Ballarat

Another lovely day here! Just a short update to tell you what I've been doing. Had a lot of rain at the weekend, which most people around here was delighted about! The drought has been really bad and they are saying that the price of fruit and veg is going to sky-rocket shortly.

We went out to Ballarat on Sunday and although it rained all the way from Melbourne to Ballarat by the time we got off the train it had stopped and stayed away all day which was very lucky! Ballarat is a city inland in Victoria. It was build for all the gold diggers who came looking for gold! We went to see Sovereign Hill which is an open air museum set in the middle 1800's. It was really good and there was lots to see there - we went to a Gold Pouring demonstration, Sweet Making demonstration and got to tour two underground gold mines. I had a go at panning for gold but didn't find any unfortunately!

Pouring gold into a mould. $80,000 Australian Dollars worth!

Yesterday I went a walk from St Kilda beach to Brighton Beach, which is one of the big beaches around here. The walking and cycling paths around here are excellent, you are totally detached from the road and they usually even have separate paths, bridges etc for cyclists and walkers!

From Elwood Beach looking towards Melbourne

I'm still on the lookout for a job. There's another public holiday tomorrow (ANZAC Day- a holiday to remember Australia and New Zealand War Veterans) so I think all offices, shops will be closed.

Must dash as this internet cafe is quite expensive!

Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy Steamtrain

Been a lovely weekend out here, very warm. Had a bit of a shock last week when I lost my job on Thursday! They were taking on more (permanent) staff, and they didn't have enough computers, phones, etc for all of them and me! So back to the job hunting this week. At least now I've got some experience in Data Entry should be easier to get another job.

We went out to Dandenong Mountains on Sunday, and went on an old steam train called "Puffing Billy". It was pretty good, very impressive how much work has gone into preserving it all. I'm uploading some photos from it now. We stopped off in a little village called Lakeside and had lunch.

Not been much else happening over the weekend. Still got a few places to go to when we're in Melbourne - Ballarat and Bendigo we're looking into. Probably going to go to Tasmania when our flat lease runs out (towards the end of May).

I've added a counter to the bottom of the blog so I know how popular the page is!

Phillip Island

That's us back from Phillip Island, just enjoying Easter Monday before I go back to work tomorrow. Had a great weekend. We got the bus out to Cowes - the main town on Phillip Island and stayed there on Saturday night. Easter weekend was incredibly busy there and apparently there were 16,000 tourists (the population is about 3,000 I'm told!) We had a look around Cowes on Saturday and in the afternoon we hired a Peddle-boat and went a little bit out from the beach in it. On Saturday night we went to the penguin parade - it was excellent, there was lots of penguins around and we seemed to be in the right place as they walked right past us. We weren't allowed to take photos though.

Us with our bikes!

On Sunday we hired bikes and went to the Koala Reserve and the Phillip Island GP Circuit. It's a great place for bikes as theres cycle tracks all over, and we got really good bikes so that was a lot of fun. We were pretty tired by the end of it though! I've put some photos up on flickr but haven't had time to sort through them yet so some of them might be the wrong way around etc!

Koala at the Koala Reserve - we could get really close to them!

Easter

Hello! All is going well here. Another week at work done - got today (Easter Friday) and Monday off so it seems to have gone pretty fast. I've gotten moved into working on some different projects as the data entry stuff I was doing has all finished. At the moment I'm phoning people (around 6000 customers!) trying to get them to move their domain name to the people I'm working for.

Went out to Pin Oak Court today, which is where they film Neighbours (Ramsay Street!). It was really good. Just got the train out to Glen Waverley and walked. Its much smaller than it seems on TV. As you can see from the photo, its been a really nice day. I've got lots more photos on flickr of it.

Me outside The Bishops House!

Going to Phillip Island tomorrow, which is an island right on the south coast. Planning to stay in a hostel there on Saturday night and come back on Sunday. There's no public transport so I think we're going to be hiring bikes! It's not too big so should be fine. We'll head to the Penguin Parade tomorrow night as lots of Penguins come back to land at sunset from being out fishing all day. There's also a Koala Reserve so we're hoping the weather stays nice and we can get the most out of it.

Easter seems to be a big thing out here and all the big supermarkets, shops etc are closed today and Monday. Anyway I'll leave you with another photo I took today!

First Week Down!

That's the first week in the job finished! Its going good - really easy work, just involves putting companies addresses into Excel. Gets a bit boring but there's four of us doing it and we can listen to our MP3 players so it isn't so bad. I managed to get the most copied this week so I got a $100 bonus, which will come in handy!

