working class hero

been working heaps, so not too much leisure time lately to update the blog.  working 7 days straight, work is gettin better everyday and making scrill

updates to come later this week

peace

Remember That One Time...........

...........when I was working in Australia as a catering assistant for airline food.  Yes, thats exactly what I will be saying and this job will all be a fond memory come another couple months. Right now I am 7 days in with Gate Gourmet, the world's largest independent airline catering, hospitality and logistics company.

 Yes it is not the job I pictured of having here, its not near a beach, (hopefully) wont lead into a future career, and doesnt have much Australia culture behind it, BUT given the circumstances, the job is quite perfect. Althought I wear a white coat and a hairnet, the job at the end of the day pays. The work I do is far from easy. Over the past week, I have gained a lot of respect for most of the workers and their skills. Who would have ever guessed that loading and packing countless meals actually took a decent amount of hand eye coordination and such attention to detail.

By no means do I enjoy this work or look forward to clocking in every shift. This is the most stressful and work demanding job I have had to date, so in that aspect I am learning some great life lessons on how to cope in such an environment.

The first day of work I was just amazed. I was given a tour of the wharehouse and all that goes on. They take care of almost everything during a flight, not just food. In addition to cleaning every tray, cup, rubbish removal, supplying drinks and food, they are responsible for the entertainment systems as well. While on the tour it was very interesting just too see all the things that go on and all that it takes to make a flight successful, you never would really take time to think about it on a normal flight. In the food area for example, the amount of meals that need to be prepared, the special meals, vegetarian, kosher, etc.  While learning all of these things, I was definetely excited to start work.

I was put in the hot meal area, and man was it a bitch.  Every airline has diff foods and specification for how much of ingredients to put in a certain dish. For example, one flight i was responsible for mashed potatoes. If a certain portion is too small or too large customers will complain, with that said, everything has to be perfect. With that comes a time constraint, you cant take your sweet time scooping and placing items onto the dish, there is a flight that needs to take off and cant leave without food.  Being new, i was trying my best but man i was having a hard time.  Most employees are of asian decent and can not speak very good english.  This first guy I worked with kept telling me things that I couldnt understand and he started gettin pisst when I told him I couldnt understand him. And to top that off, he made these "sample plates" that I was supposed to model the portions of food off of, so whenever I put too little or too much food, he would complain and tell me too look at his sample plate.He was gettin very annoyed and I was the same at him.  This happened at least 5 or 6 times-----"look at my sample". I was about to tell him to "sample this" and punch him right in the face. It is all process line work, 2-3 workers working on a single dish, so obviously slow new workers like me slow down the process.  Expectations were pretty high i felt for a first days work.  It was an 8 hour shift and dont really recall what other foods I was doing but its safe to say that it was the worst 1st days work. I questioned all night after I was done how much longer I would last at this job.

Day 2 on the job I was put in the cold food section, which deals with cakes, fruits, salads. I was put there to compare hot/cold sides and tell my supervisor which side I liked better. Well I have been at the cold food section since and work gets better and more doable each day. Everyday pretty much consists of the same thing, but each day goes by quicker and quicker. I usually am responsible for placing about 300-400 cakes slices in a dish and putting a lid on them...and that is only for 1 flight. Usually one 8 hour shift deals with 4-6 flights. In addition to cakes, I do fruit dishes, which involve me placing certain fruits in the dish and wrapping, or putting a lid on.  If i am not packing food, I am responsible for "Pushing"  Pushing refers to the person that gets the airline trays, places liners in them, forks/knives, salt pepper and basically organizes the final food tray that then is loaded into the food cart that you see go down the planes aisles. In additon to putting basic things on the tray, you are responsible for putting the already packages cake/fruit dishes on.

It is hard work, no doubt about it. I clock out every night with a super sore back and visions of cake and trays passing by my eyes. But every night I just think of the money, go to bed and get up for another days work. It pays 17 an hour and almost double on weekends. 8 hour shifts for 4-5 days a week aint too shabby. I work usualy 3pm to 10 or 11. I miss out on some good nights around the city, but makes the days off so much better and deserving. As I work till January, this job will thankfully come to an end, but all for a great cause....To live the good life for 2 months as I travel through almost all of the east coast of Australia and all of New Zealand.

