Inselleben on Philipp Island - Teil 1

Unbelievable that I actually missed traveling through Australia with my backpack on my back. With my big and small backpack, my sleeping bag and my tote bag decoratively and sporadically wrapped around my body, I stand in the train and get stared at after finally leaving our Melbourne place. Apparently, I don't look as good as my backpack. After a while, my backpacks become a bit stubborn and I sit down like a beetle that has fallen on its back and take up two seats. Suddenly, my arm starts to fall asleep.. Oh well, I almost missed it again.

3 hours later, I stand at one of the few bus stops on Philipp Island and get picked up by Heidi, my host mom, Steffi, her daughter, and Lisa. Then it's off to the new home.

As always, we share a room. Given the living situation on Philipp Island, our accommodation is a dream. We have our own room, our own bathroom, and can use the kitchen. Heidi and her daughter are lovable, helpful people and are always there when you need something.

We live in Cowes, the largest town on Philipp Island in the north of the island. Hand on heart, it's more of a village than a town, but it has a lot of charm. It's quiet here, but that will change from Christmas onwards. Both Aussies from Melbourne and countless tourists flock to the island during the season. The goal in most cases is the 'Penguin Parade' where the many penguins of the island return to their nests in the evening. It sounds great at first, but it gets less appealing when you see the grandstand (!) on the beach. No, I'm not putting myself or the penguins through that. The sight of the many buses full of tourists still makes me sick today.

Cafés line up along the Main Road in Cowes, along with surfer and tourist shops. The sandy beach winds its way next to the Esplanade, which has often been my refuge after one of the up-and-down days here on Philipp Island.

My first workplace is the best fish restaurant on Philipp Island. The view from the terrace is indescribably beautiful. Unfortunately, I usually only have a few moments to enjoy it. Given the few working hours and some disputes within the team, I took care of a new job. I work in two restaurants at the same time for 2 weeks and finally decide to work Full Time in my second job. The offer was too good to be true. 'You get as many hours as you want.' turned into 10-hour shifts without a break. It happened as it had to and one day I collapsed at work. With trembling hands due to low blood sugar, I asked my boss for a break. His answer? No, we're too busy. Then there's my phone, which I accidentally dropped into the toilet on the same day - but no further details. With tears in my eyes, I left my job and was sick in bed the next day. Despite attempts to clarify, I was labeled as selfish and lazy, so I quit. Money, yes, but health comes first!

Thankfully, Harry took me back at his company and I had time to breathe again. Given my ongoing expenses for accommodation and food, even a few hours of work were helpful. Another stroke of luck are my two favorite colleagues Phil & Daniel, who took me to the Trumpet Bar after work, which slowly but surely became our regular pub.

One day, I pick up Lisa from work and somewhat desperatly ask for another job. I'll do any job (almost any) and I can come whenever you want. And lo and behold, a trial shift the next day. My new workplace is in Silverleaves, a small suburb of Cowes, in a café that serves breakfast and lunch. After helping out in the kitchen once, my boss has been calling me into the kitchen every day ever since, and man, who would have thought that working in the kitchen would be so much fun. I can prepare meals for hours, bake, and have casual conversations with my boss about country music. Top!!

That's how things stand. I have become cautious about saying 'Finally, everything is good.' because I never know what tomorrow brings. I simply enjoy every day that I can go to work and have time for a trip to the sea after work.

I spend my days off doing household chores (yes, that's also part of backpacking) and going on bike tours on the island (and of course, soaking up the sun).

Other items on the bucket list include a boat tour around the island, possibly taking a photography course to learn astrophotography, and more trips to the more remote parts of Philipp Island.

Philipp Island is once again a small chapter in paradise. Another chapter full of ups and downs. But at the end of the day, there is always a reason to be happy. I sit in Australia with the sea on my doorstep, with sand around my feet, with the wind on my face. Life is beautiful on Philipp Island and has actually become a little piece of home!