September 3, 2009

When Ashley (23, left) and Michael (25, right) decided back in London to come to Australia, they gave each other two months. They quickly made some money goals, got their visas, packed their bags and never looked back. Now, being six months into a one year stay, I got the opportunity to speak with these two fun-loving guys at their studio in Redfern and get their views on everything from Australian culture to travelling in the developing world.

Why did you decide to leave London and come to Australia?

A – “I wanted to do it for a long time. Aussies do the opposite and come to England to work, and I loved the carefree attitude they all seemed to have.”
M – “I also wanted to do it for a long time.”

Do you wish now you had given yourselves longer than 2 months to prepare?

Both – “No, not really.”
M – Since it was so rushed, we didn’t have any expectations, so there have been no disappointments.”

Were you nervous?

Both – “Yes.”
M – “I was nervous just it being us and being away from all our friends and family. One year is a long time.”
A – “I was a bit more sheltered. I still lived at home, so coming here was a big step.”

What do you do here?

M – “I work at Hurricane’s in Darling Harbour as a waiter. It is more than enough work for me. I easily work 5 days a week, and the money is pretty good.”
A – “I work as a stylist at Noddy’s on King in Newtown.”

*You might be surprised to know that not only do both Michael and Ashley have great jobs, they both got said jobs on the very first day they went looking! Yes, they are quite lucky.

What has been the most surprising, shocking or funny aspect – culturally – about moving to Australia?

M – I don’t understand how people walk around barefoot everywhere.”
A – “Yeah. When I see someone walking down the street barefoot, I have to wonder, ‘Are they homeless?’”
M – “The slang.. tipping is bad.”
A – “Tipping is poor at the salon, too.”

What has been your favourite part of Sydney, or favourite part of living in Sydney?

M – “My favourite area in Sydney is definitely Surry Hills. I think it’s a very nice area, central, full of bars and shops, close to Oxford St, Newtown.”
A – “I like the weather. I like the sunny mornings because we’re limited with sunshine in London. So, every day is a treat for me.”

Ashley and Michael with housemate in Kitchen.

Why did you choose to live in one of Furnished Property’s residences?

M – “A couple of our friends in the hostel were moving out with Furnished Property, and they told us about them. We didn’t want to live in a hostel anymore. It’s so easy when you’re a traveller because their places are fully furnished.”

What has been the best part of living in a Furnished Property?

A – “You know where you stand. We had friends go on Gumtree to find a place and a few weeks or months into it, they got evicted. They had no contracts.”
M – “They [Furnished Property] have been really helpful. I don’t even know how many times they drove us around to look at places. When our last contract ran out, we went to Thailand for two weeks and got a new place immediately when we got back.”

Do you plan on travelling around Australia?

M – “We plan to leave in November and travel north to the Gold Coast, Cairns.”
A – “We want to get out of the city.”

Have you ever travelled to Third World countries?

Both – “Thailand?”

Do you want to?

A – “I like luxury. As shallow as it sounds, I don’t really want to slum it.”
M – “Kind of the same.”
A – “Well, maybe Peru.”
M – “Africa just for a safari.”

Would you consider yourselves backpackers?

M – “We’re not backpackers. It was a bit hard to start off.”
A – “Yeah, we’re learning to… slum it.” [laughs]

Do you think you’ll want to extend your visa for another year?

M – “It’s hard to say right now…”
A – “It’s been a great trip, but I think we’ll be ready to go home.”
M – “There are other places we want to see… New Zealand… I want to go to Canada. He wants to go to America.”
A – “It’s made us feel appreciative for what we have back home. It’s so isolated here.”

I would just like to thank Michael and Ashley for taking the time to share their experiences with us. We wish you luck on your future travels whenever and wherever they may happen!

If you would like to be a featured tenant in next month’s newsletter, get in touch by using the contact form on this blog.

September 2, 2009

From language barriers and dirt roads to poisonous snakes and unforgettable landscapes, travelling to developing countries (formerly known as the Third World) is no doubt an exhilarating experience. The differences from exploring the Western World are countless, but it is those differences, both good and bad, that combine to make it a life changing event.

photo credit: Duquesa Mercedes

The Good

Cheaper - The most important point for many backpackers comes down to the price tag. Travelling in lesser-developed countries gives them the ability to stretch the money that much further since the cost is frequently much lower. In this sense, backpacking often gives people the opportunity to build on their budgeting and planning skills and helps them learn how to make decisions based on value (*tell that one to your parents).

More Culturally Authentic – If the culture hasn’t been touched as much by present technology, then chances are it will provide a more authentic cultural experience, allowing you to get a better idea of the true behaviour of the people.

Unforgettable Scenery – Some of the most untouchable places on earth supply the most breathtaking scenery. Envision climbing volcanic peaks, crossing desert mounds and trekking through jungles.

The Bad

Less Security – Funding proper police forces and other security measures is problematic for developing countries, meaning many officers turn to corrupt methods to get a decent paycheque. Because of this, a traveller can never be 100% sure of their protection.

More Difficult / Dangerous Transport – Funding problems also mean that roads might not meet proper safety regulations, or be nothing more than a dirt road. Transport can lead through dangerous terrain, such as mountainous hills, making it something to be concerned about.

More Petty Theft – Watch your pockets! Money belts will become your best friend as sneaky pros and rambunctious kids eye your wallets. Again, economies with less money will have more sticky fingers to worry about, especially when they see a traveller coming their way.

The Ugly

Greater Health Risks – Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Malaria… the list goes on. Some of these illnesses can have horrible side effects, or even cause death if not treated. Be sure to get your vaccinations and take all necessary precautions.

Greater Security Threats – It might be possible in some countries to become the target for terrorist activity, or to get caught in the middle of a war. If you happen to be travelling in a country full of civil unrest, try your best to stay on top of the news.

Is it worth it?

photo credit: Gusjer

My personal story:
“I was overcome by anxiety before my flight to Kyrgyzstan, a small, unknown country that most people don’t even know exists. I had all my necessary medications, vaccines, and safety tactics I could think of, only to be surprised by the extreme ease at which life travelled. My host family took me in as one of their own, and when I decided to leave for my own apartment, I was surrounded by glorious mountains in every which direction and neighbours that quickly proved why the Kyrgyz are known for their hospitable ways. I cannot even begin to explain the ways travelling to this country has changed me. In my opinion, it is very much so worth it.”

What do you think, Furnished Property tenants? Does the good of travelling to the Third World outweigh the bad? We want to hear your personal stories on how this type of travel has, or has not, changed you.