Stradbroke Island was a nice ending to our Australia trip – it couldn’t be topped. For the remaining week we attempted to sell The Van. We had been trying for some time now and it was proving difficult despite reducing the price. We learnt that it was the worst time to sell – with all the Europeans going home for the summer and none coming to Australia with the winter approaching.
Having not broken into the Australian music charts we parted with our guitars, and with no pro surf sponsorship deals we also sold the boards – thanks Cash Converters. We were all set for New Zealand, back to basics with just our backpacks.. but, the van was holding us back. It was looking like I was going to be returning to Australia to try and sell the van. Two nights before we were due to fly we had a call from a German couple in Brisbane. Zee Germans fell for the van instantly. The following day they bought the van, it was an emotional day parting with what had been our home for the last three months.
We decided to treat ourselves to a hotel room for our final night in Australia. The obvious choice was Conrad Jupiter Casino which is a prominent building from anywhere in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. The room was surprisingly top quality, very impressive. We decided to celebrate the van sale and have a few drinks prior to our flight which was the following morning at 09.00. The next thing we both remember was waking up at 08.50 still in bed.. in the hotel room.
Not a complete disaster – I checked my wallet and found a nice amount gained from Conrad casino which made up for the reduction of the van sale and a the hotel room for 2 nights – so we spent another night at Conrads – luxury!
Luckily we booked the flight a day before our visas expired and so leaving the following day was not a problem. Arriving at the Gold Coast airport in good time we proceeded to the Jetstar Gate. Will checked in, no problems. I checked in – sorry sir, you will need to provide us with additional documentation (an onward flight in this case). Being a fairly frequent flyer I knew this is often the case but with wanting to keep my travel options open I had no onward flight from NZ, this meant I would have to try fly the following day and it also meant I would over-stay my visa. Will and I said our goodbyes and I made my way to Burleigh Heads for another night in Australia, now a fugitive!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Son
Are you still running from the law?? Now in Tenerife until the 6th -weather fab enjoying chilling in the sun. Try and give me a call any evening here (10pm. GMT?) I will have my Spanish number on every night from about 7? If you cant find the no in other Email ask Nat. Keep safe. LOL Mum XXX
@mum No! I had an interview when leaving Oz with the customs supervisor. He called me a CON, laughed then told me to go on my way [ironic].
You’ve just told the thousands of people who read my blog that your house is empty until the 6th ;)
Is there anything worth having?
@Ancien-tt Flastscreen TV, nice big sofa less than one year old.. pre-emting her reaction to that comment; ‘Cheeky Sod!!’
You crazy kids. I may regret saying this but I hope my kids in the future have as good a time as you guys are having. Say hi to Will for me. And send me the link to your casino website so i can click on all your ad links…gotta support your drunk ass jet setting life somehow.
edwin
@Edwin
Good to hear from you mate! Hope you’re well.
Will and I were reminiscing about the volcano hike the other day – awesome memories!