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Hobbit Soulmate Pt 28

“Hey Richy Rich,” you said with your phone on the bed on speaker as you stood one legged hunched over removing your shoes.

In a chuckle he asked, “Juggling with your shoes again,”

“This zipper, hates me.” Even Lee chuckled while easing his tie looser and you asked, “How is England? Perfectly misty?”

“Yes, you are missing the morning moors, my Love. So, tell me how the film went. And I will be expecting reactions from Lee as well.” Stirring a smirk onto his face being included.

All through the film was shared as you changed into sweats and a sweater with thick fuzzy socks added while Lee had sweats and a t shirt ending up sitting beside you flipping through the muted tv channels for something to fall asleep to. “So what are the plans after this?”

“Well I was heading back to the apartment for some more lounging time but Lee keeps trying to goad me to Canada to try out for a spot on his show starting in January.”

Richard, “Ooh, where does that film?”

Lee smirked answering, “By Niagara Falls.”

Richard, “My film is shooting near there, and a bit farther north, but you should give it a go we could get a place by his. Scope it out.”

Rolling your eyes to Lee’s beaming grin you said, “I’m counting this as a coup.”

Richard chuckled, “You know you’d end up at one of our sets either way, if they are needing actors best get paid for your time anyways.”

“Fine, I will try out for the girl who talks to inanimate objects.”

Lee, “You will love the show. It’s more than just that.”

From cuddled up in your own beds to the credits when Richard had long since hung up sleep was hoarded as long as possible until Lee grumbled through picking up the wake up call and warning they would call the taxi for you. Smiling at his hitting the button in your Polaroid to capture your mess of arms and curls right before the struggle to get up out of bed would ensue.

Airport breakfast came with his frozen grin locked your way making you say, “I said I’d audition, don’t you go getting excited like I already got the part.”

“Well, when we land I’ll give them a call see when the next open audition is and we can head up for you to see my place.”

“How is it?”

“It is a palace compared to my place in New York.” Making you giggle, “Two bedrooms with a bath and kitchen, separate, with hot water and a few closets.”

“Look at you all fancy.” Making him chuckle again.

“Still only has an inflatable mattress but I could spring for some lawn chairs for company.”

“How little we actually need when we are just starting out.”

“No doubt with Richard you could afford something much bigger.”

“We don’t need bigger. I have bigger.”

That had him laugh and you giggle as he said, “You have a bed and a half.”

“And a bath and a half, plus closet and sitting room with living and seating room. Little mansion of my own. See, bigger. When would I ever find another like it. You buy a penthouse you got to clean a penthouse.”

“Ugh, just keeping the mildew off the tiles in my kitchen shower is hard enough.”

“Have you tried that mint soap I told you about?”

“Couldn’t find it.”

“Mmm, I’ll show you when we get back.”

Waves from a few of the workers in the diner you’d chosen had you grinning in one of the young ladies timid trot over holding the same magazine you’d posed in the last time you came to California. “Could you sign this?” Just about turned to tears at her lack of a pen until you shook your head reaching into your carry on bag bringing one out that you almost giggled through the half paragraph of a message she wanted. Back again she hurried squealing to her excited friends showing it off as you finished up eating through Lee’s hushed chuckles and muttered comments. Once on your feet to throw trash away turning for the doorway however found a few more workers on their breaks with scattered bits of paper and old newspapers for you to sign for them as well along with Lee. Who after a confirmation of his drop in on Law and Order took turns with your pen as well bashfully scribbling his name for the small crowd that scattered as fast as it had gathered freeing you back to your gate.

Loudly a shriek had you gripping Lee’s arm and a woman hurried over, “Milla Jovovich!”

Once at your side she shoved a magazine in your palms you looked to then up again, “No-,”

“Oh my gosh I can’t wait until all my friends hear I ran into you!!”

Instantly her phone was on and she was calling some woman named Timberlie and you glanced up at Lee asking softly, “How do you spell that name?”

Lee shrugged and you rolled your eyes marking an M followed by a squiggle and the same after what could either be a J or a Y to be safe. Timidly onto the half wall behind her on her pacing around the gate you left the magazine and marker and backed away creeping to the check in gate leaving her to her fantasy encounter. With a grin you reached into your bag to hand over your boarding passes to the just about giggling woman behind the counter who read your name and you asked, “Do I look like Milla Jovovich?”

“I mean, I guess, if you kinda close your eyes a bit. Ignore the hair and the eyes, and I think she’s taller. And not so, curvy.”

“Thought so.”

Lee, “Was she the one in that space film with Bruce Willis?”

“I think that was her name.”

Lee looked you over and said, “They got the Russian part right. Hmm, fun times.”

“Not for her when she finds out.”

Making the woman chuckle and pass your tickets back, “I don’t think that matters, Honey. Just made her year it seems. Either way should be boarding soon. She’s up in first class so she won’t bother you.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime, honey.”

Once in the seats you sighed and looked to Lee asking, “I’m guessing you have your script with you?”

His smile split wider and in the tucking of your legs onto the seat with knees laid across his leg closest to yours. Scoring closer he passed you the script saying, “Just the one for the pilot, but it’s so good. Just ignore the post its.”

Into your palms the script for Wonderfalls settled and you cracked the cover page hearing the woman squealing to her friend that you were reading a script making the woman behind the counter wonder who you might actually be as she didn’t recognize your name or face exactly. “I work in the gift shop, nice. Tons of retail background.” Making Lee chuckle as you turned from the first page, commenting on first how you got he powers and smiling as oh smirked at the actions the little figurine told you to take to ‘save the day’ as others would in various situations throughout the show.

A call to board had you holding a finger in the script page folded around it as Lee grabbed both your carry on bags following you back to the desk once pretty much everyone else was boarded. Letting you take up your seat in the back of the plane so very far from the woman up front no doubt having expected to have been seated near you. Five hours two bags of pretzels and tiny cans of v8 later and you sighed relenting to Lee after he’d shared from his post it packed notebook on all he’d studied up on the subject his character had his degree in centered around religions of the world that comes into question when he learns about what gift his sister now has. To his puppy dog stare you sighed out, “It does sound like it’d be fun. Doubt I’d have to do much romancing in it.”

“Oh you’ll have a crush, I think, at best a date. No throwing down in this show from what we were told except for my character and Tracy.”

“Wow,” Making him chuckle bashfully.

“Just a shirtless post tryst scene. She agreed to bra and quick pop into jeans after. I will be wearing pants. Just a few make out scenes after so many episodes of rivaling banter.”

“I do love a good enemies to lovers tale.” Making him smile again, “So, who am I crushing on? How does he look? Am I going for muscle head or average joe with a heart of gold or do I have to gag through the falling for the bad boy cliche?”

“I think, joe? He’s not too muscular. Tyron Leitso, he kind of looks a bit like me, blue eyes though. Ooh, he was in Dinotopia, the one breaking all the rules.”

“Ok, haven’t seen that one yet.” you said with a nod. “But I can always pester him with my Dino knowledge, good.” Making him chuckle again.

“Yes we can see that when we get back, I have a copy of the tapes, and our sister is blonde,”

“Bit of a mish mash family picture we have.”

“Yes, she doesn’t like either of us very much but likes me more for having accomplished something.”

“Nice,” you replied through a giggle.

“Apparently also secretly gay.”

“Ooh,” Making him chuckle again, “That should be an interesting twist. Hope we bond over the fact I’m not going to be a dick bout that.”

“Not sure yet. There is some bonding. Mostly you’ll be working with me, which was why it was so stunning the other actress dropped out, sort of leaves me hanging.”

“Must be a very tall tree,” you teased making him smirk again in easing his tray table up while you slid your bag back under your seat readying for the landing he took your hand for.

“Ha ha.”

Outside the gate you exited through following the crowd to the packed halls back out to the familiar luggage claim you kept to his side hoping that lady wouldn’t follow trying to ask you more about a woman you could barely recall the face of in your mind outside of her makeup covered self.

Just the eyes stuck, yet with bags on your backs to the shuttle you went passing the flashes of cameras that went off in your exit you and Lee gave quick grins to and continued along. Apparently one of those friends had called the press and after your semi known self was photographed by a couple of the cameramen the others waited murmuring about the better known actress they didn’t realize was coming to New York. You would have giggled if you hadn’t known that a few of those guys lived off those paydays and missing out could be bad for them if they didn’t make it up somehow with another find.

With burgers and fries across a towel laid out on your bed you watched the films on your vhs player refusing to move the tv to the sitting room only to have to move it back later. “He did not just quote Queen,” Lee chuckled around his mouthful and you groaned, “Ugh, and she bought it.”

A bit later you grinned at the ping pong scene, “Aww, Zippo. Now I’m going to have dreams about Dinos for weeks. Cyrus and the Lord Mayor, have to add them to my dream costar list.”

“I think Capt Oonu should narrate books. Such a great voice.” You giggled as he said, “I would listen to whatever he narrated.”

“Rosemary, I’ve seen her in something. The face isn’t clicking but I’ve heard her voice before. And it’s just picking at me.”

“Same as Zippo, I’ve heard that voice.”

Hours you watched the films then to the sunrise you caught his eye and he asked, “Did you want to go pick up our tickets?”

That had you giggling, “You want to leave today?” He blinked at you and you sighed, “Just a day trip or should I bring a bag?”

“Just a day trip.”

You shook your head and sighed, “You could have said something at the airport.”

“But I had to get my package from the desk.” That had you giggle and say, “Alright, let me at least change my shirt.” You said heading to the closet tugging the t shirt off to pull on a clean spaghetti strap tank top you put on under a nicer t shirt not coated in sun stains, though both kept inching up over your middle causing you to grab a baggy flannel and your jacket. Hastily you brushed your teeth as he did the same using his kit from his bag you dropped at his place on the way down along with his package from his grandma out in Oklahoma he would unwrap later. Grabbing a book to go through you added to your bag along with a spare resume and headshot you shouldered. The apartment was locked up and down you went to meet him in the lobby where he hung up from his call to the office for the show he confirmed an open audition was going to be started by the time you got there.

“Will they be open at least or will we be absurdly early?”

“They are open, bit curious why I called about it, they did ask if I’d be up to being there for some run throughs last week. Said I was on my way up.”

“Nice,” you teased through his chuckle on your joint way out of the building back into the chilly air bound for chillier weather off to the airport again. Widely you grinned to the man behind the counter you had waved to on his way in as you were on the way out with narrowed eyes trying to figure out on his own why you were back so soon. “Got ambushed with a request to go to Canada.”

“Is that so,” he said flatly shifting his hands to type up the flights off to Canada. “We have one in thirty minutes.”

“Perfect.” He looked you over accepting your cash and ID for the ticket and you giggled saying, “Don’t worry, this is my second to last flight today.”

“You want a round trip then?”

“Um, I’m not entirely sure when I’ll be coming back tonight, or how long this audition will take. So no thank you, I’ll just have to pester them to fly me back at their desk.”

That had him chortle and roll his eyes, “I swear, you are here more than me sometimes.”

“Just wait till December, no doubt they’ll hang up my picture, number one customer right here.” You giggled out taking the ticket and cards he passed you back guiding you along to the security desk where the guard outside gave you the same giggle inducing once over.

“Don’t you have a home?” He teased taking your bag for the box to scan as you undid your belt to add to the box along with the odd combination of coins and a weird bottle cap you found earlier.

Lee chuckled and said, “My fault, she’s helping me on a show I’m filming with in January. Last minute drop out we need a new female lead.”

The guard said after you passed through the metal detector, “Two kids your age should not be flying this much. I couldn’t afford baseball tickets when I was your age.”

“Ooh, but my Grandpa got me this credit card, I get miles now.”

“Miles,” the other guard chuckled out shaking his head helping Lee through the detector.

The excited smile on your face had him shaking his head and you giggling, “Don’t miss your flight. And hurry back to get some sleep.”

“I’m on vacation till December after this, tons of time to sleep.”

“And I best not see either of you till then.” He called back as you both filled your pockets and hurried off with bags in hand to your gate in time to check in and file in for a mid plane seat this time.

One hour didn’t seem very long at all as once the wheels came up your head tapped his arm and you were blinking awake at his gentle nudge awake when the call for landing was given. The time skip showing how tired you didn’t realize you were. Still a ruffle of your loose curls you twisted up into an unrestrained ponytail you let go of for a moment of cool air on your neck and up you stood joining everyone else for the file out of the plane following Lee who had commandeered your bag as if to force a hostage situation.

Just a simple call warning he was coming and outside the airport was a driver who was on the phone, apparently passing on the news Lee was here shockingly with a guest. A bit confused he opened the door for Lee, who let you in first to follow after leaving the driver muttering about what you looked like. Softly you asked, “You did tell them I was coming, right?”

“Nope,” he said with a smile making you scoff and shake your head turning it to look up the window as the driver hopped in and hung up.

“Off to the studio we go!” He said cheerfully but stole yet another glance at you in the mirror.

Breaking the silence Lee said, “Tracy is gonna flip seeing you again.” Drawing your eyes to him with brow arched up. “Oh don’t, I told people I knew you when you won the Tony and were all over the press and I got so many stares like I was lying.”

“So you just show up with me?” You giggled out earning a nod from him in return before his huff and slide closer to let you lean against his chest through a peck on your forehead. “Incorrigible.”

“Always.” He said settling his cheek on top of your head settling in for the forty minute drive.

“You did not bring Jaqi Pear!” The voice was loud and clear from Tracy who was walking out of the studio office. Lee was blocking the view of his guest for the curious secretary peering through the window on the door behind Tracy who was tasked with finding out who Lee had brought and if they were meant to entertain them or not.

Once out Lee smiled saying, “Hey Tracy, look who I brought.”

Stepping aside for you to hop out making her let out an excited squeal of a sound closing the distance for a hug luring another face possibly of a producer to watch the scene playing on whose mouth dropped recognizing you from the premier Lee was photographed at they learned of the night prior. “Girl! I have not seen you since you graduated early abandoning us all for Broadway!” She pulled back at your soft giggle smiling as she said, “Now you have to tell me how you buy a sweater and end up with nine jobs!”

You giggled again saying, “It wasn’t nine, felt like it, but most of them were small. Extra blips.”

“I saw About a Boy, you were no blip.”

“I didn’t know it was that big! I was love interest number four! When do any of Hugh’s flings in his films get more than a blip when they’re not big names?”

She chuckled and Lee said in a nod of his head to the door, “I think we should go inside,”

Tracy said poking him in the side, “You! They were on their heads for a while wondering who you brought out here with you, please tell me you’re auditioning.” Smiling was her answer at the anxious vanishing act of your voice and she let out another giddy squeal guiding you to the door, “Oh this is going to be perfect. You have no idea, just no idea, two girls so far, a Barbie doll and an amazon woman built more for the Terminator than an adorable quirky show about a girl who talks to inanimate objects. Neither of which stayed for the full interview when they asked if there was a nude scene like they had been told.”

“Wow,”

“Well there’s three in the list for their first interview then they take turns with me, now Lee too, for the second.”

Once through the door the secretary smiled hurrying back to her desk after the producer had turned pretending to fix a clock mounted to the wall he couldn’t manage to hang again he hid behind a potted plant in the corner to follow your group to the desk where Tracy said in a point to you, “She’s auditioning.”

The secretary nodded and passed you the clipboard as you turned saying, “Oh go on, you two have work to do. I know this part so stop hovering you’ve caused enough drama Lee.”

Tracy smiled and turned seeing the producer taking wider side steps to catch up to the pair and ask about your wanting to try out for the part. Into an empty chair you sat crossing your legs for a desk to fill out the papers you turned in with the headshot and resume she paper clipped together and hurried in to the next room to the next stunned producer who showed it to the director as the girl in front of them took a breath readying for her scene. Through the wall you could hear loud awkward readings of the lines timed like a metronome in a flat tone possibly signaling she was throwing this audition or simply this was her first time. Looking to your book unlike the other girls watching the beaming girl strut her way out past who you would assume to be her gawking mother you bit back your smirk propping an arm up on the arm of your chair soon covered with your loose curls that had the other straight haired girls stealing lingering stares your way wondering why you and your apparently grungy self had come to try for this part to be lead in this show. They got called back however and both came out to be called in to the second reads while you finished off another chapter in The Way We Live Now, still stuck in your classic mood for novels to just wallow in missing your cuddle happy Richard so far from you.

“Miss Pear?” Closing the book you grinned at the friendly producer’s aid calling you back watching you add the book to your bag you brought with you into the first office you could just imagine Lee and Tracy pinning their ears to the wall between that and the second they were in to hear how this would go.

The bag was left on the seat and you looked over the sheet the producer handed you and to the camera the aid was manning you read off the snarky monologue you recognized from the script you borrowed from Lee all about the perils of working retail in the Niagara Falls gift shop. By the third line the Producer had his eyes fixed on you and missed his line the aid read for him making him stutter glance her way only to have you pick up again for a rude interaction with a guy who refuses to buy anything after asking you a bunch of questions about a video playing in the shop.

Smiling again from the scoffing shake of your head to the imaginary back of the fleeing customer as you leaned into the chair standing in for the counter they had asked you to use. The page was handed back and moving your bag at his throat clearing in his hand gesture to sit you did settling on one of your bent legs to not be too terribly short across from the pair. “Do you have experience in retail? That seems, very authentic.”

Mid giggle you replied, “Yes, years of it, waitressing to working in shops to get through school to pay what was left on my tuition after scholarships.”

“Yes,” he said looking to your resume, “This says you went to Oxford and Julliard?”

“Yes, I got accepted into Oxford first, mainly for science, my dad said I had to have a backup plan, then my audition, word got back to me I was approved for Julliard too. Bit unusual but I mastered in both Drama, Arts and Science for my degrees.”

