PADI Power!

After a good night's sleep I woke up bright and early (5.45am), pottering around quietly so as not to wake Richard, getting ready for another day of diving!

Steve and Donna collected me at 6.30am - this time boat was already in tow! At the marina, we were joined by the 4 photographers from yesterday, plus Heath, Ros, Buzz and Paul (friends of Steve). As they got the boat ready, I spent time dowsing myself in factor 30 sun cream, the sun's hot rays already beating down on my already scarlet skin!

Donna told us that she'd just heard that the whole of the East Coast was on official 'tsunami alert'! Apparently there had been an earthquake somewhere and so the warning was out for a possible tsunami at 9.45am! This freaked me out somewhat, but Buzz pointed out that if we were out to sea on a boat, we would be in a better situation than most! This eased my mind, a little! I had been worried about the danger of sharks, the idea of tsunamis hadn't even occurred to me!

We set sail and headed to a dive site called 'Snapper Grounds'. This time, I tried something new - a backward roll entry into the water. It was scary tipping yourself off the boat, but it was ok (apparently even some Advanced divers won't do it, so I felt dead chuffed that I did it!). The viz was slightly better (6-8metres) and I descended slowly in the strong current. At the bottom, I was tested on some more skills and then we went for a swim. This time, Steve let me follow him, without holding hands and even though it was a bit scary at first, very soon I felt really relaxed and well into it! Again, we saw many, many forms of sea life and fish of all types - seeing these beautiful sights really takes your mind off any panic you might have and the whole scuba thing suddenly becomes second nature, as you just concentrate on looking around at the marvellous scene before you. There was a massive shoal of long, yellow fish (names have long since escaped me) which followed and surrounded us like a massive cloud, but parting as we swam through them - very polite fish (they must be British!). I saw some large cod (seriously, these cod are massive - I'd say you'd get at least 50 boxes of fish fingers from one of them!) and an eagle ray (my instant thought at this 'OMG - Steve Irwin', but these ones just glide past and as long as you're not prodding them or pulling their tails, they're fine!). After what felt like an age, we rejoined the boat and once again I felt incredibly motivated for my next dive.

With everyone back on board we ventured to our last site - Kgara - an old wreck of a ship that used to transport the timber from Fraser Island to the mainland, back in the day when Fraser wasn't protected and was a massive source of timber. Again I went for a backward roll entry and this time did it even better than the first (I never thought I would be remotely confident with anything when I first started the PADI!). Steve tested me on my last couple of skills and then we went for a swim, again, he let me follow him and very quickly I felt very comfortable in the water, as I marvelled at the sights before me.

The Kgara was a very large ship indeed - not that surprising I suppose, seeing as it used to transport timber and the trees they used to log on Fraser grow to 45-70 metres tall, so the boat needed to be big. We swam the whole way around the base of the ship and then up and over the side, across the top and back down. There was much sealife around the darker, hidden bits and at several points, Steve stopped me and got me to look through what would once have been some portholes and after my eyes had adjusted themselves to the lower light conditions, I could see thousands of fish, all in little shoals with their friends, hovering in the darkness, added to the mix, the odd random huge fish. At one porthole, just as I started peering in, a huge pair of fish lips came at me - he had started to peer out as I was peering in, so we made each other jump!

Satisfied that I was confident with my skills and doing ok, Steve left me to buddy with Buzz, so that he could return to the boat and be observer, meaning that Donna could have a quick dive herself. Buzz took me around the boat and amongst the beautiful parrot fish, cod, stripys and other fish that shall remain nameless, we saw a shoal of mackerel - I'm still a bit confused because the peppered mackerel fillets I like from Sainsbury's are about 5 inches long and the mackerel I saw swimming around were about 4 feet long - we're definitely being hard done by in Sainsbury's!

He then took me back to the boat and through some of the open doors which led through to the other side. That was pretty amazing, passing through the boat itself, going past a couple of doorways which I guess would, at some point before its demise, have housed some people doing their day to day business - this thought gave me a bit of a 'wow-factor'. We came across Heath, who beckoned us over - he had found a woobegong shark (aka a carpet shark), it was flat and brown and sat, hidden on the bottom. It didn't look remotely 'sharky' so I wasn't scared of it, although it was a good 6 feet long! The guys stroked it but I didn't fancy that - I was worried I might lose my balance and fall on it or something, at which point I figured it might become more 'sharky' and give me a bit of a nip (with a mouth as wide as that, I'd certainly have felt that!)! After a final swim about, we ascended and I felt on top of the world! It was so satisfying having completed these dives and seen so much! I must have jibber-jabbered on for ages, but everyone was really pleased that I saw so much and had enjoyed it so much! We also noticed that the time of the predicted tsunami had passed without event, so we headed back to the mainland.

