Oh we're half way there ...

Day 23 to 42 – Tuesday 9th February to Sunday 28th February

Like Mum said on the phone the other night, my blog started like a whirlwind but has disappeared from sight recently. It was always going to be like that as I get more settled into my routine. Having said that, I’ve done plenty over the last couple of weeks and just been too busy to sit down and type!

My last week in Brisbane for a while continued with another trip to the pictures – “the pictures” – is that an ‘old’ thing or a ‘Liverpool’ thing. Like I said in my last post, I went to see George Clooney in Up in the Air at the Barracks cinema near the SunCorp Stadium. I bought my ticket and was asked if I wanted a beer or something – in a bottle! Why can’t we do that in England? The film has had some good reviews and I think it’s supposed to be up for some Oscars. I can see why and though it didn’t blow me away, I enjoyed it.

Wednesday was an enjoyable day with the Railways team at Indooroopilly Golf Club. Unfortunately no golf clubs needed as it was a Business Planning Awayday which was a shame because it looked like a great course. I ended up doing a bit of a presentation explaining the Motivating Success Toolkit to them – enough said …

I started thinking about New Zealand on Thursday. Not sure why that popped into my head but I reckoned that while I’m down here it would be a shame not to finally make a trip to Auckland. I got in touch with Lisa on facebook and next thing I’d booked my flights and arranged to stop with Pete and Helena. Spookily Pete has become friends with Bruce Porter since he emigrated out there and will try to set up a barby for when I’m over. The only down side is the flights. I don’t arrive in Auckland until 20 to 1 in the morning on Friday though Pete is picking me up from the airport after his bridge session. The flight back is 7am on the Tuesday so it’s a bit of a whirlwind though I guess 4 full days is a good start. I’m hoping to get to see Chris and Josie as well which be great after their annual invites over the last, wow, maybe 12 years!!

I spent Saturday morning trying to pack whilst having a hilarious skype call with Jemma and Popina and really started to look forward to seeing Mark and Emilie. I checked out with one last look in my mailbox but Jemma’s letter hadn’t arrived. Jan promised to look after this for me til I get back. The journey to the airport and checking in was a breeze and much to my disappointment I arrived at the gate a full 90 minutes before take off. I could have had an extra hour in bed! The weirdest thing happened on the plane though. The guy I was sat next to disappeared soon after take off and I assumed he had nipped to the loo. I never saw him again and the plane was full …

Mark had insisted on meeting me at the airport despite having driven back from Sydney already that very morning after his night at the Top Gear show. I think he wanted to show off his car and why not. Walking in to the Lovatt’s was like going home! They make me so welcome and I will never get tired of the view. First off though we met up at the Swordfish, their new café.

Saturday night was a big night out at the Workers Club for Jenna’s birthday after watching the big Rugby League game. The free shuttle bus to the club is a great idea! Met up with Sam Powell and some of Mark’s cricket mates.

It was then into a routine of table tennis, scrabble and Ruth’s huge evening meals which have piled the weight on me. Sunday roast was something to behold. Em was a bit delicate to say the least after one too many at the party and we had some crazy rain. Mark took me for a game of golf on Monday after which we had to go to Rebel Sports to top up on golf balls.

We all went to the new house on Tuesday and Chris cracked a bottle of champagne. By the time the week was out the brickies had finished and it was looking great. I went to cricket training with Mark and did a few laps of the field to try to keep that belly in trim – I was knackered! The projector screen got dropped for the new series of Top Gear and the speakers were blasting out louder than the Ferrari they raced under Ceaucescu’s palace. Chris is such a petrol head!

Me and Mark took a trip to the Tree Fly on Wednesday. I was expecting something a bit like ‘Go Ape’ with zip wires and harnesses but it turned out to be metal walkways through the tree tops. Even so it was still a good trip and there were some great views. We had a big shopping trip to Worrawong on Thursday and chose a fridge and washer for the new house. Me and Mark then headed off to the Farm, where I’d learnt to surf last year, and had a chilled out afternoon. It was back to the golf course on Friday and me and Chris took on Mark and Sam. It all started well and we were 5 up after 8. That’s when it all started to go wrong. Driving the buggy up the 10th Christian’s bag fell off the back and when I went back to get it, his driver had snapped in two. If that wasn’t bad enough, Chris snapped his 8 iron later on when he leant on it while waiting to play his shot! To cap it all, the youngies came back to beat us! Mark and Em treated me to a Thai meal at the Harbour View restaurant and we rounded the night off at the Pub which was as packed and entertaining as ever. I even got to play a few games of Keno.

