We love Iseult Lynch!

Sorry for not writing for such a long time. Had fun on Sunday shifting a ton of furniture from Iseult Lynch's flat (possibly the bestest person in the world right now) to various other people's flats in Lund, including mine. I have now acquired a three-seat sofa (colour=turquoise), a grand double bed and a monster set of bookshelves. The rearranging was also fun!

Malmöhus Cricket Club

This picture was taken yesterday in Malmö at a training session for Malmöhus Cricket Club of which I am a member. Have yet to play any proper matches for them, but the friendly games and training sessions are good fun and the groups of people at the club are all very friendly.

Later in the evening I went back to Lund, where the rugby club had also plaeyd a friendly game and got ribbed by Rob, our new Scottish coach, about missing the rugby in order to play cricket!

Accelerator

Last night, went to see a one-day music festival in Malmö. The weather was perfect and I really enjoyed the three bands that I saw/heard.

Death Cab for Cutie (US)
Hot Chip (UK)
&
The Raconteurs (US)


The last band played a four-song encore! Rocking!

Weekend in England

Dear Blog,

 

it's been too long. This weekend I spent a very relaxing long weekend in my home country of England. Stressed myself out unduly last Thursday before flying to Ryanair as I overslept my alarm and had to drive my car to the local airport of Sturup 25 km away. Met with a colleague Lars Nilsson at the airport which helped to pass the time on the Ryanair flight to Stanstead.

 

Headed down to Hadlow on the Friday in order to pay our respects to my late granny, Joan Gwendoline Shaw, and to meet up with the rest of the family on that side who I hadn't seen since my grandfathers funeral two years previous. I sung a song in the church which was appreciated by all those who talked to me after the service.

 

Saturday saw the start of the world cup, for England anyway, and I biked to watch the match on the big screen in Sudbury's infamous pub, Eastern's. The match ended 1-0 to England against Paraguay, but the win was not as convincing as one had hoped. Luckily Swedens 0-0 draw with Trinidad and Tobago made England's qualification chances alot better.

 

Sunday was a relaxing day. Come evening however I had invitied Richard and Sharon and Pete and Georgie over and having to barbeque for all of them was more hassle than it was worth. Still Mum and Dad enjoyed it and had a few cheeky pints and game of pool afterwards before sliding off to bed.

 

Monday went to the sleepy, middle-class town that is Aldeburgh in the hope that we could get some returned tickets to the lunchtine concert in the Jubilee hall. But as the army of white haired spectators filled the hall we were unable to get a place. Instead I meandered down the high street and bought myself  a jazz CD and mum a CD for her birthday, which she later swapped for something more soothing. We then had fish and chips on the beach before returning home to watch more footy on the telly.

 

Right now I'm at Mum's school working on the computer, reading articles mainly, as their firewall blocks SSH requests to the cluster (boo hoo).

Lunds Student Karneval

Here is a receipt from the party in a tent outside the chemical center last saturday. The party is a part of the run-up the four-yearly student karneval that happens here in Lund. http://www.lundakarnevalen.nu/

I am meant to be the official website translator from Swedish to English...still yet to receive the texts which I should translate though!

Snow in April

As I look out of my window early this Sunday morning, what do I see
out of my window, but, yes, SNOW! I must admit that it is mixed with
some heavy rain, but it's snow and it's April. Crazy! And I'm meant to
go to rugby training in an hour...me think not!

Nina Björk

Went to Smålands nation today, the leftie nation in Lund, to listen to a seminar by Nina Björk a well-known feminist writer in Sweden. She talked about the history of feminism and the effect of capitalism. Her talk was interesting enough, but she really gave no hard and fast solutions to the world problems and was quite pessimistic. She also went more over to staying that left wing politics being the answer to everything and not feminism. Interesting, mmm.

International Women's Day

Today being international women's day, I was at a seminar this morning given by some prominent researchers from lund all about the history of women in politics and diversity etc. The lecture was given in the new SOL (Språk och Litteratur (trans. = language and literature)) center's auditorium which was comfy and huge glass windows that were great for spying on the passers by. The first two women who talked gave a picture of feminism through the ages and women in politics respectively. Both chose to just talk whereas the third speaker, the newly oppointed Prof. in Gender Studies and well-known researcher into Queer Studies Tiina Rosenberg, made a big song and dance of her 45 minute slot incorporating song, film and powerful speeches. She made the audience laugh on more than one occasion due to the technical problems that incurred in the beginning of the talk. Tiina, in my opinion, was rather too over extravagent and played to the audience, but she has very strong opinions and is not afraid to voice them, so I guess that's positive.

