7 June

So here i am back in the cosy uk. Feels weird as shit. Anyway, they are some last details that I must go over before I could even consider this blog as being finalised.
So last weekend Clive took me to my first BUSH RAVE!! I guess the nearest thing they have in the uk is the orbital raves around the M25. Well it was a three hour drive - me, clive and the humble driver whos name I could never even pronounce never mind spell, but ill have a go - crytoman - or someone along those lines. Well anyway they both have indian origins. But ive never met crazier people, Clive is especially mecurial - last time we went out into sydney togther with the hostel people, he got beaten up by bouncers, twice as he and the great deutch boys managed to find about 30 free schooners from the last bar we went too - when i say 'find' they really went to the bar upstairs which is open with no security and let havoc loose, it was hilarious, they kept coming out of nowhere holding about 12 schooners between them. Then the stupid move - naturally i was curious where these drinks were coming from and so clive took me upstairs. We started the pouring but one of the bouncers came up, he was getting suspicious! Ha - well anyway back to last weekend.
The guy had ur average youthful toyota - but the engine was powerful compared to uk cars - but that goes for all oz cars - 2 litres or such. Anyway it was a 3hour drive - we loaded up on booze on the way and then tore down the highway heading north, towards newcastle. After two hours we started to get into the wilderness, long winding roads with few signs of settlement. At first the odd light, with fences and maybe even a tracktor, but pretty soon pitch black. As we got closer we could faintly hear some tribal beats echoing. This is the point of mass dirtiness on the cars part. These hills strang out of nowhere, steep as hell. With the metal to the peddle and crytoman swinging the wheel furiosly from left to right we tried to fly up them. Me and clive had to keep going out to reduce weight and then push to help him; this happened about 5 times. Then there was suddenly a queue behind us. We let the 4by4 pass, which elegantly spun by, mud flying everywhere. Ah yes, i forgot to mention, it was raining hard and so was muddy as hell, the car got a new coating that night. After this 4by4 a caravan tried its luck, even this badboy couldnt make this hill. But second time it made it. Then finally crytoman came soaring up like a bullet. Apparently he really liked that car. Well in a way it proved itself. Apparently in the following days he was saying the suspension wasnt so great.
We finally got up there, mud all over me leather jacket and face. And the rest of the night was sheer madness, there was like a dancefloor, pounding trance, with a big spider net woven over the top of eveything, and bright phlospherent lights from the music, big red love hearts glowing translucently. I got taking to this really hot chick. But then got distracted somehow by the several fires - it was a pyromaniacs heaven the place. Then all i can say is the most intense, craziest night crept up and bang! Out there! Suddenly hit by the wave and all features became featureless and all beings and beers beatiful as if they had been there, locked in this paradise, since the dawn of man. A crazy day.
The light came up and an assortment of freaks with dreads and colourful hair were on the dancefloor. Clive among them, letting the music breathe inside of him.
We gt out of there later. What a hangover cure - regional NSW, breathtaking views of greenery with trees so dense and luscious and little trickles of springs and gentle, undulating rivers, with the land being pasteurized. We could see the hills that we had came up, and obviously wen still had some mental ones on the way back, but didnt ever need to get out. Which I doubt we ever would have bothered with. It was crazy what we had managed to get up.
Anyway - that was that night. We got dropped off at a train station and talked bollocks to stranger all the way back to newtown. I had to work later that night, which i somehow got away with.

Also, before the rave - rich was like theres gonna be a surprise for you. And the next day johnny was broke. He'd had a great time up the east coast but was broke. It was great to have a last week wit the dude. For awhile i chilled.
We went out for my last night, clive me johnny and two of the girls joined us later. We went to kings cross and met josh - the crazy nut who got kicked out of the abbey. It was great fun. But I got into a fight later - and thats why ive come back with a black-eye! HEHE! Anyway it feels strange being back. Stopping off at bangkok on the way back - the sweltering heat geting out of the airpor, wit the tropical plans - made me realise how gutted i was i ddnt get to do asia - well for the future!!
So thats my epic adventure, said gdbye to all the lovely ppl of the abbey, shoudl have some money coming into my anz, when richard pays my bet money in, which I think was arriving the day after I left australia! And also some tax money will go in mid-july. So there it is. Read well, live well, and hope to drinking with you all soon!xxxx

28th again

About thailand, what about visa - i was talking to english girl who went there recelty - she was like they'll only let you in if got a ticket out of thai - luckily i do. But ye, im not sure what to expect - im not really worried about it though, i gues ill go straight to cow-sun road and meet other backp0akcers. I dont really have th m,oney to travel anywhere else in thailand now.

28th May

So heres the situation.
My flight is booked for 3.30 tomos. I was thinking bout putting it back to this tuesday, and I probably still could if i rang them early enough tomos morning. Anyway, i was watching champions league final last night at 4.30am so slept most of the day away. Then went down to albertos restaurant - I feel bad, because the p[lace is great, the manager seems really cool, and it actually looks like a really cool place to work. But the guy is talking bout training me up for 2 weeks and such, and talking like hes expecting me to be there a while. I asked about the money, and he said he could pay me after each shift if i wanted. So I could do a few shifts \, cos im still paid for training and then just high-tail it out - but as i said this would be completely dishonest, the blokes a gd guy, i dont really want to f**k him over - all for the sake of a few bucks - it probs wouldnt amount to that much, what with rent and all. Its a shame cos ive just finally managed to find decent work, which would sustain me - but the deadline is fast approaching.
About the tax - ive been filling it out online, but its complicvated and long-winded - my mate rich has gone to an accountant, it'll take him 2-4 weeks to get it - and me online takes 6 weeks. So tbh i really might not bother, its not that much anyway.

At the moment i've got $170, i got another shift at the week at the adult store, which gave me a little more. And obviously with paying rent tomos, ill be $120 down.
So basically what im thinking is i should take that flight tomorow. See how long i can survive in bangkok and then get a flight home. Im completely pissed off about asia - i have no money for it, and the passport thing buggered me.

The bet money - so obviously i shud be getting $530 from tabcorp. They still haven't even notified me if i got the money - but if anythings fair then i shud be getting it. My mate rich says he'll pay it into my anz account and take a 10% stake for doing it. I think ill take him up on it, cos the money would help pay off certain credit card debts and such.
Ill need to go ealry tomos to tell anz that ill be going to thailand to use account there. Thats if i leave.
But im more for leaving tomos than staying.
Any advice from yours truly(anyone, but especially parents) would be appreciated on my curent predicament. But really I want to be leaving very soon. I just dont no - cos hanging on i may be able to get more shifts at adult shop, which would help - and obviously go to accountant for tax purposes and maybe get my bet money - but tbh i dont even no if that bet money will ever arrive.
Tabcorp are complete bastards to be honest, when I had to pay for the damaged ticket form i could sent off a cheque or money oreder (i went for the latter) but they have a policy of only sending me the MONEY! 500 in hard cash in an envelope! And im sure they wouldnt listen if that 500 dollars would "somehow" slip into the wrong hands on the way to me.
Anyway-enough anger. Ive also been having fun - the hostel is a great atmosphere - one thing that strikes me is that these travellers are pretty much broke, or indeed very poor, but there always ready to gave. Ive had several gourmet meals that have been cooked for me and others at the hostel - swedish meatballs, chicken cooked in coke, sushi, indian prok ribs from clive - great indian mate who wants to take me to a 'bush rave' this weekend, one of the reasons i wanted to stay on - but this would no doubt be a serious drain on the funds. I always shout them a beer to say thanks, and i cooked up loads of tacos last night for everyone. Ive always been generous, back at home as well, but ive noticed that the generosity that you gave with these sort of ppl always come back to you, theres always someone who will give u a beer, food or any other commodity - whereas back in the uk it wasnt so much like that - probs cos i mainly associate with middle-class wankers! Obviously not directed to my friends there.

Anyway so thats it. Advice? Much love, be seeing you all soon, excited bout seeing the lovely ppl of uk, and the great country of england and all its splendors. xx

24th May

I have just insished work at the adult shop where i have worked all night. it is exactly 10.07am here. I worked from 9pm to 7am, desperate for the money. I made $140. But i only have $50 in my account atmo, and next friday my rent will be $120. So i have $50 to live on. I myt get more shifts in the week, but frankie says its packed quite full, so probs only wkends. But on thursday i am starting a job at a restaurant down the road, i just hope i can keep myself alive till then. I will try to get my tax back cos i need it. And if that damn $500 from the bet will come then ill be fine! The passport hasnt arrived either, it must've been over 13 days...This guy paul at the hostel says same thing happened to him, hes english, hes been waiting 3 weeks and still no passport. If they pull that trick with me my flights will run out. I no im sounding stressed, but im not really - only half-delirious from no sleep. Ive been reading about the liberation and cultural awareness of the
60s - in a book, published might i add by FABER & FABER, called the story of jimi hendrix and post-war pop. Very intriguing stuff, its soprt of set my brain into a motion of peace and hippiness, heightened by reading of sexual liberations which is particularly relevant after working 10 hours at an adult shop, helping the dear people of this world fulfill their basic insticts in whatever fashion their superegos fill fit to ask of them. Anyway i lost the point of writing.