Joe the Working Man

Ps.  Whenever I fly I will always remember this job.  The food isnt that bad either, especially the ones i pack

The Month That Was

Well, a little over a month I've been here and I couldn't be any more pumped to be here right now. There are moments when I just look around and take in the idea of being in another country, working and meeting international travelers, what a legend I am. The days are going by quick, but on the flip side, i have pretty much the majority of my trip coming up, and that part will undoubtedly be the best. More on this later.

When I first arrived my main concern was meeting people and making friends...but 1 month in, I can honestly say its been easy and the people ive met and hung around with have been great. Meeting people is not even a concern anymore, that has all passed. The concerns now are arranging travel plans and getting by with work. Daunting tasks, but eager to get on with them.

As far as sights and sounds, I have really enjoyed Sydney. Had you asked me about the city my first 3 days here, I would have told you I hated it, but I have come to love this large and tourist infested city.  The tourist hot spots are alot of hype, but at the same time you cant ignore the great sights and beauty. As I have mentioned before, Darling Harbour and the Botanical Gardens are definitely some of my favorite places inside the city. The week I spent in Manly on the beach was another time to remember, looking forward to some beach days there during the upcoming december summer month

As far as the whole work aspect of this work and travel shindig, i am becoming more and more grateful for being employed right now. I immagined there would be alot of travellers here, but man, definitely not this many. Countless hostels around the city and countless number of backpackers that are doing the same as me, trying to work and travel. The job search was rough, as it always is, but for me, landing the job that was my first lead seems to be lucky. As the work is not what I ideally wanted, it is work and it pays well.  I'de much rather be doing what I am doing than to be like other travelers here desperately searching for work with money dwindling, I know how it feels. As far as my work and travel company, I have no regrets being a member, but their job service is absolutely worthless. I dont know if it is because of the current weak economy and little amount of incoming jobs, or the fact that there are soo many travelers, but the job service as part of the work and travel company have been far from satisfactory. Had it not been for me and my elegant internet job search techniques, I can bet I would still be unemployed. But it is a great hub to meet other travelers and use their extremely fast internet and they will eventually help me with my tax return papers and travel plans.  To anyone that might think of working and travel oz, if you can take care of all the paperwork/bank accounts/tax stuff yourself, dont join these work programs to help you find jobs, your better off on your own.  For me, those little things helped me out so in that respect, no worries about being a member

The nightlife in Syndey has been great.  Now that I am working, I dont have the freedom of going out any night I choose, so I most likely will be going out only 1 or 2 times a week.  But, the backpacker pubs/bars have been great.  I have yet to stumble into a real local joint, but pretty confident I won't find one in this main part of the city. As far as alcohol, the price is absolutely rediculous, more than double of what you would pay in the states. A box of goon for 10 or 12 bucks is my go to, but now with an incoming cash flow, I may splurge a bit on some brews. I currently have this theory that I can not get hangovers off of goon, I really haven't had one bad morning after the night.

I could go on for days, but I guess I will save it up for another time, possibly for a final final recap 3 months from now.

But as for now, I am excited for the summer weather to come in.  Every now and then it has rained, some pretty good lightning/thunderstorms too. I dont think I really know what too expect in regards to summer weather, but just been told that it get real hot and muggy.

I will continue to work, eat, and sleep with occasional nights out. I am now seeking other housing, not because the hostel isnt great, but because the rates are going up and they are booked for the holidays. I am actually going to look at a place tonight with a friend. 

Pearl Jam/Ben Harper concert on Sunday at Sydney Football Stadium, one of the more pricey concert tickets I have paid for, but think it will be a show to remember, not just because of the great bands, but because I've heard aussie concerts are crazy and the fans rock out big time

stay real

Bondi Cliff Walk

quick post here...yes i am lazy.  my days consist of eating, working and sleep...that is it.

Before work last week, i took a day to finally head to Bondi Beach.  It wasnt for a beach day, but for the cliff walk. This walk goes thru about 3 different towns/beaches along the coast and provides spectacular views along the way. For 2 weeks only there was an exhibit called Sculptures By the Sea along the cliff walk, and knowing I would start work I knew I wouldnt get the chance to see the sculptures if I didnt go.

can't formulate words...im just gonna jump straight to pictures.

how bout those Stanford Cardinal?   2 days till 1 day off...hopefully i can brew up some updates then.

l8

Update soon

Absolutely exhausted after 1 days work.  working 6 days straight, and if it is anything like the 1st shift, good lord.

