So after a heavy night out in Alice and having no time for a sleep or even a shower,(think this was the 2nd time in about a week where I had to continue to wear the same gear I had from the night before, due to getting in late) Ryan and I collapsed on to the "Groovy Grape" tour bus which would be our transport/home for the next 2 days.
Our tour guide "Pete" started talking, but he wasn't much fun, so I basically nodded off to sleep.
We stopped briefly for some dinner, where everyone worked as a group to make then - Ryan and I just sat on the grass and didn't bother chatting with anyone else... I'm such a happy backpacker sometimes!
When I wasn't sleeping a was reading a book given to me by Steve at M.S.F. entitled "Beyond the black stump", by Andrew Stevenson. It was a great read about a guy traveling around Australia and the Aboriginal people he met. The funny thing was, that on one occasion the route Andrew was taking was the same road I was on as I read it!... Very strange.
"Coober Pedy" is a little mining town, between Alice Springs and Adelaide. It's where over 80% of the Opal produced in the world comes from and was our home for the evening. Due to the incredibly hot temperatures in the summer, around 70% of the population in Coober live in homes created in the side of the mountain - as it's much cooler.
After a shower, we went on a tour inside the mines - but yet again it felt more like a school trip and most of what our tour guide said went in one ear and out the other! - Bad Graham!
That evening, we went for complementary pizza, and I headed to bed just after 8pm. Ryan come a little later, as he had to find something else to eat due to his cheese issues!!..haha...
Thursday 19th June :-
For the 5th day running, it was another early start, this time we were up and on the road just after 5am. Even though Pete kept pulling over for photo opportunities, most of the bus just wanted to get to Adelaide - which continually annoyed Ryan and myself. Finally we arrived in Adelaide around 5pm. Our hostel for the night was "My Place", a few minutes outside of the centre of town.
If I was do visit Alice Springs again, I would definitely fly in and out - the Groovy Grape tour was just to long and should never be done on a hangover, trust me.
That evening, we headed out for tea and then to P J O'Briens, as that was where we were told the other people from the hostel will be at. On arrival, it wasn't very busy and to be honest I was happy for a quite couple of drinks. It's a same that wasn't an option, as it suddenly got very busy and the placed turned in to, what I can only describe as "The White Lion" - that's right, it felt just like the pub in Stockport - Shocking R'n'B music, expensive beers and everyone was about 12 years old... The most surprising part was that Ryan wasn't enjoying it!!... So be headed home.
For the next four nights, we stayed with Robert, Sandra and Robert, their son. These people are family friends of Ryans, who'd emigrated over to Australia from Urmston over 10 years ago.
They were every welcoming people and it was great to stay with them and to have some home comforts for a few days.
During our time with them we went out to their local for a few meals and drinks. Ryan and I also lent Roberts van and drove Victor Harbour, where we visited a little island which had seals on it. Along with Glenelg, which is like a Blackpool style place....
It was great to have some home comforts for a few days and I will always be gretful for how Robert and Sanda let me into their home and it was sad to leave them, but we'd rented a car and the Great Ocean Road was next.....
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Kings Kanyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru....
Been a lifetime since I last updated this, hey...
Well I will try and fill in the gaps of the last number of weeks, as best I can...
Ryan flew out for a 3 week holiday and it was good to see him and for me to get back on the road again and see the sights of Australia, I'd kinda forgotten that's what I was out here doing with the amount of time I spent in Sydney... do you reckon I can now call myself a Sydneysider as well as a Stopfordian?
So, Mr L and I had a few days in Sydney when he first arrived, I did my final days with M.S.F. and went for a few beers with Steve and Andrew - Has Andrew built them speakers yet??
Then a bunch of us went to Madden De Beers in the cross for a final night out - I had so many drinks bought for me, it was great... so thanks all my peeps at H.C.B., you're all skill!... But I would advise against waking up the next morning still fully dressed, very hungover and then having to board a flight!
On the flight, Ryan pointed out one funny thing... the cabin crew showed us how to work out life jackets, great, but we are going to Alice Springs and it's a couple of hours, all of which is across land!!
Once we touched down in Alice we had a quick look about and crashed for the night at Tobbys, our hostel.
The next morning we woke up just before 5:30am to get all sorted out for the bus which was picking us up at 6am.... Well to be honest, Ryan work me up at 12:30am, thinking it was 6:30am and we'd missed the bus - swear that's a reason right there to go traveling alone.
There wasn't much talking on the tour at that hour and Ryan & I sat at the back and he got a few hours sleep in. Then our tour guide, Dom, got us all doing games, chatting and stuff.
On our 1st day well visited The Kings Canyon and took in the spectacular views of the out back from the top of heart attack hill.
Our 1st evening of sleeping in swags was cold - especially as I'd only brought 1 pair of 3/4 length pants and the sleeping bags that brains and I had bought were Summer ones!!...I ended up sleeping in the very bottom of my swag with it fully zipped up.
Another early start, 5am, but it was worth it just to wake in near complete silence and look up at a sky with millions of stars... kinda hippy like, but very cool.
"Kata Tjuta" was our destination for today and as a group we did a 8km walk around the 'Valley of Winds', with Dom informing us as we went.
The valley was a tuff going but the views we're worth it come the top of it.
We also visited the Cultural centre, but it felt a bit like a school trip and it resulted in Ryan, Lorna and I messing about and drawing pictures for the kiddies board... tut tut!!
That evening we headed to Uluru (Ayres Rock - for you westerners!) - did you know that it's actually on it's side and the worlds largest rock is actually twice the side, if not more... Bet Mr Riva's running scared now!!
As a group we sat around and eat our tea while we watched the sunset, which changed the rock and the sky, from a light red colour through to a dark purple. It's a rock, but it is incredible.
At camp we had another night under the stars, but I managed to get my hands on an additional sleeping bag, so a slept much better.
The surprise of the night was when Dom pulled out a Kangaroo tail and most of us helped cook, then eat it... I thought it was like a softer version of Chicken.
Our final morning on the tour and we were given the option of either climbing Uluru or walking round it. Dom just wanted us to be aware of the whole importance of the rock to the "black people", which did make me think twice about climbing it. Basically it's a sacred place for them - and they don't want people to clime it, the government opened it up to tourist. Dom put it across well when he said, if you was asked to take your shoes off to enter a church, you would - so why would you go up the rock, just because you can?... So there I was thinking about it, as it is quite dangers too... So I'm stud at the bottom of Uluru, should I head up it or not??... I choose to walk the base instead... But this was because there was high winds and it was closed... Maybe the gods telling me not too...
That evening, I suggested to Ryan we just in the outdoor hostel pool, so we grabbed Lorna and all headed to the pool. While them two were moaning about who was 1st, I did a graces 'bomb" in and jumped straight back out - they both followed, but it was a quick dip as it was freezing!... The we, as a whole group all headed out into Alice Springs, and Bojangles - A bar where people can order you beers over the Internet and watch you on the CCTV... After here, we tried to get into a Casino, which didn't happen, so we all went back to Dom's house!... Ryan and I made it to bed at 4:30am... our next tour, a two day trip down to Adelaide left at 6am.... We slept most of that journey, mainly because the group was made up of Chinese and neither of us could be fussed dealing with them...
[I will add the next part of the trip in the coming days, sorry free Internet only lasts an hour!]
Well I will try and fill in the gaps of the last number of weeks, as best I can...
Ryan flew out for a 3 week holiday and it was good to see him and for me to get back on the road again and see the sights of Australia, I'd kinda forgotten that's what I was out here doing with the amount of time I spent in Sydney... do you reckon I can now call myself a Sydneysider as well as a Stopfordian?
So, Mr L and I had a few days in Sydney when he first arrived, I did my final days with M.S.F. and went for a few beers with Steve and Andrew - Has Andrew built them speakers yet??
Then a bunch of us went to Madden De Beers in the cross for a final night out - I had so many drinks bought for me, it was great... so thanks all my peeps at H.C.B., you're all skill!... But I would advise against waking up the next morning still fully dressed, very hungover and then having to board a flight!
On the flight, Ryan pointed out one funny thing... the cabin crew showed us how to work out life jackets, great, but we are going to Alice Springs and it's a couple of hours, all of which is across land!!
Once we touched down in Alice we had a quick look about and crashed for the night at Tobbys, our hostel.
The next morning we woke up just before 5:30am to get all sorted out for the bus which was picking us up at 6am.... Well to be honest, Ryan work me up at 12:30am, thinking it was 6:30am and we'd missed the bus - swear that's a reason right there to go traveling alone.
There wasn't much talking on the tour at that hour and Ryan & I sat at the back and he got a few hours sleep in. Then our tour guide, Dom, got us all doing games, chatting and stuff.
On our 1st day well visited The Kings Canyon and took in the spectacular views of the out back from the top of heart attack hill.
Our 1st evening of sleeping in swags was cold - especially as I'd only brought 1 pair of 3/4 length pants and the sleeping bags that brains and I had bought were Summer ones!!...I ended up sleeping in the very bottom of my swag with it fully zipped up.
Another early start, 5am, but it was worth it just to wake in near complete silence and look up at a sky with millions of stars... kinda hippy like, but very cool.
