Back in Surfers Paradise

Now it's time to report again on what I'm currently up to. Since January 14th, I have been back in Gold Coast in the neighborhood of Surfers Paradise. Originally, my plan was to work and live in Sydney for a few months. However, I wasn't happy there at all and realized how expensive the city is (an average of $300 per week for a private room and shared bathroom in a shared apartment). So, I decided to fly back to the Gold Coast. When I arrived here again and saw the familiar area, my thought was 'I'm back home'. The Gold Coast, especially Surfers Paradise, quickly became a second home for me. I was very happy to see some friends who are still here. At the end of January, almost everyone leaves the Gold Coast, so I am enjoying the remaining time with them intensively.

Within less than two weeks, I am now in my 3rd hostel in Surfers Paradise. You could actually hire me as a hostel tester ;-). The first two hostels were not good at all, but now I am finally in one that is brand new and still being renovated. The hostel is integrated into a hotel and located right in the center. It is a few dollars more expensive than the previous hostels, but it's worth it ($42 per night).

The hostel life is starting to annoy me and it's becoming really expensive over time. I have been actively looking for a shared room and have found two good apartments. One would be a room with an older Australian lady, including a private bathroom right by the river and about 5-10 minutes walk from the center and beach, and the other with two Spanish girls, an apartment right in the center and right by the beach, including a huge balcony with a sea view. I was hoping to get the room with the girls to quickly make new connections when my friends leave. In the end, I also received confirmation from the girls last Saturday and canceled the other apartment with the older lady. However, I haven't heard anything from the girls since then and coincidentally I met a girl in my hostel who also had a viewing appointment there, but on Sunday, a day after I received confirmation. She also told me that the Spanish girls told her that many other interested people will come for a viewing in the next few days. Now I hope that everything works out because the plan is for me to move in with them on Saturday, January 28th. The rent there is $200 per week including utilities and internet.

It's really not easy to find something decent. Most apartments are typical student apartments that are accordingly untidy and dirty. Many shared rooms are also offered, which you have to share with someone. Although these rooms are of course cheaper, I value having my own room.

In the last few days, I have been on my way distributing my resume. I went to about 35 stores and restaurants/cafes. Luckily, I was able to print out my resumes at my old language school. The staff there are so kind and helpful. I first surprised some staff and students when I was back at the school after everyone thought I was in Sydney for a longer time.

Job hunting is also not that easy. Unfortunately, now the season is ending because the Christmas holidays in Australia end this week. Since the Gold Coast is the number 1 vacation city in Australia (also for Australians), it is very dependent on tourism. Most stores told me that they don't need new staff at the end of the season. However, some still took my resume in case there are any changes in their staff.

Now it's time to wait and hope that I will soon have a shared room and a job.