chapter

III. The wondering continent

Lost steps in the outback

Summer 2017, I leave New Zealand for Australia with the will to work hard there for six months in order to save for a bicycle journey in Asia. But my first job turns into a disaster and I find myself a bit lost. I face the difficulties and cross Australia for fifteen months in a strange state filled with questions and depression. I work in blueberries, raspberries and vegetables picking. I volunteer in a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue of kangaroos. I cross the South East and East part of Australia spending hours behind the wheel. In Tasmania, I spend four months in a magnificent environment, the eyes full of stars despite the difficulty of the work. I even experience the Australian winter at the top of Mount Buller working in a ski resort. Lots of experiences and discoveries. But many disappointments too.
Keywords: immensity, heat, disappointments, complexity of exchanges, seasonal jobs, perfect nature, kangaroos, snow, superb Tasmania, animals.

Fourteen months – July 2017 to September 2018 – Australia

dispatches.

A farm in the center of New South Wales in Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

A bit of Australia

Australia is a huge continent. A selection of photographs illustrating the variety of landscapes.

Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania © Claire Blumenfeld

Exploring Tasmania

Lots of stars in my eyes as I wander around this paradise-like island in southern Australia.

Forth, Tasmania © Claire Blumenfeld

Carrots contact

Picking up vegetables during Tasmanian autumn and feeling a little out of step.

Devonport, Tasmania © Claire Blumenfeld

Deep into my mind

My head is boiling facing too many ideas, too many expectations, too many worries.

Costa Farm, Tumbarumba, New South Wales, Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

A blueberry season

It is winter in Australia and the blueberry harvest is in full swing.

Great Ocean Road, Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

Why do I travel?

Questions about my relationship to travel and why I find it so hard to enjoy it.

Bill & Tina's farm, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

On Kangaroo Island

Volunteering on a small farm and change of perspective for the rest of the travel.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, South Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

The land of Arkaroola

Red dust, kangaroos, salt lake and wild bush. Discoveries of a particular land.

photographs.

A farm in the center of New South Wales in Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

A bit of Australia

Australia is a huge continent. A selection of photographs illustrating the variety of landscapes.

Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania © Claire Blumenfeld

Exploring Tasmania

Lots of stars in my eyes as I wander around this paradise-like island in southern Australia.

Forth, Tasmania © Claire Blumenfeld

Carrots contact

Picking up vegetables during Tasmanian autumn and feeling a little out of step.

Devonport, Tasmania © Claire Blumenfeld

Deep into my mind

My head is boiling facing too many ideas, too many expectations, too many worries.

Costa Farm, Tumbarumba, New South Wales, Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

A blueberry season

It is winter in Australia and the blueberry harvest is in full swing.

Great Ocean Road, Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

Why do I travel?

Questions about my relationship to travel and why I find it so hard to enjoy it.

Bill & Tina's farm, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

On Kangaroo Island

Volunteering on a small farm and change of perspective for the rest of the travel.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, South Australia © Claire Blumenfeld

The land of Arkaroola

Red dust, kangaroos, salt lake and wild bush. Discoveries of a particular land.

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