Point is im low on funds - but success! the money from the consulate has gone through on my halifax card, so the bastards have their stinking $279 - ha! The swedes only have to pay $100 - and is that because britian is a far-superior place to sweden! - complkete bull.
But my halifax account reads -51pound - but take into account overdraft i have the little sum of 48pound, but then double this and you get dollar(sort-of) and presto - im in the money!
Well sarcasm is always hard to portray when firstly you hate the form of humour in the first place and secondly it doesnt come out so obviously in the written form. All of which at the moment is being written by a semi-deliousinal freak - high on caffeine and stinking of booze. Ha! But that is the constant stench of all backpackers - so no fear!

Anyway, if i can keep myself alive till thursday i may be able to bring myself back from the brink of non-existence. So my plan - to save up money, if i can get work, whiulst waiting for passport, get a bit for thailand, and carry some back to UK to start paying off my ever-increasing debts.

I went to the writers festival last week - very intersting, lots of strange poets and old people sipping on lattes constantly. Some of it was good, very interesting. One of the workshops would have probably benefited my writing greatly - but alas, it was expensive and they sold out in a giffy.

Anyway, till next time. Where most probably ill be back to my coherent, but nervertheless dishevelled, whole. Much love to all my readers, whoever the hell you are! Now sod off and watch eastenders!

20th May

Well they let me bak in on one condition, i got pay $20 more a week. It was dave who helped me out, hes bneen real kl since the get-go, cos the other guy really wanted to kick me out. I like the place, got lots of friends ther, but mostly staying ther now cos its convient with my passport coming. Anyho, the payment i think, has been processed so shud come soon, then ill prob move to this hotel which i found; again its only a 100 a week. Ill prob hav to wait longer for bet money to come through. So im undecided how much longer to spend in oz.
In terms of other things going on, the writers festival is on atmo, and so i plan to capuitalise - seeing as loads of the events are free, but also might splash out on a few things which look to interesting to turn a blind eye. And also planning on at some point heading out to the country to check out some regional NSW; I've got some friends who are interested in doing this with me, its just a case of logistics and planning, cos they need to get paid or whatever. The festival runs all this week and finished on sunday. I managed to get some work this sat night, unfortunately for those who care it will be at adult shop, cos its been hard getting anything else.
But this night i got a call from albertos restaurant down the road, they said they can give me three days a week on 15 an hour, and paid training. I start next thursday. So I may do this to save up a wee bit of money for my most probably VERY SHORT affair in thailand. Im gonna treat thailand as a short holiday-chillout period, which kinda sucks as wanted to travel and see asia, but shit happens.

18th May

So I;ve been kicked out. We been partying quite hard lately, and people been complaining. Well it was SATURDAY night you no? We all got back about 5.30 in morn and thers a whole big group of us, so bit rowdy, i put ion some chillout music gently on the speakers. Well thers this guy (OISIN) whos been staying ther, who sort-of works for them now. Hes alright but he was told to try and keep things down recently. Well it was all quiet but then obviously we came back,and he was out trying to get us down and quiter, I complied, turned the music off and such. All of a sudden simon, the owner, is on the phone threatening to kick me out, I told him i'd turned the music off. Yesterday I spoke to dave the other gy who works there, he cut me some slack, rang up simon and they agreed they'd give me one more chance. Clive, my mate, also nearly got kicked out, but he was smoking inside and such, I never did that! And then this afternoon, I got a ring from my mate rich saying simon wants to talk to me, and suddenly its reverted to yersterday. Hes adamant and wont budge, so thers nothing for me to do but to go. Ive pleaded enough times and the whole thing is a heap of bullshit. They're basically kicking me out because they wanted to make an "example" so this doesnt happen again. But I think its unfair, they were loads of ppl and Im taking all the blame. I said this to simon obviously, and he was like "well nominate someone to go then" - im no rat, im not doing that.
So here i am in an internet cafe looking for other hostels. One of the main problems (apart from having to waste food that I cant bring, say gdbye to all the great friends ive made...) is the money, the placve is the cheapest hostel in sydney and its gonna be hard to find somewhere where I wont need to spend too much, considering my funds are so low. Also the passport and bet money is coming to hostel. Well they took my no. and simon said he'll ring me when it comes. I tried to get in touch wtith carmel from my last job, she said she myt be able to get me work, otherwise im gonna have to go back to frankie in k.cross.
Ive gotta find somewhere new basically, theres one other place in newtown but doesnt have any space till 21st. I might go camping somehwere. Hell, I dont no.
Its come at a bad time, I mean i was gonna be leaving soon. Ill lean to it again and see what happens...

14th MAY

So i felt alot better after two days, and back to the partying way of the hostel. Going out for mates gdbye celebration and such. Gd healthy fun. Problem was I may have exhausted myself or something; a swelling appeared on my cheek which hurt to press and I went down another night feeling like shit, more of the flu symptoms but worse with dizzying headache - a proper nights sleep had the desired affect, and although rundown Im on my feet again. Anyhow, papers for passport and bet sent off, so just a matter of time. I really want to get away, been looking around: theres a national park at north of sydney which looks kl. Or truck up to the Myall lakes and coffs harbour, all looks appealing, just how to get there needs to be established. My money is also draining which is putting on pressure on getting new job, ive been looking around, some interest from restaurants and cafes in area so hoepfully find something - but considering Im coming to the end of my stay I'd like to get out, see something new. Melbourne is on the cards as well, I just dont think ill have money for return plane ticket.

Well thats whats happening, just sort of in limbo, waiting for passport details and such, but things generally back to gd old solid funness! But the place is starting to drive me nuts, a breath of fresh country air is well overdue. I got a friend who was talking bout renting car and heading out, this sounded gd, but he isnt going for at least a week, and not sure the wait will be worth it. I myt be able to see if rides are going on gumtree and prob find someone from hostel whos interested in coming along for the ride. Anyway, thats the deal! Much lovexx

6th May

Things been kinda shit lately. First me passport went missing. I've got the info from the consulate - it'll cost me $279 qand take 13 days - cvause needs to be sent off to Canberra and such. I've got the money luckily. Recetly, last week, I put on a bet for 8 football games, 3 of which were in the championship, I only put $10 but could win $520. Well all my predictions happened. The p[roblem was the ticket got a bit faded, god knows how! and the bar code and serial no. couldnt be read. I made a massive fuss and went round to TAB's (australias betting compnay)head office to complain - well basically the deal is this, I have to send off a form for lost and damaged tickets and then I should, hopefully get my money - the problem is this form costs another $10 and it takes a maximum of 21 days for them to reply and its at their discretion - but I won fair and they have records of all the bets made, so I think it will be worth it, especially for the money, so I'm gonna do it.

The next bout of badness and sadness that has hit me is a bad case of the flu, with headaches, gland swellings and all such the shits of a really bad cold.

But I'm completely gutted about asia which I was getting quite excited about, because if the bet had gone through ;ike it should and my passport hadnt been lost, then I could be there right now, with about $1500 to have fun with. But now I got to wait around for the above bulklshit. AS lovely as sydney is, I was very up for a change. I have money to get by now, but might still try and get a casual job to keep my funds up.

All in all, if, and more probably when, I do travellingm like this again I'll do longer than 6 months, because you need longer and most people do longer - but then again most people I've met are older - the average gap year age is prob 22-24.

Anyway, shit happens, thats life. I've put my flight back to 22nd may atmo, which is 2 weeks this friday, but hopefully my passport and the bet will come through before then. muchluvxx

26th april

Think I'll leave tuesday, if i can get the flight, to thailand. My best mate from hostels leaving for the coast on monday with a girlfriend of ours - again one of me best mates in the hostel - so loads of ppl have gone and I want to get out of oz and experience the wonders of thailand - and maybe into laos, or vietnam. Ill stay in bangkok for a week or so, then start to travel round, hopefully getting to the islands for the full moon party - its amazing how famous this party is - every backpaker knows of it or has at least heard of it. recently been goinmg out alot, celebrating the fact that johnny is leavng for the coast, so we're having piss-ups and dancing at various sydney clubs and such. All fun, fun, fun. So thats the plan - I just need to put it into action. Much lve everyone, xxxx

21st april...only just (its 12.25)

