under these lights you look beautiful...

D72008

2009-05-26T17:53:00.003+10:00

Spent the last couple of days on the beach doing this......

Best waves since Bondi! The weather has been v.nice, in the 30's most days, so I have a nice suntan. Managed to catch all the action fromt he last day of the premiership which was very entertaining. Champions League final tomorrow so Im adopting a Spanish accent and hitting the streets. Come on Barca!

I have uploaded a few more pics from the islands and the pool party. xxx

He lives under a waterfall

2009-05-23T00:31:00.000+10:00

Had a nice few days in Koh Samui doing very little besides lying on the beach and by the pool! We went to a cabaret show at one of the bars there which was interesting...not sure what % were boys and what % were girls (and what % were a mix) but it was basically very bad miming to lots of cheesey songs (tina turner, frank sinatara, madonna etc.) it was entertaining tho and was funny to watch the barstaff singing and dancing along...one day hoping to get themselves on the stage and have their moment no doubt.

Left there on Wednesday to travel down to phuket. the trip was very long. A boat which was fine, then a hot bus to the depot head office place, then a minibus to another office where they tried to sell us an upgrade on our ticket (we declined) then another minibus and a stop when we finallly got to phuket at a travel agents where they were hoping to sell us some accommodation (we declined). Then they just dropped us in the middle of the town and drove off...lovelly! We had a quick look around Phuket town and decided not to stay as it wasn't all that nice so we got the local bus to Patong beach where we are now. it's very nice here, very touristy, but some nice shops and alot of bars. The beach is very nice so today we spent the day there in the sun, and had the best waves we've seen since bondi so had some fun in them aswell. 10 outa 10.x

pix

2009-05-19T19:37:00.001+10:00

Uploaded my latest photos...there are some new ones in the Vietnam folder and the rest in Thailand :) x

H2O

2009-05-18T00:54:00.002+10:00

In Koh PangNan now, one of the islands in the South of Thailand. Been here 4 days now, but spent the first 3 of those in bed with a headache and a sore throat...I think the headaches were dehydration so have been replenishing since then! Last night there was a pool party at the hostel we are staying at which was quite good. It was all dance music which isn't my scene, but the drinks were cheap so it wasn't too bad. It was entertaining people watching as there were quite a few interesting characters about. It hammered it down too, but it was still warm enough to go in the pool. Today it rained all day so have done very little - tho that is the plan while we are here might I add. Just watched Liverpool, now gonna watch the Chelsea game then go to bed. We're off to one of the other islands tomorrow - Koh Samui - morning where hopefully we will find some sunshine. goodnight.x

Ticket to Ride

2009-05-13T18:18:00.002+10:00

To echo the words of Lennon/McCartney....

"I think Im gonna be sad, I think it's the day. The girl thats driving me mad, is going away"

Had a good day yesterday on a trip. We went to the river Kwae and saw the bridge there and went to a museum about it all, then after that we went on the river on a boat (similar to the ones in Malaysia). The highlight of the trip was a ride on an Elephant, and then feeding it some bananas afterwards! Emma left yesterday evening so 3 of us again. Today we are heading South to the islands for a chill out and some R&R on the beach! After that I think we are heading into Laos to see what is on offer there! Will upload my photo's when I get a spare 5. xxx

Thai

2009-05-10T21:44:00.000+10:00

We did the day tour to Ha Long Bay which was pretty good....though half of the trip was spent on the bus to and from the Bay. We went kayaking which was fun, but the weather wasn't too great so we got abit wet, then we saw 2 caves which were very nice (they are trying to make them one of the wonders of the world apparently).

Yesterday we flew over to Bangkok, Thailand. It's very nice here and very civilized compared to the busy compact streets and crazy roads of Vietnam. Did a tour yesterday around the many temples here on a Tuk-Tuk which was cheap (20p each!) but they make their money by taking you to shops and trying to make you buy things. We went in 2 suit shops and 3 travel agents and they all tried to sell us stuff but we stood firm and told them where to go. Went out last night which was, as far as I remember, a good night, and a cheap night. Had a few drinks before we went out, watched the West Ham v Liverpool game in the bar, beat some locals at pool, drank some more then woke this morning with a bad head.

This afternoon we went to a massive market which was good. Brought some nice T-Shirts at a very reasonable price, and a few other odds and sods Off for some food later and to watch the footy. Come on City.

Eye is better ;)

The world's as wide as your life is thin

2009-05-08T10:49:00.003+10:00

Our whistle stop tour continues and I am now in Hanoi. The 2 days in Hao Ai I didn't see that much, literally, as I had conjunctivitus, or atleast I think I did (My symptoms matched a websites list). Got some eyedrops from the pharmacy and so luckily it has nearly cleared up which is a relief as it was not nice...felt like I had soap in my eye for the whole time!

Anwyay, Hoi An was nice, a small place on the river, so not so busy, and lots of little streets with nice shops and market stalls. It's famous for all of the clothes shops there who make dresses and jackets to measure, so the girls got 2 dresses made each. We ate some good local food there (cheap too - 3 pound for a meal and drinks for 2) and had abit of time to relax so it was nice. Thursday we got the sleeper bus to Hanoi which took us 19 hours! We should have arrived at 7am and gone straight on a tour but arrived at 9am so missed the tour, so instead we are doing the day tour today.....ttfn.x

king of the swingers

2009-05-05T20:37:00.001+10:00

Went to Monkey Island yesterday, where you can see monkeys in the wild, which was really good. The 1st time Ive seen them since Ive been away apart from the brief sighting in Malaysia. We then watched an 'animal show' which was dogs doin maths and then monkey gymnastics, monkey weightlifting, monkey cycling, monkey football and monkey handstands to name but a few....it was abit cruel tho and wasn't too tasteful so we were happy when it was over and we were able to and feed the wild monkeys which was a good experience.

After that we went to a big waterfall in the area. We literally climbed up it to a spot near the top..it wasn't a steep one but there were loads of rocks we had to climb around and over. At the top we went for a swim before decending. The last part of the day we went to a mud spa where we bathed in mud, hot mineral water and cool mineral water..neve done that before so that too was an experience.

We got the night bus to Hoi An and are here for two days before we get another night bus to Hanoi which is in the North. Photo's are online. tra.x

King Dong

2009-05-03T12:11:00.005+10:00

I am now in Nah Trang, which is on the south east coast of Vietnam. Arrived here yesterday after a 10 hour bus drive from Saigon, also Vietnam. It was forecast storms, but has been sunny all day so spent the day on the beach.

We spewnt the last few days prior in Saigon, whcih is a very busy, nosiy city. everyone here drives round on moped/scooter type things and everyone pips their horn all the time so it's very loud and very annoying. We spent a day at Chu Chi field which was where some of the Vietnam war was faught. When our guide wasn't too busy clowning around and doing stuff like this.....

...we learnt abit about the history and what happened during the fighting and were shown in the tunnels that were dug and shown some of the traps the vietnamese used to catch the yanks.

Thursday we had a lazy day to recharge and sorted out our itinery. Emma has to be in bangkok by the 12th so we are travelling up the coast of Vietnam then flying to Bangkok. we were hoping to leave Saigon earlier than we did but there was a big public holiday here for independance day so we had to wait 2 more days in noisy Saigon. Friday we did a day trip to the Mekong Delta where the Mekong river meets the sea. Spent the morning at the floating market..where loads of people on boats are selling fruit n veg, then saw how they make rice paper, coconut candy and rice chrispies. Had some local food (rice and pork) for lunch then a chill in the hammock before heading to a land market then home. Saturday we spent the whole day on the bus travelling up to Nah Trang so not much to say about that! Our hostel bill came to 2,000,000....but the local money, which is called Dong (dont laugh!) is 23,000 to 1pound, so it wasn't all that expensive.

Billy Goats Gruff

2009-04-29T00:57:00.000+10:00

Saturday morning started like a scene from home alone (where they wake up late and have to rush around!). We were supposed to be up at 4am to get our taxi to the airport, but at 4.30 the guy from the hostel came and woke us up saying our friends (Lee & Amey) had left. They hadn't, but we had to rush around and pack to make our plane to Siem Reap, Cambodia!

We had a hostel booked there and we were met at the airport with a guy standing with a sign saying "Amms" - We'd booked under Emma, obviously this was lost in translation! Anyway, the hostel was nice, they helped support one of the local orphanages too so we were doing some good staying there. Seam Reap was very different to anywhere I've been, very simple but very charming. The locals too were very friendly and we were well looked after. Everyone there drives around in Tuk Tuks which are 4 seater tailor things on the back of a moped...every time you step out of the hostel or a shop we had about 5 people asking "Tuk Tuk Sir?" "Tuk Tuk" We spent the 1st day chilling out, and catching up with the footie as they had cable TV. The next day we spent visiting the ancient temples in the area (we had our own driver for the day for just $25!) which was good to see, and again, different to anything else we have seen. It was a hot day and all that walking was very tiring so in the afternoon we went for a swim then went for food where between us we ate goat, fish, chicken, crocodile, beef and snake (I just had goat).

Left for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, the next day, all arranged and booked by the friendly hostel man, and were met there by one of his friends ( his sign read "Welcome Amms") and taken to our accommodation...a double en suite room with a/c and breakfast was $18 (They use American dollars)...a great bargain as David Dickinson might say. That afternoon we went to the killing fields and museum which was all to do with the Pol Pot regime here in the 1970's where there were a lot of people murdered, and the following day we had more of an uplifting day at the national museum which was home to alot of the artifacts and things they had excavated and found from the temples we had seen previously.

Heard about the Brewers finally sealing promotion which is good news. John I hope you have/had a nice Birthday meal, and Jane, thanks for the email - no word from #1 yet! xxx

"She's a little pilot in my mind"

2009-04-24T20:38:00.003+10:00

The plan today was to go swimming, but we'd heard they were strict on swimming atire - thinking they would frown upon bikinis. Got there and they wouldn't let me in with Swimming Shorts...Trunks only. Brilliant. Good news though, you could hire them out. I didn't bother.

Got my vienam visa, and made us of the free wi-fi at the hostel and downloaded some new music for my iPod..Twisted Wheels self titled debut album is one i would recommend. Pizza for tea tonight (I am still in Asia, not Italy.) x

monkey business

2009-04-23T21:15:00.003+10:00

Left Singapore Sunday afternoon and got the bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Went and enquired about our visa for vietnam and we have to collect it tomorrow . We were also going to go up the petronas towers which is the famous building here, but it was closed Mondays so hopefully we will go there tomorrow morning. There's a hard rock cafe here so me and Emma went there Monday evening for a beverage and some grub!

Spent the last two days in Taman Negara National Park which is the big rainforest here. We got a bus, then a 3 hour boat along the river to the village where we were staying. We did a night walk in the jungle on the Tuesday night and saw lots of creepy crawlies aswell as a scorpion and a snake. Wednesday morning we did a canopy walk, the longest in the world, high up in the trees. It was good, but only saw a couple of birds, some ants and a few butterflies! Did another boat trip in the afternoon and visited a local village which was interesting. I took alot of photos as usual which I am uploading now.

Today we got the boat back...only 2 hours back as we were going with the current, and saw a group of monkeys by the river. Got the bus back to the city and checked into our hostel where I am now.

Tomorrow we collect our visa then Saturday we are flying to Siam Reap, Cambodia. Happy Days. xxx

Pictures of matchstick men

2009-04-18T15:06:00.003+10:00

So we went to the night zoo which was pretty good. Saw giraffes, elephants, tigers, leopards, otters, badgers, deer, buffalo, goats, bats, rhinos, hippos amongst other things and saw a good show. It was quite hard to see the animals and even harder to take photos's so you'll have to take my word for it that we saw some!

Yesterday we went to Sentosa Island which has a man made beach there and a few more things to do. There's going to be a universal studios there next year which will make it even better, but it was a good day. We did a luge which wasn't to dissimilar to the toboggan in swad, only a nicer setting, then spent the afternoon on the beach. Saw another good animal show there where Amey volunteered to go up and have a massive python round her neck, then saw a good laser, water and fire show in the evening before heading home. Went out last night which was an experience. Alot of the places had live music rather than DJs which was interesting, and we were definitely the minority, but it was a fun night. Got speaking to a local guy who was very friendly and very generous with buying us a whisky and a tequila. Took lots of photo's since we have been here and have uploaded them so have a look. I also added a few more to the Melbourne album from our last few days there.

Ze German rejoins the party as of 9.05 this evening :)

All for now. x

I Spy

2009-04-18T14:53:00.002+10:00

We have a rough plan for the next few months here. We leave Singapore tomorrow and head back to Kuala Lumpur. After that we will see abit of Malaysia then fly up to Chiang Mai then over to Laos for a month. After that we will go to Vietnam and the travel down the East coast through to Cambodia and then back into Bangkok which will take us up to May/June. After that we will spend some time on the islands where all the backpackers go, doing very little and drinking very much! The plan is dependant on visa requirements and whether the places are safe...I heard the chaos in Thailand stopped, but then started again so will be keeping my little eye on what is happening.

Singapura

2009-04-16T12:20:00.003+10:00

Left Kuala Lumpur Tuesday afternoon and got the coach over to neighbouring country Singapore where I still am now. Met up with Amey again Yesterday and spent the day in the shopping district which is home to about 50 different huge shopping centres, some of which housing familiar names including HMV, topman and Marks and Sparcs! We had a wander through Sim Lim Square - a huge electronics retail outlet, through china town and little India which were interesting, little india esppecially, as, although it slightly resembled the Queen Street/Uxbridge Street crossroad, it was different to anywhere I have been so far.

Last night we went out for food (it's cheap here so we have eaten out most meals) on the marina then walked along the river and got some good photo's of the city. Today we are going to the Vietnamese embassy to enquire about visas to go and visit there, then tonight we are off to the night zoo - a zoo that is open at night :)

Staying here till Sunday I think (Emma arrives Saturday evening), but not decided on an itinery as yet as we are unsure about visa requirements, possible riots etc. for the countries around here! Take Care. xx

Lady/Boy

2009-04-14T00:46:00.004+10:00

Arrived into Kula Lumpur this afternoon - flight was long (8hours), boring (no TVs) and uncomfortable (not much leg room)...it was cheap tho so was expected. Already seen a monkey on a chain in the street! Had a browse around in the pouring rain and then went for some food this evening. Leaving tomorrow to Singapore on the coach then meeting up with Amey tomorrow and Emma on Saturday. I'm aware of, and will be keeping an eye on, the fun and games going on in Bangkok and will avoid if necessary!

