During the 4 weeks we were in Melbourne, we worked on Merricks Beach in Mornington Peninsula; the beautiful Yarra valley, the town of St. Kilda; the incredible Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve and on a farm (I’ve forgotten the name of) in Wonthaggi. Most of the time, we stayed in accommodation at the centre of Melbourne, but alternative accommodation was provided when we stayed at Merricks Beach, Yellingbo and Wonthaggi. The times we were located in Melbourne we were meant to stay at the volunteer house with other volunteers but nope, we were too snobby! Well, come on….when I explain why, you will understand!
The day after we arrived in Melbourne we reported for duty at the ATCV head office. I seem to remember this being on a Friday as we were taken to the volunteer house and given the weekend to settle in before getting stuck into work. Well…mortified was our initial reaction! Our bedroom consisted of two bunk beds that looked like it was made with the cheapest wire and the mattress was so thin I would hardly call it a mattress. The beds in prison cells look more comfortable. Oh yes, shouldn’t forget the spider webs that were gathered in the corner. When was that house last cleaned I wondered, especially with the dust being so thick on top the TV. I don’t seem to recall the house being very warm either. The window frames seemed rather disintegrated so it was hardly surprising how much draught was coming through. The floors were wooden that looked like it was rotted with plenty of splints sticking out; it wouldn’t have been safe walking around in socks let alone bare feet. The bathroom was another story but then again, all I remember is the shower cubicle being so dark that even putting the light on didn’t help and all I could see was a black squishy blob in the corner – I dread to think what that was. As for the kitchen, I don’t even know, I didn’t dare set a foot in there.
After spending ages debating whether we should stay and what we should do next, we walked out, got a taxi and told a rather amused driver to take us to the nearest decent hotel! I remember the driver quite well: he was a grandfatherly figure and came across as a typical Australian. “G’day” was what he said as we got in. I don’t think he was too impressed with 3 backpackers giving up on the backpackers lifestyle so easily but he seemed to enjoy my rants about how awful the house was. If you still think we’re snobs then fine, I accept that we are spoilt brats! I don’t seem to remember what happened next with the ATCV staff but I think we went to the head office early Monday morning and told them how disgusted we were and they said they would discuss it with us at the end of the week, when we got back from Merricks Beach.
Tags: Australia