Hospitality biz...respected?

As many of us have worked or should work at least once in the hospitality business, often times the employees are not respected enough for the skills brought to the table.  Many think it’s not that difficult to take an order, put it into the micros system correctly and ensure your guests get the best customer service you’d like to receive when you yourself is out for lunch, dinner or whatever occasion.  Yet most people forget servers have to deal with the frequent unsatisfied customer who can never be satisfied with whatever you do.  Now when I worked in the industry several years ago a waiter would get $2.13 an hour plus tips.  It seems crazy to me now that I ever accepted to work for this amount of money, but that’s just the way things were.  And getting gypped out of tips is as if you were working in a sweatshop, getting paid pennies to work in harsh conditions ie: getting insulted, disrespected and yelled at with little to no break.  Just a slave to provide whatever whim the guest wanted.

Before leaving the States I had a respectable job as the production coordinator and later the design coordinator.  Fancy titles eh.  In the end, as much as I loved the people I worked with, enjoyed the camaraderie, and respected the work we did, it just didn’t fit me.  Simply, my heart and passion was somewhere else.  It took 4 years to make me finally realize this and have enough guts to quit despite the rising numbers in unemployment and no job prospect in line.  But with no regret, I packed my bags and left for an adventure of a lifetime to Australia (as I stated earlier in my first blog entry).

When I left home I never thought I’d be working in the hospitality business again because it wasn’t as satisfying as some people gloried the pay.  Yes on occasion it was worth it, but if you worked at the chain restaurant I did, it was no piece of cake.  The ghetto walked in and you just rolled your eyes hoping they wouldn’t sit in your section.  Harsh but true reality is that they would barely tip if at all.  And for they're FYI...NO 10%-15% is no longer the minimum!!!  But my work ethics required me to give the same service as anyone that walked in.   Yet nothing seemed to phase these people, that no tip was almost like stealing.

Before I left for Australia, I didn’t know if I was going to stay longer than 3 months much less stay as long as I have (almost 9 months and counting :D).  I looked for jobs for a while and received phone calls, but many dismissed me as soon as I said I had a working visa, for the rule is you can’t work for one employer for more than 6 months unless you get sponsored through that company.  They were looking for someone more permanent. Super lame!  Little did I know that there were loop holes around this little rule.  But in any case, I took a job working in the hospitality biz in Melbourne thinking I’d just do this for awhile until I found something better.  I applied to more jobs and even at the temp agencies.  Come to find out, people in Australia actually valued good service.  I got paid the same working as a waitress as I did doing secretary/receptionist roles.  I could not believe it!  And when I evaluate the situation, I could be sitting in front of a computer all day being bored out of my mind or interact with people all day and enjoy the crazy weather Melbourne had to offer.  I even thought deeper and in the future I could be the head honcho of some corporate company, stressed, not have the free time for the things I loved and getting paid insane amount of money or I could work at a job that did not pay as well nor get the same respect as the corporate job, but be happier.  Now which would you choose?  The happy yet poor or the wealthy and respected?  Well it’s a hard compromise because we want it all, but at the end of the day I think we need to take a minute and think do I “love the life I live and live the life I love” as Mr. Marley put it. 

As I wake up at the break of dawn, against my bodies will and mental battle of “I need to be at work on time,” I get to work and see this view at 6:45am.  

Hardly seems like a compromise, does it?  Because for a moment, God makes me realize this is exactly where I need to be right now.  And on a side note...the next morning, the sky looked even better!  So for those of you working the 9 to 5 grind and are unhappy...think about what you could be doing with your life that is more fulfilling.

Til the next time...

They charge for WHAT!?