Had a good last few days in Australia. The circus was v.good, and very impressive, our hotel was v.nice, and I got an Easter egg :)

The Brewers will hopefuly be playing league football by the time I post again! x

I know a girl called Elsa, she's into Alka-seltza

2009-04-10T15:12:00.002+10:00

put all photo's up from ameys birthday and the hops farm. In St. Kilda today and tomorrow. Hotel, free breakfast and the internet. Off out tonight. Happy easter. xxx

Here's a little video I made...

The return of the jedi

2009-04-09T18:59:00.003+10:00

Well, it's been a while! Had no internet on the farm hence this being dormant for the last 4 weeks. All good still, hops job wasn't as bad as initially expecting (heard alot of bad press about fruit picking) and I now have some cash in the bank. Back in Melbourne now as of yesterday, here over easter then fly to Kula Lumpor Monday morning. Staying in a nice hotel tomorrow and Saturday (Emma is still here) and going to cirq du soleie on Saturday night so a nice end to our Oz experience.

Just been for my 3rd and final Hep B jab so am all ready and immune for the trip to Asia!

Hope you are all well. Will Upload photo's this weekend. ttfn. xx

say cheese!

2009-03-05T15:49:00.002+11:00

All my photo's are now up so enjoy.

Ameys birthday today (22) so off into the city later to drink the Glenmaggie wine we still have with us, and then god knows what else! All the best. xxx

2009-03-04T14:34:00.001+11:00

Back in Melbourne now. It is about 25 here which is a relief after the 40 degrees we have been subjected to the last few days! Yesterday in Adeliade it rained cats and dogs, the first they'd had in 3 months! We went to the chocolate factory in the morning for a tour which was short but good. Then we flew to melbourne which was also short and good (as good as a flight can be I guess). I have been for my 2nd of 3 Hep B vaccinations this morning...I had my 1st Hep B, my Hep A, Typhoid and Tetanus jabs a few weeks back in preparation for asia. I have my 3rd Hep B just before we leave. Staying with a very nice family in a subburb called Doncaster..they are friends of Emma neighbours friend or something like that...very hospitable and very kind of them to have me. There till Friday then off to the farm!

I have just uplaoded some photo's from Melbourne and reaquanted myself with the worlds goings on (glad to hear Liverpool are back to wining ways, and The Brewers are on for promotion).

Not much else going on...I had to but another pair of headphones the other day...I think thats set number 8!

Adelaide

2009-03-02T17:49:00.002+11:00

Spent 2 days in Alice Springs with very little to do..chilled by the pool, went to the cultural and aviation museum and took some photo's.....

Got the train yesterday, and arrived in Adelaide this morning. For saying we were on board 23 hours it wasn't actually that bad and it went pretty fast...still it was nice to get back onto land and back to a bed in the hostel! The plan was to go to the cavern club (we didn't go when we were here last week) but its not open today so thats a bummer. tomorrow we are doing a tour of the chocolate factory, then fly to Melbourne in the afternoon (3.15). The hops job starts on the 10th but we can move up there anytime between now and then so we are going to go on the 6th I think.

Peace and Love.....

xxx

King of The Hill

2009-02-27T19:41:00.003+11:00

We were up early again Thursday morning to set off for Kings Canyon. We saw sunrise there then did a 3.5 hour walk looking at and learning about the rock formations, wildlife and vegetation in the area. Can't really describe in words, but I took alod of photo's so will upload them so that you can appreciate it for yourselves. After the walk we were back on the bus for the drive back to Alice Springs. Had a nice sleep in a bed then moved to another hostel today.

Today was spent by the pool and chilling out (no walks, no sweltering heat & no flies). We have 2 more days here then go back to Adelaide on the 24 hour Ghan train! Up the Reds. xxx

Get your Rocks off

2009-02-27T19:34:00.003+11:00

We had a day in Alice Spring before our Uluru tour which was spent doing very little, in the comfort of a nice comfy (above ground) bed! Tuesday we were up at 5am for breakfast and to be picked up at 6 for our 3 day trip which turned out to be very good (and very hot). It was about 5 hours to get there, again on a not very comfy bus, but we stopped a few times and had lunch on the way which helped break up the journey! The camp resort we stayed at was huge, able to cater for over 5000 a night as our guide Mike informed us.

We went to the culture centre which was very good. Lots of information about he rock, its history, and it's significance in aboriginal culture and tradition. An interesting thing there were the 'sorry letters'..alot of people take rocks and sand from the sight as a souvenir which is discouraged and not advised (due to the significance of the area). Lots of people who had taken these souvenirs had later regretted it, or had some bad luck they'd linked to taking the rocks, and so had sent them back with a letter of apology and a request for the rocks to be returned. Sorry mum...no rocks from here for the garden!

We then went to another formation called the Olga's which were similar to Uluru. We did a walk there which was good, despite the 39 degrees heat, and then went back to Uluru for sunset there and a glass of vino! We were back at Uluru the next morning (up at 4am!!) for sunrise (above photo), which wasn't as good as sunset. We then did a base walk around the rock which took 2 hours. Mike told us alot about the sights there and the places that were used for ceremonies which was interesting, then the last hour was just hot and pretty much the same (big rock, blue sky, red sand!). Had some cake back at the van and then went off to our next camp at a place called Kings Canyon. Arrived in the evening, had a swim then had dinner. That night we slept in Swags (a mattress in a canvas covering) and sleeping bags out under the stars which was really nice... (not to sound too gay, but) the fear of bugs, dingoes and anything else sniffing round my face was erased by the peace and the great view of the stars above.

Going Underground

2009-02-27T18:58:00.000+11:00

Ill start from where I left the story in Adeladie...

We left for the groovy trip up to Alice Springs on Saturday. We stopped that night at a place called Coober Pedy (pee-dy) where 70% of the people live underground due to the heat. Our driver said he'd been there when it was 56 before! The name comes from aboriginal times when they used to pass the town and see the people living in the ground, cobery pedy translates as white man in burrow. Anyway, the hostel we stayed in was underground which was weird. It's a big opal mining town too so Sunday morning we did a tour of one of the mines which was interesting. After that, we continued our trip, passed the Northern territory border (I have now been to all 6 states here) and arrived in Alice Springs Sunday night. The trip was over 1200k so over the 2 days, alot of the time was sat on the not so comfy bus so it was a relief upon our arrival. We went out that night for some food with the rest of our bus (all foreigners) and had some very nice kangaroo con carne (seriously!).

Who the f**k is Alice?

2009-02-23T21:00:00.000+11:00

I am now in Alice Springs after our 2 day 'groovy' tour. Spent alot of time sat on the bus as it was a 1200k drive but had some fun along the way...learnt about opal, slept underground and saw some wildlife, but that is all I have time for as my internet time is out!

Tomorrow we do a 3 day tour to Uluru rock then we are back here for 2 days...will speak to you then. xxx

Flashpackers

2009-02-20T18:40:00.003+11:00

We are now in Adelaide after our 3 day drive.
We left Wednesday and travelled through several coastal towns on the great ocean road - Geelong, Apollo Bay and Lorne. There were alot of rock formations off the coast along the way, the most famous is the 12 apostles which is basically rocks that are in the sea (I couldn't even count 12 of them!),. It didn't really justify all the tourists that were there, there were hundreds! There were also a few Lookouts along the way as well which we stopped off at. We saw some koala's in the wild which was very nice. they were high in the trees but right next to the road so we got a good view of them which was really good to see. We spent the night in Port Campbell...as backpackers you would presume we stayed in hostels, but nope, we got ourselves a 2 bedroom cottage for the night which was v.nice, and very cheap. We went to the beach for a swim at night which was v.cold and v.seaweedy but nice after a day sat in the car!

Thursday we were up early to travel through the Grampians range of mountains and plains. We started off seeing a wallaby by the side of the road (alive), which was nice. We stopped the car and walked to get a photo, expecting it to bounce off straight away, and managed to get some good snaps and get close enough to feed it some grass! Again, there were some look outs and waterfalls to stop at and stretch our legs. We passed into Southern Australia, stopped off for lunch and an ice cream (English toffee and cappuchino) then went to Gulgurn Manja Shelter which was a sight where there were aboriginal paintings on the rocks. There were lots of hand prints and paintings of emu tracks. there are hundreds of similar sights in Aus, but it said only 5 are promoted to tourists so it was pretty special to see them. We stopped the night in border Town, again finding a cabin on a caravan park cheaper than a hostel.

Today we completed the drive to Adelaide which is a nice city..very small and compact but a nice place. Had a wander round this arvo and then took the car back to find we had to pay $330 for scratches on the front...we didn't hit anything on the way or know about them so it came as an unwelcome surprise! About to have dinner. There is a replica cavern club here like the one in Liverpool (if you don't know what that is, shame on you!) so we are going there this evening for a look and possibly, a beverage!

Leave tomorrow @ 7 for our tour up to Alice Springs. Peace Out.

One for the road

2009-02-17T13:40:00.004+11:00

Have booked up and have our travel plans before we leave for the hops job. Its the 4 of us (Emma, Amey, Lee and myself) and we depart tomorrow (Wednesday) am. Got a cheap car to drive the south coast and then to Adelaide then have a trip up to Alice Springs which, if it's description is correct, should be groovy! We have a week in Alice springs which is quite alot but the hostels there look nice and there will be a few things to see to keep us busy. We will spend 3 days on a tour to Uluru, or Ayres rock as it may be known. The trip includes camping in the bush under the stars, and sunset/sunrise at Uluru so it should be good...I hope there are no scorpions or snakes knockin' about! After that we go back to Alice Spring before we get a train back to Adelaide which should be good...its a 24 hour trip so most of the spaces are cabins, but being cheapo backpackers on a budget we have the cheap seats so will spend 24hours in cramped conditions!!! It should be an experience tho and hopefully there will be some nice scenery along the way. We will have a day or 2 back in Melbourne before we leave for the hop farm which is about 3 hours North East of here at a place called Myrtleford.

I have a flight to Asia booked for the 13th April, the day before my visa expires. Melbourne to Kula Lumpor...that's as much as I have planned so far. I should make quite abit at the hops job so I plan to spend 2 or 3 months travelling Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Borneo etc. etc.) as it is very cheap over there. Spending today day chilling out, seeing about vaccinations for Asia, and then having my haircut...what a whirlwind day! Hope you are all rosie back home. xxx

Anyway, here is my itinerary for the next week or so(the links should work for more info on each):

Wednesday 18th - Friday 20th: Great Ocean Road (Melbourne to Adelaide).

Saturday 21st: 'Groovy Grape' tour: Adelaide to Alice Springs.

Sunday 22nd - Saturday 28th: Alice Springs, including 3 day/2night Uluru Rock trip.

Sunday 1st: Gahn train: Alice Springs to Adelaide (24 hour train!).

Tuesday 3rd: Adelaide to Melbourne Flight (JetStar flight JQ775)

Amor

2009-02-16T10:22:00.000+11:00

Saturday went to the Victoria national gallery (it wasn't very interesting) and then to the botanical gardens...there were about 5 people getting married, well 10 people, 5 weddings. Yesterday the plan was a movie exhibition looking behind the scenes of big movies, but it was $15 so we scrapped that for the immigration museum, but that was $8 so we scrapped that for the Melbourne Museum, which should have been $8, but Emma had a student card so the lady let us both in for concession price, Free! It was a lot more interesting than the National gallery! Lots of different exhibits...a lot of info on how Melbourne was founded, stuff on the human body and mind (old news to me) and on various plant, animal and bug life in Australia and around the globe.

Still not heard from the pier where I went for an interview, but we have a job elsewhere now so not too fussed. It’s doing the hop harvest thing that we applied and got rejected for previously. The guy rang and asked if we were still interested and seeing as nothing is happening here on the job front we snapped it up. I told them there were only 3 of us here but another friend would like it if possible (Emma is in the same boat as us, not much $$$ and needing a job ASAP). He said that is fine, so all is well, and we are all more relaxed now we know we will have some cash coming in!!

It's altered out plan a little bit. The job will start the beginning of March - they still are unsure but will be the 5th - 10th, I guess they won't know when it’s ready to harvest till a week or so before. It will last 4.5 weeks so it could finish mid-April which is when we will have to leave the country. With that in mind I think we are going to spend time seeing the rest of the things here before we start that job in case we have no time afterwards. We will need a week and abit to see the great ocean road, Uluru and Alice Springs so we are going to look at doing that the end of this week/early next week.

Previously in Melbourne:

2009-02-16T10:21:00.000+11:00

We have a new boy in our room now who very much resembles the one who just left. Although one major difference, real Sinny was/is English, new Sinny is German! He is here for a few days then is off fruit picking. Our hostel is right in the city centre, round the corner from Flinders Street Station, the main train station here, and the one JET sing about in Move On (...”10:34, Flinders Street Station, I’m lookin' down the track..").

Weather has been good the last few days, not too hot, not too cold. Wednesday night we went to the Queen Victoria night market. The site where it is at used to be a cemetery and there are still thousands of bodies still laying there. It was v.camden like, and v. busy. Lots of stalls and live music to entertain. Thursday night we went up to the observation deck here which is on the 88th floor of a building on Southbank. It was a clear evening so you could see for miles. We stayed till the sun went down and the city lights came up so had some nice views. Neither of us had a camera which was a big blow, but we saw sinny (German 1) up there so lent his camera and took a few. We took food up there as well so I think, at 300 metres, it’s the highest place I’ve ever eaten dinner in my life! Friday. Took a trip to the library to make use of free internet then went to docklands for a wander 'round there, and saw the statue of Dame Edna Everidge that has just been unveiled there. Had some nice ice cream (Pistachio, Cookies and cream & After Eight) then went back home for an early night! Lost has begun again in the US so have downloaded the 1st 4 of those to watch...this season, after taking 4 seasons to get off, they're trying to get back ON the island!

Melbourne is very nice, and a lot smaller than Sydney...you can walk everywhere and at most it’s a half hour walk to anywhere...it used to take that on the bus from Bondi to Sydney. All the buildings are very new here and it's a very arty/creative city with a big performing arts and music scene. Still, there's not as much to see and the beaches here aren't as good as Sydney so I don't think I would fancy 6 months living and working here.

