Life According to Brisbane

G’Day,
I realize that my last post focused on my arrival and neglected to mention any details regarding my housing situation aside from the fact that I am residing with Sally. The house is a typical student accommodation (messy and dirty). The house is shared amongst 5 people (4 Canadians and 1 Australian) and there are 2 wayfarers, Peter (Scotland) and myself.

Spiders are everywhere. Some are huge, especially the Huntsman spider, Google it, which can be as big as the palm of your hand. With regard to spiders I have taken on the following philosophy “the only good spider is a dead one”. In a moment of weakness I decided to let one live, I believe that this was a grave mistake as I fear that word has spread amongst the different spider species and that they are plotting an attack. If only I could convince Sally to let me sleep with a bottle of Raid. Our backyard is overgrown and constantly astir. Thus far I have spotted the following creatures in the backyard: Parrots, Blue-Tongue Lizard, Kookaburra and a Possum.

Brisbane is quite nice but small. With a name like Bris-Vegas you would assume a lot of hustle-and-bustle but I found it rather calm and relaxed. I have walked to Brisbane a number of times; I prefer the walk partly because it helps me become oriented with my surrounding and partly because I am cheap. I should make something clear, Brisbane is the city and it is surrounded by a number of suburbs. I am not residing in Brisbane, but in a suburb called Kelvin Grove.

Despite having walked around the downtown core and being mirrored step for step by an oncoming homeless man, I have not seen much of the city. I have yet to attend any museum, gallery, or zoo but plan too in the coming weeks. The reason why I have not been able to see as much as I would like is because I got a job working as a Car Detailer. Whenever someone asks what I do, I tell them I work as a Car Detailer then immediately break into the song “Working at the Car Wash” in my head. Here is an interesting fact: In Australia they drive on the left and therefore the driver-side of the car is opposite to Canada.

On my first day I was asked to drive a few cars from the side of the building to the front, the only catch was that I had to drive on the road. Despite a slow start, getting in on the passenger side, I was able to successfully complete the 30-second drive. While driving I must of said “left side” about 30 times, one for every second driving. I knew this job required some driving and I figured that a 30 second drive is okay and that I could avoid collisions. As luck would have it, my next day was not at the same location but at a Mercedes Benz dealership. My task was to retrieve, wash and park cars. Talk about stress, instead of a 30 second drive I now had to move 80,000 to 150,000 dollar cars throughout the lot and park them in spaces tighter than a fish’s asshole. Added to this stress was the fear that if I damaged a car I would have to pay the deductible. After a few days of working at the dealership my confidence increased but the fear was still present. I am now back at the original location, the person I was covering for at the dealership has returned to work.

Cleaning a vehicle is easy but detailing is extremely labour intensive. In an 8-hour day I can usually complete 2 cars. I usually pass the time by listening to my ipod and occasionally pretending that I am the Karate Kid…”Wax On…Wax Off”. For those wondering when I will start the ride from Brisbane to Sydney. I am planning on leaving just after my birthday (September 11).

As a final note, here is some information for those with inquiring minds:

Weather: It is winter. In the morning there is a little condensation on the cars and it is best to wear layers. The afternoon warms to around 20 and the evening temperature falls to chilly.

Prices: Goods are more expensive here. A chocolate bar starts around 2.20 and a 600 ml of pop will set you back at least 3.00. Beer is about the same but the highest percentage alcohol is 5.2. If you shop wisely prices are generally the same.

I am having a great time and I hope all is well