Not great news from Asia is it?

It's shocking really, and apparently a couple of people got caught out in Oz too, but I guess that was the North coast. Can't help but feel glad I'm not over there... was even looking at flights to Indonesia a couple of weeks back. Obviously thoughts go out to all those affected.

We're in South Oz at the mo, Augusta. Midway through a mini road trip. It is very hot, and yeah we spent xmas day on a beach in Perth. Ironically the first rain I have seen in Oz fell on that day. And last night, we watched a HUGE thunderstorm over the ocean from a beach in Bussleton. That was wicked and I have some piccies to show for it (see the side.) Apart from that though it's just hot hot hot.

Laters all

ps. tell me what's going on for nye!

Bah Humbug!

It's christmas day and reeeally hot and we're going to the beach. Hahaha..

Hope home is nice and christmassy. I am actually missing the cold a little bit, it feels like a necessary ingredient for this time of year. That might sound odd, but the sentiment is echoed by other Brits over here so it's not just me! We'll get over it..

Seasons Greetings to everyone!

Al

Didgeridoo!

Today I passed a busking "Abbo" playing a didgeridoo. Can't get much more Australian than that, can it.

I have my 3 minions again. They all arrived last Weds and since then we have had many great hours of fun together. We are doing secret santas and I am dead excited. ???What might I get???


Catalogue of events:
===============

1. Boys and Girl arrived.
2. Instantly became lazy once teamed up with Mike. Was doing ok solo, but I think I am a champ lazyman now.
3. Got pissed a few times
4. Hired a big car
5. Receive car tomorrow, drive the pants off it for fun. (It's a 4 litre)
6. Have xmas here and on beach ('here' is the hostel I've been staying in since arriving in Oz. http://www.planetinn.com.au/ for the curious amongst you)
7. Week long road trip south of Perth
8. New Years Eve! Back at hostel, celebrations and merryments all round.
9. Month long road trip North and South of Perth.
10. Fly away to Alice Springs


Health News
=========

The Australian immigrations dept have decided that I have only one month in which to sort my health status and visa application so it can be processed to a result. This means I have to leave Oz within a month so they can approve the visa. If I am present in Oz during this final review they have no 'choice' but to decline my application. It's impractical for me to leave so soon, and I can't afford to, so have appealed to them for their compassion in giving me some more time. I have yet to be involved with their reaction..


It's got to the point where I don't really care what happens next, and I guess I will not be out here for a year after all. Nothing's set in stone though, is it? I'll keep y'all posted.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
..And one final note to Robbijay - He's only gone and got himself engaged! Congratulations fella! How and why did she say yes? ;)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Warning!!!

Beer bong tragedy has entire city of Perth in shock

A beer-thirsty Australian gentleman, inpatient with gravity, employed a mechanical contraption to rapidly deliver beer into his gullet using a pump powered by an electric drill. The device proved so effective that the high-pressure jet of beer shooting down his throat ripped a hole in his stomach. Authorities responded by warning people not to use high-pressure machines to drink beer this Christmas.

Thanks to Omar for that important news burst. You'd be a fool not to heed the warning.

Perth cont'd...

So today I decided it was time to have a look around Perth. Been here nearly a week and not done any sightseeing. *Slap on wrist*

Thing was, that brick cleaning job (worst job I ever done, mate) knackered me out loooaaads, so was not in mood to do things after. Then we went out on Sunday, had some beers, and that was followed by the worst hangover I remember having. Add to that a proper stinky headcold (from brick dust, sympathy please) and Monday got messed up. So we get to today, and I did do some sightseeing! There are piccies of Perth for you to see. I suffered incomparable heat to share my experiences: It was 41.5°C - "The hottest December day in Perth since 1954." It really doesn't feel like Christmas is coming, despite the enthusiastic decorations around, and my meeting Santa too (see pics).

Being on me own has been a mixed, but defo good experience. Nice to do what I want to do but there a fair few gaps in the days that could do with filling. If I do stay here for long I think it'll be cool once I settle in somewhere and get involved with a crowd. Work is well easy to get hold of and can pay a lot better than at home for "heaps" less time!! All in all it's been a good week though, met some wicked peeps cos I've stayed in the same hostel and am looking forward to mixing it up when the boys (and girl!) get here on Thursday morning. A mad D'n'B night is planned for that evening too so I'm excited about getting a two-step fix for the 1st time in ages. In conclusion - it's quite like being at home, just not!
...Especially the "view" when we were on the tiles. All my Glos counterparts, my heart goes out to you. This place is mint for talent!! (HAD to get that in)

Anyway this read has prolly kept you going for loads of time! Congrats and many thanks if you made it to this point.

Happy 14th December

Al

New phone number again

I have got another phone number due to messing up the last one I had. It's +61407253074.

Perth is a nice spot.. although Kate I miss you very much! xx

tara all

Australia

I am in Perth. It's very hot.

Hadn't been here for 12 hours and I was on a building site chipping the cement off bricks! I got a blister on my thumb :(

!!!Different Mobby Number!!!
I have another new phone number - it is +61407253074 (00 61 407253074)

Don't know what's coming up next - Mike, Dan and Kerry are gonna be here for the 16th.. So I have a few days to kill. Need to do some medical things or else they will kick me out! Also I have to be up at 6.50 tomorrow morning for more brick work. Nooooo...

The area seems pretty nice but have not been here a day yet! Big roads and lots of space is what 1st hits home. And some super cool pick-ups keep driving by - revving their engines off the lights etc.. ahh the sounds of home.

See y'all

Al

hahaha

Award for best note goes to Pez. (Check the comments on "Apres full moon"). Good work man!

Am feeling a bit unstable right now due to after effects of half moon party. See below.

I'm going to Oz a week before everybody else! I couldn't change my ticket to the date everyone else has cos of less availability on my half world ticket, so I am heading off to Singapore solo style from Monday (tomorrow - argh) which is all a bit of a surprise! Will be in Perth from the 8th.. the others catch up on the 16th.

FYI my phone number will be changing to an Oz one on the 8th so I will post that here.

Byeeee

A picture of Koh Phangyan

Nice eh?

Quick note!

We're now in some beach huts near Ao Nang. They are soooo basic it's untrue! Not even a sink! But, possibly my favoritest place so far cos the community spirit of our lodgings is well good. More to follow..

I have put up more piccies - easy to view, no need to sign up, just go look at:

www.flickr.com/photos/lexathon

Rich, sorry no more textin'.. phone bill came through today *gulp* 150 quid! Score. (mum'n'daaaaad...)


Happy Birthday Natalie!!!