On the research front am writing up my third paper for my thesis and have discovered the wonders of the LaTeX package subfigure.

Swam over a kilometre this evening at the pool in Delphi the student residence and I weighed in at 87 kg after showering and towelling down. 2 kilos less than a month ago???

z520i

Well here's the test of the Sony Ericsson Z520i's camera that I promised. The picture was taken at about 9pm yesterday at Pauline's place. In the picture are (from left to right) Elin and Pieter. The light quality wasn't great and the camera doesn't have a flash so I was pleasantly surprised as to it's quality.

Snow and Mobile Phones

The weather report on Thursday promised winter weather for the next 10 days here in Southern Sweden, temperatures under the average for this time of year. Snow seems to fall almost everyday making everything look very picturesque, just like the picture here of the AF building.

Have bought myself a new mobile phone because my old T68i was starting to give up the ghost (the volume control knob had broken off and the speaker was very crackly). My new phone is a Sony Ericsson T520i and has lots of fancy options that I probably will never use, but it has a los res camera which seems to give good results (examples coming soon).

Plans for Sat: swimming, listening to Jazz at Mejeriet, having dinner with Peter tongiht. Tomorrow; Movie night at department.

5th Feb

Awoke to find Danny and Emily loading up a truck with some of Emily's stuff which she was taking away. Gave Danny the bottle of wine as a thank you for driving me to the airport two weeks previously.

When Alex got up we left to play tennis in the sunshine. This time my ground strokes had improved and we had some good raleighs. The score was 6-2, 6-0 to Alex. Got back to Alex's place and have 40 winks before watching some of the ODI cricket on TV, throwing a ball about in the park then some of Alex's friends took us to Maroubra beach to play in the surf.

Got back and changed, then caught a taxi to Bondi Junction where we met Kevin and went out for the night. First had some sushi then played pool and a shooting game in a local pub where we met Kev's housemate Dario and his Swedish girlfriend, before going to Kings Cross where Kevin met more work colleagues. We then carried on and got a taxi to the Courthouse, a 24hr pub where the NSW ladies cricket team were celebrating a recent victory. I stayed until 5:30am and got a bus home in the daylight. Was woken at 9am by Alex who wanted to say goodbye before going to work, so decided to get up and walked around the NSW campus.

4th Feb: Auckland to Sydney

Got up to go to the check-in at 5:30am and found that another Quantas plane had been put in place to replace the delayed LAN Chile flight on which I was meant to be travelling with. Bought a bottle of buty free wine before going to the gate where boarding had already started.

During the flight I managed to cause and accident when I opened an overhead locker and a loose bag fell on a man whose coffee went on his jeans.

Watched a funny Australian comedy show on the place called "Kath and Kim" and tried to get some sleep before arriving in Sydney.

Got the 400 bus to Alex's where he's left the key out for me in order to let myself in.

Once Alex got up, we played tennis and he gave me a walking tour of his part of campus. In the evening we went to a friend of a friend's BBQ where I cooked up some big sausages. At at 7pm we left to go to watch the Waratahs v Crusaders at Aussie stadium which was a pre-season warm up match for the super 14 rugby union series. The final score was 32 - 30 to the visiting Crusaders.

The rest of the evening was spent traipsing round Sydney in search of a good bar, but I reckon that we walked more than we actually spent in bars. Got a bus back from Museum at about 3am where Alex bumped into 3 old friends.

Feb 3rd: Christchurch to Auckland

THE MAGIC BUS TOUR HAD ENDED. Felt at a loose end this morning and got up early anyway although I didn't have to and got a $5 airport bus to the Antarctic Centre where I spent 2 hours wandering round reading the interesting exhibits. Also had a ride on a 'Hägglund', a swedish made all terrain vehicle used in the Antarctic.

Still was very early on arrival in Christchurch airport and had time to write some postcards and eat some canteen lunch.

Arrived in Auckland at 4pm and paid to have my luggage locked away so that I could go into Auckland with the Airport bus and have a walk around.

Once in the city, called Sam's mobile, but he had turned it off and I realised that he would have been in Wellington by then, watching the 7s rugby.

