Monday, September 24, 2007
Not Much To Report
I've reached the halfway point of my time in Bakers Hill, and I have to say there's not much to say! Every day is the same routine and often, the same conversation with a different customer. I'm glad for the hours I spend cleaning or stocking as my brain is totally relaxed and just wanders mindlessly (sometimes I do end up sweeping the same spot for a few minutes, but that's to be expected!) Recently I've been daydreaming about my proposed "round-the-world-tour" when I head back to Canada. I've discovered for only about $500 more than the cheapest direct route, I could have layovers in Singapore, Dubai, Cairo, Athens, Berlin, Barcelona and London. I know what you're thinking: will I ever get home? Anyway, for now, I'm making the most of Bakers Hill. And the two highlights would have to be Flacko (I call her Fluffy) and Tabby, who have taken to sleeping on the end of my bed every night.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Toodyay
Another day off, another western Australian town.
The scenery is really beautiful this time of year. Can you imagine having a patio that overlooks the view? The owners use it as a "weekender" (I think we'd call it a cottage in Canada). They're millionaires who own a lot of acres (I don't remember how many, of course) and just come in from Perth once in a while. I don't know them, we just went up for the view.
I also visited Toodyay, a nice rural town, and had to stop into one of the oldest wineries in western Australia. This man has been working in the vineyards most of his life, and now runs the cellar. 
Here are some spider orchids that grow in this region. Aren't they a bit spooky looking?
Anyway, as much as I like seeing more of Australia, the highlight of my day is the Emmy Awards! I'll watch the replay tonight, but I just happened to turn on the tv this afternoon and they had the "TV Guide Red Carpet Special" (my favorite part: the dresses and diamonds!) That made my day. Four weeks to go!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Cooking 101
Four weeks to go! Yes, I'm counting down, but that's okay considering the circumstances. It's hard to believe how many hours I'm working for so little money. And, I guess, how little I enjoy a lot of the work I do. But I'm learning new skills, meeting different types of people and learning a lot about myself, so it's worth it. And yesterday for the first time in my life I smelled something delicious coming from the kitchen and it was MY cooking! Ha! Granted I just put chicken and a jar of sweet and sour sauce in a slow cooker, but I still made it.
I've planned the next leg of my journey, and I'll be heading over to Sydney. There were two reasons for my decision: Jill and Louise (awhh). Mostly I just can't wait to see them, and since Jill and Brian will be heading off soon, I figured mid-October would be the best time. I booked a ticket on the Indian Pacific train from Perth to Sydney. It's a three night journey, and I may end up regretting it, but I hope it will be a great experience (and some amazing scenery). It didn't cost much more than flying, and I can take all my luggage! 
Monday, September 10, 2007
Pictures
As promised, here are some pictures to help you imagine my life here in Bakers Hill. It feels very remote even though we are less than an hour's drive outside of Perth. I think the population of Bakers Hill is somewhere around 200 people- these two pictures show the main stretch of shops. In this direction is the Bakers Hill Tavern, a cafe, a hardware store and a gas station.
In this direction is the pie shop (Aussie style meat pies, not dessert pies), a garden nursery and a post office.
This is my bedroom at the Tavern. Very comfortable with my own TV!
This is Tabby, one of two very affectionate longhaired cats.
This is the view from the back.
And some pictures from inside.
It's hard to believe I've been here over a week! Exactly five more weeks to go. I would have to say that I'm very content here, but it's not exactly my favorite job. I can now say with certainty that I do not enjoy cleaning or cooking. I do, however, appreciate the lifestyle pace here. When I'm cleaning or cooking or even serving, my mind is totally relaxed. I don't wake up and run through my mental to-do list because it's already settled. I wanted a break, something stress-free and simple, and that's what I got. I do have to comment on something though. You know how in Canada, small towns are really friendly and laid back? Not true here. Some of the customers are the rudest and most impatient people I have ever met. I have to keep reminding myself that it's not my fault, and that it's not a crime to have a university diploma (not very highly regarded around here, I tell you!) Don't worry though, most people are very nice to me and patient while I'm learning. And I'm finding out so much about farming, mining, horse training and dog breeding!Monday, September 3, 2007
Day Off
It's been four days now, and I'm definitely getting the hang of my new "job". The actual work is fine, but it's a big adjustment to the lifestyle. It's a long day: cleaning around 9am, break for coffee, breakfast and then a shower, and then a few breaks during the day to rest my knees or check email. We close whenever the customers clear out, between 8 and midnight it seems. Also, it takes a lot of my energy to try to make conversation with the "regulars". I don't seem to have a lot in common with the customers, and sometimes I don't have the slightest clue what they are saying. Oh well, I'm trying. Today was my first day off (well, after I finished cleaning that is). As Carole predicted, I had an offer from one of the locals to show me around the area, and we went to York (founded 1831).We toured the old courthouse
We walked over a swinging bridge 
We walked over a swinging bridge We went to a beautiful lookout. (By the way, those are my new glasses). 
We had lunch at a cafe at an old flour mill that now houses incredibly beautiful (and expensive) Jarrah wood furniture. 
It was a great way to see the countryside and tourist sites, but I'm also glad to spend the rest of my day off flopped on the couch watching "Australian Idol".
We had lunch at a cafe at an old flour mill that now houses incredibly beautiful (and expensive) Jarrah wood furniture. It was a great way to see the countryside and tourist sites, but I'm also glad to spend the rest of my day off flopped on the couch watching "Australian Idol".