Captions Welcome

The long awaited photo...

Christmas

So, I don't even know if anyone reads this thing. I mean, it would make okay reading for those bored at work, but if anyone is investing any other of their spare time into reading it, I would feel bad, cause they aren't going to get that time back! But, even if no one is reading it, I think I will continue to blog when there is something to write about, because if nothing else, it will provide some kind of diary, and I don't want to forget the good times I have had here.

Most recent good time being Christmas. I was really dreading it. And as I received Christmas cards, packages and photo's from home, I cried and wished I hadn't picked such a gaylord time of year to come over (no family at christmas, jobs hard to come by, missing the beach, etc. etc.)

But I had a great Christmas anyway. I spent it with six people I had never met before, and one person I had known for like a month, but it was still all good. I spent the morning on the phone with my family and friends, opened presents from home, and then went for a walk on Hamstead Heath. It wasn't a traditional white christmas, it was blue skied and beautiful though. On the way back, we stopped for hot chocolates, cause there were heaps of shops open because the area around Aidans house has a big Jewish population...hooray!!And then we had a huge Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, courtesy of Aidans million Kiwi housemates.

So yeah, for all the people at home that I whinged and moaned to about being on my own at christmas, with a cheeseburger, and a card written by me, to me...it did not turn out that way, and I had a lovely time.

AND, to all those nay-sayers who told me it wouldn't snow in London...it snowed yesterday, three times!!! Spent a picturesque afternoon in a warm pub, next to the window (and heater) looking out at the snow falling. Sat there for hours eating the beef jerky Betty sent over to me (good one Betty), Christmas chocolates and chips in gravy. Also, got asked for ID at the pub when I went to order the chips...nice one.
OK, this is just rambling now, so I might cease and desist.

More stories soon, as Arun is arriving today!

Belgium Mini Break

(Note the top photo is my attempt at being arty...yeah, didn't really get there)

Just spent a lovely, relaxing, four day weekend in Brussels, Belgium. Stayed in the style of hotel which would have George shaking his head in disappointment. I'm sorry George, but it was a deal on lastminute.com, and you just can't argue with those kind of prices! I swear a pension or hostel would not have cost much less.
The Eurostar dropped us off smack bang in the middle of Brussels, I love the convenience of that thing, and recommend it to everyone. I then proceeded to guide us quickly and efficiently to our hotel, due to fantastic navigational skills which were not evident in Paris, but are now moving to the top of my CV.

That first day was a bit odd, as we wandered around the area of our hotel for hours...disappointed, as it was the business district (more interesting than most, as had NATO and EU centre...but still kind of crap as was mostly offices), but we kept looking, as I could always sense a 'hub' just outside of our view... navigational skills had not at that point been honed to their current high levels.

Big suprise that the first thing I ate in Brussels was a Croque Monsieur. It was so excessively lame compared to the ones I had in Paris, yet this didn't stop me from ordering it again the next day in a different restaurant 'just in cases'...lame. Don't eat croque monsieur in Brussels. Eat it as much as possible in Paris though.

The best thing I ate in Brussels were the waffles...not as good as Tina's woddles, but close. They sell them everywhere in Brussels, especially in little stalls on the streets. However, I didn't eat one until I found a cafe to sit down and eat it in. Did not think I had the skills to walk along and eat waffles balancing icecream on top, etc. etc.

We also had a nice meal in a Lygon-street style area in the downtown centre. We had our hearts set on eating in a restaurant with a roaring fire (plenty on offer), but crumbled to stupid overly enthusiastic spruikers out the front of this other restaurant. Got a good deal though, three courses for 18 euro, plus some wierd vodka thing that I didn't drink.

The thing that I was most excited about in going to Brussels was the Christmas Markets. They sound picturesque, romantic, rarara,...however, they turned out to be refugee-packed-sinking-boat-style overcrowded stalls selling the same kind of crap sold in all markets everywhere, but with fairy lights strung around...does that sound bitter? I always get fooled by 'markets', I always imagine myself strolling leisurely through stalls selling funky, original, but super cheap items, being run into by a hugh grant lookalike who spills their drink on me and takes me back to their house to help me clean up, and then...anyway...that it is never the case. (Although, I will say that the Portobello markets in london have excellent stuff, they are just a severe rip off...and also packed to uncomfortable levels.)

We went on a ferris wheel ride which gave us a fantastic view of Brussels, and was quite festive, as it was playing cheesy christmas carols. Poor Aidan had to listen to my singing along with Mariah Careys' 'All I want for Christmas'...why does she have to sing so bloody high? We were going to go skating at the open air ice skating rink as well, but by the time we got round to it, it was drizzly and horrible weather, so I will have to do that in London.