Guten Tag...

2009-02-11T13:10:00.003+11:00

It's been pretty crazy here with the fires...Im not sure if they affected where we were wwoofing, Im gonna email Fleur and find out. Proberbly been on the news quite abit at home, I think it has everywhere. Some of the fires were lit deliberately by some idiot(s). I went to the familys house where Emma (german friend) is staying yesterday and you could see them from there..they were only about 6k away from them...abit too close for comfort. They have been fund raising and donating everywhere here, it was on the news this morning they have raised over $30m.

On the jobfront...I had an interview this morning at a bar/restaurant, I say interview, they didnt really ask much, just about my experience. I ticked all the boxes (hopefully the appearance box aswell, as that has been an issue in the past!) and they said they're gonna call to arrange a trial. Would be mainly Thurday to Sundays, but he said more hours may free up so fingers and toes crossed. Went round St.Kilda yesterday and a few said they had had about 30 people asking the same so not much hope for that...there was 1 that was asking for waiters which I left a CV with so gonna persist with that and give them a call later on.

On the weather front, it has been cold and rainy the last few days in the low 20's...that proberbly sounds like paradise to the Uk but for me it's very cold!

Dad if you haven't used your iTunes voucher yet, I reccomend the Ricky Gervais podcasts..they'r hillarious. Have been listening to the new ones (The Ricky Gervas guide to...) and they are gold. Chicken and Twix! x

P.M.A

2009-02-10T10:47:00.002+11:00

Still on the search for a job, it is proving more difficult than i thought! Been to aload of cafe's and bars in the city and heard nothing, and have tried recruitement agencies, and again, have heard nohing. A few agencies said it is pretty quiet for the month, and the credit crunch hasn't helped either. Great! Have applied for an events job here for 2 weeks in March, 10 hrs a day, $30 an hour (thats as much asi know!), and to work at the grand prix here in March so still keeping the options open.

Still, onward and upward....off to new teritory today seek out the cafe's and bars of St. Kilda, and have found a few more online. Positive mental Attitude "P.M.A...P.M.A" remember the ad (for cereal I think) where the kid is in a sports day race at school and at the start he visualises his dad saying to him P.M.A?! Im that kid today!

Anyway...Sunday was St. Kilda festival which was very good. There were loads of bands on and stalls and shows and things to see. Johnny rock and the Limits were the hit of the show, my new favourite band, with a bass player resembling a cross between Adam Green and Carl Barat. They're playing a bar here in a few weeks so going to try and go see them. Saw another band on the big stage called The Angels...never heard of them before but they were all 60 odd so have been around abit! They played 'we gotta get out of this place (if it's the last thing we ever do)', not sure if it is their song originally or just a cover? But anyway, they were good too. Managed to catch the Pompy v Liverpool game Sunday evening which topped off a great day!

Sinny has opted out of the jobhunt/oz plan and has decided to return home..all decided and booked v.quickly so by time you read this he may be back..or atleast, he'll be en-route!

Have a few ideas and plans floating around for a trip to asia after here. It's v.cheap there and lots of things to see and do. A friend went over xmas, so I asked here for some info on it...she did v.well, informing me of a place called Phi Phi island that is populated by 98% sweedish backpackers....i think i may spend a good while there, i may look into residential rights!

Bec.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Have a belter of a day. Miss U. xx

2009-02-07T17:41:00.002+11:00

i have finished uploaded my latest photos from canberra and wwoofing...they'll be the last for a while as my camera is still broke!
(it's still v.hot!)

42

2009-02-07T15:53:00.006+11:00

today the mercury is reading 42 degrees...its so hot. u step outside and it actually hurts your face. even the breeze is warm. bec, i am sweating paninis!
to combat it i am sat in the comfort of the air-conditioned library as i write this (still jobless!) hope you are all well.

xx

She's a Rainbow

2009-02-06T20:12:00.002+11:00

Arrived in Melbourne Tuesday full of hope and prosper. Have got a hostel dorm of 4 which is pretty nice and have spent the last few days in the city with a stack of CVs...there aren't too many vacancies and there are alot of people looking so whether something comes up is another story...here's hoping.

Had a guy ring me who was interested in me coaching for a kids team, but he said it'd be the full season (end of Sep) and all he asked was that I could stay that long. I couldn't! have applied to a few more too so maybe that line of work will be a success??

The hostel we are at has a bar which is open till 5am every night so we paid a visit yesterday. My German friend is in town (also looking for a job) and so she joined the Brits for some pre-bar drinks. that's about all she managed too as 1 beer in the bar downstairs and it was K.O...a night in the bowl of the toilet for her and a sore head this morning.....we beat 'em in the war, and we beat them at drinking!

Have been looking around the city today and been getting very familiar with being told to 'leave a CV and we'll contact you if something comes up'. There are a few galleries and museums here to see and Sunday there is a big festival on in St Kilda so we're gonna go there then get back on the bandwagon Monday in search of employment.

...i am slowly uploading my latest photo's to my online album too. x

I heart fernando

2009-02-02T21:03:00.002+11:00

Have decided once again to change my plan..but more of that in a moment

Have been busy again here at Fleurs. The heatwave has passed and we have had two days of cool weather and a welcome fall of rain.

Yesterday we were in the vineyard taking out the weeds and today me and sinny dug about 30 feet of holes in total in preparation for some beams going in for some decking. Sinny was so proud he was sick! Probably the workout that caused it in all honesty, not the overwhelming sense of achievement. Gave the guns a work out and will no doubt feel it tomorrow. There are so many flies here its unbelievable..when your working outside there are at least 20 flying round buzzing and crawling on your face its not nice...I have photo evidence to prove this, and lots more photo's of the various jobs we have been doing which I will get online soon.

We went out last night to the greyhounds, but we found out when we got there the minimum bet was $3 and so we decided to bail and went to an irish pub for some food instead (chicken, vegies and curly fries).

So the new plan...I have decided that i am not going to get my 2nd visa here and am going to spend the rest of my time here working a little and traveling the rest. After that I am planning on a trip to Asia and then possibly a return to New Zealand...not really sure to be honest but will see where the wind takes me. Still not sure when I will be back in blighty but im sure it wont be for a while yet!

I came to the conclusion that I wouldnt stay here till April 2010 anyway, and the year would follow much the same pattern as this one (work a lot, live somewhere for short term and travel some) which has been v.good but i have seen most of what i want to see and Im ready to move on to pastures new...I will see the rest of the stuff before i leave..and i can always come back here on a tourist visa if I want to. Wwoofing experience has been refreshing and enjoyable but Melbourne is a calling...back to where it all began to get the most out of my last few months here...

work, rest and play

2009-01-30T18:48:00.000+11:00

Had a day off today so went to blue pools, a swimming hole a short drive from here. It was empty when we got there but more people came as the day wore on. Spent the morning swimming, listening to my iPod, eating a cheese and bacon roll, throwing and skimming stones and sunbathing, then went to the backpackers on the way home to catch the underfiring Liverpool v Wigan game then some footy hightlights.

Happy Birthday to Grandad Skiv for tomorrow - and a belated shout out to the late stormin Norman for Tuesday! x

A quick peep

2009-01-29T18:34:00.002+11:00

another scorcher...41 degrees here. 43 in melbourne, today and yesterday, making it the hottest in 100 years. If it is that hot tomorrow, as predicted, it will be the hottest 3 days ever in Melbourne!!!

Did abit of work outside this morning then we came inside. We tidied in the house abit then chilled out, chilled being the wrong word, it was boiling hot, even inside!!

In other news, Bec, saw the flat online, v.nice! My camera broke. Great stuff! Im sweating off Ks as often as Liverpool are dropping points.

Wonky Conky

2009-01-28T13:01:00.001+11:00

Monday was Aussie day so we were releved of our work duties and spent the day baking in the heat.

Not much happened tuesday, then wednesday I got my concreting badge as we helped to concrete round the back of the house. Again, this was in the plus 30 heat so wasn't too pleasant! tonys dad came up to lend a hand aswell. He's very friendly and very chatty. He loves to tell stories (like some other old folk i know), and it's nice listening to him hearing about all the land around here and how it came about (The McLauchlans 1st came here in the 1860's). Fleur and Jack were in melbourne so Tony took us to the pub for a few beers after the work, then we went home for a BBQ and to get on the Dockic bandwagon to watch her play (and loose) in the Aussie Open.

Have been running as much as I can. Though the heat is abit off putting, a few tunes on the old ipod always goes down well. Healthy eating and very little alcohol is a welcome lifestyle change aswell...albeit a short term one! Bring on the tequila slammers in melbourne.

Today we finished off the concreting and stewed some plums! Im no pro, but in my opinion the concreting job didn't turn out that great...not very smooth and abit uneven, but Tony seems happy enough so that the main thing. We wouldn't go far in a business venture as professional concreters thats for sure! Its very hot and sweaty so not much hard graft this afternoon I hope.

The weather forecast for the rest of the week is 40 and 41 so will be very hot and sweaty. We are here for another week then have a new wwoofer to go to for a few weeks before we come back here to pick and prepare the vino. We have also applied for a job abit North of here harvesting hops in March so that would be handy to get as it counts towards our 2nd visa, and will give us some bunse ("bunsen burner, nice little earner") for after we finish here. xxx

lend me your ears and i'll sing you a song....

2009-01-28T12:50:00.002+11:00

It's been a while due to the interent breaking. Getting it fixed has been one of my wwoofing jobs this week, and to some success as it is back working but only through the laptop and not on their home computer. There was a big thunder storm last week and the day after that was when it broke so maybe their computer got zapped by the lightening and buggered the internet.

Alot has been going on so i will start where I left off.....

Friday we had a very busy day of exercise! Got dropped off in a place called Tinamba and then ran the 8k to Mafra while the others biked it. then we spent the afternoon in the pool. Had a game of water polo and me, Sinny, Jack and a kid called Aaron we drafted in were victorious against Lee aamey and Fleur...(Aaron spent most the game doing roly polies in the water, NOT a team player!) We then biked back to the winery which was 30k and then followed that with a bit of a wrestle on the trampoline with Sinny,

All of that was after the doing the worst job imaginable...I had to shift a pile of logs..Simple enough, but its hunstman spider territory and so it wasn't a case of if i would see one, but when I would. And I did. 3 of them and each one getting just as much fright out of me! That part of country life will take some getting used to, we have been taken over by spiders. Had 3 in our tent so far which is not atall nice. Bed check before sleep is now routine! maybe one will bite me in my sleep and i'll get spidy powers...'spider man spider man, does everything a spider can'

They have 2 dogs here, Sonic and Scruffy (the mum). Theyre sheep dogs and are very friendly! They have become acustomed to mine and sinny's tent and whoever is off the leash at night always makes their way in for a night cap! My matress is on the floor so im 1st target for them waking me up and licking my face in the early hours! They have been know to go off for days at a time and kill kangaroo's so Ill do my best to stay in their good books.

Saturday we labelled about 400 bottles which didn't take that long, once youve got the nack its a doddle. It was indoors and didn't require alot of energy so was good as my muscles were aching from sports day friday! Sunday was some more log shifting, this time with the aid of some gloves and some more man power, and then some prepping to put a weed liner on the garden. We went to one of their friends at night for a BBQ which was mainly toffee nosed posh people, but we took advantage of free grub and booze, entertained ourselves playing name the look a like (john motson, bilbo baggins, the guy who plays wallace and daniel day lewis in gangs of new york all got a shout out) and watched the tennis on the la-z boys so it wasn't a bad night....

thick as thievs

2009-01-20T21:42:00.002+11:00

we're back at fleurs now after we went to tanya's place and quickly decided it wasn't very nice! Amongst other things we'd have had to work 6 hours just for our lunch and provide our own breakfast and dinner. We stayed the sunday night in the accomm they provided (which was our own house round the corner from theirs) but left promptly monday morning. we were in the wwoofing book all morning trying to find something else and in the yellow pages ringing around other wineries and farms for work (with no success). Tanya didn't take our going awol very well and left a bitchy message on Ameys phone accusing us of being thievs travelling around the area, and called us 'disgusting people'...we didnt nick anything, and all we'd done was upped and left...major over reaction! She also rang fleur and told her about us and tried to warn her about us!

Fleur backed us up, as we'd had a good 1st week with her and we'd got on like a house on fire and so after her convo with Grotbags/Tanya she rang us to see what we were doing, and very kindly came to our rescue and invited us back to stay with her.

So we are back here which his very nice, being looked after again and being fed well!! Today has been another scorcher so I spent the day watering the garden then painting the bathroom. We have just been for a swim in the lake which was a nice cool down. We are welcome to stay here as there will be work to do, and there is work at Tonys parents house which is the farm next door. We may look for another wwoofer for a week or two just to get away for a while but we will see how it goes.

if only there were more people like fleur and tony in the world!
and on a sadder note, tony heart r.i.p! x

detox

2009-01-17T19:11:00.003+11:00

It has been a busy, and hot, few days.

Tuesday afternoon was very hot so we worked in the morning then finished for the afternoon cause it was too hot. Wednesday was hotter, it was 39 degrees at one point, so we spent the day inside. We painted Jacks bedroom and the living room in the cool indoors. All that practice painting the judo came in handy! In the evening we went for a swim in the river to cool off and had a go in the canoes they have here and then had a massive roast dinner and tried the bazz shiraz and the cabernet sauvignon that they make...not a fan of reds but they were pretty nice! Thursday was cooler so another skill I learnt in the school of Grandad Skiv came into play. I mowed one of the vineyards on the sit on mower they have here while the others carried on with the painting/vineyard tidying.
Friday I polished some wine glasses done some weeding and picked some plums and today i did abit more weeding then went into the winery where they make the wine for abit of a clear out. Fleur and Tony have gone out tonight so we had a game of cricket and are noe about to eat. They told us to help ourselves to wine...they obviously don't know us that well yet!
Have been eating very healthy here (zuccini slice, corn fritters, potato & spinach pie, salad, rye bread, carrot and watermelon juice). the fridge is full of lots of veggies and home made/organic stuff, and no sweets or chocolates too so it's quite nice to detox! Have started running again too as of Tuesday. The driveway here is 4.5k so managed there and back in the heat which was an effort but am gonna try and keep it up. They have a trampoline in the garden too which is another form of exercise we have all become acustomed to..today I mastered a front flip! x

An English country garden

2009-01-13T13:56:00.002+11:00

Arrived at Fleurs on Sunday afternoon after a long drive. We are in the middle of the countryside so have 360 degree view of mountains, trees and the river. It is very much like the English countryside.There isn't that much work to do, mainly jobs in preparation for when the grapes are ready to pick and the wine making starts. Our 1st job Monday was untagling and sorting out all the nets they use to cover the vines....this involved rummaging around in the grass and turning over the bags which uncovered several BIG spiders. One of them we saw was the biggest spider Ive seen in my life, so I was on edge all morning! Saw quite a few more, and i wouldn't say I got used to it, but it wasn't as a suprise to see them after a while. There are redbakcs here, which are small, but can bite and be dangerous! They aren't agressive and only attack you if you go to squash them so Im pretty safe as if I see one running will be my priority over squashing it.