Saturday was a gorgeous day and I went off to watch Mark play. I was a bit gutted that they won the toss and batted because he was in his usual number 11 spot, so I got to do a bit of sunbathing and reading a bit more of Lost Symbol. Mark went in with the score on 155 for 9 and instructions to try to get Downy to his first ever ton. He did that and more as they put on 98 for the last wicket. It was a shame Downy holed out for 138 leaving Mark on 35 not out. Chris and Ruth had come to pick me up as we were off out to Andy and Jane’s down at Kiama. They made us a nice meal and we had a Gavin and Stacey fest though Chris and Ruth fell asleep for a change. I finished my trip to Shellharbour with a relaxing day round the pool on Sunday followed by a barby. Mark dropped me at Oak Flats on Monday morning and I headed back to work.

I picked up a few meetings and made a bit of progress with work though it’s looking more and more like it will be difficult to break into the Australian market. My nights were spent exploring the local area and I had a nice walk down to the harbour bridge and got some good views of the city in lights. I had a wander over the bridge and down to Darling Harbour on Thursday. I couldn’t get over the number of people with rucksacks on running over the bridge.

After work on Friday I caught the train back down to Shellharbour and we went to the Harbour View and pub again. I had something called a Magic Box which was basically a huge Yorkshire pud filled with a mass of seafood. Mark dropped me at Kembla Grange on Saturday lunch and I met up with Chris, Gordon and Jan and Stu and Robyn. It was a shame Robyn had been suspended as it would have been great to watch her ride. As it was Stu had organised us into a bit of a betting syndicate. We pooled our money and all took it in turns to choose the bets. 18 races later and we hadn’t had a single winner!! Back at Woonona we sat outside and polished off some pizza and wine. The secret of the engagement party was still intact. Mark rang to let us know about his 5 fer on day 2 of the cricket match including his first ever hat trick. It had been a good game for him and the team as they won by an innings and qualified for the finals.

Sunday morning saw Auntie Chris getting more stressed as Robyn didn’t fancy a walk. She needed them out of the way by 10.15 and me and Gordy finally got them out with Sharon’s boys. Jack, Pat and Alec are really great kids. We got back and Stu and Robyn were both gobsmacked to see all the friends and family waiting for them. The party got started with a trip down to the beach where we were warned about the tsunami heading to Oz after the Chile earthquake. No sign though. Mark and Em turned up and we had a great afternoon. When everyone had finally departed Robyn and Stu drove me back to North Sydney.

A good couple of weeks and it’s half way on Tuesday!

Random musings from the ex Mr Grumpy

Day 22 – Monday 8th February

I’d got back from work, paid Jan for my apartment, had a great video chat with Jemma, headed down to the gym for a work out, sauna and swim, polished off some chicken and pasta, watched the Superbowl highlights and thought … what now. I decided to put the iPod on and rattle off the small amount of ironing on the spare bed and then settle down to read my book before a reasonably early night.

However, while I was ironing and listening to the ‘chillaxing’ playlist Amy had loaded on my iPod, I got to thinking. What a miserable git I was yesterday and this morning. I’ve had a right mood on and it’s done my head in. It’s OK that I miss home and yes I come home to an empty apartment every night but when I really think about it I realise just how lucky I am and how childish it is to be grumpy. I’ve got two fantastic children, a great supportive family, some friends who truly are friends, I’ve been given the opportunity of a lifetime by work and best of all I’ve got a beautiful, wonderful, amazing girlfriend. So if I’m ever grumpy again you all have permission to shoot me! As Amy would say … “the end”.

So what else? Cora mentioned skiing on facebook … it’s a shame we’ll miss out this year but hey, the new positive me is already looking forward to the all new 2011 trip when, with the Beeby’s blessing we can share our fantastic skiing week with Jemma and who knows, Harry may even fancy it. Reckon his Parkour skills would stand him in good stead.

Did I mention, one of the best things about my trip so far is that until Friday, I hadn’t been in a car. It has been a joy to walk to work and not sit in any form of traffic jam, apart from the queue of pedestrians waiting to cross the junctions. Friday arrived and I had 3 taxi rides but even that isn’t like driving yourself, especially as I had so much to talk to Tom about. Much as I enjoy the driving part of driving, if you get my point, I could get used to this. I guess the only time I’ve felt remotely like I needed a car was doing the weekly shop but I’ve managed.

Another thing I forgot was my trip to the cinema last Tuesday. I stopped late at work and headed off into South Brisbane at 8 o’clock. Tuesday night is cheap night at the Cineplex – a bit like Orange Wednesday I guess but you don’t need the phone. So for about £4 I got a comfy seat in a packed Screen 1 and watched Matt and Morgan putting on their best South African accents in Invictus. Not a bad flick but the rugby scenes are like most sporting films, just a bit cheesy with more ooohs, aaaaaghs and dodgy camera angles than enough. Anyway, I’m off again tomorrow to watch my doppelganger George in ‘Up in the Air’. Think it’s supposed to be pretty good and there’s a few oscar nominations flying around.

