Still looking

There is not much happening at the moment. I'm still waiting for an interview with Edge Digital, it should be there next week. The guy who wants to interview me is on holidays now. So we wait… While waiting I've had the time to get to know my fellow long-term stayers a bit better. Some of them are really great, others are well, you know. They're not really my kind of people. Still they're pretty much okay, a lot more interesting than some people back home :) About 2/3 of the guests in the hostel are working, most of them in hospitality or labouring. A couple of them work in a call centre. Not really the job I'm looking for. The other night I was talking about this with Joseph, an American scientist from San Francisco. (Why are the great guys I meet while travelling always US Citizens?) He said he felt like the Mexicans in the USA (= North Africans in Europe). And he is right in a way. Backpackers here are doing the jobs Australians don't want to do. We can find easily a labour job or a job in hospitality or mining. But once you start looking for a job requiring higher skills or a certain amount of knowledge/experience you immediately hit a wall of glass. Joe says the Australians are racists. I don't, I just see the similarity with the market I'm used to work in. I really don't know if I'm willing to wait half a year before I get a job in some kind of IT role. Melbourne really is an expensive city. You can save some money by not going out a lot, but food and accommodation costs me about 250 dollars a week. Another option is travelling in Victoria and drive to Melbourne whenever I'm needed for an interview. Once outside the city, the living costs decrease with about 30%. And it should be easier to find a job in the countryside, but it won't be an IT job. I need to buy me a car. It will cost me 2500 to 3500 dollars; luckily petrol is not that expensive ($ 1.3/l) here. Although Australians are pretty mad because the high petrol prices. The car gives you the possibility to save a lot of money on accommodation once travelling Australia. Driving on the left in a car with the steering wheel on the right is weird in the beginning. The pedals are in the same position, but the gear box on your left is pretty weird. Most Australian cars are automatics which I don't like at all, especially not when driving in mountainous areas. And the indicators have switched places with the wipers which can give you pretty funny situations when making a turn :) I've learned this the hard way travelling with Gertjan, a Belgian PhD student on a research mission. I've met him on Facebook through a mutual friend in Belgium. We rented a car and drove off to Mt. Buller, one of the higher 'peaks' with his 1835m in the Alpine National Park. It was great! Saw my first wallabies and snakes, and about two dozen colourful birds I've never seen before. Trees and plants are also completely different from what I've seen before. Fauna and flora are amazing here. I do like the smell of gum trees, especially when it's really warm outside. It's so refreshing. Check out the pictures here. One other thing I've learned the hard way: incoming police cars can flash you when speeding (I was driving 109 where only 100 was allowed)! Speed limits are lower than in Belgium. 40, 60, 80, 100 is what I've seen so far. Pedestrians and cyclers are not defended by traffic laws. In Australia the car is King of the Road. And I do like driving on dirt roads (unpaved roads, mostly gravel)… So I've started a new search. I had a car in mind, a Ford Falcon Wagon from 1975, but I didn't buy it. It didn't seem very trustworthy to me and there were some minor issues which made it not worth it. Tomorrow I'll meet some Germans to check their car. Might be a good car, and it carries a lot of stuff ! A funny note to end this post. Christmas songs about cold and snow in 30 degrees is so annoying!

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The Bony King of Nowhere

[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fuJ5SHd1CI" color="white" nocookie="1"] Ne grote, nen hele grote zeg ik u !

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Harvest Festival, Werribee Park