Went to see Mr Bean on Thursday, it wasn't very good, and going to the Cinema is pretty expensive out here ($15), but made a change from staying in at nights! The days are getting shorter here now, and its usually dark by 8, but the mornings are bright about 6 so that's good. Still pretty nice weather but it has been a bit showery these last few days.

We went out to the Scienceworks museum this afternoon. It was pretty good, it has a planetarium which was especially good.

Easter is quite a big holiday out here and I think I'm getting Easter Friday and Monday off work so we're thinking about going to Phillip Island next weekend, maybe stay out there on Saturday night to watch the penguin parade!

Still waiting for Harold Bishop to be the star at the Neighbours Trivia Night before we'll go to that! Also planning to go out to the Dandenong Mountains sometime soon, as there is supposed to be a lot to see out there.

Here's a photo from my flickr account I took from St Kilda Pier. It was a bit of an overcast day but it gives a good idea of the skyline! We still haven't managed to any of the Swimming Championships as they're all either really expensive or sold out.

Found a job!

I've just heard I've gotten a job! Starting on Monday, in Data Entry, working for SmartyHost - a web hosting firm (Apparently the 3rd biggest in Australia!) It is on Collins St which is right in the heart of the city so it will be really handy. Its only for 3-4 weeks but its a good starting point.

Nothing much been happening, had an interview for the job this morning so was just preparing for that. Really hot here today - around 31 degrees!

Keep the comments coming - great to hear what everyone is upto!

Still Job hunting!

Everythings going well here, but still had no luck finding a job. Have applied for a lot but they either want experienced folk, Australian citizens or they just don't bother getting back to you! Got a few more going through the processes so we'll see how they go. Applied for one for a computer dismantler which involves taking all the guts out of a computer and sorting it out into plastic, glass and metal - which would be ideal!

Grand Prix was excellent - I've uploaded a lot of photos to flickr. It was a real job to get good photos as the cars are going so fast, and the noise was unreal. There were fly-overs by the Australian equivalent of the Red Arrows, and a Quantas Jet, on route to London, flew by really low. Incredible how many Ferrari supporters there were there.

The world swimming championships are on here at the moment too and the outdoor events are taking place at the beach beside our flat so we went to watch the Womens 10km swim yesterday. It wasn't a very nice day so I was feeling a bit sorry for them! Russia won the gold but the UK got silver.

Weather here is still pretty good - mid twenties most days but it is heading towards Autumn now, and the nights seem to be getting slightly shorter.

Latest News!

Well we've finally gotten settled into our flat - I've uploaded some photos of it on flickr. Our address is:
Flat 12
54 Acland St
St Kilda
Victoria
3182

Now, the job hunting starts in earnest! We went to the Melbourne Motor Show on Friday, which was good, all the major car companies showing off their latest models and concept cars. I've also got some photos from there on flickr.

The Grand Prix is on this Sunday so it should be really good, seems to be a whole day event with live bands, flyover etc.

It was a public holiday yesterday, for "Labour Day" so most of the shops were closed. There was a festival on by the river called the Moomba Festival, so we went along to watch the fireworks to close it, they were really good. I got some photos from there but haven't had a chance to upload them yet!

We've gotten joined up to the Library out at St Kilda (the suburb I'm living in) so it's really handy, just up the road and they rent out DVDs and Videos as well as books so gives us something to do in the evenings! Also free internet use but it's usually really busy.

Not a lot else happening, weather here is still great, high twenties most days. I think it'll be starting to get colder shortly as they move into Autumn but no sign of it yet!

Found a flat!

Found a flat this morning in St Kilda - click here to see it on the map. The flat is only available on the 7th March but the landlord had a smaller one we can use until then in the same block so we're moving in this afternoon! It seems to be a real job to get a flat here so we're pretty delighted. With the Grand Prix coming up in two weeks time and the world swimming championships are coming straight after that accommodation is becoming really scarce.

We've gotten a ticket to the Grand Prix, which is also out at St Kilda so really looking forwards to that.

Not been doing that much else lately - concentrating on the flat hunt! Our first hostel - Victoria Hall- was pretty dirty and we thought it had bed bugs so we moved out of there yesterday into "The City Centre Budget Hotel" on Little Collins St, would highly recommend it!

Went to the Queen Victoria Market on Thursday, which is a huge market in sheds not far from the centre. It has a lot of the normal tourist trash but it was really good for fresh food, meat etc.

Went to Fitzroy Gardens on Saturday, it was a very nice day so just sat in the park and didn't spend any money! Noticed my Camcorder Screen was cracked though so then had to get in touch with the insurance as it can't be used without the screen - thankfully it's covered. Went to Broadmeadows shopping Centre on Sunday and the Melbourne Museum yesterday which was really good.