On arrival, Steve & Donna, Heath, Buzz and I went back to Steve's and sorted out the kit, cleaning it and putting it away. Then Steve sorted out my paperwork and officially passed me off as a certified PADI Open Water Diver! Hurrah! Only bad bit is that he had to take a photo to send off to PADI to put on my license, which means I will forevermore remember the day I passed my PADI on account of my rather burnt nose! It was WELL worth it though!

Steve brought me back to the YHA at about 3.00, whereon I had a shower and did some impromptu washing - taking some of my dirty clothes into the shower with me and giving them a wash in shampoo and shower gel (I'm sure it will work fine!), before heading to Woolies for a well deserved iced coffee and then returning to the YHA to chill out and wait for JJ and Nikki to return. Hurrah!

My, my, what a big Groper!

Got up this morning (Saturday) at stupid o'clock (5.45am), but not as early as Simon (from Stanmore) who had to leave to get his Greyhound at 5.30 - at least him pottering about helped me wake up!

After getting myself ready, I went outside at 6.15am and waited for Steve, my dive instructor. He arrived and had another student with him, Anja from the Netherlands - she had just started her PADI and it was her first time in the water. I was joining them in the pool so that Steve could check my skills. We arrived at the local Aquatic Centre at 7am, but it didn't open until 8am, so we waited outside and practiced setting up the gear until then.

Once in the pool, everything I learned came flooding straight back to me and I was swimming around happily, doing the skills fine. We got out at 11am and dropped Anja home before going back to Steve's house, having a coffee and then picking up his wife Donna, a load of equipment and the boat!

At the marina, we were joined by Ken (their friend), Andrew (a guy who just passed his PADI last week with Steve) and 4 other divers who were on a holiday together (they specialise in underwater photography so had massive cameras and stuff with them). We headed off in the boat, passing Fraser Island (I waved to Nikki and Jana who would have been on there by then!) and went to our first dive site.

As I got kitted up, I looked out across the ocean and suddenly felt like I was going to be a very, very tiny fish in a very, very big pond!

The first dive had very low visibility - less than 2 metres, so I was pretty freaked out as we descended down the anchor line! Steve stayed with me, real close so that made me feel better. Because of the terrible viz and because it was my first time in the sea (hence a tiny bit panicky!) I got a bit confused at one point which way was up and which way was down, really weird sensation! Suddenly I was at the bottom and it took me a while to get my head around the sights I could see and for my eyes to adjust to the viz and light conditions. After I had got calm and collected, Steve tested me on my skills again (very different to doing it in the pool!) and then we went for a swim about along the bottom. He held my hand the whole time and I was so pleased he did because I know if he had let go, I would have gotten lost very quickly due to the strong current and poor viz! Then, suddenly, I realised that in amongst the nothingness I could see things - fish - lots of them - all different sorts - and very quickly all sense of panic subsided and I realised I was enjoying myself! We came up after 20 mins and I couldn't believe how fast the time had passed!

When everyone was back, we headed to the next dive site (called '3 Ships') and again, once I threw myself into the water, I got a bit scared again - this time the viz was slightly better, but the current was much much stronger so it took some time to get to the bottom - this time much deeper (18m). Once at the bottom, I was tested on some more skills and then Steve took me for a swim. Although the viz was a tiny bit better, he took my hand so I didn't get lost or carried away by the current. Within moments, I was aware that this site had WAY more aquatic life than the first dive. Thousands and thousands of fish, all different shapes, sizes and colours. It was absolutely great! The other amazing things, and oddly incredibly beautiful, were the 3 shipwrecks - a bizarre contrast of something so man-made and alien in this natural environment, only they had obviously been there so long, that nature had taken them over, so they were mere skeletons of the boats they once were, almost unrecognisable, tattooed with an array of sealife - urchins, barnacles, plantlife, shells and I don't know what else. This twisted their appearance and made them seem at one with the bottom of the sea. Amazing.