My apprentiship with Grandad the last few years will come in handy as there is some garden work to do and some mowing to do. They have a sit on mower, AND they have petrol for it, so Ill be on that this week I imagine! The family are nice. They're pretty relaxed and easy going too so far so haven't been on our backs. The food is good, and there is lots of wine to accompany it, and it is nice wine...a far cry from the $10 for 4 litres we were used to in Bondi.

The main job this week has been and will be sorting the vinyards out and doing the 'foliage' where we have to make sure all the vines are off the ground, to help the airflow under them, and to avoid any disease getting onto them from the long grass. In 3 weeks time when we are back here we will be putting the nets on (to keep the birds off) then it will be time to pick them and to start making the wine.We have 2 trailer cabins to sleep in, more like tents than caravans but they do the job, and I have a double comfy matress and a nice soft douvet so it's very comfy after a days work!! there is a river down the road too which is very nice to cool off in. It has been hot here, today it was 32, so we worked in the morning then had a break in the arvo as it was too hot.

We are here till the weekend then going to Tanya and Marks, then we are coming back here.I have phone reception and internet access here at Fleurs (hopefully at Tanya's too) so I can remain in contact with the wider world! x

I havent wrote about Canberra as it was boring, nothing at all to raise a pulse.And

Bye Bye Bondi

2009-01-09T21:45:00.003+11:00

Spent the last day in Bondi in the city buying a few essentials, cleaning the house some more and packing my bag (St. Chris is back in my bag to keep a watchful eye over me and to keep me out of trouble!). Went to the beach in the evening for 1 more time. The weather wasn't that great and it was pretty cloudy, but it was warmer in the sea than out of it, and it would have been rude not to seein as it was our last opportunity!!

Will definately miss having the beach on our doorstep, but it will be refeshing having something new to get stuck into! Leaving early tomorrow morning, stopping off at Canberra the night then will arrive at Fleurs Sunday afternoon/evening...we are only there for a week then we're off to the other one for 2 weeks then going back to Fleurs...hopefully she will break us in to the wwoofing life gently with a pretty easy week!

Not sure what internet access will be like out in the sticks but, as ever, I will do my Georgie Best to keep you abreast with life as a wwoofer! In the meantime, take care and wrap up warm.

Goodnight..xxx

p.s I have finished uploading the photo's I started the other day, so have a butchers at those...here's how we smuggled the jimmy beam in. foolproof!

"you can have it all, and wrap it in the world.."

2009-01-07T13:18:00.009+11:00

A cruisey week so far, as planned. I have spent the week so far within a 1 mile radius of the flat! been to the beach a few times and to the shops, besides that, we have been cleaning the flat and doing laundry! Downloaded a few christmas TV episodes from home (royle family, shooting start & wallace and gromit. what?!) and watched them...royle family was hillarious! I ordered some new contact lenses so went to collect them today..(specsavers falls withing the 1 mile radius) and went to the beach later on. We've been going down in the evning the last few weeks when it's less busy andd the waves are bigger, its also when the lifeguards have clocked off so have to be on our guard agains the rip!

There were a couple of shark sightings at the weekend. There was a tiger shark spotted and a few hammerheads at bronte, murruba and coogee which are the 3 beaches south of here. And there was a 20 man brawl in Bondi on Saturday. Didn't see it but it was on the news...very Burtonesque! The last few days has been in the 30s so its been v.hot, we're havin a heatwave. There are bush fires both North and South of here..it's all kickin off in Sydney! Hopefully it will be abit cooler down south else ill be sweatin' my tits off when Im picking grapes!!

On the subject of grapes...this is roughly where we will be at Fleurs..It's about 3hours drive east of Melbourne..her winery is called Glenmaggie wines..there's a few bits of info if you google it. I would put up links but it's too much effort and would go against my cruisy week!

Heard the news about Cloughy...hopefully it won't halter the Brewers' surge into league football.

2009-01-04T16:50:00.002+11:00

tried and failed to upload my photo's today..there are a few on there, but will add the rest and the comments in the near future. xx

swingin', swayin', and records playin'

2009-01-03T14:34:00.002+11:00

Guten Tag. Had a fun day new years eve, after the 4.5 hour queue. we managed to sneak both the Jim Beam and the goon in which was a relief (goon was wrapped in a blanket. too easy) Photo's of the Jim Beam disguise will be online later so have a look and Im sure you'll agree it was a great disguise?!. When we got right near the front of the queue there were actually people pushing in, cheeky fu...! It was in the botanical gardens where we were so there were alot of trees blocking the view of the opera house and bridge so everybody pitched where there was a gap! We played a few card games in the afternoon then started drinking when the sun went down. Played some drinking games and then some woman walked past and dropped an apple next to us so we used that as a forefit in the games. it was a dirty red one and was pretty bruised so was a good punishment! May not sound like fun but it was funny after a few JBs! There were some family fireworks at 9pm then at 11 we went and got a burger then got a good view for the big finale! We had a good view of the bridge so all the fireworks off there were really good, but when they weren't on the bridge we had a blocked view so couldnt see much behind the trees. They were on for about 15 minutes, i got a video of them and some good photos so will try and get that up. got back to Bondi about half one and had a wonder round there..there was a big dance festival on so there were loads of people about.

Spent the last few days between the flat and the beach. Had a good night last night, got home at dawn so thats always a sign of a good one!

1 week left here, no plans and little money so wont be doing much besides chilling out before the 3 months of work!

2009

2009-01-01T12:11:00.002+11:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our view wasn't this good but we had a good time regardless...will upload photo's asap.

Goin' for Gold...

2008-12-30T23:05:00.003+11:00

Had a few days at the beach and relaxing which has been nice. Trying to cap the spending so that we have a little bit to go away with. Ive not helped that plan as I put my mobile in the washing machine the other day. It broke. I Luckily my simcard is still intact (even after a 40 degree warm wash!) so i didnt loose all my contacts, but i did have to fork out for a new one. Watched the Liverpool Newcastle game which was a cracker, and then read of Dempseys late equaliser for fulham to keep chelsea at bay...top at christmas is a very good omen...Had a busy day today biking around olympic park all afternoon in the sunshine. All the stadiums are all close together so we got to see them all and got some good photos. After that we came home and went for a quick dip in the sea. Tired us all out so an early night tonight in prep for the celebrations tomorrow.

New years eve (tomorrow) we are plannng on going into the botanical gardens which is near the opera house/bridge. It is a 20,000 capacity and opens at 10am so we will have to get there early! They sell food and alcohol there but you can't take your own booze so we are thinking of ways to smuggle it in to save abit of $$$...we are planning on hollowing out a loaf of bread and filling the gap with a bottle of spirit, and putting a bag of goon in an old football that we have that has split!!

Enjoy your celebrations whatever they entail....

Wwoofing itinery....

2008-12-30T22:54:00.003+11:00

We have sorted out our wwoofing and have 2 that will take all 4 of us. Between the two of them we will be able to get our 3 months in so all being well will be able to apply for our 2nd visa. The bit below is the bit that is in the wwoofing book about the 2 hosts....

Fleur and Anthony Dawkins
Tony, Jack (aged 10) and Fleur live on an 8 acre vineyard property with winery and cellar door. During the year there are many experiences to be involved in - pruning, picking grapes, winemaking and bottling. We take Wwoofers to enjoy the local farmers markets we attend. Be involved and have fun at the parties we have at the winery. Our home is a large mud brick house with spectacular views of mountains and lakes. Swimming, bush walking and canoeing close by. Accomm for 1 - 6 people. We love cooking with our Wwoofers who remember our delicious foodm the comfortable accommodation and the relaxed atmosphere. We want our wwoofers to relax and be one of the family, learning from one another.

We can go here for a few weeks then go elsewhere for 2 weeks as it wont be all that busy until mid Feb. When we return there'll be lots to do so we should be able to stay long term for 2 months or so. Our accomm will be two caravans/trailers down by the river with an awning outside. Jack has had a canoe for Christmas so she said we'll be able to use that. Last contact she said we can start on the 9th Jan so we just need to confirm the dates with her then we can go.

Tanya Garland and Mike Mormo.
We have 2 houses, 20 minutes from Barinsdale & Lakes Entrance. Our host home is a 2 bedroom cedar cottage on 2.5 acres and the other is a 3 bedroom house over 100 years old under renovations, which has a small orchard and vegie gardens. Both houses are within walking distance to Bruthen town using the rail trail. We have horses, bikes and canoes available. Work includes gardening, weeding, fencing, feeding animals, harvesting fruit and vegetables, child-minding, cooking, cleaning, building, laying bricks, anything that needs doing. Accomm is in separate house.

We can go here after Fleurs for 2 weeks. We'll have to work 4 hours for our accomm and breakfast then a couple more if we want to eat with the family for the other meals. Cause there are 4 of us we'll have a few nights where we'll cook on our own to give them some space! Need to confirm with Fleur then we'll be good to go...Just over a week left to enjoy Bondi beach :(

photographic evidence

2008-12-27T18:52:00.003+11:00

Have uploaded the photo's from the cruise, the 25th and boxing day to prove the sun was out and we were having a merry Christmas time....The cruise was fun. Free booze which we made the most of, and a vast array of people, mainly young, but a few characters on board including Eileen above. She was a German and on here own, staying in one of the hostels in the city!! And just as we were chatting they DJ played 'come on Eileen' which was v.amusing! (we didn't!) Was great to speak to you all Christmas day and I hope you all had a good day and received some nice presents.

Boxing day we went to the races. Again it was nice and hot. We got there for the last 3 races. I put bets on them all and won on them all so came away with $9 profit which was pleasing! Theres one on New Years day so maybe go again and see if my luck continues...

The weather has been rubbish today and there was a massive storm earlier...not much planned for the next few days. x

Merry Christmas II..

2008-12-25T20:20:00.004+11:00

Merry Christmas UK time.
Spent the morning at the beach and in the sea despite the cloudy weather. Amey brought sinny a ball that bounces on water so we spent about an hour playing with that in the sea! Had some wedges for brunch then went back to number 10. The sun came out late afternoon so went back to the beach for another dose of sun and sea. Have got nice rosy cheeks for my efforts! Had a bbq for tea which was good...kangaroo kebabas (roobabs?!) burgers, sausages & salad...just back at number 10 for pass the parcel and some jim beam then off to a friends for a few more! x

Have taken lots of photos so will get them on asap.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T10:21:00.003+11:00

Merry Christmas.....
Just opened all our presents!
Photo diary is great...nice to see all your smiling faces!
Had a stocking off santa with a few sweets and an orange in and a poker set.
My secret santa wasnt very me...2 T Shirts with quirky slogans ''save water.drink beer'' and ''Ive been trying to be good this year''! They were xl too so they dont even fit. And I had an ausie bandana
Off the flatmates i had another TShirt... with FBI ''Female Body Inspector" on it!! and a case for my ipod that I can take running if/when i go.

We have had alot of games and thing between us so we will have plenty to do when we are stranded on the farm. We got sinny a mini guitar which went down well.

Off to the beach with my new frisbie! It's abit cloudy but still scorchio. Will speak to you on your christmas day!! xxxxx

"Catch the silver sunlight in your hand.."

2008-12-23T19:57:00.009+11:00

Emailed Kylie Sunday night to say I wasn't going back (I said my sister had come out as a surprise for xmas so I didn't want to work.) She emailed back asking if that meant i had finished Friday and i wouldn't be going in on Monday. This was Monday afternoon so by time i replied she had got the hint! I got my final pay today so all good and no awkward phonec alls or goodbyes!

Post work has seen a busy few days. Saturday I went with zee German (Emma) to the aquarium on darling harbour. There was loads to see there it was pretty good, but the school holidays have started so it was v.busy and full or rowdy kids! Went out Saturday night for a few gins and a boogie so had a late start to the day Sunday, which consisted of a lazy day on the beach and in the sea which was most refreshing! Monday was much of the same. Did a bit of Christmas shopping in the morning - we're all spending $10 on each other so had a browse round for some ideas. Made some cashew biscuits (rock AND roll!), went to the beach in the afternoon for another sesh in the sun and in the sea, then went out for a bite to eat in the pm. News of my parcel arriving home also came through on the txt which was great news. And news of Chelsea failing to knock Liverpool of the top also went down well. Tuesday Emma left so took her to the bus station in the afternoon (after another lie in!) then went and met the flatmates in the city to pick up the tickets for the harbour cruise tomorrow and then to hit the supermarket to by our Christmas food! The ticket was $75 each and spent $55 each on food so it was an expensive couple of hours! If you watched GMTV hoping for a glimpse, keep looking! We didn't go in the end due to bad weather and over running with the shopping!

I got the money from you Mum and Dad so thank you for that. Grandma, thanks for my 20quid as well. And if you can pass on thanks to John for the money that would be great!! I got a birthday and Christmas card from Richard and co. too with a 20 note in so ill have to exchange that before i can spend it.

Have just uploaded a few more photos.
Will speak to you on the 25th. Up the brewers. Merry Christmas. xxx

"I'm not sorry, I did what i did because Buzz humiliated me. And you know what, if I had my own money id go on my own vacation, alone, and i have the most fun in my entire life!"

Rockin' around the Christmas tree...

2008-12-19T15:13:00.001+11:00

No more work for 3 weeks after I finish at 5 (2 hours to go). We are in the process of sorting out our Wwoofing. We have 1 family who said we can go in January. They're happy for us to stay for the 3 months but we have to go for 2 weeks to see if we like them (and they like us) while its pretty quiet work wise, and then leave for 2 weeks, and then go back to work when it gets busy. We are in the process of finalising it with them and trying to find somewhere else to go for the 2 weeks so hopefully we will have that sorted out ASAP…watch this space…

Brought some new headphones yesterday (out of Bday money) so hopefully they'll last, as I have got through about 5 pairs like no ones business. I am going shopping at the weekend to spend some more and bulk up my wardrobe. I'm going to have double the luggage when we leave here..ill have to choose whether to leave it behind, give it away, sell it, or send it home (answers on a postcard!)