So someone asked me yesterday if I missed home.  I said not really…but let me clarify.  I do miss my friends and family but I don’t really miss the place.  Yes I love the familiarity and the food, but there’s so much more to experience that’s new and exciting.  But the one thing I did mention was the PRICES!!!  Boy do I miss prices!!  My jaw drops every single time I go out and have to pay for a drink, meal, or even a soda at a neighbourhood 7-Eleven.  It is one thing to pay for an overpriced meal because lets face it, Australia is on the other side of the world and importing goods is just plain expensive and full of tacked on taxes, but it’s another thing to have to pay for condiments.  Say WHAT!?  Yes!!  It’s one of the first things I noticed here when I arrived and tried to get lunch…besides the gorgeous country of course.  I was buying fish and chips, but saw a price sign for tartar sauce and ketchup!?  I can only imagine what this would do to the American people and balance of order if we started charging for ketchup, mayo, or any other condiment we get for free at the fast food restaurants that seem to overtake our daily consumption of calories.  And I know even though you’re a health freak you can’t resist the powerful cravings to have that double bacon cheese burger from Wendy’s or Mickey D’s or if you’re on the West Coast its at an In and Out Burger or Carl’s Jr.  Before you even take a bite out of the burger, most of us add a little extra ketchup and perhaps mayo.  Then you’ve got fries or chicken nuggets to consider…ketchup, BBQ sauce, or the delicious Chick-fil-a Sauce.  Or if you’re not a fan of fast food, but LOVE sushi…what about the soy sauce and the wasabi.  Can you imagine if American’s were charged $.50 or as high as $2.00 for a small container of ketchup or pack of sauce!?   We grab these by the handful without even considering how much they cost.  They’re simply free and take how ever much we want.  I think if the fast food chains of America started charging, 1. The people would either flip out or 2. They would out right stop consuming the condiments. Wonder what our bellies would look like after that trend, eh?  All I know is that my tummy and wallet thanks me for not dishing out the $2 for a bit of ketchup.

Lose Your Inhibition

           It's been a crazy few days perhaps even weeks.  I just moved into a new place and no internet is provided so this is late as usual.  But the other week I went to the evening Victoria Market that happens every Wednesday.  During the day it's just a normal food market filled with the freshest produce this area has to offer, but by night the locals swarm to this market buzzing to check out the live music and the numerous food stands that serve tasty treats throughout the night.  The first time I went I had the opportunity to taste croc, emu and roo and I'll never forget how surprised I was at how tasty those were despite one's first impression.  I also can't forget the cool little craft stands that surround the large market.  From the handmade jewelry, sunny's, eclectic collection of clothing and fudge slices that are just to die for...you could not ask for a more energetic and entertaining evening with your mates. The best part...entrance and entertainment is all FREE!

              As my friend Elaine and I made our way through the hectic crowds, grabbing delicious wraps and a large cup of fresh crisp sangria, we arrived at one of the stages and watched little kids breaking it down.  And if you didn't catch the lingo, "breaking it down" basically means they were on the dance floor and busting the best moves they could.  They were giving the audience quite a laugh with their moves.  The crowd rooted them on and went wild as each of the kids tried to top each other to get approval from the crowd.  You'd think these kids would be older but many were very much under the age of 10.  Some were probably as young as 3 or 4.  An older man in his 60's or 70's even joined them to bust out his own moves.  This moment was priceless!

              I would have to give them mad respect for their confidence to do what they did in front of that many people.  It reminded me of how great it was to be a kid.  To lose all inhibition of your surroundings and just let loose!  I think a lot of people need to let loose more often.  We get so caught up in our work and drama that we forget to have fun sometimes.  You become overwhelmed with this feeling of freedom and peace when you let loose.  And if you think about it...how many of these random people in the crowd (market, bar, or concert) will you run into again!?  Not likely.  So I say kick off your shoes and let the kid inside of you take over...even if it's just for a moment.

Video coming soon :)
 

Highlight of the day

Apparently I can't keep up with this blog because it's just too much effort to catch up on everything I've been doing these past few months.  I've traveled up and down the coast of Australia as well as part of the west coast.  I've even traveled to New Zealand.  That's a lot of stories, experiences, etc.  I find it easier to post how I'm feeling on Facebook than a blog.  So instead of trying to catch up with the stories and adventures I've had, perhaps I shall try to update every few days with a quick highlight of my day.  It's quick, easy and will probably suite my lifestyle since I work 8+ hours everyday.  I'll also try to post a photo with the daily happenings.  Keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow's happenings :)

P.S. Much love and blessings to all of you that have been following me along the way. I appreciate all the prayers, love and support.