Well here i am, in a bar, where i can access internet - the bars pretty dead, a few other internet users, a scattering of gentle drinkers, and socials out in the beer garden - this place usually has a band, most nights it does - last night there was a real big uproar - loads of ppl and a fierce band. Its a nice place, two stores away from the hostel - convenient - but also has $6 jugs of beer on tuesdays - and free bbq - which is basically bread sausage and roasted onions - but still take every free meal that you can - ahhh the romantic life of the backpacker...
Well I've been working today, kinda enjoying work tho, bit of fun, talking to ppl all the time and such, and the girl i was working with was fun - she from america. I've worked out I shud be getting at least a grand for my work, but more will be added for the commission. So I had a lonmg today - i was saupposed to start at 12.30 finish 8.30, but i had it muddled up in me head and turned up two hours earlier, altho when I was notified i got to go sit down and watch the races - well the horses trot around the large stadium, which I think is an aussie rules stadium when not being used by the easter show, and the jockeys are all small, petite blonde girls who enjoy whatever the competition is, which baffles me completely - some girl gets a prize for trotting elegantly. Whilst I relax with intellectual papers - the sydney morning herald - the only one I get a kick out of (its the closest to the sunday times). Then for the first time I went to check out the rides - they look fun!

aNYWAY - my point for writing - an undecided view on the future needs a resolution. I was generally quite decided on once getting pay head for thailand, or at least after a week after pay. The other option lingering is once paid, have fun, then go fruit picking for few weeks then go thailand, which might be a smarter option considering thailiands current political climate. But I was generally settled for the first, australia seems to be pissing me off atmo, and although the country would be more than refreshing - i dont no how much i'd get out of it - plus nothings like the english countryside. But then i saw an ad today for the sydney writers festival - looks intriguing and interesting - but its not till may 18th - and im not sure the wait will be worthwhile. Hmmm - so time to think i need and plan my route and then to act, but nothing until I get paid. I need to leave the bars clos9ng and there asking me to leave. Its only 12.30 - this would never hap[pen in london!xxx

19th april

So its sunday. Im real broke, was hoping to work a full day at cafe but only got 2 hours, there was like 7 ppl working, i dnt understand why he asked me to work, i cudda been doing easter show today! But i wanted cash in hand so i can pay me rent.
So recently doings in the hostel: A schizophrenic guy moved in, he was horribly overweight and strange behaviours, tho kinda harmless, he moved out tho the other day. Daz, the guy who used to sleep all the time got kicked out - hes bit of a nut as well, he started throwing beer bottles in the urinal and scratching his name into the kitchen table - nevertheless the hoistel caretaker, david, blew a pipe and got him on his way.
Other thasn that, cos im so skint, trying to spend as little as possible and havnt been going out at all this week.

The easter show - I worked last thrusday, then monmday, then wed, thurs, fri and sat. Im getting quite gd at selling the stuff. I dnt mind it ewither, just lonbg, and kills the feet from constant standing. Im wkring mon, and tues this week, it finished on wed, shud hopefully get paid on friday, expect big increase, but its keeping meself going till thern thats gonna be hard.

14th april

Seem to be working on and off at easter show thing, worked yester, but not today. The big bummer is my phone fell out of pocket on train. Ive being trying to get hold of it, to no avail.

8th April

So I'll explain what happened wwith the job. We changed what we were selling and I was now working with charity teams, all the guys from optus were still there but we were just seperated into teams. So I did one day of it, we work on the street with a red savethechildren t-shirt. Its still all commision though. I enjoyed it more than door-to-door to be honest. But no sales. I talked to Mark about the $400 from last week and he wasn't prepared to pay it because I was off on monday, and on wednesday my phone went dead so the rest of the team waited for me, but I took off once I'd finished as I expected the others to do so. And also the thing on friday - altho they still thort I worked a whole day. I said to him I worked full days both of those days - but he was like I've only got your word. So he said he'd pay $200 instead. And for the next week the arrangement was gone, I would have had to wait till thursday for the $200 becuase you get paid for the week before. The next day I rang up in the morning and said I wouldn't be continuing. So basically I would have had to be re-trained to learn the new pitch for signing ppl up to savethechildren, wait till thursday to get payment, even though I'm due payment for some of the optus sales I did, and obviously I need money faster than that - its all just dodgy and bullshit becuase their investing in me and they don't want to have to pay more money than neccessary. Mark said he would pay for the outstanding payments, so we'll see on thrusday if it goes through.
But I went back to the cafe and they said they'll probably be able to get me something.
And i'vew been on seek.com.au looking for work. Btw father, did you pay in money to my ISA account because its gone up and it just says interest credited - but its like 70pound!
Apart from that been having fun nights with boys from hostel &girls, we went out last night etc.
But getting pretty sick of sydney, I miss the country-side and the feel of moving around, if I can get some money togther I might venture a little way up the coast and see some of the sights, like vineyards and the Myall lakes. Its also got a lot colder in sydney recvently and the clocks turned back the other day.
Just bit sick of the city life. But will get some money before doing anything.

Ok so see ya laterxxx

5th april

This may be a slightly drunken poswt, but should be coherent enough to understand all that is wholly, and undeinably important: fact is, I'll break it down into chunkable sizes easy enough to swallow with your morning coffees, because as I'm typing this at night you, my friends and avid readers, are reading in the morning. Well at least I hope someone is reading...haha! To last week,and all its strange happenings and revolations!!

Monday: Monday was fun, fine, and fun. I rang up work, gave some bullshit story that I was ill, throwing up. So it was a gd laugh, me and hostel boys took down to the nearest park with football, and played until our hearts were fulfilled, and till ur legs killed enough. B4 that however, I had rung up trailfinders and got an extension on me stay.
After footy, took to a cafe to get free water and a bus to coogee beach pulls up, this week i fortunately remembered my trunks and took off guns blazing, for water and sand recovery, with ken kesey to keep me company. The water was freezing, their was millions of bluebottles jellyfish waded onshore, washed up from the hard, fast waves that were crashing into the rocks, even big blue bottleshish were being reluctant;ly dragged ashore.

Tuesday: Work; work has been a complete drag this week, with wet days, and downpours leaving me cold and wet whilst trying to gather enough mental willpower to sale my product and maintain a cheery face, all but fake.

Wednesday: Made sale. But still raining here and there. Phone out of battery, so had to take off, work boys waited for me awhile; found out mario would bring this up later in week. My hand swelled up to size of balloon in day as touched something had reaction too. Also a late night speech from salesman who had done well in company, three different people, very strong-willed types who were trying to reflect their hard-work, never-give up ethos into us. So was a late night back from work.

Thurs: Got to lay in a bit more because out late night b4. I was real motivated after sppech and worked my nutas off, only to get no sales. I was rained upon, dryed up in sun later, and then 30mins before day finished, rain came and soaked once more, an unhappy wet day. After work was fun tho, went to cool bar with work guys got some beers and then to Kellys in newtown, where it was karoake night and met friends from hostel; the usual: got drunk and sang songs.

Friday: This is the day fireworks really went BANG!!
The first half the day was bad - cops all over train, which i usually get student tickets and stuff. I spilt green tea all over work clothes, so I ddint think it was gonna be great day. then out of nowhere got txt from brissy friend, Monique, she was the girl I mentioned I met out at a club with the swedish guys, a month or so back. She told me she was coming to sydney but I completely forgot. She invited me to this real fancy dinner party, for charity, that was part of her work-do, but she still had ticktes for it.
So I was in bit of dilemma getting ther for work and such. So I had just started out in the field, in N.strathfield when I left, without telling work-mates, they throt I was still working. Came back to Newtown, tried to sort out painful IBS, got haircut new shirt and shaved, showered, made myself look real dapper! Meanwhile ringing up boss giving some story how I had injured my foot, which I really had, I was limping on thursday, and my workshoes had really cut into my foot! But anyway, I said I had to go and pretended to be on train. Mario didnt sound too happy.
Anyway got bus into city and was gonna get another bus, but wudda been hard and was running bit late, the dinner was on other side of harbour bridge. So quickly grabbed cab. It was a real fancy do, with waiters , 20 tables about 100ppl. Champagne, red + white wine, cascade beer, 3 course meal. It was nice to catch up with monique, apparently her friends thort i was well kl, convo with her seemed a bit stilted tho, I was a bit nervous, understandably! bUT WAS still charming as always.
There was speeches for Katoake village, it was all money raised for charity, there were slideshow pictures of progress in katoake, such as they had built school and house and such; and pictures of the tanzania people, looking deprived but happy cos of the great work done. They were selling, fluffy animals with port included. Their was even a U2 tribute band called Achtung Baby, the singer looking just like Bono.

Then the auction took off, holidays, cases of beer all sorts of great and not-so-great things were being auctioned off in a very flamboyant style. There was a painting that was auctioned; I made the first bid, as kind of a jioke, just to get it rolling, expecting a bid from someone else. The auctioner looked around giving it a good blast "ITS worth MORE THAN A HUNDRED BUCKS FOLKS!!" - and I jst sat back in fright and anxiety as no-one else bid, and ha! the picture was mine, I stole a glance at Monique, she gave me a "what-the-hell" look. Anyway the picture was mine, the dinnewr soon came to end, we all strung onto streets, drunk, me with a massive picture attached to my back. The thying I really feel guilty for is when they gave me form to fill out for pic, I gave them wrong C.card details and wrong contact no.! I feel bad now, becos it was for charity. And I still got pic. We went back to moniques hotel where we left pic and laid about for a bit.