Wandered around the luxury appartments in the Wharf area of the city where the amazing late sunshine was still strong and gave some spectacular views of Auckland over the water. Watched a street entertainer swallow a steel sword before walked up Queen St to get the Airport bus back to the airport where I sat watching the last few matches of the Wellington 7s rugby on a TV in the airport resaurant lounge.

Tried to sleep on the Sky Deck of Auckland aiport with little success.

Feb 3rd: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

On leaving the front door of the YHA in Lake Tekapo I was greeted by the very same English guy, Alex, whom I'd befriended whilst walking the Ben Lomond Trail in Queenstown. We chatted before getting on the bus which was slightly late.

The road to Christchurch went through some hilly areas before coming to the plains on the way to Christchurch. Most fields had long hedges on evergreens lining their edges in order to help to protect the fields from the wind.

At one stop we pulled up next to a field of sheep who came rushing over to greet us and let us give them a bit of a scratch.

Stopped of at the Maoraki boulders where several dozen circular boulders sat on the beach, formed over millions of years and now a must-see tourist attraction.

On arrival in Christchurch said a brief goodbye to Ritchie before going to the Photo shop to get my film developped. After the Photo shop went to a nearby park and was greeted by Ritchie who'd parked up the bus. Ritchie's mum and his baby niece were there to greet him and they kindly offered to drive me to the Canterburg factory shop which was very kind. Once at the shop I bought two rugby shirts and a pair of shorts.

I walked back into town, and went to the very new and flashy Art Museum where I looked at some contempory Korean art. Whilst on the loo, a strange man shouted to me "How do you spell 'prisoners'?". He was drunk (I think) but it was still bizarre.

Picked up the film and CDs from the developpers which cost $50 for 37 pictures and 2 CDs. A bit too expensive, but worth it.

Had organised a meet up at 8pm at the Hostel in order to go to the Dux-de-Lux pub in town where we sat and chatted for a few hours. I enjoyed talking to a Swiss girl callde Diana who was friendly. Strangely Crystal left early and I only got to say a very brief goodbye.

1st Feb: Dunedin to Lake Tekapo

Awoke after a very good night's sleep and had breakfast before catching the bus from outside the YHA after having commended the receptionist at Dunedin YHA for it's quality.

As we left Dunedin, we stopped to see the world's steepest street, Baldwin St, to walk up and take photos.

A Little later on we stopped to take more pictures of Mt Cook this time from the South East (on the opposite side to Franz Josef).

On the bus had a long chat with Crystal about her life etc.

We arrived in Lake Tekapo in the afternoon. The lake was a marverlous azur blue colour and the views of the Lake from the tiny Church on the Lake front very very picturesque.

Played ping-pong with the Hostel managers' son (14 yrs) who could play with a paddle in both the left and right hands (à la Forrest Gump). He was very chatty and it helped pass the time.

Idly played on the YHA guitar for a bit before walking to the backpacker place down the road for a BBQ cookde on a gas stove which was very easy to cook on. We stayed outdoors until 11:30pm until we were too tired and cold to sit and talk anymore. It was strange to think that it was our last voyage on the Magic Bus the next day.

31st Jan: Queenstown to Dunedin

Awoke and ate breakfast then developped stomach ache which lasted even after I took some Rennie tablets. Had pain for a long time and tried various different sitting positions in the bus. Then bought some "De-Gas" pills from a Pharmacy which seemed to do the trick.

Slept on arrival in Dunedin YHA (which was one of the best in the whole of NZ in my opinion) then walked down the steep hill from the YHA into town to buy some cup-a-soups for supper. Had a chat in the YHA's TV lounge to some other fellow hostellers before walking to "On Top ", a pool hall come backpackers and stayed for 2 hours. Got to meet Ritchie's cousin, Odette, who was very chatty.