Gonna use my Christmas money for a ticket for the Kooks who are playing here in Jan. Its sold out so will have to tout a ticket which will bump up the price, but the gig is just before we leave so it'll be a nice send off. Out tonight to celebrate unemployment and then much of the same in the run up to Christmas. Have a friend from Brisbane here for a few days so she will be taken under the number 10 wing and will be joining in the shenanigans. More sun planned for the weekend so a trip to the beach would go down well as I haven't been for a few weeks. Sunday is Arsenal v Liverpool. Nowhere will be open so ill try and stream it over the inet, or if all else fails 'watch it' on bbc.co.uk/sport, or, maybe the re-run in the pub on Monday (with a beer or two) seeing as I wont be in the office! Have used our fast internet to good use this month and have Home Alone 1 and 2 downloaded and ready to watch Christmas day! Speaking of home alone….

"Get out of here you nosey little pervert or I'm gonna slap you silly!…"

x

Mistletoe and Wine.

2008-12-18T12:04:00.001+11:00

Every story has a happy ending so it was only a matter of time before my parcel turned up! It arrived yesterday. It was stopped at quarantine on the way in for inspection. They left a leaflet in there saying there were possible suspect items but after inspection everything is OK and nothing has been removed. The birthday banners were too late but the pin the tail on the donkey will be making an appearance Christmas morning along with pass the parcel. We are working hard at the paper chains and they will be taking over the flat in due course (photos will follow). Grandma, I will be using your wallet when I go out in the evenings... the one I have at the minute has all my cards and everything in and is a pain to take out, so yours will be great for taking out my bank card and beer money and keeping them safe. My cowboy/farmer shirt will be donned to woo the ladies, (along with my jolly roger tatts!) and the mints will come into play to take away the morning after dog breath. The Liverpool shirt will be proudly on my back on my runs (tho I haven't been that much lately!) and if we grace any 5 a side pitches in the future. Here's hoping it turns out to be the championship (Prem and Champs league) winning strip.

Not all thing at work are bad…I have received 2 bottles of wine from 2 of the company brands we distribute. One a vintage '97 sparkling shiraz, and the other a 2007 project Petaluma Chardonnay…we will be sharing our sophisticated thoughts of them over our Christmas dinner! It will be a lot better than the goon we're used to! We have also done the rounds at Dan Murphys, a big chain of liquor stores that are cheap as, and have 3 large bottles of Jim Beam to plough through in the coming weeks.
We are planning a 'traditional' Christmas day….as traditional as a BBQ and a trip to the beach is, and then a proper traditional boxing day roast dinner. Christmas eve there is a harbour cruise that were thinking of doing in the evening before we go out…it maybe sounds posh, but it is aimed at backpackers and its free drink, so defo more of a booze cruise edge to it than a toffs get together.

The Adam Green gig we went to was top draw. I only knew a handful of songs but his live performance converted me and I am now a fully fledged fan…not from a fashion perspective tho, he was wearing silver pumps, purple tight jeans and just a pink leather jacket on top. He was definately on some substance or other too as he only blinked about 3 times the whole night!

The weather has been beautiful the last week or so so long may it continue.
Till next time. Ryan 'the tank' Skivington. x

"That was the sound of a tool chest...falling down the stairs!"

Turn Up The Sun

2008-12-16T12:31:00.002+11:00

I received Janes post yesterday but still nothing from home??? Fingers crossed its just delayed and not lost. Thanks for the birthday cards (I love those funny cards too!), the christmas cards and the kind words from you all. And Teresa, I hadnt opened your presents when I last posted. I have now, and thankyou... the book will come in handy in the next few weeks, and the postcards tickled me aswell!
I tried to access my online tracking for the parcel I sent home but it wasn't working so ill try that again soon…I hope that makes it home before the big day!...I hope it makes it home.
I have uploded some more photo's (a few from football, my birthday and days out in the city) and I will be capturing the sunny festive season in the coming weeks to share with you all.
Tonight Im going to a gig (Adam Green) with Sinny, no plans afterwards so we shall see where the night takes us, if anywhere.

3 and a half days of work left (Im there now...getting paid to write this!)…they think Im here till 31st but no chance (none of us are working over xmas so I don’t wanna be the only one, plus, I don’t need to be working money wise, and Id much rather be spending my 1st christmas away enjoying the sun and drinking gin, than sat in an office keying wine orders).
We've had no rain for 4 days, things are looking up! And my choco birthday cake was delish. x

"Oh, did you see what Grandma sent you?
Let me guess. Donald Duck slippers? "

Jingle Bell Rock

2008-12-14T19:03:00.004+11:00

Found a new hobby to keep us occupied this weekend...crabbing. Went to double bay yesterday and today which is a bay near to us where there are loads of sailing boats and ample opportunity to drop a line! I use the term crabbing very loosely...we had fishing wire and hooks, a stick as a rod, bacon as bait, and a bag of sand as a weight! And there were no crabs (and the fish kept eating the bacon). There was a big squid/octopus thing that we kept attracting with the rashers but when we got it on the line it was too strong and so broke our line as we tried to reel it in. We persevered but couldnt get it to the surface. Entertining all the same.

Last night it was one of Sinnys mates leaving partys (hes been here since April and is heading back to the UK on Monday) It was at his rugby club so we went there for a few beers then went out into the city. He said he'd been getting stick for having long hair and stubble, so Im sure they had a shock when we rolled up!

Today I left my phone on the train, but the very kind honest owner rang Amey and I am going to get it tomorrow on my way to work. The guy works in the police department so his PC honestly did wanders as Im sure 99% of people would have kept it.

5 more days in the office. Fingers crossed my parcel will arrive tomorrow.

"Geez! Don't flash these babies around here. There could be girls on this floor!"

XXIV

2008-12-12T11:04:00.004+11:00

My first act as a 24 year old is this post (if you discount a few drinks last night, a pizza, a bus home and a phone call ths morning) I have so far recieved only Teresa's parcel so hopefully more will show up later today. Thankyou for the messages and again for the money (I spent some last night so my hangover this morining is partly down to you lot!). The trip to the blue mountains has been posponed till next week and instead we have a more somber, less alcohol fueled weekend planned.. the calm before the christmas storm!

Amey decorated the flat with baloons and banners last night and got me a cake which was nice. Will be eating that tonight. Our tree is looking good too....I will upload a few photos when we get our fast internet connection back next week.

Today Im off work so that alone is a good day. Not much planned, and the sky is grey so that puts a trip to the beach out the window. Thanks again. x

"2 scoops?...make it 3, Im not drivin"

let's have a ball and biscuit sugar

2008-12-08T16:54:00.009+11:00

A busy weekend this week.

Saturday morning I took a trip to Bondi Junction for a spot of christmas shopping and to purchase a christmas tree and some decorations. Spent $25 in total on a tree (1.5metres) some deco's and a big plastic santa thing so all in all a good purchase! (Will take and upload some photo's when i get chance). Saturday afternoon we played football. Got to the semi's, after finishing 2nd in the group, where we lost 3-0. Our achilies heel as it always is was out poor goals ratio…we scored 3 goals in 4 games, and we conceded 5! It was nice to play again tho, but 4 15 minute games took its toll and we were all aching yesterday, and even today! It runs every week so we may try our luck again in the future. Amey came along for support and took a few photo's so again, Ill upload them when I have a spare 5 minutes. In the evening we had a BBQ (no kangaroo this time) down by the beach…there are free BBQs down there so we took advantage of those and had a feast for tea.
Sunday was laundry in the morning then a walk round bondi market. The sun was out so we were plannning a trip to the beach but on the way the clouds came out so we ditched that plan and me and sinny went to the pub instead to watch the football. Stayed out till the early evening and did the rounds to all the pubs in bondi (there are only 5 or 6) eating nacho's and monkey nuts along the way!

4 day week at work so it should go fast, and only 9 more days in total.

"I'm going to give you to the count of three to get your lousy, lyin', low down four flushing cunkis OUT MY DOOR! "

Birthday Blues

2008-12-06T10:55:00.005+11:00

Back on the running regime, tho no 10ks yet, just 4k and a gradual increase back up to 10 over the next few weeks. We have incorporated regular kick abouts into the fitness program aswell down at the local park.

Thankyou all for the $$$ you passed on to my dad for birthday and christmas. He has put it into my account. I will use it to pay for my birthday weekend which will no doubt include a beer or two which will be on you so 'cheers!'

Planning a birthday trip to the blue mountains, a National Park North of Sydney. Theres loads of day trips and stuff to do so it should be a cultured experience. There's a town where the hostel is too so there'll be ample opportunity to get drunk as is the Birthday requirement! Check it out!....

"Don't give me that. You been smoochin' with everybody! Snuffy, Al, Leo, Little Moe with the gimpy leg, Cheeks, Bony Bob, Cliff... I could go on forever, baby! "

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

2008-12-04T12:12:00.001+11:00

It's busier at work than it was pre-Queensland which is good cause it means time goes faster. It's still not over busy which is nice, just busy enough so that Im not clock watching for most of the day like I was before!We have looked high and low for advent calenders but it seems the Ausies arent fans of a chocolate for breakfast everyday of the month so we have had to go without. This weekend we are going to find some cheapo christmas decorations to transform number 10 into a grotto of our own! Saturday we are playing in a 5 a side tournament at the Uni. We have drafted in one of Sinnys mates who is here, and one of Ameys work mates who we used to play with. It's $30 each to enter and you're guarenteed 3 games. The winners take home $500 so it could be a profitable and enjoyable day. Seeing as winning isn't everything, $30 for 3 games is good anyway so will be fun all the same, though the pride and the cash from a victory would make it al the sweeter!

News of the snow and sub zero temperatures in Burton filtered through to Bondi…in stark contrast, it was 33 here yesterday.

"Hello. This is Peter McCallister, THE FATHER, and I'd like a hotel room please...(yes)...with an extra large bed, a t.v., and one of those little refridgerators you have to open with a key...(yes sir, you'll need a major credit card upon check-in)...credit card?? YOU GOT IT!"

Festivities

2008-11-30T21:28:00.005+11:00

Had a pro-active weekend....Friday was a chilled out one due to the bad head from Thursdays events. Had a few errands to run Saturday so did them in the morning, then chilled out in the arvo. Had a friend we met in cairns in town so we went out in the city and met her. Pre-town goon at #10 was the customary...a new one 'White Shiraz' was on the menu, and it wasn't nice! met up with our friend and partied till the small hours.

Sunday we gave a quick tour of Bondi to our guest then went into the city to Darling harbour where there was a Christmas parade and stalls and stuff...it's wierd cause it's all Christmassy and it's boiling hot. Got some lunch at a very posh but cheap ($10) restaurant and then came home via Chinatown. Had a snooze this evening then off to watch the football at half 12, Man City v Man Utd so a big game! Come on City!

1st of December tomorrow which is crazy...the year has flown by.

peace.x

ruby rabbit

2008-11-28T10:55:00.003+11:00

Thankfully the weeks has come and gone in a flash...I was very busy Monday, but the rest of the week hasn't been atall...if there are no faxes I have nothing to do, and Tues onwards they were minimal so I spent alot of my time bored and surfing the net, and getting paid for it!

Had a cracker night out last night. Started with a new night at a bar in the city, actually started with drinking games at number 10, followed by a late one in a scruffy yet homely backpacker bar which was home to many a fine tune, much to mine and Sinnys delight. Felt the brunt of it this a.m though and am fighting through the day at work.
I didnt hide the lack of sleep and hazy head very well as the first thing my supervisor/boss said to me was 'have you been on the gas?!' brilliant.

prost. x

the office

2008-11-25T10:10:00.000+11:00

Back at work so not a lot to sing and dance, or write about.

The Aussie Idol final was wet and rainy, but entertaining all the same. The favourite, Wes Carr, took the crown. If you click here) and go to the gallery you can see us on a few shots (we're the ones with hoods up and looking cold/bored, while everyone else is smiling and having a good time!)

Onto set of headphones number 5, whats going on. My latest pair lasted all of 4 days before the end fell off, and a decent set of earphones is a must for the morning commute. If the week starting back at work couldn’t be any worse Im having to listen to all my songs through my right ear only which is very annoying!.

I told you there wasn't much to write about! Till next time…x

''Tell me why, I don't like Mondays''

2008-11-23T12:44:00.001+11:00

Friday we went to the beach. The waves were the biggest they've been...there've been storms up North so maybe they've had something to do with it. They were 6 footers easily, and the water was freezing, so didnt spend too much time in there! Went out Friday night with a few friend we met in sydney and a guy we met in the Whitsundays and so Saturday wasn't very productive atall!

As usual the weekend has gone way too fast...nearly time for the return to Botany! Ive spoke to Kylie at the agency and they are expecting me back untill Dec31st. Ill get Christmas day, Boxing day then 27th and 28th (as thats the weekend) off and have to work the rest. Have said thats OK but i think Im just going to leave on the 19th casue I dont wanna be working over xmas...worked all them hours last year to not have to work this year so will opt for the festive season off...'tis the season to be jolly afterall, and being at work couldn't be further away than jolly. I have got my Birthday off so thats not too bad, gona go away somewhere for the weekend I think, maybe Brisbane or Byron. So I have 4 weeks of work ahead, which is bearable, just.

Today we're off into the city to find the Ricky Hatton fight in a pub, then we have to be at the aussie Idol final at 5 so will proberbly hang around the city till then. It doesnt actually start till 7.30 but there were 6000 at last years final so we wanna go early to get front row!!! Hopefully it won't rain as it's all outdoors.

Home Sweet Home

2008-11-20T18:57:00.004+11:00

Settling back into Bondi life...still heaps of laundry to do which i will do tomorrow, but our cupboards and fridge are full again! A chilled out weekend ahead to recover and to mentally prepare for going back to the office on Monday which I am not looking forward to!

