Natalia's travel Journal: The very beginning of my working holiday

     It was a very tough decision to make, to leave my previous company. My fate have changed at the moment when I submitted my resignation letter. I knew very well, there will be no turning back, I might not be able to go back to my existing position. I was very lucky to work in such a nice environment, a lot to learn and I enjoyed every moment with my ex-colleague. We are like a big family, and I shall never forget, the happy moment that we have been together.

    I still remember, the day I left, I could not hold my tears when look at the board (all my babies) that I have designed. I might not be able to see them anymore, the pain is like a mother who separated with her child. But I knew, If I do not take the opportunity to go out from my comfort zone, I will end up working like this for my whole life.

    The purpose of this journey is to find an answer. To find what I really want to do for my future, what is my real interest. Whether I got the answer or not, this will be revealed at the end of my stories.

    That was my first ever journey that I was on my own. I had never travel alone like that. Before my departure, I was really nervous and panic, and very emotional. But once I made the decision, I would not change it easily.

    On the day of my departure, I pulled my trolley luggage and walked toward departure with determination leaving my family behind. I dared not turn my head because I knew I could not hold my tears.

    It was 16th April 2013. The temperature in Sydney was 16 degree Celsius. It was pretty cold to me because I was so used to the hot temperature in Malaysia. The first thing I have done was to buy an Australian Sim card which can be found in Sydney Kingsford Smith airport. I have chosen Optus, and I used it until now.

   Then I travelled to my backpackers by Airport Transfer Train which carried me to the Sydney Central. And my backpackers just minutes away. That was around noon. After I have checked in to my backpackers, without any further delay, I went to Commonwealth bank to open an account. It was pretty fast to open my account.

   Next thing was my tax file number. I have done this under the assistance of my secondary schoolmate who is Australian PR( Permanent Residence) and staying Sydney. Her house is around 1 hour from Sydney Central, I had fever on the night I reached, may be because of the temperature and the tiredness. And that is why I could not go back to my backpackers and I have to stay one night at her house. Under the care of my friend, I recovered at the next day morning. After that I started my job hunting in Sydney.

   Mentally I am not tough enough and I am not a positive thinker, even now I am still the same. So it was really hard for me to survive in this big city. I was feeling extremely lost and helpless, I cannot even smile properly. I felt so nervous because I was afraid that I will use up all my money. And I do not think people will want to hire me with my gloomy face.

Luckily I met my uncle and his family that travelled to Sydney 3 days after me. Even I was travelling with them for few days, I still cannot smile. They said my face was terribly gloom, and do not think people will want to hire me with my gloomy face. But I just cannot control my emotion. Sorry, my EQ is terribly low. In the end, I followed them to visit my the other cousin who is staying in Australia for more than 30 years. Well, not sure about the exact years. And the place he is staying----Newcastle, had became my home for next 6 months. And here I have met a lot of good friends, and a lot of beautiful memories.