30th Jan: Queenstown

It was a gorgeous day and I'd decided against going to Milford Sound as I'd already seen the Fjords in Norway and I didn't want to spend another day on the bus. Instead I went to the Kiwi Discovery shop and asked if there were any good days walks I could do. I plumped for one called the Ben Lomond trail which the girl said took about 5 hours in total. Bought lunch of baguette, tomato, apple, and 2 x 750ml bottles of water. Started off by walking along the town trail to Fernhill and missed the small signed pointing off to the Ben Lomond trail. After doubling back on myself was accosted by an American man (whose name I forget) who ended up walking with me all the way up to the summit. He was of pension age (55 at a guess) but was very fit and had no extra weight so he was setting the pace for the most part which was good. At the Gondola station we got some more directions from the girl in the shop and we started the ascent to the top. The first part was just a mere stroll through some forest, but then we got out onto the open hillside and starting going up. The weather was hot and there was little breeze. We overtook some people from New York (whom my American companion called slow-coaches) before reaching the "Ben Lomond Saddle" where we got a first glimpse of the amazing views available to us. We saw ridge after ridge of mountain range stretching off into the distance, the most distant mountains had snow on their peaks. Also we could see back to Queenstown and to the other side of the lake which also gave fantastic views. After a short break we carried on up the the summit, but this time the trail was a lot more scrambly and rocky. Near the top we interupted an English couple who were embracing each other after having already been to the summit (1700m above sea level. Downtown Queenstown is at 300m). At the summit the wind was quite strong, but the 360 degree views of the surrounding area were fabulous and I stayed up there half an hour while my American friend had to rush down again to make a dinner arrangement. I had to descend on my own and my quads were killing me by the time I got back down to the Saddle. I caught up with the english couple again and we sat and had a drink at the Gondola station before taking the Gondola down again to Queesntown.

Back in Queenstown I bought my supper and got back to the YHA where Crystal and Helen had just come back from their skydive. Also meet the Quebec girls whom we'd been with in Greymouth and Franz. One of the girls had tried to do a bungy jump but had literally frozen up from fear and her thumbs were still locked in a trance like state.

We then went to the Red Rock again for dinner and drinks and most of the old gang of Magic Bus people joined us to celebrate Crystal Brennan's 26th Birthday. Ritchie, our driver, had even ordered a cake for her and we sang happy birthday. We then went on to a night club called World's but I was really tired from the walk and after dancing for about an hour I left for my bed!

Sunday 29th Jan: Franz Josef to Queenstown

Awoke early, steeling reeling after the previous day's skydive. On the way to Queenstown me first stopped at Lake Matheson where we got some great views of Mounts Tasman and Cook. We also stopped at a place called Night's Point, but the mist shrowded our view of the supposed seal colony below. At Pleasant flats we stopped to take pictures of Mounts Cook and Tasman this time very much in the distance, but still as beautiful as ever. We then stopped at thunder creek falls to take pictures and walk through the rainforest track. We stopped for lunch in Makarora where I ate my processed cheese and tomato sandwiches that I'd made at the YHA. The weather was warming up quite considerably and the rest of the journey on to Wanaka and Queenstown was quite uncomfortable on the bus. It Wanaka we just got off for 20 mins while Ritchie did the various drop offs and pick-ups that were necessary. Sat by the Lake under a tree and watched as people were swimming/sailing etc. on the clear blue lake. Got on the bus again and found myself sitting next to Patrik, a Swede travelling and working his way around NZ. Was good to speak some Swedish after not having spoken Swedish for ages.
We all got out at the AJ Hacket Bungy Centre and watched as Germain launched himself off the bridge, 47 m above the fast running river below. Got into Queenstown at about 6pm and it was still boiling hot. Had to have a showever and then went to the Red Rock Pub where it was 2 for 1 offer and we sat drinking Monteiths beer until about 11.

28th Jan: Greymouth to Franz Josef

met Germain from Angers with whom I'd shared a room that night. On the way to Franz Josef, Kev (Peterboro') had his stitches taken out by a nurse from Peterboro'. All good fun. We then stopped at the pancake rocks which were made more spectacular by the big waves that came crashing at the rock's base. At the right time you could see the water shooting up through blowholes made in the rock.

I had a try panning for gold at a place called Ross. Joost and I were the only ones doing it and for $6.50 it was a bit pricey but at least now I can say that I've panned for gold!

I'd decided that I was to do a skydive today and was anxious to check-in first in order not to miss the pick-up.

My tandem diver was called Rob from Australia who was short, middle aged and lighter than me. (I weighed in at 90 kg).

I was first to go up of our group of 5 which was great because I got the plane to myself. I got to wriggle around and take photos whilst inside the plane. The short ground based introduction was very brief and gave me no time to get nervous.

The views as we climbed up to our jumping altitude of 12 000 feet were absolutely spectacular. I took a few photos with the disposable camera that I'd bought in Hokitika. When Rob said to crawl forward to the edge the rushing of the wind made the whole thing seem very real.

