Excuse the grammar I'm in a Gap Year

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

Perfect Weekend In the Life Of An Ozzy

It Started with a long day at work with me frothing the whole morning to get to Sydney and head up the East Coast of Oz to score some amazing waves. Mark and I along with our boards hopped onto the bus for a long journey to Manly, Sydney where we would meet up with Wayne Davies and his family. It was a good 4 hour trip to get to Sydney and eventually settle down with an awesome family. Going past the Sydney bridge and Opera house at 8 o'clock at night is not something you experience everyday. The Opera house was painted in lights and moving objects some of you probably got irritated with all the snap chats. The central park of Sydney was alive with festivities and amazing art work for the public to see and for tourist like my self and Mark to flash away with our cameras of coarse. We hoped on the boat that would take us to Manly.

After arriving at Manly Wharf we met Wayne a local Manly surfer who took us in for the weekend and the guy who would drive us up the East Coast of Australia with his wife and three kids. All I can say is...What a cool, amazing and positive family they are! Full of kindness and joy. We sat down and chatted to them while sipping on some cold beers and chatting about things Mark and I have done on our gap year so far. We were then treated to a perfectly barbecued steak and some TimTams it was a proper Australian meal I'd say. Our room for the evening was a surfing camper van...I mean put me more into my element if you must?? I will have a van like that one day! After having some beers and proper food we had to hit the sack for a early morning wake. We were heading to Seal Rocks for the long weekend to Surf, Fish and soak up the sun!

Day One

6am wake up and ready to start packing the car putting all the boards on the roof, beers in the esky, fishing rods in the boot and the BBQ in the back. After packing and making sure all is in and well we drove out the front gate with smiles on the dile because we all knew it was going to be an amazing weekend with awesome folks. It was a 3 hour drive North. We took the time to soak up the scenery of the East Coast along with getting to know Wayne and the family, that was after we got our Maccas Breakie and coffee obviously. So after a long 3 hour drive we arrived at Seal Rocks. It was probably the closest thing to a movie entry...driving down this road over looking the ocean and just seeing the white sand with palm trees and waves crashing down on to the sand, so tropical. I was indeed in heaven. First thing was to go check the waves down at a beach called Treachery beach which is just a perfect A frame wave with about 4 peaks that breaks on sand banks. Its your typical Australian beach break I guess. The waves apparently weren't too good so we ended up paddling out at a beach called Lighthouse Beach which had a right had break that came off the side of a cliff and ran into a deep channel. After our surf we had to head back to the camp site to set up the tent and meet the other two families who were staying with us. What amazing people they were. So kind, happy and open-hearted.

Mark and I decide to take a little walk onto the rocks to see the whole bay but while doing so Mark suggested we go have a look for a decent wave close by. We noticed some swell wrapping around the point and hitting the beach on the other corner of the bay. We grabbed our boards and took a jog down the beach. WOW, what a surf we had that side. After hearing about Seal Rocks being the breading grounds of the Ragger tooth shark I was quite aware of what was swimming underneath me, although the shark is pretty harmless it's still a bit of a worry...then after catching a wave and pulling out early I stood on the sand back only to feel something at my legs and just seeing a Brown looking tale swim away from where I was standing, lets just put it this way it was not the only brown thing that was in the water at the time. I tried looking for it a bit more until I eventually desided to call Mark out of the water and let him know that it is possible that we have a shark in our mists. I paddled out to let the other surfers surfing know but they were very chilled about it and let me know that it was only a juvenile Grey Nurse shark and is pretty harmless. We then surfed until dark and was the coolest feeling getting out the water and not being able to see the waves come towards you. It was time to settle down with some beers and get to know the wonderful people we were surrounded by.

Day 2

Another 6am wake up, very early for us but when we saw what we woke up to it was all worth it. Treachery beach was absolutely firing with perfect 4ft A frame swell pealing trough. No one out and all to ourselves for about an half an hour then all the hangover surfers came in. After a 3 hour surf of getting amazing waves and finding some shade in the ocean we had to head back to the camp site to get some breakie and chill out. We had some breakie and chilled out but didn't take long until we were back in the water catching some more waves. the dolphins were out along with the fish. It was just absolute perfection. So tropical, so peace and the weather was just amazing to top it off. It was time to take all the kids fishing and let them have them their time by the ocean. With little Bouw, age 5 catching two fish and topping the leader board. Never seen so much Stoke in a little boys eyes when he reeled in the fish with a bit of dads help. After having a couple of beers and laughs we had to get the kids back to the camp site and get them fed and ready for bed, I'm talking about Mark and my self yes...after being so surfed out and a little sun burn't we hit the sack because it was another early wake up for even more waves before we headed back to Sydney.