After a moment he wet his lips and asked, “How did you hear about this part?”

“Lee, um, I got two roles in two different horror films and my Mate hates to watch horror films in the theater so I asked Lee to go with me instead. He asked if I’d come to check out his apartment out here for the show and the role came up. It’s really a unique idea for a show, had to at least give it an audition.”

“You know Lee well?”

“He’s my best friend, he started at Julliard in my second year,” you answered with a grin making his split wider, “And I believe Tracy was in my year. I kept my head down for most of my first year, I was under five feet still and just didn’t have he energy for comments on that between classes.”

“And, there are, some interesting roles on here. Since your lead role on Broadway you’ve been mainly extras?”

“Yes, I, see I have a habit of being a last minute addition.” Causing his brow to tick up, “For Chicago on Broadway it was a couple weeks before the show was to go on that my teacher, who was choreographing it, tipped my name to the Director and head producers that I could fill in. I got back from Christmas holiday break in England to New York where they had a bunch of films recasting their extras so I got a stack of auditions. The Lord of the Rings was really the only one I got auditioning the old fashioned way and I got that for stunt and body doubling work under pounds of prosthetics. Other than my last film which I got for my ballet and musical training.”

“You’re not limiting yourself to simply musical or dance based roles then?”

“No,” you said with a shake of your head, “No Chicago was just one of my two musical ones with this last film I did.”

“And you feel you could hold the lead role in a tv show? I see this would be your first one.”

“I would be lying if I said I couldn’t hold the weight of it. I give all my projects my all and I don’t imagine filming a tv show would be any less work than for a film, I might not have been your first choice but I won’t let the Producers or Director down.”

“I don’t doubt that, Tony award, plus our other Producer saw your spot in Enough. Went on about how the purple eyed girl could have been given a larger spot to fit the talent.” Holding back your smirk you nodded as he asked, “Why do you think Lee would have thought you perfect for this?”

“We get on amazingly, so it wouldn’t be hard to melt into a good chemistry for scenes, including any sort of familiarity in moving around one another like siblings would depending on how small the sets are made for their childhood household. I suppose also for the retail bit he knows I’d be able to have experience no doubt on unruly customers or how people tend to distract themselves while alone working in a store.”

“Really,” he said with a grin, “How did you entertain yourself working alone?”

“Until Lee got there I would recite from books I’d read a million times until the store emptied then I had audio books I put into the boom box at the store until the guy filling paper goods shouted for some music or he’d fall asleep. Then of course I’d blast opera or the classic musical tapes I had.” Making him chuckle at your smirk, “Then Lee started there and I had someone to rehearse with or just chat on in circles through the night to keep him awake while he got used to working nights and going to school.”

“How do you think Lee or Tracy would take it if we were to choose against you?”

“They’ll survive.” You giggled out, “Honestly it wouldn’t really change anything my Mate has a film he’ll be working on in Canada while you are filming out here so I could still spend time with them and hear how everything is going.”

“Oh,” his brows inched up, “So you already plan on being out here at that time frame.”

You nodded, “I have two premiers in December, some press for a film late January, and another film out in mid to late January. Until September, I have a few things that have been lined up, but it’s all pretty flexible.”

“Well we don’t have much to film for winter scenes,” he muttered on his way to the door causing you to turn and stand at his opening the door, “If you’d give us a few moments we’ll call you back for the second round.” With a nod you went back to your former seat in the waiting room a bit confused if you’d given a good impression or not and with camera in hand he led his aid into the second office where you saw Lee and Tracy off in a third side office reading scripts no doubt until the pair entered the office next to theirs. The door shut and shaking your head you went for your book again and for what seemed to be far longer than you had seen the other girls wait you read until the door opened to the office after you heard a muffled shriek that made you flinch followed by a few loud thuds.

“Miss Pear?” Closing your book your face must have been priceless because she let out a bashful chuckle saying, “There was a bug, it fell on me.”

“Ah, ya, hate that.”

You said crossing to the doorway where you found Lee tying his boot back on letting out a weak chuckle, “You missed it, huge centipede.”

“Glad about that,” you said eyeing Tracy shivering off her crawling skin from seeing the bug just scooped away into the trash.

The second Producer asked, “You’re already planning on being out here in early January?”

“My Mate is filming here, well, in Canada, he hasn’t shared where exactly. Also said we could look into apartments near the one Lee rented. So it must be relatively close for him. I do have to be through Europe though near the end of the month.”

The Director shook his head, “No, no, only two episodes I believe heavy for winter months. We don’t have lengthy film windows for that, and even then we could touch up again in February if we would have missed something. Will you be here then?”

“Yes, one of my extra spots is being reshot in England, but it only should take a couple weeks. I’m just an extra blip in the film for some humor. Then I can just pop right back.”

The Director chuckled, “You really do bounce back and forth around the globe don’t you?”

That had you giggle, “You have no idea. But I’m used to it. Through school summer to fall in Julliard and Holiday break in Oxford then back again until summer for my semester back at Oxford. And New Zealand and Canada seem lovely alternatives for the ocean hopping paths too.”

Smoothing his hands down the sides of his jeans the first Producer watched the second pass you a page you looked over, “If you wouldn’t mind, Lee and Tracy have read up on the scene we’d like you to run through.”

You nodded and they set up some chairs and the spare table along the wall on your right for a mock set. Out of your jacket you shrugged leaving it by your bag along the wall stepping into place for what had the others smirking to themselves at how the three of you clearly had chemistry and a great flow already even just dropped into a scene. A few adjustments were made for the next few times you went through the scene and the second behind that one to ensure you might fit the mold they were looking for.

Facing them again you grinned holding a hand over Lee’s eyes giggling out, “Just ignore his face,” That had you giggle at his bump to your back and hug of your arm now being pinned to his chest so he could inspect the group that had just broken from their hushed conversation.

The Director was the one to say, “Well you certainly mesh well personality wise.”

At the glances from the Producers you knew it was something about how you looked, and the Second Producer asked, “Do you perm your hair?”

“No,” you shook your head, “And if you need it straightened or shorter or even dyed I’m good with that. I asked Lee about that earlier, he said the sister, other sister, is blonde.”

“That’s good,” the Director nodded, “Very good, I think blonde might be a bit too drastic a change, our original thought was for a brunette actress.”

You nodded and said, “Sure, about how long? Mine is to the middle of my back, but it can reach my waist if I straighten it.”

Tracy said, “Original girl’s was here,” she said on your upper bicep about to the level of your bust.

“Oh that’s no problem. I have some friends who have been dying to play with my hair.” That had brows rising on the Producers, “They’re licensed beauticians, work with pageants mainly a few films they’d give me a good deal since I have so much hair and they’d have to straighten it then cut it then dye it and straighten again. Giving them tons of time to play with it.” After a moment you said, “Plus Lee’s brows are kind of similar to mine, I have some colored contacts if you want me to wear those too.”

The Director said, “I think the purple should be fine. From a distance they kind of look blue, besides, the purple is sort of your charm. Can’t hide that.”

Lee’s hands shifted a bit more comfortably around your arm he lowered to rest across his belly thrilled to have had this go so well. “How are you with swim suit shots? We have a scene for a hot summer day with an actor being shirtless and in the script we would have you possibly in a bikini top and shorts sunbathing.”

“As long as it’s a sensible top that should be fine,” you giggled out, “We won’t be filming that in January, will we?”

“No,” the trio chuckled, the first Producer saying, “In Spring when we pick up filming again.”

The Director nodded and offered his hand yours was released for, “Welcome aboard then. We’ll send the contracts to your lawyer along with a firm timeline for filming so you can plan accordingly. Thank you, truly for coming along. We will let you know about the table read dates coming up through the next few months.”

Pt 29

Hobbit – Soulmate - @evyiione, @deepestfirefun, @rhaenaatargaryen, @anastasialovers

X all Rich. A - @abiwim, @deepestfirefun, @thestorybookmistress

X Lee P - @tigereyesf

All –

@himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @aspiringtranslator, @thegreyberet, @patanghill17, @jesgisborne, @curvestrology, @alishlieb, @jogregor, @armitageadoration, @fizzyxcustard, @lilith15000, @marvels-ghost, @catthefearless, @imjusthereforthereads, @c-s-stars, @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore, @mariannetora, @shes-a-killer-kween, @ggbbhehe4455

#Lee Pace x Reader OC #Richard Armitage x Reader OC #Audition #Travel #Best Friends #Catching Up #Off To Canada

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hedwigstalons · 4 years

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High Expectations - Ch17

This was meant to be a fic about Gordon but as I get further through the timeline the other brothers start waving more and pointing out that they are an important part of this and should be considered too. Alan has been feeling a bit left out and wants some attention.

Thanks to @willow-salix for her amazing editorial skills and ‘quick chats’ that are somehow never very quick.

Earlier parts: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen,

AO3 chapter link

Chapter Seventeen

If Gordon’s journey out to Marineville for officer selection had been different to his first visit to the base it was nothing compared to the contrast of the journey home. This time his journey north had needed no furtive sneaking off, no cover stories and no lies. There had still been plenty of butterflies in anticipation of the trials ahead but he had faced those trials with the blessing and support of his family. His father had even travelled to the airport with him rather than entrusting him solely to a driver.

The journey south, however, was accompanied by butterflies an order of magnitude greater.

As he exited Marineville to board the bus back to the airport it was impossible to miss the imposing hire car in the visitors’ parking lot or the even more imposing man stood next to it. So far he had managed to maintain a level of anonymity but as he left the cluster of participants he was acutely aware of the whisperings behind him. He ignored the mutterings and strode over to his father, his head held high, it didn’t matter if they worked out who he was now, he knew he had earned his place on his own merits.

“So Gordon, how did it go?” There was still that look of pre-emptive sternness, as though Jeff was waiting to receive another mediocre report card.

Gordon couldn’t stop the grin that flashed across his face or the air of cocky smugness, he was riding the wave of success again and it felt good. “Aced it. The standard was a lot higher and only about a third of us got through but when the next intake comes around you are looking at the newest recruit to WASP.”

The sternness dropped away and was replaced by the look of pride Gordon had seen directed at his brothers far more than himself. “Good, son. You can tell me about it on the journey home.”

As they headed away from the base Gordon recounted the tests and challenges he had faced. For Jeff it was like having a much younger Gordon back, the one who had regaled him with tales of race wins and given blow by blow accounts of dives, turns and sprint finishes. His fourth son spoke freely and animatedly in a way he hadn’t heard for years and Jeff realised just how much of his sons’ lives, all of them, he had missed out on by burying himself in his work and leaving the boys to fend for themselves. He was trying to be more involved again, to listen to them, but his sons had gotten used to existing without him around. All too often he’d come in to hear Gordon ending a call to one of the others, usually Virgil, or arrive home just as Alan was finishing telling Gordon about his day. He rarely got to hear their news now and was almost never the first to be told; it didn’t make it any easier knowing this was a situation of his own making.

Jeff drove them, not to the main Marineville airport, but to a much smaller private air strip just out of town. As they turned off the route being followed by the shuttle bus Gordon kicked himself for not realising sooner that they wouldn’t be on the regular flight. Of course they wouldn’t, his father hadn’t taken a scheduled flight in years.

As they entered the cockpit of the jet Jeff slipped into the co-pilot’s position leaving the main pilot’s seat for Gordon. It had been an intensive few months going from minimal experience at the controls through to being able to take charge of the family jet. His swimming training had always prevented him from experiencing this part of the family education before but now his time in the skies had him thrown in at the metaphorical deep end in the race to get qualified before starting WASP training. Scott of course had gained his private licence on his seventeenth birthday, desperate to achieve official recognition at the earliest possible moment, and Virgil and John hadn’t been much older than the official minimum themselves. Gordon’s dedication had been tested as he crammed in what the others had spent years learning gradually.

This was where the butterflies came in.

He still wasn’t yet able to fly unaccompanied but he was getting closer. Today though it seemed he was to be tested to a whole new level. A two hour flight down the coast, taking off from an unfamiliar runway, was a jump up from the short flights he had taken until now. To make that leap while utterly exhausted following a gruelling three day selection course was perhaps a step too far.

He looked to his father for confirmation that this really was what was expected of him and received only a silent nod in return but if there was one element of being a Tracy that Gordon had truly mastered it was not backing down from a challenge. He pushed the tiredness away, buried the self-doubt with it, and with Jeff next to him scrutinising his every move he requested permission from the tower and taxied out onto the runway.

Jeff stayed silent as Gordon completed the maneuver. He watched the precise and controlled movements his son made, finding little to pick fault with despite watching with a highly critical eye. He knew Gordon must be desperate for his bed, the dark bags under his eyes a testament to what his body had been subjected to, but he needed to be sure his son would be capable of rising to a challenge. Now that he knew Gordon had been accepted into WASP and would receive rigorous training on all manner of submersibles his son changed status from dependent child to potential rescue operative.

He had already started considering the possibilities of expanding the scope of his organisation to include water rescues, indeed he already had the first concept sketches for a submarine, but for that to become a reality he needed an aquanaut. Being accepted into WASP was a start but until Gordon held both his pilot's licenses, for both up in the sky and under the waves, Jeff wasn’t yet ready to consider his fourth son as a full part of his vision and so for now he was content to watch, and wait, and plan, leaving Gordon ignorant of his ideas.

xoxoxox

Barely a week after the selection course the letter arrived confirming what Gordon had already been told at the end of the trials, that he would be joining the next officer training intake. Even though the contents of the letter were no surprise it was still reassuring to see it in black and white, indisputable proof that WASP had confidence in him and that his future path was set.

“So, when do you start?” Jeff asked across the dinner table.

“Huh?” Gordon snapped his head up in surprise, he had been oblivious to the room around him as he read the letter through several times, drinking in the validation it gave him while butterflies fluttered in his stomach at the prospect of actually going off and doing it. “Oh, um, beginning of July, then it’s…”

He didn’t get any further. The scrape of chair and the clatter of discarded cutlery cut him off as Alan flew from the room and disappeared down the hallway, the slam of a bedroom door confirming where he had gone to ground. Jeff sighed and half rose from the table, his expression showing anger at the rudeness of the departed teen, but Gordon waved him down.

“No, I’ll deal with this.”

Gordon had been sensing the impending storm ever since he got back from Marineville. Amongst the congratulations of the family one voice had been noticeably absent and it seemed that the official confirmation letter was all that had been needed to bring it to a head. The last thing he needed was for their father to make a difficult situation worse by laying down the law.

Alan’s room was the typical teenage mess. Clothes lay discarded on the floor and various electronics were piled on surfaces next to empty water glasses but in amongst all the mess it was clear where his passions lay. It was like wandering into an untidier version of John’s room. Star maps adorned the walls and there was a model rocket that Gordon had every confidence could make it into space if that was how Alan had designed it. The difference between this room and the usually unoccupied one next door, apart from the mess, were the newspaper cuttings, article print outs and piles of Olympic memorabilia that vied for space with the astronomical paraphernalia. Dotted around the room was evidence of a devotion to Gordon and the swimmer was sure you could piece together the story of his sporting career if only you took the time to collate the collection.

“Alan…”

“Leave me alone, it’s what you’re going to do anyway.” The voice was muffled, smothered by the pillow in which Alan was buried face down.

“Alan, please, talk to me.” Gordon picked his way carefully across the room and sat on the edge of the bed next to the sprawled figure. The only answer he got was a choked sob and he felt a wave of guilt at the upset his brother was feeling.

“I hate it here. I hate it. I hate it.” Alan sat up and glared at his brother, there was venom in the voice as anger crept in around the upset. “Everyone gets to leave and I’m going to be stuck here on my own. Maybe Virgil will add me to his pity list and call me cos you sure as hell won’t have the time. I don’t want to be his next pet project and charity case though.”

Alan’s words cut deep, as he had intended them to, and Gordon found himself wondering if that was all he’d been to Virgil, a project to feed Virgil’s desire to help people. Surely not? The friendship and growing bond between them felt real enough but the familiar doubts began to creep in about his self worth. He tried to shake them off, knowing the dark places such thoughts could lead him to.

“That’s if Virg can even make time for me in his busy schedule once he goes off to Tracy College. Why the hell does he need to get space rated anyway? He’s never shown any interest in being an astronaut before. Fine, John’s pretty much had his name down for the space programme since birth but why does Virgil get to go too?”

So that explained the animosity towards Virgil, Alan was harbouring a deep jealousy that he was getting to do something that was Alan’s own dream. The youngest Tracy had always made it clear that he would be the third of that name to head into space after his father and middle brother and yet here was Virgil taking his spot, seemingly on a whim. This, coupled with the growing bond between Gordon and Virgil, had evidently ignited a burning resentment.

A shuddering breath wracked the Alan’s body as the primary reason for his upset flooded back into his mind. “I..I don’t want you to go.”

Whatever the issues were with Virgil, Gordon couldn’t shy away from the fact that he had been slowly drifting away from Alan to set up a new life. He had been Alan’s primary source of company for so long, had been a confidante and carer to the younger boy, and now he was heading off leaving Alan facing a future of loneliness. Their father was trying to be more involved but he was still a virtual stranger in Alan’s life and had a lot to learn about parenting teenagers.

He wanted to let Alan know that it would all be ok. Wanted to tell him that soon enough he would be out of this hateful city and in a place where their father and at least some of his brothers would be around a lot more. He wanted to tell him about the rockets and the space station and everything that he knew would ignite his little brother’s passion. But he couldn’t. Even if their father hadn’t expressly forbidden it there was still a fundamental issue in that the island wasn’t actually theirs yet and until the deeds were signed and move confirmed he just couldn’t plant the seeds of the dream in Alan’s mind if there was any chance of the dream crashing down. Instead he had to make do with platitudes that must have felt empty to the devastated teen.

