New Years Eve....

OK, I'm in Sydney and tonight is meant to be *the* best NYE in the city, they are celebrating 75 years of something - can't be 75 actual New Years, because even though Australia is a 'young' country, it's not that young and the years have been rolling around for longer than 75 years. I'm guessing it's 75 year since they started the whole celebration around the harbour thing. Can you imagine though, that when it first started, the Opera House wouldn't have been there, having only been completed in 1973?? Weird huh - such an icon.... No charge for that history lesson!

I've got no idea how we're going to find a spot to watch the fireworks. Apparently people start getting their positions at 8am in readiness of the fireworks, but shit, can you imagine the waiting??? OK, it's $4million of fireworks, but still. So will have to wait until later to see how that works out. I could of course pay $350 for some event going on at the Opera house - I guess they let you out to see the fireworks - in fact that would be preferable to waiting from 8am - but I don't see that happening either.....

Yeah, so apart from that, New Years Eve celebrations haven't started yet - even though it's only 10 hours 20 minutes to go......

Flying; the transport mode of the devil

I had the worst nights sleep last night and I think it was triggered not by my late night snack but by the thought of flying to Sydney today. Honestly, I could have only had three hours sleep tops. Now if you've been keeping up since the start of this little number, you'll know that I'm not taken with this flying malarky and have used chemical methods to help fight the fear - i.e. drugs! But I also realise that it's a different matter flying from the UK to Australia as it is flying from Adelaide to Sydney and given the number of flights I've taken in the last two months (this last one is the 6th) I can't be taking the drugs for every little flight. However, I'm not saying that I enjoy flying.

So I get to the airport this morning and I stroll past all the suckers at check-in to drop off my luggage (web check-in woohoo!!) and I'm thinking to myself, hmmm, this is going remarkably well. I get some thai food in the terminal and then moosy on down to the gate to get on the plane. It's all perfect. So we all get on the plane and we're sitting there in our seats like good children waiting for the imminent departure. And we wait. I think we all thought that there was one of those really annoying people making us all wait, you know the one buying all the duty free but no one shows up. Eventually a dude in a fluro vest with the word 'Tech' strolls down the aisle from the back of the plane and at this point you begin to wonder if perhaps the delay isn't a mad shopper. You then also begin to wish the delay *was* a mad shopper.

20 minutes later we are informed that the computer error (I know....) hasn't been fixed yet, but they'll know within 5 minutes whether we're staying or going. Erm, staying?? Que??? Woah there tiger, there's a New Year just around the corner and it's got my name on it.

10 minutes later we were advised to disembark the aircraft while they looked into the problem. They didn't know how long it would take to fix the problem, or even if the problem could be fixed. We all got off the plane.

So we're all at the gate and waiting and listening to the myriad announcements. And slowly putting it all together it becomes clear. The Sydney flight has taken first dibs on the plane intended for Brisbane. If you're going to Brissie you're unlucky. Sydney rocks. We all get on the plane and the people waiting at the new gate for their departure to Brisbane give us all daggers as we board the plane - and fair enough really.

But I don't know if we changed pilot or something for our trip to Sydney, but you would have thought what with the traumas of the plane failure at Adelaide, they wouldn't then allow the second officer (or whatever they call them - knitwear boy will know) to actually 'fly' the plane. What's wrong with autopilot huh?? Christ, it was like being thrown around like a lottery ball in the National Lottery. Turbulence aplenty and a landing on one wheel - really, I don't need that shit.

So now I'm wishing I'd taken one of my flying chill pills but it was all too late.

And OK, I am a whinging old bat, because I am here safely blogging this, so it's not like I was traumatised beyond belief. However, I will be soothing my nerves later with some mango martinis and a little stroll around the bars in Bondi. (And Paris Hilton can sod off.)

