J'adore les poires

I am in a small, sorry miniscule town called Merrigum in Victoria. There is 1 pub, 1 shop/cafe, 1 post office and a swimming pool. However, this is a great thing as I am picking pears on an orchard and have nothing to spend money on. except the weekly trip to Aldi (I kid thee not) to stock up on carbs and protein. A usual day is spent waking up at 5.30am to go and make porridge before getting picked up in the ute to be taken to the orchard. I have picked; royal gala apples, williams pears, Packam pears and Nashee pears. You get paid by the bin- wearing a picking bag, up a laddder. I am getting faster which is good but it is so hot. I must be in Australia.

I really like my small, family run orchard. They look out for us and its good fun, sitting in the back of tractors and utes. The work is hard but it can be really beautiful too- the rows of trees and gorgeous sunrises. The camp has a good community feel, I'm living in my tent- which gets interesting when it rains: although they need their rain here.

I want y'all special people to know that I am sorry if I am not in touch much at the moment: internet is a bit costly but here are details of the campsite where I'll be for the next 3-4 weeks.

Merrigum Caravan Park
82 Waverley Avenue, Merrigum, VIC, 3618. Camp OFFICE PHONE: 03 5855 2727.

Australia is 11 hours ahead and if you are able to call I get back from work at 4pm Oz time so early mornings might be best. maybe if you text me we can make an arrangment but understand that its probably expensive. Looking forward to a bonafide Austraalian BBQ on Saturday night. Farewell for now and think of me when you eat you know whats xxx

Busy bee in Sydney

Here I am abusing the New South Wales library; providing me with some free time on the internet. Since arriving in Sydney yesterday afternoon I have been a crazed job hunter. Even managed to get a job as a receptionist today but looking for something else- such as fruit picking for a few weeks while I search for more permanent work. Going to contact all the arts colleges and youth work offices and signed up with agencies too. Can't believe it really, thought I might not be able to be this functioning, working human again after taking it easy for so long. So all being well I am going to a town called Ardmona to pick pears tomorrow. It is 2 hours from Melbourne, know its going to be hard work but looking forward to the challenge now I think I'm some kind of seasoned outdoorsy type. Sydney is full of stylish suited people and couture-esq dresses. Currently resisting the urge to ask people if I can take their photo; well just the bearded man in the battered converse and lumberjack shirt. Off to trot to the sydey opera house now, spied it briefly from the plane. Won't feel like I've arrived until I've had a gander. Oh and a nice thing happened yesterday, got a complimentary style and blow dry at Toni and Guy; such a treat and feel like an almost lady again. Hope you're having a great week. We're closer in time now- only 11 hours ahead this side x x x x

Leaving NZ

Hey y'all
I'm at Auckland airport about to set off for Sydney. what an incredible place New Zealand has been- a great, adventuresome place! Feel strange about leaving but excited about settling somewhere for a while. I am missing you at the moment and want you to know you're on the road with me. Going to be staying at the YHA at Central Station and can't wait to see the opera house and the harbour bridge. Will be job and flat hunting anywhere from melbourne to brisbane. Will keep you posted

lots of love Maz x