You're Going the Wrong Way!

By Nigel M Openshaw

Are you ready to embark on a year-long adventure where we'll explore the wonders Down Under?

We'll immerse in the breathtaking landscapes of North Queensland, uncover the natural beauty of Fraser Island, and experience the iconic Great Ocean Road firsthand.

 

Beyond being a mere collection of stories and scenery, this journey offers an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. As we encounter diverse cultures and awe-inspiring landscapes, you'll discover moments of introspection, connecting with your inner self in ways you never expected.

 

Reap the benefits from an unforgettable adventure within the pages of this year-long journey:

 

BE A PART OF THE STORY: Experience the highs and lows, triumphs and challenges alongside me on this extraordinary expedition.

DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS: We'll explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, providing insider knowledge and inspiration for future travels.

SHARE IN CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS: Interact with locals, engage in unique customs, and delve into the rich tapestry of Australian culture.

LEARN THROUGH OTHERS: Gain valuable insights and practical advice to navigate similar challenges, plan future trips, and make the most of your journeys.

INSPIRE YOUR ADVENTURES: Ignite your dreams and motivate you to travel and explore your destinations.

 

Travel isn't simply about visiting new places; it's about immersing yourself in diverse cultures and finding a sense of belonging. Uncover your inner strengths as you venture into unfamiliar territories, foster compassion through interactions with fellow travelers, and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges.

 

Naturally, not everything goes as planned – this experience goes beyond ordinary travel stories.

 

Walk alongside the awe-inspiring beauty of North Queensland's trails, the freedom of driving along the iconic Great Ocean Road, and the majesty of the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand.

 

Are you ready to embark on this transformative adventure? Join me on this path of discovery. Buy your copy today, and let the journey begin!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nigel M Openshaw
• Release date: Mar 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215833926

Nigel M Openshaw

Enthusiastic about web design and graphics, have a passion for teaching, and writing with a touch of photography. A software geek who loves caring for the environment. Also, an advocate for mindfulness and well-being with good time management. Nigel Openshaw is a TESOL-qualified teacher and has taught and managed classes in South Korea for eight years for elementary, middle, high, and adult students. His successful book series, "ESL Discussion Topics," came from working in teams, co-teaching, and individual classes. Apart from the discussion books, he also developed the ESL Practical Lessons book covering his favorite lessons. Apart from being an author, he is, by profession, a graphic and web designer. His company, SUNI Web Designs, has clients in Australia and the UK. He now focuses on improving his local Manchester area. He can be found on https://nigelmopenshaw.com and contacted on Twitter at @NigelMOpenshaw 

Book preview

You're Going the Wrong Way!

An Illustrated Memoir of Tales of Self-Discovery Down Under in Australia and New Zealand

Nigel M Openshaw

nigelmopenshaw.com

Copyright © by Nigel M Openshaw

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the author's and publisher's prior written permission.

Users can use quotations from the book in reviews, articles, or research, as long as they appropriately cite the source. The book offers advice and strategies to assist readers in achieving their goals. However, the author and publisher do not guarantee the success or effectiveness of the advice provided, as individual results may vary.

The author has based the information in this book on their knowledge at the time of publication. Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure accuracy, they disclaim any liability for errors, omissions, or changes that may have occurred since publication. Readers should verify the accuracy of the information before relying on it for their language-learning endeavors.

The author and publisher shall not be held responsible for any misuse, misinterpretation, or consequences arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book. By using this book, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Dedication

I am genuinely grateful to the warm and welcoming people of Australia and New Zealand, who made my trip unforgettable and heartwarming. Your kindness and hospitality left a lasting impression on me. I cannot thank you enough for making my journey so special.

To all the lovely people who graciously welcomed me into their lives, I deeply appreciate the memories we created together. Your openness and friendliness made me feel at home, even in a foreign land.

Once again, thank you for being a significant part of my unforgettable journey and reminding me of the beauty of human connections that transcend borders and cultures. Your warmth will always hold a special place in my heart.

Introduction

As I started my journey through Australia, I had no idea how much it would change me.

The adventure was an opportunity for a challenge and stepping outside my comfort zone. I needed to push past my anxieties and embrace the unknown.

However, as I ventured into this new world, I realized that my tendency to mask my insecurities had persisted within me for much longer than I had thought. I needed to break this habit and shatter the barrier holding me back.

I wanted to explore Australia and New Zealand for adventure. It was also for my mental health, as it was a chance to take a break from the stresses of my IT career in Manchester and prioritize my well-being.