“It’ll be ok, you’ll see.”

“Will it?” The words were spat at him.

“It will; trust me on this. I’m not going anywhere for a little while yet and I’ll still be able to call, I’m going to be at Marineville not Mars. Those first 6 month of training will be pretty intense but I’ll still get some time off.”

“And what about after that? What about when you aren’t at Marineville but you’re getting sent all over the place like Scott does? You won’t be able to just pick up the phone or head back for a weekend if you’re under water on the other side of the world. You may as well be on Mars then.”

Gordon slung an arm around his younger sibling, drawing that smaller form into a hug. He half expected Alan to pull away but he took it as a good sign that the anger was burning out when Alan acquiesced and leaned in heavily against him.

Alan felt like his whole world was dropping away. Of course he had known this moment would come but the arrival of the letter had just hammered home the inevitability of the situation. He felt angry at Gordon, angry at their father and more than a little angry at himself. He was fifteen for goodness sake, he shouldn’t be needing hugs from his big brother, but he still didn’t pull away from that warm hold. There was something comforting about those strong arms, honed through years of hard exercise, that made him feel safe and with that feeling of safety came the assurance of familial love. He clung to it, knowing that all too soon his last brother would be leaving just like the others had; his big family had run out, he was the last and he would be alone.

Of course he had been alone before, Gordon had been away enough times at competitions that he was capable of fending for himself but this time was different. This wasn’t just a few days with the excitement of following the swimming results to keep him occupied, this was a whole new future and he was facing the prospect of being alone with the father who seemed barely aware of his existence. The next few years stretched bleakly ahead of him leaving a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“None of us know what the future holds but even when I’m not here you aren’t going to be on your own. You’ve got four big brothers and we all care about you, you will always be able to get hold of one of us. I need to do this though, Al. If it wasn’t Marineville it would have been college somewhere and it won’t be much longer before you’re choosing what you want to do with your future too.”

There was a damp sniff. “Gonna miss you.” The admission was a quiet whisper but it stabbed deeply into Gordon’s heart.

“Gonna miss you too, Sprout”

They sat there a while longer, each lost to their silent thoughts but still needing that physical contact. Gordon sincerely hoped it would be okay. He’d been so focussed on his own future and excited about the prospect of a fresh start and fresh challenges that he hadn’t fully considered what he would be leaving behind, or rather who he would be leaving behind. He had been looking out for Alan for nearly five years and now he would be leaving. Alan’s whole life had been punctuated by loss as first his mother, and then the brothers who had stepped up in her place, disappeared one by one. Now he would be adding another loss to the pile leaving Alan behind with just the father who had been far too distant for far too long.

#High Expectations #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #military selection #abandonment #loss #loneliness

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tri-valley-airporter-blog · 7 years

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Benefits of Hiring Airport Shuttle Service in California

San Jose is one of the main areas in Silicon Valley because of many big companies have offices here that attract loads of people around the world every year to come and find place for them. San Jose has an international airport that witness many new people every day. There is always hustle and bustle on airport due to this enriched city. Some just come to meet their family or friends, while some come to find job or for business meeting.

We at Tri Valley Airporter offer elegant and world-class airport shuttle services at SFO, OAK, SJC airports from Tracy city and surrounding areas. We understand the real value of time and how much it is precious when it comes to catch a flight. Just a one second delay can stop anyone to get on the plane and wait for the next flight and often many people go through this awful and harassing experience that makes them to wait for the next flight which keeps them waiting for hours or may be entire day. Well often hiring bad shuttle service or going through own car can lead to this problem, but the case is often minimal. We are not saying that; we are the best and rest is not good as like us. We are very confident of our services and we take pride in saying that too.

We have always fulfilled our duties of being an amazing and best Tracy airport shuttle service providing company since our formation. Our drivers are very friendly and very punctual of time and without any delay they reach to you in given time because time is what the most important in our business beside passengers. If we not respect time then it means we aren’t serious regarding our services and it is not good enough to raise bars of proving authentic services.

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#tracy airport shuttle #tracy to sfo #tracy to oak #tracy to sjc #sfo to tracy #oak to tracy #sjc to tracy

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comic-watch · 6 years

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In Case You Missed It: The Quest of Ewilan gets a gorgeous adaption! Image and Top Cow Present Aphrodite V! Shannon Wheeler reveals the MEMOIRS OF A VERY STABLE GENIUS! IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog and Scout’s Stabbity Bunny Sell Out! WIN a Trip to San Diego Comic Con! and Lion Forge continues to make a difference!

News from the World of Indie Comics you might have missed this week!

IDW EuroComics Begins a new Quest

The Bestselling Pierre Bottero Novels THE QUEST OF EWILAN are being adapted to Gorgeous Graphic Novels, Providing First Visuals of the World of Gwendalavir Before Feature Film

IDW EuroComics proudly presents the English-language debut of The Quest of Ewilan, Vol. 1: From One World to Another, the first chapter in the sequential adaption of Pierre Bottero’s bestselling novel series and a whimsical adventure featuring strong female characters, in the tradition of Lewis’ Narnia and L’Engle’s Time Quartet. Scripted by Lylian and illustrated by Laurence Baldetti, The Quest of Ewilan, Vol. 1 will be available in stores in September.

Image Comics and TopCow’s APHRODITE V—A NEW ENTRY IN THE APHRODITE MYTHOS—ARRIVES THIS JULY

Writer Bryan Hill (POSTAL, BONEHEAD) and artist Jeff Spokes will launch APHRODITE V this July from Image/Top Cow.

In the near future, Los Angeles is a city on the brink of evolution, struggling with a new wave of terror fueled by black-market technology. Enter Aphrodite V: a fugitive from her masters, seeking individuality and purpose. She is the bleeding edge of biomechanics and L.A.’s best hope against a new enemy—one that seeks to become a god among machines.

“This is a great way for people unfamiliar with this side of the Top Cow universe to jump into a story about the intersection of technology, humanity, and justice,” said Hill.

One machine wants to destroy the city. Another has come to save it. Only one will survive. APHRODITE V #1 hits comic book shops Wednesday, July 18th.

Image Comics MEMOIRS OF A VERY STABLE GENIUS—an irreverent and entertaining new book from the creator of Sh*t My President Says

New Yorker cartoonist and multiple Eisner Award-winner Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man, Sh*t My President Says, God is Disappointed in You) debuts MEMOIRS OF A VERY STABLE GENIUS this July from Image/Shadowline Comics.

MEMOIRS OF A VERY STABLE GENIUS is an irreverent book of personal short stories and gags featuring Shannon Wheeler’s critically acclaimed humor, pathos, and honesty—including a 40-page full-color section!

“Books are like children. It’s with pride I send this one out into the world to fend for itself, have its heart broken, take a job that will slowly erode all self-respect,” said Wheeler. “That said, this is the best book I’ve ever done.”

MEMOIRS OF A VERY STABLE GENIUS TP hits comic book stores Wednesday, July 11th and bookstores Tuesday, July 17th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, June 4th and it can be pre-ordered via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, Indigo, and Books-A-Million.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG COMIC BOOKS CONTINUE TO SELL OUT

IDW Publishing is proud to announce that the first three issues of the new Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series has sold out at the Distributor level and will receive further printings. In addition to the complete sell-out of issue #2 and #3, each within a week of their release, issue #1’s second printing sold out only six days after its announcement. To satisfy fans and retailers, IDW will make Sonic the Hedgehog #1 Third Printing and Sonic the Hedgehog #2 Second Printing available in stores on Wednesday, May 16th, with Sonic the Hedgehog #3 Second Printing slated for release on May 23rd.

The heat on Sonic the Hedgehog marks a huge success for IDW Publishing, who is launching their first-ever Sonic series with weekly releases throughout the month of April. Each of the first four issues of Sonic the Hedgehog — written by longtime Sonic scribe Ian Flynn and illustrated by rotating artists Tracy Yardley, Adam Bryce Thomas, Jennifer Hernandez, and Evan Stanley — focuses on a different guest star (Tails in issue #1, Amy Rose in #2, and Knuckles in #3, leading into the debut of the hotly anticipated new character Tangle in issue #4).

STABBITY BUNNY #3 FROM SCOUT COMICS GOES BACK FOR SECOND PRINTING!

SCOUT COMICS AND ENTERTAINMENT announces that Scout’s break-out hit for 2018, STABBIY BUNNY by Richard Rivera and Dwayne Biddix, has continued its trend of selling out and issue #3 has gone back to a second printing.

STABBITY BUNNY could take place at the intersection of Sesame Street and Nightmare on Elm Street, where a 100-year-old plush bunny and seven-year-old Grace must combat evil in all its forms. Horror and mystery combine in this captivating series. Stabbity Bunny is published monthly by Scout Comics. Please visit us at  www.ScoutComics.com!

Traveling Stories & IDW Present the Ultimate San Diego Comic-Con® Sweepstakes

Traveling Stories and IDW are proud to launch the annual San Diego Comic-Con® sweepstakes, a contest which will last through June 13th at 3:00pm PT.

Those who enter have a chance of winning the following ultimate experience package: ● Two 4-day passes to sold-out Comic-Con® ● Airfare for 2 within the continental U.S. ● Four nights stay at the Wyndham Bayside in San Diego Gaslamp district ● An exclusive tour of the San Diego Comic Art Gallery with Ted Adams, CEO of IDW ● Airport pickup and shuttle to the gallery, and then to the hotel

Anyone in the world can enter! $10 gives you 10 chances to win. Each additional $1 is another chance – the math is simple. Every dollar is a donation to Traveling Stories, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that empowers kid to outsmart poverty by helping them fall in love with reading by the 4th grade.

“I’ve always been an avid reader, even when I was little. I’m excited that through this sweepstakes we’re able to raise the funds needed to give kids in underprivileged areas the same literary experience I was lucky enough to have,” said Ted Adams, Founder & CEO of IDW Publishing.

How to snag entries in the sweepstakes is easy, fast, and secure via: bit.ly/comic-con-sweeps. Just follow the steps from there!

“Anyone who does not have tickets to San Diego Comic-Con® would be crazy to not enter this sweepstakes! It’s a full and complete package including a cool tour of the Comic Art Gallery with me,” said Emily Moberly, Founder, and CEO of Traveling Stories.

To learn more about Traveling Stories and its programs, please visit travelingstories.org.

LION FORGE JOINS THE CBLDF AS A CORPORATE MEMBER

Lion Forge is proud to join the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund as the organization’s newest Corporate Member! Lion Forge is a trans-media studio with a focus on comics publishing across all age groups. A company committed to “Comics for Everyone,” Lion Forge strives to publish titles that reflect the diversity of our world in the characters, the creators, and the Lion Forge team, creating content that is just as original.

Lion Forge founder and CEO, David Steward II says, “We truly believe we are bringing the brightest and most diverse talent in the industry into the conversation, while creating the most awesome new comics and graphic novels that we — as fans — want to see in the world.”

CBLDF provides legal and educational resources to protect the freedom to read comics. The organization is a partner in Banned Books Week, the Kids’ Right to Read Project, Free Comic Book Day, and other national institutions that support intellectual freedom and literacy. CBLDF’s work extends from courtrooms to classrooms to conventions, where CBLDF defends the freedom to read by providing legal aid, letters of support in book challenges, challenges to unconstitutional legislation, and a robust schedule of programs about current and historical censorship to audiences all over the world.

Lion Forge stands beside Abrams, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, BOOM! Studios, comiXology, Dark Horse Comics, DC Entertainment, DCBS, Diamond Comic Distributors, Fakku!, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Lion Forge, Oni Press, Neverwear, Penguin Random House, Rebellion, ReedPOP, Scholastic, SPX, TFAW.com, Valiant, Viz Media, and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation as a corporate member supporting CBLDF’s important work.

Until the next installment of ICYMI, WE’LL BE WATCHING!

Ross Hutchinson was a contributing editor to ICYMI this week. Thanks, Ross!

Join our Age of Social Media Network consisting of X-Men, Marvel, DC, Superhero and Action Movies, Anime, Indie Comics, and numerous fan pages. Interested in becoming a member? Join us by clicking here and pick your favorite group!

ICYMI: INDIE NEWS ROUNDUP for the WEEK ENDING 4-22-2018 #comicwatch #iamawatcher #ICYMI In Case You Missed It: The Quest of Ewilan gets a gorgeous adaption! Image and Top Cow Present…

#Aphrodite V #CBLDF #Comic Book Legal Defense Fund #MEMOIRS OF A VERY STABLE GENIUS #San Diego Comic Con #Sonic The Hedgehog #Stabbity Bunny #The Quest of Ewilan #Traveling Stories

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danasukontarak · 7 years

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Dana’s Travel Diary: Views (130 Kilometers) From The 6

I have a bad habit of browsing Google Flights by map and by price calendar, months in advance, for cheap trips I can take, particularly those I can take on 3-day holiday weekends. Visiting Niagara Falls on Memorial Day weekend was the most recent product of that anxious, wander-lustful habit. When I started to plan, I didn’t realize Niagara Falls had a Canadian side and a U.S. side. I just knew I wanted to make an international trip, as an International Woman of Mystery. I’d been to New York, but I’d never been to Canada. So, my friends Kiara and Traci and I flew into Toronto, which was actually an almost 2-hour drive from the Falls.

Arriving in Toronto Pearson International Airport, the first thing I noticed was the surge of West Indian, Majid Jordan looking men with slick, swooping mohawks. The second thing I noticed was the signage. Everything was in both English and French - so classy. Not only that, but there was inadequate signage to direct us to the rental car counter. When we finally got there, we were told that Payless Car Rental was not located in the airport, and that we’d have to take a shuttle. We waited for the shuttle for about 15 minutes, as people were picked up by various unmarked cars and vans, before someone asked us if we’d called Payless to have them send the shuttle. We said no, and he led me to a small corded phone in the corner of the lobby area, tucked to the side of the escalator we descended from. I called, and ten minutes later, a shuttle with “Payless” scrawled in chalk on the side window arrived.

When we got our car, it was around 10 AM and we immediately headed towards Niagara. Before we got there, we stopped for poutine, a Canadian staple. It’s basically fries with gravy and cheese curds, plus whatever toppings you’d like to fatly add. It was not all that.

Our Airbnb was beautifully vintage and carefully decorated, and just down the road from the Falls. There was no (working) television, so we mostly listened to the radio when we were home. The guy who was renting this place had a billion records and no record player. He also had some pretty cool books, one I started reading called ‘What Your Aura Tells Me.'

The actual Niagara Falls seem to pop out of nowhere, but you know where they are before actually seeing them because of the crowds of people snapping photos. A majestic mist circles the area above the Falls. The people in ponchos are down below, on boats. There is a horribly colorful and tacky strip leading to the Falls, perpendicular to the road our Airbnb was on, with arcades and cheap motels and Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums - an Atlantic City meets Coney Island vibe. It started to rain as we got onto the Niagara Falls Skywheel, a big enclosed Ferris wheel that gave great views of the water.

The next day, we visited Bird Kingdom, which is allegedly the world’s largest free-flying aviary. My count for number of birds that have sat on my arms went from 0 to 10 that day. I held a big (and probably sad) parrot on my arm, and then I fed nectar to eight or nine disgusting little lorikeets. I held the small cup of nectar between my hands with arms outstretched, and watched them flock to me. Only two or three actually ate from the nectar cup, but they all French kissed down the line to share the sweetness. It was actually equally amazing and ugly, on top of the fact that some of them had balding and diseased-looking little necks. In the main aviary of the Bird Kingdom, the diversity and proximity of the birds was awesome. I saw so many crazy colors and patterns.

We also visited the Botanical Gardens of Niagara Falls, which is home to the Butterfly Conservatory. This was a magical place to walk through. There is a place you can witness butterflies emerging from the chrysalis and into the main room. I’m usually somewhat scared of butterflies. This time, I was fascinated and pleased to be near them. It was hard as fuck to get a good picture with any, though.

That night, we went to a local pub with live music and had some of the worst food I’ve ever eaten on vacation, or at home. I had a burger that crumbled apart like drywall on a brioche bun. Traci had fish and chips seasoned with nothing but good intentions. Kiara had ribs, which for some reason came with a soupy, sweet-and-sour-sauce-soaked rice. The lead singer of the band came over to our table to check for song requests. Kiara requested “Baby Boy” by Beyonce. We didn’t wait around to see if he did it.

The following day, we stopped by a head shop to look for Backwoods. (Note: Backwoods are not sold in Canada.) The employee asked if we were from Canada or U.S., and when we replied the latter, he offered to sell us edibles. We bought some, under the condition that we didn’t tell any Canadians where we got them from (so, I hope no Canadians are reading this). He also directed us five blocks up the road to the parking lot of a Tim Hortons (which seem to be EVERYWHERE in Canada) to find weed. We made a very light, unsuccessful attempt before heading home.

That night, with shitty burgers and bland fish and chips in our recent memory, we vowed to eat dinner as far away from Niagara as we could manage. That ended up being about 90 minutes away in Toronto. We went to The Real Jerk, which is the spot where Rihanna filmed her “Work” video with Drake. Collectively, we ordered oxtail, jerk chicken, jerk pork, curry goat, red snapper, plantains, curry potato, and rice and peas. There were no leftovers. Traci left a day early, so Kiara and I had lunch there again before heading to the airport. It was very much worth it.

Overall, this was one of the less eventful, “regular” trips I’ve had, which isn’t to say I didn’t have a great time. Here are a few tips that may be useful to someone visiting the Toronto or Niagara areas from the U.S.

