While most people look to Australia for its enviable ocean, perfect weather and love of life, my original impressions were slightly different. Already in 2010, living in a run down hostel with 70 Europeans who share a kitchen only time definitely did not parallel, or share any resemblance smaller beaches with idyllic scenes of "Home and Away." For me, it was more like Shameless in the sun as I stumbled drunk people that were alien to their environment, and the person they were waking up, only to go to the bathroom.
After a three-hour walk from the airport - it looks like the hunchback of Notre Dame - and a bad night under a bridge park, my boyfriend and I are checking into this luxury goods inspired really grateful for our recent stay. With the promise of work and desperate for money, they put us in a room with a French couple very cool and hit the sack hoping a fresh feeling for our first day on the farm. Apparently seeking farm work would be so difficult to manage for work for the next day was a sure sign of good karma in my opinion!
At 4:30 am the alarm sounded and four heavy heads together proceeded to mix some used clothing, agricultural and wait for the bus yard work. Soon after a white mini van, with only two working lights, appeared in pitch black ready to take us to work. Struggling to open the door of the van, an experienced driver got up and turned the handle to open it successfully and reveal some holes where chairs should have been and a floor full of wrappers, empty bottles and the challenge to dig a seat.
45 minutes later, and yet more alert, we arrive at the tomato farm just in time to see the sun. As separate strips of bright orange and red dominated the sky, I could not support fascinated by something so beautiful. It was an unforgettable moment for more than impressive sky. So distracted by lightning, which had completely lost this monster of a machine to sneak up on me. Convinced that was inspired transformer, this beast of a tractor managed to support two long arms which later became intelligently distribute two seats placed down each of the rows of the farm. As the farmer directed us to take a seat, I knew it would be a good day.
Three people were involved in a row with two people in the seats and a person walking behind. Pick tomatoes and send to the shooting may sound like a simple task, and to be honest, it was usually. Although this was the case, consistent movements conveniently resembled the effect of a weight that works with low weight and a lot of repetitions. I had scored the jackpot as well as a cheap gym because every third row also deliver a half hour of cardio as running and jumping through the ranks while jamming to your iPod and catch a crazy (I loved my job!)
Working farms also provided us with plenty of fruit and vegetables. As everyone in the hostel worked on different farms, the kitchen was always full of fresh goodies to choose from. This meant that an overdose of daily salads and with great pleasure, but it tasted great and kept the coins! Throughout this adventure I managed to lose 5 kilos in four months, while gaining a lot of definition and looked super toned. Most importantly, I learned how important it was to stay active no matter what line of work you are in.
My opening paragraph may have been misleading, although it was a lie, as we still had a great time. I made friends for life and discovered that the rumors were true, the oceans are enviable, most of the time is impeccable and people do love life. Overall it was a great experience and highly recommended, certainly made me an active traveler!