Gold Coast Pt. 2 - Rain and No Internet

Day 15, MON AUG 23 - The second day in Surfer's Paradise was not any better because as usual, I brought the rain with me :(  I didn't see much to do in the town besides going to a casino, strip club, bowling, the beach or shopping...none of which appealed to me whatsoever.  I thought I'd catch up on the blog and perhaps edit some photos and post them on the web.  But strike 2...the Inn's internet was not working!  I was so tired of trying to get internet and pay a ridiculous amount for it and decided I would go into the city once the rain died down to see if I couldn't find a cheap pre-paid wireless internet card.  My roommates, Vincent from Denmark and Nikki from Germany, joined me too as they were going to town to use a cheap internet cafe.  After going into several shops, I quickly found out that wireless internet cards were  $50+ dollars for 2GB worth of internet.  Insane!  I missed the free fast wireless internet that was offered in the many of the cafes back in the US...something I will no longer take for granted.  After hassling with the research of wireless internet, I couldn't be bothered with paying that much money so I met up with the new roommates, stopped by the grocery store for lunch and headed back to Sleeper's Inn.  On the menu was a cheap frozen Hawaiian Pizza and Aussie's version of Ramen noodles.  Strike 3...the pizza was terrible and the back up plan of Ramen noodles wasn't great either.   Oh the joy of being a broke back packer...hahaha.  All three of us ended up watching movies on Vincent's laptop for the rest of this grim and grey day.  As the day ended, I was ready for a change.  Tomorrow, I was heading to Byron Bay to meet up with Katerina :)

Gold Coast

DAY 14, SUN AUG 22 – After having seen enough of Brisvegas, I decided it was time to see what the Gold Coast was all about.  I was in search for waves of course.  Put a surfer out of the water for a week and we start to get withdrawals.  I was certain I’d find some waves in Surfers Paradise and booked my chartered bus ride yesterday afternoon. But later that evening before departing on a 2-hour bus ride, a recent visitor named Kate informed me the city’s name is very misleading.  I had already booked my bus and hostel so I thought I’d find out for myself. 

Buut…she was right.  It was far from paradise.  As the bus began to enter the surfer town, it instantly reminded me of the break back home, Virginia Beach, but smaller and dirtier.  It had tall hotel buildings, blocks of bars and restaurants along the coast, and people walking around in colorful bikinis and board shorts.  It was a clear and warm day at the beach and despite the city’s appearance, I was ready to soak in the sun in my bikini.

 The only cool thing in Surfer's Paradise

 Welcome to Surfer's Paradise Marquee

I quickly checked into this typical beach hostel named the Sleeper's Inn which reminded me of the Melrose Place, though not as fabulous.  There was a small swimming pool located near the entrance and the building structure surrounded it.  Luckily my room was around the corner, on the first floor and had it’s own little kitchen.  My bunk bed was located in a private room with 2 bunks.  The others had to sleep in the hallway towards the kitchen and bathroom.  I can’t imagine that anyone could sleep that well in such a high traffic area, but then again most people can sleep through a hurricane and not budge.  But regardless of my surroundings, I dropped my bags, changed into my shorts and bikini, said hello to the British girls staying in the room and started to make my way towards the beach. 

Katerina decided to join me for the afternoon to have our usual Sunday sesh before she had to see her friend’s performance later that evening.  Luckily our different chartered buses arrived closely at the same time so we could enjoy the sun together.  The winter sun in Australia quickly runs out of steam as soon as 3 or 4 o’clock hits, so it was a limited beach day as Katerina and I both arrived around 1pm.  We met half way and made a pit stop at McDonald’s because I was craving an M&M McFlurry.  I took the first bite of that delicious treat and instantly felt I was in a familiar place; home…on the corner of 21^st Street and Pacific Avenue.  There were many people on the beach, many of which were backpackers.  I knew instantly because a large group was squatted on the sands with their bulky backpacks.  It was as if bums were living on the beach…hmmm sounds familiar.  Brazilians were playing sand soccer, girls in the tiniest bikini’s, a few people playing catch, and even fewer surfers in the water.  It was chilly with the Arctic wind blowing from the coast and waves were small and choppy.  I was definitely in Virginia Beach.