"Thumbs up for the camera, arms crossed, 3 - 2 - 1" and we were off. Remeber to arch your back look back and arms floppy. The rushing of the wind and the view of the ground as well as the sea, the valley and the mountains in the distance seemed a very long way away.

Travelling at 125 mph seemed very strand and I had to breathe through my nose in order not to become to dry in the mouth. After what seemed like an eternity I heard the noise of the parachute unfolding and a pulling sensation as the parachute slowed us down to 8 mph. After a slight readjustment of the leg straps, I got my camera out and started snapping. Rob also made the parachute spiral a few times. The earth seemed a lot closer now and we could see the landing stop.

I got to hold the parachute's controls but only for a few seconds. The landing was smooth and I think we almost stood up to land. After a quick handshake from Rob we buzzed back to the landing strip where Leanne and Joost were just taking off. I got to drive the car to the landing zone and saw Leanne and Joost as they landed.

The whole thing was a really enjoyable experience and it was well worth it.

Got back to Franz at about 5pm went on the internet, shopped for food, met a Swede at the checkout and tried to sleep before going out in the evening. The pub had a free pool table and good beer + pizza deals.

Auckland - Rotorua 23rd Jan

Woke early and Sam kindly drove me to Magic bus's headquarters in Auckland where we were met by our driver Ritchie and loaded on the bus which would be our mode of transport for the next 3 days. Sam and I wished each other Happy Birthday quickly before saying goodbye. After completing the otehr pick-ups of the day we climbed to the top of Mount Eden (in the bus) and walked around the dormant volcano crater with Guy and Crystal. Guy is a S. African working in IT in London for the past 4 years and Crystal is a dental hygienist from Pembroke, Ontario. On our way to Waitomo caves Ritchie gave a comical and informative running commentary about the things that we passed. On arrival at Waitomo caves we got kitted up to go black-water rafting in wet-suits, wellies and helmets.

We got bussed out to the start of the trip where we got given a rubber tyre each. We had to go down a few steps to get into the caves. The most amazing sight was seeing glow worms once we'd turned off our helmet-lights. They drop down silky tails in order to catch passing flies which are attracted to their fluorescent lightbulb stomachs. The tour guides were funny and we sung some kareoke songs as we floated along the water filled caves. We showered and had some soup before getting on the way again.

Rotorua is built around a maze of hot springs which pop out of the ground at various places. We were immediately picked up from the hostel by Ngata who would be our driver on the way to the Maori village of Tamaki, near Rotorua where we'd spend the evening. During the evening we were welcomed, taught, sung to and fed by the very friendly maori traditionalists. Part of the Maori culture is to teach their traditions to younger generations including Maoris from the big towns. The highlight of the evening was the show performed in the meeting house which was moving and well-performed.

The hangi (pron. hungy) was also delicious and a fitting end to a good evening.

--
Sam Edgecombe
PhD Student
Postal address: Klosterängsvägen 5C:23, 22647, Lund, Sweden

27th Jan: Nelson to Greymouth

We were picked up by our new driver, Ritchie (not the same as before). On the way to Greymouth we stopped at Westport where we had a short break. We also had an hour stop where we walked around a headland and saw some seals basking on the rocks below. On arrival in Greymouth dumped my stuff at the YHA then got picked up at were dropped at the Monteiths brewery where at 7pm our tour started. Our guide was a large bloke with tatoos (also the manager of the pub). He skillfully described the brewing process and let us sample the various types of malts. I stupidly tried the hops and had to was my mouth out three times.

After the tour we got free samples of all 7 types of beer as well as a free scooner of our favourite sort. My favourite was Monteiths Black. After the tour we went to a pub where we got another free beer and an all you can eat buffet supper of sausages and salad.

26th Jan: Wellington to Nelson

Got bussed from the YHA to the ferry where I helped an elderly lady check-in and fetched assistance. The ferry was a 10-storey tall liner with an observation deck on the 10th floor.

The crossing was fairly rough but I managed to sleep through most of it. Arrived into the Charlotte sound coming into Picton which provided some pretty spectacular views.

On arrival in Picton was loaded onto the bus driven by Rachel. Stopped off for a swin in the cold, fast flowing waters just near a bridge. Spoke to a few Swedes and Danes.