Will try and get some photos up shortly, of the new flat etc! And I'll post my address when I know it!

Early departure from Merrigum!

Well, we're back in Melbourne now. Left Merrigum, and the fruit picking, yesterday. It was far too hot for us - we worked well from about 7am till 12 and got about 5 buckets a day but couldn't do much work in the afternoon because of the heat - around 35/36 degrees. This meant the money was hardly even enough to cover our costs so we thought best get out and look for some shop/office work in Melbourne. It was an experience and I've put some photos up on my flickr page!




When we were there we got trips to Shepparton, Echuca, and Kyabram. It was a pretty amazing area, the land was just flat as anything. The roads were straight as far as the eye could see. There was a very bad drought there so the grass was in very poor shape - all the cattle were skin and bones. Pears still seemed to be in ok condition! Echuca was a very touristy town, loads of paddle boats and old blacksmiths, woodturners etc.

At the moment we are staying in a Hostel in Melbourne. Planning to look for a flat once we get our bearings. Been on the trams yesterday, they are pretty good and cheap.

Merrigum!

Made it to Merrigum on Tuesday, with a one night stopover in Melbourne. Melbourne looked like a nice city so will probably go there once we're finished here. Got the train out via Shepparton which was a typical Australian town - dusty roads and flat as anything.

Staying in a Wig-Wam type thing in Merrigum. It was a bit of a worry last night as the lightning was very close and there is trees all around it! It is just a little village with a shop and a post office. Started fruit picking on Wednesday. Its very hard work for little money but a good experience none the less. Its very warm here - 33 degrees today and warmer yesterday, so it isn't ideal conditions! Filled 5 buckets today, all three of us working together. People keep saying you get better so we'll see!

Possibly going to Echuca on Sunday, which has a jazz festival on, and the employers are putting on a free bus!

Not much other news and this internet is expensive so I best go!

On the move

Just been down to the Rocks Market - lots of nice souvenirs but all very expensive! Seen most of the main sights now in Sydney and money is going down fast so we've gotten a Fruit Picking job in "Merrigum", Victoria (Near Melbourne). Starting on Wednesday so that will be an experience. The weather forecast says to expect a high of 34 degrees on Thursday!

Flying down to Melbourne on Monday, still waiting for our Tax Number but the Bank Account has been sorted.

Went to Palm Beach (Summer Bay in Home and Away) on Wednesday. Bus out there took about an hour and 45 minutes and wasn't really worth seeing but did get a photo of the surf club!

Did the Bondi - Coogee Walk on Thursday, which was good as it wasn't too hot a day. Got a few photos uploaded on Flickr with it.

Yesterday we went to Manly beach, which is a pretty nice place - lots of surfers on the go.

Not sure whether I will be able to get on the internet when we're out at the fruit picking as we are staying in a little village, but if I can I will be updating this!

Latest News

I've put a few more photos up on flickr - mainly of Bondi Beach and the Opera House.

Getting on fine, moved to the new hostel which is going fine - it doesn't have airconditioning so it gets quite hot at night but its good to have our own room. Got a Bank Account opened and have applied for a Tax Number so we can get job hunting.

Got on some of the Sydney Ferries at the weekend (Public Transport - just like buses to some of the islands in the bay.) They were good - good views of the city and got to a few beaches. Went to the Maritime Museum on Sunday which was also pretty good.

Went up the Sydney Skytower yesterday - gave really good views across Sydney as it was a nice day. Weathers been pretty consistantly hot which seems to be doing wonders for my Eczema!

Got a few more sights to see here, then we are thinking about moving out into the country and trying out some fruit picking as finding a flat in Sydney seems to be hellish at this time of year.

Times up so must go!

New Phone Number

Got a Simcard sorted, so my new number is +61 420785818. Its a vodafone prepay, which only seems to cost 25c (about 10p) to send a text to a UK number.

Not having much luck finding a flat, so have booked into a different hostel, the "Jolly Swagman!", for a couple of nights. It will be an experience as it's in Kings Cross. Got a private dorm this time which will be good. Been organising bank account and things too, but it is not easy without a permanent address.

Got a day pass for the monorail today, which was pretty good. Central Sydney seems pretty easy to navigate so could really have walked anywhere but its nice not to have to! Went to the Powerhouse Museum which is a science/technology museum - would highly recommend it, although slightly ran out of time.

There was a day trip to the Home and Away set today from the hostel - didn't do it as I don't think I would know it if I saw it! Might go to the beach at some point though, it seems to just be a random beach in Sydney.

Photos

Got LOADS of photos uploaded. Click here. Julie has also uploaded some of her better ones, which are here.