Then took her out to K.cross to meet hostel friendas, we didnt stay for long and went back to hostel. Monique seemed to moaning conastanly since leaving dinner, so was a headache. That night, I got free beer, wine from dinner, more free drinks from club in k>corss that josh(mate) bought, and free beer from hostel - but still spent quite a bit -moastely on taxis, here and there. So got monqiue taxi back and I kept drinking till sunrise with hostel friends. I put on music and collapsed later after too much beer. Woke up to boss tring to ring me.

Saturday: was a rewal great day again. woke up at 4:30. Monique came over and elivered picture. We had a nice coffee and had great talk, it was much better than night b4, really had great convo and gd fun, we are walking down street and Im saying hi to all the bouncers from the clubs that I no, and their treating me like Mr popular all infront of a very impressed monique. She then took me to cinema to see watchman film, not great, Iw as falling asleep and such. So we left said goodbaye, and she got taxi back. I have this great big painting of Venice and I dnt no what to do with it!!!!!!!!!
So then chilled and listened to this greek guys music all nigtht, as he had it on laptop and this gd speaker, whcih we got great sound out of!

SUNDAY: Today, sweet. ANother great day. Just catching up on sleep and then went to this reggae festival, which was a like a local shenagin that all the alternative-hippie-funky ppl of newtown go down too. Really it was just a few Djs playing some dancy-reggae tunes. There was black-guy all dressed up as a blonde woman, caliming he was pamela anderson, and her/his boyfriend was this ginger, shaved hair guy who was completely out of it on something! As he was turned on by this freakish character! But the beats were real nice and bassy, and was fun with hostel girls.

Anyway think ill be able to get siome picts from meal onto facebook, ill try and post em'up here if can.

Also I rang mario today, he was upset about friday, and I have to meet Mark, big boss, the one who hired me, for real early meeting tomos morn so best get some sleepy. Ill retire with ken kesey again, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST - a perfect read for newtown!!

Anyway, I hope eveyones great and dandy, mcuh lovexxxxxxxxxxx



thurs:

29th March

Things been real crazy, let me break it down:

So the job doesnt pay as well as I thought, one customer=two sales but its not $240, its just $120. I went three days without sales and on friday I was exhausted and ready to quit - at the end of the day we were all in KFC, before going back to office, and I brought up the fact that I'm not making enough money to live on. It was a good thing I aired this. Mario, our lebanese leader - but everyone thinks hes Italian - took me outside and told me for the next two weeks I'll be put on a minimum of $400 a week - for two weeks, and what I make ontop of that with sales I get as well. I'Ve coonsidered my other options and it will be best to stick with the job. They offered this to me, but not to this chile guy who was ready to quit as well, apparently I have potential. Anyway, friday was a good day though. I was out the night before with some hostel girls down at the Irish bar Kellys, it was karoake night - but I still managed to get up early next day, because it was sports day. Basically we get to the office for 9.30 and some of the lads, about 25, go to an indoor sports centre, we played basketball and then had a real long (1 hour) game of 5-a-side footy which killed my muscles, the next day I was cramps all over. And then our Team boss took us all out and bought us lunch, real nice red curry. But as I said I didn't get any sales, and I was completely knackered. Then we went out for a few beers and pool at the pub next to office.
Obviosuly next my bday, I woke up and was sore all over. Everyone in the hostel had had a real big night in the cross friday night, so everyone was like too tired and a couple fun lads were working. But still I went to the cross, I dont think I'll be going back mind. To be honest it wasnt a good night, not a great bday. I met up with couple girls from hostel and this older guy, we were having a drink, a laugh and all. Then this cool swedish girl, maya, came to see me, shes had her wallet stolen so doesn't have any ID and couldnt get in. Frankie's got a real nice apartment and I took her to see it. He was a nob that night though, not coming out and just being a dick to me. Maya went to meet her friend, at least I got free drinks at Franks.
Then met girls and guy again, and Nicole, the kiwi lass, came to meet us as well. So a good bunch - Maya was away with her friend - somewhere she was allowed to get in. They let me in the club for free because it was my bday - they checked on my license! I've actually forgotten that alot of gd stuff happened until I wrote this. The club was alright but people were general nobs, and this guy was impresssing these girls - all in my face and saying f off and the likes, but I held my ground, the guy was a pussy, if I pushed him he wouda curled up in a corner.
Anyway, two of the girls I was with started pulling - one of thems bisexual, but still surprising. They then left, I wasnt ready yet, I needed the loo so went to frankies, but he was just a nob to me. Anyway I was trying to stay positive, but was really kind of down - and emotional with the alcohol and from sheer tiredness of the work from last week. Went to see one of the cross's main attractions - the strip club. It was crap, I got more drunk, but I just didnt get much out of the experience - I'd rather meet a girl at a club and make it with her - not get a girl stripping and waving her lower abdomen in my face - all for payment of 10bucks upwards!
Anyway, I went back to hostel in bit better spirits, I'd sobered up. Got taxi, 10bucks.
I woke up bout 3:30 next day - all my food had been stolen, my green bag was ontop of fridge, all my meat gone, my leftover bolognaise was in the middle of the table. My jam and butter were left on the side - my hot cross buns were cut in half and left on side, all stale. I was pissed off - I found out it was this old man - 78 and he had been eating my bolognaise and buns - the other guys at the hostel had seen him. The guy was obviously piss-poor, going senile, apparently he had dementia, but that couda been his excuse. I confronted him when he came into the lounge area - he immeditaey got defensive - swearing, even saying lets go outside, claiming he didnt see anything. I told him he wasnt gonna get away with it. Luckily I was in a gd mood. I had a laugh with the boys at the hostel, this real cheered me up, we played a bit of footy indoors and out in street. Then the hostel craetaker came back. Hes a real nice guy. I told him what had happened with the old man. He said he was gonna ask the old man for my money, at least 30bucks of food. Again the oldman got real defensive - and really pissed off the guy working there, calling him a prick and all sorts. Then the old man rang the police from the hostel with the caretaker - him saying to the police the guys got dementia, but they insisted they had to send someone. Well itas lke 4 hours later now, and the police haven't come, and the old guy got his belongings and ambled off into the street. I saw him picking up cigarette butts and smoking.
So everythings kinda come to a head, but I'm alot happier today - even considering, just from having a laugh.

So yer, crazy, and not at a gd time when me moneys so low, and meat is so expensive - all my bacon, sausages and beef gone. Ahh well, this is the sweet but sour life of the hostel - especially the run-down ones. Anyway back to work tomorow. I think I'll take a day off next week and go to coogee beach, I'm making $400 whatever - Ill claim to be sick. Anyway hope everyone else is fine and dandy. Much lovexxxx

25th March

Almost my bday!! Job is tiring as hell, its easy to become negative because so many people tell you to go away, my 2nd day i didnt sell anything. U have to stay positive and keep good attitude, they gave me a sale(which counts as 2, boradband and home phone) the first day, but my third day I did a sale myself, again counts as 2! This was at 8 at night, but the lovelist family ive ever met, they even gave me a taco, it was mexican diner night apparewntly. Yer I was so depressed and tired after the long day yesterday I went out and got nice and drunk with some backpacker friends, it was a crazy fun night, with some guy headbutting some1, me getting in a confrontation with a girl at the hostel (but i was being a bastard, and have since apolguised) - but also talking to crazy drunken ppl and friednships blossoming and all that jazz! But today i was so happy, once I got my sale a thunderstorm broke out and i started singing in the rain, and dancing!! So this is what ppl mean by a natural high! For the first time I worked my ass-off and got a reward - its good conditioning for the brainxxxxxxxxxx hope everyones dandy and fine, and everyone take care, all the bestxxx

21st March

Things are cool atmo. Had training for sales job on thurs and friday. Its commission but I think I'll be a gd salesman. Its door-to-door but a good product - OPTUS, which are a mobile network, selling their new broadband and telephony deals. It all really comes down to how well you can sell, but for every sale you get $120 - so I'm aiming for two sales everyday - if its that easy, we'll have to wait and see till monday. Our intro talk was interesting as they said that out of 800 applicants the 10 people that were with me in training, including two british female backpackers, were selected. My interview was with two other guys and I was sure one of them would get it, because he had sales experience - well I obviously sold myself in the interview - which was what it was about. The problem is I need smarter clothes, so other the weekend Im gonna pick up some posh shoes, shirt and suit trousers; Mark the guy I had the interview with said he would bring me a tie. Apparently if i keep all my reciets though, even public transport, at the end of the tax year I can get all this money back, so any food, clothes - anything job related - I would just need to get in contact with an accountant come july, or when moving on. Thanks for the love kristof, appreciate it. I hope everyone else is fine and dandy!xxx