Jemma is inspiring me to keep running – she is still going out most mornings in the cold and dark. I have to say part of me thinks that would be easier than running in the baking humid heat out here … but then again maybe not! I got up to 35 minutes today and broke the 4 mile barrier that Mrs Tweedie set me in her facebook challenge. I got talking to a Chinese New Zealander in the Sauna afterwards. A nice fella called Clement who is an Electrical Engineer working for Aecom on a massive defence contract. Seems like the Australian government are spending huge sums on all sorts of infrastructure projects. He was from Auckland and got me thinking I really should try to get over to see Chris and Josie, the Brooks family, Nick Brown or any combination of the above. Maybe a long weekend in March …

Oh and well done to the Saints but does anyone else think they are slightly overdoing the whole, we’re doing it for the City and all the victims of Katrina thing. Call me cynical but it sounded mostly like a good bandwagon to ride to me.

Right Mr Positive really is off to bed now. Peace, love and happiness!!

Week 3

Day 14 to 21 – Sunday 31st January to Sunday 7th February

Well not even the tennis could brighten the day with Federer never really looking like losing. It was pretty amazing tennis at times but my 3-0 prediction with Mark, who went for 3-1, just about came off. Maybe if Murray had taken one of his set points in the tie break things could have been different but I doubt it.

Having missed Amy’s birthday last week, it was Jemma’s on Monday. She went out with Linds and Jo and the three of them called on skype when they got back from the pub which was quite entertaining. I’m still missing Jem big time but it continues to help to speak to her and see her on the web cam. I’m really looking forward to everything we’ve got planned for when I get back.

I’ve decided one way to pass the lonely hours is by making use of the Oasis facilities. Jemma is keeping up with her running and I don’t want to get left behind when I get home. So I’ve been doing some time on the treadmill. 20 minutes the first night then 25 the next time. I was pleased with that effort because I was ready for stopping with about 15 minutes left! Once I’ve done my run I jump on the bike for a bit then grab a sauna and swim 10 lengths of the pool. With a bit of luck I’ll start seeing the benefit round my belly!

Work continues to go reasonably well and I finally got a couple of meetings in this week. As seems to be the way in Australia these didn’t take place in Meeting Rooms in Company offices but at the coffee shop. Kind of demonstrates the more relaxed way of life here and the ‘serial networking’ approach. The first meeting was with a guy called Myles who has worked in the UK on similar contracts to me and he gave me a good insight into the maintenance market. On Friday I got to meet a couple of guys from SKM and ended up going on a site visit to the Gateway Upgrade Project. This is a motorway improvement contract including building a massive new bridge over the Brisbane River alongside the existing structure. Just the $1.9 billion worth.

Friday night was works night out at the Coro bar near to the office. Well I say ‘night’ but the plan was to meet up at 4pm. In true Aussie style though, the meeting time is give or take … there were quite a few people still strolling in at about 5pm. A few people came with wives, friends and girlfriends and so it turned into a good night. The Coro is a fairly trendy pub as Aussie pubs go and there is a seafood restaurant attached that has won awards. I’m not saying it’s pretentious but the toilets were something to behold – the urinals were glass panels with colour changing lights behind them. When I went back to the group I was told I should try the unisex toilets! They turned out to be glass walled affairs that turned to frosted when you went inside and locked the door! What’s that all about!

I ended up heading off for a Pizza with Ben, who is over here from Nottingham like me and his girlfriend Caz and Adam and Kerry from the Railways team. There was a good atmosphere in the restaurant and a good end to the week. I was left with a sore head on Saturday though.

The weekend has been a quiet one – well that is except for the storm on Saturday night. The thunder was immense and I’m watching pictures of flooding on the news as I write this. 89mm of rain in 24 hours in Brisbane and a whopping 415mm in the same period in Clagiraba. Shame because I’d planned to head off to the Gold Coast again. Instead I’ve spent a bit more time in the gym and got my run up to 30 minutes this morning. The other thing I’ve done is a bit of reading and I’ve finally got into The Lost Symbol. I bought the hardback pretty much as soon as it cam out but haven’t been able to get into it before now. I’m only 15 odd chapters in but it’s a decent read.

I’ve been speaking to Mark a fair bit and am really looking forward to heading down to Shellharbour next Saturday. I was watching the surfing while I was running this morning and it has really whetted my appetite for some time on the beach. Let’s hope the weather picks up – Mark reckons it’s supposed to from Tuesday – so I might finally get to use some sun cream!

Days 10 to 13 - Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th January

I have to admit that I’ve been writing quite a lot up to now but as things start to settle I’m bound to get a bit less prolific. So here I am having reached my second weekend and I’ve got a whole 4 days to write about. I can hardly remember yesterday let alone Wednesday!

It was Amy’s birthday on Thursday and she has used the “remember that time you were away for my birthday” quote more than once. She had been up to Leeds for a couple of days but came home for a meal with some friends and her mum. I missed speaking to her a few times but we spoke on her Friday night. She has got her jabs booked for travelling and I think she’s starting to look forward to it now.