"Kata Tjuta" was our destination for today and as a group we did a 8km walk around the 'Valley of Winds', with Dom informing us as we went.
The valley was a tuff going but the views we're worth it come the top of it.
We also visited the Cultural centre, but it felt a bit like a school trip and it resulted in Ryan, Lorna and I messing about and drawing pictures for the kiddies board... tut tut!!
That evening we headed to Uluru (Ayres Rock - for you westerners!) - did you know that it's actually on it's side and the worlds largest rock is actually twice the side, if not more... Bet Mr Riva's running scared now!!
As a group we sat around and eat our tea while we watched the sunset, which changed the rock and the sky, from a light red colour through to a dark purple. It's a rock, but it is incredible.
At camp we had another night under the stars, but I managed to get my hands on an additional sleeping bag, so a slept much better.
The surprise of the night was when Dom pulled out a Kangaroo tail and most of us helped cook, then eat it... I thought it was like a softer version of Chicken.
Our final morning on the tour and we were given the option of either climbing Uluru or walking round it. Dom just wanted us to be aware of the whole importance of the rock to the "black people", which did make me think twice about climbing it. Basically it's a sacred place for them - and they don't want people to clime it, the government opened it up to tourist. Dom put it across well when he said, if you was asked to take your shoes off to enter a church, you would - so why would you go up the rock, just because you can?... So there I was thinking about it, as it is quite dangers too... So I'm stud at the bottom of Uluru, should I head up it or not??... I choose to walk the base instead... But this was because there was high winds and it was closed... Maybe the gods telling me not too...
That evening, I suggested to Ryan we just in the outdoor hostel pool, so we grabbed Lorna and all headed to the pool. While them two were moaning about who was 1st, I did a graces 'bomb" in and jumped straight back out - they both followed, but it was a quick dip as it was freezing!... The we, as a whole group all headed out into Alice Springs, and Bojangles - A bar where people can order you beers over the Internet and watch you on the CCTV... After here, we tried to get into a Casino, which didn't happen, so we all went back to Dom's house!... Ryan and I made it to bed at 4:30am... our next tour, a two day trip down to Adelaide left at 6am.... We slept most of that journey, mainly because the group was made up of Chinese and neither of us could be fussed dealing with them...
[I will add the next part of the trip in the coming days, sorry free Internet only lasts an hour!]
Sunday, June 22, 2008
In S.A.
Hi girls and Guys,
This is just a super quick post, just to say everything is going well... I am on the road and currently in Adelaide, having flown out to Alice Springs and been living in the outback on a tour to Uluru and Kings Canyon.
Ryan and I hope to travel to Melbourne in the next few days, all being well I will update my blog fully there.
Hope you're all well....Gx
This is just a super quick post, just to say everything is going well... I am on the road and currently in Adelaide, having flown out to Alice Springs and been living in the outback on a tour to Uluru and Kings Canyon.
Ryan and I hope to travel to Melbourne in the next few days, all being well I will update my blog fully there.
Hope you're all well....Gx
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
It's my Birthday...
and I will party if I want too... regardless of the cold and wet Sydney weather!!..
Thatttttsssss Riiiiggggghhhhhhtttttt, I'm a whole 24 year old!!...But I think what's even more mad is that fact i'll be celebrating it in Sydney - think it maybe something I always remember... well maybe from pictures, if I drink a little to much.
Plans for tonight, as I have been working today, is to head out with work for a quick drink as it's Teresa's final day here. Then I will dash back to change before heading down to the Opera Bar on the side of the Opera house, if the weather improves - it's bouncing it down at the minute.
Either way I hope to play out with a few of my mates from the hostel to enjoy the odd couple of beverages.
So, what have I been up to in the past couple of weeks, I hear you ask.....
Well and this is really sad, I have made a couple of Post-It notes to remember what I have been up to.
Thatttttsssss Riiiiggggghhhhhhtttttt, I'm a whole 24 year old!!...But I think what's even more mad is that fact i'll be celebrating it in Sydney - think it maybe something I always remember... well maybe from pictures, if I drink a little to much.
Plans for tonight, as I have been working today, is to head out with work for a quick drink as it's Teresa's final day here. Then I will dash back to change before heading down to the Opera Bar on the side of the Opera house, if the weather improves - it's bouncing it down at the minute.
Either way I hope to play out with a few of my mates from the hostel to enjoy the odd couple of beverages.
So, what have I been up to in the past couple of weeks, I hear you ask.....
Well and this is really sad, I have made a couple of Post-It notes to remember what I have been up to.
- 24th May - A bunch of us from the hostel headed out to Chinese Laundry, a club over at Darling Harbour. I spent most of the night trying to get drunk, but for some reason failing. So didn't really dance but just stayed on the roof terrace talking with a few peeps.
- The next morning - Al, Claire, Hannah and I went over to the Italian market which was on in the CBD. We managed to get a few freebies. It was full of funny looking old Italians, which made me feel like I was in New Jersey with Tony Soprano!!
- 29th was Curry night, where a couple of us went for a Curry up on Oxford road, it was nice, but not as good as the blue nile... I miss that place...
- ROOF PARTY... Finally the roof was reopened on the 30th (Friday) everyone get a few beers down and it was a good laugh - feels good to finally have somewhere else to blast music out and mess about.
- Feeling a little rough, the next "morning" (1pm) we headed out for some breakfast, which lead to all day drinking... can't really complain at that, hey!
- Sunday day, I just crashed and watched a couple of films...
- Monday night I went for a run, maybe my 1st in the last 4 weeks - so it was tough, but needed to be done. Then it was quiz night and this boy genus won it... A trip for 2 to the Blue Mountains!... great.. except, I already have one and I've also been.... So I will see if Ryan wants to go, otherwise I will sell it to someone...
So that's it... my last two weeks, relayed on Post-It notes...
Off for birthday drinks now... hangover tomorrow here I come...
Keep safe and well everyone...Gx
Saturday, May 17, 2008
199...Bro!!!
Hello anyone and everyone...
Well it's been a while, hasn't it.... sorry about that, but I'm here to give you great people an update on my progress or lack of it!...
Still pretending to be a 'Sydneysider', but it's all good, as I WILL be leaving just after my birthday to travel with Mr Lowry - who's coming out on a whistle stop tour with me.
So what has been keeping my amused the last few weeks... well, I've been having a few beers - nothing new there hey!
I have finished working for Goodwin, after doing my bit of scanning for them and went to work for Fuji Xerox over in North Ryde - basically it's over an hours bus ride away and that's the only way of getting there. I was basically ringing up customers around the country asking for meter readings on their photocopiers.... that can go down as the worst job I've had so far, not very enjoyable at all. The best part was I was told it was for at least a week, 2 days in and the work was done and I wasn't needed...
Since then I worked 4 days for Dexus, a property group, basically transferring data from one database to the other. Sounds boring and it was a little, but the people were good and it wasn't to taxing... That was about 2 weeks back, on the Wednesday night, I had meet up with two girls to have a beer down at the Opera Bar - that's right for one night only I was living the life of a flash-packer drinking right on the side of the Opera House with the Harbor Bridge as the background... It was class!!... We moved on to another couple of bars, but then my old friend come back...Mr Migraine, so that ended my night a bit prematurely!
Then I worked on the Thursday 8am-6:30pm - I was completely knacked by the night time.
I awoke on the Friday morning to a call from Susie @ M.S.F. asking if I could work with them again, so I started my 3rd and final stint with them last week... it's nice to work back with them guys, they're all good people and I feel like I've known them for years now... I will be there till I leave Sydney now...
As for the social side of things, it's been another couple of hard weeks, -in that everyone and by that I mean everyone, has left the hostel. It's mean I've had to get chatting with newbies and new-long-term'ers! I think there is something like 3 of us left now... I think the hardest losses were Andrew and Carolyne.
Of the newbies - There was 2 Geordie lads, Charlie and Will who initially come for a week and ended up staying here for over 2 weeks. There was a joke between us that they would never leave the hostel, as they were on a short holiday here it was funny, as they ended up with something like 2 weeks to do the whole of the East coast. We all had a great night at the gaff - where Will ended up getting thrown out for a fight that had nothing to do him... funny!
Oh yeah, I also got invited out by Teresa from M.S.F. for her birthday. Along with a few of her friends and family, we went to the NSW Art Gallery to view the entries for the 2008 Archibald Prize.
Now as you people will know, this was by far most high brow thing i've taken part in since I arrived out here... But it was really enjoyable, the entry I voted for didn't win, but you can't have it all...
Also went to a gig the other week, a band called Yves Klein Blue - I know they're got their 1st album out out here, so see if you guys can find it as they're not bad.
Other things that have been going on include;
I've also started seeing a girl, her names Hannah, she used to live in Mannie, but is from Watford. I'm only around for another couple of weeks - but it's a bit of fun for us both in the mean time. She's a really nice girl, who's always smiling... And that's all I will say on the subject people....
So far this weekend, I've tried to keep it low key... I get down to the market yesterday to buy some veg, then a bunch of us went bowling for one of the girls birthdays. It was a good laugh, Al and I both ended up with 199 from the 2 games, plus we get mistaken for brothers (I'm the good looking one, of course!)..so the title of the blog!