1: Things are cheaper - For example, if you buy a shirt at H&M for $17.99, after conversion the price you pay would actually be about $13.50. Most places also looked like they accepted both USD and CAD, so there’s less of an urgency to convert your American dollars.

2: Make Niagara a day trip - Everything that can be seen (and that you would want to see) in Niagara can be done in a day. I wish I’d spent more time in Toronto other than the few meals we had. Niagara is beautiful, but doesn’t even register on the nightlife/social scale. Of course, staying in and adventuring through Toronto likely requires a bit more research prior to traveling.

3: Bring clothes (and shoes) for both sunshine and rain - The weather was pleasant, but it pretty much rained or threatened to rain the entire time we were there. Showers didn’t last long, but large puddles seemed to be permanent fixtures.

4: Ask them to stamp your passport at the airport - I didn’t realize they don’t usually stamp your passport for coming to Canada. I missed my opportunity, but if that matters to you like it does to me, be sure to ask.

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sacramentoyellowcabco011 · 2 years

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For More Info: Citrus Heights airport Taxi

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melmac78 · 5 years

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An odd pondering regarding Virgil’s height

Everyone seems to talk about how short Virgil is in both the TOS and TAG versions of Thunderbirds.

I have a theory.

I’ve been chatting with someone about meeting a gentleman who worked for NASA during the Mercury Seven/Gemini/Apollo era. (Art Hinners - Mission Control for a few missions. From his obit: “He was Systems Test Branch Manager involved in testing space equipment and training astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs until he retired from NASA in 1980.”)*

So I got interested again in the era and astronauts involved named after the Tracys.

Looking at Gus Grissom’s profile, it mentioned he was 5-feet-5 or 5-feet-6.

So I wonder if Virgil Tracy’s shorter intentionally as a nod to the real man’s height, as “Gordo” for Gordon is a more specific nod to Gordon Cooper. That is what the real man preferred/used as a nickname.

*I visited Art twice before he died: one was about his woodcarving which he did for Lutheran World Relief, and second celebrating the anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing.

•••••

This is a different comment but ties into thoughts:

One thing I wish they’d do on the show though is have say Thunderbird One or Two have to land at the airport in Amarillo.

Why? The Rick Husband Memorial Airport, named after the fallen Columbia Astronaut, was a backup landing strip for the Shuttles.

#thunderbirds are go

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noplacecalledhome · 7 years

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10 Best Hotels To Stay In Parkway Village Tennessee – Top Hotel Reviews

Parkway Village Tennessee is beautiful and has lots of hotels. Ofcourse we are only looking for the best hotels in Parkway Village Tennessee. It’s important to compare them because there are so many places to stay in Parkway Village Tennessee. You’re probably wondering where to stay in Parkway Village Tennessee. To see which hotel sounds better than the other, we created a top 10 list. The list will make it a lot easier for you to make a great decision. We know you only want the best hotel and preferably something with a reasonable price.

Our list contains 10 hotels of which we think are the best hotels in Parkway Village Tennessee right now. Still, some of you are more interested in the most popular hotels in Parkway Village Tennessee with the best reviews, and that’s completely normal! You can check out the link below.

Skip to the most popular hotels in Parkway Village Tennessee.

10 Best Hotels In Parkway Village Tennessee:

Quality Suites I-240 East-Airport

Description:

Quality Suites I-240 East-Airport is located in Parkway Village, just 10 miles from Memphis.Certain accommodations feature a sitting area to relax in after a busy day. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom fitted with a bathtub or shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.There is free shuttle service, free shuttle service and a shops at the property.Southaven is 9 miles from Quality Suites I-240 East-Airport, and Cordova is 9 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Memphis International Airport, 5 miles from the property.

Reviews:

The breakfast on the weekend was great, fresh good. During the week it was leftovers from the weekend. The best amenity for my nephews were was the indoor pool. Nothing great for an adult.

The Staff was Excellent,! Thank- you Mr.Ricky. The Room and Hotel was Super Clean , the Cleaning Staff was Great Mrs.Enna and Mr.Jimmy. And the Breakfast was Better Everyday we Stayed.Total of 3 days. Felt Safe & Secure!! Will Be Staying Here When we Come back to Memphis!! “Beliews Southern Stays” , Give This Quality Inn 5 Stars !!!

Had to ask for sheets and pillow for couch pull out. They were out of pillows. Everything else, including breakfast, was good to above average.

That it was very clean television could’ve been out on a little bigger but other than that it was very nice

The room was clean. The staff were nice. The bed was comfortable!

For more info click here.

Rodeway Inn Memphis

Description:

Located in Memphis, 8 miles from Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Rodeway Inn Memphis features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Free private parking is available on site.Each room is fitted with a TV.There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.Woodruff Fontaine House is 10 miles from Rodeway Inn Memphis, and Magevney House is 10 miles away. The nearest airport is Memphis International Airport, 5 miles from Rodeway Inn Memphis.

Reviews:

No breakfast, no ice machine, bad part of town, swimming pool was not open, under construction, felt very unsafe. I feel I deserve a complete refund. I can’t even put it on the scale it was so bad.

The room was very clean, lots of parking and the staff was friendly.

Room was dirty the micro wave had problems and frig was not real cool. There was NO food for breakfast.

The bed was comfortable. The sheets and towels were clean. It was quiet. Staff was pleasant and helpful. Price was reasonable.

There was not much of a breakfast I had a lot of trouble with the card key.

For more info click here.

Holiday Inn Express Memphis I-240

Description:

One of our best sellers in Memphis! Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Holiday Inn Express Memphis I-240 offers accommodations in Memphis, just 7 miles from Elvis Presley’s Graceland.Certain units include a sitting area where you can relax. Every room includes a private bathroom. A flat-screen TV with cable channels is provided.You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.Woodruff Fontaine House is 9 miles from Holiday Inn Express Memphis I-240, and Magevney House is 10 miles away. The nearest airport is Memphis International Airport, 4.3 miles from Holiday Inn Express Memphis I-240.

Reviews:

The stay was great, the food was great, staff was great as well. I recommend this hotel to all my friends coming into Memphis.

Everything was GREAT. The staff was wonderful. Mrs. Flo is the best I just love her she makes me feel at home every time I stay there.

There was an issue with the A/C and the staff went out of their way to find us another room.

We just needed a place to stay for the night and wanted to get on the road early. Breakfast was ready before 6:30 so much appreciated. Hotel was close to interstate so good location and even though it was in the city, the street to enter the hotel was not heavily traveled.

Receptionist Flo welcomes our group with her Southern Hospitality. Her & the staff made our stay pleasant and we truly appreciate it. Met all expectations and then some

For more info click here.

Gardentree Hotels

Description:

Located in Memphis, 12 miles from Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Gardentree Hotels features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking. The hotel has a sun terrace and views of the lake, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units have a sitting area where you can relax. You will find a coffee machine in the room. Every room has a private bathroom fitted with a bathtub or shower. Superior rooms feature a spa tub or a hot tub.You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.Woodruff Fontaine House is 10 miles from Gardentree Hotels, and Magevney House is 11 miles away. The nearest airport is Memphis International Airport, 11 miles from Gardentree Hotels.

Reviews:

Cedric & Kim are awesome & always take great care of me!

If they would paint and do a little work to the old building it would be a nice place

the manager on duty was great He was very nice helped us a lot giving us directions making suggesting on were to go.He had a great personalty. We had one problem with our room and he took care of it him self.

My stay was wonderful. The bed was wonderful. The room was nice and clean. The lady at the front desk was really nice cause I wanted to move my room because of people was smoking.

For more info click here.

Comfort Inn & Suites Airport-American Way Memphis

Description:

Located in Memphis, 6 miles from Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Comfort Inn & Suites Airport-American Way Memphis features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Free private parking is available on site.A TV is available.Woodruff Fontaine House is 8 miles from Comfort Inn & Suites Airport, and Magevney House is 9 miles from the property. Memphis International Airport is 3.7 miles away.

Reviews:

Great place to stay – only problem was our neighbours – they decided to party on until 5 am when i finally knock on their door – very inconsiderate – if this happens – just call the front desk and they will take care of it – wished i had done that – better sleep – other than that – breakfast great, check in good – not located close to anything – need to take Uber or taxi to Beale street!!

T C made everything great during breakfast. The bathroom was a great size.

My stay was beyond my expectations the staff was so nice and friendly. The front desk clerk Thomas was very nice. The housekeeping supervisor Freda Ledlow was the nicest person every she made sure my family didnt need for nothing. My babay lost his security blanket. Her and her staff stella and Tracy stop what they was doing and went looking for it. It took them a while but they did not give up they found it and also clean and washes it for us…they are dedicated to they job. Most housekeeping staff would not have took the time out to do that.. I will definitely be staying there again and referral people there

There wasn’t much that I liked besides the workers were pretty friendly.

The Wifi speed was good and it’s free. Staff were nice.

For more info click here.

Marriott Memphis East

Description:

Located in Memphis in the region of Tennessee, 10 miles from Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Marriott Memphis East features a terrace and hot tub. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.The rooms come with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain rooms have a sitting area for your convenience. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bathtub or shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.You will find free shuttle service at the property.Woodruff Fontaine House is 10 miles from HI Select Memphis-Poplar, and Magevney House is 11 miles from the property. Memphis International Airport is 7 miles away.

Reviews:

Very clean and fresh hotel, nice staff, good suburban location off highway 240. We enjoyed the pool and the breakfast even though not free it was very good.

Large workout room with water bottles, fruit and towels. Workout room was clean.

The room was comfortable and exactly what is expected of a Marriott property. The breakfast bar was really good, with friendly waitstaff each morning to bring fresh coffee and an omelets. Parking is free, and easy access to the interstate.

I love the comfort of the beds. This was my second stay within a 3 month span and I enjoyed it all.

I paid for the buffet breakfast with our reservation. It was only $100 and covered our family of 4 for the 5 days we were there. With two teenage boys, I definitely think we save tons of money. Also, their staff were all so very friendly!

For more info click here.

Days Inn & Suites Memphis

Description:

One of our best sellers in Memphis! This hotel is a 10-minute drive from Memphis International Airport and Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. The hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi.Days Inn and Suites Memphis offers modern rooms furnished with a microwave and refrigerator. For comfort each room is equipped with a work desk, sofa and flat-screen TV. A coffee maker, hairdryer and ironing facilities are provided.Guests of the hotel can enjoy a daily continental breakfast served in the morning. Memphis Days Inn has a 24-hour front desk, business center and free parking.Memphis Zoo is 7.3 miles from the Days Inn. Audubon Park Golf Course is 3.6 miles away.

Reviews:

I like that the room was at a reasonable rate and the location was fairly easy to find.

The side of the hotel they put me on was exremely quiet. Way better than my last stay. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The room they put me in was really nice.

…It had beds… but I’m not sure they were clean…

decent considering the neighborhood it was in. staff was courteous.

Nothing. Stayed 6 days cleaned room self all days was cursed at by staff and never had clean towels.

For more info click here.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Memphis Primacy Parkway

Description:

Featuring free WiFi, La Quinta Inn & Suites Memphis Primacy Parkway offers accommodations in Memphis, just 10 miles from Elvis Presley’s Graceland.Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms feature a sitting area for your convenience. You will find a coffee machine in the room. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer.There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.Woodruff Fontaine House is 10 miles from La Quinta Primacy Parkway, and Magevney House is 11 miles away. The nearest airport is Memphis International Airport, 7 miles from the property.

Reviews:

The bathroom was very spacious and the water pressure phenomenal. The beds we’re also very comfortable!

I always stay at La quinta this was an older one . Staff was great . Rooms were clean .

Not very much of a selection for breakfast. What was there was not kept full or clean. Rooms were very nice. However, hall walls were dirty. Over all stay was very nice.

The overnight desk clerk Ms patty was awesome. The waffles were absolutely to die for and addictive!

The property was neat and the room smelled nice. Staff was very friendly.

For more info click here.

Fair View Inn & Suites

Description:

Fair View Inn & Suites offers accommodations in Memphis. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Every room has a private bathroom equipped with a bathtub or shower.Elvis Presley’s Graceland is 5 miles from Fair View Inn & Suites, and Woodruff Fontaine House is 8 miles away. The nearest airport is Memphis International Airport, 3.1 miles from Fair View Inn & Suites.

Reviews:

Wife said Bed was OK. BUT the TV had 2 Porn Stations ? I guess she meant Playboy or something? Wife, Nancy, usually is a BIG ” Hallmark Channel ” & ” BLUE BLOODS ” series repeat watcher. She said there were only like 4 real channels to choose from of 300 plus numbers. & all the rest were INFO Shows to BUY something. .You see all she does is watch TV until get home at 2 or 3 am. Ken get 2 hours of sleep per night. & all is good. We were only there to visit my Former IRS Boss Who takes me out to the Paradiso Theatre Malco on Popular Blvd. Memphis , TN. from, Mr. Ken GOOGLE ” The most patriotic pizza delivery car. com” THANKS. All was OK ! Ken.

Night manager was nice. Appreciated the fact that when I complained of cigarette smoke coming through the floor/walls, staff immediately sprayed some neutralizing spray and eliminated the smoke smell. Grounds of property looked nice. New carpet.

It was close to my business contact. The bed was comfy.

The staff was very nice and my room/bed was comfortable.

We only saw one staff member. He was very attentive and kind.

For more info click here.

Crowne Plaza Memphis East

Description:

This Memphis East Crowne Plaza is located 7.5 miles from Memphis International Airport and offers free airport transfer service. The hotel features Blue Shoe Bar and Grill, a daily continental breakfast, and free WiFi.A flat-screen TV with cable channels is featured in each room at Crowne Plaza Memphis East. A seating area, desk, refrigerator and desk are also included.The Crowne Plaza Memphis East features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. Guests can relax in the hot tub. The hotel has a business centre and 16 meeting rooms. An on-site coin laundry facility is available at the property.Free transport services are available and operate within an 8-kilometre radius.Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion and the Memphis Zoo are within 10 miles of the hotel. It is 10 minutes’ drive from the Memphis Botanic Gardens.

Reviews:

The AC was making a sqealing loud noise for two days and it wasn’t getting cold and then it went out completely. I call front desk and spoke with someone 3 times about it and maintenance never showed up and i had to sleep hot.

The King size bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was great however pork was the only meat on the menu and for religious reasons I don’t eat pork.

The hotel staff was very friendly including the on site security. My shower was nasty (hair and ring of dirt) upon check in, I went back down stairs to tell the security guy and front desk staff…..she told me that housekeeping was gone for the night but offered to move me into another room. Upon check out, my card was charged….it wasnt until I got to Blues City Cafe that I looked at online transactions and saw where my card was charged for an additional $25 and $143 for whatever reason…called my bank and disputed the transaction….waiting on a response from hotel now. There is parking on site….not too far from Beale Street and plenty of shopping stores and restaurants in the area

Free breakfast (think this is only offered during renovations)

The bed was very comfortable. The staff was friendly and the parking was okay.

For more info click here.

Top Hotels In Parkway Village Tennessee Conclusion:

The above is a top selection of the best hotels to stay in Parkway Village Tennessee to help you with your search. We know it’s not that easy to find the best hotel because there are just so many places to stay in Parkway Village Tennessee but we hope that the above-mentioned tips have helped you make a good decision.

We also hope that you enjoyed our top ten list of the best hotels in Parkway Village Tennessee. And we wish you all the best with your future stay!

Related links:

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enliktjioe · 7 years

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G’day mate.. finally I had time to write my story again. In this blog post, I would like to share my experience for 4 months living in the Outback Australia, Northern Territory, with its capital Darwin. City name like Tennant Creek, Alice Spring, Katherine, Renner Spring, may seem unfamiliar for you. How come? Because the area is more often targeted by backpacker than tourists who want to visit Australia. My story this time focuses on the Darwin city and a little bit in the Tennant Creek area.

Getting Know Darwin City

Darwin is the capital of Northern Territory, one of the states of Australia. The tropical city at the northern tip of Australia has a different climate than most Australian cities in general. Darwin has only two seasons, Dry and Wet Season, very similar to Indonesia. If you look at the map, Darwin’s location to Bali is much closer than Darwin to Sydney or Melbourne.

The cost of eating in Darwin is relatively more expensive compared to Sydney or Melbourne, but in balance with the relatively larger income gained here. Find a job is also relatively more difficult here if you have no casual work experience before. Darwin also only has buses as a public transportartion, no trains or trams here. The largest Shopping Centre is Casuarina Square, and the newest Gateway, both far away from the CBD. Darwin also has a top University named Charles Darwin University. The famous National Park here is Kakadu and Litchfield. During dry season, you should visit Mindil Beach Sunset Market, enjoy the beautiful sunset time while buying some yummy Asian food here. You can read the reference Things To Do in Darwin here.

My Reason Moving To Darwin

The main reason why Work and Holiday Visa makers (abbreviated as WHV) is to meet WHV second year requirement, for WHV Subclass 462 holders must work for a minimum of 88 days (or 3 months) in all areas of the Northern Territory and parts of Queensland, with specified work set by the Australian government. Darwin is one of those cities that meets these requirements. You can check more info here.

Our WHV generation, who departed around the end of 2016 yesterday is a lucky generation, considering the newly officially released 2nd year extension process for WHV subclass 462. And it may seem strange for Darwin, whose previous years were not the favorite destinations of WHVs from Indonesia, is now one of the most populated cities of WHV makers from Indonesia. For your info, there are some big employers in Darwin who are mostly workers from Indonesia, such as Compass Group ESS, Leprechaun Resort, and possibly others.