Top Gun etc

I'm 'watching' Top Gun. When I say watching, I mean it's on in the background while I'm surfing the net. Consequently, what I'm getting, rather than the story and a very young looking Tom Cruise (probably before he went scientology-nuts) is the soundtrack. And erm, hello? How cheesy?? God that must have flown out of the record stores in 1986..... yep, that's right twenty (count 'em) years ago. And in case you're wondering where I'm getting all this information, it's not that I'm a Top Gun freak, oh no, check out the Internet Movie Database Website. It's totally wicked. Contains loads of facts and trivia of movies and TV shows. Really, have a look, search for your favourite TV show and it'll tell you all the things you never knew.

Arse, here I am watching the telly and I've just remembered I'm actually meant to be packing for my travels to Sydney tomorrow. What a pain. Oooh, I've switched over the idiot box to Kath and Kim, that's more like it. (Packing - whatever!) The funniest thing about being here in Australia is that the people in the shops talk like Kath and Kim, they say, 'Oh yes, that's noice, mmm, unique, noice!' They can't realise they're doing it - surely???

Oooh, hang on, I'm off out to watch the lightning in this storm, so I've got to run.

$4 million and rain

The good news is that apparently they've spent $4 million on fireworks for New Year in Sydney.

The bad news is that it's meant to rain.

Whatever, I still can't wait!

Christmas, ho ho ho!!

Christmas away from home is odd at the best of times. But Christmas in the Aussie country is waaay odd. Those of you who work where I work will know there's a vineyard across the road, so you'll know what rows and rows of vines look like. Now imagine that you're driving past these vines for miles at a time and they stretch as far as the eye can see. Yes, you're in the Barossa. It's amazing.

So I spent the christmas period there with the family of the people I'm staying with in Adelaide. They are italians so we had some wicked italian food as well as the usual christmas turkey. It was all pretty good.

On boxing day (which they have here as well - what was the purpose of boxing day again??) we went to Banrock Station to have a look around their vineyards and wetlands. (You can have a look at their webcam as well, look at the visitor centre and scroll up to see the wetland area - v. pretty.) I also partook in a little wine tasting, after all, it'd be rude not to. But these wetlands are pretty nice, they have set up some reeds and so on for the critters to hide in and there are lots of birds who potentially could use the lake to take up residence. So they have these bird hides where you can look at the birds on the lake, the idea being that you see them but they don't see you. (Although this would work better if the area you looked at the birds wasn't about 3 foot square (ie. fucking enormous). Yeah and they have this other thing going where they've put up a clipboard so you can write down what exciting things you've seen. Anyway, the aussies, being flush in the sense of humour department have filled it in with things like: Items seen: 17 T-Rex or 5 Crocodiles or 1 Pelican - a loner. The only thing true was the pelican not a sign of a croc or a t-rex, and I'm sure I would have noticed one of them. But hey, there you go. This is life in aussie country.

But the Barossa is cool. I don't know if everyone would find it as weird as I do, but to me it's odd to see such famous brands knowing this is their turf, literally. You're walking past the vines which produce the grapes of the wines you drink - Jacob's Creek, Penfolds, Yalumba and many more. It's quite impressive.

I got a couple of pictures on my camera on my phone, but need to load them up - will do that and if they look OK, I'll load them up.

Off to Sydney on Saturday for New Year, which should be good. It could be one of those things that seems a lot better just hearing about it, but then again, seeing the fireworks on the telly always looks amazing and I love fireworks, so maybe it'll be as good as it looks??? Obviously I'll update you later.

Oh yeah, and I got sunburn yesterday so now I look like a total arse with tan lines around my neck and arms where my t-shirt was - honestly - I should have worn suncream, but it was only about 26 degrees, it's so unfair....

Phone number......

If you're reading this, you probably also read about my lost phone debacle in Sydney.

I think I blogged that I got the new phone, but I should have said that I got a new SIM card from Vodafone and they managed to give me back my same phone number plus all the credit that I had before the phone got itself lost. And (shock) all of this was done sans charge.

So I'm back on the wire with the same phone number.

Marvellous.

