Winter Exodus

June 01, 2018 by Carlitos de Jeffers in Cultural Differences, The Foreigner

Now that Winter has wrapped its moderately cold fist around our necks, the question most backpackers have is do they stick or twist? In other words, do they stay in Bondi and see the winter out like a trooper, or should they head north to warmer climes, like a Janus-faced friend who disappears when times are tough.

Visa Mechanics

April 27, 2018 by Carlitos de Jeffers in Immigration, Hostel Environment

Unbeknownst to me, it’s apparent the Australian visa system has implemented the Rooney Rule and is lowering the bar for non-Anglo applicants. How else to explain why Rafinho has had it so easy since entering the country; that his route to permanent residency is practically served to him on a plate. All while others - who have been in the country for years, struggling away - are told time and again that A-Level qualifications in, say, Art & Design, are insufficient to apply for a Skilled Visa.

On Natural Seleciao

March 07, 2018 by Carlitos de Jeffers in Hostel Environment

I was standing in the hallway of my parent’s home, taking one last look at the photos on the floral wallpapered walls: there was my older brother winning the 100 metres on school sports day; there was my older brother on graduation day; my older brother working for the Red Cross in Kenya, and so on. None of them suggested either of us would go on to achieve anything significant, let alone my unrivalled standing within the backpacking community.

Disease Tacos no Prisoners

February 27, 2018 by Carlitos de Jeffers in Immigration, Hostel Environment, Toilets, Cultural Differences

Probably from a long line of taco makers, Juancho poured his love into each and every one of those corn discs, even taking the time to trim most of the gristle from the pork and beef cuts.