16th march

Money is real low atmo so got a one-day stint at cafe shop, got about $100, which pays a week at the hostel. Saw the football with couple of scottish lads from hostel. Theres a nice old indian guy that lets me use his laptop, I went out with him for beers one night, although he doesnt drink as against his religion. Anyway, hostel doesnt really have many typical backpackers because in newtown, i.e. out of city. Has some people who live here and some that are studying, like the latvian guy in my room. Theres a few guys whivh seem pretty strange. Theres a guy in our room who just seems to sleep all the time, today he screamed out of the window at some guy making noise even though it was mid-afternoon. He casually said to me, do you ever take prescription medication? - out of the blue. he seems mostly harmless though. The real threat is the tramps, apparently aboriginal guy has been walking into hostel and stole a girls wallet. But Ive stashed my stuff in a locker, so should be alright. When get bit more money will hopefully move into city. Newtowns cool, lots of students and big cafe culture, some live music venues as well, and a famous venue called the enmore, where russell brand is performing tomorow. But its a bit run-down now. My interview with the charity bit of a flop, the guy gave me the wrong time and so i've got to wait another week. Luckily when I was leaving I got a call from a sales company and have an interview tomorow. So hopefully get succesful tomorow. All the best to eveyonexx

13th march

Hello. Im in Newtown now. Recently - Brissy was fun, i was right near the valley, got a one day job, basically a glorified paper-round but 100bucks for one day - enjoy! Flew to sydney, stayed on elizabeth st. for 2 nigts. Hostel was run down, apparently rats. Met cool south african couple. Then to newtown where been job-hunting. Some clothes shops and cafes look promising but best bit is I have an interview with g-evolve - which works with charities, so I'd be raising awareness or something. 16.5$ p/h. sounds alright. Anyway, just tired from travelling round and drinking to much. Much lovexx

8th march

Dont have long, lost phone charger so out of battery. Recently whats happened - Bissy is fun, met up with paul and alex and had drink. Made friends with these sewdish guys from the hostel and went out in fortitude valley, gd fun. Met this nice aussy girl too. Bought dolce & gabbana fragrance which cost alot, but Ive been looking for one, and wuuda got one back in uk anyway. Fines thing, sunny, hot weather, no air con! Much lovexx

28th feb.

At the gd vibes festival I met this awesome guy called adam. He invited me to a BBQ on thursday. SO I went over, his brother was there with two mates, his girlfriend - a real sweet, young stocky Kiwi girl - only blessed 17yrs age and an older guy called travis. Adam & gf met me at bus stop and took me in to their house, which is a real nice place, his parents are on hols - and so hes having bbqs. This travis guy was funny - an ex-junky, gone to rehab, but a good guy nonetheless. The house was like a grander version of our house. His bro and mates left after some funny convos and we played poker all night. Adam is a chef and cooks brilliant meals, grows his own vegetables, and shows me these possoms(creatures like their versions of squirrells) WHICH ARE REALLY QUITE BIG, and one gave him a bite latyer that night - they want to eat his vegetables. The next day we planned a venture out to the mountains where we caught these prawn like creaures that adam made a pasta out of. It was beautiful cool air, great views - like being up in the blue mountains, except with little creeks where we dangled pieces of ham from ropes to catch the prawn-like things (their names escape me) - their called YABBIE's - look em up! Their delicious. It was me, adam, ashley(gf) & travis. It was one of the best few days - I was getting free dlicious meals - he cooked fantastic breakfasts - egg benidict - amazing!! I dont no what ive done to deserve it. LEaving them today - im writing this from their comp - and plan to go to bris, and then fly sydney. Thats the plan.
Much love, tomx

26th feb

All sorts of crazy things happening... People always leaving, new faces arriving, a pair of new guys in room who are crazy guys, bringing swedish girls into rooms at all hours of the night!! Crazy madness. Boss of hostel seems to be wanker though - really great guy who worked here called chris, worked his ass off, finished recently, wanted to stay a week, but the boss wouldnt allow the extra day, even though Chris said he would pay for it - massive blowout in garden, I was witness, calling each other dirty words - "you gonna take a swing at me". ANyway, much type fast - my life, staying till sunday, then train to brisbane on sunday - then booked flight on wednesday to sydney - running out of money, so gonna work, get RSA and work the bars/restaurants - wana work at jazz joints, massive in sydney these places - also influenced from reading On The Road by Jack Kerouac!! So thats whats planned, down on the chips with me money, but shud manage as long as no mad drink binges!! IBS playing up recenlty - can work with it! Life fast atmo, but time to relax aswell. Much luv everyone, anyonexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

24th feb

Dnt have long to type - gold coast is well fun, loads of kl party ppl at hostel. Been hanging round wit hilarious italian guy, who gets really passionate about women, and has told me his crazy theories on world,he got into a provoked argument with this crazy/hot german girl - these two german girls looked rich as hell, they had a crash with a bus in their 4x4!! ANd were stranded at hostel! that was really fiery but kl aswel,about fundamental differences between men and women. He claims many women have "prostitute mind" - but he wasnt a bigotist, i wish i had longer to describe this crazy guy. Had surfing lesson today - fun! Gd Vibes festival soooooo gd! Saw Deadmau5!!!!!!!!!!!
Gonna do that again!!!!!!!!! much luvxxxxxxx

15th Feb.

The last few days have been utter madness, completly insane. No method, no fatal consequences - only a wad of cash down the drain.

So it begins; I was hunting round for a car. First was rachael, how I wish I bought her car. It was an old-type holden (which is vauxhall) that was going for $2500, but she'd bring it down to $2000. Then there was the Irish guy with his $950 XF falcon, which needed to be registered in about a month, which is an extra $200 or so. What compelled me to buy a car? I still don't know. The adventure, freedom; my plan was to take it across to the east coast for the 20th, as the festival I had to work was the 21st. Harry kept pointing out the cons far outweighed the pros. Anyway, met a girl called Heidi with Dreadlocks, her car was a Nissan Pulsar, from 1990. She was an alright girl with dreadlocks, from Perth, the car was from WA. We took it out for a test spin, I immediately reversed badly and very slowly hit a concrete pilon. It was on the soft bit on the side of the car so dented it. She had taken the thing from Perth up to Darwin and had hit a cow at night. So half the front was abit battered, the light was intact but the glass had smashed. They had another glass case in the boot, and said it wouldn't be a prob, prob wouldnt even be pulled over.
So the car went fine on the road-test, automatics are easy as hell to drive.
So the deal was finalised, I would buy it the next day. Her french boyfriend would fill it up with coolant before handing it over. It came with an atlas as well.

Me and Harry had spent most of our nights in Darwin at the cinema; saw The Wrestler, Slumdog Millionaire and Revolutionary Road - the last on the day he was leaving, depressing as hell. Anyway we saw it and he had to leave on 12th as his flight was early morn on 13th. It was raining pretty heavy. He got on a thrifty shuttle bus with some other passengers. Touching moment and all that. Now he's in sydney - he was the wise one. He left me the guitar. Hopefully to see each other in Brisbane, is how we left it.

So the next day, Frenchie came over filled the Nissan with coolant, told me to watch the temp. gauge, make sure it didn't tick over to H(hot). I thanked him and paid a $1000, they'd reduced the price from $2000. Anyway, all the roads to the east coast were flooded, or so I heard. And I'd have to wait weeks in darwin or some bollocks. I didn't care and just decided to go down the stuart highway which goes all way down to Adelaide, back the way the Ghan came!
My plan was to either get across at Port Augusta, or go across at Alice, if the Plenty Hghway was to re-open. So I took off. The first thing that happened after a bit of a drive was that damn temp. gauge ticking over. So i stopped a few times to fill with coolant. It didn't do much, so stopped at petrol station. The guy knew a thing or two about cars and helped me out. Pulled up the trunk and took a look. The radiator was bone dry so filled up with water.
Anyway I got scootering.
Onto the stuart highway and took off, after awhile the traffic dies down, the highway starts as four-lane but quickly dies down to two, with the occassional overtaking lane for 500metres. So I came out of Darwin heading towards Katherine and Alice. Pretty soon, it was just me, the road and the occassional car. The spped limit was 130km/h! You get used to gunning it around 140 pretty soon, I even got used to 160 at a stage but then realised and slowed down. Averaging 140 I guess, dunno what m/ph that is mind. So you wizz past the towns on the map, each one nearly as hour apart probably, the sheer scale is something else! But these towns are basically a petrol pump at the most. I found that when going found the temp. gauge was fine, but when slowing down to stop it went right up. I left bout midday, probs 1 or 2. Got to Katherine for 7:30. This was bigger town, lots of Abo's. I had brought bit of bread, tuna and some dried fruit with me. I had dinner in car. I kept going - which was a mistake. It got dark pretty fast. The next stop was Martaranka. The old temp. gauge ticked over when slowed down. I would go to a mechanic the next day. Driving at dark is shit scary, I must have killed 100 frogs and was petrified of a cow maneouvering itself out.
So found a nice motel, $80 for the night! Whilst in Katherine there was BAckpackers! Anyway it was pouring iot down. I only got two pairs of shoes and my blues ones got soaked through.
I stopped at the bar/restaurant bit, which was nice, there was some another gang of aussies, having beers and laughs. I had couple of beers, whilst waiting for the rain to die down. The family who ran the motel all came out and had a roast. It was real nice. A cute girl came out who was the daughter of the women who ran it. I had all sorts of revelations; thinking how this was their everyday life, whilst I was at my home in UK, they was living out in this wilderness! Amazing. Rain backed down, got into car and drove round to room. Had shower, put on some crap Jackie Chan film and went to sleep, set alarm for 6:30 next day to awake. I felt like the travelling had really begin; the sort of feeling you get which is mix of excitement and nerves; its all mixed with the scared truth of the unforesseable future. Anyway, happy I slept. Nothing, though, nothing could prepare me for what would happen the next day.

