Worst Blogger Ever!

Initially I had thought that I would be blogging away on a daily basis - perhaps even twice daily - explaining all of my adventures, uploading pictures and generally sharing all of the merriment in which I partake.

unfortunately this hasn't quite been the case. This wasn't planned on my behalf but I've been somewhat inundated with "things to do!". This, of course is only a good thing! Since I moved into the hostel I have acquainted myself with a good many people from all over the world. It's funny because despite the cultural differences we all have one thing in common - the love of alcohol.

Admittedly, the drinking has been quite often but not really THAT crazy. Anyway, now it is time to knuckle down as I had found a job! Not just a job either, like a proper job that I was going for - with an Australian Search Engine. They're known as Sensis.

To cut a long story short I am very happy after all of my countless reservations of not being able to find a job have been squelched in one foul swoop. Also, all of my worries of hostel life have diminished with the wise choice of the Lords Lodge. It really is wonderful here and I get on with just about everybody.

First day at work tomorrow so I will have some tales to tell. I have been taking more pictures and I will get them all uploaded to Flickr.

Doing the Melbourne Shuffle...

So I'm now in Melbourne, residing in the charming district of Prahran. The hostel is very accommodating and I've said hello to a few people before locking myself away in my room for my internet fix and to update a few days worth of Blog!

The flight from Singapore was a breeze compared to the first half. I was sat next to two Japanese girls (Emi & Yumi) and was helping them with their English and they helped me with my Japanese. It made for an interesting flight and we've exchanged email addresses so we'll be meeting up in a couple of weeks!

Got the taxi after beating Melbourne customs and I'm now in the hostel. It's very nice with some rough charm that can only be obtained through the passing of backpackers. I've met a few people and we'll be going for a drink later at a pub. Hopefully this will give way to more conversation. Mix-up with the rooms means that I have a room to myself for a couple of nights which is a bit of a double edged sword - got the peace and time to myself but not speaking to anyone.

Pics attached are of the hostel and the girls from the plane!

Flight Night

So, suddenly September 1st crept up on me and now all of a sudden 1st became 2nd and now I’m in a Singapore airport terminal! Over halfway there now as the first leg of the journey is way longer than the second. I had the luxury of a window seat, which wasn’t nearly as luxurious as I had assumed. However, I was sat next to a lovely lad for the journey and we had a good natter so it was all good. Vietnamese guy named “Dan” – I can only presume Dan is not his real name. Nonetheless he was a good travel partner. Following a firm hand shake and well wishes we parted way in the departure lounge as he continues onward to Vietnam.

The Airport - as far as airports go it’s immaculate. There’s even free internet, albeit in 15 minute intervals. There’s (allegedly) free Wi-Fi but I’ve been running around in circles now for about 15 minutes following various steps and I’m no better off.

Apparently there’s a free tour of the city but to be honest I am so tired and sweaty that I’d rather lounge around in a chair. Soon enough I’ll be out of battery and then I’m on to book entertainment as I am sans a Singapore plug.

Just finished my large caramel latte and it has made me feel sick. I always overdo it on the coffee. Where’s self discipline when you need it.

I shall next be updating from Melbourne. Hopefully after some sleep.

P.S. There is the world’s largest 1080p HD Plasma display here and I hadn’t even noticed. Shame it’s just some second rate Singapore soap opera on.

The Last Supper

Last night in beautiful England was spent with my family. I wouldn’t have wanted it another way. We hit our usual Indian feeding hole (if that’s a term?) the Royal Bengal in Shifnal. None of us actually finished our meals which I’m sure was a combination of gargantuan portions and each of us feeling a little bit sick about the impending departure. Also, after the meal my mom thought it would be nice if she flicked us all with water from a bunch of drenched flowers, which was nice – see attached action shot.

We’ve all been a bit teary and the anticipation has been borderline unbearable. I guess I’m not as emotionally bulletproof as I had originally thought. Said goodbye to the Tortoises, the Pug, The Dalmation, The fish(es) and we hit the road to London.

Heathrow was killer. Not the good kind either. It literally felt like part of my heart was ripped out when we said goodbye. Not knowing when you’re going to see somebody again can do that, let alone when it’s your parents and sister.

I’m sure I’ll be made to feel at home when I reach Melb.s

First taste of Australia!