Then there’s Andy Murray. Felt a bit gutted for him when Nadal dropped out. He had played really well and deserved to get his victory without Rafa pulling out injured. Whatever he was in the semi final and I enjoyed watching that on Thursday. Things didn’t look to good throughout the first set and Cilic looked really up for it. I reckon it was that crazy net cord point when he went running back and hit the winner over his shoulder that changed things. He didn’t really look like losing once he got his passion going and started going for his shots. Of course it helped that Cilic was knackered! I’m really looking forward to the final against Federer. Could go either way I reckon but Federer has been awesome so I’ll reluctantly put my money on him.

I’m beginning to get my head around work and have sorted a programme and reporting diary. I’ve put out a few feelers for meetings and had my first weekly review meeting with Mark on Friday. I’ll be happier after I’ve met my first new contact. It was supposed to be next Monday but Juliet has cried off.

I’ve been using the Powerball a fair bit. I can’t quite work out if it’s actually helping just yet, but I suppose it must be. The only sign of anything so far is a blister on my little finger! I’ve done a bit of swimming too and loads of walking so with any luck I’ll be going home a bit fitter, especially if I start running as well.

I’ve been getting home from work reasonably early to talk to Jemma before she goes to work. That has really helped but it still seems strange chatting to her and seeing her on screen when she is so far away. I spoke to mum on Thursday too and things all seem well there. Dad was out at golf.

I’ve been having a look at some events to go to while I’m out here. It’s been pretty frustrating as I seem to be in the wrong city at the wrong time and will be missing a fair bit that I wouldn’t have minded seeing. I spoke to Mark about the T20 at the SCG and I’ve bought 5 tickets for that. Emilie is coming along and Sam Powell and Chris who Mark used to live with. He wasn’t to enthusiastic about seeing George Michael and at $129.90 I’m not sure I fancy going on my own.

I walked out of the apartment on Friday morning to a bit of a shock. There had been a massive thunderstorm overnight and there was water everywhere. Unfortunately for me, the rain returned just before I left for the night so I got soaked walking back to the Oasis. Soaked but still warm so it was actually quite refreshing. Friday night was washing and ironing time – rock and roll!! It got even more rock and roll when I did my weekly shop at Coles on Saturday and put my cooking skills to the test when I got back rustling up a bit of shark. It was really good just a tiny bit salty.

Saturday night was time for ‘the match’. Brisbane Roar were playing Sydney so I thought I’d give it a go. It was quite a laugh. The Suncorp Stadium is well impressive but the crowd of just over 8,500 didn’t really do it justice. It was difficult to judge on the standard of football as well. I reckon probably somewhere comparable to the lower leagues at home but who knows. The only player I recognised was Sydney’s John Aloisi who took some personal abuse from the Brisbane crowd – something about little children and sweets! Rather bizarrely Patrick Kluivert was introduced to the crowd at the start as he is ‘guest coach’ at Brisbane for a couple of weeks. I moved from my original seat, right behind the goal, ,6 rows up, in with all the Brisbane hard core. This was mainly because I couldn’t see too well through all the flag and banner waving kids at the front, but I also didn’t fancy getting any more beer spilt on me. That was another strange experience – sat there watching a football match with a beer in my hand! For the record Brisbane grabbed a late winner and went on a lap of honour as it was the last home game of the season.

I had a plan to head off to the gold coast for the day on Sunday but I didn’t wake up until 10.20 and the weather was still rubbish so I’m going to put that off for a better day. Let’s hope tonight’s tennis brightens up the day.

I would have added some more photos but my Flickr account has reached its 100MB limit for the month!

Australia Day

Day 9 – Tuesday 26th January

Was real sleepy this morning for some reason. I blame the chilli and phili just before bed watching Tsonga and the Spanish guy. What a great match that was. I woke up at half 6 but then dozed until just after 8 when I got up to speak to Jemma. She had been to see Croppers who is back in Nottingham with Noah and Thea. Good news. I also got texts off cousin Dava who reckons he is coming out to Oz some time, watch this space.

After brekkie I ventured off into Brisbane for part 1 of my Australia Day. It’s another scorcher of a day and I’m glad I got well covered in sun cream. I even made myself a little picnic for lunch on the South Bank. Barby time is later.

Saw the raising of the flags and the 21 gun salute but I’m not sure if the camera caught the F-111 fly past – oops. I was a bit surprised that more of the Aussies weren’t singing the national anthem at the top of their voice – I thought they were all a real patriotic bunch.

When the formalities were over I decided to treat myself to a trip on the Brisbane Wheel. Not sure how much the London Eye costs, or even the wheel at Nottingham, but I thought $15 wasn’t too bad. Apart from anything the gondola was air conditioned! It also had a commentary about the city and some of the landmarks.