The festivals location is very comparable with the English End of the Road festival in Salisbury. Both are situated in Parks, but not the parks we know in Belgium. You could compare the location with 'Den Uitlegger' in Kapellen (if you know it) or any other small national park. It's just one big green zone where they've put some stages and some tents on. In Werribee they've created three music stages whereof one in a tent (here you could shelter from the burning sun). In Belgium we need to change our money into food and drink tokens, in Australia and England that seems not to be the question. Everything is paid in cash. Prices were not too bad, as long as you remember that Australia is more expensive than Europe:  $ 5 for a 600ml coke bottle and about $ 10-15 for a meal. Beer and spirits are more expensive than soda's (how it should be !). Sorry, no pictures. I didn't want to take my camera with me… :) First band of the day was Winter People. There were not bad at all. Bringing live violins on stage is always a winner, especially when two nice looking girls are playing them.  It's a band that could reach the duysterplaylist ! Next I went to see The War on Drugs. A known band to me as I already saw them a couple of times, previous on Primavera last May. They did what was to be expected, although they were playing way too early in the afternoon. Too bad for Dark Dark Dark but I thought their set was pretty boring. I do like the album, but live it is just too static. There was almost no interaction with the public. Most songs were exact copies of the album and that tends to get boring. The organisation really needs to find a way to organize their schedule a bit better. Dark Horses was playing at the same moment as The Dandy Warhols, and it was really visible in the crowd. Guess they started with about 300 people watching them, about 20 minutes later there were only 20 to 30 people watching the end of their show… Then the time came to find me some food and drinks because both The Dandy Warhols as Silversun Pickups where not that interesting. The latter were just boring while the first were not too bad, but I was just waiting for their early 2000 hits Bohemian Like You and We Used to be Friends. Next were Liars, they played a very, very psych set with a lot of serious beats. They were also the first band making the people dance. Officially there is a 100dB limit, but that was a joke, especially in the tent where Liars was playing… But again, at the end of their set most 'fans' left for Cake: see Silversun Pickups. Beirut wasn't that good either. They should have been better. I had the feeling they were jet lagged, a lot. (Couple of days after the festival there was an announcement Beirut had to cancel all their remaining Aussie gigs due to illness). Chromatics was no doubt the best band playing that day (I didn't watch all bands off course).  There were not that many spectators, but what a party they've created ! Although the set was very similar to the Primavera one, they were responsible for the first goose bumps of the day. The set ended as usual with their Kate Bush and Neil Young covers. I still don't understand why they don't start their set with that Neil Young cover. It would be a great way to start dancing the night away... But then again, Chromatics were scheduled at daylight. I had to skip Ben Folds Five because I wanted to see Chromatics again. I didn't feel bad at all… Next up was Beck. It seemed to be a greatest hits show. Not so weird if you check his back catalogue. Nice set with a lot of variaton, nice performance. Grizzly Bear was a very busy place to be after Beck. They started with a 30 minutes delay so I could only see the first half hour. In England you could see they were not used to the new songs yet. Well that's over now. Hell, those new songs do sound great live ! Too bad I could not stay until the end, because Sigur Rós was beginning at main stage. Sigur Rós was good but they weren't great. Seems to be weird to tell you this but I have the feeling the Icelandic band has lost his magic touch performing live. There songs still are great. I really do like them, but I'm missing the energy and emotions I'm used to when seeing them performing live. Again, no goose bumps except for Untitled #8 and Svefn-g-Englar, and that's just not enough. And to be honest I don't know what the Australians were thinking but going towards the end of the set a lot of the people went away… (left early or going to Santigold for a couple of songs ?) The festival ended with Sigur Rós at 22:00, no encores, no extra's. It seems a very Belgian thing to end festivals at 02:00 at night (Primavera keeps on going until 5, but it also starts only at 17:00). I'm also wondering why I have the feeling bands are not really playing as passionate as in Europe. Are they still suffering from the jet lag ? Are they having not that much of fun ? The public here isn't also that fanatic, they favour beer and being together more I guess. :) It was an expensive day, but luckily I did enjoy the day.

[googlemaps height=395 width=600]

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At last I'm receiving some reaction on all the resumes I've send. Recruiters are now calling for more info about my resume. Which means they've read it ! So my resume seems to be written well and there is just enough info on it to make them interested. Now it's just waiting till someone wants to speak with me. One job is already denied. They were looking for a PR (Permanent Resident) while I'm only a TR (Temporary Resident). Guess I will hear this more coming days… Last week I went to the Immigration Museum. A small, decent museum focussed on those arriving in Victoria from the 1800's up until now. Next week I'm going to the Melbourne Museum. I have absolutely no idea what to expect. But a lot of guests are recommending it. Just as they recommend the War Memorial in Canberra. According to the majority in the hostel it is the only reason to go to Canberra. So I'm thinking of doing a city trip or a mid-week stay. It might save me some time later on this trip. Last Sunday I went to the Harvest Festival in Werribee Park, some 40km southwest of Melbourne (yep they drive on the left but they use km) . It was e pretty nice festival, a bit expensive ($ 175 entrance, food and drinks weren't that bad according to Australian standards. $ 10 for a normal meal and $5 for a 0.6l bottle of coke), but the setting was great, very similar to End of the Road. A part of the park was reserved for the festival , so it was a nice stroll from one stage to another. Too bad I didn't bring my camera. There were music stages, but also opportunities to hear stand-up comedians, actors and other performers. Top of the bill were Beck, Santigold and Sigur Rós. The first was good, the third were also pretty good although I believe they've lost their magic. Santigold was playing at the same time as Sigur Rós. But the best gig was no doubt Chromatics. They were the only ones who could give me goose bumps all over my body. You can read more about the festival on my music pages (soon). It is remarkable how many French are staying here. At this time there are at least 9 French. And off course some of them are speaking French to me once they know I'm Belgian. I like it, because I can maintain my French, there are no other possibilities to speak that language in Australia. And some of those French are pretty cool guys (and girls). The music here is very different. The one working on the main computer mostly decides what is playing, although I've already found some solutions to that. All common rooms do have their own sound system (5.1 or 2.1 pc systems) so just change rooms to hear my music :) It reveqls some weird things sometimes, French who're listening to Ghinzu and Girls in Hawaii, an American who recognized Pinback at the first note, a German recognizing The Album Leaf logo, another French loving Boards of Canada. Too bad the British controlling the main computer are stuck in the (bad) 90's (Charles & Eddy, Annie Lenox, 5ive, Backstreet Boys…)