Apart from that requirement, personally I also want to experience a different experience in Australia. I hope by living in Darwin as well as other Australian outback areas, I can find ‘hidden treasures‘ that may be hard to find in major Australian cities.

Stay Overnight at Darwin Airport

Before the departure, I had ordered ‘Uber’ from one of Darwin’s WHV friend to pick me up upon my arrival at midnight, June 20, 2017. But apparently, she is already asleep matee! My phone and SMS are not picked up. Since it was already midnight, transportation to Darwin City was not available. I also decided to spend the night at Darwin Airport, the internet wifi quality here is good and the room is also air-conditioned, security guards are also there, it’s safe! I spent the night till 6 am here waiting for the first shuttle Shuttle Van departure to Darwin City.

Darwin Airport on midnight

Nintendo Switch became my traveling companion while on the plane and waiting room

Shuttle Van from Darwin Airport, cost $20 to Darwin CBD area

Enjoy One Day in Darwin

Arriving in Darwin City, I stopped at Mas Yunas’ house to stay temporarily here until the evening before returning to Airport for transit to Tennant Creek. I got acquainted with some housemates here, as well as my day-mate room mate, Nandra, who was still looking bored waiting for a job in Darwin. Other WHV friends here also told me how difficult it was to find a job in Darwin. One story, some work as Kitchen Hand, he should have worked for 6 hours, but because the restaurant was quiet, he was discharged even though only worked for 3 hours. Another story, those applying for Housekeeping positions here without prior experience will find it difficult to get the job.

With WHV friends, from left to right: Glenn, Dipta, Pandu

The first impression in Darwin, the weather feels ‘super hot’ during the day. The effects of being in Sydney for winter season the day before. Another impression? I was able to meet ‘indigenous’ Australians almost along the way. Many times, i don’t know why they are shouting, then come up to us and ask for “2 dollars please”. I’m grateful, during these 4 months living in Darwin, I have no bad experience with them. Whatever the negative view for them, they are still the same human being as us, who we should treat equally, “who am i to judge?“. Did you know? The boomerang we often see in those films is one of their discoveries.

My first $15-$20 lunch in Darwin

Thinking I might not be in Mass again for the next 3 months because of working in the remote area of Tennant Creek, I took part in the daily mass at 12PM in St. Mary Cathedral Darwin. It only takes 5 minutes walk from the home.

Visit the Museum of Art and Gallery of the Northern Territory. I learned a bit about the history of Darwin and Northern Territory and the history of Darwin’s great disaster like Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve in 1974 and the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese army during the second World War.

Nice wall hangings inside the Museum

Coastal Walk to Mindil Beach

Beautiful Mindil Beach

Remind me of masterpiece from Animek The Alkemek

Ketemu temen2 baru, Alhamdulillah masih bisa silaturahmi dan ketawa bersama. #whvindonesia #whvdarwin

A post shared by Arip Hidayat (@rujakdressing) on Jun 20, 2017 at 6:36am PDT

With WHV friends in Moil area, on night before i’m going back to Darwin Airport. Thanks Arip Hidayat for the hospitality

Starting from Tennant Creek

Uh, the title of this blog post is about Darwin, why is Tennant Creek? Yes, my adventure in northern Australia, it started from Tennant Creek. For about two weeks I was here working in a mining camp.

Arriving at Tennant Creek Airport, it’s a small airport, which looks like a house with an airstrip around it. Waiting for approximately 15 minutes, we are directly escorted by a mini bus to the Bootu Creek camp site.

Arriving at the camp, Camp Manager calling our name one by one. After receiving the room key, I was escorted by the manager to my room, and informed that I will start work soon this afternoon. I met with WHV Indonesia partner here, Yuko, delivering his iPad Pro parcel from Sydney. And enthusiastly, I started my first day working in the Northern Territory.

AirNorth charter plane with some FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) miners who returned from his vacation to work again. The airplane is also relatively small with a capacity of about 20-30 people only

Arriving at Camp

Luxurious room at Camp, it’s too good to be true

My working uniform

Limited Food for Lunch Time

It was lunch time, I realized that there is no food service during the day, because the miners are still working in the mining area. For us Hospitality workers (Kitchen / Housekeeping / Cleaner), can only eat food from the fridge, cook instant noodles, or into the Cool Room to grab food from the morning or evening before. This kitchen only serves breakfast in the morning (open at 4am to 7am) and dinner (open at 4pm to 8pm).

Opening Hours Dining Room

Dining Room

New WHV Friends from China

At lunch time, I met two WHV makers from China, named Alice and Emma (they use nickname, * as you know * Chinese names are hard to remember for Western people). The first introduction at lunch time was really memorable, because I as the new boy, could immediately be familiar with them, we asked each other names, niceties, and exchange little stories of our background. They also mentioned that in China, almost all social media was blocked by the government, they just made up their social media account just when arriving in Australia. Imagine how strict the regulations in China.

Lucky for current generation, though only be a friend in a short time, we can still communicate via social media, share our stories in other places. It’s always fun to share stories, because with our limited time and opportunities to try everything, we can still experience it by reading or watching other people’s stories, as I try to share through this blog post.

Nice and Very Nice Food

While i’m staying here, the food category for me is just two kinds, Nice and Very Nice (as Trinity says in The Naked Traveler book). Luckily we have Chef Jason and Chef Simon who are so amazing when preparing Asian Food, which is perfect food for an Indonesian like me.

One of the Menu

The Mighty Chromecast

Chromecast that I bought at JB Hi-Fi Sydney for $60, is really useful for entertainment purpose. With HDMI TV provided in our room plus WiFi internet in camp area, I can stream my smartphone screen directly to TV wirelessly. Watching YouTube, Netflix, and so on the bigger screen certainly gives different satisfaction.

Two Weeks Isolated

For two weeks in this remote area, I felt so productive, have finished reading many books, study online course in Udacity, without forgetting to have leisure time by playing video games or watching TV. I also routinely prepare for the ‘quiet time‘ every day, which I almost never miss every single day. I find that praying and reading holy bible can be done anytime and anywhere, the most important is the intention. I can ignore all the things that usually keep me busy during my stay in the big city while I’m here.

But on the other side, I miss the freedom of exploration like I did in Sydney before, when I finished my work and on the day off, just enjoy walking in Sydney CBD, meeting friends and family, and go to Church.

Then what really makes me isolated here? I have difficulty socializing with some of my co-workers here, either because of differences in personality and way of life or maybe because I’m an introvert guy. I know that relationship can’t be forced, I try not to wear a ‘mask’ just to get along with them. As a result, two weeks I work here, I can only be friends with few people. Feelings of isolation made me to know more what the real meaning of freedom is.

Bootu Mining Site, far far away from town

You’re Fired

That morning was feels unusual, I spent the morning dawn until sunrise to take some photos in the camp with my Sony mirrorless camera. And the night before I dreamed of a place that was completely new to me. And it’s coming true, on afternoon, Camp Manager came up to me and asked for time to chat. With a heavy tone, he says that I will not get a working shift anymore and have to leave this place tomorrow, it means “you’re fired!“.

What is the main reason for me being fired? Very simple, I can not drive a car. Sad? Yes i’m so sad, being fired because of the lack that I have. My head feels hurt, it feels like i want to learn ‘driving car’ as soon as possible so I can keep stay here. Happy? Also yes, because this means I will leave my isolation zone soon, and once again hope for a better experience in a new place later. This is the first experience for me to feel ‘being fired’, and then feels sad and happy at the same time.

Got fired or rejected teach me that “when one door closes, another door open“. Learning from the Walt Disney story who did not give up even though he was got rejected many times, but later he founded Disney and created a masterpiece with his mouse character that we know until today. Another success story about being rejected was from WhatsApp Founder, Jan Koum. Because of that, I try not to be discouraged, there is always a way, one door closed, another thousand doors will open. Hopefully!

Goodbye Bootu Creek Mining Camp!

Spend 1 Night at Renner Springs

The next day, I was given a job as Housekeeper for last time. Together with Yuko, my WHV Indonesia colleague here, for the first time I’m get this housekeeping experience in Australia. We were given a list of rooms to do, then wandered around the camp area with a trolley of housekeeping tools. The heat of the sun become a challenge for Housekeeper in a open camp area like this.

Rob, the Camp Manager, accompanied me to the ‘super expensive’ hostel in Renner Springs area, for an overnight stay and wait for the Greyhound bus schedule on dawn. The cost of $96 per night with the quality of a hostel or two star hotel, makes me think, this must be the monopoly price because there are no competitors nearby, in the middle of nowhere.

There’s not much thing I can do here, the streets look like the big pasture with the longest road in Australia, Stuart Highway, in between.

One Night Outback Experience at Renner Springs Desert Inn

Night Time

One Month Living in Casuarina

I have not got accommodation in Darwin until my overnight stay in Renner Springs. With just simple keyword “room Darwin” in the WHV Indonesia Facebook group, I finally found accommodation in the Wulagi area near Casuarina, Darwin region. With a price of $120 per week I get a big private room with a double bed, cabinets, and air-con.

My luxurious private room in Casuarina

The one thing that makes me ‘annoyed’ here, that is the dog barking frequently along the road to the house. But eventually I somehow got used to their barks, and the doggie got bored barking into me. I lived with Mrs. Kristy and Mr. Tony for about a month here.

My home in Casuarina

Beware of the Wife!

Hello Buddy, stop barking, let’s be a friend! 🙂

My favourite Library

One Month Working in Darwin Turf Club

A few days being jobless in Darwin, it makes me thinking too much. I was also waiting for an interview with one of favorite employers in Darwin, Compass Group ESS. Based on information from my friend, it tooks about 2-4 weeks from the interview until you can start your first working day there, it’s really a long time. Rather than jobless too long in Darwin and waiting for ESS schedule, I had to start submit my Resume both online and offline (drop directly).

A few days later, I was accepted to work as Kitchen Hand at Darwin Turf Club, after going through walk in interview with a lot of candidates, praise God! I work with casual status but with full-time working hour, five to six days a week.

How exciting working as Kitchen Hand here, I do a lot of food preparation like Sandwich, Hot Dog, Pork Roll, Fruit Salad, Burger, and so forth. Together with Grandma Dawn, Antonnette, and Anapolla, I was helped learning many new things in this kitchen. In addition I also learned to be an all-rounder, delivering orders from the kitchen to the customers at the bar. I even feel the wrong order experience during my all-rounder time here. The most exhausting day was when the event day was over, the pile of dish wash and cutlery was ready to hit us. One month working here feels so good, because I enjoy this job so much, with many great colleagues.

Colleagues at Darwin Turf Club

Sunday Party at Monsoons with #DarwinTurfClub #DarwinCup staff family #Hospitality #Kitchen #Darwin #NorthernTerritory

A post shared by Enlik Tjioe (@enliktjioe) on Aug 13, 2017 at 5:47pm PDT

Didn’t Pass ESS Medical Checkup

The long process of job application in Compass Group ESS starts from notification email for info session. I had to ignore it several times because at that time I thought it would actually work for 3 months at Tennant Creek. Lucky I did not directly reply to the email so I still got an email regarding info session schedule until I finally returned to Darwin again. Coming to Manigurr-ma, I with other applicants fill out the job application form so much, I also have to prepare some work reference, work history, disease history, and so on.

Finish the interview phase, I’ve got an email for medical check up. At that time I was still working at Darwin Turf Club, finished my work at 5 pm, I headed straight to Darwin City, to start medcheck around 6 pm. Again I had to fill in the form, fill in the history of the disease again, and I filled in my backpain history while working as Kitchen Hand on Google 6 months ago, and maybe this is one of the important points in recruiting new employee at Compass Group ESS. And it seems true, a few days later after medcheck, I received an email that I did not pass the selection of new employee in Compass Group ESS. Due to company policy, they did not provide details of why I did not qualify, so I can only guessing.

Sad? Definitely yes.. For couple of days, it feels like there is something hanging in my mind, “Why i’m not passed? Why like this? Why like that?”. Very stressful. However, this is Australia, life is hard, how the working holiday visa holders like us struggle to find a job, to survive here. Many stories from the WHV friendsthat I heard, there are some people who being jobless for a couple of months, have no more cash to survive, borrow money for few times. Another story, some people being fired after only working for 2 days, in another case, some people who working hard but their wages are not paid by the employer, waiting for a few months (how can they pay rent?). Later, there are other cases of friends who are exposed to fraud cases ranging from hundreds to thousands of Australian dollars, imagine the hard work in Australia should just vanish into empty hands. Therefore, my problem is a piece of cake compare to that, as OZ people said, “No Worries, Mate!“.

God is very good, His plan is always beyond my expectation, I thought positively back then. On the same day I received a job reference from Darwin Turf Club to work at one of the big restaurants in Darwin Waterfront. I was immediately looking for new accommodation in Darwin City, with the condition that I was still living in Casuarina, far away from Darwin Waterfront. Another consideration, I’ll get work on the night shift in this new place, so it’s a hassle if i’m coming home on midnight and i have no private vehicle. And starting from here, I will feel a new experience of living in a sharing apartment and meeting great friends in Darwin.

From Pinterest

Life Experiences in Sharing Room Apartment

This is one of life experiences that I want to feel in Australia, living with WHV friends in a sharing room apartment. This is a new experience for me because i’m always live in private room before in Jakarta, Sydney, Tennant Creek, and lastly in Casuarina. Located in Darwin CBD area, 4 men and 6 women start their lives together, all housemates are Indonesian except there is one Japanese, named Kenji-san. It took several days for me to get to know them one by one, due to our different working hours.

The first night arrived, I was ready with a melodious ‘snoring’ from my roommate. Believe me, living in the sharing room is not complete if you do not meet a ‘snoring’ roommate. And since I slept in this sharing room, I became more aware that I also have the ability to ‘sleep-talking’. What kind of ability is this!

Badminton mini-competition from Consulate of Indonesia in Darwin

Have Cooking and Dinner Together with Housemates

Morning Jogging together with motivation “medical check up preparation”

My new room mate family at Darwin City. . . This should be my first experience live in apartment and sharing room, because i'm always live in private room in Sydney and 'kost-an' Indonesia before. 4 men and 6 women start their lives together under one roof, reminds me of #TerraceHouse Japanese TV Series . . And once again, i've met Japanese friend in Darwin, Kenji-san. In some way, help me to try Japanese culture in home like saying #Itadakimasu when we're starting to eat, #Tadaima when i'm going back to home, #Ittekimasu when i'm going out, or #OtsukareSamaDesu when we're finishing something together. . . Life is beautiful when you're appreciate every single moment, and be grateful always in any condition. Happy Sunday! #WorkingHoliday #Darwin #NorthernTerritory #Australia #Indonesia #Japan

A post shared by Enlik Tjioe (@enliktjioe) on Aug 27, 2017 at 4:25am PDT

Afternoon at balcony

Hangout in Mindil Beach

Trip to Litchfield National Park

A trip? Hurayy… I really missed doing 1-day trip again, because since arriving in Darwin I’m become a workaholic and hardly had time to do a trip. Starting from my short message in the housemates Whatsapp group, I sent a plan for a trip to Litchfield. Because of the good response of one or two persons, they give a list of names who interested for the trip. Honestly, seeing such a positive response made me more excited, and immediately preparing well for this trip. We’re using Bargain Car Rental Darwin service for one day car rent. Saturday, August 26, 2017, five housemates are ready to take a long trip together for the first time.

Our first ever trip together

In the middle of nowhere

About two hours drive from Darwin, we arrived at Litchfield. Beautiful natural landscape, away from the crowd of Darwin CBD (*eh crowd!?), and waterfalls with swimming pools open to the public, enough to unwind the fatigue of work and the routine of living in the city. We swam in Wangi Falls, had lunch with the meals that we had prepared the night before, then proceeded to Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole. There is not much we can do while in Litchfield, but our bonding as housemate feels stronger since this 1-day trip. This is what always makes me want for traveling together again, because the wiseman saying, sounds like this, “Once Traveling Together, We’re Friends Forever!”

Moments in Litchfield

Midnight Birthday Surprise

Birthdays are always become an annual moment to give appreciation for someone, through words, gifts, and most importantly, prayer and hope to become a better person. September 9, 2017, it is our housemate birthday, Kenji-san from Japan, who may feel isolated in the midst of Indonesians people. With the intention to reduce the sense of ‘isolation’, together we’re planning a birthday surprise for Kenji-san.

Honestly, the most difficult thing about planning is choosing the right time because our working hours are different, some are morning, noon, afternoon, evening and even until dawn. From the original plan, the surprise was done during the day, with consideration of many being at home then, then come the idea surprise at dawn time when we were all majority still at home (read: sleep). But in the end we chose this brilliant idea, “How about in midnight 12 o’clock?”. Quickly, we also prepare a birthday surprise for Kenji-san, birthday cake, candle, gift, greeting card, camera for documentation and so on. Finally, come the moment of togetherness on midnight. I’m really miss that moment! 🙂

Group Photo during Kenji’s Birthday

Three Weeks of Temptation

After finish my job at Darwin Turf Club, I started a new job at a restaurant in the Darwin Waterfront area. I started shifting from Kitchen Hand who used to work in the morning shift, moving to the night shift in this new place. I have to learn to sacrifice the night time that should be a relax time and quality time with my friends. Living Sacrifice!

The toughest trial is that there are times when I work really hard overtime, starting at 6 pm and finish until 4 am. How come? The overloaded dishwashing and kitchen utensils almost every night plus an inefficient work system made my early weeks working here feel so full of trials. Several times I have to work alone (which should be handled by at least 2 Kitchen Hand) plus the absence of a trolley that I can use to transport dirty plates from outside the kitchen during opening time, I have to go back and forth from the Dishwashing Area to where dirty dishes placed which is quite far away, carrying an empty container to accommodate the dirty dishes. My waist seemed to be detached because of the extreme work of Kitchen Hand.