As I said earlier, I will be leaving Sydney when Ryan arrives on the 10th June, hoping to go over to Ayres Rock - so going to get looking into that shortly...
I know I always say it, but I will will try and keep my blog upto date....Sorry Anita!...
Keep well and I will check back in soon...promise!!...
G :0)
Well it's been a while, hasn't it.... sorry about that, but I'm here to give you great people an update on my progress or lack of it!...
Still pretending to be a 'Sydneysider', but it's all good, as I WILL be leaving just after my birthday to travel with Mr Lowry - who's coming out on a whistle stop tour with me.
So what has been keeping my amused the last few weeks... well, I've been having a few beers - nothing new there hey!
I have finished working for Goodwin, after doing my bit of scanning for them and went to work for Fuji Xerox over in North Ryde - basically it's over an hours bus ride away and that's the only way of getting there. I was basically ringing up customers around the country asking for meter readings on their photocopiers.... that can go down as the worst job I've had so far, not very enjoyable at all. The best part was I was told it was for at least a week, 2 days in and the work was done and I wasn't needed...
Since then I worked 4 days for Dexus, a property group, basically transferring data from one database to the other. Sounds boring and it was a little, but the people were good and it wasn't to taxing... That was about 2 weeks back, on the Wednesday night, I had meet up with two girls to have a beer down at the Opera Bar - that's right for one night only I was living the life of a flash-packer drinking right on the side of the Opera House with the Harbor Bridge as the background... It was class!!... We moved on to another couple of bars, but then my old friend come back...Mr Migraine, so that ended my night a bit prematurely!
Then I worked on the Thursday 8am-6:30pm - I was completely knacked by the night time.
I awoke on the Friday morning to a call from Susie @ M.S.F. asking if I could work with them again, so I started my 3rd and final stint with them last week... it's nice to work back with them guys, they're all good people and I feel like I've known them for years now... I will be there till I leave Sydney now...
As for the social side of things, it's been another couple of hard weeks, -in that everyone and by that I mean everyone, has left the hostel. It's mean I've had to get chatting with newbies and new-long-term'ers! I think there is something like 3 of us left now... I think the hardest losses were Andrew and Carolyne.
Of the newbies - There was 2 Geordie lads, Charlie and Will who initially come for a week and ended up staying here for over 2 weeks. There was a joke between us that they would never leave the hostel, as they were on a short holiday here it was funny, as they ended up with something like 2 weeks to do the whole of the East coast. We all had a great night at the gaff - where Will ended up getting thrown out for a fight that had nothing to do him... funny!
Oh yeah, I also got invited out by Teresa from M.S.F. for her birthday. Along with a few of her friends and family, we went to the NSW Art Gallery to view the entries for the 2008 Archibald Prize.
Now as you people will know, this was by far most high brow thing i've taken part in since I arrived out here... But it was really enjoyable, the entry I voted for didn't win, but you can't have it all...
Also went to a gig the other week, a band called Yves Klein Blue - I know they're got their 1st album out out here, so see if you guys can find it as they're not bad.
Other things that have been going on include;
- Playing Cricket on the Domain, some of us were that bad it ended up with us on minus points, as you lost 5 points everytime you got out... I ended up on -3! - JD, you would of been ashamed of me!
- Played Jenga - sounds sensiable enough, till I tell you it was drunked Jenga played on the Domain Car Park across the road from our place!...Each time someone made it fall they had to down a cup of Goon!
- Been for a couple of runs to the Opera House.
I've also started seeing a girl, her names Hannah, she used to live in Mannie, but is from Watford. I'm only around for another couple of weeks - but it's a bit of fun for us both in the mean time. She's a really nice girl, who's always smiling... And that's all I will say on the subject people....
So far this weekend, I've tried to keep it low key... I get down to the market yesterday to buy some veg, then a bunch of us went bowling for one of the girls birthdays. It was a good laugh, Al and I both ended up with 199 from the 2 games, plus we get mistaken for brothers (I'm the good looking one, of course!)..so the title of the blog!
As I said earlier, I will be leaving Sydney when Ryan arrives on the 10th June, hoping to go over to Ayres Rock - so going to get looking into that shortly...
I know I always say it, but I will will try and keep my blog upto date....Sorry Anita!...
Keep well and I will check back in soon...promise!!...
G :0)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thinking outside of the box...
I have been messing about on this website today - Song Meanings - and I just keep looking up all different songs to see what people think they mean.
There are some comments that really make you think about a song in a different way, both good and bad. I now realise that "I am the highway" by Audioslave is about not doing everything for someone - where I used to think it's about just getting away from everything!!
"Seaside" by the Kooks is about testing someone to commit to a relationship and not about going down to the beach - see, madness!!... Some of the John Frusciante stuff is very deep!!
I know you all want to read about me traveling, but this is a lot more fun and I'm traveling with my mind here!..Haha..
Elsewhere, nothing much more to report at the minute, went out for a few beers last night as part of the hostel pub crawl - I think everyone had a good night, I know I did - getting back into chatting with "newbies" again. Other than that, just saving cash and planning my next step - thinking of Ayres Rock around the beginning of June.
Well best get back to scanning and looking up more song meanings....
Cheerfully signing out... GIC
There are some comments that really make you think about a song in a different way, both good and bad. I now realise that "I am the highway" by Audioslave is about not doing everything for someone - where I used to think it's about just getting away from everything!!
"Seaside" by the Kooks is about testing someone to commit to a relationship and not about going down to the beach - see, madness!!... Some of the John Frusciante stuff is very deep!!
I know you all want to read about me traveling, but this is a lot more fun and I'm traveling with my mind here!..Haha..
Elsewhere, nothing much more to report at the minute, went out for a few beers last night as part of the hostel pub crawl - I think everyone had a good night, I know I did - getting back into chatting with "newbies" again. Other than that, just saving cash and planning my next step - thinking of Ayres Rock around the beginning of June.
Well best get back to scanning and looking up more song meanings....
Cheerfully signing out... GIC
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Frustrated and Bored...
And after looking on the Internet, just now during my dinner, at places I still need to visit in Australia, it's making me realise how much I need to get out of Sydney - I have been here for over 5 months now and I still have so much to do.
Ste arrived and left within the last week, he's only here on a 3 week holiday but it was good to see a mate from back home. With me working I only really saw him in the evening on Thursday and Friday, but we went out had a few beers with everyone and it was a laugh. On Saturday we walked to Coogee - this was a massive walk, most people get a half hour bus there! It was nice to take in some sights on the way and stuff. On Saturday evening Nicola, Ste and I went for a quick beer round on Woolloomooloo Bay. The Ste up and left the next morning, but all being well we shall meet up again in two weekends time.
Nicola and Gemma have also left me now, they went on Monday evening. They both have special qualities and have grown to be close friends and I can't wait to see them back in England. With their departure, it's the end of an ere now in some ways, as only I am remaining in HCB from the original group in 315. :(
On Friday I also finished working for M.S.F., and have started a weeks temping for a company called Goodrich, based about 10 minutes outside of Sydney. The people are fine and it's a nice working environment, but the work I've undertaken is rubbish... it's scanning... really really boring!! Also in a bit of a mood today as I have lost my weekly rail pass, more expense. But if they offered me another week I would take it... beggars can't be choosers and all that.
Trying to think what else I have been up to. Over the East weekend we headed out on a mini booze run in the hostel van, which turned into a mini adventure around Sydney, we did the harbour bridge along with some of the other sights. Travelling from one side of the city to the other, even though it was silly it was a great laugh.
I am still having a great time out here, having a laugh with my new little core group of friends - it's sad that some of them are leaving at the moment, either heading home or moving on, but I know a few of us will still keep in touch.
I seem to do a lot of thinking out loud in this blog, and what I am thinking right now is this; see how many more weeks I can get working with Goodrich or anywhere else close by, then head off fruit picking, if only for a few weeks and to get away from Sydney. Then I could travel over to the west coast, working a couple of weeks at a time. I think I want to do it this way as I'm worried I will be in Sydney forever and miss out on so much... Time to put the thinking cap on and sort out a plan of attack...
GIC
Ste arrived and left within the last week, he's only here on a 3 week holiday but it was good to see a mate from back home. With me working I only really saw him in the evening on Thursday and Friday, but we went out had a few beers with everyone and it was a laugh. On Saturday we walked to Coogee - this was a massive walk, most people get a half hour bus there! It was nice to take in some sights on the way and stuff. On Saturday evening Nicola, Ste and I went for a quick beer round on Woolloomooloo Bay. The Ste up and left the next morning, but all being well we shall meet up again in two weekends time.
Nicola and Gemma have also left me now, they went on Monday evening. They both have special qualities and have grown to be close friends and I can't wait to see them back in England. With their departure, it's the end of an ere now in some ways, as only I am remaining in HCB from the original group in 315. :(
On Friday I also finished working for M.S.F., and have started a weeks temping for a company called Goodrich, based about 10 minutes outside of Sydney. The people are fine and it's a nice working environment, but the work I've undertaken is rubbish... it's scanning... really really boring!! Also in a bit of a mood today as I have lost my weekly rail pass, more expense. But if they offered me another week I would take it... beggars can't be choosers and all that.