Good Times.

Paris photo's

...and no, I don't know how to flip that photo up the right way. Bredoir has heaps better photo's...maybe she will put them on some cool fandangled website, and I will just be able to insert a link here...hint hint Bredoir

Belated Hong Kong photo's

you know, that bottom thing is a surf life saving club!

Trakka and Bredoir do Paris

Best mini-break ever. I just spent four nights in Paris with Bredoir. Highlights being; free accommodation courtesy of the UN, boulangerie/pattisseries EVERYWHERE, tour guides on tap in the form of Bredoirs relatives AND Bredoir's company as well, of course.

Day one of the Paris extravaganza, I travelled on the Eurostar from Waterloo to Gare de Nord. Waterloo is like ten minutes from my house, and Gare de Nord is practically in the city, so Eurostar was a great way to go. I was, however, pretty disappointed with the view, as the scenery is not too pretty along that particular train line. That afternoon, after dropping my goods off at Bredoirs sisters place, Bredoir and I circled the neighbourhoods surrounding the Eiffel Tower and the Hotel des Invalides. Either we are terrible at reading maps, or ...well, I don't think there is an alternative, but those two sites took us a good four hours to see. Despite them, and Bredoirs sisters apartment, all being within walking distance of each other.

The long walk, however, did give us plentiful opportunities to play 'spot the gypsy'. After being forewarned that Paris was full of gypsies and pickpockets, I took a keen interest in playing the gypsy hunter! I identified the following groups of people as gypsies: people with prams, people in wheelchairs, people with crutches, people with donkies, people carrying babies and all old people. Anyone with any kind of prop really, so that they can distract you and steal your goods!!Bredina did not convince me that it was safe for her to be yelling out 'Gypsies' at them, she thought that was fine, as they 'couldn't speak english'.

The following day, Bredoir's sister Kiri took control and showed us around, so that we could see more than two sites in a day. We saw the Arc de Triomph, the Champs Elysee's, the Louvre, Notre Dame and a bit of a mini-riot out the front of the Courts/cop station. Bredoir and I got told off twice in Notre Dame for being too loud, to which Bredoir replied 'Who made you God?'...just kidding, but she really wanted to, and even took a forbidden, rebel picture within the church, and then had the nerve to bless herself on the way out after all her bad behaviour!!!

This was also the day I discovered Tartes fromboise, which is really just a raspberry tart, but I of course developed an obssession, and proceeded to want every single one I saw. I am now sick of them, and would be happy never to see another again. The other food we got an obsession for was a thing called Croque Monsieur, which is just a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, but you know, ' a rose by any other name...' rararara.

The Paris Metro was a hive of entertainment also. We encountered a strange old man, that came up to us and creepily joined in our laughter (which I think was actually about him), a hot girl winked at me, we saw a Zac from Desperate housewives lookalike TWICE and a woman from the west indies asked us for our email. My reply was totally lame; 'I don't have email' (because obviously I am a 98 year old indian and live, when not in Paris, in a remote south american jungle!) Whereas Bredoir had more brains, and gave a fake email Bredoir@hotmail.com. I envisage much fun in the future using fake email addresses...am waiting for an opportunity to use you'refat@hotmail.com

Saturday we went to Montmartre and Marais, but the temperature had suddenly plummeted and I couldn't feel my extremities, or my face. I was super keen to get back to the Metro, and was saying 'I am going to BOX somebody soon!' at the hawkers trying to sell us things. (Incidentally, all attempts at speaking french were knocked flat, as they would reply in English. One man, selling nutella in crepe's, thought Bredoir and I spoke Japanese, THAT is how good our french was).

Anyway, despite the cold (which caused me accidentally to buy a new coat), the walks were lovely and picturesque and full of famous sites. On the Marais walk, we came across the houses of Victor Hugo and Picasso, a lot of beautiful old Parisian houses, the Jewish quarter and the column that they erected to mark the spot where the Bastille used to stand...now a busy intersection.

On the Montmartre walk, we saw the Moulin Rouge, Van Gogh's home, Paris' only inner city vineyard, and of course the Sacre Couer. That night, Bredoirs lovely sister made us a beautiful big roast...best meal I have had in quite a while.

Sunday we went to Versaille, which took the whole day. It is not very far out of the city, but it is big and there are a few different buildings to look through. One of the highlights was when Bredoir had her headphones on (for the audio tour), and therefore did not realise she was yelling when she was saying 'I can't believe this bit is closed! and it is the best bloody bit'. Which was true, the Hall of Mirrors, one of the most beautiful rooms, was unfortunately closed for renovation. Her screaming within the rooms of the relatively quiet palace, was hilarious though, and really made up for it, I thought.