How can I motivate myself who always feels stressful at that time is, try to remember my dream back then, remember my motivation to start this Working Holiday, why I want to ‘falling down’ after all the hard way to Australia, all for the family that I love in Indonesia. Remembering my happy moments, how I feel so blessed and loved, always give back my motivation to get back to work and survive in this temptation. Another way, I re-read my favorite fictional story like One Piece, and found one or two chapters that re-energized my mood at that time. Spiritually, the same thing applies when you read the Scriptures and find one or two verses that corroborate yourself. Sometimes in your life you will feel this ‘aha’ moment (EUREKA!), Do not be afraid! 🙂

https://twitter.com/Enlik/status/897780759813017600

What we say and what God says #promise Thank you @kpa.sydney for this "welcome card" God really love us

A post shared by Enlik Tjioe (@enliktjioe) on Mar 7, 2017 at 1:15pm PST

In the end, I only worked for three weeks here because I got a new job at another restaurant that I hope will be better. I decided to go out with various considerations especially for my health reasons.

Become a Volunteer at Vinnies NT

Starting from my boredom in the absence of activity in the morning until noon (my office hours were just afternoon to night), i visit at one of the Vinnies retail stores in Darwin CBD area, and meet Bianca, one of Vinnies NT managers. With her beautiful smile and humble figure answered my simple question, “hi there, how can I become a volunteer here?”, and within a few days I was given the opportunity to become Retail Assistant Volunteer at Vinnies Shop Darwin CBD.

Being a Retail Assistant, I learned how to set up shop to keep it clean and tidy, learn to use cash machine, learn how to give a greetings to every customer who comes in. Through volunteering, I got a new experience for something that I’ve never done before. I learned how Volunteering become part of Australian culture. Making money is a happiness, but making other people happy is a super happiness! 🙂

Making money is a happiness, but making other people happy is a superhappiness. #Volunteer team at #VinniesNT #Vinnies #Shop #Australia #Darwin #NorthernTerritory

A post shared by Enlik Tjioe (@enliktjioe) on Oct 4, 2017 at 8:40pm PDT

Two Months at Ducks Nuts Restaurant

Now I am getting more nimble in new workplaces, maybe this is a positive effect from super stresfull heavy work before. I work more passionately, not only because this work more humane, but also because the coworkers here are a great and humble people.

Ducks Nuts, one of the biggest restaurant in Darwin CBD

At the end of September, the Ducks Nuts boss gave “bad news” to every employee including me, that this restaurant will be shut forever by the end of October 2017. So next month, we all have to leave the job in this place, and try to find a new workplace out there. A surprising news especially for employees who have worked for several years here. The closure of Ducks Nuts, which has been operating for more than 10 years in Darwin, is also a bad news for their loyal customers.

Two months working here also became the end of my working day in Darwin, Australia. After hearing the news of the closing restaurant, I decided to end my adventure in Darwin at the end of October, because on one side I’ve managed to get 88 working days as a requirement for my Work and Holiday Visa extension, and on the other side I’m very curious about the other city in Australia, such as Brisbane or Melbourne. Finally, my choice was Melbourne with some consideration, one because the creative industry in this city that looks quite promising and many community and industry events held in this #1 most liveable city. In my mind, I have to try to get back in the industry that become part of my life in Indonesia before, Video Games and Information Technology.

My coworkers in Ducks Nuts Restaurant

Second Year Visa Granted

Lucky since my school time, I was used to taking care of my own school administration without the help of parents. Collecting files, scanning documents, and other things to complete the requirements, it’s a piece of cake for me, because everything listed in official website. After complete all the requirements, I immediately submit online form on the Australia immigration website, lodging a process to extend period of my stay in Australia on a work and holiday visa for one year.

On October 11, 2017 I did an onshore application (in Australian territory), the expectation of getting a second year visa started. The HAP ID from my medical check-up in 2016 was still valid so I no longer need to do a medcheck here, which cost about $300 in Darwin, quite expensive. With that money, i can be to buy airline tickets to Melbourne. And after the long wait for three weeks, my second year visa granted on November 2nd, 2017. Thanks so much to Merry, Dewi, and Cardona housemates who helped me a lot during the preparation of this visa lodge. I’m feel blessed! 🙂

What’s Next

When i’ve finished writing this, I’ve been living for about 2 weeks in Melbourne. Again I get lots of new experiences, new friends, and new communities. I am also still trying and struggling to get a job in the field of information technology here, a challenge that is quite difficult but it seems not impossible. When the opportunity came, I also have a dream to write a book about my Working Holiday story for a year. I will doing my best again in this second year opportunity. *Please pray for me, friends 🙂

Thanks to all of my friends that I met in Darwin and Tennant Creek, i’m feel blessed to know you all.

This the end of my writing, hope you’re get inspired! “Because sharing is source of happiness” *quote from Akademi Berbagi

Sunset in Mindil Beach

Have a blessed day! 🙂

My Story in Darwin, Australia G'day mate.. finally I had time to write my story again. In this blog post, I would like to share my experience for 4 months living in the Outback Australia, Northern Territory, with its capital Darwin.

#australia #darwin #mining #northern territory #second year visa #tennant creek #working holiday

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dbamountaineer · 7 years

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When I visited Margaret Mitchell House, I only knew her book by its title since it famous around the world. I haven’t read her book nor watched the movie made of it even at that time. In short, I know nothing about the story that surrounds the book or the movie made.

I visited Margaret’s House last November 20, 2015 while I was in Atlanta for a few weeks work assignment. I wasn’t able to write this post immediately because my plate are full of list to write about my previous travels. And at that time I can’t write anything about my visit in her house until I read her book or watched the movie.

After almost two years from the time that I visited Margaret Mitchell’s House, I had a chance to watched the movie. I bought the movie in iTunes few months ago during its sale but I wasn’t able to watched it as soon as I bought it because it requires almost 9 GB space in my phone since its HD version. Before watching the movie, I had no idea what’s the context of the famous book. The movie is classic and to be able to watch it in my phone is a luxury. I was amazed that in 1939, they were able to create a Technicolor movie.

It was Friday, November 20, 2015, my last whole day in Atlanta as the next day was my return flight to my country. I went out early from work. I was trying to think where to go because I had few hours left in Atlanta. While looking at some city brochures that I had in my hotel room, I decided to visit downtown. From hotel, I took shuttle bus towards MARTA Airport Station. From Airport Station, I got off at Midtown Station. I found myself along 10th St NE. While I was looking on the photos of Margaret’s House in my phone, I found the house from a far but I hesitated at first because the house was not exactly the same in the photos that I was looking, but Google Maps is telling me that I was few steps away from it. I approached the house in front of me and then I saw a sign that confirmed that I was looking at the right house.

–Margaret Mitchell House from Crescent Ave. NE

I walked towards the door of the house and there I saw hope that it was open for visitors. I went inside and I asked if the house was open for a tour, they confirmed that it was. I bought a ticket for my visit to the museum. They also informed me that there was a guided tour that I can still join for that day. While I was waiting for the scheduled guided tour, I still have time for self-guided round in the house museum and I started exploring the house.

STARS FALL ON ATLANTA : THE PREMIERE OF GONE WITH THE WIND

First part of exhibition that I saw are all about the movie made from the book. Its famous premier event which considered a huge and significant event happened in Atlanta. After seeing the exhibits, I understand how important the movie for the city even the mayor itself at that time involved himself to make sure that the premier of the movie will be really happening in his city.

A part of the house focused on the film made out of the book. And because the premiere of the movie decided to happen in Atlanta, the event became a historical as the famous Hollywood stars came to the city. Both political figures, businessmen, civic social club and media people made the event really special.

–Showing the hype of the premier event of the movie held in Atlanta

–Original Paintings of Gone With the Wind by Dan Sayre Groesback displayed at Loew’s Grand Theatre foyer for the film premier.

Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes and Olivia De Havilland as Melanie Hamilton

The photos above shows the main actors of the movie that gives life for the character of Scarlet O’hara, Ashley Wilkes, Rhett Butler, and Melanie Hamilton.

–Loew’s Grand Theatre Premiere by Kenneth G. Rogers

Show that thousand people went to the premier to be able to see the stars.

–Loew’s Grand Theatre while it is existed before the fire broke out and before it was demolished.

–During the visit of the main actors in the movie

–During the visit of Rhett Butler at Five Points

–During the parade from airport to Georgian Terrace Hotel

–During Women’s Press Club

–When Clark Gable and Margaret Mitchell met

–Some news about the place where the movie “Gone With The Wind” to be premiered

–Constructing the Loew’s Facade

–Loew’s Grand Theatre Seats

–Aunt Pittypat Arrives at the Junior League Ball

–Seats of Margaret Mitchell and Clark Gable

–Loew’s Grand Seating Chart for the premiere of Gone With the Wind December 15, 1939

–The Grand March at the Junior League Ball and Margaret Palmer wearing Scarlett’s Dress

–Hattie McDaniel as Mammy

–Atlanta Municipal Auditorium Stage, Junior League Ball and Junior League Ball Program

BEYOND THE PAGES & BEHIND THE SCENES

When I visited another building just beside Margaret Mitchell’s House, I discovered additional exhibits which shows the adaptation of the book to a film. It also displays the facsimile of storyboards and other movie materials.

There is video documentaries when filming the “Gone With the Wind”. And there were paintings of Scarlet O’Hara inside the exhibit room.

–Where is Tara?

–Gone With the Wind : The Motion Picture

Costume sketches, 1939 Walter Plunkett, artist

Rhett and Ashley : Civil War Heroes?

–At the time of the movie, the racial discrimination with white and black are still on its height

–Scarlett in the Blue Dress, Oil on Canvass, 1939 Helen Carlton, artist Loaned by Atlanta Board of Education

–Storyboards, Watercolor on Board, 1939 Dorothea Holt and Joseph Mc Millen “Mac” Johnson, artists Selznick International Pictures Art Department

–Monster Bazaar Gerald O’Hara and Scarlet overlooking Tara

–Scarlet refuge to Tara Tara in Ruins

–Main Characters

–Looking back at Margaret Mitchell House

I looked for my watch and in few minutes the guided tour will be start soon. Then I returned to Margaret Mitchell’s apartment and from information desk I waited for the tour guide. In few minutes, the guide showed-up. The special thing with the guided tour was the chance to go inside the room of Margaret Mitchell at the time she wrote her book “Gone With the Wind”.

Margaret Mitchell Room Unit where “Gone With the Wind” book has been written.

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MARGARET MITCHELL: A PASSION FOR CHARACTER

The exhibits here are more related to the life of Margaret Mitchell with the title above which significantly shows her virtue on something.

–Girlhood Stories by Margaret Mitchell, ca.1910 Courtesy Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library University of Georgia

–Margaret Mitchell on Her Front Porch, 1918

–Clifford Henry and Soldiers from Camp Cordon, Atlanta, 1918 (Clifford Henry at the center gave Margaret a gold engagement ring that belongs to his family, he was deployed and wounded in October

–Margaret Mitchell and Samuel Leslie Morris, 1920

–Margaret Mitchell and Sigmund, 1921

–Margaret Mitchell and “Red Upshaw”, 1922

–John Marsh, ca.1925

Margaret Mitchell Life as Reporter

–Margaret Mitchell interviewing Rudolph Valentino, July 1, 1923

–Margaret Mitchell interviewing Georgia Tech Students, June 3, 1923

–Desk used by Margaret Mitchell at the Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine, 1922-1926 Loaned by Atlanta Journal-Constitution

–Margaret Mitchell with Her Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine Co-workers, ca. 1922

–Margaret Mitchell on Assignment, 1922-1926

The exhibits also displays artifacts and archives at the time that Margaret is writing her famous book “Gone With the Wind”.

–Margaret Mitchell at Her Window,1936 Kenneth G.Rogers, photographer

–Foreign Edition Games

–Legacy of Gone With the Wind

–Margaret Mitchell, 1932-1933, Asasno, photographer

–Sahara of the Bozarts?

–Margaret Mitchell House (Lower Left Apartment#1) where she wrote Gone With the Wind

–Margaret Mitchell Portrait

Margaret with her Life as part of Community

–Community and Country

–Product Packages, 1945-1950 (packaged for delivery to war-torn Europe) Civil Defense Armband, ca 1943 Commemorative Punch Bowl and Ladle, 1959 (Loaned by US Navy)

–Margaret Mitchell and Bessie Jordan, November 1947 Tracy O’Neil, photographer

–Margaret Mitchell christening the U.S.S Atlanta, December 24, 1941

Before I left the vicinity area of Margaret Mitchell’s House, I found myself walked nearby to get another angle of photos of her house. At that time, I realized that the photo that I was looking for in my phone are front photos of the house along Peachtree St NE which different at Crescent Ave NE.

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I realised while I write this post, how significant her life is and her contribution to the community.

Margaret Mitchell’s (Gone With The Wind) House Visit When I visited Margaret Mitchell House, I only knew her book by its title since it famous around the world.

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sacramentoyellowcabco011 · 2 years

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sacramentoyellowcabco011 · 2 years

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enliktjioe · 7 years

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Yoo pembaca.. akhirnya saya sempat menulis cerita lagi. Di tulisan kali ini, saya ingin bercerita pengalaman saya selama 4 bulan tinggal di kawasan pedalaman Australia, Northern Territory, dengan ibu kotanya Darwin. Nama-nama seperti Tennant Creek, Alice Spring, Katherine, Renner Spring, mungkin terasa asing bagi ‘kids jaman now’ bahkan yang sudah lama tinggal di Australia sekali pun. Kok bisa? Karena memang kawasan ini lebih sering dituju oleh para backpacker dibanding para wisatawan yang hendak berkunjung ke Australia. Cerita saya kali ini berfokus pada kota Darwin dan sedikit di daerah Tennant Creek.

Sekilas tentang Darwin

Darwin adalah ibu kota dari salah satu negara bagian Australia, Northern Territory. Kota tropis di ujung bagian utara Australia memiliki iklim yang berbeda dengan kota-kota besar Australia pada umumnya. Darwin hanya memiliki 2 buah musim, Dry dan Wet Season, mirip sekali dengan Indonesia. Kalau lihat peta, lokasi Darwin ke Bali memang jauh lebih dekat daripada Darwin ke Sydney atau Melbourne.

Biaya makan di Darwin relatif lebih mahal dibanding dengan Sydney atau Melbourne, namun seimbang dengan pendapatan yang relatif lebih besar didapat di sini. Cari kerja juga relatif lebih sulit di sini kalau kamu belum ada pengalaman kerja casual. Darwin juga hanya punya bus sebagai transportasi publiknya, tidak ada kereta api ataupun tram di sini. Shopping Centre terbesar ada di Casuarina Square, dan yang terbaru Gateway, dua-duanya sama-sama jauh dari CBD. Darwin juga mempunyai satu universitas sejuta umat bernama Charles Darwin University. National Park terkenal di sini diantaranya adalah Kakadu dan Litchfield. Saat dry season, kamu ‘kudu’ mengunjungi Mindil Beach Sunset Market, menikmati indahnya waktu matahari terbenam sambil membeli beberapa makanan khas Asia. Kamu bisa baca referensi Things To Do in Darwin di sini.

Alasan Pindah Ke Darwin

Alasan utama para backpacker dan pemegang Work and Holiday Visa (selanjutnya disebut WHV) seperti saya tentunya adalah untuk memenuhi persyaratan tahun kedua WHV, dimana untuk kami pemegang WHV Subclass 462, harus bekerja selama minimum 88 hari (atau 3 bulan) di semua area Northern Territory dan sebagian wilayah Queensland, dengan kategori pekerjaan yang sudah ditentukan oleh pemerintah Australia. Darwin adalah salah satu kota yang memenuhi persyaratan tersebut. Lengkap deh infonya di sini.

Memang tidak bisa dipungkiri, angkatan kami, para pemegang WHV yang berangkat sekitar akhir tahun 2016 kemarin adalah angkatan yang beruntung, mengingat baru diresmikannya proses perpanjangan 2nd year WHV. Dan mungkin terasa aneh, Darwin yang tahun-tahun sebelumnya bukanlah tujuan favorit para WHV dari Indonesia, kini menjadi salah satu kota dengan populasi terbanyak pemegang WHV dari Indonesia. Sebut saja beberapa employer besar di Darwin yang mayoritas pekerja-nya berasal dari Indonesia, seperti Compass Group ESS, Leprechaun Resort, dan mungkin yang lainnya.

Selain karena syarat tersebut, secara pribadi saya juga ingin merasakan pengalaman yang berbeda di Australia. Saya berharap dengan tinggal di Darwin maupun daerah outback Australia lainnya, saya dapat menemukan ‘harta terpendam‘ yang mungkin sulit ditemukan di kota-kota besar Australia.

Bermalam di Darwin Airport

Sebelum keberangkatan pesawat, saya sudah pesan ‘Uber‘ dari salah satu teman WHV Darwin untuk menjemput saya setibanya saya bandara pada saat tengah malam, tanggal 20 Juni 2017. Eh ternyata, dia ketiduran euy! Saya telepon dan sms tidak diangkat. Berhubung memang sudah tengah malam, transportasi menuju ke Darwin City sudah tidak tersedia. Saya pun memutuskan untuk bermalam di Darwin Airport, kualitas wifi internet di sini cukup berkualitas dan ruangan-nya juga ber-AC, petugas keamanan juga ada, aman! Saya bermalam hingga jam 6 pagi di sini menunggu jadwal keberangkatan pertama Shuttle Service (mobil Van) menuju Darwin City.