The 1988 bicentennial celebrations sparked my desire to explore Australia. The stories of Michael Palin, Billy Connolly, and a dear friend who visited the country in 2000 ignited an unquenchable curiosity.

Join me on a journey through the most stunning places in Australia and New Zealand:

- Together, we will work on farms, harvest fruits and vegetables in tropical climates, and get much more than minimum wage.

- During our journey, we will discover stunning beaches with soft sand, crashing waves, and rugged coastlines that will leave us in awe. But remember the wildlife; there is more down under than kangaroos and koalas.

- And we will explore quaint towns that highlight the unique historic charm with a blend of city energy and cultural richness.

- For those seeking a cultural experience, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant Asian scenes that offer unique and unforgettable moments.

This book is a travel story of personal growth and self-care. Travel is never easy and sometimes uncomfortable, challenging, and frightening. Nevertheless, in those moments of vulnerability, we find the most significant rewards in our travels and personal lives.

1. Sydney: Arrival of a Rookie

Exploring Exciting Possibilities

The First Experience

As I stepped off the plane at Sydney Airport and entered the bustling customs lanes, a sea of faces and oversized bags surrounded me. The crowd rushed past with determination, like a stampede of wildebeest on the Savanna.

Wanting to avoid the chaos, I traveled light with a small backpack slung over my shoulder. I packed my clothes in mid-sized vacuum bags, like those used to store food in the kitchen, making it easier to carry all I needed.

I stopped by the airport coffee shop and grabbed a coffee to get my bearings. I pulled out my travel notes to map out my plan of attack. The thrill of adventure was too much to resist, and I winged it instead. I tucked my notes into my bag and headed outside to explore.

I hopped into a taxi and headed for Kings Cross, admiring the suburb's classic buildings with timber paneling and Victorian window shutters. Although I had seen similar settings on Australian soap operas, experiencing it in person felt entirely new.

After a quick taxi ride, I arrived at the Kanga House, a hostel near the bustling streets of Kings Cross. The worker led me through the maze-like structure, the narrow passageways feeling like the winding corridors of a castle's dungeon. Although tired, I was too excited to sleep on my first night in Sydney.

Getting Quickly Adjusted

Returning to the main street, I found a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Along the road were three and four-story buildings offering a mix of commercial spaces, lodgings, and hostels. I explored the area, absorbing the sights and sounds of street food vendors, charming bars, and lively nightclubs.

I walked into a small sports bar to find a mix of energy and emotions. People were cheering and shouting as they watched games on giant screens. It was easy to blend into the warm and friendly nightlife, which had a laid-back atmosphere.

As I settled into the bar, the multi-TV setup overwhelmed me with visuals and sounds from various walls. You could sit in one place and turn your head to watch different games. After sitting there for a while, I saw an unbreakable rule. If an Australian Rules Football game played, it appeared on the screens, no matter what game was on earlier.

You can't beat a bit of footy!

I watched the players collide with explosive force, sending each other flying across the field. The sheer vigor of their movements left me in awe. The presence of multiple referees on the field illustrated that one alone was incapable of managing the game's intensity. Whenever I hear that song from Hunters and Collectors, I instantly think of Aussie footy.

Learning From My Mistakes

To my surprise, the game originates back in Irish Gaelic Football. I nearly drowned in my beer when I overheard from some locals the words, Fair dinkum. I returned to the screens, embarrassed that I had jumped head-first into their conversation. Gladly, they had no idea of my reaction. Despite having heard it in comedy shows, I never expected to hear it used so casually. England failed in preparing me for Aussie lingo! This encounter reminded me that despite seeing the country depicted on television, I still had much to learn about Australia.

I continued to stroll around the city with a spring in my step; I heard sounds from places all around me as I searched for Hyde Park. The tree-lined paths led me to a towering fountain surrounded by healthy-looking gardens despite winter in July. The evergreen trees and lush vegetation supplied a pop of color and life in contrast to the cold and dreary weather.

I made a rookie mistake: I bought lunch at the expensive sandwich shop next to the park, but I shrugged it off as a lesson in budget-conscious backpacking. So, I munched on my sandwich, watching plenty of healthy people exercising and going about their day. However, the birds showed no sign of amusement. Instead, the sharp call from white parakeet calls drew my attention, and my expensive lunch also drew their interest as they refused to leave me alone.

Despite the parakeet intrusion, there was peace in Hyde Park. The park's tranquil beauty supplied a respite from the bustling city.