Trying to think what else I have been up to. Over the East weekend we headed out on a mini booze run in the hostel van, which turned into a mini adventure around Sydney, we did the harbour bridge along with some of the other sights. Travelling from one side of the city to the other, even though it was silly it was a great laugh.
I am still having a great time out here, having a laugh with my new little core group of friends - it's sad that some of them are leaving at the moment, either heading home or moving on, but I know a few of us will still keep in touch.
I seem to do a lot of thinking out loud in this blog, and what I am thinking right now is this; see how many more weeks I can get working with Goodrich or anywhere else close by, then head off fruit picking, if only for a few weeks and to get away from Sydney. Then I could travel over to the west coast, working a couple of weeks at a time. I think I want to do it this way as I'm worried I will be in Sydney forever and miss out on so much... Time to put the thinking cap on and sort out a plan of attack...
GIC
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Happy Easter
Hi people...
Happy Easter....
I hope everyone is well... Nothing much going on this end, been out running this morning as I had a chilled out evening and didn't drink... Just sat around and watched some rugby league games with Kiwi Andy.
Ten of us went to watch a rugby league game on Friday night - Sydney Roosters Vs Brisbane Broncos, which the Broncos won 14 - 20... It was an alright game to watch, think I was comparing it to much to footie and County. Video ref'ing slows the game down no end, but it was good to watch and think we're going to go to another game in a few weeks.... Plus in June the Oz's and the Kiwi's play each other so fancy that if I'm still in Sydney.
Other that than, just been chilling out - only have 3 more days at work now, but feel positive I can find something else soon enough... have to really!.. Ste arrives on Thursday for a few days in Sydney so it's going to great to see him... If anyone else if bored at home, you should pop round!!... Currently in my room it's kitted out with a tv, dvd player and a fridge... flasher packers here!!
Been keeping an eye on County, can't believe we're doing so well - be gutted if we make the playoff finals and I can't be there for it... Oh well...
Well I'm hungry now so heading back for some noodles... It's just a rock 'n' roll lifestyle here on Easter Sunday!!....
Happy Easter....
I hope everyone is well... Nothing much going on this end, been out running this morning as I had a chilled out evening and didn't drink... Just sat around and watched some rugby league games with Kiwi Andy.
Ten of us went to watch a rugby league game on Friday night - Sydney Roosters Vs Brisbane Broncos, which the Broncos won 14 - 20... It was an alright game to watch, think I was comparing it to much to footie and County. Video ref'ing slows the game down no end, but it was good to watch and think we're going to go to another game in a few weeks.... Plus in June the Oz's and the Kiwi's play each other so fancy that if I'm still in Sydney.
Other that than, just been chilling out - only have 3 more days at work now, but feel positive I can find something else soon enough... have to really!.. Ste arrives on Thursday for a few days in Sydney so it's going to great to see him... If anyone else if bored at home, you should pop round!!... Currently in my room it's kitted out with a tv, dvd player and a fridge... flasher packers here!!
Been keeping an eye on County, can't believe we're doing so well - be gutted if we make the playoff finals and I can't be there for it... Oh well...
Well I'm hungry now so heading back for some noodles... It's just a rock 'n' roll lifestyle here on Easter Sunday!!....
Monday, March 17, 2008
""Hello.....
Is it me your looking for""....
Sorry, still being called Lionel!!.. Mind you, I may get my mop cut later today, I can pull my fringe down to the end of my nose now!!...
Uploaded some new pictures... Surf Camp, some random ones off Nicola's camera since arriving back in Sydney, along with Brisbane too!!
Nothing much to report at the moment, just been out running and went for a couple of beers yesterday for paddys day - but was back by 10pm... Still trying to find another job, for when my one runs out next week... Fancy trying my hand at something different to data-entry, so see what I come across... Also, once I find something, think I may get an apartment in Sydney, getting a bit bored of hostel life, even when HCB is the best ever...
Back to job searching , enjoy the pictures...
G :0)
Sorry, still being called Lionel!!.. Mind you, I may get my mop cut later today, I can pull my fringe down to the end of my nose now!!...
Uploaded some new pictures... Surf Camp, some random ones off Nicola's camera since arriving back in Sydney, along with Brisbane too!!
Nothing much to report at the moment, just been out running and went for a couple of beers yesterday for paddys day - but was back by 10pm... Still trying to find another job, for when my one runs out next week... Fancy trying my hand at something different to data-entry, so see what I come across... Also, once I find something, think I may get an apartment in Sydney, getting a bit bored of hostel life, even when HCB is the best ever...
Back to job searching , enjoy the pictures...
G :0)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sydneysider....
I know it's been yet another life time since I wrote...
But in all honestly it's been a bit low key since I come back to Sydney, well after the 1st week at least...
Like I've said I'm currently working, but only 3 days a week - with the exception of this week where I'm working 5days...bloody knackering!
It's really strange at the moment, as everyone I seem to of meet is leaving either for the some place new or to go home. Since I got back Nick & Vicky, Wolf and Riikka have left. And over the next couple of weeks I will be losing everyone else. I understand it comes with traveling, but sometimes it's just hard to think you have to start all over again and meet new people - sometime you just can't be arsed.
Like I said apart from working I haven't been up to a great deal. Had a couple of nights out - think the best was the full moon party at The Gaff - we made tee's before and mine had my new nickname on the back..."LIONEL"... with a the famous words..."Hello, is it me your looking for" written on the front... good hey!!
I've missed a few of the bigger nights out, mainly everyone's leaving do's, just because I need to watch the cents' (doesn't really work that) at the moment - especially with The Ste coming out. But it's maybe does me a good thing... I am currently back running - Andrew, Ben and I went out on Monday for a jog - and I have been off the booze since Sunday and Saturday was a quite affair really. So at the moment both my wallet and liver are on holiday!! Been down to Bondi beach again over the weekend, had a BBQ and mucked about in the sea... kinda getting into just relaxing by the beach now... may even get a few white bits if I keep it up!!!
So with keeping off the beer I've been entertaining myself in other ways - mainly watching DVDs and stuff. I meet a girl, Riikka from Finland, she was in 315 when I got back and I have spent a lot of time with her - or I did until the other evening as she had her flight home too!!... But she fancies coming over to England with some of her mates so think we will meet up again....
It's really the same story with everyone, even with everyone heading off on their own little missions we're all still keeping in touch, with the power of FaceBook, and I'm sure there will be a great reunion at some point. I'm still hoping to send some Gooon home - just in case....
At it currently stands this is my plans for the next few months... Work...Get some cash together and around June either head off to NZ - which is my maid thought or travel the West Coast of Australia, end of the day I want to do both so we'll see... The only way this may change is if some of the gang, head out to Asia at the back end of July then I will go there instead....
I hope everyone is well at home... One or two of you have been in contact, which is great... So please down for get me and I will try and do this blog more often... Sure I write that at the end of each blog...
All is good and I don't regret anything or want to head home anytime soon... G xxxxxxxx ;0)
PS. I will post some new pictures this week too!!!...
But in all honestly it's been a bit low key since I come back to Sydney, well after the 1st week at least...
Like I've said I'm currently working, but only 3 days a week - with the exception of this week where I'm working 5days...bloody knackering!
It's really strange at the moment, as everyone I seem to of meet is leaving either for the some place new or to go home. Since I got back Nick & Vicky, Wolf and Riikka have left. And over the next couple of weeks I will be losing everyone else. I understand it comes with traveling, but sometimes it's just hard to think you have to start all over again and meet new people - sometime you just can't be arsed.
Like I said apart from working I haven't been up to a great deal. Had a couple of nights out - think the best was the full moon party at The Gaff - we made tee's before and mine had my new nickname on the back..."LIONEL"... with a the famous words..."Hello, is it me your looking for" written on the front... good hey!!
I've missed a few of the bigger nights out, mainly everyone's leaving do's, just because I need to watch the cents' (doesn't really work that) at the moment - especially with The Ste coming out. But it's maybe does me a good thing... I am currently back running - Andrew, Ben and I went out on Monday for a jog - and I have been off the booze since Sunday and Saturday was a quite affair really. So at the moment both my wallet and liver are on holiday!! Been down to Bondi beach again over the weekend, had a BBQ and mucked about in the sea... kinda getting into just relaxing by the beach now... may even get a few white bits if I keep it up!!!
So with keeping off the beer I've been entertaining myself in other ways - mainly watching DVDs and stuff. I meet a girl, Riikka from Finland, she was in 315 when I got back and I have spent a lot of time with her - or I did until the other evening as she had her flight home too!!... But she fancies coming over to England with some of her mates so think we will meet up again....
It's really the same story with everyone, even with everyone heading off on their own little missions we're all still keeping in touch, with the power of FaceBook, and I'm sure there will be a great reunion at some point. I'm still hoping to send some Gooon home - just in case....
At it currently stands this is my plans for the next few months... Work...Get some cash together and around June either head off to NZ - which is my maid thought or travel the West Coast of Australia, end of the day I want to do both so we'll see... The only way this may change is if some of the gang, head out to Asia at the back end of July then I will go there instead....
I hope everyone is well at home... One or two of you have been in contact, which is great... So please down for get me and I will try and do this blog more often... Sure I write that at the end of each blog...