Nintendo Switch menjadi teman perjalanan saya selama di dalam pesawat dan ruang tunggu

Shuttle Van dari Darwin Airport, biayanya $20 menuju ke kawasan CBD Darwin

Menikmati Satu Hari di Darwin

Tiba di Darwin City, saya singgah ke rumah mas Yunas untuk tinggal sementara di sini hingga malam hari sebelum kembali menuju Airport kembali untuk transit ke Tennant Creek. Saya berkenalan dengan beberapa housemate di sini, dan juga room mate sehari saya, Nandra, yang saat itu masih terlihat kebosanan menunggu pekerjaan di Darwin yang tak kunjung datang. Beberapa teman-teman WHV lain di sini juga bercerita bagaimana sulitnya mencari pekerjaan di Darwin. Satu cerita, ada yang bekerja sebagai Kitchen Hand, seharusnya ia bekerja selama 6 jam, namun karena restoran sepi, ia dipulangkan meski baru bekerja selama 3 jam. Cerita lainnya, mereka yang melamar posisi Housekeeping di sini tanpa pengalaman sebelumnya akan kesulitan untuk diterima.

Bersama teman-teman WHV di rumah mas Yunas, dari kiri-kanan: Glenn, Dipta, Pandu. *Yang lain pakai baju santai, saya malah masih pakai jaket dari Sydney.

Impresi pertama di Darwin, cuacanya terasa ‘super panas’ di siang hari. Efek dari berada di Sydney sehari sebelumnya yang sedang memasuki musim dingin. Impresi lainnya? Saya dapat menemui ‘kaum asli’ penduduk Australia hampir di sepanjang jalan. Mereka terlihat begitu ‘mencolok’ khususnya ketika mereka berteriak-teriak tanpa sebab yang jelas, lalu mendatangi kita dan meminta “2 dollars please“. Terkadang ada dari mereka yang asyik juga diajak untuk mengobrol loh, ketika menunggu bus atau berada di dalam bus. Bersyukur, selama empat bulan tinggal di Darwin ini, saya belum punya pengalaman buruk dengan mereka. Apapun pandangan negatif terhadap mereka, ‘kaum asli’ Australia ini tetaplah manusia yang sama seperti kita, yang selayaknya kita perlakukan sama, “who am i to judge?”. Tahu gak sih? Bumerang yang sering kita lihat di film-film itu merupakan salah satu penemuan mereka loh.

Makan Siang mewah pertama saya di Hanuman Restaurant, Darwin City. Harganya sekitar $15-$20 (tanpa nasi), dan inilah yang membuat saya *ngeh harga makanan di Darwin memang relatif lebih mahal dibanding kota besar lainnya di Australia seperti Melbourne atau Sydney.

Berpikir saya mungkin tidak akan sempat ikut misa lagi selama 3 bulan ke depan karena bekerja di remote area Tennant Creek, saya menyempatkan ikut misa harian siang hari pukul 12 di St. Mary Cathedral Darwin. Hanya butuh jalan kaki 5 menit saja dari rumah mas Yunas

Berkunjung ke Museum Art and Gallery of the Northern Territory. Saya belajar sedikit tentang sejarah Darwin dan Northern Territory serta sejarah bencana besar di Darwin seperti Cyclone Tracy pada malam Natal tahun 1974 dan pengeboman di Darwin oleh tentara Jepang pada era Perang Dunia kedua.

Hiasan dinding keren di dalam Museum

Coastal Walk menuju Mindil Beach

Mindil Beach yang terlihat begitu indah dari jalur Coastal Walk

Gambar di mobil ini mengingatkan saya akan sebuah karya luar biasa dari Animek The Alkemek

Ketemu temen2 baru, Alhamdulillah masih bisa silaturahmi dan ketawa bersama. #whvindonesia #whvdarwin

A post shared by Arip Hidayat (@rujakdressing) on Jun 20, 2017 at 6:36am PDT

Bersama rekan-rekan WHV di daerah Moil, malam hari sebelum saya diantar ke Darwin Airport. Thanks Arip Hidayat for the hospitality

Dimulai dari Tennant Creek

Eh, judul tulisan ini kan tentang Darwin, kenapa ada Tennant Creek? Ya, petualangan saya di kawasan utara Australia ini, justru dimulai dari Tennant Creek. Kurang lebih dua minggu lamanya saya berada di sini, bekerja di sebuah camp daerah pertambangan.

Tiba di Tennant Creek Airport, bandara ini tergolong bandara kecil, yang kelihatan seperti rumah dengan landasan pesawat di sekililingnya. Menunggu selama kurang lebih 15 menit, kami langsung diantar dengan mini bus menuju camp site Bootu Creek.

Sesampainya di camp, kami diabsen satu per satu oleh camp manager yang bertugas saat itu. Setelah menerima kunci kamar, saya diantar langsung oleh si manager ke kamar, dan diinformasikan bahwa saya akan langsung bekerja pada sore hari nanti. Saya bertemu dengan rekan WHV Indonesia di sini, Yuko, mengantarkan titipan iPad Pro miliknya dari Sydney. Dan dengan penuh semangat, saya memulai hari pertama saya bekerja di Northern Territory.

Pesawat Charter AirNorth yang saya tumpangi bersama beberapa penambang FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) yang kembali dari liburannya untuk bekerja kembali di pertambangan. Pesawatnya juga tergolong kecil dengan daya tampung sekitar 20-30 orang saja

Tiba di Camp

Kamar mewah di Camp, it’s too good to be true

Seragam kerja saya di sini

Makan Siang Seadanya

Saat itu jam makan siang, saya baru sadar ternyata Chef tidak menyiapkan makanan siang hari, dikarenakan pada jam tersebut para miner masih bekerja di area pertambangan. Jadi untuk kami para pekerja Hospitality (Kitchen/Housekeeping/Cleaner), hanya bisa makan makanan dari kulkas, masak mie instan, atau ke dalam Cool Room untuk ambil makanan dari pagi hari atau malam hari sebelumnya. Kitchen ini hanya melayani sarapan pagi hari (buka jam 4 subuh s/d 8 pagi) dan makan malam (buka jam 4 sore s/d 8 malam).

Jam Buka Dining Room

Ruang Makan

Perkenalan dengan Dua Rekan WHV dari Tiongkok

Saat makan siang, saya bertemu dengan dua pejuang WHV dari Tiongkok, namanya Alice dan Emma (mereka menggunakan nickname, *you know lah* nama Chinese sulit diingat orang bule). Perkenalan pertama pada saat jam makan siang waktu itu sungguh berkesan, karena saya si anak baru ini, bisa langsung akrab dengan mereka, kami saling menanyakan nama, basa-basi, dan bertukar cerita sedikit latar belakang kami masing-masing. Mereka juga bercerita bahwa di Tiongkok, hampir semua sosial media diblokir oleh pemerintah di sana, mereka baru membuat Facebook pun hanya ketika berada di Australia. Oh betapa ketatnya Tiongkok!

Beruntungnya di jaman now, meski hanya berteman dalam waktu yang singkat selama di sini, kami masih bisa bertegur sapa via sosial media untuk sekedar menanyakan kabar masing-masing dan berbagi cerita perjuangan WHV kami di tempat yang lain. Selalu menyenangkan ketika berbagi cerita, karena dengan waktu dan kesempatan kita yang terbatas untuk mencoba segala sesuatunya, kita masih bisa ikut merasakannya dengan membaca cerita orang lain, seperti yang saya coba bagikan lewat tulisan ini.

Makanan Enak dan Super Enak

Selama di sini, kategori makanan bagi saya hanyalah dua macam, ENAK dan SUPER ENAK (seperti kata Trinity di buku The Naked Traveler). Beruntung ada Chef Jason dan Chef Simon yang begitu luar biasa saat menyiapkan Asian Food, yang sangat cocok untuk lidah orang Indonesia seperti saya.

Salah Satu Menu di sini

Beberapa makanan Enak dan Super Enak selama di sini

Untung Ada ChromeCast

Chromecast yang terlebih dahulu saya beli di JB Hi-Fi Sydney seharga $60, sungguh menjadi media hiburan saya yang sangat bermanfaat. Dengan TV HDMI yang disediakan di setiap kamar plus internet WiFi di area camp, saya bisa melakukan streaming layar smartphone saya langsung ke TV secara wireless. Menonton YouTube, Netflix, dan lain sebagainya di layar yang lebih besar tentu memberikan kepuasan yang berbeda.

Dua Minggu Terisolasi

Selama dua minggu di tempat yang terisolasi ini, justru saya merasa begitu produktif, beberapa buku berhasil saya baca hingga halaman terakhir. Waktu luang lainnya saya gunakan untuk belajar online course di Udacity, tanpa lupa untuk menghibur diri dengan bermain video game atau menonton TV. Saya juga rutin untuk mempersiapkan ‘saat teduh’ setiap harinya, yang hampir tak pernah saya lewatkan tiap harinya. Saya menemukan bahwa berdoa dan baca kitab suci tuh ternyata bisa dilakukan kapan dan di mana saja, yang terpenting intensinya. Semua hal yang biasanya membuat saya sibuk selama tinggal di kota besar, bisa saya tinggalkan sementara selama berada di sini.

Namun di sisi lain, saya begitu merindukan kebebasan bereksplorasi seperti yang saya lakukan di Sydney dahulu, selesai bekerja dan saat hari libur bisa keliling gratis area sekitar Sydney, bertemu dengan teman-teman dan keluarga, dan tentunya kembali mengikuti perayaan Ekaristi di Gereja.

Lalu apa yang benar-benar membuat saya terisolasi selama di sini? Saya kesulitan bersosialisasi dengan beberapa rekan kerja di sini, entah karena perbedaan kepribadian dan cara hidup atau mungkin saya sendiri yang terlalu menutup diri. Memang menjalin relasi tidak bisa dipaksakan, saya berusaha untuk tidak mengenakan ‘topeng’ hanya demi bisa bergaul dengan mereka. Alhasil, dua minggu saya bekerja di sini, saya hanya bisa berteman dengan sedikit orang. Perasaan terisolasi membuat saya semakin peka bagaimana arti kebebasan yang sebenarnya.

Bootu Mining Site, sebuah tempat nan jauh dari kota

You’re Fired

Pagi itu rasanya tidak biasa, saya menghabiskan waktu subuh hingga matahari terbit untuk mengambil beberapa foto suasana di camp pada pagi hari dengan kamera mirrorless Sony saya. Malam sebelumnya saya memimpikan tentang meninggalkan tempat ini menuju sebuah tempat lain yang benar-benar baru bagi saya. Dan benar saja, pada sore hari nya, sang Camp Manager, pak Robert, menghampiri saya dan meminta waktu untuk mengobrol secara empat mata. Dengan nada yang berat, beliau berkata bahwa saya tidak akan mendapatkan shift kerja lagi dan harus bergegas meninggalkan tempat ini esok harinya, alias mau bilang “You’re Fired!“.

Apa alasan utama saya dipecat? Saya tidak bisa mengemudikan mobil. Sedih? Pastinya, apalagi dipecat oleh karena kekurangan yang saya miliki. Sakitnya tuh di kepala, rasanya mau segera belajar kilat ‘setir mobil’ supaya saya bisa bertahan di sini. Bahagia? Yes, karena ini berarti saya akan segera meninggalkan zona isolasi saya, dan kembali berharap akan sebuah kebebasan di tempat baru nantinya. Inilah pengalaman pertama merasakan sesungguhnya bagaimana rasanya dipecat, sedih dan juga bahagia di saat yang sama.

Dipecat atau ditolak mengajarkan kepada saya bahwa ketika satu pintu tertutup, akan begitu banyak pintu lain yang terbuka. Belajar dari cerita Walt Disney yang tidak putus asa walau penolakan beliau rasakan beberapa kali, namun pada akhirnya mendirikan Disney dan menciptakan sebuah mahakarya dengan karakter tikus nya yang kita kenal hingga sekarang. Kisah sukses lainnya tentang penolakan juga bisa kamu temukan dari founder WhatsApp, Jadi toh saya berusaha untuk tidak berkecil hati, semua pasti ada jalannya, satu pintu tertutup, seribu pintu lain akan terbuka. Semoga!

Sampai Jumpa Bootu Creek Mining Camp

Bermalam di Renner Springs

Keesokan harinya, saya diberikan kesempatan bekerja terakhir kalinya sebagai Housekeeper. Bersama Yuko, rekan WHV Indonesia saya di sini, untuk pertama kalinya saya merasakan pengalaman housekeeping di Australia ini. Kami diberikan daftar kamar yang harus dikerjakan, lalu berkeliling area camp dengan membawa troli berisi perlengkapan housekeeping. Panas dan terik matahari menjadi hal yang biasa sebagai seorang Housekeeper di kawasan camp seperti ini.

Diantar oleh Rob (Camp Manager) menuju penginapan ‘super mahal’ di Renner Springs, untuk bermalam dan menunggu jadwal bus Greyhound besok subuh. Biaya $96 per malam dengan kualitas sekelas hostel atau hotel bintang dua, membuat saya berpikir, ini pasti harga monopoli sebuah penginapan karena memang tidak ada pesaingnya di dekat sini, in the middle of nowhere.

Tidak banyak yang bisa saya lakukan selama di sini, berjalan-jalan keluar hanya melihat hamparan padang rumput kosong dengan jalan terbesar dan terpanjang di Australia, Stuart Highway, membentang di antaranya.

Pengalaman Outback bermalama di Renner Springs Desert Inn

Suasana Malam Hari di Penginapan ini

Satu Bulan Tinggal di Casuarina

Saya belum mendapatkan akomodasi di Darwin sampai saat bermalam di Renner Springs. Bermodal keyword “room Darwin” di grup facebook WHV Indonesia, saya akhirnya menemukan akomodasi di daerah Wulagi dekat Casuarina. Dengan harga $120 per minggu saya mendapatkan kamar privat dengan double bed yang cukup luas.

Kamar privat ‘mewah’ saya di Casuarina

Satu yang hal membuat saya ‘keki’ selama di sini, yaitu sambutan gonggongan anjing di sepanjang jalan menuju rumah, menyebalkan rasanya para doggy ini ‘SKSD‘ sama saya. Namun lama-kelamaan entah kenapa saya jadi terbiasa dengan gonggongan mereka, dan para doggie itu pun menjadi bosan sendiri. Saya tinggal bersama kak Kristy dan suaminya Tony, kurang lebih selama satu bulan di sini.

Tempat tinggal saya di Casuarina. *kok miring ya fotonya

Awas Anjing Galak!

Hello Buddy, stop barking, let’s be a friend! 🙂

Library favorit di sini

Satu Bulan Bekerja di Darwin Turf Club

Beberapa hari tanpa pekerjaan di Darwin, sungguh membuat saya banyak pikiran. Saat itu saya juga masih menunggu jadwal interview dengan salah satu employer favorit di Darwin, Compass Group ESS. Namun berdasarkan info dari teman-teman, dari jadwal interview sampai saatnya mulai bekerja di sana, butuh waktu sekitar 2-4 minggu, alias lama banget. Pikir saya saat itu, daripada jobless terlalu lama di Darwin dan ‘digantung’ oleh ESS, saya harus mulai menyebar Resume baik secara online maupun offline (drop langsung).

Beberapa hari kemudian, saya diterima bekerja sebagai Kitchen Hand di Darwin Turf Club, setelah melewati proses walk in interview dengan cukup banyak kandidat, puji Tuhan! Saya bekerja dengan status casual rasa full time, alias dengan rate salary casual (lebih besar 25% dari gaji normal) namun mendapatkan hari kerja seperti fulltimer, lima sampai dengan enam hari satu minggu.

Serunya menjadi Kitchen Hand di sini, saya banyak melakukan food preparation seperti Sandwich, Hot Dog, Pork Roll, Fruit Salad, Burger, dan lain sebagainya. Bersama Oma Dawn, Antonnette, dan Anapolla, saya dibantu belajar banyak hal baru di dapur ini. Selain itu saya juga belajar menjadi all-rounder, mengantarkan pesanan dari dapur kepada para customer di bar. Pengalaman salah kasih order-an pun saya rasakan selama jadi all-rounder di sini. Hari paling melelahkan adalah ketika hari event selesai, tumpukan cucian piring dan cutlery rasanya siap menghantam kami. Satu bulan bekerja di sini terasa begitu menyenangkan, karena saya begitu menikmati pekerjaan ini.

Rekan-rekan kerja di Darwin Turf Club

Sunday Party at Monsoons with #DarwinTurfClub #DarwinCup staff family #Hospitality #Kitchen #Darwin #NorthernTerritory

A post shared by Enlik Tjioe (@enliktjioe) on Aug 13, 2017 at 5:47pm PDT

Tidak Lolos Medical Checkup ESS

Proses panjang aplikasi pekerjaan di Compass Group ESS ini dimulai dari email notifikasi bahwa saya menerima jadwal info session sekaligus interview. Sempat saya abaikan beberapa kali karena saat itu saya pikir akan benar-benar bekerja selama 3 bulan di Tennant Creek. Beruntung saya tidak langsung membalas emailnya sehingga saya masih terus dikirimkan email jadwal info session sampai akhirnya saya kembali ke Darwin lagi. Datang ke Manigurr-ma, saya dan para applicant lain mengisi form aplikasi pekerjaan yang begitu banyak, saya juga harus menyiapkan beberapa reference kerja, riwayat kerja, riwayat penyakit, dan sebagainya.