-Updates to Come:

- 1 Month in Sydney - A Recap
- Job description and thoughts


1 blog post away from 200 posts on this blog...doesn't seem like that many but sure another accomplishment


go 9ers

Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens

Headed back to the Botanical Gardens today.  Just as peaceful and tranquil as last time, except this time it was sunny with clear blue skys. Since I probably won't be living near the beach for awhile, this will be my go to relax spot on my days off if I don't feel like trekkin to the beach.  As always, click pictures to enlarge

Newtown Festival

Sunday, I embarked with Anda to Newtown, a quick train ride from central station. They were having their annual music and crafts festival.  Had I'de not heard about it the night before at the bars, I would have missed one of the greatest days yet in Sydney.  The festival attracted thousands, and definitely seemed like the place to be on the day.  It reminded me alot of the Whole Earth festival at Davis, alot of crafts, candles, bracelets, eco-friendly environment and of course, great live music. Best thing about the festival, especially on a backpacker budget...FREE. We met up with our friends from Sweden and got introduced to a guy from Australia. He was familiar with the local/world music scene and gave me some great info about oz. Also marks the first authentic australian met here in OZ.

Anda, Me, Carl (Ludwig)

Tons of food and beer gardens. Had it not been from a dented wallet from the past 2 nights and a bit of a rough morning, i would have been interacting with the locals at the beer gardens and pubs. Rained during some of the bands sets, was great. All in all, so happy that we heard about it and went.  Definitely made something out of a day where we probabably wouldnt have done much anyway. When we came back we geared up for movie night at the hostel...the showing..Anchorman : The Legend of Ron Burgandy

Stay Classy

Heaps to Update

busy weekend with little internet time, here is the delayed update. The weather has been off and on from Wednesday thru Sunday. It has rained every day since Wednesday. Monday now, bit windy but clear skys, setting up for a beautiful week

Here's the event list since the last update

Wednesday 
I had to go to get a physical exam for my potential job,  it was a short train ride to the medical center. I had a drug test, alcohol test, hearing/vision, you know the works. I was hoping all the goon in my system didnt show up in the alcohol test. First time I ever saw a doctor in another country..quite the monumental event

Thursday
Was hoping I was going to get a call from the employer saying I passed the exam and was going to get hired..never did. So rather than just wasting the day, i decided to take a rain stroll thur the royal botanical gardens.  The tropical weather greatly added to the beauty of these gardens. I was amazed to look up into the trees and see literally thousands of sleeping bats. Had some ace ventura memories come into mind regarding the white bat guano.  I then continued thru the gardens to get the view of the harbour the far point of the guardens. A great view, would have been better with clear skys but I know I will be returning to the gardens throughout my stay.  Notice, this view in the pictures is where I plan to be on New Years for the fireworks on the harbour.  gonna be sickner.

Heaps of Bats

Right next to the city

Great view..similar to the one I will hopefully have for new years

Friday and Saturday
Friday marked the day of my friend Ben's departure. He was able to catch a ride to Melbourne with a fellow backpacker, then explore and find new things there, maybe work.  It was a great 3-4 weeks with him and am hoping I will meet up with him again during the rest of my stay here. Plus he is now an avid reader of Joes down under blog...Ben have a good time in Melbourne..kill it.

That day, was really starting to get frustrated bout the job search...all jobs were looking grim, and didnt want to go into the weekend knowing i was still unemployed. Around 445 i got a call saying I passed my medical exam and was going to be brought on board sometime next week.  Definitely felt some relief at that point, (not passing the drug and alch test, but the job) and headed straight to the liquor store to buy some goods to celebrate.  Dont think I have mentioned my job on here yet, i am going to be working for an airline catering company called Gate Gourmet, more info in a job post once I start work

That night i was pretty happy about things and had a great night on the town. Went out with my new friends from the hostel, Anda the Indonesian guy from Holland, Nigel from England, and Carl and Linnea from Sweden.

On Saturday, weather was still shaky, raining of and on. I decided to head to a backpacker travel expo held in Darling Harbour.  Heaps of booths and brochures talking about trips to all over the world and inside australia. Got some good info for my upcoming travels

After, I did my daily newspaper reading in Darling Harbour and decided to finally go to this fish and chips place I have been eyeing. It ended up being excellent, probably will get it once a week. You get 2 pieces of fish, a large amount of chips(fries) and a drink for $8.50 which I find to be a great bargain for this citys local eateries, especially for being right next to a tourist hotspot.