In Nelson walked 50 mins to get to the beach were the last bus back left at 5:30pm. (We arrived at 5:20pm) The water there was gorgeously warm and I watched some touch rugby matches before walking back to Nelson via the supermarket where I bought mussels for supper and some food for breakfast and lunch. Watched a bad film with J Lo in before going to bed.

25th Jan: Taupo to Wellington

Ritchie let me sing some karaoke over the bus's PA system which was good fun and saw three mountains that were included in the LOTR.

Arrived in Wellington in the pouring rain and gave Ritchie a three cheers before checking into the great YHA in Wellington. Had a quick look around the national museum 'Te Papa' before finding Jake and Sarah's place on Willis St. (Jake is my cousin on my mum's side). I met their two sons, Euan and Jasper, gave them some pressies and chatted over supper. They had time to show me some pictures of a recent trip to Christchurch before I left to get some sleep.

24th Jan: Rotorua to Taupo

Got up v early in order to find Pak n Save only to find that it was closed. Set of at 8:45am to go to Taupo. Stopped off at the Lady Knoxx geyser which was triggered to erupt at 10:15am by a park warden tipping in some soap flakes. The plume of water shot some 10 metres into the air and gave some onlooking tourists a shower.

After the show we had an hour walking around the Wia-O-tapu national park where the hot springs had turned the rocks various colours depending on the mineral content.

We arrived in Taupo at 3 pm in the pouring rain so no sky-diving. I ended up cooking Spag boll for us 4 and after talking for a while to three Brits with whom I was sharing a room we went to Mulligans pub for darts, beer and pub quiz.

Walked Crystal home at about 11:30pm.

Sydney to Auckland 21st Jan

Got Danny (Alex's housemate) to drive me to the station at some ungodly hour of the morning. The flight from Sydney to Auckland was on a LAN Chile flight and all the instructions were given in Spanish and English! In Auckland the sun was shining and Sam had been waiting 40 minutes for me as my flight had been delayed on leaving Sydney. He drove me to their house via the bottle store to pick up a few beers which gave us a chance to catch up on things. I'd met Sam 2 years ago in Lund when he was studying Law for a term. He was now a qualified Solicitor and newly engaged to Sarah, his girlfriend of 2 years. We got back to his place and some of his friends had already gathered for the informal BBQ engagement party that he and Sarah had planned the Monday before. The evening went well and I chatted to many of his friends who all seemed to be planning to work and travel in the UK soon. After all the guests had left we got a taxi and spent the rest of the evening in the bars of Auckland.

22nd Jan, Auckland

Today was spent being driven around Auckland by Sam and Sarah in the lovely sunshine and hot weather gifted to us on that day. We got back and had lunch of a toasted sandwich on Sam's new sandwich toaster, then went swimming in a salt-water outdoor swimming pool which made my eyes sting rather a lot. We then also went to a golf driving range in the middle of a racecourse. We finished off the day by having a take-away supper in front of the TV watching the Australian Open tennis on TV.

More Sydney

Since I last wrote I have been trekking around Sydney and I think I've done pretty much all there is to do. Unfortunately the weather has not been too good so I have been to a lot of museums. The Opera house tour (23$) was made good by the fact that the guide was good at telling stories and we got to see inside this famous building. The group was asked if there were any singers in the group in order to test the acoustics of the concert hall, but I was too shy to give them a song. I mustered up the courage to sing a few notes as we left.

The Art Gallery of NSW was free entry and had some amazing collections of contempory art as well as a lot of aboriginal art which I found fascinating. I tagged on to a guided tour and got talking to an interesting woman from Norwich.

Tuesday evening I went to a pub (which are sometimes called Hotels in Australia) where I ate Laksa (a kind of curried noodle soup) which was great and played pool all evening because the pool table was free only on Tuesday evenings.

On Wednesday morning I caught the bus to La Perouse where I walked around the headland on a 5km trial in the rain. The veiws of container ships passing by was nice, if a little wet. Interestingly enough there were military outposts there left probably from the second world war I should imagine. I had fish and chips an a little restaurant on my return to the bus stop in LaPerouse. Later I met up with Kevin McNamara whom I also met in Lund 2 years ago through rugby. He is working at the Tea Gardens Hotel in Bondi Junction at the "bottle shop" (off-licence).

On Thursday I went to the Powerhouse Museum, kind of a Syndey version of the science museum, which had some great hands-on exhibitions and the KYLIE exhibition from Melbourne. That kept me amused for a good three hours.