After soaking in the UV rays, Katerina and I made our way back to my hostel to change for evening festivities.  Before leaving we asked the reception desk to see which restaurant was best for dinner and a good place to go for Sunday Sesh.  We walked towards Billy’s Beach Bar and Grill as suggested to us, but decided it was too early to go there.  We ended up at an Irish pub, similar to the one back in Sydney and repeated the Sunday Sesh tradition.  We ordered a pint of beer, our meals, and paid for it at the bar.  I find it quite convenient that most places in Australia requires you to order and pay first so you don't have to deal with waiting for the bill to come.  Tips or Gifts and Services Tax (GST) is always included so you don't have to calculate a tip either.  Although convenient, customer service is limited to say the least.  Katerina enjoyed a large meal of fish and chips as I decided on a burger.  I’ve had many burgers, but this one takes the cake on the largest or at least the tallest stacked one I’d ever come across.  I stared at it for a moment and debated whether I could even fit the thing in my tiny little mouth.  I even took a picture just to prove how big this sucker was.  (SN: and no…that’s not what she said!) But I was hungry and thought why not, doesn’t hurt to try right?  I cut it in half first thinking it'd be more manageable but it really wasn't.  I could barely take my first bite.  As soon as the tiny bite hit my mouth, a rush of rich flavor filled my mouth…it was so delicious.  Enjoying our meal, an older man began to set up on the stage beside us and began to play cover songs with his guitar while the melody of the song played low in the background.  His first song was Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” and I knew then it was going to be a good night.

 Sunset view of the beach from the Pub

 BIG BURGER!!

We left after devouring our meals and walked over to give the Billy’s Beach Bar a try.  It was still early as only a handful of people were in the bar, but we went in anyway before Katerina had to catch the last bus back to Brisvegas.  We sat outside near a heat lamp and ordered drinks by the pool.  This was the life, I could only imagine what this place looked like in the summer as the pool was heated and a large truss system hovered the empty pool.  As we finished our round of drinks, a few Irish men decided to come talk to us.  We quickly got bored with their conversations and hoped they’d leave us alone, but one was persistent even though his friends had left him stranded.  We were too nice to say no and although Katerina was hinting at leaving, I failed to read between the lines.  That was a big mistake! This one began to tell us his life story and how he gambled for a living.  Even worse Katerina had to suddenly leave, as she had to catch the last bus.  I thought oh no…do not leave me with this guy!!!  Luckily, I got rid of him quickly and safely made my way back to the hostel.  Other hostel guests were headed back to this same bar later in the evening around 10pm, but I was not sticking around for the late night crowd.  After the creepo, all I wanted to do was call it a night.  As the other travelers in my room headed out to the bar, all I heard was silence and went to bed peacefully.  Tomorrow would be another day in Surfer’s Dump.

Slow Down

Hello to my fellow followers.  I apologize again for the lengthy break in between these blogs.  I find that blogging is more difficult than I imagined.  I've been traveling so much I've barely had time to take a breather.  But finally things are slowing down.  I have yet to tell you about the rest of my adventures in OZ and my recent trip to New Zealand.  Besides having limited access to internet, the number of pictures to filter through is just an undertaking I haven't had the urge to tackle.  Now that I have 3 days off of work and the Thanksgiving/Christmas season coming I'm sure I'll be able to fit in a few sessions of quiet time to sit down and write about my adventures.  Keep your eyes peeled for the next blog by the end of the week :)

Love and Blessings to you all!

P.S. Here's a peek of one of the places I stayed at in Surfer's Paradise.  Hilarious advertisement if you ask me.