Steve knelt us down next to the biggest wreck and pointed at the stern of the ship. I looked and saw some pretty fish and nodded back to him. He pointed again. I looked again, saw fish and nodded again. This went on and on another 5 or 6 times, each time I grew more confused and realised that there was something there which I obviously wasn't seeing, so I looked again, harder this time. The wreck was coloured a beautiful brown colour, but not from rust, instead from the multitude of plants, swaying in the current. My eyes followed along the stern. I had no idea what I was looking for. As my eyes drew all the way to the very end, I still could see nothing, other than white/yellow fish. Then my eyes refocused and I saw that the very end of the ship was not the shape of the 'point' of a ship. I saw what looked like lips. I traced by eyes back from this shape and, like a magic eye picture (which I can't actually do!), suddenly was revealed an absolutely GIGANTIC fish! I let out a definite scream! It was so huge and so very, very close! It was so well blended in colour-wise with the ship, that where the ship ended, my eyes had not noticed where the fish began! As soon as I had seen it, my eyes then allowed me to appreciate this monster in all its glory! I looked at Steve and he was smiling, as I had (at last!) seen what he had been trying to show me this whole time! We moved up on top of the stern and peered over, so we were looking down over it, over its head, then over to the other side. I couldn't believe how large it was - about 10feet long! I was sure it could swallow me whole if it wanted to! Thankfully it was a very large 'Grouper' (pronounced 'groper' which is funny enough in itself!) and they are harmless. After that encounter, we swam around the rest of the wrecks and I saw many, many more fish of all shapes, sizes and colours, including cod (they're massive too!), parrot fish, stripys and many many more whose names I do not recall now. Before we ascended, we went back to the big Grouper and had another look, it still astounded me!

Back at the ship, after being under for 46mins I was really excited and Steve was regaling the others with the fact that I had not seen the Grouper for so long and that my eventual big underwater yelp had really made him laugh!

We returned to shore and I was dropped off at the YHA, arriving back at about 5pm, somewhat redder than I had left! Apparently factor 20 is not enough when you are at sea! Needless to say, I got showered and headed straight down the local shop for some after-sun and factor 30!

When I got back, I had a new room mate - Richard from Sheffield. We had a chat and then decided to head to town, where we went to the fish & chip shop and I had what I had long been craving - flake & chips (aka shark!). It was deeeeeeeeeeeelicious! Next we popped next door to the Torquay Hotel and had a couple of drinks (my second beer of the trip - Toohey's Old! Yum!) before heading back to the ranch for a last drink and chat in the lounge. Up early again (5.45am!) tomorrow for day 2 of diving!

Hello Hervey!

I was sorry to be saying goodbye to Brissy, but quite excited at the prospect of Hervey Bay and so felt like a kid on a school trip when we got on the Greyhound bus. I enjoyed sitting, looking out the window and the journey didn't really take that long.

The bus went past the Big Pineapple, which I have seen before, but then we went through Maryborough and I was very pleased when I saw the Big Ned Kelly (haven't seen it before), but we went past it too fast to get a picture!

On arrival at Hervey Bay, we were picked up by a YHA bus and taken to the hostel. It's like lots of little chalets, and again the YHA booking system is odd and I was put in a different room to Jana and Nikki even though they had 3 spare beds ("we're fully booked")!! I was in a room with 3 guys who were just back from Fraser and only stopping one night. Funnily enough, one was from Stanmore! They were all very nice, as is the room - in a section called 'Possum Lodge', although I have yet to see a possum. Have seen lots of frogs though. Bad news is - no wifi or Maccas to skank it from - nightmare! (hence late posts!)

In the evening Jana, Nikki and I went for a wander to Woolworths (they still have them, but they're more like Tesco!) but it was closed, nice walk though. We came back and had a quick drink in the bar whilst discussing our plans for the next week and then having an early night. Early mornings for us all - Jana and Nikki off to Fraser and I'm off diving to finish my PADI...

Bye Bye Brissy

Woke up this morning to a text from Daryl with the news and a photo of he and Evie’s very own little joey, Dylan! Made my day and couldn’t sleep after that exciting text - welcome to world Dylan!

Of course the first call of the morning was the obligatory walk to Maccas and a spot of, yes you’ve guessed it, free wifi! I’ve discovered I’m really getting a taste for iced-coffee! Following that I began wandering back to the hostel when out of nowhere the heavens opened and I had to hide under a tree. If I hadn’t then I am certain I would have looked like a drowned rat!

On arrival back at the ranch, I sat with JJ a while and we chatted and internetted some more – it’s amazing how well we work as a time-wasting team! Nikki had gone to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with Kerry and we had planned to go to Streets Beach, but the weather wasn’t sunny enough, so instead we just enjoyed chilling out. We had the good intention of booking our next bits of our trip but kept managing to go to the desk when they were not free to see us, so instead we ventured into town.