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Jessica Bailiff - Slowly (Show Me)

[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_HW07YNgSM" color="white" nocookie="1"]

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Melbourne Cup

I really like to observe people. Just go to a busy street or public space, take your book out, something to drink, roll some cigarettes up front and enjoy the good times. Today was such a day. Too bad the weather wasn't that great (more on that later), but I had my time of joy in Melbourne near Flinders Street Station. Just watch the people returning from the Melbourne Cup was hilarious. You know Waregem Koerse ? Well it's about the same, but a bit bigger ! It just is amazing to see everyone dressed up. Men in suits and women wearing very nice dresses and very weird hats (but pretty expensive I guess). The weather here is weird. You could compare it to a Belgian spring at the moment except is's about 5 to 10 degrees warmer. The people here say you can have 4 seasons in one day and it is a lie. Sunshine in the morning and a couple of hours later it's raining cats and dogs. There were some very nice days up to 35 degrees, but in general it's about 25 and not wet. When there are no clouds and sun is shining at full strength it is very bright outside. Sunglasses are very welcome, except I can't wear them. I'm wondering what it will be in summer... The job part of this journey might be a bit different than I thought it would. Seems that the Australian job market is similar to the Belgian market. Very difficult to get a foot between the door as they say it over here. I've send about 20 inquiries out already, received 5 negative answers and the other 15 are still pending. It might be necessary to shift focus and broaden my search area if I really want to work in Australia. IT is a very closed market and without the right certificates it is almost impossible to even get an interview. The ITIL certificate I have is just not enough (as I feared before leaving). So if anyone knows someone with an IT-network in Australia I would really appreciate it to receive some useful tips. I'm pretty sure I'll be staying for at least 2 more weeks in Melbourne. Next week it's the Harvest Festival, week after that I might go to Radiohead in the Rod Laver Arena (Australian Open, anyone ?), although it is expensive: 130 dollars. GY!BE is coming in February, also an interesting gig...

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Lord Huron - I Will Be Back One Day

[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFuWAhH8q_g"] I wanna live in a land of lakes Where the great waves break And the night runs right into the day I wanna be with ones I left But I'm way out west And the years keep on slipping away I wanna run on the sacred dunes Through the ancient ruins Where the fires of my ancestors burned I remember that fateful day When I ran away And you told me I couldn't return You made me swear I'd never forget I made a vow I'd see you again I will be back one day, and I'll find you There by the great big lake I been running a long, long time Trying to flee that life But I can't seem to leave it behind Wanna visit the windswept shores Of a time before When the moon and the stars were aligned I remember the bright spring day When you sparked that flame And a fire that continues to burn I remember the day I left Headin' way out west When you told me to never return

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the first days

The journey towards Australia was pretty boring. 11 hours flight from Schiphol to Singapore in a B777-200 (a lot of legroom) followed by a 16 hours stop over in Singapore. I've hooked up with Adriaan, a Dutch guy heading for Christchurch (NZ) who had a 14h stop over. We ended up booking a room in the Transit Hotel, where we slept 5 hours before we got into the city. 26nd of October is a public holiday in Singapore, so a lot of people on the streets! At 21:00 my flight to Melbourne left Singapore. This time it was the biggest plane in the world, the A380, but I do not recommend it if you're tall. You will not have much legroom on that plane ! Result: a red eye flight without sleep... and that's absolutely not recommended. So here we are ... in Melbourne. About 2 days without decent sleep. It hurts ! I arrived at the hostel on Saturday morning around 11:00 o'clock. Paul, the manager, immediately gave me some very good tips about getting a job here in Australia. Seems I have to apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number), so I can work as a self-employed contractor in IT. According to other guests I shouldn't have a problem finding me an IT job. And they also told me IT jobs are pretty good paid... The majority of guests in the Collingwood Backpackers are so called long-term guests. They all staying here for a longer period while working. I really hope to become one of them too :) The hostel is not really that big. About 40 guests, and they're pretty close. The day I arrived there was a party celebrating a birthday and the leaving of 2 guests. I did not party along... I really couldn't, I just needed my sleep. So I went to bed early at 23:00. After 10 hours of sleep I'm becoming human again, but we're not there yet. Tomorrow all will be okay, I guess.  Monday will also be the day to fix my administrative situation. I need to get me an Australian mobile phone number, opening a bank account, apply for the necessary Tax File Number and the ABN. I'm really curious how this will evolve... Stay tuned for more news soon !