Random bus routes

I'm no stranger to public transport. I've travelled on trains, trams, the underground and buses all over the world, so I'm used to weird stuff happening..... it's all relative.

While I've been in Adelaide, I've taken the buses in my stride. In terms of reliabilty they're great. In terms of routes and frequency they could improve. But the strangest thing has happened to me on the bus three times in the last couple of days.....

I got on the bus going out of town. It's about a 20 minutes journey, so I got on and opened my book. I'm was pretty engrossed in the book so it wasn't until all hell broke loose at the front of the bus, poeple started shouting and we practically did an emergency stop in the middle of the main road that I realised we'd gone in the wrong direction. The funny thing is, I'm sure it was the same bus driver who'd driven me into town, so it's not like he'd never driven the route before. Mind you, there was no major fuss, he swung the bus around like it was the size of a mini and we were back on our way.

In itself, I would have thought this was just some random occurence, except that yesterday I was on my way to the shopping centre (as you do, it's christmas after all) but this time, I had no idea where we going having never been there before. So we could have been going the wrong way and I wouldn't have a clue, but all of a sudden, some old lady starts shouting; 'Bus driver, we're meant to go the other way!!' The funny thing though this time, wasn't so much that we'd gone in the wrong direction, but that the driver took an age to actually stop and turn around, despite the loud shouting going on from the front. But eventually we were back on course and I was left wondering if maybe the drivers need to have a bit more route training. And it was all compunded on the way home, when all of a sudden (with another different driver) we had to do another emergency stop combined with much horn blowing to the bus driver on the other side of the road. So the bus driver jumps out mumbling something about checking that he was going in the right direction.

Two minutes later (which felt like an eternity given that we were holding up the traffic and parked diagonally up on the kerb) the bus driver scooted back to the bus and we were on our way. Again!

Surely it can't just be me seeing a pattern here?? Maybe I'm just unlucky??!!

Casino Royale

Crappy new blogger just swallowed my whole post and then wouldn't spit it back. How rude???

But back to business we went to the Casino in Adelaide this evening. It was less 'Casino Royale' and more just 'Casino'. It was remarkably busy given that it was a monday night but then again, what with the whole Christmas thing going on, I guess I shouldn't be so surprised.

I'm not exactly a gambler. I'll put a couple of quid in a fruit machine if I'm bored, but that's about all. And even then I'm pretty much pushing the flashing buttons, but at the Casino we played American Roulette. I decided to bet $50. Once it was gone, it was gone. At one point I was $15 up, but then I went down to my last $5 chip. And then I built it all up again. It was actually not too bad. I don't think I would have enjoyed it if I'd lost though. It could have all been over within 5 minutes, but since I managed to keep going it was pretty good fun!

So when I get to Vegas I'll have a small clue as to what's going on. I've still got no idea how to play all the fancy games with cards, but hey ho. I'll not be there until May next year, so there's plenty of time to learn.....

Kylie.... non!

Oh and I didn't go and see Kylie in the end.

Having spent the best part of $800 on a new mobile it seemed frivolous to trek around Australia to see Kylie. Next time though, I'm there. With bells on.

All this flying around though is boosting the flying miles. I think so far this year I've travelled the best part of 70,000 miles. I'm waiting for my gold membership and whatever benefits it might offer. I won't hold my breath though.

And still got a gazillion places left to see...
- Canberra (well, it's the capital, it'd be rude not to.)
- Melbourne (been before, but need more time...)
- Brissie (Brisbane, keep up)
- Alice Springs (obviously)
- Uluru (to climb or not to climb, that is the question...)
- Coober Pedy (of underground hotel fame)
- Darwin
- Perth
- Great Barrier Reef
- Broome
- Gold Coast
- The Whitsundays
and probably loads more I can't think of right now......

Maybe I shouldn't bother with the job, I should just get out there and see the world??? However, brain/mush factor is an issue.....

