I arrived back in Australia on the 7th of February, just in time for my birthday on the 9th. It turns out that the 31st birthday is the one that makes you feel old, not the 30th. I had friends and family over for a birthday BBQ on the Saturday, all my friends were de facto/married/engaged, there were two babies and a pregnancy. Everyone left by 10pm. OLD!
On my first conscious day back in Australia I went up to the Blue Mountains to see Michelle and Sampson. Shell is doing a great job as a mother and Sampson has gotten bigger and more human-looking. He is a beautiful boy and discerning, as it is clear that I am his favourite uncle.
I am staying with Phil, Honey and the boys for the time being. I will start looking for a house, a car and a job in a few weeks’ time.
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This is my last night in London for a while, and Jem is taking me to the Lord Nelson to throw some arrows (darts). There is the possibility of some pint drinking as well.
Yesterday we went climbing with his mate Rex, who is a top bloke (although now practically a Pom). It has been a while and I was a bit scared at first, but soon found my climbing legs and managed to conquer a few (to me) difficult climbs.
Afterwards we went out on a bit of a pub crawl through Notting Hill, stopping to have dinner at Standard Indian Restaurant. The dinner was very tasty, although the vindaloo was hot, not “crazy hot” as promised.
After dinner we went to a pool hall called the Elbow Room where Jem and I completely demolished Rex and his mate Tim, despite the weak Melbourne rules that they kept inventing to try and thwart me. When we left we were still sixth in the queue for a table. Thanks Andre, whoever you are, for leaving and giving us the opportunity to impersonate you.
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Written on 04 February 2006
by darryn under
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I am writing this from an internet cafe in South Ealing, London. I have been here in London since Sunday night and will be leaving next Sunday night. I am staying with Mel and Jem who are, as always, being great hosts.
I was a bit scared before the flight over here, as my ear is still infected and the cabin pressure of the plane could have caused my eardrum to perforate. Preflight abuse of medicine prevented this though, and in fact during the flight I was able to hear for the first time in almost 3 weeks. Unfortunately my deafness returned upon landing.
I will be arriving in Sydney on the 7th of February, the earliest flight I could get, 2 days before my birthday. I highly unrecommend Virgin Atlantic – they charged me an additional AUD516 to change the date of my flight on a supposedly open 1 year ticket. Not happy at all. I will never be flying with them again – they charge AUD$300 for leg room seats between London and Sydney, which every other airline gives away for free. I am not paying that 300, I will just get a seat near the exit, which is usually empty, and switch during taxi. That is what I did last time.
The cafe is closing now, so I will have to leave. Lets chat soon, OK?
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Written on 02 February 2006
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