On our last night out in Paris, Bredoir and I decided to go out for a romantic dinner, just the two of us. The first restaurant I chose, only because the menu was in english, turned out to be a bit of a dud, in that it served crystallised duck, pavements of salmon, and other things we had no idea what they were. So we did the big walk out, and found another restaurant, one in which Bredoir could order escargot. I, naturally, refused to try, but was very impressed with Bredoirs bravery.

All in all, it was a trip full of great sites, great food, fantastic company and FREE accommodation. It will take something special to beat it for best mini break ever, and it was an awesome way to spend some time with someone from Canberra! I still can't believe she scammed time off during such a busy part of the Finance year, she's such a pro...KIDDING! ;)

Alright, hands up, who's coming on a mini break with me next!?

Crack Den my Arse!

Yes, thats right, I am SUCH a lady, putting up a title like that. But you see, what a blog means, is that I can put up, unedited, anything I like, and it won't be rewritten, or tweaked, no suggestions will be made and no value will be added. Who would have thought that there could be so much joy in something being 'published' as all your own words? (Even if it is rubbish from beginning to end.)

Now, where was I? Oh right, crack den. Apparently, with my tight-arsed-ness approach to renting, I can only afford to live in a crackden, or MAYBE if I'm lucky, a crackhouse. Now I don't mind not living in a fancy-pants, luxury apartment, but I like basic hygiene levels. I realise now that I have been spoiled by over a year living with Tina Lee, and before that I hired a cleaner, before that I had a live-in lover/cleaner, and before THAT I lived with my mother. All these houses were kept very clean. I shouldn't have gotten used to that, cause NOW I am going to have to pay a lot of coin for similar hygiene levels. I am going to have to choose between two of the most important facets of my personality...am I going to be a princess or a tightarse? (wish I had voting buttons for that one! Maybe vote via comments).

Alright, enough sooking about that. Is of no consequence that I am unemployed and homeless...no consequence at all. will be fine. Character building, surely... right?

Maybe I should put something positive in here now...ok, lets see. Daniel has taken time off work to show me around London. We have been to the British Museum (for information overload), all through the city, Hyde Park and the palace, up to Camden town...lots of things. I even found the China town and many soy-chicken restaurants!!

On Tuesday I went to farewell Sue-Ellen down in Sutton. Unfortunately she has to go home to Australia for a few months...just as I got here dammit. But it was excellent to see her, and I cannot wait until she gets back.

Most exciting of all...I am going to Paris next Thursday to meet Bredoir!Hooray!

Hong Kong to London

So I have arrived in London, and am currently sitting in Daniels Young Ones Style house using his very un-Young Ones like wireless internet thingammy.

I left HK at 11pm, it is now 8am…I was tired, but now I am just hypo…and unfortunately there was a KFC between his house and the train station...so as soon as I find an ATM…well, I’ll let you join the dots on that one.

The rest of my HK trip was great, went to the beach, up the peak, on the ferry, more shopping, Ocean Park and the bird markets (had temporarily forgotten about bird flu, till I saw the warning sign at the EXIT of the markets!!!...now have suspicious sniffle). My entire diet for the three days was soy chicken, prawn rice steam roll thingy’s, and ice cream. Not because I am poor or unimaginative, but because I love those things so much! I would plan to order something else, and then on ordering I would just spontaneously blurt out ‘soy chicken’. (Refer to my intentions of NOT ordering milkshakes with dinners at restaurants).

One word of advice on Hong Kong….try to avoid shopping area’s such as Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, on a Sunday. Sunday is the day that all the Phillipino and Indonesian housekeepers/servants get off, and they swarm the streets to spend their hard earned money. Even the most patient and gentle of people, such as myself, may stoop to elbowing, shoving (kicking? I don’t think I kicked anyone) the masses that block your way.

I recommend Ocean Park though. I went there instead of Disney land, as I have been to LA Disneyland and didn’t think it could be all that different. DISTURBING OCCURRENCE – on seeing the lines for rides at this place, I didn’t go on any…not one ride – and they looked really good!!! I looked at the animals, and the exhibits, and went on the chairlift thing over the mountain, but no rides. I am only 25…but my actions were those of a seriously older, most likely infirm, old lady.

In domestic news, I was very upset to hear about my breach, and more importantly, that I had caused so much distress to a certain buzzer. Post it on our cabinet, and I will take care of it when I get back Bredoir. I Promise.

