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Anna Overseas

8/1/2005

As I've mentioned before, I'm planning a bit of a five year jaunt around the world. I've been planning one-year stops in Australia, New Zealand, and a few other places. It's a small world, and I want to see as much of it as I can.

I just hit a bit of a roadblock today though.

I've been sitting here a bit bored (and not feeling well -- damn it, why do I get sick when my boss is on holiday and thus I can't call in?) and decided to confirm the ages and stuff for travelling to the various countries I want to go to in the next little while. For most of them, I'm fine - the age cut off is 35 for everywhere except here and Australia.

Ah, Australia. Land Down Under, full of wallabes and people related to Crash. I sorta had this picture of me with a funky hat on, exploring the land and seeing Ayers Rock and generally being all touristy and happy (much as I am here, except with less rocks and more castles).

But things are not going to be as easy to get to Australia as everywhere else. They only offer 3 month long working holiday visas (although you can apply for a second one), and only until you're 30. Since I just turned 29, this means I have a little less than 2 years to get my Canadian butt down there. And I have to decide if it's worth it.

I mean, three months as a migrant worker doesn't seem like something I'd be good at (although if I keep walking up and down the many many hills of Edinburgh I'll definately be in shape for it). But on the other hand, it's a chance to see Australia, and complain endlessly about the heat and how they have Christmas in summer and generally have a good time.

It's a lot to think about (although it's not like I have to decide right now). I mean, it shouldn't be too hard for me to do a month or so in Australia after I'm done New Zealand, as a tourist instead of a worker. But I like living overseas. I like the chance to really dig your fingers into the place you're living, to get a better sense of the people. Heck, I just like the idea of being someplace long enough to actually be able to give directions somewhere.

I don't know. Like I said, it's not like I have to decide today, but I should probably decide by Christmas. (Which doesn't seem nearly so far away when work is advertising for Christmas parties and Kenny and I are in heavy negotiation over who's going to work during Hogmany.)

Anna stopped here at 11:38 AM

 mind the gap

A 20-something Canadian who used to teach English in China. There's lots in the archives about my experiences with teaching, with culture shock, and with my adventures in China. Occasionally it meanders into melancholy (part of the culture shock), which must be very dull to read, so you can skip that.

But right now, I'm back in Canada, and kinda determined to do something with the several thousand photos I took, as well as write more about China and other stuff.

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