After my ride I went for a wander around the south bank to catch the atmosphere. It was packed and there was loads going on. There were a couple of guys doing a comedy magic show who were pretty good. One of them pulled out a bit of thread, swallowed it then pulled it out of his eye – gross. Even his mate was cringing. There were loads of barbies going off in the park and then I came to the beach! Right there in the city with life guards and everything.

I strolled back along the south bank and through the rain forest walk (where I came across Lizzie’s older and bigger brother) and headed for the Kurilpa Bridge, the one that looks like a yacht with rigging. I really like how it looks so thought I’d cross there. I’m glad I did because there were water fountains all the way across and the water was beautiful and cold. By the time I got back I was pretty weary from the hot sun and my birkies had given me a blister – can you believe it!! – they’re supposed to be the height of comfort. I guess I’ll put it down to the heat and the sweat and the mammoth walk. A nice cup of tea and some cookies and all was good again. Time to start thinking about the Regatta barby.

I got to the Regatta about 6 hours too late I reckon! There was certainly no chance of making Jemma’s challenge as the whole pub was well into friends and family stuff and the vast majority were well oiled already. I stopped for a couple of schooners of Hahn Super Dry and a bit of the cricket and also exchanged a few texts with Stuey. Then it was off home to watch the tennis and catch the fireworks en route. They were pretty awesome but the ‘fireworks’ option on my camera wasn’t quite as good.

I sorted myself some steak and rice and bottle of TED and settled down to watch the tennis. Mark called and we had another debate about time zones and I had to concede that I wasn’t watching the tennis live. Don’t get it but there you are. I’m having enough trouble getting used to the time difference with home without having to worry about local stuff as well. Anyway, as I write this Murray is one set up but 4-2 down in the second. You’ll all know how it turns out by the time you read this. Oh and I’ve put some new photos on the slideshow.

The start of a new week

Day 8 – Monday 25th January

So here I am watching Hewitt v Federer hoping it turns into a classic. Unfortunately just at the moment Federer is looking totally in command a set and 4-2 up. Today has been quite productive. Not so much on the work front but I’ve finally sorted all of my accommodation, well almost. The one remaining job is to find something for Hong Kong but Jenno is getting Alison to do that. I only asked him where he stays when he goes and he took on booking it all for me. Ah well saves me a job and I know Alison will make sure it’s a decent place.

I also checked out all the various transport web sites and have sorted how I’m going to be getting about and the times. So I’m finally feeling like I can get on with some real work, a week after leaving home. I started working my way through all the contacts I’ve been given and should get on to arranging some meetings next. Mark has been really helpful. I got to meet another member of the team today and undoubtedly the one with the best name. Ling Ling Lipscombe has been on holiday in New Zealand.

Roger has just taken the second set and I can’t see any way back for Hewitt. Reckon I’ll be able to give my Power Ball a try in a bit. Jemma bought it me for Christmas to strengthen up my weak arms and I haven’t had a chance to even read how it’s supposed to work yet.

Just had a good chat with Mark and I’m really looking forward to getting back to Shellharbour. Sounds like he’s got a few things lined up for us, including a game of golf. Hopefully we’ll be able to get to the SCG as well to see the one dayer. I called Amy after as well to wish her good luck with her exam today. She confirmed she is off to Leeds straight afterwards for a few days and might try to get to see mum and dad. Hope the exam goes well.

I missed my morning call to Jemma this morning. She had gone to the pub with Amy so we caught up this afternoon. Jem had already been for a run and had her shower and was ready for work by the time we spoke at 6.45am her time! Impressive! I’m still missing her of course but we spoke about plans for later in the year so this gives me something to look forward to. In the meantime I really must try to focus on what I’ve got to do here.

Right guess I should sign out and try that Power Ball. Oh and look forward to my first Australia Day.

Sunny Sunday

Day 7 – Sunday 24th January

After getting up to turn the fan off at god knows what time I woke about 8am but decided to snooze. It was just before 10 when my mobile woke me. It was Jemma. Amy was round at her’s after work and we had a really nice skype session, with Haz also joining in to show me his bloody lip after his fall earlier on Saturday. AJ and Jem had been for a run and nearly had a close encounter with Christine. Fortunately Jemma had chickened out of calling at the house on the way back from dropping the Christmas tree at the tip which turned out to be a good decision as Christine was there. It shouldn’t really be a problem and I certainly don’t want it to be, but probably best to avoid it for now.

Mrs Tweedie had been round to play SuperScrabble and Jem was excited to have scored 106 for Quivers. Now there’s a challenge for when I get back! I also got my daily challenge which was to take a picture of myself in the pool at the apartment. Shouldn’t be difficult and it’s another beautiful day. I decided to finish watching Andy Murray, who won reasonably easily after a dodgyish start and then a bit of Rafa and take the crossword book down to the pool.