Been into town today and registered for Woofing and got the book that has all the farms in...theres loads and loads so we'll have to decide where we're gonna go then draw up a shortlist. Some take groups so we may get one all together, if not we'll go in 2s and then rendevous afterwards. Proberbly head to a place around here or go South as North will be hot and not very comfortable working in the heat. Ive put a link at the top if you want some further reading on the subject...

Have uploaded more photos so check them out. There'll be about 250 in total so keep checking for updates.

The best news of the week is we have tickets for the Aussie Idol final...we've followed it religiously since it started so it was only fair we got tickets for the grand finale. Its on the steps of the Opera house outdoors so should be good. Bondi Wes is still going strong and is the favourite ahead of farmer boy Luke.

2008-11-20T00:58:00.001+11:00

surf photos are up....more to come. xx

oh tequila....

2008-11-19T21:21:00.002+11:00

Hit Sydney hard last night. $85 rounds, lots of Jim Beam and proberbly a bottle of tequila between the 5 of us. Was a good one tho, improved by not having to stand in the hour long queue...we told them we were with Oz Experience so they let us in. winner. Also made a few friends of the German variety, there are loads of them over here its crazy. Had a lazy start to the day, a late lunch (T.Bone Steak, top marks) and then a ferry trip over to Manly which is one of the Northern Beaches. Zee Germans are coming round in a bit for some goon, games and then one last night out with Matty lad before he leaves us tomorrow.
Cheers. xx

"What a night fo a dance, you know I'm a dancing machine"

2008-11-18T20:03:00.008+11:00

Day 13

Up at 5am for the 5.55am bus, arrive at Brisbane at 1.30pm, have a look around, have a snooze, hit the town.

Thats how it should have been. Infact, the 5.55am bus was delayed for 7.5 hours. We were sat around till about 8 till we were told this, so we went and had breakfast and played some cards to kill time (taught the lads how to play shithead). Sat around at 12pm and were told we'd be another 2 hours so we had a bit of goon and then went to the pub that was across the carpark for a few beers. Bus arrived at 1.20, and we got to Brisbane at 7.30pm which binned the snooze and look around plan. Checked in, changed and went out. Found a decent backpacker bar with cheap drinks so stayed in there, and they showed the footy, so beer, wine and Liverpool = a great combo. Was full of backpackers and students, except for a 33 year old teacher (she had gammy teeth) who insisted she wasn't trying to hit on me, but stayed and chatted much to my annoyance as i was trying to watch the Liverpool game...she finally got the hint and left so we left for a few more bars and the rest is history!

Day 14.

Checked out at 10 and took a walk to the city outdoor pool and manmade beach. It was very hot, and we were feeling shakey so we opted for a full english in a cafe and a lie on the grass before the Oz expereince picked us up for our trip to byron bay. It was only a shot drive so we were there for 5pm. It was raining all the way, and all the time we were in Byron but it was a pretty cool place, like bondi but more spread out and more places to go. Defo pay a visit there in the near future. We were hungry so went into town and stumbled upon a bar that turned out to be a hit. there was a local band playin 'juke baltimore and the swamp dogs' who were dead good...foot stompin bluesie music that was a hit with us and the locals. Had a few beers and a boogie there then went to the only other 2 bars in the town. Our hostel was out of the way so ended the night with a walk home along the beach.

Day 15

Yet another early start, 7am, to catch the bus to Surf camp. Only took 3 hours so a snooze and a few tunes on the iPod and we were there. Had a 3 hour surf lesson as part of our package so spent the afternoon doing that which was alot easier that i though and loads of fun. Had a crash course on land before we got in the water and managed to pick it up really well. I wasn't expecting to but i managed to stand up and ride a few waves which was awesome. The waves were pretty big and it was tiring getting out past the break cause they kep breaking over your head when trying to get out which pushed you back to shore about 10 feet. Defo no Kelly Slater (google him) but practice makes perfect I guess! Gonna go on Bondi on the weekends to show off my skills there! There was a photographer that came with us and got loads of photos which Ill upload as and when. we have over 1000 between us alltogether so Ill sift through them and get them uploaded over the weekend.

Day 16.
One last wake up at 6am for the mammoth drive to Sydney. Had a few movies and my iPod on inbetween naps so went pretty quick. Arrived in Sydney at 4. Got home, ate and surfed the web. Tonight we're heading out to party in familiar surroundings!

Love and Peace.xxx

Wacky Races

2008-11-14T20:14:00.003+11:00

Day 10
Had the briefing for Fraser Island at 6...told us how and where, to drive and general do's and don'ts of the island before getting into our groups of 9 and heading to get the van and do the shopping. We had a Northern mum (Helen) and daughter (Elise, AKA Crash Bandicoot) and 2 german girls with us and the day was spent driving around the island and checking out the lakes and the wildlife. had a BBQ for tea and then set up camp for the night (which was very sand and very uncomfortable.)

Day 11
Started with a bit of a lie in (9am, which defo classes as a lie in on this trip). The drive began out with a drive along the beach which started well and ended nasty. Crash bandicoot was in the driving seat and failed to spot 2 bumps in the sand. We/She hit them with a fair bit of speed and bounced the van and all the contents (and im sure we were airbourne at some point) which meant the esky (big coolbox full of food and drink) opened and fell from the top of the van onto German girls head. She took the full brunt on the back of the neck and started screaming once we'd stopped. Luckily she wasn't bleeding and was OK in the end, and luckily we all had our seatbelts on else we'da joined the food and drink that ended up all over the van. That kinda killed the mood so the four of them decided they wanted to leave and go back to the hostel (they weren't very ray Mears anyway so the crash kida tipped the scales!) We took them to the ferry bay which was out of the way so kinda put us back on schedule. We had loads more room, 5 in a 10 man van, so we had the better end of the deal (the worst end being the esky to the head!). Went for a swim in the lake and the to set up camp and to make tea (spag bol) before bed (again, very sandy, very uncomfortable)

Day 12
Up at 6.30 (who said travelling was easy!) to make up for lost time yesterday. Headed North on the island to a ship wreck but had to go inland as you can only go on the beach at low tide. took a remote 4x4 route which was waterlogged at some points and had trees blocking it at another. Found 2 Dutch guys along the way who crashed their van in the ditch so we picked them up and took them to the main depot place where there were shops and help (their car was too damaged to drive, photo's to come soon!) Took a few photos at the shipwreck then drove down the beach to Lake McKenzie for a swim and a play with the footy and rugby ball. You can't swim in the sea cause there are sharks so we had to hit the lake to cool down! Had a bite for lunch then headed back to the ferry. Got back to mainland at 5 then took the van back and checked into our hostel. Germany and Crash Jnr. and Snr. were waiting there to collect the bond we had had to pay so we made sure they were Ok, which they were which was a happy ending th the Fraser island story. About to have a shower, eat and then sleep. We have to be up at 5 for our bus tomorrow...change to schedule, we're going to Brisbane instead of Rainbow Beach so will be a party in Brisvegas tomorrow pm.

Sorry for spelling errors, am in a rush 'cause Im hungry! xx

team Burton

2008-11-14T19:28:00.002+11:00

Day 8
Left early morning for our trip to Kroombit Cattle station which turned out one of the most action packed stop offs.
Did the usual stop offs for food along the way and had a few fact thrown at us by our driver. Arrived at the cattle station mid afternoon, which is about an hour off the coast so is in bush territory. Had a nice home cooked meal (beef as expected) which went down well then got involved learning how to be ranchers! Learnt how to crack a whip which we all managed to master, then all had a go on the bucking bull. All (except Amey) stayed on for a good while, and Lee won with the longest rodeo of the group. After that we played a few drinking games including bite the box which me Matt and Amey all won.

Day 9
The following morning we were up at 6 for breckie and then for more activities. I didn't but everyone else did clay pigeon shooting, and again Burton cleaned up, hitting 4 out of 6 each. then we did a goat rodeo where we had to catch a goat, flip if on the ground and brand it. Me, Matt and a cockney won with a tome of 60 seconds. After that we all did a goat roundup on horseback, where we rode around and gathered up all the goats and got them in a pen which was really good. My horse buttons was on best behaviour and looked after me! We left mid morning for the drive to Hervey bay and arrived there in the afternoon. Sorted out our accommodation and our 4x4 for Fraser Island then had a box of goon and played ring of fire before heading out for a disapointing night out...no where to go, nobody about.

Sun Sun Sun, here it comes

2008-11-09T22:49:00.002+11:00

Day 5
Checked onto our sailing boat the Frieght Train for our 12.30 departure. Spent the whole day sailing, sat on the deck in the sun, which was pretty boring, but there was some nice scenery to keep it that little bit entertaining. Saw some dolphins too which was pretty cool. Slept in a tiny tiny bed in the hot cabin that night which wasn't very comfortable.....

Day 6
Got up early to do our skuba dive. Went through all the basics and then got in the water to practice, went in groups of 4 so we all went together and Amey came with us cause she's qualified. The actual coral wasn't as nice as fiji...there wasn't much of it, and what there was was brown! The actual diving tho was good and learning that was good fun...was wierd breathing underwater and I had to keep blowing to try and pop my ears cause of the pressure. Headed out to whitehaven after that which is the famous beach here. Anchored up off shore and swam to the beach. The sand is really fine silica so was unusual, it felt like flour to walk on. Had a play in the sea there then swam back to the boat for lunch. Had some goon at night and played a few drinking games then slept on deck which was way cooler than the previous night.

Day 7
6am start with a quick swim in the sea which was very refreshing. Had some rain so stayed in the cabin with the iPod for the 3 hour trip back to Airlie. We're all tired and drained after being in the sun for 2 days ( I have a nice golden tan now) so finding the premiership footy on the TV in our hostel was a treat. Watched the Man U and the Liverpool games in between snoozing, had lunch, then watched Aussie Idol just. Just been for a Domino's for tea now heading back to bed.

Leave tomorrow @ 7 onto Kroombit which is a cattle station in the middle of nowhere....

The Magical Mystery Tour

2008-11-06T20:38:00.004+11:00

Day 1:
Flew upto Cairns and checked into our hostel which was pretty nice. Didn't have a great deal of time so had a quick look 'round the city (nice, quite small, no tall buildings!). Went out that night for the 1st time since Jan and can't really tell you alot about it as alot of it was forgotten in the drunken haze.

Day 2:
Got up early to do our Cape tribulation tour which was very good. 1st stop was at a wildlife sanctuary that had aload of birds, bats, koalas, kangaroos and emus roaming around. Got to feed the kangaroos which was really good..they were just roaming around freely where you walked and they just came up and ate the food out of your hand. Next we stopped at a place called mossman gorge for a swin in the river and then a walk looking at the wildlife and vegetation..alss saw a few big spiders which wasn't that great!! Did a boat trip along the daintree river and saw a croc in the wild chilling out on the bank then the last stop was at a beach in cape tribulation which was also nice, and again home to alot of very big spiders. The resort there was in the rainforest and all the cabins were dotted around it was really nice, gonna head back there at some point to see more of it. That night we planned to go out but ewnded up sleeping all night for about 10 hours so saved on the cash and the bad head!

Day 3.
Left Cairns and got on our bus down to magnetic island. Like the Kiwi Exp. we stopped of at aload of stops for photo's etc. Stopped of at a croc park where we got to hold a baby croc, a few lizards and a snake, which was more fun that scary but still had an element of fear thrown in when the snake started wrapping round my neck. Got the ferry over to magnetic island and spent the afternoon in the pool followed by food then a night in the hostel bar on the Jim Beams and beers.

Day 4 (Today, Thursday).
Up early to get back on our bus to travel to Airlie beach. Again stopped of at a few photo spots and for lunch (a Mrs Macs Meat Pie). Arrived at Airlie beach this afternoon which is 'the gateway to the whitsundays'...named after they were discovered by captain James Cook, 7 weeks after easter sunday, Wit Sunday. There's not actually a beach here but theres a big pool by the front so we spent the afternoon there in the pool, brought a footy to keep us entertained and enjoyed the heat. Its very hot here, in the 30's. Had a BBQ for dinner and got som kangaroo steaks to try which were nice. Just on the net and then heading out tonight (there's a foam party at a bar down the road so thats the plan) Up tomorrow to check in for our 3 day sailing trip around the whitsundays..more sun, swimming and alcofrol! xx

Apologise for any spelling mistakes, am trying to type fast to save internet time! Already taken heaps of photos which I will upload when we get back to Sydney.

TTFN. x

party animals

2008-11-03T00:45:00.002+11:00

Had a very quiet weekend due to the weather not being that great and wanting to save any money we'd spend going out here with the 3 of us for a much better evening when there'd be 5 of us. Took a walk down to the beach today and watched the surfers for abit before i got bored, then had to go buy a few bits for the backpack. Met the 2 burtonians at the airport at half 7. No slow motion run ups, smiles, arms out and a big hug..a manly hello and nod of the head had just as much impact!
no big reunion night out tonight, just a pizza and a beverage and a fairly early night as we fly out to cairns tomorrow so have to be up in the morning...tomorrow night will be a very different story im sure.

will try and keep this updated as much as i can on the trip, and will have my sony cybershot to capture all the thrills and spills which i will share with you, if not along the way, upon our return to sydney.
godbless.xxx

A Heads Up

2008-11-01T09:02:00.005+11:00

East coat be prepared. This sort of calibre is hitting a town near you in the coming weeks. One step ahead of the fashion industry, they are the forefront of what's hot and what's not, men want to be them, women want to be with them. Byron, Gold Coast, Whitsundays, you're not gonna know whats hit. Never before have such trendy and charismatic gentlemen landed on these shores. Ladies, form an orderly queue...

overcast

2008-10-30T16:26:00.006+11:00

Swapping the office for the great Outdoors will be a great relief. Im thinking of swapping it for a bar or something more lively upon our return aswell as this week has dragged on and on (and on and on and on…). Should be able to bag one somewhere as there are plenty of bars around bondi and further afield in the city. It'll be more antisocial hours but I'll be able to do abit of socialising at the same time with a crowd more up my street (i.e. young backpackers) than the current office crowd. It should be pretty lively over the Christmas period and it will be a nice change of scenery from the 4 walls of the office. Gonna see how those plans pan out while we're away before I knock Lion Nathan on the head.

Very quiet today so not a lot of work to do. Surfing the net but most of it is filtered so Im struggling to keep my brain ticking. It's forecast rain for the weekend, which on one hand rules out the beach and much else, but on the other, means we won't be tempted to go out and spend, which means a little extra in the east coast fund. How reliable that is we shall see cause today they forecast 36 degrees (whoof!) and it's cold and dull at the moment (outside and inside!).
Run this evening, Midweek MOTD then a nice lie in in the morning.