Back in Adelaide

So I'm back in Adelaide after longer than I'd planned in Sydney. Had a good time though, I am definitely warming to it as a city. I spent a couple of weeks there as a tourist before this trip and thought it was a bit overrated. I mean once you've seen the harbour and the Opera House.... but I think the time I've spent there this trip has begun to change my mind. It is an amazing city. Some of the architecture is stunning. There are a load of touristy things going on, but then again they go on in London, you just need to filter it. And the same is true of Sydney.

So on Thursday I met up with a friend from work, his wife and little boy. We went to the centrepoint in Sydney, which even as a proper bona fide tourist I hadn't been to - not sure why because it was really cool. The restaurant revoles to show you a 360 of the city and you can see loads. It was great. And then we went to the aquarium, which was full of japanese tourists snapping pictures of the stringrays like it was going out of fashion. But the sharks were the scariest. They always look truly mean.

Oooh, and I went to see the new James Bond. Verdict on Daniel Craig: I wouldn't kick him out if I found him in my bed. Great film as well. Quite long and lots going on, but the effects are very good. Lots of action, shoot outs and the odd collapsed building, what more could you ask for??? Just need to see Borat. I think it's one of those films where you need to be in the right frame of mind to see it. The humour I imgaine is going to be fairly stupid funny and when you're not in the right mood, that's just annoying.

Also just started reading that book by Jodi Piccolt which won loads of awards: My sister's keeper. I didn't want to buy it because I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, the blurb didn't sell it to me at all. But the guys in Sydney had it in the bookcase and I needed something to read..... and I have to concede, it's actually a good book - so far. Full report when finished.

Anyways, like I say, I'm back in Adelaide. The weather is much improved on Sydney, so maybe a trip to the beach this week??? I'm getting (scarily) used to this life of leisure, although my brain is turning to mush, so not a good thing. Might do some study if brain cells continue to perish at this alarming rate. I have to read my own blog to remember what I did last week....

Weather's gone cold

I use the word cold comparatively you understand. It was 18 degrees yesterday, I nearly had to put on some long sleeved items of clothing. What's *that* about???

Not been up to a lot here in Sydney, I have to admit. Went shopping yesterday but that was about it. Have been staying with some friends here and they have just bought the biggest f-off plasma screen you've EVER laid your eyes on. So we set that up, and I was under very strict instructions NOT TO DROP IT under penalty of death. Or at least being kicked out on my ear.

Then we set up the surround sound speakers and I tell you what, it's waaaay cool. Like your own mini-cinema. Rockin.

Not much else going on. Seeing someone from work tomorrow for lunch which will be nice. Still waiting to hear back from the interview I had the other week (when I lost my phone....). I fancy seeing the new James Bond film, which has finally been released over here - I'm undecided thus far about Daniel Craig. Might go next week. They have this thing here on Tuesday where you can go to the pictures on the cheap, it's called 'Tight-ass Tuesday'. What more can I say?

Pass me the popcorn!

And I've got a new phone

I think my chilled out mood today might also be enhanced by the fact that I have got myself a new phone *AND* have managed to source my contacts from a backup I had at home, taken on the day before I left the UK, no less.

A backup, can you believe it??? Lordy, you'd think I worked in IT or something.

I can't explain the sheer joy. It could only be equalled if I could cancel my old phone, but do I know the IMEI number. Nope.

Never mind, to be honest, aside from the fact that I've lost my cute Toy Story dudes which used to hang off my phone, I'm feeling much better about the whole thing.

Mmmmm - the beach

It was in the 30's today. Nothing spectaclular given the 40 degrees plus they've got going on in Victoria and South Australia. But it was warm enough to have some fun on the beach. I climbed in the rock pools, avoided the little fishes, legged it when I saw a huge crab looking menacingly at me and generally had a good time.

I got some photos which I think are OK. I'll load a couple up to remind you of the sunshine.

This one is on Mackenzie Bay facing towards Bondi. Bondi is around the corner where you see the rocks in the far distance.