All is good and I don't regret anything or want to head home anytime soon... G xxxxxxxx ;0)
PS. I will post some new pictures this week too!!!...
Lionel...
That is officially my new name at the hostel... If only I had a roll neck... I wondering if Andy's mate from Wilmslow will borrow me one!!
Sorry this is super short... I am fine and well, just working and keeping it low key...kinda!!... Will explain all in a real blog this week, once I have time to upload new pictures and stuff...
I hope everyone is well and I will be back with a full report by the end of the week....
G x
Sorry this is super short... I am fine and well, just working and keeping it low key...kinda!!... Will explain all in a real blog this week, once I have time to upload new pictures and stuff...
I hope everyone is well and I will be back with a full report by the end of the week....
G x
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Rough...
Why can't I just stop drinking the Goon and go to bed... Went out yesterday to a club/rave thing with Nick, Vicky, Sol, Gemma, Nic and Hanna..it was a little bit of a messy especially as it begun at 2pm so we were on it well before then!... At the end of the night we went back to the hostel and then got on the Goon till about 6am... Frederick, one of my room mates, shoved M&M's up some sleeping girls nose - was was highly amusing!!...
I guess those of you who have been on Facebook this week know I got jumped the other night and had my mobile and watch taken... I was a little sore the last few days, but i'm more or less back to normal now... I have a new mobile number, which is 0061411393798 - just incase anyone wants to chat...
Not really much going on, only working 3 days a week at present so just chilling out watching tv and movies most other days... I may go to the beach tomorrow, see how I feel in the morning though...
Well that's all really, I'm a bit shot so off to buy some bread then off for a wee nap...
I guess those of you who have been on Facebook this week know I got jumped the other night and had my mobile and watch taken... I was a little sore the last few days, but i'm more or less back to normal now... I have a new mobile number, which is 0061411393798 - just incase anyone wants to chat...
Not really much going on, only working 3 days a week at present so just chilling out watching tv and movies most other days... I may go to the beach tomorrow, see how I feel in the morning though...
Well that's all really, I'm a bit shot so off to buy some bread then off for a wee nap...
Monday, February 11, 2008
Swings and Roundabouts...
...And yet again I take forever to update my blog...
So what have I been up to...Hmmm....
Lets start with Fraser Island... For those of you what don't know Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world... And some some reason they let people like me drive about in a 4x4 on it!
Basically Glenn and I teamed up with 9 other people at our hostel and we went camping on Fraser for 2 nights and 3 days, completely left to our own devices. And it was amazing!!
We were know as team 'E'.. our group was a mix of Dutch, German, Swedish, Aussie and English and we all got on so well, which was a good thing considering we were all together in one jeep most of the time.
As part of the trip we got all our food, so we only have to decide on how much beer to take... In the end we went for something like 3 crates of beer and 5 boxes of goon... Evidently, this was not enough and on the second night we had to buy some more!
We drove about visiting the sights of the island, like the lakes and jumping about in the sea for most of the 1st day. In the evening, some of us built the camp, tents, ect and the others cooked. Then as evening fell we all got chatting and played some drinking games... I evening managed to take some time out to just relax with a beer and lie down and just take in the stars, it was such a beautiful sight...
The next day we visited Champagne pools and Indian Head at the far north of the island, however due to the rough seas we moved onto a little beach rather than stay at the pools with the rocky paths.
I took over the driving for the rest of the afternoon, and it was great fun skidding about on the sand as we drove along listening and singing along to Queen on the MP3 player... Before we set up camp for the final evening we visited a freshwater creek. It was cold but very refreshing.
The evening consisted of more beverages and for me an early night as I fell asleep, mainly from to much beer!! hehe...
On our final day we stoped off at Lake mckenzie for the day - we ended up renaming it Pond Macca - not to sure why, it could of been down to the 3 bags of goon we started drinking at 9am!... Well we couldn't let it go to waste!!
All in all Fraser Island is beautiful and I made some very good friends while on the Island, and have been lucky enough to see some of them since.
I don't know if you guys have been viewing my pictures , but I have also stopped off at Noosa for a trip to Australia Zoo, the home of Steve Irwin. Personally I wasn't much of a fan of Steve's, but after seeing his work at the zoo and what he worked for, it was very emotional to see all the tributes still on show that are dedicated to the crocodile hunter. The zoo itself is very impressive and I managed to feed an elephant and stand right up close with a Koala, which was cool. Pic's here!
Brisbane
Is a really nice and chilled out city - reminded me a little of Manchester. I really liked it there, even if the Hostel we stayed at was very scummy. I was sleeping in a room of 16 people...not a good choice. The Swedish girls, Annelie, Hanna and Lisa come and meet back up with us and we had an eventful evening out on the tiles... Oh and thanks Hazel for the call at some silly hour in the morning...haha... Pictures...
My plan had been to stay in Brisbane and look for work - like I say I was enjoying the city, managing to get a couple of runs in and felt relaxed. But after registering with a couple of agency's, taking all the typing tests under the sun, I just wasn't getting any job offers. This was frustrating as Glenn and I had said our good byes and he was heading back to Sydney.
I was feeling quite low about it all really, I'd tried for over a week to get work but was getting nothing positive, I even looked at fruit picking, but there's none in the south of Queensland due to the bad weather earlier in the month. In all honesty, I even looked into flights home...
Positive news finally arrived, but there was a catch - it was work but in Sydney!.. So after carefully weighing up my options and speaking with my agency contacts, I decided to leave Brisbane and head "Home" to Sydney.... All be it via....
Byron Bay
Now this is the Australia I love... Hot days, beautiful beaches and even more beautiful people on them - of course I walked on the paths as to not cause offense to the better looking people!! ;0)
Again, I meet back up with Glenn and we took our Mojo Surf lessons at Lennox Head, just up the road from Byron itself - Glenn was a day ahead of me, but we still managed to surf together.
Surfing is hard, but it's such a rush when you manage to stand up on the board... I've got some pictures and will upload them within a week, hopefully!... I enjoyed the second day of the course as we just got to head straight out on the surf..dude!!..
Byron is the nicest place I have visited so far, and I will be heading back to there before I head home. Plus I can now say I have visited the most eastern point of Australia!
So that's about it... I arrived in Sydney after a 13 hours coach journey this morning. It sounds harder that it was, even with some Wino, drinking goon all journey and falling asleep on my shoulder - my elbow slipped and hit his face a couple of times!!
I'm back at harbor city, which is cool and I start work tomorrow - which is with MSF again. Only catch is it's only for 3 days a week at present, so will need to look for alternative work. Basically my plan is to save enough cash as possible other the coming weeks. The legend that is Ste arrives out here soon, so I will see him and at some point I will arrange to travel the west coast.
I have picked up and feel happy again after the fun I had in Byron, it's a shame I couldn't of stayed in Brisbane, but end of the day I need the cash to splash on my lavish life style out here... Right, I must go, need to head to Woolworths and buy my 8p noodles for the rest of the week!!
P.S.
It'll be good to know whats going on back at home so please drop me and email guys and girls...
G ;0)
So what have I been up to...Hmmm....
Lets start with Fraser Island... For those of you what don't know Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world... And some some reason they let people like me drive about in a 4x4 on it!
Basically Glenn and I teamed up with 9 other people at our hostel and we went camping on Fraser for 2 nights and 3 days, completely left to our own devices. And it was amazing!!
We were know as team 'E'.. our group was a mix of Dutch, German, Swedish, Aussie and English and we all got on so well, which was a good thing considering we were all together in one jeep most of the time.
As part of the trip we got all our food, so we only have to decide on how much beer to take... In the end we went for something like 3 crates of beer and 5 boxes of goon... Evidently, this was not enough and on the second night we had to buy some more!
We drove about visiting the sights of the island, like the lakes and jumping about in the sea for most of the 1st day. In the evening, some of us built the camp, tents, ect and the others cooked. Then as evening fell we all got chatting and played some drinking games... I evening managed to take some time out to just relax with a beer and lie down and just take in the stars, it was such a beautiful sight...
The next day we visited Champagne pools and Indian Head at the far north of the island, however due to the rough seas we moved onto a little beach rather than stay at the pools with the rocky paths.
I took over the driving for the rest of the afternoon, and it was great fun skidding about on the sand as we drove along listening and singing along to Queen on the MP3 player... Before we set up camp for the final evening we visited a freshwater creek. It was cold but very refreshing.
The evening consisted of more beverages and for me an early night as I fell asleep, mainly from to much beer!! hehe...
On our final day we stoped off at Lake mckenzie for the day - we ended up renaming it Pond Macca - not to sure why, it could of been down to the 3 bags of goon we started drinking at 9am!... Well we couldn't let it go to waste!!
All in all Fraser Island is beautiful and I made some very good friends while on the Island, and have been lucky enough to see some of them since.
I don't know if you guys have been viewing my pictures , but I have also stopped off at Noosa for a trip to Australia Zoo, the home of Steve Irwin. Personally I wasn't much of a fan of Steve's, but after seeing his work at the zoo and what he worked for, it was very emotional to see all the tributes still on show that are dedicated to the crocodile hunter. The zoo itself is very impressive and I managed to feed an elephant and stand right up close with a Koala, which was cool. Pic's here!