Day 3

Was getting pretty tired of the early morning wake ups but I suppose you got to do so in order to get the perfect wave or as they say the early bird catches the worm. What treat it was to be the first guys in the water, receiving wave after wave, not a worry in the world. We had a couple waves and soaked up the sun on a beautiful morning with not a breathe of wind on the water. After a good surf we headed back to the camp site to go put a line in the water before packing up and heading back to Sydney. I managed to catch my first fish in Australian waters was lank stoked. The time came were we had to get all packed up and ready to go.

We hit the road saying goodbye to the most content, most beautiful place on the East Coast of Australia. We were on the road back to Manly to get back in time for our bus to Canberra and I must say it was a sad time saying goodbye to a place so natural and content like Seal Rocks. Hopefully I will be re-united with my loved one soon. I'm talking to you Treachery Beach!

After arriving back home it was straight to bed for me and a short work week ahead. I have saved most of my money for the Thailand trip which is going to be so crazy and am buzzing with excitment, only 2 weeks to go! Hopefully will be heading down to Tasmania after Thailand to go have a look at the surf down there possibly even have a look at Shipsterns Bluff if I'm lucky enough! Will be a huge change in climate from Thailand to Tasmania but will be one hell of an experience to see the most awesome wave in the world.

Otherwise all is well this side with just under 6 months to go till I'm back home on South African soil...Am missing home a lot and am looking forward to the times back home but for now I'm gonna stick to living the Gap Life in OZ.

With Love From OZ.

Opera House lights up at Night.

And makes patterns...pretty rad

The Beach of dreams and amazing waves.

Far walk so couldn't take any pics of the waves.

The little camp site beach.

Mark, watching and waiting for the swell.

Took a while to get to the surf spot

Had to fall behind to get the bigger picture.

Just a little bay on top of the camp site hill.

Tropical

Evening fishing and shark spotting.

Similar to a morning in the Tanskei

Having some beers and catching some fish.

Light House Beach, a decent wave but always

the second choice if waves aren't good.

Smaller one at Light House

Yeah I don't know

Such a Poser

Caught in the moment

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Keep It Neat and Tidy

Second thoughts crossed my mine everyday before I left to come to this amazing country called Australia. It was hard leaving special people in my life behind and not being able to see them for a year. Buuuuut...What I can say is that...

A Gap year in my eyes is a year where you learn the most you ever will in one year. Its like a school you go to where life lessons are taught but you are your own lecturer, teacher and decision maker.
Living half way across the world has taught me so much and I'm sure I won't learn any education on this gap year experience, maybe a little but not near to as much as I learnt in my years at school. What I will learn on my Gap Year are life lessons and I personally think these lessons are the lessons that will get me through my way of living. I probably seem like I am getting very deep and extreme something I don't normally do on my blogs but as I am nearly half way into first year away from home with no parental guidance, with no financial funding from parents and no people to run to when I'm in trouble besides myself, not that I'm ever in trouble...ey mom.

So with just under 180 days left down under and only 28 days until I head to Thailand I thought I would post a blog about some of my lessons learn't in Australia. As I mentioned in the paragraph above I have learnt many life lessons, some that I will carry on for the rest of my life. There are so many that you have to force yourself to learn in order to survive in a foreign country without mommy and daddy.

Time has gone by so fast, extremely fast actually. I am glad that no time has being wasted in wanting to learn my lessons. I was told by a person before I left that I should focus on spending my gap year exploring and learning new things about life and not to save my money which is probably the best advise I have ever received, as stupid as it sound, its true. My goal of my gap year is to save my money for the next trip to wherever, whenever. Gap Years are for exploring, learning new things, meeting new people and making mad memories that you will remember for the rest of your life. I do my best to save my money and sometimes I ask myself where is my money going...like I had cash in bankie but now its gone. Its the odds ad ends that effect you the most, that extra cheese you put on your maccas burger or even the Maccas burger that all adds up to minis cash from your account.