Expert textpert choking smokers

2008-10-28T19:34:00.005+11:00

Got the runners back on on Monday evening after a week of not going due to uncharacteristic windy and rainy weather. I did 8k, and did it in 1 minute slower than the last time I went the week previous. Use it or loose it! It was hotter so maybe that had an influence. I can't imagine what my fitness will be like after the 3 week bonanza trip up the coast. Maybe I'll try and go while we're away. Maybe I wont.

If you didn't catch this on Sunday evening I urge you to have a listen, Epic Stuff (but I would say that wouldn't I), especially the tracks with the 50 piece backing choir, and I am the walrus is just colossal. It'll give you goosebumps.

This may also give you goosebumps, or at least bring out a smile in any case.

There'll be none of this in Oz…proberbly for the best!

3 days left @ the office, not that Im counting x

We are top of the league,

2008-10-27T10:25:00.002+11:00

Say we are top of the league!

2 fat ladies*

2008-10-25T13:32:00.010+11:00

Hit the town Friday night for a long overdue sesh. Ameys working away again so had a lads night out on the beers. We must have looked slightly conspicuous sat at the bar cause some guy came and started chattin to us and then brought us a tequila and a jagerbomb. He had highlights and an earring, and his mate was in a pink shirt!!! Ultimate compliment! We had the drinks and then left. Had a quick blast at the beach and in the sea Saturday afternoon, which is becomming the norm of a weekend. Big waves are still fun even at 23. Today was laundry, round 2 at the beach and a haircut followed by Rolling Stones night on Idol as the evenings entertainment. it's Chelsea Liverpool at 12.30am so Im going to try and stay awake to watch that cause it should be a good game.

My new team leader at work asked me to email him my dates Im away. The agency only told him on Friday that Im away. I played the innocent claiming I thought he already knew and that Id told the agency ages ago. It wsn't a problem tho and theres a job for me when I get back. Im gonna keep my options open, may try and get something else cause its pretty boring, but with the effort of looking and finding a new one i may as well stay where i am and stick it out for the 5 weeks or so Ill have left to work. Im going to see what the hours are over xmas and how much time i get off and then decide.

Hopefully this week will go as fast as they usually do and then it'll be time for our jollidays...I havent been this excited since santa rang me up on Christmas Day!!!

chao. x
*my 88th post (in 279 days)

ORGANISATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT*

2008-10-23T23:10:00.003+11:00

*This goes out to all the big cheeses and employees of Lion Nathan.....

We would like to provide you with an update in relation to Customer Service.
To ensure we are adequately resourced to provide great customer service over the peak trading period, we have made some recent additions to the team to ensure a smooth experience for all of our customers.
Nicci Sutfin is now back with the team after her time with the Siebel project. Nicci's professionalism, knowledge and work capacity will be a huge bonus for us as we move into our peak trading period and into the future.
Ray Coan started with us two weeks ago, and has been helping us with some fax entry over the first few weeks. Ray is in the process of being inducted and fully trained and will be on the phones by the end of this week.
Kane Clayton started with us Tuesday this week, he will be in training over the coming weeks to get him familiar with our products, customers and systems and will be on the phones over the peak period.
Ryan Skivington joins us from the Siebel 8 project where he has assisted in test order entry into Siebel 8 over the last couple months. While most of our products are familiar to him, the system is new as well as some abbreviations of product names. Ryan will be helping us over the peak period to key in our incoming faxes. In the new year Ryan will be moving on to continue his working holiday around Australia.
Please join us in welcoming Nicci back and Ray, Kane and Ryan to the team.
Kind regards,

Dayana Linehan, Peter Van Den Hooven and Rachel Coghlan
Customer Service Team Leaders
Fine Wine Partners, Botany

I don't know why they felt the need to include holiday info..like anybody cares what temp boy is doing come 2009?!! x

6 to go

2008-10-22T19:29:00.002+11:00

They say it never rains, it pours. Whoever they are, they're right. It hammered it down all day yesterday and most of today, and it's supposed to be the summer?! Better to rain whilst in the office than at the weekend I suppose, although it's no fun commuting in the rain!
Managing to keep tabs on the footie better than I was able to back home. They show loads of games here on Setanta sports, we download MOTD every week, and we can stream live games on the web. Watched abit of the Liverpool game this morning while i had my toast and managed to catch Athletic's equaliser!
Found last weeks oasis MTV gig online too so downloaded and watched that this week much to my delight.
I moved desks again at work. 3 days, 3 desks! Still in customer services, still boring as. I did get a mention in the organisation announcements email today which i will put on here cause it's quite funny. I'll be staying put at my current desk for the forseable future (i.e. till next Friday!) and counting down the hours whilst Im there.
My tax return is due in a couple of weeks, just in time for our trip through Queensland.
some good news to finish....after trying a system restore, changing the USB port, deleting windows updates, a repair and reinstall of itunes and resetting my ipod I finally fixed it by reinstalling the driver so my laptop now reads it again :)
Love & Peace

Fine Wine Partners

2008-10-21T19:39:00.003+11:00

"Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Libby." I have moved into customer services at work, where I am now keying in wine orders that get faxed through. Dead easy, so easy its very monotonous. Most of the other people are on the phone all the time taking orders so I have "Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Mary" to listen to the same shpeel all day which is very annoying and adds to the mundanity of the day, if that’s a real word. "Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Libby." Not as good as the last work I was doing but I can last till next week Im sure (I hope!). Emailed Kylie at the agency and told of my 3 weeks off and told her when Id be back… I don't know if they'll "Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Peter" want me back here if Im "Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Peter" off for three weeks, or if Id fancy customer services over the busy xmas period. Will keep my options open but I may try and seek out a bar job when we get back to Sydney "Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Libby" to enhance my social interaction and to up my number of friends in Sydney from 3(lee, Amey and Sinny) to 33!

Played football last "Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Lorri" night. We were playing 7th place so fancied our chances. We're in 8th. We're bottom. We lost 5-4, a shocker performance and "Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Peter "a result to justify our Spurs-ésq bottom of the league standing! The glory days of the JJB are long gone!!

Im sure reading that was annoying for all of the 5 minutes it took…imagine that for 8 hours a day, and I have 8 days left of it. Im gonna go insane.
"Thankyou for calling Fine Wine Partners, you're speaking to Libby."

Walk On

2008-10-19T13:01:00.004+11:00

Got up late as usual Saturday. Not a cloud in the sky and the sun shining loud and proud, so I walked the long way round the coast into Bondi. The beach was looking as good as ever! Had a browse around the shops and got my rent then sat and people watched for a while and took this photo.
Opted for a night in with a Chinese instead of a night out and so spent the evening half watching King Kong and Half surfing the net. Found a website where you can stream live football so watched the Liverpool Wigan game at 1am, which I'm glad I did cause it was a belter...and yet again Liverpool scored late on and take the 3 points. Next stop, Stamford Bridge!

Today was another run of the mill day. It was just as sunny as yesterday so took a walk to the beach and around the rocks and then went in the sea for another splash around in the big waves. Aussie Idol is on the cards this evening then back to work tomorrow :(

adios amigos x

Oasis' tour heading down under looks likely:
Do you promise that the wheels won't fall off the tour bus before it gets to Australia?

Noel: "No, not at all. There's too much money involved for the wheels to come off these days. I'll be there regardless, even if I have to come with ukulele and a f**n' bass drum on my back."

:)

Come with us now, on a journey through time and space...

2008-10-17T18:49:00.002+11:00

10 more days of work

They have put back the project till after Christmas now so there should be some more work for me, fingers crossed. The project manager said if they halt the work on this project there should be stuff for me to do elsewhere so I should be able to maintain my employed status for the time being. Still have to tell them about my 3 weeks in November so that may change!! Gonna fire an email to the agency Monday and let them know. Not had a great deal to do this week due to the set back so have dragged my work out as much as possible. Today the system went down for about 2 hours, then when it was working I made about 2 hours work last the day, expertly done by writing this, surfing the net at every opportunity, listening to my iPod and drinking about 10 cups of tea, all whilst constantly looking busy to passers by.
Went for a run Wednesday and Im going again just now. Friday night...out on the lash? Nope, out running….what a rock and roll lifestyle I am living!! (Liam Gallagher does go running tho to be fair). Its always really busy down on the front, even more so now it gets dark later. It keeps you on your toes I guess, and adds abit of agility to the run avoiding all the tourists and all the dogs (animals not humans).

I have put a link at the top to a site with info about the Whitsundays and Fraser island trip that we are doing. If you want a read I warn you, there are some nicely worded paragraphs and a lot of pictures of sunshine, aqua blue water and beautiful beaches..remember envy is 1 of the 7 deadly sins!!!

Packed it. Booked It...

2008-10-13T20:59:00.002+11:00

Sorted the Oz Experience bus Saturday afternoon which was a hit for the excitement but a miss for the bank balance! Got everything sorted and booked so all thats left to do is save save save so that we have enough cash to eat, sleep and party for the duration of the trip.

Sunday I spent a couple of hours extra in bed and a couple of hours at the beach. Went in the sea for the first time since arriving for a play in the waves and a splash about, which was cold but fun all the same! Went to Ausie Idol last night which was good despite us having to stand again. There were some high calibre performances of foo fighters, kings of leon & lenny kravitz' hits to name just a few. No football again tonight so been down to the seafront and got 12k under my belt!

up the brewers.

The (Master) Plan

2008-10-10T10:52:00.003+11:00

Got our itinery for November all sorted and all booked, except for the bus which we're doing this weekend.

We're doing Carins to Sydney so gonna fly up to Cairns then take the Oz Experience bus back down to Sydney. We're banking on meeting some people on the way down who are in Sydney over xmas so that we can have some friends for the festive season. Its the same company we went with in New Zealand so it should be good.

The lads get here Sunday 2nd pm, nice and freh after their whole day sat down airborn. We're flying up to Cairns on the 3rd, have a day there to see the sights and the nightlife, then leave Tuesday on the 2,614km coastal trip back to Sydney.
Stop offs include sailing in the whitsundays (home to the barrier reef), a 4x4 self drive and sailing and camping on fraiser island, Byron Bay and a surf lesson!
We get back to Sydney on the 18th so will have 2 days here before Matt leaves us on the 20th for his mammoth lonely flight home!

Rounded up the money. (thanx lads...my acc. # was in code form!), booked the flight and the boats and just have the bus to book then all is set.

The 4 day week at work has gone fast and another weekend is upon us...much of the same planned for this one (lie in, chill out, save up some cash) aswell as booking the bus, and Ausie Idol Sunday night which is rock week so it should be a barrell of laughs. INXS are the guests this week. Brilliant!

Clocks went forward last weekend so we now get an extra hour of sunshine in the evening, and means I am now 10 hours in the future from UK time.

Anyway, back to work....

"...the models will have children, we'll get a divorce, we'll find some more models, everything must run it's course."

2008-10-06T15:11:00.006+11:00

Typically dull weather this weekend right up untill now (3pm monday) just when its nearly time to go back to work. Had a quiet one as planned so managed to save some money. Had 3 nice lie ins and done little else.
Went into the city today for a browse round the shops. Brought myself some new shorts and was tempted to buy the new oasis album but decided against it. Ive got it downloaded and on my iPod, I just need the physical copy to add to my collection back home...one for the to buy list. Downloading Match of the Day so will be able to see highlights of Liverpool continuing their unbeaten run after Kuyts last minute winner yesterday.
Got some more Ausie idol tickets for Sunday so will be making our 2nd appearance..hopefully we'll get a seat this time round.

4 weeks left of anticipating a great 3 weeks on the East. Getting into a routine here, so it'll be nice to have 3 weeks back on the road again, swimming with stuff, jumping off things and meeting new folk...thumbs up if you're getting excited...

"...Lets make some music, make some money, find some models for wives..."'

2008-10-03T22:08:00.004+10:00

No work afterall. They've delayed the go live yet again as there's too much outstanding work. 3 day weekender is back on and its non stop partying!! I say that sat listening to music in my room about to watch the office, rock and roll lifestyle or what. Decided against a night out to save some cash...a wise yet anti-social decision. Maybe tomorrow night.

No other plans. Maybe hit the beach, tho if it's like it usaualy is where the whole of Sydney piles down here I may give it a miss. Not sure what the weather man has predicted. May get in a run here or there, tho I went tonight and it was hot as so i didnt go very far.

Amey is away on the gold coast 'working' this weekend. All paid for which is a great perk of the job. All I get is free apples and banana's...she's getting a laptop too.

There's a new temp at work so at least I have someone to chat too inbetween ricky G. She was recommending all these places i have to go to in Sydney to me today....A restaurant on the harbour where 'they do a great lobster', a yacht club where you can get a sailing boat out and folow the racing yachts, and a trip down to the wine region where you can do a hot air balloon ride. She also asked if I drink champagne, and recommended a great seafood platter at another restaurant; 'it's $120, but it'd fill two lads, and its great food'. Im not bloody made of money love.
Have a great weekend

"I'm feelin rough, Im feelin raw, I'm in the prime of my life...

2008-10-02T20:27:00.001+10:00

"...It's bank holiday on Monday so 2 long weekends on the bounce for me"

I think I jinxed myself with those words as I may be working both Saturday and Sunday now as there's work to be completed for the project go-live next week. I'll be on atleast time and a half tho and it'll bump my bank ballance back up so I suppose the phrase "every cloud" could be used here. If that is the saying and the correct context?!

Should get Monday off so will have chance for a lie in and a do nothing day then.

Downloaded the new Ricky G podcasts which are hillarious...on about everything from dead owls and slugage to little gay fella's and the pocket tie!! I listen to them at work so I proberbly look like a right special sort sat there laughing to myself.

My bus home smelt like Kebabs today. Fish and sweet Spud mash for tea. Delish.
What dya call a fish with no eyes?..........A fsh!!

Seein' red

2008-09-30T20:33:00.002+10:00

Happy Birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy Birthday to Amy
Happy Birthday to you! x

Played football again with Ameys work mates last night. Had as big an influence as the 1st week we played. Lee got a goal, I got an assist, scored an OG and got a red card. Was a harsh one tho, got a fair yellow for a foul then swore in frustration with myself and so got the red. I think the ref just wanted to look like the guys on TV and be abit dramatic. We've played twice now and it's no where near as competitive or leniant as we're used to at JJB...if our team played here we'd have a red card every week!!