Brisbane
Is a really nice and chilled out city - reminded me a little of Manchester. I really liked it there, even if the Hostel we stayed at was very scummy. I was sleeping in a room of 16 people...not a good choice. The Swedish girls, Annelie, Hanna and Lisa come and meet back up with us and we had an eventful evening out on the tiles... Oh and thanks Hazel for the call at some silly hour in the morning...haha... Pictures...
My plan had been to stay in Brisbane and look for work - like I say I was enjoying the city, managing to get a couple of runs in and felt relaxed. But after registering with a couple of agency's, taking all the typing tests under the sun, I just wasn't getting any job offers. This was frustrating as Glenn and I had said our good byes and he was heading back to Sydney.
I was feeling quite low about it all really, I'd tried for over a week to get work but was getting nothing positive, I even looked at fruit picking, but there's none in the south of Queensland due to the bad weather earlier in the month. In all honesty, I even looked into flights home...
Positive news finally arrived, but there was a catch - it was work but in Sydney!.. So after carefully weighing up my options and speaking with my agency contacts, I decided to leave Brisbane and head "Home" to Sydney.... All be it via....
Byron Bay
Now this is the Australia I love... Hot days, beautiful beaches and even more beautiful people on them - of course I walked on the paths as to not cause offense to the better looking people!! ;0)
Again, I meet back up with Glenn and we took our Mojo Surf lessons at Lennox Head, just up the road from Byron itself - Glenn was a day ahead of me, but we still managed to surf together.
Surfing is hard, but it's such a rush when you manage to stand up on the board... I've got some pictures and will upload them within a week, hopefully!... I enjoyed the second day of the course as we just got to head straight out on the surf..dude!!..
Byron is the nicest place I have visited so far, and I will be heading back to there before I head home. Plus I can now say I have visited the most eastern point of Australia!
So that's about it... I arrived in Sydney after a 13 hours coach journey this morning. It sounds harder that it was, even with some Wino, drinking goon all journey and falling asleep on my shoulder - my elbow slipped and hit his face a couple of times!!
I'm back at harbor city, which is cool and I start work tomorrow - which is with MSF again. Only catch is it's only for 3 days a week at present, so will need to look for alternative work. Basically my plan is to save enough cash as possible other the coming weeks. The legend that is Ste arrives out here soon, so I will see him and at some point I will arrange to travel the west coast.
I have picked up and feel happy again after the fun I had in Byron, it's a shame I couldn't of stayed in Brisbane, but end of the day I need the cash to splash on my lavish life style out here... Right, I must go, need to head to Woolworths and buy my 8p noodles for the rest of the week!!
P.S.
It'll be good to know whats going on back at home so please drop me and email guys and girls...
G ;0)
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Pictures are better than words...
Well it is when I can't afford to be doing this blog all the time... the net's so expensive...
So just check out my latest pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/gicocker/ and I will write up the rest next week... maybe...
Fingers crossed I may have a job my Monday... Oh and I will be on my own as Glenn will be gone.. :( ...But I may get an apartment!! :) ... Anyone coming over for a house party???....
G xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
So just check out my latest pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/gicocker/ and I will write up the rest next week... maybe...
Fingers crossed I may have a job my Monday... Oh and I will be on my own as Glenn will be gone.. :( ...But I may get an apartment!! :) ... Anyone coming over for a house party???....
G xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, January 17, 2008
I'm up' North!...And nearly turned into Spag-Bol, Scuba Dived on the Great Barrier Reef and jumped 14,000ft & survived!!!
...All things I would normally do in January...Honest!
Sydney seems like a life time ago, especially after everything I've been up to since I left on the 6th January and flew up' North to Caines.
The flight between Sydney and Caines took 3 hours, which is mad especially when you think back home you could fly to Spain in less time - over here we'd not even left the country! Anyways, the flight was fine, I was a little hungover after an impromptu night at The Gaff. It turned out to be a Grease Themed evening, but all we wanted was the free beer! We being - Glenn, Nick, Ben, Wolf, Rich & Vinal. The standard rules applied, while there was the free hour of drinking we all become bar flies and just necked as much as we could. Once the freebies was up we headed upstairs and started singing and dancing along to Grease songs - it was like a remake of the movie...Honest!!!
Sorry, need to just step back a day - we kinda had two leaving do's the first was on the Friday (4th Jan) night, and we all headed over the Side Bar, which is under Wake Up!, where my Oz adventure started.
This was an amusing evening, we'd headed out as it was Richs last night and Glenn & mine last weekend in Sydney. We were all well on our way before we'd even got there and we all got in, which was a bonus. After a few more beers and shoots a couple of us decided to head over to Scruffys - it would of been rude not too! However Vicky lost her Driving Licence, so back to Side Bar we went, all walking about just looking at the floor, on the dance floor... we must of looked like fools. Once we'd found it we just ended staying in Side Bar, before heading home and passing out...
So Sydney is officially done and dusted for now...
Glenn and I arrived in Caines on the Sunday morning and got a pick up from the airport to our new home, Bohemia Central. On the way, the mad driver kept telling us about everything we could do...In the Rain!!... We know we're doing Queensland in the rainy season, but there was no need to over do this point to us!!
The first evening we ventured over to Rhino Bar for our free grub, thanks to our snazzy Peter Bar wrist bands, up on arrival we purchased a beer ($7 - we're backpackers, very expensive!), and asked about our free meal - which we were told was Spag-Bol. I for one was happy as I seem to be living on Pasta with a Tomato based sauce most of the time. That evening, back at the hostel, we took part in the pub quiz, 3 teams played and we come....3rd, well officially anyways. Unofficially we come 2nd, as one team got half a point for a funny answer!! Mind you the winning team bought everyone who took part a beer, so we're all friends really.
Cape Tribulation
On the Tuesday (8th) we woke just after 6:30am and jumped on our tour bus as we headed to Cape Tribulation and our Resort for the next few nights, The Beach House, located within the Daintree National Park. Our bus driver and guide was Matt - he was a good laugh and kept us all amused, except when he tried changing gear, turning on the road, changing music and talking in the mic, all at the same time - a lot of heart in mouth moments on the windy roads up there.
The first stop on the tour up was a crocodile farm, sorta thing. Basically we sat on a boat while the guide told us we might not see any crocs as it was to wet, so in turn he talked about the plant life around the lake - Joy!!
We were 'lucky' enough to see a 7yr old & a 3yr old croc, oh and a frog - if you zoom in on my pictures, you maybe able to see them...But to be honest, I was more entertained by my free brew and biscuits!!
The next stop was much better as Matt guided round the Daintree Rain Forest, it did feel a little like a geography trip with Mr Reever (Old Skool!!!), but we managed to see some plants that only live in this rain forest in this part of the world!!
Sorry. Will stop being "Geography Boy" now... We rolled up at our resort around 3pm.
We had a look about, once we'd dumped our bags in the B&Q shed that was our home. Basically it contained 5 beds and a bin.... You just can't buy this sort of luxury back home!! I know I shouldn't moan, it's a rain forest and I shouldn't expect 5*. At least I can say I have lived in the middle of a rain forest now.
Glenn decided the excitement of the morning was just to much for him and he went for a nap. I on the other hand decided to go read my book at the bar. After about 10 bites from the flies, I went to get my bug spray, but got chatting with a girl who offered me her spray, her name was Lisa and she's from Leeds.
Basically we moaned and tried to comfort each other with stories and activities to do in a rain forest, especially when it was raining and when you couldn't go in the sea as it's stinger season. We didn't get very far and with it being happy hour at the bar, it was wasn't ever long before the jugs of beer come out!
After a while Glenn and Jenny, a girl from our room who's from Warrington come and joined us and we just sat chatting for the rest of the night.
As you can imagine, you get many bugs in the rain forest and it makes going to the toilets at the top of the hill a mission itself, especially in the dark - I think I set a new life time best running up to the toilets at one point!!
Lisa and Jenny thought it was amusing we had another evening in Cape Trib, as they were leaving in the morning. Cheers Girls.
Come the morning, Glenn and I went on a 9k round trek to a water hole which we could swim in, it was knackering walk and we never found it, but we did find a nice little beach which we kicked about on for a hour or so.
That evening, we bought a couple of jugs and played....Monopoly!! Yeah that's right, in a rain forest, drinking beer and playing monopoly - I was the Hat... Thought I would get the luck of County, but nope I lost...Big time!!
On the day we left we visited a water hole for a swim, but it was lashing it down so no one went in, then we had a couple of beers in Port Douglas. All in all Cape Trib in lovely, but 2 nights in maybe one to many at this time of year.
Back in Caines, more Spag-bol and a Scuba Dive
With us both being poor back packers we ended up back at Rhino Bar for the next 5 nights eating Spag-bol, I really did feel like I was turning into in by our final evening.
Saturday 12th - We went Snorkeling and Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, it was amazing, simple as that. There was only about 12 of us on the boat and everyone got chatting after a while, I got chatting with an Aussie girl and then Ed a lad from Reading. Glenn seemed to of forgotten his sea legs, so I left him along to sleep it off, better than having me in your face all the time, hey!