Saturday night we hit the town again, because of my future income I would be earning, a 10 dollar box of goon didnt seem like to much of a splurge. The night ended with me being kicked out of the bar.  Bars/Pubs in Sydney are all very strict who they let in and around there bar. Ironically it was the same bar that found my debit card, the same one I watched the Melbourne cup...Scruffy Murphys.  In my defense, i found the whole thing BS, been way worse at other times and only walked/danced around while talking to my friends, but according to the bouncers I was too drunk. All my friends and I begged to differ, but I wasnt going to argue and complied with the bouncers. I literally did nothing but will be a good memory.  This was the third time someone in our group had been kicked out of the bar..so it is not like I was a rare case(same occassion, doing nothing just standing around. I must have had an extra sway in one of my dance moves.  Anyhow, I believe it marks the first time I got kicked out of a bar, and yes I feel it was unjust, it still happened. I dont usually post such events on this blog, but this blog is not only for readers, but myself. If i don't write it down, I might not remember this great achievement in my later years, but will graciously be reminded of it when I reread my blog posts down the road

And the good times roll on

Lazy day today in my writing effort..a few quick points

- Watched the Melbourne Cup yesterday at Scruffy Murphy's Bar with Ben and had a good time day drinking and watching Australia's most popular sporting event

- Hot as hell yesterday, muggy, hot/warm wind.  I imagine that is what the weather will be like come summer..good god

- Today is rainy and cloudy...feels good...gonna be like this till the end of the weekend...postponed beach trip to Bondi till next week

- Have a medical appointment tomorrow for the job..if i pass the fitness/health test hoping I get hired

- Chase is not WAMU....their foreign transaction fees are almost tripled of what wamu used to charge.

- I think I have been eating better here than I was during college

- still meeting heaps of people, loving the hostel.  The Contender Australia(boxing) is now on every Monday, draws a good group of men at the hostel tv room..should be something to look forward to

- Starting to finally understand traffic patterns and crosswalks

- Trains are super expensive here....example..6 minute train ride to job interview = 6 dollars single way.(12 round trip)...working on finding a way to cheat the system/discount

- Planning my east coast Australia trip is fun, but it is still 2 months out and I just want to go now

The Dodged Bullet

Its 3am and I stumble back from the bars after a great night out for Halloween with all my new buds from the hostel. As I am taking off my simple yet effective costume i check all my belongings before locking them up in the locker before I hit the bed....no debit card. It was at that point that my drunkeness sobered, a buzz kill you might call it. I changed back into normal clothes and hit the streets frantically searching for the lost card. This was all due to the fact that my costume/shorts had no pockets so I just brought along my money belt. It was definitely a bit clumsy/awkward digging for cash/identification so it must had fallen out when I was accessing those. I ran to the three bars I attended, each leaving my name and number after searching like a police dog through each of the venues as they were closing up. No luck at all three. I knew I had to deal with it as some lucky guy might have been charging up my card at kebab stands/stores/etc. I then continued to run to McDonalds, my preffered location for free wifi. I jumped on the netbook and hit up skype so I could call the card company to cancel my card. DONE..and was relieved to been told no charges had been made. It was now 4 am and I headed back to the hostel pissed off, yet relieved about the recent occurances..I looked back on the rest of the night and new this would always be a halloween to remember, despite the sobering situation. I awakened the next morning to a phone call, to my suprise, the bar manager calling to say he found my card in the bar. WOOOOO, the hangover felt that much better that morning. After being on the phone for what seemed like hours with the card company, my card is back up and running and I now have acces to my money, it is almost like nothing ever happened. I learned my lesson tho that is for sure

Here is my halloween costume. Short australian shorts, some gold medals, and a ping pong paddle. The only thing spooky about the costume were my ghostly white thighs, but it worked out pretty well.

Really enjoyed hitting the town with my newly met hostel buds

Had the job interview today, went pretty well. Waiting for the call back and may need to attend a medical exam. If hired, should start work the end of the week or weekend. Really hope things work out

Side Thoughts: Yankees will win world series, Favre showed the Packers what's up,
9ers are so so lucky their division is the worst in the league, The Office and Californication are great shows, my nickname around the hostel is starting to become "America"  most likely because these foreigners forgot my real name, but it is pretty great.

Melbourne Cup tomorrow, supposedly the most watched sporting event in Oz....excited to have some beers at a pub and enjoy the race