18 June 2015 - It has been 20 days in Australia. These 20 days has given me an altogether different insight of Australia. I am pretty sure that if not for this on the ground visit, my illusion of Australia would have been contrary to the reality that exists in this part of the world.
Let me take you through the journey I have had since landing on 29 May 2015. Whilst my previous post detailed my observation on the landing day, this post blazes through my eyes, brain and heart.
30 May 2015 : Our landing was on a Friday, so the weekend (Sat & Sun) was planned as the time to search for our accomodation for the remaing duration of our stay in Australia. Strolling around in Melbourne without local mobile phone and cellular data was difficult for someone new here. So our first stop - Local mobile phone service providers. We discussed options with our hosts, had a rough idea of the route and the proceeded to our journey. As always, we were lost. Fortunately, we found two Indian guys walking on our way. Understanding our enquiry, they lead us through the desired destination. Exchanging of info revealed that they were from Bangalore. Namma kannada overtook all emotions. We also accepted their advise and knowing were less than 14 hours in Melbourne, they personally took us to the Railway station, made us purchase local public transport cards for easier movement in Melbourne. They also showed us the service provider after some suggestions. There you go now, we were at it all alone again. But this time in the right direction and at our destination quickly.
We chose, Telstra, as our service provider. Telstra is similar to BSNL in India. Uncertainity in our final destination made us pick this option. Easy number portability at the back of our minds, we chose our respective plans. So, finally secured our local phone numbers. It seemed as though we would have our tasks easy after securing our local phone numbers. Actually, it did in reality.
We chose to go back, register on local classifieds, use our local phone number and identify spaces for rent. All done, a couple of hours later, we were their at one of the spaces for inspection. One shot, One view and our accomodation for the remaining duration of my stay was accomplished. I guess, target well achieved. I bet nobody else would have even dared to think of taking up a search in an unkown country with unknown people at this quick pace. Not even 24 hours since we landed in Melbourne, we closed a deal.
In the midst of all the above, our stomachs were scramblling with emptiness. A visit to an indian restaurant was mandated by brain and heart. A $25 bill for 2 thali's seemed a good deal. But all we had on the plate was half naan each, a small cup of rice (read so called Biryani) and 2 curries. Well, this was not what we wanted. Our stomachs remained empty and we were on a seach for some vegetarian respite. Ever wondered who the saviour was? Well, it was SUB-WAY. I first tasted subway in Doha. Good that I did in Doha, else we would still be searching for our vegetarian option in the streets of Melbourne.
31 May 2015: Our planned targets achieved, we had the almigty to thank. Thats when we decided to visit "Hare Krishna Temple" (ISKCON). This also gave us an opportunity to move in Trains, Trams and walk around the city. Heading to South Melbourne, crossing through the downtown (CBD area) gave us an insight into what Melbourne offered. I must admit, for a tourist, the weather, place, people would have been heavenly. As a job seeker, this did not matter much. Probably the enthusiasm and zeal would only be reflected once we accomplish the objective of securing jobs for ourselves, however small it may be.
ISKCON had australian priests. A small but beautiful place in a posh locality. Most of them would not know it exists, barring Indians. They provide free food. We did have it along with the many Indians who gathered in the temple vicinity. A noteable observation was we also saw many local homeless families / people queing up for this free Indian food. Our thoughts wandered on seeing this plight. But I guess this is something that we did not expect.
All done, in the cold afternoon, we headed to South Melbourne beach. The winds surpassed our walking pace, making us go back and get into the tram service to the downtown. In downtown area,, we visited National Gallery of Victoria (Museum). A stroll outside on the road, we saw roadside hawkers and buskers. India seemed reflected here, just that here it is orderly and sensible with no shouting. The Arts precinct, GPO, Yarra river and the buildings made a good view. A mall on the south bank of the river gave us an opportunity for window shopping. Across the river, crossing the railway station, we had an insight into the interior spaces of downtown.
A recce of our destinations, based on the planned tasks, was also executed. We surely did make use of technology. GPS was our best friend, guiding through the streets. The locals were very kind and helpful. Making sure we understood their directions correctly. On the way, we found one more vegetarian option. The middle east famous "Falafel" was our companion to satisfy our hunfer. The falafel rolls, french fries, subway sandwiches made sure we were alive and kicking in Melbourne.
It was an interesting two days. The week may have ended, but a new start in our life was already made. No matter the place, all kinds of people exist everywhere. These two days made us love INDIA more and more, for as the saying goes, there is no place like INDIA. Infact I can strongly say, now, there isn't a better place than INDIA.
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