As we were not qualified Scuba divers we had to dive with a dive master, but that still didn't take anything away from the experience. I managed to see a school of Clown Fish (Nemo's) along with some other random fishes.
I wasn't that fussed about doing the reef, but as soon as I got out there I was all excited and just couldn't wait to jump in. Once we got back from our dive, I was straight back in the water and snorkeling for about another hour - great stuff. I swear I saw some fish which were bigger than me!!...
Once we returned to land, we went back to Rhino Bar for more Spag-Bol - I've had my fill of it for the year already. Then we had a night out in Caines, we went to the Woolshed, I had high hopes for here, but was a little disappointed, especially was it was just pop music all night - who in there right mind, excluding you H ;) , likes dancing to Fergie, S Club 7 & Justin! - And to add to the night I lost my wallet!! Panic set in big style and again I was walking round a bar and dance floor looking at the floor - Glenn managed to find a bouncer and we finally found it, all the stuff still in it...I was one very lucky boy!!
Skydiving - we're not sure who's idea it was but we paid for it and had to do it. We should of jumped on the Monday, however due to bad weather it got canceled. So, being gluttons for punishment, we booked it for the next day and our final day in Caines. Now or never.
We arrived the next morning and within 20 minutes we were in our gear and heading to the aircraft.
Four of us we're jumping in our group and I was second out. On the journey up there I was fine and not to worried about what lay ahead of me. I have to admit, once we got passed the forest below I would of been happy to of jumped at that height. Funnily enough I also had that same feeling when we were entering the clouds, but we were only 7,000ft - half way!!
Above the clouds it looked so peaceful, I managed to take in some of the views out of my little window, something I will always remember.
Then bang, door open and at our height, all 14,000ft of it!!! First person out.... Me shuffling along on my bum to the open door, making the mistake of trying to see how far down they were - all I could see was a dot entering the clouds - oh bugger... A little look to the camera and away we went...Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
What an amazing rush - just total freedom, I can't describe just home good it felt as we hit the clouds. I just cought my breath as they we're so cold, then out the otherside with just the ground below me. It was a relief when the parashute opened - even if I had forgotten about it!!
Floating down to earth it gave me a great chance to take everything in - which was special especially as we landed on the beach - mission beach.
I do have a DVD of the jump, so that'll be fun to share with you guys whenever I get home!!..... Black&Deckerrrrr!!!!
Townville & Magnetic Island
Glenn and I left for Townsville that evening, sleeping for the best part on the bus, arriving at Townsville ferry terminal at midnight. We'd made the decision to just sleep on the benches at the terminal, rather than book in somewhere for 5 hours before getting the 1st ferry to Maggy island. It was a rough nights sleep, but nothing us hardcore backpackers couldn't handle..haha!!
"Base" on Maggy Island was our resort and it over looked the beach - I managed to get some nice sunrise pictures before check in.
Our hut slept 8 and was very crowded -but everyone in there was cool, so it worked out fine.
We rented a beach buggy type car on the first full day and bombed about the island on that - it only takes 25 minutes to cross from one side of the island to the other!! We got chatting with some a few people and I personally enjoyed my time on the island.
Back on Townsville after a few days with Maggy, we decided to stay one more evening before heading south to Airlie Beach. It was a good job really as I got one of my migraine's so spent most of the day in bed. I was lucky it was on a 'nothing day', otherwise I could of missed out on a trip or something.
Airlie Beach - Whitsunday Islands
I have spend the last few days, from Sunday 20th, on a yacht sailing round the Whitsunday Islands and I have to say - it's by far the best thing I have done so far. Sunshine, sailing, crystal clear seas and a good crew. We went snorkeling more times than I can remember, eat well and basically just chilled out on the boat listening to music and getting a bit of a tan - even I managed some colour!!
I'm feeling so chilled and relaxed at the moment, it made me laugh to think that at 8am this morning I was snorkeling on the reef, where as this time last year I was on a train in the cold on my way to work. I know reality will come back and haunt me soon - but it's going to have to do a pretty good job to catch me first!!!
Off out with the girls and guys from our boat this evening, which should be a laugh....
Promise to update the blog more often... it's a pain for me too!!...
Next stop camping on Fraser Island!!!......
Sydney seems like a life time ago, especially after everything I've been up to since I left on the 6th January and flew up' North to Caines.
The flight between Sydney and Caines took 3 hours, which is mad especially when you think back home you could fly to Spain in less time - over here we'd not even left the country! Anyways, the flight was fine, I was a little hungover after an impromptu night at The Gaff. It turned out to be a Grease Themed evening, but all we wanted was the free beer! We being - Glenn, Nick, Ben, Wolf, Rich & Vinal. The standard rules applied, while there was the free hour of drinking we all become bar flies and just necked as much as we could. Once the freebies was up we headed upstairs and started singing and dancing along to Grease songs - it was like a remake of the movie...Honest!!!
Sorry, need to just step back a day - we kinda had two leaving do's the first was on the Friday (4th Jan) night, and we all headed over the Side Bar, which is under Wake Up!, where my Oz adventure started.
This was an amusing evening, we'd headed out as it was Richs last night and Glenn & mine last weekend in Sydney. We were all well on our way before we'd even got there and we all got in, which was a bonus. After a few more beers and shoots a couple of us decided to head over to Scruffys - it would of been rude not too! However Vicky lost her Driving Licence, so back to Side Bar we went, all walking about just looking at the floor, on the dance floor... we must of looked like fools. Once we'd found it we just ended staying in Side Bar, before heading home and passing out...
So Sydney is officially done and dusted for now...
Glenn and I arrived in Caines on the Sunday morning and got a pick up from the airport to our new home, Bohemia Central. On the way, the mad driver kept telling us about everything we could do...In the Rain!!... We know we're doing Queensland in the rainy season, but there was no need to over do this point to us!!
The first evening we ventured over to Rhino Bar for our free grub, thanks to our snazzy Peter Bar wrist bands, up on arrival we purchased a beer ($7 - we're backpackers, very expensive!), and asked about our free meal - which we were told was Spag-Bol. I for one was happy as I seem to be living on Pasta with a Tomato based sauce most of the time. That evening, back at the hostel, we took part in the pub quiz, 3 teams played and we come....3rd, well officially anyways. Unofficially we come 2nd, as one team got half a point for a funny answer!! Mind you the winning team bought everyone who took part a beer, so we're all friends really.
Cape Tribulation
On the Tuesday (8th) we woke just after 6:30am and jumped on our tour bus as we headed to Cape Tribulation and our Resort for the next few nights, The Beach House, located within the Daintree National Park. Our bus driver and guide was Matt - he was a good laugh and kept us all amused, except when he tried changing gear, turning on the road, changing music and talking in the mic, all at the same time - a lot of heart in mouth moments on the windy roads up there.
The first stop on the tour up was a crocodile farm, sorta thing. Basically we sat on a boat while the guide told us we might not see any crocs as it was to wet, so in turn he talked about the plant life around the lake - Joy!!
We were 'lucky' enough to see a 7yr old & a 3yr old croc, oh and a frog - if you zoom in on my pictures, you maybe able to see them...But to be honest, I was more entertained by my free brew and biscuits!!
The next stop was much better as Matt guided round the Daintree Rain Forest, it did feel a little like a geography trip with Mr Reever (Old Skool!!!), but we managed to see some plants that only live in this rain forest in this part of the world!!
Sorry. Will stop being "Geography Boy" now... We rolled up at our resort around 3pm.
We had a look about, once we'd dumped our bags in the B&Q shed that was our home. Basically it contained 5 beds and a bin.... You just can't buy this sort of luxury back home!! I know I shouldn't moan, it's a rain forest and I shouldn't expect 5*. At least I can say I have lived in the middle of a rain forest now.
Glenn decided the excitement of the morning was just to much for him and he went for a nap. I on the other hand decided to go read my book at the bar. After about 10 bites from the flies, I went to get my bug spray, but got chatting with a girl who offered me her spray, her name was Lisa and she's from Leeds.
Basically we moaned and tried to comfort each other with stories and activities to do in a rain forest, especially when it was raining and when you couldn't go in the sea as it's stinger season. We didn't get very far and with it being happy hour at the bar, it was wasn't ever long before the jugs of beer come out!
After a while Glenn and Jenny, a girl from our room who's from Warrington come and joined us and we just sat chatting for the rest of the night.
As you can imagine, you get many bugs in the rain forest and it makes going to the toilets at the top of the hill a mission itself, especially in the dark - I think I set a new life time best running up to the toilets at one point!!
Lisa and Jenny thought it was amusing we had another evening in Cape Trib, as they were leaving in the morning. Cheers Girls.
Come the morning, Glenn and I went on a 9k round trek to a water hole which we could swim in, it was knackering walk and we never found it, but we did find a nice little beach which we kicked about on for a hour or so.
That evening, we bought a couple of jugs and played....Monopoly!! Yeah that's right, in a rain forest, drinking beer and playing monopoly - I was the Hat... Thought I would get the luck of County, but nope I lost...Big time!!
On the day we left we visited a water hole for a swim, but it was lashing it down so no one went in, then we had a couple of beers in Port Douglas. All in all Cape Trib in lovely, but 2 nights in maybe one to many at this time of year.
