With all backpackers we had great fun in the field and made the best out of it. We picked an incredible amount of mangoes every day even though it was nearly 40 degrees on some days. Therefore, it was such a pity that we got told off day after day, minute after minute. “Too slow, wrong picking, no dropping on the ground, you left one (!) mango in the tree”. Three weeks of no positive feedback. Never. I had days that I thought I was committing a crime every day; which was not more than picking mangoes. It devastated my motivation as well. Nevertheless, I had great evenings with my fellow mango pickers and packers. The good things are not prevailing but had fortunately the biggest impact. I met fantastic people, the food was perfect, and I got some money to pay my travels.
I realize that I won’t be in this kind of situation again. I will never ever work on a farm. Besides that, I understand how important it is that I studied and got a degree. The lower in the chain the more you’re treated like garbage. Anyway it’s hoping for better jobs and a better future. Keep smiling and the future will be bright!
Counting the days
While I’m writing this part I already have arrived in the next farm. This is a WWOOF place where the pick, pack, cut, and freeze mangoes. Also the make juices, ice cream, milkshakes, and cakes made of… you guess it? Mangoes! The place is called Crazy Acres where there’s plenty of work and a variety of things to do every day. If I want I can even baby sit the kids of the farm. I am here with a family: John, Karen (hosts) and the kids Jay (4) and Mithchell (2). It’s a wonderful place with plenty of wildlife around. Darwin is not too far with a drive of only 45 minutes. While I am getting extra days for my visa I can also prepare my English exam in al quietness. So far I can say that the choice feels so right!
As you see I have not that many days left to get all the days. On 3 or 4 December a German guy – I worked with on the mango farm – is leaving to Melbourne. Of course a good opportunity to travel with him to Adelaide and see the great tourist things on the way. It should take about 12-14 days to arrive in Adelaide. The biggest question is: Will I have fullfilled all my visa days on time? No, officially not as I will be 9 days short if I leave on the 4th of December. At the same time I’m making more hours than necessary for the 2nd year visa meaning that it will depend on my host if she is reluctant to sign me off for these remaining days. If not, then I can WWOOF for a week on Kangaroo Island.
I’m getting quite nervous when think about all these plans. Let’s hope it works out well. This was the update for now. Next time I’ll tell you how life is in ‘Crazy Acres’!
Ciau,
Amar