Some of the people I knew before my trip told me that a Gap year is a waste of time and I should get a degree and do something with my life. Correct. I agree but what they did miss is that some people are not for a degree just yet, I personally am not sure just yet what I want to do with my life but at the moment I am living it and living it to its fullest. I'm loving my gap year and enjoying every moment of it. I have met thee coolest people so far and have learnt how to deal with certain people I don't get along with they way I would like but I mean if everyone was the same the world would be the same that has taught me somethings that might help me after I get my degree.

Enough with the responsible stuff now.

I am sniffing a long weekend coming up which has caused me to spend some money not much just a little. I will be heading three hours north of Sydney to a place called Seal Rocks with a family that stay in Manly, Sydney. We are going for a camp trip there to surf, braai, surf, chill and do a little bit of surfing. Gonna be a real cool weekend and am showing pearly whites of excitement every day until the trip. Then just a couple days after that I will be travelling to Thailand to meet up with the fam dam. Gonna be an epic ten days in paradise ey Boetie.

I haven't forgotten about home and do think of you guys every day. I must admit it has being a big change for me to come over to Australia and live by myself and all that jazz but am so glad I have done it! Its being a massive challenge and I go through my high and lows but its part of living the life in OZ or anywhere the matter of fact.

With exactly 190 days left of being in OZ I have a lot of travelling still to be done. I have learnt a lot as I said before. I am hoping to live the last six months better than I have ever before as a young teenage boy. I'm not blogging as much as I could so will be doing my best to blog as much as possible for the people who want to hear about my year and all the stuff I've being up to and can promise you none of it has being causing mischief.

I have a busy month coming up as I have explained. Heading on a surf trip up the east coast, heading to Thailand and hopefully head back up to the beautiful place called Byron Bay.

As it was my birthday 'about a week ago' I have come to realize that it is my last year of being a teenager and should start looking at living life as a mature man but first I have a lot to do as a South African teenager living in Australia....

The titile of my blog is actually something that I have heard whenever leaving the house back home, in South Africa. It was the last thing my dad said to me before he started to lift his phone and snap that 5 minute picture of me walking through the gates at the airport. My dad has said those words to me whenever I head out the house to go wherever. I promise dad I have being keeping it neat and tidy!

Good Luck with exams everyone back home!

With Love From OZ!

Sunday, 26 April 2015

Getting Groovy in Goldie With Some Cheeky Times In Byron!

First holiday in Australia was amazing, I've learnt so much through out the last 2 weeks or so which has really helped me learn some new life lessons that will be really useful in the future.

The holiday started with us worrying about the money budget, which I must say after the first day there was no budget and the only budget I had in mind was to have as much fun and live a proper gap year life!

The 16th April we departed from Sydney airport at 10 o'clock to fly up to Brisbane on TigerAir, which is similar to Mango airlines in South Africa - maybe a little worse. As excited as a teenage boy would be going on his first holiday in a different country with 2 good mates, I was pretty scared flying on the airlines but at the end of the day it got us to were we wanted to be and got us there safely. We arrived in Brisbane and checked into our Backpacker accommodation after that it was time to travel so Connor, Mark and I were in a big rush to see and hold a Koala Bear at the Lone Park Koala Sanctuary, so after an expensive taxi ride we arrived at the park and managed to hold the famous Koala bear and feed some hungry kangaroos along with taking a lot of selfies with the funny looking creatures.It was an amazing experience and was worth every penny. The night time approached along with some funny games that the backpackers hosted. Brisbane I was told is well known for their night life. I must say I cant agree with that but what I can say we all had huge amounts of fun and I can now say that I have experienced Brisbane. It was an early night because we had to depart for Gold Coast early morning.