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So long and thanks for all the fish

So long and thanks for all the fish ! A known quote for those who read. Those who don't, google it ! :-) Actually, there isn't much to say so far. But I had to write something for those who did not remember the address to this blog. Tomorrow at 06:58 I'll take the train to Schiphol. Take off is planned at 11:15, Singapore stop-over from 07:00 till 21:00; finished by the red eye flight to Melbourne, scheduled to arrive at 08:00 on Saturday, October 27th. At this time no return date has been pinned. Probably I'll be back the first half of 2014.

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Preparing

Yesterday was my last day at the project I was working on... So once more I had to say goodbye to the people I was working with. That really can be a problem when working as a consultant. You just move from work place to work place, getting to know people, start appreciating them and then you have to leave again. But hey, I'm heading towards the adventure. That's just one of the few disadvantages I have to bear. It really is getting close now. One more week and I'm off. No way back. Well that's what I want to think, but off course I do know I can always return back home when I want to. In these days it just isn't what it used to be. Just try to image the people doing this about 25 years ago. No cell phones, no internet, no dslr's, no mp3 players, laptops, tablets, smart phones, nothing of this modern stuff. You had to write a letter, put in an envelope with a stamp and about 2 weeks later it was delivered. A century ago it took you twice that much time to reach Australia... [caption id="" align="alignright" width="250"] My stuff[/caption] At this time I'm preparing everything. Probably I'm forgetting things, but that's not too bad. I can always look for it when necessary. I just hope I don't take too much luggage or not very useful things with me. It's always a pity to leave things behind or send them back. Some items are travelling with me since my very first trip in 2003 like my Swiss pocket knife and A Short History of Nearly Everything (by Bill Bryson. Read it, it really is awesome !). Others were added during the various trips (solar charging set, 10" laptop, ext hdd). And of course you've got the basic stuff every traveller is carrying: a camera, mp3 player, sleeping bag, petzl, travel diary and of course your towel * ! I'm allowed to take 20kg luggage with me. Normally it should be possible to keep the weight under 17kg, but 15kg would be better.  In the photo you see what I'm taking with me. There are just some clothes to be added to complete it.

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we're getting closer

Last days were pretty silent at work so I found some time to stroll the internet looking for job opportunities in Melbourne. At this time I'm only focussing on IT. I really hope to find a job in IT, I do believe this would be a great value if added to my resume. But I have absolutely no idea if it is possible with the 417 visa. I'm allowed to work max. 6 months for the same employer, what means I can only apply for temp jobs. And that's a little problem because there are almost no temp jobs in IT. Another question I'm asking myself: should I 'downgrade' ? At this time I'm a L2 Support Engineer with about 1,5y L2 experience. I'm wondering if I would be satisfied with an L1 role. In the long term probably not, but I'm only hired for max. 6 months, so why not ? But what's the professional challenge when downgrading ? Anyway, I've booked already a 3 night stay in a the Collingwood Backpackers where they, according their website, 'encourage smoking'. Guess that's a wise decision in a country where they think this is the way to go ... If all goes well I hope to stay there for 3 to 4 months, but who knows ... In the mean while I've stumbled upon this nice announcement. Guess I'm going to celebrate my 32nd birthday in Sydney attending a festival where Alt-J, Nicolas Jaar, Bat for Lashes and many others play... Can't be bad ! :)

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Projection Dance by Black Journey (NL)

Weird concept, but it is pretty cool actually. And I have to admit they've used the right music IT geeks may recognize Fluid Ping-Pong technologies in it :) Music fans will definitely recognize some concepts from the original music video. I've added it under the dance performance so you can compare.

This is the original music video for Radiohead's Street Spirit (Fade Out)

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't Is weer zo ver

Hoi hoi hoi,

't Is weer zover.
Het is weer stevig aan't kriebelen. Dus heb ik enkele weken geleden alle raderen in beweging gezet. De volgende reis staat vast, de laatste voorbereidingen worden aangevat.

De verhalen zullen dan niet meer gepost worden op deze blog, maar wel op een nieuwe.
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