Lived in Australia for 3 months… + 7hr layover spent in Mau’i + breaking into my family’s house to steal my belongings and spare car
Update as of my past 3 months living in Aus:
If you read my last blog post/update I mention why I had to suddenly move to Australia while in the middle of my trip in Canada.
Last update, I was sleeping at a mates house in a cold closet/mudroom on the tile floor, with no door for privacy. Honestly, all I wanted was a roof over my head and I’m eternally grateful for them. I’m used to strange living situations so it wasn’t that big of a deal to me.
After a chaotic month of life continuously beating the shit out of me and trying to stay positive and grateful for the few things that were working out for me (but the things not working out…were just such big heavy things…) like my next place to stay, I move into my another mate’s place. This one’s an apartment in the city (convenient) with a hot spa (hot tub and pool, no sauna) and he was actually going on holiday to Japan for 2 weeks and offered me his room. So I had two weeks of peace and privacy with a private bathroom as well. I went out to cover up my pain and distract myself from the chaos but it was nice having a heater and warm cozy room. Also his cat and I are besties now :).
Staying here had many benefits and even when they came back from their trip and I moved to their living room couch (bed, they had an extra bed randomly in the living room) it really felt like home. They treated me like another roommate and I didn’t feel pressured to leave or like a burden to them. A couple weeks on the couch, I’m still healing and whatnot and then another friend looking out for me says she’s got a mate that’s moving out and offering to let me stay with her til she leaves.
In hindsight moving out is not a good time to stay with someone. But at the time I saw the benefits, didn’t want to overwhelm the friends I was staying with and thought it would be a good break to stay with someone else who I’ve met a couple times. Very nice girl, going through her own chaos so the timing didn’t end up being compatible, no hard feelings and all love to her. I’m very grateful I got to stay with her for the few days I did before she abruptly kicked me out (nicely though, I have no negative feelings towards her. How she feels about me might be another story…)
It was a beach house pretty much, right next to the beach. Although it was winter in AU, I thought it’d be nice to escape the city. Since she was moving out, all her stuff was packed and didn’t have kitchenware and utensils. Valid, and I didn’t mind it even though I brought my groceries to cook. Personally I would wait til the last second to dump kitchenware and utensils because I value eating and making my own meals, but everyone is different and she had already packed away her stuff. She had one pot/pan but no utensils. I was able to cook the first night and then she packed up. I did make udon, but since there were no utensils I actually ate it with a toothbrush. To me, this is a very funny and amusing story and I think it makes for a great story. I didn’t mind the living situation at all, I was happy to have a room to myself and grateful for all that she was doing for me even after i denied and told her she didn’t have to do so much.
We even went to the hot springs together and went crystal shopping and I genuinely thought everything was fine and we were gonna be besties so I was caught off guard when she asked me to leave early. I did talk it out with her and understand why it was actually chaotic for her and me being there was stressing her out. I honestly just feel really bad for the situation and wanted to help, but I can’t help if I’m the problem. So I had to find a way out that night and returned (thankfully) to my other friends that I was staying with in the city.
With everything going on, and then feeling awful for making someone’s life worse rather than better, I was feeling pretty shitty. Not to mention a few other big drama things happened between multiple of my friend groups a week prior, and I was dealing with a lot of drama, my own personal life chaos, trying to heal, now I’ve been kicked out, it was a lot. I am constantly reminded everyday of why I prefer to live in the woods with no reception sleeping out of a car and hiking mountains, bathing in waterfalls, meditating in solitude and talking to/hugging trees.
For various reasons, I couldn’t have that right now. So I stayed with my friends and survived each day. I journaled a lot, cried a lot, got 5 new face piercings, dyed my hair red, grew tired of it within a day, cut my hair off and got bangs, everyday was a different mental crisis. I actually at one point, almost took my sim card out and moved to another country using a new name and identity and wrote down the names and numbers/addresses of important contacts I would keep in my new life and delete my Instagram (@nomadhippiee) and start a new life. The only reason I didn’t do this is because I realised my friends I was living with need to contact me via Instagram to open the door when they buzz in and it would probably scare my other friends who have my location.
Another mate of mine ended up going on a month long holiday to Southeast Asia and offered their place to me if I water their plants. So I bounced back and forth there and the place with my friends. I’m really grateful for all the homes that became available for me. Although it was a rough time, the Universe was teaching me many lessons but still had my back.