Selesai tahap interview, masuklah email notifikasi jadwal medical check up. Saat itu saya masih bekerja di Darwin Turf Club, selesai bekerja jam 5 sore, saya langsung menuju ke Darwin City, untuk memulai medcheck sekitar jam 6 sore. Kembali saya harus mengisi form, kembali mengisi riwayat penyakit, saya pun mengisi riwayat backpain saat bekerja sebagai Kitchen Hand di Google 6 bulan yang lalu, dan mungkin inilah yang menjadi salah satu poin penting dalam rekrutmen pekerja baru di Compass Group ESS, yang baru saya sadari beberapa waktu kemudian. Dan benar saja, beberapa hari kemudian setelah medcheck, saya menerima email bahwa saya tidak lolos seleksi penerimaan karyawan baru di Compass Group ESS ini. Karena kebijakan perusahaan, mereka tidak memberikan detail kenapa saya tidak lolos, jadi saya hanya bisa menduga saja.

Sedih ga? Ya pasti lah.. Beberapa hari ke depan, rasanya seperti ada pikiran yang menggantung, “kenapa ya gw gak lolos? kenapa ya begini? kenapa ya begitu?”. Manusiawi sekali yah. Akan tetapi, inilah bagian dari kerasnya hidup di Australia, bagaimana perjuangan para pemegang visa working holiday seperti saya berjuang mendapatkan pekerjaan demi bertahan hidup di sini. Banyak juga dari cerita WHV yang saya dengar, ada teman yang sampai berbulan-bulan belum mendapatkan pekerjaan, belum balik modal, sampai harus pinjam uang ke sana-sini. Ada juga yang merasakan dipecat setelah hanya bekerja selama 2 hari, di lain cerita ada yang sudah bekerja keras namun upah yang tidak dibayar oleh si boss sampai menggantung beberapa bulan (mau bayar rent pakai apa coba?). Kemudian, ada kasus lain lagi teman-teman yang terkena kasus penipuan mulai dari ratusan hingga puluhan ribu dolar Australia, bayangkan hasil kerja keras dan jerih payah di Australia harus lenyap begitu saja hingga pulang dengan tangan hampa. Oleh karena itu, kasus saya mah *apa atuh, kalau kata OZ people, “No Worries, Mate!”.

Dan ternyata Tuhan memang amat baik, rencananya selalu di luar batas pemikiran saya, pikir saya secara positif waktu itu. Di hari yang sama saat menerima email ‘tidak lolos’ tersebut, saya mendapatkan referensi pekerjaan juga langsung dari Darwin Turf Club, untuk bekerja di salah satu restoran besar di kawasan Darwin Waterfront. Saya pun langsung mencari akomodasi baru di Darwin City, dengan kondisi saat itu saya masih tinggal di Casuarina, jauh sekali dari Darwin Waterfront. Pertimbangan lainnya, saya akan mendapatkan kerja pada shift malam di tempat baru ini, sehingga repot juga kalau pulang tengah malam dan tidak punya kendaraan pribadi. Dan berawal dari sinilah, saya akhirnya akan merasakan sebuah pengalaman baru hidup di sharing apartment dan bertemu teman-teman yang luar biasa di Darwin.

From Pinterest

Pengalaman Hidup di Sharing Room Apartment

Inilah salah satu pengalaman hidup yang ingin saya rasakan di Australia, tinggal bersama teman-teman seperjuangan WHV di sebuah sharing room apartment. Ini merupakan pengalaman baru bagi saya karena memang sebelumnya di Jakarta, Sydney, Tennant Creek, dan terakhir di Casuarina saya selalu mendapatkan kamar pribadi yang begitu nyaman dan tenang. Berlokasi di kawasan Darwin CBD, tempat saya tinggal kali ini dihuni oleh 4 orang cowok dan 6 orang cewek, semua orang Indonesia kecuali ada satu orang Jepang *nyasar ini, namanya Kenji-san. Butuh beberapa hari untuk berkenalan dengan mereka satu per satu dikarenakan jam kerja kami yang berbeda-beda.

Malam hari pertama pun tiba, saya sudah siap dengan suara ‘ngorok’ nan merdu dari teman sekamar saya. Percaya deh, tinggal di kamar sharing gak komplit rasanya kalau gak ketemu teman sekamar yang tidur pun masih ‘bersuara’. Dan semenjak tidur di kamar sharing ini, saya pun semakin sadar kalau saya juga punya kemampuan ‘bersuara’ saat tidur itu (baca: ‘mengigau’). Kemampuan macam apa ini!

Beruntung pas momen 17an ada lomba badminton dari Konsulat RI Darwin!

Masak-masak dan makan malam bersama

Lari Pagi bareng housemate yang saat itu dibekali dengan motivasi “persiapan medical check up”

A post shared by Enlik Tjioe (@enliktjioe) on Aug 27, 2017 at 4:25am PDT

Sore hari di balkon apartemen

Jalan-jalan ke Mindil Beach

Trip ke Litchfield National Park

Jalan-jalan? Horee… Begitu rindunya saya untuk sekedar melakukan 1-day trip lagi, karena semenjak tiba di Darwin saya terlalu gila kerja dan hampir tidak punya waktu untuk nge-trip. Berawal dari pesan singkat iseng di grup whatsapp housemate, saya mengirimkan rencana jalan-jalan ke Litchfield Karena respon baik dari satu-dua orang yang mendukung, dikumpulkan lah daftar nama-nama yang berminat ikut. Jujur saja, melihat respon positif seperti itu membuat saya yang tadinya iseng saja jadi lebih bersemangat, dan segera mempersiapkan trip ini. Kami pun menggunakan jasa Bargain Car Rental Darwin untuk sewa mobil selama satu hari. Sabtu, 26 Agustus 2017, lima orang housemate siap melakukan trip jauh bersama untuk pertama kalinya.

Yeay.. jalan-jalan bareng pertama!

In the middle of nowhere

Kira-kira dua jam perjalanan dari Darwin melewati sebuah wilayah ‘antah-berantah’, kami pun tiba di Litchfield. Pemandangan alam nan indah, jauh dari keramaian Darwin CBD (*eh ramai!?), dan air terjun dengan kolam renang yang dibuka untuk publik, cukup untuk melepas kepenatan bekerja dan rutinitas hidup di kota. Kami berenang di Wangi Falls, makan siang bersama dengan bekal yang sudah kami siapkan di malam sebelumnya, lalu melanjutkan perjalanan ke Florence Falls dan Buley Rockhole. Memang tidak banyak yang bisa kami lakukan selama di Litchfield, namun bonding kami sebagai housemate rasanya semakin kuat lewat 1-day trip ini. Hal ini yang selalu membuat saya rindu untuk traveling bareng, karena kata pepatah bijak yang bunyinya kira-kira begini “Sekali Traveling Bersama, Jadi Sahabat Selamanya!”

Momen-momen di Litchfield

Kejutan Ulang Tahun saat Tengah Malam

Hari ulang tahun selalu menjadi momen tahunan untuk mengapresiasikan perasaan ‘kasih’ kita kepada dia yang sedang berulang tahun, bisa lewat ucapan, kado, dan tentunya yang paling penting, doa dan harapan supaya menjadi pribadi yang lebih baik lagi. Tanggal 9 September 2017, menjadi hari ulang tahun housemate kami, Kenji-san dari Jepang, yang mungkin merasa terasingkan di tengah kumpulan orang-orang Indonesia ini. Dengan intensi untuk mengurangi rasa ‘keasingan’ tersebut, saya bersama teman-teman merencanakan kejutan ulang tahun untuk Kenji-san.

Jujur saja, hal yang paling sulit dari perencanaan ini adalah memilih waktu yang tepat dikarenakan jam kerja kami berbeda-beda, ada yang pagi, siang, sore, malam bahkan hingga subuh. Dari rencana semula, kejutan dilakukan pada siang hari, dengan pertimbangan banyak yang sedang di rumah saat itu, lalu ide saat subuh ketika kami semua mayoritas masih di rumah (baca: tidur). Namun pada akhirnya kami memilih ide brilian ini, “gimana kalau tengah malam aja tepat jam 12 malam?”. Dalam tempo yang sesingkat-singkatnya, kami pun mempersiapkan kejutan ulang tahun untuk Kenji-san, kue ulang tahun, lilin, kado, kartu ucapan, kamera untuk dokumentasi dan sebagainya. Akhirnya, terjadilah momen kebersamaan tengah malam yang begitu hangat saat itu. I’m really miss that moment! 🙂

Foto Bersama saat ulang tahun Kenji-san

Tiga Minggu Penuh Cobaan

Selepas dari Darwin Turf Club, saya memulai pekerjaan baru di sebuah restoran di kawasan Darwin Waterfront. Saya mulai shifting dari Kitchen Hand yang terbiasa bekerja pada shift pagi, pindah ke shift malam di tempat baru ini. Saya harus belajar mengorbankan waktu malam yang seharusnya menjadi waktu istirahat dan quality time dengan teman-teman. Living Sacrifice!

Cobaan terberat adalah ada kalanya saya bekerja sungguh-sungguh overtime, mulai jam 6 sore dan selesai hingga jam 4 subuh. Kok bisa? Cucian piring dan perlengkapan dapur yang overload hampir setiap malam harinya ditambah sistem kerja yang tidak efisien membuat minggu-minggu awal saya bekerja di sini terasa begitu penuh cobaan (baca: stress). Beberapa kali saya harus bekerja seorang diri (yang seharusnya di-handle oleh minimal 2 orang Kitchen Hand) ditambah tidak adanya troli yang bisa saya pakai untuk mengangkut piring-piring kotor dari luar dapur selama restoran masih buka, saya harus bolak-balik dari Dishwashing Area menuju tempat piring kotor yang jaraknya cukup jauh, sambil membawa bak kosong untuk menampung piring-piring kotor tersebut. Pinggang saya rasanya mau copot karena pekerjaan Kitchen Hand yang ekstrim ini.

Salah satu cara saya memotivasi diri sendiri yang selalu stress di kala itu adalah dengan mengingat impian saya, mengingat motivasi awal saya memulai Working Holiday ini, kenapa saya mau ‘turun derajat’ setelah jauh-jauh ke negeri kangguru ini, semua demi keluarga yang saya kasihi di Indonesia. Mengingat momen-momen bahagia, bagaimana saya merasa begitu terberkati dan dicintai, selalu memacu semangat saya untuk kembali bekerja dan bertahan dalam cobaan ini. Cara lainnya, saya kembali membaca ulang cerita fiksi favorit saya seperti One Piece, dan menemukan satu hingga dua chapter yang kembali membangkitkan semangat dan mood saya pada kala itu. Secara rohani, hal yang serupa juga berlaku ketika kamu membaca Kitab Suci dan menemukan satu atau dua ayat yang menguatkan dirimu. Sometime in your life, you’ll feel that ‘aha’ moment (EUREKA!), don’t be afraid! 🙂

https://twitter.com/Enlik/status/897780759813017600

What we say and what God says #promise Thank you @kpa.sydney for this "welcome card" God really love us

A post shared by Enlik Tjioe (@enliktjioe) on Mar 7, 2017 at 1:15pm PST

Pada akhirnya, saya hanya bertahan selama tiga minggu di sini karena saya mendapatkan pekerjaan baru di restoran lain yang saya harap akan lebih baik. Saya memutuskan untuk keluar dengan berbagai pertimbangan khususnya demi alasan kesehatan.

Menjadi Relawan di Vinnies NT

Berawal dari kebosanan saya karena tidak adanya aktivitas di pagi hingga siang hari (jam kerja saya saat itu hanya sore hingga malam hari), mampirlah saya ke salah toko retail Vinnies di kawasan Darwin CBD, dan dipertemukanlah saya dengan Bianca, salah seorang manager Vinnies NT. Sosok yang murah senyum dan begitu humble ini menjawab pertanyaan singkat nan polos dari saya, “hi there, how can i become a volunteer here?”, dan dalam waktu beberapa hari saya pun diberi kesempatan menjadi Retail Assistant di Vinnies Shop Darwin CBD ini.

Menjadi seorang Retail Assistant, saya belajar menata toko supaya selalu terlihat bersih dan rapi, belajar menggunakan cash machine, belajar 3S (Salam-Senyum-Sapa) kepada setiap pelanggan yang datang. Kembali lewat volunteering, saya menambah pengalaman akan sesuatu yang belum pernah saya lakukan sebelumnya. Saya belajar mengenal karakter orang Australia yang begitu menghargai para relawan. Making money is a happiness, but making other people happy is a super happiness! 🙂

Making money is a happiness, but making other people happy is a superhappiness. #Volunteer team at #VinniesNT #Vinnies #Shop #Australia #Darwin #NorthernTerritory

A post shared by Enlik Tjioe (@enliktjioe) on Oct 4, 2017 at 8:40pm PDT

Dua Bulan di Restoran Ducks Nuts

Kini saya menjadi semakin gesit di tempat kerja baru, mungkin ini efek positif karena sudah merasakan pekerjaan super berat nan stress sebelumnya. Tanpa memandang enteng pekerjaan baru di Ducks Nuts ini, saya bekerja dengan lebih semangat, tidak hanya karena pekerjaan di sini lebih manusiawi, tapi juga karena rekan-rekan kerja di sini begitu asik dengan 3S nya (Salam-Senyum-Sapa).

Ducks Nuts, salah restoran terbesar di Darwin CBD

Saat itu, di akhir bulan September, bos Ducks Nuts, memberikan kabar ‘kurang baik’ ke setiap pegawainya termasuk saya, bahwa restoran ini akan tutup selamanya pada akhir bulan Oktober 2017 mendatang. So, kira-kira dalam satu bulan ke depan, kami semua harus meninggalkan pekerjaan di tempat ini, dan segera mencari tempat kerja baru di luar sana. Sebuah kabar yang mengejutkan khususnya bagi para pegawai yang sudah bekerja hingga beberapa tahun di sini. Tutupnya Ducks Nuts yang sudah beroperasi selama lebih dari 10 tahun di Darwin ini, tentu juga menjadi kabar yang kurang baik untuk mereka para pelanggan setia.

Dua bulan bekerja di sini juga menjadi penutup masa kerja saya di Darwin, Australia ini. Setelah mendengar kabar restoran mau ditutup tersebut, saya memutuskan untuk mengakhiri petualangan saya di Darwin di akhir Oktober, karena di satu sisi saya sudah berhasil mendapatkan 88 hari kerja sebagai syarat untuk perpanjangan Work and Holiday Visa saya, dan di sisi lain saya penasaran sekali dengan kota lain di Australia, seperti Brisbane atau Melbourne. Pilihan saya jatuh ke kota Melbourne dengan beberapa pertimbangan, salah satunya adalah industri kreatif di kota ini yang terlihat cukup aktif dan banyaknya event-event baik dari komunitas maupun industri di #1 most liveable city ini. Dalam benak saya, saya harus berusaha kembali ke industri yang sempat menghidupi saya selama di Jakarta dulu, yaitu Video Game dan Teknologi Informasi.

Rekan-Rekan Kerja di Ducks Nuts

Mendapatkan Visa Tahun Kedua

Beruntung semenjak sekolah saya sudah terbiasa mengurus administrasi sendiri tanpa bantuan orang tua. Mengumpulkan berkas-berkas, scan dokumen, dan hal-hal lain untuk melengkapi persyaratan, tidak menjadi kendala berarti bagi saya, karena semuanya cukup lengkap tercantum di website resmi-nya. Setelah lengkap semua persyaratan, saya segera submit form online di website imigrasi Australia, mengajukan proses untuk menambah satu tahun lagi masa tinggal saya di Australia dengan visa work and holiday.

Tanggal 11 Oktober 2017 saya melakukan aplikasi secara onshore (di wilayah Australia), penantian akan harapan mendapatkan visa tahun kedua ini pun dimulai. HAP ID dari medical check-up saya di tahun 2016 ternyata masih valid sehingga saya tidak perlu lagi melakukan medcheck di sini yang infonya ‘mahal’ biayanya, sekitar $300 di Darwin. Lumayan kan uang medcheck nya bisa untuk beli tiket pesawat ke Melbourne. Dan penantian panjang selama tiga minggu pun berakhir pada tanggal 2 November 2017, visa tahun kedua saya granted, *bisul petcahh. Terima kasih banyak untuk Merry, Dewi, dan teman-teman Cardona yang banyak membantu saya selama persiapan lodge visa ini. I’m feel blessed! 🙂

What’s Next

Saat tulisan ini selesai, saya sudah tinggal kurang lebih 2 minggu di Melbourne. Kembali saya mendapatkan banyak pengalaman baru, teman-teman baru, dan komunitas baru. Saya juga masih berusaha dan berjuang untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan di bidang teknologi informasi di sini, sebuah tantangan yang cukup sulit namun rasanya tidak mustahil juga. Jika ada waktu dan kesempatan, saya juga punya impian untuk menulis buku tentang cerita Working Holiday saya selama setahun ini. Saya akan berjuang lagi di kesempatan tahun kedua ini. *Mohon doanya yah teman-teman 🙂

Terima kasih untuk semua teman-teman yang saya temui selama di Darwin dan Tennant Creek, i’m feel blessed to know you all.

Sekian tulisan saya kali ini, semoga menginspirasi! “Karena berbagi bikin happy” *Pinjam quote nya Akademi Berbagi

Sunset di Mindil Beach

Have a blessed day! 🙂

Cerita Saya di Darwin, Australia Yoo pembaca.. akhirnya saya sempat menulis cerita lagi. Di tulisan kali ini, saya ingin bercerita pengalaman saya selama 4 bulan tinggal di kawasan pedalaman Australia, Northern Territory, dengan ibu kotanya Darwin.

#australia #darwin #mining #northern territory #second year visa #tennant creek #working holiday

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