After some window shopping and general mooching, we met up with Nikki and Kerry who had both really enjoyed it at Lone Pine. Obviously, now as a 4-strong shopping team we were able to continue further window shopping manoeuvres for a while, before walking back to the hostel.

At last we were able to get to the travel desk and spent some time with the lady sorting out what we would be doing over the next couple of weeks. The plan (oh the joy of once again having a plan and thus some form of order to my life!!) is; we are leaving Brissy tomorrow afternoon, getting the Greyhound to Hervey Bay, then JJ and Nikki are going on a 2 day trip to Fraser Island, whilst I hang out in Hervey Bay (I’m looking forward to having ‘flake & chips’ from the chippie!), we’ll then continue (this is where it gets a bit vague again - wimper!) and we will be in Airlie Beach, ready for our tall ship adventure around the Whitsundays the following weekend. I think that is the plan, something like that anyway!

I’ve really enjoyed Brissy, it’s a nice city – quite small but it has everything you need (you know I’m really just talking about the shops!). The best bit for me was the trip to Streets Beach – I wish the new Uxbridge lido next to college was going to be as lovely as that, although I think part of the key to the beauty of the place was the blazing sunshine, which sadly cannot be guaranteed in UB8! Shame!
Anyway, look out Hervey Bay, HERE WE COME!!

PS If anyone can believe this, I have now been away for 8 days and I have not had a SINGLE drop of alcohol, not even one single sip of beer!

All Hail Free Wifi At Maccas!

Woke up bright and early once again to go and skank free wifi at Maccas (I’m still ‘lovin’ it’!) – is it telling that the man now recognises me and says a proper hello to me! After some Skyping and general internetting I returned to the hostel and sat with Jana and Nikki, chatting and getting some bits together. I then bought my Greyhound ticket to Cairns! Now we just need to book the bits in the middle between here and there!

In the afternoon I headed into town for a bit of ‘window shopping’ which resulted in the purchase of a dress and a pair of shorts (oops!).

Then something caught my eye and I went to investigate – I figured it was something work related so would be a good idea to check it out – the Brisbane School of Hairdressing! I decided that I could do with a chop, so booked in with the beginners group. The woman at the desk was English and I was stunned when she didn’t know what I mean when I asked for a ‘one length with forward grad’! Eventually after some explanation and arm waving with her and an Aussie woman, they figured it out – I hadn’t thought it was that complicated! Lol!

So I spent a couple of hours in the salon (it takes time because they’re beginners and have a lot of supervision from the lecturers). Whilst there I interrogated the poor girl who was doing my hair (Violet) and I found out all about the Aussie hairdressing quals – it is much more intense than the C&G quals we do, and also found out how she finds being a student there (she’s from Kenya and had to pay $24,000 for the course!). After she had finished, I spent time talking to one of the lecturers as well and it was most interesting. We discussed the differences in qualification and the ways of working/assessment etc. She was interested to find out about the hairdressing facilities and ways of working in Uxbridge College. I left there feeling quite upbeat with the sense that I had done something quite constructive and managed to get a bit of vocational stuff in too and feeling a bit different with my new hair (although it turned out much shorter than I had intended – I thought ‘just below the shoulder’ would result in my hair being just below the shoulder, rather than just above the shoulder! Lol! Nikki and Jana assure me it looks ok though!).

My new hair and I then went and met Jana for a cold drink in the shopping centre, followed by a bit more of a mooch before heading back to the hostel. It hadn’t rained like it had promised, but the air was feeling heavy so we just milled around, clicked about online, generally chit-chatted and looked at photos together. Some nice JJ and BonBonARoo time! Lol!

Day at the Beach

Got up early this morning ready for a bit of a Skype down at Maccas and bumped into Jana in the corridor who was also thinking about going online, so I showed her the way to the golden arches! We made the most of the free wifi before heading back to get ready for our trip to Streets Beach.

Being girls, we took an age to get sorted, but soon enough Jana, Nicky and I were heading down to the Southbank. As we started walking we soon realised it was even hotter than yesterday, so the walk seemed much further and the floor felt like the pavement was melting!

Once at the ‘beach’ we found Charlotte and selected a spot to base ourselves from, on the sand under some palm trees, right by the water. It was bliss. The water looked very inviting indeed, so we cooled off for a bit in there and enjoyed the beauty of the place, marvelling at its existence and feeling sorry for the poor office workers in the high rise buildings opposite, who must gaze longingly at it from their desks! We were joined by Kerry and Charlotte’s friend Natalie, who joined in the fun.