I was dozing till about 7:30. Got my stuff together, got changed, into car and went and paid at reception. Had light breakie and went to see Mechanic along town. Told him the problem. Every time I stopped the radiator started spurting red-hot dirty water and steam out of vent. I told all this, he filled up the radiator with water, like petrol boy had done, gave me a couple bucket things of water to put in trunk and advised me to fill out every 20km, or at least have a look at her. He told me to get it fixed in tennant cos he couldn't touch radiators or something.
So it was alright for awhile. It was an average of 70km to next town stop. Stopped at each one, and gave her water. Met trucker at Dunmarra, he was good fat bloke, looked bit like a trimmed santa clause with his white beard. He told me way I could get across to Brisbane. He knew exactly where the roads would be flooded. I filled her up; spent altogether bout $100 on gas so far. Stopped at ELiot, filled up radiator, whilst some lonely Abo guy came to talk. After Eliot the desert begins, out of nowhere the arid soil of Alice was back; but its the only desert with so much grennery, green shrubbery, grass, tress. Pretty flat land. They'd be swamps every now and then; Adelaide river which was a sight, a prety powerful beast, that whizzed by. I was driving with window down to keep me concentrating, sunglasses on, gum, and when needed lift, sloshed down a red bull. It was kinda fun at first, gets real monotomous, bored and I'd only just begun. Didnt bother with A/C as takes up fuel. Radio didnt bother, for one thing no stations and had my boom bucket on seat next to me which i'd been blasting out trance music the day before. I stopped quick hard a few times and it had taken bit of a bump against glove compartment.
By this stage Ipod battery had run out. So the only music, the roaring of the wind in my ears, as she gunned 140 down highway.
I stopped at place called Rennie Springs, again just a gast station, had tuna sandwich lunch. Nice dutch girl at counter said I'd manage to get to Tennant Creek with half a tank, it was 130 km away, so though better to ask. This is where I stopped to make some notes of voyage in my journal.
I took off. At times it fills like your flying, the speeds are good. Some lovely views, rock fomrations rose in the distance. The signs which freaked me the most were the "WARNING - UNFENCED ROAD. BEWARE WANDERING STOCK" - I took it about 120, round these bits. Its amazing when 100 feels slow. Anyway, the sun was bearing down and a heat wave was all across the road. It had been for a few hours. Forgot to mention - the heatwave looks like water sometimes, which I slowed down for as the day before when driving to Mataranka, I hit some flood water, slowed down to bout 100, but sill felt it. Im sure the tires didnt enjoy.

The most amazing effect is when theres a heatwave right at the end of what u can see of the road ahead, and it goes the same colour as the sky so it looks road just flows into thwe sky, and there green shrubbery fading either side of the road, just fading into the distance and replenishing itself as you drive.

Anyway, the road started feeling real soft. It started rising and undultaing, arrow signs warning of sharp turns. These werent sharp but very gentle. I was still down to about 100, and enjoying looking out at the view of the desert at the top of these rises. Anyway noticed a green nissan sprtscar behind me, one of those fast-and-furious car-types. I sped up, doing about 140 and he still overtook me. I felt like I hadnt really been driving and was too cautious. So I took her up to 160, but was still thinking, don't just follow that guy, he'll get himself killed - and seeing scenarios in my head, where i'd see the green car in a heap of rubble on the side of the road. Anyway, he had taken off so fast was unable tosee. I was still gunning her at 160, the road feeling softer and softer. I shudda known.

Then it happened. Suddenly the car went out of car and was skidding, as I was going at 160! It went flying to my right, whilst I grappled with her - did 360 in the dirt, which luckily took alot of the mementum out went straight on the dirt and stopped before small tree. The only thing I was thinking was "dont roll over" - I almost expected it to do so after my last experience. There wasnt a scratch on me. As the window was open heaps of this dusty arid soil was all over me and the inside the car. I was lucky to be alive. I got out to assess. The back tire had gone, there were bits of rubber all over the road behind me. The front tire was bit buggered as well. I was about 30km from Rennie. A trucker approached, I waved him down. He had a look, I explained, he said I was lucky not to be a statistic. I got all my stuff out, loaded it in his truck and he took me to Rennie. I didnt no what to do. He was a funny guy from melbourne, long white hair, and wearing funny goggles. He kept telling me stuff about how heavy the snow falls. I was more in shock, couldn't really understand him. He told me someone above must like me. So back at Rennie - told the dutch girl what had happened. Got me stuff off. Luckily there was a guy who had been working on the roads but had the week off. He had all the road gear and was gonna help me, he gave me much needed bear. He just seemed to be drinking all the time. He was only a young guy, 27, blondie, and we got on well. He took me to car to have alook. We took off crappy tire, put on spare tire and then took off front, went back to rennie to pump it up and then back to car. She, somehow still went. He pulled her back b4 getting front tyre off mind. Anyway, he gave me advice to stick to 80km/h till got to Tennant, which was till 100k away. HE said even if lost another tyre, going at 80 I wouldnt loose control. He had look at radiator, just said it needed clean and take off cap completly to help it cool. Well I thanked him and went, aticking to 80. After bout 20k temp. was right up to H again. I stopped and tried to fill up radiator. Steam was coming off her and the engine now as well. EVery time I put in some cool water, the radiator would take it down for awhile but then would shout it all out, followed by hot steam. I went another 20k and same thing happend. This time aload of steam came off engine. I thought it wasnt worth it, the engine was gonna blow. After trying to fill her up with water I decided no more, needed to leave some for me as I was stopped in middle of nowhere, with no cars coming, not even truckers. It about half five now and I sat in the shade of the car to the left. I had 2 red bull cans, enough bread and apricots for ahwile and some water. I resisted the need to panic, I knew a car would come along sooner or later. I was ready to go either way, back to Rennie where their was a motel, or forward to Tennant. After bout 10mins a britz campervan came going to tennant. I stuck my thumb out, they flew past at first, but then saw I was in trouble, they stopped and reversed, asking have you broken down. I told them the thing had gone, I needed a lift to Tennant where I'd find a hostel. They agreed to help me. They were a lovely Irish couple. Once moved all my stuff in back of their camper, I went to move car off road and into desert abit. It was the right choice, the damn thing wouldnt even start this time. So the irish guy pushed it as i wheeled it down into pathway.
It was a far-distance to tennant, and I was exhausted. They were trying out camping and were only here for a 5-week holiday. Werent expecting me!
We got to tennant, which is good, cos its alot bigger, a sort of proper town. Its like a long-thin town like berko, but run down, with grafiti, Abo bums everywhere, bits of yard for sale, closed down shops, few banks and newsagents and a small supermarket. Anyway, I got to a backpackers, which is an alright place. They guy who runs it comes across as racist. It got everything you need. Theres a bar acriss the road. WhichI had a few drinks at last night.

So yes I was pushing her too fast, but I had no idea that was gonna happen. Thats $1000 down drain not to mention petrol money, oh well, you live you learn. And i was lucky to be alive.

So I've bought some food, the hostel is cheap, but my plan is to carry on-its all one can do right, as in try and see if they're any flights going from nearest airport which is ALice(ill need to bus there) to the Gold Coast so I can get to festival and work. I believe harry arrived fine in sydney.
But Im not hurt just shaken - so no worrys. If flights are ridiculous I can book a greyhound to gold coast, at least then I'd be able to see stuff, but Im probs gonna stick to flying.

Anyway, a real whirlwind of events, Im gonna go cook up my lunch once walked back to hostel. But thats whats happened in an incredably short amount of time the whole things fucked. Well, hell, the short amount of time driving was fun, but theres no way im driving here again. The great people who helped me out made it an experience. But this is travelling - its all part of the package. I just want things to slow down now, which they have. Well, whatever, things will get back on track now.

Thats whats happened.

12th Feb.