Had a delightful package arrive today from my Aunty and Uncle in Newcastle. A Geordie Dictionary (which will undoubtedly help in my understanding of the emails heading my way) and also my first Australian Dollars!

It's a nice gesture and I am now in possession of $35! I stood back in shock of the money to find that it actually looks like monopoly money. I mean, GBP has a hint of colour to it. You know, a splash of aqua blue/green around the edges -maybe even a hint of red...

Not this cash! This is balls-out-bursting with colour. I have even included a photograph for your viewing pleasure.

In other migration news... I am petrified about the journey that lies ahead. After a week of relaxation (and extreme partying) in Newcastle it has suddenly hit home about how real this is. I am starting to stress out about not being able to get a job but I suppose I'll just go with the flow. Everything has gone right so far and I've been in worse situations.

Actually, that is a lie. I've never been 4000 miles from home jobless and with no earthly possessions bar a guitar and my laptop.

A place to call home!

After worrying of having a place to live when I first arrive in Melbourne I have decided on using a Hostel. Geared around backpackers really but it's cheap and an ideal way for me to meet new people. I'm more of a "Suitcaser/Laptoper" than a Backpacker but I'm sure I'll be fine.

So - where to choose!? I had been eyeballing quite a number of different ones throughout the City and other districts but a lot looked manically busy and it's not really what you want when working. In amongst these I have found a little gem (I hope) called the Lords Lodge!

I'd read some reviews and everything seems in order:

• Free lockers in each room
• Fridge in each room
• Clean linen every day
• FREE WI-FI

As a self-confessed Internet junkie this is the icing on the cake.

I will be staying in a South-East district called Prahran. This is pronounced "preran" as I had found out from the lovely lady at the Hostel after I called it "Praa-hraaan" and got laughed it. Gay capital apparently so at least it'll be friendly!

This will be my impermenant start to my new life in Melbourne.

I love it when a plan comes together...

It's been a busy week but everything has finally fallen into place. Can't say that the highlight of the week has been dealing with people on the phone though... I must have spent 4 hours on the phone on Monday this week going back and forth between the bank and the airline and dealing with incompetent morons.

At one point I was actually in posession of THREE tickets to Melbourne before they finally sorted their act out.

However - focusing on the good! My Visa has been accepted and I now have 12 Months in Melbourne as a start base to try and increase my stay. I am also now in posession of my "e-ticket" to get me to the other side of the world. I still feel somewhat dubious about the "e-ticket" seeing as it is just assigned to my passport. Call me old fashioned but I would much prefer a ticket, at least a reference number? All I have is an invoice!

So anyway, there's me with the visa acceptance (and NO tangible flight ticket).

Visa day...

Okay - so the dream moves one step closer today! I have applied for my working holiday Visa and I'm awaiting the response with baited breath.

I'm hoping that I'm not going to fall into one of the 5% that get manually processed and random and take up to two months to complete. That would really put a downer on my having to be in Melbourne for 2nd September.

I feel anxious yet excited and just want to know that all of this is a goer. A big fat delay is not what I need right now so we'll see how things pan out!

It's all change!

I've opted for a change in the way one Blogs. Don't worry, I shall still be letting my fingers run away with themselves with my radical train of thought. However, as my first step I deleted all of my old negative posts. Secondly, I have opted for the font of "Trebuchet"! Any font that is named after a brutalising middle-aged weapon can't be too bad.

What has brought this change on? Basically I had reached my limit, I was working beyond my capacity in a job I didn't like which was reflecting on my personal life and really turning me into a person that I didn't enjoy being. So, to cut a long story short I have had somewhat of a mid-life crisis at 25 - one can only hope that this doesn't mean I'll see the ripe old age of 50 and nothing more.

So what has this meant for Matt Taylor?

• Quit his job
• Left where he's living in Birmingham
• Sold a load of stuff
• Buying a one-way ticket to Melbourne
• Working in Australia come September

The last two points are yet to be achieved but it's only a matter of time until they are! Therefore I have decided to keep this as a journal of my exploits in both achieving and sustaining this dream of mine. An insight into I am getting on.

I'm sure something will still crop up with which I'll feel the need to vent but I'll try to keep it as personal as possible!

2008 has been one hell of a year and it's just over halfway through.

Matt