Back in Caines, more Spag-bol and a Scuba Dive
With us both being poor back packers we ended up back at Rhino Bar for the next 5 nights eating Spag-bol, I really did feel like I was turning into in by our final evening.
Saturday 12th - We went Snorkeling and Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, it was amazing, simple as that. There was only about 12 of us on the boat and everyone got chatting after a while, I got chatting with an Aussie girl and then Ed a lad from Reading. Glenn seemed to of forgotten his sea legs, so I left him along to sleep it off, better than having me in your face all the time, hey!
As we were not qualified Scuba divers we had to dive with a dive master, but that still didn't take anything away from the experience. I managed to see a school of Clown Fish (Nemo's) along with some other random fishes.
I wasn't that fussed about doing the reef, but as soon as I got out there I was all excited and just couldn't wait to jump in. Once we got back from our dive, I was straight back in the water and snorkeling for about another hour - great stuff. I swear I saw some fish which were bigger than me!!...
Once we returned to land, we went back to Rhino Bar for more Spag-Bol - I've had my fill of it for the year already. Then we had a night out in Caines, we went to the Woolshed, I had high hopes for here, but was a little disappointed, especially was it was just pop music all night - who in there right mind, excluding you H ;) , likes dancing to Fergie, S Club 7 & Justin! - And to add to the night I lost my wallet!! Panic set in big style and again I was walking round a bar and dance floor looking at the floor - Glenn managed to find a bouncer and we finally found it, all the stuff still in it...I was one very lucky boy!!
Skydiving - we're not sure who's idea it was but we paid for it and had to do it. We should of jumped on the Monday, however due to bad weather it got canceled. So, being gluttons for punishment, we booked it for the next day and our final day in Caines. Now or never.
We arrived the next morning and within 20 minutes we were in our gear and heading to the aircraft.
Four of us we're jumping in our group and I was second out. On the journey up there I was fine and not to worried about what lay ahead of me. I have to admit, once we got passed the forest below I would of been happy to of jumped at that height. Funnily enough I also had that same feeling when we were entering the clouds, but we were only 7,000ft - half way!!
Above the clouds it looked so peaceful, I managed to take in some of the views out of my little window, something I will always remember.
Then bang, door open and at our height, all 14,000ft of it!!! First person out.... Me shuffling along on my bum to the open door, making the mistake of trying to see how far down they were - all I could see was a dot entering the clouds - oh bugger... A little look to the camera and away we went...Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
What an amazing rush - just total freedom, I can't describe just home good it felt as we hit the clouds. I just cought my breath as they we're so cold, then out the otherside with just the ground below me. It was a relief when the parashute opened - even if I had forgotten about it!!
Floating down to earth it gave me a great chance to take everything in - which was special especially as we landed on the beach - mission beach.
I do have a DVD of the jump, so that'll be fun to share with you guys whenever I get home!!..... Black&Deckerrrrr!!!!
Townville & Magnetic Island
Glenn and I left for Townsville that evening, sleeping for the best part on the bus, arriving at Townsville ferry terminal at midnight. We'd made the decision to just sleep on the benches at the terminal, rather than book in somewhere for 5 hours before getting the 1st ferry to Maggy island. It was a rough nights sleep, but nothing us hardcore backpackers couldn't handle..haha!!
"Base" on Maggy Island was our resort and it over looked the beach - I managed to get some nice sunrise pictures before check in.
Our hut slept 8 and was very crowded -but everyone in there was cool, so it worked out fine.
We rented a beach buggy type car on the first full day and bombed about the island on that - it only takes 25 minutes to cross from one side of the island to the other!! We got chatting with some a few people and I personally enjoyed my time on the island.
Back on Townsville after a few days with Maggy, we decided to stay one more evening before heading south to Airlie Beach. It was a good job really as I got one of my migraine's so spent most of the day in bed. I was lucky it was on a 'nothing day', otherwise I could of missed out on a trip or something.
Airlie Beach - Whitsunday Islands
I have spend the last few days, from Sunday 20th, on a yacht sailing round the Whitsunday Islands and I have to say - it's by far the best thing I have done so far. Sunshine, sailing, crystal clear seas and a good crew. We went snorkeling more times than I can remember, eat well and basically just chilled out on the boat listening to music and getting a bit of a tan - even I managed some colour!!
I'm feeling so chilled and relaxed at the moment, it made me laugh to think that at 8am this morning I was snorkeling on the reef, where as this time last year I was on a train in the cold on my way to work. I know reality will come back and haunt me soon - but it's going to have to do a pretty good job to catch me first!!!
Off out with the girls and guys from our boat this evening, which should be a laugh....
Promise to update the blog more often... it's a pain for me too!!...
Next stop camping on Fraser Island!!!......
Friday, January 4, 2008
New Year, New City...
Well my love affair with Sydney will be over in just a couple more hours, as I will be flying up to Cains...
I think spending New Year down near the botanical gardens and just having a laugh with everyone was maybe the best new year I have ever had. The fire work show was amazing and as I'd decided to only have a couple of beers in the day I managed to remember it all, which I am happy about. The view we had all day, in the sweltering heat, was of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge - then when midnight arrived and the fireworks went off it was just, well, immense.
I managed to capture some of it on my camera, so I will post up the pictures and videos at some point next week.
Last night we all went out for a few beers, think there was something like 10 of us, as it seems the majority of people are leaving Sydney over the next few days, it was a nice way to end it all - plus it's another excuse for a piss up...not that we need much of an excuse!! Mind you, not sure I want to meet up with one of the girls, Louise, as last night she told me I couldn't dance - I was so offended she didn't like the old knee-jive!!
It's sad to be leaving Sydney, especially in the respect that I have made a real good bunch of mates here, but I have to start traveling, and we've said we're going to have a big reunion when we're all back in England, which will be great - but it may feel strange not drinking goon on a roof!!
Friday was my last day working for MSF, it's kinda strange to think I will not be working for at least another 5 weeks. I've been told to get back in contact with them if I come back into Sydney and need some work, which is great to know.
I think that's about it, feeling a little light headed and hungover so trying not to think to much... Oh... I got some good news last night, spoke with the guy that "takes some corners and free kicks" (Ste) and he's thinking of coming out to Oz in March, so that'll be great if he pulls that off... If anyone else fancies coming joining me just let me know :)
Well I'm going to bust-a-groove now and head for a cheeky beer. I will be up in Cains for the next couple of days, then off to Cape Tribulation midweek for a bit of R&R on the beach and in a rain forest. Think it's the Great Barrier Reef after that. To be honest I've become so laid back, I'm glad I'd traveling some of the coast with Glenn, as I just leave him to sort everything. Oh and also with the fone network being even more limited up there I think it's best to contact me via the old electronic mail still...
Look after yourselves and I hope to have a bunch of emails by next week telling me how cold you all are!!!... G
I think spending New Year down near the botanical gardens and just having a laugh with everyone was maybe the best new year I have ever had. The fire work show was amazing and as I'd decided to only have a couple of beers in the day I managed to remember it all, which I am happy about. The view we had all day, in the sweltering heat, was of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge - then when midnight arrived and the fireworks went off it was just, well, immense.
I managed to capture some of it on my camera, so I will post up the pictures and videos at some point next week.
Last night we all went out for a few beers, think there was something like 10 of us, as it seems the majority of people are leaving Sydney over the next few days, it was a nice way to end it all - plus it's another excuse for a piss up...not that we need much of an excuse!! Mind you, not sure I want to meet up with one of the girls, Louise, as last night she told me I couldn't dance - I was so offended she didn't like the old knee-jive!!
It's sad to be leaving Sydney, especially in the respect that I have made a real good bunch of mates here, but I have to start traveling, and we've said we're going to have a big reunion when we're all back in England, which will be great - but it may feel strange not drinking goon on a roof!!
Friday was my last day working for MSF, it's kinda strange to think I will not be working for at least another 5 weeks. I've been told to get back in contact with them if I come back into Sydney and need some work, which is great to know.
I think that's about it, feeling a little light headed and hungover so trying not to think to much... Oh... I got some good news last night, spoke with the guy that "takes some corners and free kicks" (Ste) and he's thinking of coming out to Oz in March, so that'll be great if he pulls that off... If anyone else fancies coming joining me just let me know :)
Well I'm going to bust-a-groove now and head for a cheeky beer. I will be up in Cains for the next couple of days, then off to Cape Tribulation midweek for a bit of R&R on the beach and in a rain forest. Think it's the Great Barrier Reef after that. To be honest I've become so laid back, I'm glad I'd traveling some of the coast with Glenn, as I just leave him to sort everything. Oh and also with the fone network being even more limited up there I think it's best to contact me via the old electronic mail still...
Look after yourselves and I hope to have a bunch of emails by next week telling me how cold you all are!!!... G
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Two Cups and String - But someone cut the string!!
That is how I am summing up the Mobile network out here - I seem be unable to send more than one message to the UK at the moment, and I can't get any back... Just thought everyone should know, so if you sent me a New Year message then thank you.. Off to Cape Tribulation to who knows when I will get a signal again!!!...
Look after yourselves and if you want to get in touch email me!!!....
Bye...Gx
Look after yourselves and if you want to get in touch email me!!!....
Bye...Gx
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