Today I tried my hand at surfing again at Bondi and had slightly more sucess than the previous Saturday. The board cost only 25$ for 2 hours hire was very reasonable I thought.

Tomorrow I fly out to Auckland.

Sydney

last time I wrote I was in hong kong on a 12 hour stopover. The flight to Sydney was uneventful but surprisingly I was sat next to the same lady that was on my London - Hong Kong flight. After a speedy transit through Australian customs I got the bus and then walked to Alex Syme's place only a stone's throw from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The weather was grey sticky and Alex had yet to leave for work. I promptly showered and caught the bus in to town to do some sightseeing. The grey day didn't make for great views of the harbour bridge and the opera house and the walk back to central station where I was to meet Alex for lunch was tiring (i had been travelling for 32 hours with little sleep) and I think it was the jet lag that made me dizzy. In the afternoon I tried to sleep before meeting Alex's two other housemates Paul (Stevo) and Danny. In the evening Alex, Danny and I went into town to explore the various backpacker-filled bars that Sydney has to offer. Alex carried with him and old style landline phone which was a prompt for many a good gag or three. Saturday morning brought sunny almost cloud free skies and after going and watching a bit of cricket at the ground neighbouring Alex's house we went to the famed Bondi beach to go surfing. Me being the surfing virgin I was given a quick lesson by Danny and Alex, but I had problems even staying on the board whilst sitting and catching the wave proved to be too hard for me. Bondi beach was cool though and I liked the atmosphere and the constant presence of the lifeguards. We we shopping for cheese and wine before going to a park in central sydney in the evening to listen to free live Jazz as a part of Sydney Festival 2005. The park was heaving with people and we were lucky that Alex's friend Dave's parents had a big area that they'd bagsied. The three bands all from New Orleans were great and got us all on our feet dancing. I talked to an englishman there who had been resident in Sydney for 26 years and who had triple nationality. Today we had lunch at Alex mum's place together with Alex's 4 yr old neice Chantel and her mum as well as another friend of Alex's mum. This evening we are to meet with Kevin an irishman who we both met in Lund and who played rugby at Lugi at the same time as us. Talk about a coincidence. Then we are going to listen to Alex's freind's gig. All in all, I am liking Sydney a lot and am looking forward to a week's sightseeing here.

Hong Kong

Local time in Hong Kong 13:12 on the 12th of Jan 2006. After flying 11 hours from London Heathrow to Hong Kong on my way to Sydney, have allowed myself a day's sightseeing in this town, full over men in suits, smartly dressed business women and high-rise buildings. The appearance of wealth in the city is obvious and the presence of homeless people at various street corners highlights the economic inbalance in the city. Arrived in at 7am and got the high speed train in to Hong Kong island where people were yet to surface and I have to place to myself. Followed a walking tour from my guide book taking me up the mountain using the fenicular (cost 30 hong kong dollars for the return). Found a walking parnter, Mark from Leeds, and we both took the time to capture the views using our digital cameras. Luckily the views got better on the return to the fenicular and we took yet more pictures. Walked to the Convention Centre and am now just sending a few emails home before catching a bite to eat on Kowloon side of the city. Good i did check my emails because got two emails from Alex in Sydney who I'd accidentally told that I'd arrive today (Thursday) when I'm actually arriving tomorrow. By some stroke of luck he wasn't there at the airport to greet me. But surely things will be fine tomorrow.

WIFI

Howdo!

Just to inform people of the wonders of wireless internet. Since I arrived home on Fridya 23rd Dec I have been using my neighbour Dave's wireless internet connection, but unfortunately has has been has problems connecting up himself so now I have resorted to using the wireless internet hotspots found in my local town of Sudbury, Suffolk. According to https://info.btopenzone.com:442/find/index.jsp there are 4 hotspots in Sudbury. Once you detect a hotspot within range then your are directed to a webpage which gives details about payment.The first place I tried was the North Street Tavern, North St. Sudbury. I connected up to "mycloud" for 4.50 pounds for one hour. I also then found out that I could have connected up to BTOpenzone for 10 pounds for the whole day, but I decided a change of scene was in order before I should reconnect. I then went to the relatively newly built McDonalds where after a minor technical hitch on their part (they hadn't switched on the router) I got connected. Only problem now is I have to use up my remaining 20 hours! I guess I'll be back here tomorrow. Ha ha. McDonalds is hardly the kind of company I'd choose to support, but hey internet is internet.