This one is Mackenzie Bay facing towards Tamarama and Bronte beaches. The people you can see in the sea are there from Tamarama. Around the rocks in the distance is Bronte beach.

They have this event every year called Scuplture by the Sea where they do all this arty stuff and place it on the coastline between Bronte and Bondi. It's pretty cool. It was on the last time I was here in Sydney. Click here if you want to know more.

As you can tell, it's a tough life, but I'm doing my best to cope with it.

New phone today - I hope

So, I have decided on a new phone. I went and played hardball with the Vodafone people but they wouldn't budge on the price of the phone I want, which I happen to know is more than $100 overpriced. In the end he admitted defeat and pointed me in the direction of a shop where you can get phones on the cheap. My kinda shop. I just need to actually go there rather than blogging about it.

I was thinking yesterday, even though I've lost my phone and am very sad, it could have been worse, it could have been my entire handbag or my passport or my purse. I think the thought of a shiny new phone has helped me cope with it. And if I can claim it on my travel insurance then it'll be even better.

Waaaaaaahhh!!! LOST MY PHONE!!!!!

Today I got the plane from Sydney.

I got myself a cab from the airport out to the city where I was having an interview.

I left my sodding phone in the cab!!!! FUCK FUCK FUCK.

All I could think about in the interview was where my phone might be - poor lost phone!

I've got that feeling you get when you have a dream where you're naked - you know 'something' isn't right, but you're not sure what it is exactly. Without my phone I am that naked person. It's awful.

The news is that the phone was in the cab. I've been ringing it all day and no answer, ever. I've got people to send texts and nada. And yet I can see from my bill on vodafone that no one's used it. What does it mean????

So the question is:
Do I wait to see if I can get the phone back - ideal situation for a number of reasons - such as phone book and calendar
OR
Do I skip off to Vodafone and get a new phone and new SIM card???

The longer I am without a phone, the more antsy I'm getting. And for all those reading this and scoffing at my inadequacies for being unable to deal with life sans phone, I challenge you to do without your phone for 24 hours.

It's a pain I wouldn't want to inflict on anyone.

Advice re:wait or get new phone greatly appreciated. And please email me your phone number so I can re-add you to my address book.

:((

The F word

Because I have a childish sense of humour.... and am not easily offended.

This is from a show they call here 'The Ronnie Johns Half Hour'. The dude with the tash is meant to be a famous Aussie criminal called Chopper Reid, not that it really matters. If you promise not be offended I'll post some more, I think they're bloody funny.

Warning: Don't watch this if you're offended by swearing.

Oh God! The Ashes!!!

I can only say unbelievable.

I arrived at the very second that Bell was out.

And from then on it was one after the other, more wickets falling than rain on a winters day.

There was a moment, where I figured out it was possible for England to draw if they could deliver a couple of maiden overs. Surely that's what great bowlers are for???? It was depressing. The Oval filled up with Aussies making their way from work to the stadium to see England's humiliation and they were ecstatic - and who can blame them. The English were gutted, loads left before the end of the game, seeing the way it was going.

And the Aussies were on fire and they have this quirk where if they insult you, then they do it making it out that you're their friend; like this:

-> Your team are total bunch of losers, eh mate?!
-> Hey buddy, you're gonna wish you stayed at home!!

Great!

So, there you go. I'd hate for the Ashes to be lost already, I just hope England have the guts to fight on. But the Aussies deserved to win, there's no doubt about it.

Kylie??

Kylie, in case you didn't know, is showing in Melbourne just before Christmas. I'm trying to decide whether to go and see her or not. It would be totally amazing, I know 3 or 4 people who've already seen her in Sydney and Adelaide (where I couldn't get tickets) but now I'm wondering if I should pay the money and go and see her in Melbourne. It means flying (which I'm not keen on - as you know) and it'll cost a fair bit. And it's just before Christmas....

So what do you think? Yes or no???

I'm going to sleep on it.

I've found a chiro since I've been here, which has been great, I'm now all fixed up again in the back department. What a relief!