It's bank holiday on Monday so 2 long weekends on the bounce for me. Not much planned besides chilling out to catch up on sleep and money after this weekend. Been into Oz Experience again today and have reversed our trip to go Cairns - Sydney instead of the planned Sydney-Cairns. we'll fly up to Cairns when the lads get here then bus down...we figured it'll be alot busier that route as alot will be heading here for xmas, and will also give us the potential to meet some people and make some friends to hang out with on the beach on Christmas day.

Made some provisional plans for a birthday weekend trip to Byron Bay and I may try and get up to Brisbane at the end of the month for Amanda's birthday...all dependant on having enough dollers and on Lion Nathan complying with my wishes.

step outside the summertime's in bloom

2008-09-28T21:49:00.005+10:00

Partied hard this long-weekend entertaining the guests. Friday took Amanda and co. up to Palm Beach North of sydney. it's where they film home & away and seein as they were all big big fans of the show they were keen to go there to see the sights! Turned out there wasn't much to see there and it took us about 3 hours to get back cause of rush hour traffic but they got a few photos so all was not lost. Friday night we played the customary pre goin out drinking games and as is the usual, drank the night away in the city. Saturday, blurry eyed and hungover we went into the city to see the sights. Sun was shining and all was good. We did a jet boat tour on the harbour which was hillarious. It's a dead fast boat that does quick turns, spins and stops and things like that. We got absolutely drenched. Several times we went full pelt then stopped in an instant which caused a massive wave that hit with great force full in the face and filled the boat. The 1st time he did it was a shocker...I thought we'd sunk there was that much water in the boat, no joke.

Saturday night was planning on being more chilled than the previous night but that plan soon went out the window. Went to watch the Everton - Liverpool game (Im sure Amanda loved that!) and had a few social beers and then somehow ended up having 'just one more' more than once! Found a busy bar on the seafront and so spent the night on the gin, with a few shots thrown in for good measure, catching up on all things old and new and chatting to a few other random people about random things.
Sunday was the hottest we've had so far (beating last weeks and the previous weeks record temperatures)...it's gettin hotter by the week. Started with a nice fry up to tame the hangover, then hit the beach for a spot of sunbathing and snoozing. Again, it was rammed. Saw the girls off in the afternoon then made the mistake of getting the bus into bondi junction to go food shopping. Gettin out of Bondi at the end of the day is a nightmare. There are literally hundreds of people stood waiting for the bus and the road out is chocka. There's only one main route into and out of the beach so it took me about 20 minutes on the bus just to travel the 1k along the seafront. Eventually got there, shopped till I dropped then came home for a feed, to watch ausie Idol and am now mentally preparing for another week of work! Just downloaded this weeks Match of the Day so gonna watch that and doze off.

Put the pix i took over the weekend up, and if you go here you can see video footage of me finishing the bridge run...if u have to search to play the clip my bib # is 12249)

Teresa, great email thanks - ill reply in due course. It's always nice to hear whats goin on back home and to hear everyone is well. And it's nice to know this is being read with interest...I do my best to portray (spelling?!) this experience as best I can for you all...Its funny too, cause if i do see or hear even the smallest thing of interest I make a mental note to include it in my next post!

41.19

2008-09-23T19:15:00.005+10:00

My official time for the 9k was 41.19. Results are here). The website has a load of photo's and info on there too (Ive put the link at the top of the page). There'll be video from the finish line up by the end of the week so check back there to see me crossin the finish line with a bang!

Went to watch Australian idol Sunday night which was good. Train and the bus geting there were well delayed so i had to run about 3k to meet Lee and Amey to make it on time!! We we're last in so stood at the back on the balcony. It was only a small set tho so had a good view of the stage and saw some good performances. Bondi wes didn't let us down. Cindy Lauper was the guest vocalist this week so got to see her performing 'time after time' which is one to tell the grandkids!

Amanda is coming to visit with a few mates this weekend so have a few things planned for that (sydney tower, aquarium, casino, beach, goon). Get here Friday so Ive got the day off work which will be nice (no lie in tho as they land at 8.30am!) I had the luxury of swanning around sydney with a Sweedish blonde by my side a few weeks back and this week i have 3 Brissie girls to show around the city. Tough life!

The joys of illegal downloads too...oasis' new album leaked online so I snapped that up and that has been obsessively accompanying me on my commute to and from work. Duno if you oldies knew this but the title, 'dig out you soul' is a DJ-ing reference from the Northern Soul era...picking out a great track from your vinyl collection, literally diggin out your soul. It's a cracker album too.

And still on the subject, Noel's wise words:
"learning to play guitar shouldnt be a career move, it should be something that fills you with joy. And if you still can't play it after 5 years, stick in on a stand in the corner n it'll look good!"

41.44

2008-09-21T13:07:00.002+10:00

Went into Oz Experience Saturday to sort out out November itinery. We have it all planned out, now we just need to finalise it and then get it booked up. It'll be alot of travellin in a short period of time, and we had to skip a few places, but it'll be dead good, and we can go back and do the bits we miss and the bits we like again in the near future. The weather failed to disapoint again and the sun well and truly had his hat on. Bondi beach was packed.
Sunday was the bridge run. Up at 6am to get there. It advised to get there an hour before, which i did, but which was unnecessary as I was standing around for ages. I took my camera tho so got some photo's from the start. i managed it in 41m 44s which I was pleased with - was aiming for 45mins. It was a little over 9k. The sun was out so it was hot which I was really pleased about too! There was a guy running with his son who was about 10, and at the halfway I heard him say 'if we stick to this pace we should do 42 (minutes)" so I kept them in close proximity as a pace setter! Finished in time to watch the first of the marathon runners finish, missed the man, but the 1st female came home in 2hrs 40 something minutes. Not sue what the official times are or the winning times were but they'll be on the website soon so i'll let you know. There should also be loads of photos too so again, Ill keep u informed. I took a few myself which Ive uploaded (they're in the sydney album).
Lee and amey have gone kayaking with our mate tom so it's a bite to eat then Im taking my iPod and my Magazine to the busy beach! xxx

Idolising

2008-09-18T19:14:00.005+10:00

Been at Botany all week so havent been able to play football with work cause it's too far to go and i wouldnt make it in time. We played with Ameys work mates tho Monday night and managed to have an influence of the game. Lee set me up for a goal and he got a yellow card. we drew 1.1. They play in a league and lost 8.0 in the first game last week so hopefully we can impose some JJB quality to the team and keep on playing! The first real exercise Ive done in a week too and my foot was fine after the game so all is well.

Got my own log in and email at work today so thats a sign I may be there for a while, then I had to go collect my entry pack (race number, timig chip etc.) on the way home. Hope work still want me when I tell them about the time off I need in November?! Incidently its only 6 weeks on Sunday till they arrive, and that wil soon go...Im sure Matt and sinny are counting the days by now.

We've got tickets for the Ausie Idol live show Sunday, they were free via the internet! That should be entertaining (and proberbly full of young screaming girls and/or homosexuals!), it's just started and they're into the last 11. One of the best on there, Wes, is from Bondi so we'll be screaming for him Sunday night!! Other than that and the run the plan is a quiet one this weekend.

Friends is on so off to watch that. Catch u later. x

work work work

2008-09-15T18:45:00.003+10:00

2 more weeks at Lion Nathan, possibly more after I spoke to the projecty manager (Jane) today. She asked me how long Im in Sydney for so i may be there till Jan. Id be happy to do that, providing I can get the 3 weeks off when Matt, Sinny and (proberbly not) wellsy come over....watch this space.

This is the email I had from the agency:

Hi Ryan

Glad to hear. They just adore you there. Make sure you get a reference from Jane before you leave!

I will keep an eye on the dates and let you know if they are changing anything as soon as I know.

Kind regards
Kylie

Mum - I got your parcel today thanks, was too big for the post box tho so I have to collect it from the P.O. x

im talking jibberish, tip of the tongue and i can't deliver it properly

2008-09-14T12:32:00.002+10:00

Went out Friday with some of Lees work mates. Went round their house 1st and played a few games of the drinking variety, then went into the city. Met up with one of our Sweedish friends who we met in WA and partied (like it was 1999) till the early hours by which time I was drinking H2O!

Saturday was a beautiful day, last week was a hot one but saturday topped it. Spent the day with Sweeden as it was her last day down under, which started with a full english to banish those sore heads. Walked around in the sun around to darling harbour and to a big market in the city whist trying to learn some sweedish (aggular = egg yolk is all i remember). Stumbled across the earthdance festival that was going on in one of the local parks. It was a pretty big one (a few thousand people). It was alot of dance music so not really my scene but had a wander round there. Hit a busy irish pub in the pm for some more grub (steak and mash) and to watch the delightful liverpool in their impressive win against Man U. Was txtin Matt at the time, and after Babels goal I got a txt off him, as i was sending him exactly the same message: "Get In!". The bar was full of Liverpol fans so I was in good company.

After food went to meet Rich and Tom who were out for their birthdays. Had a few drinks and a good catch up with them then headed home via the pizza shop!

My foot is getting better, it was sore yesterday after all the walking (proberbly wasn't the best thing for it) The bridge run is next Sunday so hopefully be able to start running again this week.

hop along

2008-09-11T21:32:00.001+10:00

Managed to hurt my foot playin footie on Tuesday after an awkward challenge. Was hurtin quite abit, so after ice and a hobble to and from work Wednesday I went to see the physio. He had a good look at it and it's one of my lateral tendons that's swolen..he said said to keep icing it and rest for a week and Ive gotta go back Monday. Havent been able to run which is abit annoyin but should be OK by next week so will be able to get back into it!! it's not too bad today so it'll be A OK again by the weekend.

Moved offices yesterday and am now working in Botany which is near the airport...it's where the pricing team are, which is what Im working on, so they figured it'd be easier for me to be there. It's less of a commute so thats a bonus aswell. The journey time should be around an hour or so but today my inexperience cost me and it took me about an hour and a half after foolishly getting on the wrong bus, having to get off, and wait 20 minutes for the next one. Amateur mistake that won't happen again!! Its a nice office, right near the airport so can watch the planes take off and land in between work!

TV isnt all that great here so relying on TV shows and movies that I have downloaded...I watched The Bourne Ultimatum last night which was very good, and Pans labarynth a while back, thats a great film. It's in Spanish and so it's subtitled but it's a very good movie with some great visual effects so if you have a chance try and watch it, Im sure you'll enjoy it too. On a less serious note, i have a few mighty boosh to keep me entertained tonight ("imagine a fish finger, but thats as big as a garage!"). The weekend is upon us.

Waterfront mates are having a party Friday and Saturday so it'll be a busy one. Saturday it's Liverpool v Man U too so will have to try and watch that somewhere.

rain rain go away, come again another day

2008-09-08T23:14:00.003+10:00

Friday and Saturday it rained literally all day so it was a wet start to the weekend. Saturday started with the customary lie in which is always welcomed with open arms! Didnt really have much on the agenda besides going to pay our internet bill, which we did, and going to buy what was planned as a few bits and bobs to stock up the cupboards, but which ended in a $60 shop! The rain continued into the night so it was a DVD (layer cake) and a pizza (mexicana) as the evenings entertainment.
Sunday was a lovely day, the hottest we've has since we've been here. Watched last weeks Match of the Day while I ate my rice krispies then took a stroll along the front in the sunshine, then went into the city to wander around the shops and through china town. Replaced my holy duffers with a brand new pair of pumps which were a snip at $20, had a long browse in the music shop, spoke to tom (ex waterfront, not the ex traveler) on the phone then called it a day.
went for a run, in the evening, had dinner then got some some shut eye.

Jane, I got your postcard today (Monday) and have put it up on my wardrobe to remind me what Im missing...was good to hear whats going on and a nice suprise too so thanks for that. Happy Birthday Keith!

liam gallaghers words of wisdom (great quote!):
What do you think of the current music scene?

"There's too much of it - its fast food music. You make one f***ing hit and everyone thinks, "Yeah, they're f***ing great". Its like having a McDonald's - by the time you've finished, you feel guilty because it weren't that f***ing good. I'm like, "Where's the Sunday roast?" I like my records played more than once."

get on your dancin' shoes

2008-09-04T20:14:00.000+10:00

still workin at the brewery. The week goes pretty fast, but then so does the weekend, so swings and roundabouts I guess. Still pretty easy work and still good pay so managing to save abit of cash which is always a good thing. Agency rang me today and im there for another 2 weeks. Spoke to one of the pricing analysts yesterday and she said the project we're on has been delayed and the go live date is now mid october so she said i may even be there till then which will be good for the money situ. Play football every Tuesday with them so will be able to keep playing which is also good.

Not heard from the election lady yet but rang today about a sports camp for the kids holidays and sent my CV across after a positive conversation with the guy on the phone. Also found a few ads on gumtree for footie. One was a guy looking to start up a clinic who was looking for coaches and ideas so waiting to hear from him too.

Been running regular in preparation for the bridge run. Kasabian work wanders for the motivation whilst running, listening to them I could run forever! Kings of Leon are also ace on the eardrums! (They have a new album out soon, go buy it) The weather is getting warmer, even at 8am walkin to work the sun is out. Makes a change from back home. I read today that it's been the dullest August, i think since records, but im not sure, for a long time anyway. Said there was loads less hours of sunshine this year than average. It gets in the 40s here in the summer so it'll be shorts and flip flops to the office!

Uploaded some pix of the flat today so take a peek at our pad!
Tortillas for tea, then off out on the town. Peace & love. x

"if you're happy and you're feeling fine, then you know it's the right time..."

2008-08-31T15:25:00.006+10:00

Went out last night so had an inactive day today! Got some goon (very cheap and nasty wine) played a few drinking games and proceded to drink and be merry throughout the night. Took myself and my headache for a wander into town earlier for abit of fresh air and to get rent (Sunday is rentday!) then back to bed to watch juno (good movie, great soundtrack). A nice sunday dinner this evening then the working week starts again!

Took a few photo's of #6 today but havin trouble uploading them so will try again in the week.

Been gettin a little ricky gervais obsessed downloading all his old radio shows and podcasts...they are hillarious. Here's a little sample for your listening pleasures (if it works). Brilliant.

Boomp3.com