Realising, that's the whole point

This week, I think I've worked out what travelling is all about...

Another week in the big city of Sydney. A warm one, with spells of English weather. A couple of times walking into work in a wonderful mist. You know that rain that isn't too heavy, it's almost comforting? That kind of rain. Without going on a tangent about the weather though, I learned a lot this week, and there's quite a lot to talk about.

Firstly let me start by welcoming you back - and doing so, I have a question: spontaneous are you?

The "Should I have done that?" conundrum

Here's the thing about travelling: you do so much in an often short space of time, you often do things you probably shouldn't have. From a memories perspective - what you will tell your kids, as the saying goes - that holiday you went on was the best idea. When it came to paying your rent that same week? Calamatous.

The point I'm making,  and maybe it is because I'm trying to comfort myself a bit, is that the thing about travelling is, it is the perfect time to make these 'mistakes'. The more I ask myself "should I have done that?" honestly, the more I realise as long as I'm having fun, and I have the necessities, excess isn't needed.

Anyway, I'll cut to the point. This week I made some decisions. My best mate Declan, also who I'm travelling with, is great at selling me things I don't need, but will look back on and thank him for. I'd just come out of the bathroom at night, and Dec said: "AC/DC tickets going, guess how much?" - by the way, that is cue for, we are going, you have my bank details. I obviously, given it's AC/DC, a genre founding rock band, asked how much. He quoted $180, but after admin fee, it moved up to $220. Hesitated. Purchased. For god's sake, there's so many better things to spend money on. 

BUT - it's AC/DC. Will I get to see them again? In Sydney? With Declan? Having the best time of my life? Maybe you see what I'm getting at.

Another thing I did? I got a tattoo. Mandarin writing. "Never give up", it says. Inspired by a note left on my room door by the previous person who had rented it which says "don't give up". But also, it looked cool in Mandarin, so I just thought, why not get it permanently marked on my chest. I made the decision at 2am on Wednesday morning, and by 2:30pm that day, I was under those bright surgical lights, on a hard uncomfortable tattoo bench getting the ink engraved into my skin. I only went in for a consultation, and left with ink. Should I have done that? Ah, maybe not. I could have done with that money for coffee's, meals out, drinks maybe. 

BUT - it's another tattoo. It makes me feel more confident. I would say I'm self-consioucs about my body; not overly, but enough. I'm a skinny lad, and while I try to disassociate my looks with the opinion of anyone but myself, it isn't easy. As much as I love the tattoo for the art, I'll be honest, it makes me want to take my shirt off more. Go to the beach. Show it off. I feel more confident, and while it sounds silly, that small piece of artwork makes me happier. And for that, and it was expensive, the $300 was worth it.

I like to add a pinch of perspective into every piece I write, especially ones that concern my life, and others. There's two ways you can look at those decisions I made:

1) Idiot. $520 on bloody tickets to see a band you can listen to on Spotify, and a tattoo you didn't at all need, but just decided to get when you had a sugar rush at 2am one day

2) Life is for living. Will you never earn $520 again in your life? Would you pay $1000+ to cure regret for not doing things like this when you're older, and can no longer do them? Probably. So spend that $500 or whatever it is, and make the most of it

I'm lucky to be where I am, to have the support I do, and I have no shame in admitting I've borrowed money. Recently. In fact my card declined when I tried to buy a staff meal recently. I had to dip into my savings. You know what that is? A lesson. Maybe I should've been a tad more responsible; making memories also does come with responsibility, and future-planning. But hey. if I just wait it out, and be a bit tight, I make it to Tuesday - payday - watch AC/DC, and the tank, so to speak, is refilled. 

Plus, I've earned the right to be a bit silly with my money. I got a new job, I moved into a new environment, restarted from square one, and had a good week. I deserve it. Like I say, as long as bills are paid, and necessities are there, paid for, then I am a happy man. Is more money good when travelling? Obviously. Whoever says money doesn't buy happiness, perhaps they aren't wrong - but it brings you stability, and buys things that improve different areas of your life, so it does matter. I want more money all the time, but just remembering to enjoy what you do with it is so important - I cannot wait to make some memories with my best mate, and enjoy this wicked country I'm living in.

So should I have done that? Fuck it. Find out. I'm 20 living in Australia, taking hold of a unique opportunity, I am going to make silly decisions here and there - what's important is how those decisions impact me, and AC/DC and a tattoo makes me smile. All that matters.

Working life

Anyway, I think I've done enough on money spent. How about money earned?

I won't share my pay-packet, I like being honest with you, but we are a bit early into this to be discussing that!

In all seriousness though, work is feeling like a real family for me. The people are great. Customers rarely give you any jip, and for a talker like me, it's the perfect place to be. Maybe it's talking about your co-workers origins, from Germany to Mexico, and more, our workplace hosts so many different people, it's interesting. 

