So as my time in Australia comes closer and closer to its end, sitting on a 14 hour train ride to my next job, all I have to pass my time is so low quality movies on the TVs, and time to think about what I have been doing these past 2 years. I started with a list of accomplishments I hoped to achieve, and albeit it some I have completed, I have done things I never thought possible. Never did I think I would end up becoming a Scuba Diving Instructor, find a new passion in life as a photographer, drive huge trucks and road trains for a living, be as successful as I have been with agricultural work, and meet so many interesting and great people. The thing that people don't realise before they come here, is that Australia isn't just a holiday, it's pure opportunity, to try new things and find your calling. Although I have to leave, Australia will never leave me.
My last post was again a while a go, and at the time I was still working at Scubapix and the Underwater Photographer aboard Sea Quest, the best job ever. Since then I have finally become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, hooooray! The courses and exams were hard, but I can only imagine that my first few students will only be harder still. Now as it has taken so long for me to achieve my instructor level, I have not had a chance to teach courses, but not to worry, wont be long until I do. Also Scubapix now no longer work for Deen Sea Divers Den doing their photography, which means there is no more work. Now although I would have loved to continue with photography, it couldn't have come at a better time, as now it's wheat season again, time to make some real money.
This brings me to my train journey, from Cairns to Mackay then in land to Clermont, time to get behind the wheel again. Being my 3rd wheat season, finding work is laughable, I call my agencies, tell them what I want, and then chose which job I want from their list. Easy. This next job is once again driving harvesters and truck work, starting Friday for approximately 5-6 weeks. Now as my visa expires before then, as I have spoken with immigration, they are kind enough to give me a bridging visa until the end of the year to raise a bit money together, very kind of them. Plan so far is to work hard for the next month and a half then back to Cairns for christmas, and then, well, I have a few options.
Now depending on how much money, I have a few options. My main plan is if I raise enough money for equipment, living costs and emergency money, its back to Thailand for me. After a lot of research and phone calls, Koh Tao has no underwater photographers, and no rental cameras available anywhere. So what if an enthusiastic freelance photographer with all his own gear and a fleet of low cost rental cameras turns up with enticing commission schemes for stores that advertise my products. My aim, to deliver rental cameras early in the morning, spend the day taking and selling photos on the dive boats, and collecting rental cameras in the evening. Now sounds all well and good, but if anyone can pull it off, hopefully I can. Now this plan will will only come about if I save a fairly sufficient amount of money for security, cant be going on a whim and a prayer. If I don't raise enough it's most likely going to be either New Zealand or Guernsey for me, hopefully not the latter.
So I leave you, still unsure as to where I will end up in the next of months, but lets be honest, isn't that why people go backpacking in the first place?
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