I spent the afternoon flitting between sitting in the shallower water cooling off and basking in the sun on the beach reading my book, a great combination. Due to my previously having burnt my back (and feet!) the other day and it still being rather ferociously red, I was advised by my personal doctor (Jana has more tablets and potions than Boots!) that I should wear a tshirt all day, which was a very very good call, as it made me feel super cool all day, whereas everyone else was baking. So I guess that is the best way to beat the heat – get dressed before having a s shower and then walk around all day with wet clothes! May be frowned upon though! Lol!

Anyway, at around 6pm we started heading back to the hostel, but first Nicky and I decided to hit one of Brisbane’s top tourist attractions – the Brisbane Wheel! The air conditioned capsule was freezing, especially for me in my wet clothes, but the views were good. We listened to the commentary and enjoyed looking at the city from up high, although in one direction all that was visible was building works and cranes for as far as the eye could see. It is probably fair to say that Brisbane doesn’t have that many points of interest to note, so they padded it out a bit with some banter and music, but all in all, worth a look.

When I arrived back in my dorm, there was a new girl (German I think) who is stopping just for tonight, she gave me a box of Laughing Cow cheese! This evening, after taking a shower and de-sanding myself, I have been in the tv room for YHA’s ‘Tuesday Film Night’ and watched Slumdog Millionaire – haven’t seen it before and was quite impressed. Have just come back to the dorm to write my blog and it looks like 2 new girls have moved in. So far in the room we have one each of; French, Swedish, German and English – wonder what nationality the new two are... I guess I will find out who they are at some point!

They reckon it’s going to be raining tomorrow, so my mission to try and catch up with the others’ tans might have to be put on hold for a while. Maybe it will give the red bits a chance to calm down!

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Firstly, I must say Happy Thinking Day and Happy Founders Day to those involved in Guides and Scouts, for those of you who are not involved in Guides and Scouts, 22nd Feb is a special day in the Guiding and Scouting calendar.

Now, on with the blog: After having a ridiculously early night (possibly jet-lag related?!), this morning I got up bright and early, feeling much rested for our trip to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which involved using public transport – a bus. It was not as terrifying as taking a bus in Uxbridge, much cleaner and with less scary people on board!

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ia a relatively small zoo, with all sorts of creatures and birds to see. Of course, I was taken with all the parrots although was not impressed with ‘Mr Cocky’ who was supposed to be a great talker (don’t worry Captain, you’re definitely better than him!). Jana and I bought some kangaroo food and went into the enclosure to feed them, finding them all on one side of the field either basking in the sun or lying down in the shade of the trees. The kangaroos were keen to eat from our hands, sidling up to us when they saw the little white bags. I was slightly terrified but thankfully was not eaten, only licked! We saw loads of koalas too (not surprising, seeing as it’s a koala sanctuary) including some cubs who were very small, fluffy and cute! All in all, a good day!
After we got back to town in the afternoon, I left Jana to head back to the hostel and I went for another mooch around, heading down some streets I hadn’t been down before and doing more window shopping, although I did buy a couple of bits, including a Billabong purse/wallet (thanks Cassandra!) which I needed so that the awkwardly sized and unfoldable bank notes can slide in without springing out all at once, when I open it!

Having walked and meandered enough, I headed back to the hostel at around 7pm and sat chatting with the girls, before heading to Maccas to scam some free wifi to upload this blog (tantalisingly, this Maccas is literally next door to the Castlemaine XXXX brewery!).

Peculiar sleep pattern continues, with a 5am awakening, but didn’t really want to get up and distub the other girls in the dorm, so managed to stay in bed til 7am, when some of the others started moving about. Took myself upstairs to the roof top veranda and made myself a cup of tea, which I had with a TimTam (white chocolate flavour – deeeeeeeeelicious!) whilst enjoying the views of the city and reading my Lonely Planet book.