Boy was it hot when I got down there. There are no beds or chairs or anything and it was like walking on hot coals around the pool. I settled down with the iPod and realised I’d not taken a pen down for the crossword. That makes it more difficult! I had a bit more of a look round and found the tennis court, sauna, gym and barby area. All good. Oh I should say that of course I gave it some serious slip slap slop before I went down. It was nice to have a swim as well and then sit with my feet in the water and do some more crossword.

Back upstairs I decided it was time to get my Blog sorted and, as you’re reading this on Blogger, it’s pretty obvious that I succeeded. I watched a bit more tennis, a bit of cricket and rustled up some spag bol. I also called mum and dad to say hello and pass on the blog address as they’re not facebook fans. Mum reckons Amy is off to Leeds for a few days and may get the train over to see them as well.

Right I guess I should get myself ready for work and have an early night. I’ll be back when there’s something to report, maybe after Australia Day on Tuesday.

My first Saturday

Day 6 – Saturday 23rd January

I was up reasonably early after a pretty restless night when I woke at 4am, 5am, 6am and 7am! Don’t know what that’s all about. I switched on the laptop to do some skyping and within seconds AJ had appeared. I had a good chat to her and she seems pretty settled which is reassuring. She hasn’t booked her flights yet though because Jo is checking with her dad. When we’d finished I called Jemma who was overrun with teenagers. Harry had the 2 Jacks staying over and Ele and Hanuka were also there. It is so good to be able to talk and especially see the video. It’s also a bit strange thinking that she is on the other side of the world but right there in front of me on the screen. I’m writing this on Sunday watching the tennis and Andy Murray has just won again. Could get quite exciting. While I was having breakfast Mark rang to make it a full house. He had been at the Big Day Out on Friday and seen Muse and Kasabian. Unfortunately they don’t come to Brisbane as I’d like to see both.

Jemma gave me a challenge of finding somewhere to go on Australia Day so I headed off into the sunshine. I’d realised on Thursday I hadn’t had a drop of alcohol since arriving in Oz so when I walked past 1st Choice, a huge beer warehouse, I thought I’d better have a look. Apart from anything it was pretty cool in there. I walked on to Toowong Village and had a good look round. I bought my Go Card from the train station which is for travel anywhere in Brisbane on all the buses, trains and ferries. I did a bit of food shopping at Coles though only a couple of bags worth after my mistake at Woolies. Anyway I wanted to be able to carry some beer home as well. On the way back to 1st Choice I called in at Regatta which is the local pub and they are advertising the Bundy Backyard Barby for Tuesday. Free entry all day from 2pm with loads of DJ’s and stuff. Looks pretty good so unless anything better comes up I reckon I’ll head down there.

I gave Mark a call from 1st Choice to get his recommendation on beer. Mind you I wasn’t too surprised to hear “whatever” and so I went for Tooheys Extra Dry. Don’t really know why but don’t suppose it’ll make much difference. Macca was at cricket and sounded pretty pleased they’d won the toss and batted. I’ll have to check out how they got on. The walk home was OK despite the 2 bags and a 24 pack of beer!

After unloading and enjoying a freezer cooled TED which went down very well, I decided to head into town. Richard at work had recommended the City Cat but I fancied a walk. It turned into a mammoth one as well, all the way along the river and then right along Queen Street through the shopping area and down to the river on the other side. There was a cool looking bar right next to the Ferry station so I grabbed another beer while I was waiting. This time a Hahn but I was that hot it could have been anything.

The Cat ride was good and I got to see new parts of the City including the office from the river. My damn camera battery died on me just as we got level with the Oasis so I couldn’t get a picture of that. Another time. It’s a short walk back from the Regatta ferry station and time to get settled in for a relaxing night. I got a text from Jemma who had just woken up at 10am. Not too bad for a Saturday morning though. We chatted on skype again and she showed Jack Santos his photo on facebook. She is supposed to be going for a run with AJ today and I’m really pleased they are getting on well.

I changed my mind on the food front and went for some beef schnitzel instead of spag bol, mostly because the cling film had ripped! I grabbed a few beers as well and watched Back to the Future 3. Classic. I went to bed with the fan on in the bedroom and fell asleep.

First days in Brisbane

Day 4 – Thursday 21st January

It was a bit odd getting dressed into some work clothes. I’d always hoped that shorts would be the order of the day. The obligatory bowl of crunchy nut cornflakes and a glass of orange and mango and I was on my way along the river to the office. It’s nice not to have to drive and a pleasant walk but boy oh boy it’s hot out here. I gave Jem a quick call which was a bit of a role reversal as it’s usually her calling me on her walk from the Forest to college. Once again I was nice and sweaty by the time I got to work but the air con soon cooled me down. Time to get settled into some work but not before I find somewhere to live. As I feared it’s not as easy as I thought it would be but I managed to arrange a viewing at Ridge on Leichhardt at 2 o’clock. I’m hoping to get somewhere between work and the City if possible but will probably have to settle for what I can get.