From the first shift, that trial where - as I noted in my previous blog - I shook horrendously while pouring about every drink I made, I felt good. It felt like somewhere that didn't feel like a chore to work at. Yes, it's early days, I get it, that rush of a new job, but it still feels like the first shift every time I walk in. Those beers after shift, the casual laughs throughout the night, sharing stressful moments with people you like, and it ending with a smile, that's why I like working there. It just reminds me of what I had at home, working in my family business, a traditional pub, just this time I'm pouring the drinks and not the gravy. 

I try to be as open as I can here. Honestly, free-time in a large quantity doesn't help me. Working big hours, having good incentive, that's what keeps me happy. Too much time to think ruins my execution of ideas; I've been wanting to start this blog for months. Originally I setup a YouTube channel to do that, nothing came of it. Funnily enough the time I set it up is when I start working 40+ hour weeks. But this is why: the more time I have to overthink, the less chance I have of executing my ideas. Work offsets that, yes I work to pay the bills, but it genuinely helps me. It offers structure, and I am someone who really needs that.

What I love about this blog is, I can get it out there, share how I feel, not for validation, but just to write it down. Just "getting it out there" is so important, and in my experience, having too much 'spare time' does not foster great actions, it just hinders me.

Work is comfortable, it's challenging, and it's new. How exciting. I think when I came travelling, this is the work I was destined for. This is what it's about. Meeting not only new people, but people from here, not from here, having had the travelling experience, or those who moved here just a week ago. Bartending offers a unique experience for travellers, I would recommend it to anyone.

Oh, and on a side note, it turns out our venue host is from Derby, just up the Brian Clough way from Nottingham. I thought that was crazy, until I realised something even more crazy - I went to school, and knew decently-well, her cousin. What a small world, but anyway, enough about work...

How am I using that spare time, you ask?

The Bondi-Coogee experience

I may aswell start by saying the first thing that this walk made me realise: we've been living in the wrong place. Mainly because, well, security when it comes to money has been paramount for us, but now we are secure, we need to move. 

You know when you walk and can smell the beach water? Hear the bashing of the waves against the rocks? Sorry, I'm trying to avoid this sounding like a piece of descriptive writing for an English exam, but at the same time, I really want you to understand - if you haven't done the walk - just how bloody awesome it was.

We started at Bondi beach. A couple of trains and buses from the West of Sydney to the East, landing just 100m from the beach, before starting our trek all the way to Coogee, which is around 6km away.

It's one of those walks you're always told to do when you come to this part of the country. Australia is known for its beaches, and while these beaches may not be in the top 10, let's say, the fact I have that on my doorstep, potentially even closer soon, is just so cool. Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and eventually Coogee. It was amazing.

A couple of benches sat at with Dec, talking, having laughs, calling a mate, just living it. Since I've been in Sydney, we've been to the beach once. One time. Bondi, long-weekend. That's not enough, and yesterday I, and indeed we, made that decision.

I'll be honest, I'm sick of just staying at home before work. I'm sick of being in a small suburb where there isn't much going on. Not many people our age. I need change. I honestly think that walk might've been a catalyst for good change, and a strong end to Declan's time here - which ends in January - and a good way to enjoy the second half of my time here in the land Down Under.

It was a wicked walk, I will be doing that one again. Maybe just more suncream next time. Oh, and a beer. Remind me to bring beers. Peroni, just one or two. 

This weeks take-aways

To be honest, this week has pretty much taught me how to live here properly. Don't care too much, live by your means, and have fun. That's literally why I came here. I can worry about saving for that house, or that course, or those clothes, whenever I want - but now? Enjoy it.

Beaches. It taught me how amazing they are, and the impact they have. Living out West just isn't for me. It served its purpose, it was cheap, the Costco made it somewhat cheerful. But it's time to move. 

Also it taught me just how good work can be. It doesn't all have to be like a chore, just something to keep you going, no matter how crap it makes you feel. You can enjoy it, as I am. 

Honestly cannot wait for what this week holds. Hopefully some house viewings. And if not, at least some more visits to cool places, meeting cool people, and enjoying more of what Sydney, and indeed Australia, has to offer.

Anthony Bourdain offers lots of inspiration, especially for those travelling. I highly recommend watching his work, on YouTube perhaps, because right now, I feel like I'm actually living by his advice, not just listening to it.

Don't forget, we are here every week!

If you made it this far, thank you! You have no idea how much I appreciate your time. I hope you enjoyed hearing this week's happenings.

I release these blogs every Monday at 10am (UK Time), or 8pm AET, Sydney time. Don't miss the next one, all here on my Blogspot account.

Have an amazing week - and don't forget, enjoy it!

Thanks,

Jamie