Did the City Sightseeing (open top) bus tour yesterday. Went to Side Bar (In our hostel) and Scubars (in the YHA) at night. This morning we went to a weekend market at The Rocks, lots of Craft things. Thinking about going to the Cinema tonight. Then need to start looking for Flat, Bank Account, Job, Sim Card etc!

Australia Day

Was Australia Day yesterday - incredible weather at least 30 degrees. Had lots of suncream on and still got a bit burnt. Went to Sydney Harbour and sat outside the Opera House. Got a good view of The Harbour Bridge. There were lots of activities on, flyovers by the RAAF, Tall Ships display, etc. Went to Darling Harbour in the Evening for the Fireworks, it was amazing, best I've ever seen. Got lots of Photos so will try and get them on my flickr account shortly.

Hostel is going fine, going to start looking for a flat shortly. Planning to do the Sightseeing tour on the open top bus today, possibly get out to Bondi Beach.

Sydney

Made it to Sydney! Looks like a nice city. Arrived at 6am this morning. Plane was fine enough, very boring! Got a train in from the airport to the central station. Found our way to the hostel, now just waiting to get into the room. Looks very nice - it's the "Wake up! Hostel"

Glad we made it out of Bangkok alive, the roads there were just hellish. Got a taxi back to the airport and it was only 300Bahts (around 4 quid) when the taxi in from the Airport was 1200 Bahts (about 13 quid). Think they see the tourists coming! Went to the Grand Palace the one day, it was nice but it was a really hot day and couldn't stay out in the sun too long.

Sydney wasn't very dry this morning but I think it is looking better now. Australia Day tomorrow so thinking about going down to Darling Harbour to watch the fireworks.

Keep the comments coming! I'm going to see if I can change it so that you don't need a google account to comment.

Bangkok

Arrived in Bangkok yesterday - quite a place! It's the year 2550 out here! Taxi in from the Airport was an experience - driver couldn't really speak english and tried to give a running commentary on the trip. Then he was expecting a tip and I just gave him 20Bahts (about 30p), which he didn't seem to appreciate. I didn't really have the value of the notes sussed at that point!

Hotel is really nice (Pantip Court), we've got a two bedroom suite with a balcony. Right beside a shopping centre with Boots, Starbucks etc. All the stuff in Boots is FAR cheaper here than at home, e.g. Soltan Sun Cream is under two pounds. Went to a Supermarket and got some supplies for Breakfast.

Went to the Pantip Cafe in the Hotel for tea, it was about 3 quid for Fillet steak and buffet of Starters and Puddings - as much as you can eat!

Got the Underground to the centre this morning, it is exactly the same as the Singapore one, and uses RFID for tickets aswell. Had to change and get the "Skytrain" which is a monorail type thing - it was a bit more dodgy.

Just about to go to a shopping mall with 500 shops so will see what bargains I can find! Hoping to get to the Grand Palace tomorrow then we're off to Sydney on Wednesday.

Singapore

Finally made it to an Internet Cafe! At the airport ready to depart Singapore. It was excellent. Incredibly clean city - cleaners seem to be everywhere the whole time. Hostel was nice, near to Underground station which was handy. Brief Roundup of what we did:

Day 1
Went to Sentosa Island on a monorail to the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon. There were incredible thunderstorms so the dolphin show was cancelled. Also went to some of the shopping Malls - Vivo City was particularly good. The number of shopping malls here is just unbelievable.

Day 2
Went back to Sentosa Island, on cable cars this time, as it was really hot so we went to the beach. Went down to Orchard Road to look around there, it was good - very flash. Also went to Suntec City and the Fountain of Wealth.

Day 3
Went to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. It was pretty good, night safari in particular. Saw an elephant show which was particularly good. The mini-bus out was a bit ropey and weaved inbetween all the traffic but we made it.

Just seen a Playstation 3 for 400 quid - tempting! Airport is very big. Bangkok in a few hours, I'm told it is a 'space age' airport so hopefully we'll manage!

London

Made it to London, wind caused some problems! Been sightseeing yesterday, went to Madame Tussauds, Big Ben, Downing St, Trafalgar Square, etc. Went to the Cinema at Leicster Square to see Happy Feet - wasn't very good! Travelodge is fine, quite central. We've got the Tube sussed so its really handy. Been to the BBC TV Centre today and did a tour - saw "Eggheads" being recorded and the Paul O'Grady Show.

Been Shopping on oxford St this afernoon and planning to do the City Sightseeing Tour if we get time. Also going to see a BBC Show tonight called "The Watercooler"

Flight tomorrow leaves at 10pm so we have a day to fill. It is a 12 hour flight on Quantas so plan to start taking asprins today to prevent DVT!