Hong Kong

Ok, so, I arrived in Hong Kong late last night at about 11pm. The flight was really good, despite not being seated next to a young, hot, international cricket player. Instead, I was seated next to a lovely chinese lady, and THEN her screen didn't work, so she had to move, so I had the two seats all to myself. So I unpacked everything, and set it all up on the next seat....tissues, drinks, book, ipod, lip balm....but then, didn't even read or listen to ipod, because the inflight entertainment was so damn good! They had series of Little Britain, The Office, House, Nighty-Night (NOT a good show, but had to give it a go for Bredoir's sake), and heaps of movies. I watched Red Eye...which I highly recommend, and I also watched The Perfect Catch....very, very lame.

So, then I arrived in Hong Kong Airport, where they gave us health warnings about Avian Flu. Namely "If you handle live poultry, wash your hands afterwards". Got it.

Was very hot outside, despite it being 11pm. Struggled onto awesome airconditioned bus with Suitcase, rucksack and backpack...doubling my body weight. Dragged it to my pre-booked hostel, where I was welcomed with "Tracy! you made a reservation yes?" YES! "OK, we give your room away, and have no more room". LOVELY!

So she calls some random lady who comes and leads me away through causeway bay. She could not speak english, so I was slightly worried, could have been to a whore house or crack den...but I was too sleepy to think more on it...luckily was just to a similar hostel. Dodgy plus. Amanda, will not take photo of room, because I do NOT recommend you stay there when you come to Hong Kong.

So I slept really really late today, and then just started to walk around Causeway Bay. Very busy area, with a lot of Western food...KFC, Macca's, Starbucks, Deli France, even a Mrs Fields cookies!! I swear I will not eat at these places...well, I had a Haagen Daazs...but that doesn't count, cause it is kind of exotic. Have seen millions of places that sell soy chicken, so think I am set.

Shops are awesome, Christina, you would be in heaven. I may have accidentally bought some boots. However, they are awesome. they are soft and warm, and will be perfect for London. I don't know, they were kind of expensive, but you know, in these foreign currencies...who can tell? it is like Monopoly money...(should have known, that anything that has four figures in the price may be a bit much). The sales assistant unhelpfully translated the price to aussie dollars for me, but I pretended he was talking to someone else.

Now I am in Tsim Sha Tsui....I think that is how you spell it. I caught the train over here, cause I bought some pass that gives me as many free train trips as I like (again, not sure about the price, choosing to ignore it). So tonight I will study the map and tomorrow will go everywhere I can find.

Walking around is pretty interesting, but Amanda, you would die. There are a million pet shops, with all these puppies shoved into little tiny cages together...they are cute, but still, I realise, is cruel. And there are these things piled high everywhere, in glass cabinets that are as tall as me, and are out on the footpath. At first glance, I thought was some kind of vegetable, cause was dark green and small, but on closer inspection, one blinked at me!! They are gazillions of little crabs! little green crabs, piled up on top of each other! And don't even start me on the DUCKLINGS that are strung up in the restaurants. Amanda, maybe don't open your eyes if you come to Hong Kong.

I am feeling pretty safe, it is so busy all the time. But I am no longer using my backpack, as I was constantly whipping my head around whenever anyone bumped into me to make sure they weren't stealing from me...I looked like an absolute mental. So now I am using my handbag, and fancy myself to look quite the local.

Well, that is all for now. I always thought I wouldn't have anything to say on this blog, but look at that. I do.

I know you are all hanging out for the photo of Kim and I, but I haven't yet figured out how to put it up,...everyone just hold your horses. Or email Bredoir if you want a copy ;) I hear she has been showing EVERY MAN AND HIS DOG!!!

End of dithering.

I have finally, finally bought my ticket to London. Flying Virgin Atlantic, leaving Sydney on 3 November, with three nights in Hong Kong. Many thanks to Arun and Tina Lee for their lovely help and support in ticket purchasing, though, as Arun never tires of saying, it really was a one person job.
Now it is official, and feels so much more real, but suprisingly, I haven't yet had a heart attack from the purchase. My one and only concern is that after resigning from my current job, I may subsequently be unemployed forever, but surely that won't happen...right? right?!?!?
Of course my other bit of sadness, is that I will be leaving the best flat and flatmate in the world, and a hell of a lot of people that I have had so much fun with and care about so much. But that is life I suppose, and since most of them work in the Public Service, I know I will never be short of emails....

Artists Impression

Thanks Arun!

Arun has set up my blog for me. Note I will have nothing interesting to say, but he wants me to make one to justify his own blogging during work hours.

I predict I will get bored of this and will soon forget my username/password/the fact this blog exists.