Okay so i havn't blogged for awhile, but alot has happened. I did the quad-biking which was great fun, I was tearing up the roads. Surprisingly it was with an old couple who were behind me, I kept slowing down loads on the straights so I could accelerate loads!! The guy who took us was basically a drover and took us to one of the waterholes that they ffed the cattle at. The flies were just swarming me whenever you got off the quads. They were 330c.c. so quite impressive. The guy who took us round was a tall, cowboy-type, not redneck tho, friendly, wearing jeans and cool boots. His mate who picked us up from train was a funny guy who had it out for the pommies. Then back to train station to pick up harry and dash into Alice Springs. The cowboy-type, Mike, came by and said he'd give us a lift to a hostel he recommended. I said we'd already called a cab. Bit of a bugger. The hostel was called Annies Place. It probs the best one we've stayed in. It had air-con, tv in room, restaurant and bar area, apparently on the first night some guy had broken into bar after it shut and stole alcohol! Anyway we pretty much got to the room and were invaded by three english girls. Two of them fat and ugly, and one which I hadn't noticed till later was a pretty gone little gal. Her name was Donna, kinda cuty. The hostel also had pool. We ate, and those girls came back later at night, once I'd found this really cool black cat, (which donna claimed was hers) and they said come out to some pub, infact the only late night pub in area. I didn't leave straight away, but did in hour or such. The pub was alright, quite alot of abo's. One of which looked like he was out for a fight. Lets call him Bob(cos thers more on him). Anyway was talking to donna for abit who was smashed. I got pretty drunk. Met some guy from NZ who decided to go to casino with. He payed for taxi. I got in, went to get some money out then they threw me out!! Too drunk...
Outside that Bob had got kicked out and was walking aggressively with his five sisters around. Some fat geezer got kicked out and said the wrong thing to Bobs sisters, Bob squared up. No fight tho. I met this vicky girl outside, she got taxi with me back. Again she paid for it. I said I owed her a drink, and had every intention of buying her one, but she didn't reply to my txt when sent one nxt day. Weird, when got back, thers a code for front of hostel, forgot it, but harry opened for me. he'd been waiting, apparently i sent txt saying im scared some guy looks like hes gonna take my money" - and then didn't reply for ages. This was bad, poor guy was worried. Anyway had to get up at 6nxt morn for uluru. Phone ran out of battery, and camera out of pics, so no picsa of uluru. With quite big group. Flies incessant, but rock was beautiful, also went to see Olgas, which were a sight. They provided food. We had sunset bbq watching uluru. Wasn't as spectacular as hoped. Then we got taken to some motel for the night, we'd payed for a 2-day tour. Motel was alright. 2nd day commenced. Much smaller group, old english couple and a pair of korean/japo tourists, who loved harry, thinking he looked asian! This time got fly-net-hat, which harry had wisely bought day b4.
Went to see Kings Canyon. Very impressive. Tour guide very concerned about heat exhaustion so we didn't do main long walk, but still went up cliff-face where i got some gd pics. Then took us to nice little spring. Very enjoyable day, close-group so good atmosphere, less of us and whatnot. Then back to hostel, dosed around nxt day and then left for Darwin. We got river cruise at Katherine, which harry said he preferered to uluru, which he also greatly enjoyed. It was exhilarating, got a bit wet. I twas like a long speed boat thing. Got some great pics of Gorge. Then back to the Ghan(train). Next stop Darwin. Got cheap shuttle bus into darwin. I don't like darwin nearly as much as Adelaide. The buildings are tacky and its too much like construction site/ touristy hotels. The road we're on is hostel road with bars and eateries on. Its got none of Adelaide's seductive beauty. Harry says he prefers it though. Havnt been drinking since here as IBS was hurting. Found spicy food really good for IBS! We've mainly been going to cinema in evenings to pass time, playing footy on park in day. I sorted out bank account for job festival. Decided Im gona buy cheap car, as harrys leaving later today and Im gonna do Kakadu for 1 day, and then leave and drive all way to Gold coast for festival, need to get there before 21st, should be fine! Theres plenty of cars on sale, ill prob get a cheaper one, which ill need to register again for 6months, but onli costs $220. I just prefer the freedom of having car, rather than airplaning eveywhere. Plus ill see alot more.
Harrys going later, so hopefully meet again in Brisbane. Hes still going sydney because he can get his ipod fixed there, which only works when chargers plugged in for some reason. And the charger belongs to me. I need to make sure this car will past test first tho b4 buying. Because if three things are no good then ill hav to pay for repaisrs. So may be worth buying a more expensive car thats registered for longer. Anway Im meeting guy today to see his XF falcon, which is up for only $950. But it has rto be registered again soon. But will have good examine. Shame I don't have a mechanic with me...

Thats was quite brash and fast but im running out of time at this internet cafe so had to be quick. Muchluv to allxxx My joruney will be Darwin tio gold coast and I plan to go around coast as plenty of gas stations along way, if I cut into center may not be enough gas or whatever, so may be doggy. Anyway, thats my plan.

To everyone, muchluvxxx O ye and im not going to victoria in a hurry!

Adelaide and such...

Thanks Dan. Weird story on that one. The beard and the goatee went; Frankie's regulations at the adult shop were to be clean-shaven. I didn't really do it because of that but because I wanted to, so for awhile I looked as youthful as you! Me and harry both got a haircut aswell! So my hairs shorter, Oh and we got this german girl to die it black, harrys bluey-black, but it looks well kl. My beard is definately up-and-going now tho, although its not a beard yet, but Im just letting it grow full-on this time - i plan to look like a bum so nothing dodgy happens to me in Thailand!
And to father, I've managed to get me and harry a stay at Alice Springs for 4 days, so we can take in the mighty Uluru. Then on the 9th we're back up to Darwin, arriving on the 10th.

Whats going on?: I didnt think I would be able to get work at Good Vibrations, but they got back to me saying that their were jobs available in recycling! Hell, I don't care the festival would be worth it. Their looking for more workers so Ill see if Harry wants to do it. It'll be on the 21st on the gold coast so need to get a flight from Darwin sorted. Website link is: http://www.gvf.com.au/goldcoast.
Theres some great dance-bands, me and has both luv deadmau5!!!
Anyway about Darwin, when I went to doctors (to pick up subscription pills for IBS, which set me back $60!) she said Darwin is hot as here (45 degrees) but is 100% humid, so things are constantly wet, easy to pick up infections as well so prob wont want to stay too long!

On the train from Adelaide to Alice you can book tours, stuff like Quad-biking which Im def doing! And From ALice to Darwin you stop at place called Katherine for while where Im gonna do Caneoing and such.

About Adeliade: Nice place, its got a cool market which me and has checked out.

Theres free rental on bikes at hostel, so I followed a suggested (by hostel guy) trip along the river which ends up at Henley Beach, lovely beach, not very touristy - lots of black people, very black and speaking another language, perhaps the ghetoo is near there.
The ride really took it out of me, about 2 hours in the peak heat because I left about 2. Theres really nice visuals along river tho, lots of greenery and some shade. I swam and ate fish and chips at beach, harrys lazy so didnt come, he doesnt like beaches so much.
Way back was easier at first because cooler, but it got really dark and I got lost and came to place caqlled Hackney, managed to get back on ride but was stopped by a cop! He was a nice enough guy luckily from wales, but apparently its illegal to ride without helmet - he let me go on a "verbal warning". But it really killed me, my leg muscles were dying and my throat haws never been so parched. It was all fun tho, and I slept well that night.
The hostel kindda chilled, me and has went out to pub to watch footie, I got bit pissed last night and finished all my wine. We've packed all our stuff today-

I almost forgot, my bag is so heavy I threw out aload of clothes. All the socks, which were stupid thing to bring, some underwear, one of the t-shirts my rents sent, I dont no why I let you convince me I needed more t-shirts mum! Less really is more on these ventures - and lastly I threw out my towell, I've got another nicer one that I bought anyway, and its just loading up my stuff.

Apart from that, lovely weather again, a bit cooler now.
I hear its torrential snow in the uk, enjoy the snow-days.
Everything else seems fine and dandy, so enjoy the blog, whoever you are reading and wherever your from...

much love tomx

30th January

I'm writing about the last two days. The 28th and 29th as well.

Our plan changed - the perth booking was full, so we got the Indian-pacific to adelaide, and we leave there on the 4thfeb for Darwin, on the great Ghan, which takes longer than sydney to perth anyway, comes in at total of 3 days and 2 nights.

I was excited as hell to be finally leaving sydney. Collected my pay from frankie for the last week, $569, so happy. Later found out on train from an interesting black kid that the guy had been underpaying me, i'd been on $12, whilst minimum pay was $14; it was because pay in hand is illegal... But the legalities of the shop and most of its product are highly suspect anyhow!

Anyway, for the train, we obviously booked economy-class. It wasn't that busy the first day so both me and has managed to get two seat rows each. Even this wasn't long enough for me, the seats go back a little way and thats how one is expected to sleep. I had no pillow, no sheet, sleep didn't come easy that night, I took aload of towells from the shower and used them as pillows/sheets.

