G’day mate. Welcome to Australia. (Melbourne)

After a few exhausting days, I am now sitting in my room and listening to the rain outside. Time again for my blog, methinks. I arrived after an easy flight (though I couldn’t sleep) in Sydney and passed through immigration and customs. On my way to the next flight, I quickly grabbed a coffee and a sandwich—oh my, was that expensive. I really have to look better out for my money from now on. Shame it isn’t as cheap as Thailand ;)

I finally arrived in Melbourne after a few hours. I was scared and not so sure anymore that I had actually made the right decision. But it was a bit late now to change my plan. I took the SkyBus to the city center, where my hostel is located. After arrival, the bus company offered a free hotel transfer from Southern Cross Station, which was very comfortable.

I decided to stay in a dorm for a few days to save some money on accommodation. I really wished that there would be some girls in my room, but for my luck, just guys. But all of them were nice and friendly.

As you might know, I am a little bit addicted to the internet; I barely can live without it (WHO CAN these days?). The hostel offered internet for $10 a day. I actually did buy one pass to get access to job sites and further information. I had to ensure that most of my ‘to do’ list was done on the first day, hoping as well to land a job. I didn’t buy more after that one finished…and see, I am still alive ;) I found out that you can access free internet at Federation Square here in Melbourne, and there is also a library nearby, but I haven’t been there yet.

I didn’t have to search long for a shop in which I could buy a SIM card, as 7-Eleven was next door. I bought some credit as well and just needed to activate the card. That was a bit more difficult, but I managed it in the end. Now, having already a number, I proudly went back to the hostel to apply next for the Tax File Number. Just to ensure I don’t pay too much tax when I start working.

After that was done, I looked out for a bank. The Westpac bank was recommended to me, as it is very easy to open up a bank account as a foreigner with them. I walked into the branch and had my account 15 minutes later. Unfortunately, I have to pay a fee of $3 each month; I might change that when I am here a bit longer… It was really easy.

It was still early in the day, and I just walked through the city and explored the area. I found it a bit annoying that I kept seeing smiling couples with flowers and remembered that it was Valentine’s Day. So I hope that everyone enjoyed the day and that the girls got loads of presents :)

Later in the evening, I started to apply for jobs and searched for something available in the area. The restaurant I was dining in was actually looking for staff, and I am more than welcome to bring my CV (resume) over. Because I wasn’t able to print them until now, I kept searching for jobs online and would print them if I can’t find anything else.

Very early, I realized that I nearly fell asleep and needed urgently the bed. So I think my first day in Australia was a success, and I was very excited for the next day.

I didn’t really make a plan on what to do for the next day, but that was quickly solved when I talked to Cliff, one of the guys in my room. We decided to explore the city together on the Tourist bus, which is available for free. Starting at the Chinatown Precinct stop, the first bus that came was too full, and we could not get on it anymore. The bus normally drives every 30 minutes, which we were not willing to wait. So we started to walk to the next point, which was the Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens. A very nice area.

So we kept on walking and decided very quickly that walking might be easier anyway. We headed towards the Lygon Street Precinct, the Italian district of Melbourne. We went for a quick coffee and moved on to the University of Melbourne.

The Queen Victoria Market was a buzzing place, loads of people. We shopped and browsed around and suddenly heard a guy blowing the didgeridoo, very interesting, but I think not really my kind of music ;)

At the Waterfront City, we took a small break and found a little Greek restaurant. After reading the menu, it was clear that we came on the perfect day, as they have Super Tuesdays and half the food bill. We really enjoyed our meal and dessert. Such a great atmosphere, and I suppose we were lucky with the weather.

Full with food and happy, we walked back to the hostel. I continued my journey to St Kilda and really enjoyed the beach and sun. It is really great to have such a big city and the beach just minutes away. I know I am going to love Melbourne for that.

Later on, we got ready for a night out. I really wasn’t prepared for such a night we had, but it was absolute fun.

First, we went to the Jazz club at Bennetts Lane and were a bit surprised that they asked for $8 for entry. We decided to do it anyway and paid, got some drinks, and sat down for some classy live music. Just half an hour later, the band announced the last song. That was absolutely disappointing; if we would have known that, we wouldn’t have paid for the entry. So we finished our drink and moved on. I actually wanted to tell the lady that this was a bit unfair, but let it be and put it to my experience.

We moved on and searched for a bar that was still open. After a while, we couldn’t find anything and decided to go for the rooftop bar. They actually open around 11, as they have an open-air cinema beforehand on the rooftop. I really liked this bar and will definitely go there again. We met two girls there, and as soon as the bar closed, we moved some levels further down to another bar called Kookoo. This was a good place as well and had open until three in the morning. We met there a few other people and enjoyed the evening. I actually planned to get back to the hostel after that, but was convinced to join the group for another club. I couldn’t resist; I do have to get to know the nightlife too.

After a short cab drive, we got to a very posh wine bar. I was a bit surprised, as they talked about a club, but I did go in there anyway. It was called the Supper Club. I checked the prices and wanted to leave—absolutely not within my budget. One of the guys invited me to stay for one glass, I accepted. But mind you, they ordered three bottles of wine. At the end, I was relieved that one of them actually paid for it all. Great night though. And not to be repeated, I can tell you that.

Next day, I woke up with a little hangover, which I cured very quickly with a yummy English breakfast. I managed to arrange an interview for today and put on my suit to make a first good impression. I actually don’t want this job; it is door-to-door sales, and I am still not convinced. But it is a job and might be better than waitressing, and additional to that, I have not done that before. And one of the reasons for me being here IS to learn new things and make new experiences. They called me a few hours after the interview and offered the position. I accepted and will start tomorrow with the training. I am curious how this is going to end. I could have taken a farming job as well, but I will do that later when I leave Melbourne and be more on the countryside.

I think that’s pretty much everything from the last few days. I am still very excited to be here and have the year still ahead of me and really hope for some great adventures.

And a big thank you to everyone for reading my blog; I am honored that so many people around the world visit this site. And don’t be shy, add a comment, ask a question, or make a joke, whatever you feel like.

Hope to read you very soon again!

Happy Travels :)