Ian asked me to sit in on a workshop looking at the bid successes and failures for the last year. It was good to actually concentrate on work and also a chance to get to know some of the team. Mark, Mike and Adam all seem like good guys and I was able to contribute a bit to the discussions. Then it was time to head off to look at the apartment.

Spring Hill is exactly that and it was a bit of a slog to reach Ridge. I met Sally on reception and she turned out to be from Leeds. She gave me keys to 2 apartments but both were pretty ordinary compared to my Oasis room. I told her I had more to look at and decided to head into the City to get a Telstra Modem stick. Mark had told me they definitely had the best coverage. On the way I spotted a Qantas office so went in and changed my Sydney flight to the Saturday. Even if Jemma doesn’t come out it will give me more time with Mark. I found the Telstra shop and ended up with the Turbo model. The salesman convinced me it would be better for skype video calls.

The walk back to Coronation Drive took a bit longer than it should. When I decided to head downhill towards the river, I forgot that the river forms a big U around the CBD and ended up going the wrong way. Ah well, I got to see some more of the City. By the time I’d walked home after work I’d put some miles in and bizarrely my comfy Clarks shoes had given me a couple of blisters.

I’d not had a chance to grab any food during the day so tested out the kitchen and made myself some pasta and salad. How healthy is this trip going to be. I just realised I haven’t had any alcohol since I got off the plane.

Day 5 – Friday 22nd January

I tried the new modem stick out on the skype and had a great chat with Jem. It worked loads better than before but her video cut out after a while. Amy had been round to see her and Harry not long before I called. We spoke for a while about whether she should come out and I showed her some great flights I’d looked at last night. We’d pretty much decided to book the flights but then changed our minds again because Jem thought I should spend my time with Mark, especially as he’s taken time off work. It’s an impossible decision really because we both know what a great time we’d have if she does come out and we keep saying “it’s the things you don’t do that you regret”. I thought about it all the way to work and reckon I’ve pretty much resigned myself to not seeing Jemma until April. Time to just get on with it.

Later in the morning I finally got my accommodation sorted when Jan at the Oasis confirmed I could stay in Apartment 18. It’s a bit more than I wanted to pay but I’m not going to get anywhere better. She also confirmed that she can put me up in March too. That gives me a fall back if I can’t get anything else so I moved on to finding something in Perth. My god I’ll be happy when everything is booked.

I decided not to go to the cricket so I could get myself set up for next week. I even got round to speaking to Juliet Wolfe at SKM and sorting a couple of appointments with her. I think I’ll be able to start making some progress next week, though it’s Australia Day on Tuesday and apparently the world goes a bit crazy. That should be interesting!

Back home and I watched the Aussies chase down 274 to beat Pakistan and decided to grab an early night.

Saying goodbye and the flight

Day 1 – Monday 18th January

So here I am sat in Singapore airport waiting for my flight to Brisbane. I’ve just had a decent flight from Heathrow, made more entertaining as I was sat next to an old boy from Denmark, and I’ve had this idea about keeping a diary while I’m away. You never know, as I’m so “down with the kids” it might become a fully fledged blog posted on the internet. The idea really came to me on the plane as I wanted to remember some of the stuff Martin told me. Making memories is what this trip is about as much as anything. Martin was 69, he showed me his passport to prove it!, and on his way to visit his brother in Darwin.

I guess I should really start at the beginning though. I will skip over the tears briefly and probably make it a rule for the rest of this story that they will not be mentioned again. I said a very quiet and heartbreaking goodbye to Jemma as she disappeared off to work and I genuinely wondered if I was doing the right thing. But she has been so supportive and understanding that those feelings soon subsided (though I’m sure they won’t totally disappear). I arrived home and started to repack and sort out my hand luggage. The Wii fit finally confirmed that my case was under the 23kg allowance but only after some shuffling of the clothes pack. The hand luggage was almost as heavy!! Think it is something to do with the 2 laptops and several books and Scott Wilson business plans. My mum’s Christmas present “Sex, Sleep or Scrabble” made it to the bag – which by the way was made for the Qantas baggage guide at exactly the maximum size of 22”x14”x9”. Having said that some of the “hand” luggage on view on the plane was surely much bigger than this.

I didn’t want to leave Jemma with pictures of us both crying so persuaded her that I should meet her for lunch as I was going into town anyway to pay a cheque into the bank and get some dollars. I’m so glad I did. We had a horrible cup of coffee in the Student Accommodation café bar but chatted easily as we always do and when she finally disappeared back to lessons we parted with a big hug and smiles which felt much better. It wasn’t quite the same at home but I didn’t expect it to be. I had a chat with Amy about her plans, exams and stuff and we cried a few more tears. Liz and Matt were outside when I packed the car and she again reassured me she would look after Amy. So many friends have said the same.