At this point, my e-visa (travel visa) was coming to expire, so I had to renew it or leave. I didn’t want to just leave my mate’s plants to die so I went on a week long trip to the Philippines and came back in time to water their plants once a week. Read about my insane adventure in the Philippines here. When I came back from the Philippines, it was absolute chaos- but not mentally this time, just like moving out chaos because I had to return to America to take care of some business regarding my family (still not cool with them, and was planning to change my last name and cut all ties with them but that will have to wait).
Lots of people wanted to have one last hangout with me before I go, and some friends I had drama with didn’t which sucked, I woke up with a cough (I think from the drastic temperature change from heat and humidity to freezing Australian winter), my eyebrow infection has not healed and I had to go see a doctor, everyday was packed with seeing people, packing, dropping things off, moving things, and then finally I fly back to America. Where I had one of the worst flights, honestly I’ve hated Jetstar for years but I took a gamble for the cheap flight back since I’m broke as shit barely surviving living in Australia. I hoped that over the years, Jetstar shaped up, but they’re still the same shitty airline they always have been and always will be. I have a burning hatred for Jetstar and don’t recommend them to anyone. Just pay the extra $ for a better airline. It’s so worth it. The cheap flight via Jetstar is never worth it. It is never a good day with Jetstar. They are the absolute worst. Worse than Spirit and all the other budget airlines I’ve flown. It is not worth it. Save the extra $ for a positive and uplifting flight for your own sanity and happiness. Trust me. I am a very positive and understanding person, and I respect everyone. It took everything in me not to cause a scene and take out my frustration on the customer service workers. I kept my calm, but take my word for it, never fly Jetstar.
My free trip (layover) for a day in Mau’i!
I've only had bad experiences with Jetstar- which I have flown multiple times. mostly pertaining to the awful service, the 7kg limit, and the extremely uncomfortable flight where the flight attendants pay no attention to you and give you an attitude (much like my experience with United- which I also refuse to fly, but Jetstar is worse).
Now knowing I have a 7kg limit because I’ve flown Jetstar before and they charged me $80 AT THE GATE to suddenly drop everything and be forced to check it in, I decided this time I’ll purchase and upgrade. I pay $70AUD online to have 14kg carry on. Mind you, I have a less than 1 hour layover before my connecting flight to Mau’i and since I came from AU I have to re check in and go through TSA again- and I know the Honolulu Airport is generally smooth but can sometimes be slow.
I’ve done this before at Jetstar, and actually designed and made a jumper to hold stuff if my baggage is overweight. I’ve done this thing where I take items out and shove it in my jumper. I’ve literally done this at Jetstar before but suddenly it’s not okay and they force me to pay another $80AUD to check in my bag, which I literally bought extra weight for carry on for, and they yell at me and give me the worst service, and then takes 25 minutes to print my fucking receipt and I’m going insane trying not to take it all out on the next person. I’m pretty sure the mean lady purposely placed me next to the lavatory, because all I smelled was shit and piss and listen to people walking by me, standing next to my seat, queueing next to me the whole flight. I was unable to sleep and had to deal with people constantly getting stuck in the lavatory, banging on the door from the inside asking for help because they’re stuck, then there was always a line of people conglomerating around my seat giving me no personal space, and all I can smell is shit and piss. It was pretty nasty in there. Jetstar truly is the worst.
My second two flights were Hawaiian Airlines to Mau’i (love Hawaiian, they have such great customer service, roomy seats, always a good loving experience) and after a 7hour layover, Alaska Airlines to California (Alaska is fantastic, they have charging ports, caring customer service, drinks and snacks, always a good time on Alaskan)
Luckily my terrible Jetstar experience and immense regret and anger faded very quickly when I arrived in Mau’i. I was excited to have my layover in Mau’i since my layovers are usually in O’ahu which I’ve been to a million times- but I haven’t been back to Mau’i since I was a child. The workers at the airport were super fun and friendly, my Uber driver was hilarious and brought such good vibes. I couldn’t check in my bags for free unfortunately (sometimes if it’s a full flight they let you, but I was also 7hours early so I kind of expected they’d charge for checking bags) so I carried my bags with me. Honestly if I didn’t have to pay $80 to check my stupid bag at stupid Jetstar, I would’ve gladly paid to check at least one of my bags with Alaskan so I could enjoy the beach without baggage. But alas, Jetstar ruined my plans. So I carried my bags with me to the beach near the airport. I found a shady spot to leave it and it felt safe. I still kept an eye on it as I jumped in the water and walked down the beach.