Next Stop, Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, The Vegas in OZ, whatever you want to call it because that place is amazing! Full of fun people and always has something going on in the city. Its a place to go to no matter what. The first stop of the day was the beach to get our hair salty and feet sandy! The biggest smile was on our faces as we walked onto the sand but what made my Gold Coast trip was the smile Connor had on his face as he dived into the blue ocean it was like watching a little boy open his first Christmas presant. We spent about an hour on the beach soaking up them UV rays before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the night which started way to early. We decided to go on a party tour whereby they take to to every bar and club and you get free entry. This started at 6:30pm and so did the drink flow...
By 8 o'clock Connor and I had done a strip show for the tour while Mark was squeaking some tekkie on the dance floor. The night had officially started. Gold Coast clubs and pubs are based along a street called 'The Strip' so it pretty sums up the place. It does take its name for being called The Vegas In OZ. As Mark and I have never been to Gold Coast before we decided to experience some special but helerious things that I guess every teenage boy on a gap year experiences. It was a long night and was one to remember. Manged to get home at around 5am to get 3 hours of sleep then head down to the beach for some more salt water in the hair and cleanse our bodies. We had some good laughs but mostly some good scares in a place called Draculas Haunted House. I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life, its actually disgusting as to what humans can do to other humans just for some laughs. I have never been so frightened in my life. We actually took some time to ask ourselves as to why we would pay for such a thing. It made some good memories and some good stains in our pants besides Mark who decided to run to the toilet before entering this place. After all the shenanigans we finally had to depart from the wonderful city of Surfers Paradise and take a bus journey down to Byron Bay where we met up with the other boys and stay in a little house just outside of the town center and walking distance from the beach.

Welcome to Byron Bay, Cheer Up, Slow Down and Chill Out was the sign board that was on the side of the road as you enter this beautiful town. Besides my Hometown back in South Africa this place is by far the next best thing from the most beautiful land, happiest people and hippiest people then to the bluest ocean, it was just perfect. We were all settled in and ready to get into the ocean. Mark and I surfed till dark and enjoyed the beauty of the scenery and awesome people in the town. That night we headed out into the town all dressed to impress in our Hawaiian shirts and pearly white teeth showing! It was a fun times at a bar called Cheeky Monkeys where you were aloud to go out in you flip flops and boardies. Probably the coolest bar I've been to! To summarize the next couple of day it consisted with a lot of surfing, chilling on the beach and relaxing. The Main Beach consisted of a couple of surf spot like 'The Pass' which was mostly for surfers and long-boarders and was quite a walk away. I did managed to get a stand up surf there and got some really fun ones. Day 3 in Byron, Mark and I decided to take a walk to get Mark a surfboard from the Industrial area just outside Byron where all the board-shapers are based and later in the week with a big smile on his face Mark manged to catch a really good wave on his new board and probably a wave to remember for a life time, that same day I was privileged enough to surf along side some legendary locals at a local spot where the water was crystal clean and every wave just pealed through consistently and barreled to perfection. Probably no words to describe some of the waves that came through but for the surfers out there you would know what it feels like to catch a beaut of a wave. Meeting a couple of locals was a cherry on top of a perfect day. Another highlight that stood out was the hike up to the Byron Bay lighthouse which just was the perfect ending to the holiday. From a good time with the boys and to all the waves caught the holiday had now come to an end. It was difficult saying goodbye to such a perfect town but memories where made, we would all go back at anytime to get that perfect wave, maybe visit Cheeky Monkeys or to see their loved ones but reality has hit us and it is now time to work. I suppose its the life lessons we learn.

I did learn a hell of a lot when traveling to these amazing place and managed to write up a list while waiting in the plane, Poor Mark having to spend an extra $40 on paying for over weight luggage on the plane taught me to only pack half of what you think you will need because you never know what you might find while traveling in this case it was a Surfboard.
Sorting all possible transport and accommodation out before leaving is another important thing I've learnt, what taught me that was the fact we were kicked out our house a day early because we thought we booked for the day after but turns out not so we ended up staying in a Backpackers which turned out to be the coolest experience along with some good laughs.
Stick to budget food like our $5 pizza which probably saved me a lot. Live like bergies people I promise you its fun!

So that pretty much sums up my holiday on the the East Coast of Australia. It was hell of an experience and am so glad I ended up going even tough it drained my bank account. Thanx to the fellas that came along to experience it. Was good seeing all you boys in the green room getting so pitted and wapowing the lip. Thanx to the little sick cat that picked us up at 12 at night to take us home you legend you!

Just a little message to a friend back home who is and always will be a big role model and elderly brother in my life, Jox, Hope you get well soon brother, and that you are back in those pits and back to being the legend you are! Live life to the fullest every day!

Am back to work tomorrow for a while and going to be saving up for the family trip to Thailand which I am buzzing for! Stay tuned for an update.

With Love From OZ!