Anyway, back to the end of sydney. My luggage is far too heavy, I've got three bags and was struggling like hell. Im gonna get rid of some of it. I've got so much shit I dont need. Theres an oxfam up from the hostel in adelaide where Im going to donate socks and stuff, if they'll take them! Bringing socks was a heavy overthought nonetheless.

We boarded. Sydney's suburbs went flying by. We went through Newtown, which I managed to have a look at the day before, its like camden on a lesser scale.
There was a mixture of run-down parts and nicer bits. When we got out of sydney to the "greater" parts, there was a large mansion with its own golf course, looked like a rich farmer or something.

From the Emu plains onwards you have the Blue Mountains everywhere, trees right next to the window obscuring your view. Nonetheless theres great views. There was interesting commentary about notorious sydney criminals who were romanticised by the presenter. The Mount.s where much larger and extensive than I realised. There was a wide valley that I got a camera shot of, with little ribbon lakes and pastoral land, farming I gathered. Even after you great through the main expense there are still leftovers, clumps of trees in grassland, showing the sheer length of the eucalyptus' domiance. I went to dinner,which was a terrible burger. I met this mercurial character from New York who had travelled extensively, spilt me stories of when he was living in hackney, one was memorable; he went to a pub, the guy said where you from? - new york", barman - bet you think your hard being from newyork - the bar man then smashed a glass on his bar and started to eat the glass infront of Darcy(thats his name!) He said that he saw the guy puking up blood in the toilet a halfhour later. He had a canadian wife who was a film director/documentaries. They were gettin goff at Broken Hill, a mining town. The scenery outside was amzing, rolling hills, but much grander and larger than Uk ones, cracks in the earth seperating two parts of grassland, funny shrubbery, dried trees, but mostly affluent greenery. The sunset was spectacular as well. Some farmland.

Then came the night, went back to seat. Smuggled on some cheap wine that would help.
Drank plenty of that and read to help sleep. Managed to get somewhat comfortable, slept a couple hours at midnight, crank in my neck. Then got a couple more but couldnt sleep much more after that. My IBS hurt - but not intensly.

Morning arrived, the land was remarably different. I went to have breakfast. Theres nothing like having breakfast whilst arid land rolls past your window. I've never experienced anything like it. Red, arid with soil with yellow grass poking up, growing where it could. It struck how even when the chips are down life still manages to beat the odds, this grass was living proof. There was bits of green shrubbery here and there. The only signs of humanity was the oil pipe running parallel to the track and
telegraph poles. There were groups of sheep, sporadically placed, like little furry buddhas, staring blankly back at the train.
I went back to my seat, the land had risen on my side. Chunks of mounds of the arid land, jagged edges, moving up and down; as one went down, another rose behind it. There were wire fences. We got out at broken hill, chance to stretch legs, bid farewell to my NYork friend. The journey was behind schedule as it had hit livestock in the night. Some pretty girls had got on at B. Hill. They were going to Big Day Out in Adelaide, we couldn't get our tickets in the end.
We arrived and the heat was like nothing I'd ever felt. Apparently the wind can burn you here, the actual wind is hot itself!!
It was 41 degrees.

We got taxi and went round aload of hostels; many were nice but didnt have beds. One was real cool but we would have had to spill out $60 for a twin room. In the end we found small one, theres no aircom in room, so a real seaty hot night. But apart from that gd facilities, Im using their mac to write this now. I like the location as well. Theres loads of bars and eateries down our road and we're near the shopping district. Its just hot as hell. Need to catch bus to get to beach. probs do that tomos. Had to go to doctors to get more mebeverine, would need it defintely for trip to Darwin. Doctor told me because its the wet season, even though its about same heat there as here, its 100% humidity there. Going to be constantly hot, wet and may get trenchfoot! The way my shoes have fallen apart I wouldn't put it past happening. Was gonna try and catch Nadal match at bar later.

Adelaide's a real kl city though. Its only 1mill ppl, so has a real relaxed, uncrowde vibe, I really dig it. Its got eveything you need as well, good restaurants, good pubs, the only prob is price of beer bit steeper than sydney.

Anyway take care allxx

24th Jan

ITS HARRYS BDAY!

22 january

At your request daniel ill try and write more extensively. The problem was the keyboard was crap on the last comp. i used. So let me reminisce. The hostel in manly had a kind of community feel, although their was no security everyone seemed to party and get drunk together. There was a guy from the channel islands who got loads of burnt DVDs from some thai store in the city and we watched aload of shit films. Me and harry were staying with a couple of welsch lads who were fun. The hotties tend to congrigate in manly as well, but theres loads of tourists there as well. On a hot day the beaches are crammed. Me & has found a smaller, quieter beach round the corner where theres loads of snorkelling. The waves arent as fun tho. The waves on the main beach, if u get the timing right, u can really ride them they'll take you back to shore pretty much. I caught some real vicious ones that threw me around and crushed me to the sandy floor. Hell, its all exhilariting. But we've been out of manly since monday last week. Our stay in sydney is dragging on as I've tryed to arrange carpools up the coast, one fell through the other wasnt for awhile. Harry is keeping his dates the same, i.e. leaving aus. on 15th feb. and i want to stay longer, so i feel obliged to do everything harry wants to do while he's still here with me. So we're getting, altho need to book, the three-day train to perth from sydney. Its meant to be stunning, so should be kicks. Ill prob get restless as hell. This week:
AFter my graveyard shift on sat nyt at adult shop, which by far the most eventful; loads of drunken revellers came in, some guy fell down the stairs twice!! Frankie had to show his dominance and throw out these under agers, there was these girls who get really abusive when he told them to go, and they said "do these look 18" and got out their breasts! Unfortunately i missed this. There waws another girl who was really funny that night she wouldnt stop asking questions, she really dug frankie, but he told her he was gay, at first she was in disbelief, and then she was like "well im a lesbian". Anyway, monday and tuesday was training in the day, 3 hours and much less eventful. Then come wednesday I had my first day shift. Easy work, pretty boring, not many sales. Me and harry met this whacko girl at hyde park, she seems to have no social inhibitions and will just walk up to anyone and start talking but she says weird stuff, like shes a vampire. Well she came in on wednesday. She started drawing a crazy comic strip about cows on a tissue paper i gave her. She told me she was brought up on a farm, a fact frankie found hilarious.
Frankie came back at end of my shift, with his lover, whos a dull american accountant, very business-like, like will from will & grace. I told him about the crazy girl, and he showed me some footage from the night before. Theres cameras all over the store as stuff gets stolen all the time. A poor guy, Rob, whos from leeds was working. Hes kind of a sullen, quiet character. Theres footage of this crazy nut dancing around the shop, doing like burlesque movements with her legs. Then you see her and rob close talking and she goes to kiss him on the cheek, he sees her and moves away, she then proceeds to attempt again and gets him, poor guy quickly backs away! Hilariously funny!

Me and harry looking to get train on 28th, or 31st.
Day off today so thinking bout going to beach. Early morning shift tomorow starting at 7. But it'll do me gd probs, been sleeping in to like 12 most days.

The hostle we're staying in now has better security, but no-one really knows each other, its bigger. And it has too many stairs, we go up about three flights to our dorm.

Apart from that, my IBS has been pretty bad of recent, even tho a spent a wad of cash on some pills. Well, we'll see...

Ok theres a big chunk of entertaining info. Ill be back to update soon.

21st January

I'vewritten more about my experiences in my travel journal. But tokeep everyone informed; we're staying on william st.which is hectic busy with cars, its a main road into city, and our room faces roadso loud at alltimes,lucky i got those ear plugs fromn heron island. We've been alonein our room apart from a german girl who stayed couple nights before back to germany.She was funny, gave me somecontacts, she said one year wastooshort! Harry thinlking bout keeping his dates the same, but I wantto extend mystay. Igot the job at the adult store, its reallynot bad at all, infact very fun.Youmostly get couples at the place whowant to flame up their sex-life.The boss,Franky,is well safe. I worked a night shift, $140 in the back-pocket,but it really hurt my IBS,I had apainful morning. Looking to get outofsydney though.Carpools have fallen through a bit though,goingto try and organise bus trip.

Australia

NYs eve was a hectic night. The best fireworks i've seen, cascading oof the harbour bridge, was immense, very impressed. Have a glimpse on youtube and you'll see what I mean. I was prety close to bridge so had great ivew. After that I tried to go to clubs on darling harbour but was refused as I was wearing shorts. It was loads of money to get in, like $100, so gd thing i ddnt in end. I took some guys advice and walked to oxford street, which had alot of clubs down. It was all free as well. Imet some brazilians and irish at the first one. I went along to another later. I didn't no but oxford st. was a bit of a gay community. There was an old geezer in tightly-clad leather and shorts!! I was hanging around with these two guys and ther girl friend who were all safe. One of them told me he works at an adult store and offered me a job, so I got something lined up for me and harry. lol. NYS day was pretty bad tho, threw up a couple of times. Feeling better now tho. Muchluv to whoevers readingxxx Mum &dad much lovex