After a couple hours I really wanted to sus out the nude beach LOL. So I called an Uber to the next beach, Paia beach, where there’s a secret beach past the lower end where it’s clothing-optional. It was quite a trek, and with my carry on luggage and massive backpack, there was no chance. Can’t drag the wheels on sand so I had to carry it, which is quite tiring in the hot sun. I ended up leaving my bags under a tree and hoping my ancestors above protect it LMAO.
I walked down to the “nude” beach, wasn’t much people there. One mom and a toddler, then they left and I had the area to myself. I sunbathed and relaxed in the sun and the water.
Some guy came and then he left but when he left I noticed he took his clothes off as I saw his butt cheeks walking down the other end of the beach. Now that someone else was nude, I decided to get naked too! Of course right when I get naked and free, I jump right into the water butt naked and suddenly a family spawns in out of nowhere and old man walks by. Although I’m sure people know it’s a nude beach and they’re probably okay with their kid seeing naked people…it felt wrong and awkward so I hurriedly ran to put my clothes back on after the old man walks past me. At this time I decided I should head back to the airport as I was tired of beaching all morning and didn’t want to miss my flight. I end up pretty early and grab a bite at the airport restaurant since I was arriving at 11:59pm and my friend picking me up straight up told me he has no food for me.
I’ve had some pretty bad cocktails in my life, and have had some pretty shit ones at airports. In Canada I had a pretty ass one and I was going to order a new one, not complain but I did tell the bartender I didn’t like it and she happily gave me something different, I felt bad though I never really do that intentionally the bartender always just does it for me anyway even though I’m willing to pay for another drink. Anyway this was by far the worst cocktail I’ve had, I didn’t complain or say anything though I just drank it all. Since the last time I had a bad one it was a cucumber mojito, I was debating between a cucumber cocktail or hibiscus, I chose hibiscus because I’ve never had a bad hibiscus cocktail! I did not taste any hibiscus, I reckon I could replicate this cocktail with Kool Aid and hand sanitiser. anyway the loco moco was okay but awful cocktails. This is probably a really useless piece of information, you’re welcome.
Anyway, I had a peaceful and pleasant flight on Alaskan, slept like a baby and had a wine. Arrived in the mainland, honestly I should have just stayed in Mau’i and miss my flight. I’m now in California, couchsurfing mate’s places.
Operation “Get my shit back”- Heist by Agent Cass & Agent M
Mission Objectives: Stealthily sneak into parent’s house while everyone is gone at work, silently repack bags with useful travel belongings that I left before my family exiled me, possibly steal the car
Assigned Agents: Agent C (me), Agent M (rendezvous) - Agent M’s duty other than escape vehicle is to remain on watch for family members coming home for emergency escape and chill while Agent C does the dirty work.
Funny enough, I didn’t tell my blood-family that I was coming back and didn’t want them to find out. So I decided last minute I would not steal the car because obviously they would know it was me if the car suddenly disappeared. My original plan was
>Plan of attack (A):
Return to America > Retrieve belongings from House > Pack the spare car for survival > Steal the car > Live out of car
>>Revised Plan of attack (B)
realisation that family finding out I’m in America would be bad - >
New Plan: Return to America > Retrieve belongings, but only travel safe/ size > Leave some belongings at friends’ houses > Fly out and backpack other countries closer to America since I must return by end of month > Leave no trace so no one knows I came home
So I changed my plan last minute even though I had the intention to fulfill Plan A. I realised I didn’t want to deal with people knowing I was back and taking advantage of that so I resorted to Plan B. I decided I would fly to other countries until it was absolutely necessary for me to be in America or I would get a rental car to fulfill all the plans and needs requiring me to drive around.
Backup plan in case of Mission Failure: Steal the car and run
Heist Notes:
Chance of Mother noticing anything different after I remove my belongings from bathroom cabinet and room: 9%
Chance of “Brother” noticing any physical changes: 12%
(Both family members are pretty oblivious)
Obtained intel from informant C (brother’s girlfriend) of brother’s work schedule: 12pm- 12am Tues-Thurs, Mother’s work schedule: comes home around 6-7pm, sometimes 5, off on Thurs. (at least for that week)
Plan Execution Date: Tuesday
Operation progress: 1pm successfully infiltrated house. brought all trash in separate trash bag so no one will notice, opened some packages, obtained items, put packaging back in place to look like it wasn’t moved/ opened. left most things as is, making sure to keep everything a perfect mess and just as messy as laid before. Mission is going smoothly.
For some reason Agent M was no longer connected to the wifi, so Agent C transfers the data (password) to Agent M’s iPhone.