At 8.30 I eventually decided it seemed nice and sunny enough for a sun bathe by the pool, so got myself all set up on a sun bed and enjoyed listening to my ipod whilst laying in the sun. A few tiny tiny specs of rain fell but instantly dried out, so I didn’t really worry about it and just let it pass. A while later at around 11.00 a few more specs fell but this time they seemed to be joined by some fatter droplets and weren’t immediately drying up, so I looked across the sky and saw a vast and incredibly dark cloud – this indicated that perhaps this time the best thing might not be to just let it pass, but to retreat. No sooner had I started getting my bits together, when the droplets felt a bit fatter and faster so I dashed for the door. Then the clouds opened for the most torrential downpour I have ever seen in Australia! I took a seat and resumed my reading and then Jana appeared. We sat and chatted over ideas for the next part of the journey while the rain poured down, then suddenly it stopped as quickly as it had started. I let it dry off for a little bit and then headed back to my lounger by the pool and resumed my sunbathing.

In the early afternoon, we got ourselves together and headed for a wander down the river to South Bank – very similar to London’s South Bank only with less skateboarders and graffiti! They have what looks a bit like a very small London Eye, which we may go on later in the week. After wandering through the park, we found Streets Beach – an artificial beach/lido. It was so hot and the water looked very inviting but we hadn’t brought our swimmers with us, so vowed to come back later in the week! At the weekend they have an open air market, selling all sorts of hand crafted things, so we mooched around that before sitting with our feet dangling in the lido and grabbing an ice cream before our walk back to the hostel. I was excited at seeing my first indigenous wild creature – a big lizard! Woohoo!

B in Brisbane!

I have made it to Brisbane in one piece! Hurrah!

My train trip to Brissy reminded me of flying in the days of yore - sitting in the same seat for 15 hours with no little TV screen in front of you to provide entertainment! But it was ok because two old men in the seats behind me kept coughing and sneezing in my ear, so that was entertaining! I slept for the first part of the journey and then woke up at 1am and just sat there for another few hours listening to music and trying to doze.

The train arrived at 5.30am and when I got off, I was nearly knocked over by Jana running up to me and giving me a big hug! This made me all emotional! We wandered to the hostel (YHA) and ditched my bag before Jana showed me about and we sat down for a monster catch-up/gossip session! We then made a cup of tea and sat on the open roof terrace in the sun/shade, to continue our chatting! There was a lot of catching up to do!

After that we took a shower and generally got ourselves together before heading into town. We've been meandering around town all day and it has been lovely to spend time with Jana, doing what we do best - chatting and window shopping (sooooo many tat-shops to visit!). I also bought a pay-as-you-go mobile for using over here, which was exciting although I doubt I will ever remember the number or recognise the ring tone!

Anyway, this was just a quick update, we're now off to Coles where I will buy some food-related products and then head back to the hostel for a bit!

There It Is!

It's Friday afternoon and once again I am appreciating McD's free wifi - although this time from a different venue - I have made it into the city.

After ditching my bag at the train station before this afternoon's trip to Brisbane, I then headed by train to Circular Quay to take in the sight that makes me feel less terrified about being by myself on the other side of the world - it really does work wonders. I sat on some steps near Doyles and just looked out at the view. Awesome. Could have sat there all day, but decided I should head into town for a bit though, so have meandered up George Street for a bit.

Will head off in a min and see what else I can see, before I make my way back to Central Station and get my train.

TTFN!

Wowzer!

I can't believe it! I'm here! Crazy! Flights were ok, sitting at the back was good and the stranger next to me didn't pinch my packet of peanuts, so that was good.

It's night time here, I think about 10.40pm or so. It's warm, I think the sign outside said 24. I am not even wearing a coat! Although I am wearing jeans which makes me look pretty odd next to all these people out and about in shorts.

Wonders will never cease though, as when I just arrived in my hotel room, I couldn't believe what my view was of - a drive through Mc Donalds and a drive through Krispy Kreme! I really am living the dream - thankfully you don't have to drive through (or 'thru'!), you can walk in!

So here I am, sitting on the other side of the world in a Sydney McD's using their free wi-fi (I'm lovin' it!).

Gonna head into the city tomorrow and then try and find my train so I can head to Brisbane to find Jana!

Last Day At Work (sniff!)

So it's my last day at work and I am actually flat out! I may have to be physically prised from my desk later on.

I so need to let go!

One Week And Counting

So it's hard to believe but I guess in exactly a week's time I should - technically - (assuming there isn't more excessive amounts of snow!) be sat on a plane, awaiting takeoff!!!

Terrifying!

I still only have:
- 6 pairs of contact lenses
- 2 bottles of contact lens solution
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 1 jacket

Something tells me I need to get a few more bits! Luggage would help too!

9 days to go!

So with only 9 days to go until I disappear off, I am sooo not ready! However I have set up this blog, I just need to work out how to use it!