Finally I arrived in Australia where I had a working holiday visa which kick started 15th May 2015, through an easy customs before chilling with a coffee at the airport for a while, since it was only 6am and too early to go round to my friend’s, Jaime, house. Who was kindly putting me up for the night. I was only spending a week in Australia as I decided to go visit New Zealand for a couple of weeks before finally admitting I was out of cash and needed a job.

I made it easily to Jaime’s and the nice bus driver even let me off with the fare, result. Despite being tired from the jet lag, Jaime played the good host and took me out to be a tourist for the day. This included going to a small Colombian café for brunch…where I had a Colombian hot chocolate…it contains cheese! Actually, it was ok. Visited the Pylon Tower at the Harbour bridge which overlooks the Opera house and the harbour before the jet lag kicked in and we headed back so I could grab a nap before going out for food and drinks that evening. We found a great pizza place, Frankies, which I had visited some 2 years before and was still as good, before hitting the cocktails at a cool underground 1920’s bar. By 12am I was just about standing (from lack of sleep not too much booze!)

Then it was time to move on to spend the week dossing on my mate and old housemate’s, Killian, floor. It took forever to reach his and as soon as I arrived the beers were opened and good to see the old boy again and meet his mate, Damien, who was the younger brother of Killian’s mate we use to hang out with back in London. It was another boozey night down at the rugby club with a bunch of Killian’s mates but was a good laugh and ended with a bit of a house party. The rest of the week was a complete lazy one and predominately consisted of doing up my CV and cover letter, applying for a SIM card and Tax File Number and sorting out a bank account. Oh the joys of life admin again.

However, I did make some time to catch up with my friend from home, Lisa, in our natural home…the pub for a few beers and pub grub. As well, as meeting up with two English girls I met in Borneo (for all of a few hours) for a slap up Thai meal. Pretty nice to come to Australia, and in particular Sydney, already knowing a few of people. I spent a bit of time hanging out with Damien with beers down on the beach and a big feast and drinking night the night before flying to New Zealand, as well as cooking for Killian to say thanks for letting me stay. And during the day, when it wasn’t raining, walking along the coastal walk from Tamarama beach to Coogee, which is a really nice walk. But, sadly, didn’t clock any migrating whales.

The week in Sydney went really quick but was a good week to spend trying to develop a bit of a game plan, catch up with friends and plan my time in New Zealand. Damo kindly gave me a lift over to the airport in time for me to grab the flight to Christchurch. Only annoying thing is, I land at 2am and had to book a hotel for that night. Oh well some costs are just worth it for a good few hours kip.