2pm- Agent M gets locked in garage without means to contact Agent C. In panic, Agent M turns power off via fuse box in garage to get Agent C’s attention. Minutes pass, Agent C observes and believes it is simply a power outage. Agent M begins roasting in the hot garage. Resorts to typing indistinct, non informative text message via Apple Watch to Agent C’s iMessage. Agent C does not take it seriously, thinking he is making a joke. Agent M sends another obscure message. Agent C still denies that he is being serious. Eventually, Agent C finally rescues Agent M from burning up in the garage (which has a broken garage door and no accessible way out other than the one door, that ironically Agent C had locked prior to Agent M going into the garage for a soda).
3pm- packing is going smoothly. Agent C has completed the task of scoping out the area to see what she can get away with. Gathered listed belongings and packed them into bags and suitcases.
Both Agents have not eaten brekkie or any food whatsoever. At this point the hunger is getting to them. Agent C is losing focus but must continue packing to be sure to exit the premises before 5pm in case Mother comes home early from work.
3:48PM- Agent C receives a detrimental text message from Brother
“Ru home? I’m getting notifications that someone is connecting stuff to our WiFi.”
Agent C, in panic, takes a while to respond. If she lies he will question…if she tells the truth she is caught and the heist is over. mission failure. task incomplete. Agent C lacks the ability to lie, and admits that she is in the House to retrieve items and then will leave immediately and not return until necessary. This is all because she gave Agent M the stupid fucking wifi password.
(≖､≖╬) Mission Failed (╥_╥)
Operation failed. Task Incomplete. Abort Mission.
Now that I’ve failed my mission by getting caught in the STUPIDEST WAY POSSIBLE, I decide to steal the car but Agent M needs to move his rendezvous vehicle out of the driveway so we take his car to go get lunch.
Agent C leaves belongings spread out through the House with intention of cleaning it up after receiving food in belly. Agent C notes that she will likely encounter Mother and accepts that now all of China knows she’s here. (Mulan meme reference)
5pm Agents get Hawaiian bbq to refuel energy levels.
6pm Agents initiate side quest to obtain Vegemite in America from World Market. Quest completed.
7pm Agent C receives call from Mother, assuming Brother has updated her with my whereabouts. Mother asks if Agent C will come to the House soon, Agent C questions if Mother is at the House. Apparently, Mother did not know Agent C was in America and at the house and ironically called the day of the Heist. Not knowing this, Agent C reveals that she will be at the House to retrieve her belongings.
730pm Agents return to House to see that not only is Mother home, but Brother is home. Information obtained by seeing cars in driveway. (Brother is the one Agent C must avoid at all costs, Mother was to be avoided as well but not end of world if encountered. Agent C must not come into contact with Brother.)
8pm Agents have been staking out for an hour down the street and around the corner. Watching carefully to see if Brother’s car will pass and the coast will be clear. Agent C frantically messages informant on incorrect work schedule information. Note: Agent C did have a slight thought that maybe that information was for the prior week since she asked last week and that this week was different. Oops.
Agent C should have confirmed schedule for the week with informant. Now Agents are in a huge pickle. Agent C asks informant to either:
a.) Take Brother out for Dinner b.) Take Brother out to watch a movie c.) Retrieve car key and bring it outside where Agent C will hide in bush and receive the key, come back for belongings tomorrow when Brother is gone at work.
Informant C declines, this task is above her pay grade (Informant was not actually paid for her intel)
Agent C takes Agent M to kill time at Round1 (Arcade). Waiting for intel from the informant of when Brother falls asleep or leaves the communal premises and returns to his room.
830pm Agent C receives call from Mother, alerting her the coast is clear. New Plan: return to House > steal car key > steal car> return the following morning to gather items.
9pm Agent C runs in and quietly, stealthily steals the keys and vegetables and mangoes she brought in the fridge. Agent M waits as emergency rendezvous in case car that Agent C is stealing (with permission now) has any troubles.
Agents successfully return back to HQ. Though, mission still failed.
So that was the gist of the story, I actually thought it would be funny to dress up as robbers and wear ski masks while I break into my House but my friends advised me not to. I agreed that my neighbours would likely call the police. It was fun playing secret robbers and I reckon I would’ve totally got away with it if I didn’t connect my mate to the wifi. Darn. Now all of China knows I’m here. (Mulan meme reference)
So I’ve been going back and forth now that I have stolen the car and reorganising my belongings and packing my car for living circumstances once again. This time this car is shittier than my last one, but at least I have a means of transportation and a roof over my head. Car travels soon to come, now this where I’m at. Phew what an update LOLL.
I still can’t believe I was caught by the wifi. I was doing so good…