweater |
| Knock something | to criticise something |
| Lamingtons | sponge cakes coated in chocolate and grated coconut |
| Larrakin | a prankster, someone who likes to have a laugh |
| Little Aussie battler | someone bravely overcoming hardship |
| Maccas | McDonalds |
| Mate | term of friendship |
| Mucking around | playing games, being foolish |
| No worries | no problem, reassurance |
| Reckon | to agree, an opinion |
| Rip off | to cheat |
| Rug up | dress warmly |
| Servo | service station |
| She'll be right | it'll be fine, reassurance |
| Shout | to pay for the next round of drinks |
| Show you the ropes | show you how things work |
| Slack | lazy |
| Slab | pack of 24 cans of beer |
| Spewin' | not happy |
| Spud | a potato |
| Spunk | a good looking person of either sex |
| Sucked in | to be conned or tricked into something |
| Sunnies | sunglasses |
| Ta | thank you |
| Take a sickie | have a day off work |
| Tea | the evening meal (dinner) , or a cup of tea |
| Thongs | cheap rubber backless sandals |
| Trackie daks | tracksuit pants |
| True blue | genuinely Australian |
| Uni | university |
| Up yourself | have a high opinion of yourself |
| Vegemite | spread for toast or bread, savoury in flavour |
| Veggies | vegetables |
| Veggo | a vegetarian |
| Wag | skip school, truancy |
| Whinge | complain |
| Wonky | something unstable, unsteady or shaky |
| Wuss | a coward |
| Yobbo | a rowdy/loud/disruptive person |
https://www.studiesinaustralia.com/studying-in-australia/living-in-australia/aussie-slang
Saturday, 26 January 2019
Australia Day
When it comes to Australia, everyday is beer day. 26th of Jan is Australia day and today I got to see what the locals here in Jerrabomberra do. In the morning they'll be gathering for Australia national anthem proceed with cricket game (just for fun) and get on the barbie on the oval. In between the games...you've guessed it right! Drinking piss. At noon, they'll be at the tavern drinking more piss.
Bloody hell, if it was Singapore's average middle age man, he'll be knocked out and causing a scene by noon I guess by the amount of piss they're drinking. I guess their tolerance level of alcohol is super high.
I took a trip down to the city of Canberra to grab some Malaysian food at Papparich and was starving so I ordered an extra bowl of briyani rice. Holy shoot, it was AUD$3 for that bowl of briyani rice. Thank god for the minimum wage here. And oh stores don't close on their national day like some of Singapore's I guess. Their biggest celebration will be like Christmas and good Friday I guess.
Speaking of minimum wage, at the centre, there were still quite a few people still asking for money and durry (cigarette). I still can't work out the maths, if the minimum wage is good and you are hard working even at Macca's (Mcdonalds), you could be doing just fine. Not luxurious but just alright if you are not spendthrift.
Well, I guess some are just f***wits and just too lazy but who know they are just there to get by for another week or 2 till they get back on their feet.
So just like Singapore, they will have fireworks, but it was raining I was too lazy to be in the city. So I took a look at the fireworks in my Suburb, Queanbeyan. Actually I was just at the varanda, too lazy to get out and it was raining.
FYI, the heat here in summer is terrible. Don't forget your sunscreen.
Bloody hell, if it was Singapore's average middle age man, he'll be knocked out and causing a scene by noon I guess by the amount of piss they're drinking. I guess their tolerance level of alcohol is super high.
I took a trip down to the city of Canberra to grab some Malaysian food at Papparich and was starving so I ordered an extra bowl of briyani rice. Holy shoot, it was AUD$3 for that bowl of briyani rice. Thank god for the minimum wage here. And oh stores don't close on their national day like some of Singapore's I guess. Their biggest celebration will be like Christmas and good Friday I guess.
Speaking of minimum wage, at the centre, there were still quite a few people still asking for money and durry (cigarette). I still can't work out the maths, if the minimum wage is good and you are hard working even at Macca's (Mcdonalds), you could be doing just fine. Not luxurious but just alright if you are not spendthrift.
Well, I guess some are just f***wits and just too lazy but who know they are just there to get by for another week or 2 till they get back on their feet.
So just like Singapore, they will have fireworks, but it was raining I was too lazy to be in the city. So I took a look at the fireworks in my Suburb, Queanbeyan. Actually I was just at the varanda, too lazy to get out and it was raining.
FYI, the heat here in summer is terrible. Don't forget your sunscreen.
Saturday, 12 January 2019
Cheaper Ideas and business proposal gone to the drain
Few weeks back, I realised that I can save money and even market a garden tap timer up here in Canberra since the tap timer here cost a bomb, about a minimum of AUD$30 for each one.
So I've search and beat the market at about AUD$18 per garden tap timer, I've tried to sample 2 different ones from different suppliers, however both came out dead by the end of 1 day. 1 was pissing out water from the battery compartment and the other just stopped working.
Well lesson learnt, cheap products doesn't always come good. However some other stuff on the net are usable, it depends though.
There's other lesson learnt here in Australia. I don't know if its common but from my views and experience. Hot girl with a dog, will about 80% leave their dog shit in their lawn. I don't get that.
The other one will be, if your neighbour's house is unoccupied, you will use their stuff. Like their powerpoint, water, parking space etc. Kinda of a asshole move, but its not my place to comment.
Hopefully next time I come through with something good to make a side hustle here or even make it big...see ya folks
So I've search and beat the market at about AUD$18 per garden tap timer, I've tried to sample 2 different ones from different suppliers, however both came out dead by the end of 1 day. 1 was pissing out water from the battery compartment and the other just stopped working.
Well lesson learnt, cheap products doesn't always come good. However some other stuff on the net are usable, it depends though.
There's other lesson learnt here in Australia. I don't know if its common but from my views and experience. Hot girl with a dog, will about 80% leave their dog shit in their lawn. I don't get that.
The other one will be, if your neighbour's house is unoccupied, you will use their stuff. Like their powerpoint, water, parking space etc. Kinda of a asshole move, but its not my place to comment.
Hopefully next time I come through with something good to make a side hustle here or even make it big...see ya folks
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