The trip down to Heathrow was remarkably incident free and smooth. That is until I actually got there. Finding a petrol station to fill up the hire car proved amazingly difficult. Where do Londoners buy their petrol? Anyway, eventually I found one and headed back to Heathrow. The car handover was painless, as was the courtesy bus transfer and I joined the queue in Section G at Terminal 3. My worst fears were realised when I finally reached the desk, to be told that I should have checked in before getting to that point and there may not even be a seat for me. I could have checked in on line apparently. A quick phone call to the check in bloke confirmed that there was a seat after all and with my Wii fit checked bag passing the weight test, I was off to departures. After a wander round I homed in on “Eat” and bought a ham, brie and cranberry baguette, crisps, carrot cake and a coffee as well as a last minute pecan slice. Well I needed filling up for the flight.

Lots more queuing later I sat myself down in cattle class, row 46 seat F. I had wondered about seat F, hoping upon hope it would be an aisle seat but knowing deep down I would be sandwiched in the middle. It turned out not to be as bad as a previous Oz flight sat next to the mammoth muslim lady who used me as a pillow for most of the journey. That was because of Martin, which is where I started this story.

As I said, Martin is a 69 year old dane. Big, white haired and full of life. He told me of his days as a US army soldier based in El Paso Texas, “join the army and see the world” was what got him there. He had also worked on the North Pole building the base there along with 12,000 others, 200 of whom were Danes. I heard all about his straw roofed house, the 70% tax rate in Denmark, his Ford Anglia’s, VW’s and the Mercedes that did over 2 million kilometres on one engine. Then there was Dave from Liverpool who got shot by the mafia in 1979 and his brother in Darwin who he was taking a couple of cans of Carlsberg for, stolen from the plane. Add to that his fish farming and tour guide exploits in Scotland and we were almost in Singapore. I may have got more sleep sat next to someone else but it would undoubtedly not have been as interesting. Before breakfast he pulled a big hardbook book out of his hand luggage and asked me to sign it for him. He reminded me a lot of Jemma’s granddad, not least because I heard most of his stories at least twice, but mostly because he was determined just to enjoy life.

Day 2 – Tuesday 19th January, most of which I missed because the clocks were racing forward.

The second leg of the journey down to Brisbane was dull in comparison, once again in seat F, but this time sandwiched between an Aussie lady on her way home from 3 weeks in Vietnam (if you get a taxi Amy make sure they are the yellow Mahlin ones) and a woman from Manchester on her way to visit her brother and sister who she hadn’t seen for 15 years. I slept a bit though and kept waking with a start imagining the whole plane had been listening to me snoring!

Day 3 – Wednesday 20th January

We landed almost bang on the scheduled arrival time of 6.50am. More queuing, first for passport control and then to get the cases through customs, and I was off to the Airtrain to the city. It was 50 cents more than the shuttle bus at $14.50, but I thought I’d treat myself to some luxury. The walk to the office wasn’t far but boy was it hot and by the time I’d dragged my luggage to the door I was dripping. Amy on reception showed me where to go and I met my Scott Wilson, Brisbane colleagues. I resisted the temptation to shower, thinking my apartment would soon be ready but it was after midday when Jodie got the call and I headed to the Oasis Apartments. Jan on reception was a friendly face and explained everything I needed to know. All I wanted was the shower. Having said that, when I walked into my room I was that shocked it took me a while to make it to the shower. The place is so big. A huge great living room with leather settee and chairs facing an enormous flat screen TV. The music system has got the i-pod docking station so I put on a playlist while I looked around. John Mayer had well finished before I’d seen everything.

I got a bus into the city for a bit of a look around and to hunt for some longer term accommodation. I think it’s going to be a bit more difficult than I hoped to find something good for anything less than $100 dollars a night. The exchange rate is certainly hurting. I had a look at a couple of apartments in the Park Regis which is between work and the CBD so handily located but that is $99 a night. The second room was nice though with a great shower – there is a theme developing here – so it may be a good fall back. I had a wander through the shopping areas and came back along the river. Brisbane is a nice place. I was getting pretty knackered by this time but determined to see it through and fight off any jet lag. I spoke to Mark when he’d finished work and then got the laptop out and tried skype for the first time. The sight of Jemma sat there in front of her pc cheered me up but also made me a bit homesick. As always with these things it didn’t work quite as well as we’d hoped and the connection went a bit loopy once or twice but it was good to talk. I’m going to miss her.

I decided to walk to the shops to stock up on food for the next few days, so headed further out of the city to Toowong. That exchange rate looks like it’s going to hurt at Woolies as well. A 5 carrier shop was a bit more than I could have done with for the long walk home, especially as I was by now falling asleep as I walked. Two slices of toast sent me off to bed and I was gone before my head hit the pillow.