{"id":64,"date":"2010-07-20T07:29:34","date_gmt":"2010-07-20T07:29:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/?p=64"},"modified":"2010-08-23T11:40:10","modified_gmt":"2010-08-23T11:40:10","slug":"the-latest-from-down-under","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/?p=64","title":{"rendered":"The Latest from Down Under"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s been a while since I updated you on my Antipodean activities and, knowing how you all worry, I thought it only right to fill you in on the latest on my life down under.\u00c2\u00a0 At the end of my last report I was happily working for a web hosting company, the weather was absolutely appalling and Fabio Capello was a coaching genius about to make our team of underachieving multi-millionaires finally deliver at a major tournament.\u00c2\u00a0 How quickly things can change.<\/p>\n

Where to start?\u00c2\u00a0 Being English I suppose the natural choice is the weather and firstly I have to apologise for and, embarrassingly, withdraw my previous statement that the \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAustralian winter is not much better than ours\u00e2\u20ac\u2122.\u00c2\u00a0 By way of mitigation that comment was written in the midst of Sydney\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wettest May for seven years (I was delighted that I was able to witness that particular record being set) but things have greatly improved since then.\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s still very much the middle of winter here and you often see the Australians heading to work wrapped up in gloves, hats and scarves but I would class it as being the equivalent of a decent British spring \u00e2\u20ac\u201c by no means scorching but some very pleasant days with temperatures around the twenties.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Sydney reputedly has 315 days of sunshine per year – just as well seeing as their city literally grinds to a halt at the first sight of rain – and I can well believe that having experienced the \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcdepths\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 of their winter.<\/p>\n

Amusingly Waverley Council (which covers the Bondi area) has tried to capture some of the seasonal spirit with a special winter festival on Bondi Beach \u00e2\u20ac\u201c lucky attendees can (for<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ice skating on Bondi Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

a, naturally, exorbitant price) drink mulled wine, eat Sauerkraut and even ice skate surrounded by a traditional Alpine-style snow scene complete with log cabin.\u00c2\u00a0 There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s only one minor problem with this otherwise impressive display \u00e2\u20ac\u201c it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not bloody cold!\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not even close to being cold!\u00c2\u00a0 I have to admit that skating on an ice rink that overlooks a beach bathed in beautiful sunshine and an ocean reflecting a glorious blue sky does have an enjoyably surreal feel though.<\/p>\n

Other than my heroic, Christopher Dean-like efforts around the Bondi ice skating rink the big sporting talking point of the summer (or winter) has obviously been the World Cup.\u00c2\u00a0 I was slightly concerned, prior to my arrival, that the coverage here would be extremely limited (if non-existent) but I need not have worried \u00e2\u20ac\u201c\u00c2\u00a0SBS provided pretty much continuously rolling coverage for the duration of the tournament although the standard of commentary and punditry was not the most inspiring; their chief commentator made Clive Tydlesley sound like Kenneth Wolstenhome.<\/p>\n

As for the natives, the Australians surprised me with their level of interest and passion for the game which continued even after their national team, the\u00c2\u00a0Socceroos,\u00c2\u00a0were despatched in the group stages.\u00c2\u00a0 As a side note – is there a worse\u00c2\u00a0nickname\u00c2\u00a0in world sport (let alone football) than the Socceroos?\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t decide if it makes them sound more like an under-ten tiddly-wink team\u00c2\u00a0or a gaggle (if that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the right plural) of cheerleaders.\u00c2\u00a0 Nonetheless the majority of the Aussies seem genuinely interested in the football although I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t imagine that it will ever overtake rugby, cricket and AFL (in the more southern states) in terms of popularity any time soon..<\/p>\n

Unfortunately the fact that Sydney is eight hours in front of South Africa did somewhat cloud my enjoyment of the World Cup; it was something of a novelty at the beginning of the tournament to get up at or, more likely, stay up until 4.30AM to catch a game but that initial excitement soon wore off, especially considering the horror show that England were producing and I was almost relieved when the tournament ended and I was able to resume something of a normal sleep pattern.<\/p>\n

As a footnote to the World Cup, I must give props to our landlord who went well beyond the call of duty when summoned to our flat at 5.30AM to remedy a power cut that occurred during half time of the England-USA game.\u00c2\u00a0 In hindsight the decision to run three heaters, the TV, the stereo, and every conceivable light simultaneously was perhaps not a wise one in our prehistoric flat and the fateful decision to attempt a half time cup of tea and slice of toast proved too much for our antiquated wiring, plunging the entire flat into darkness.\u00c2\u00a0 Luckily our Landlord is also a football fan and took our pleas to come round and fiddle with our switchboard to restore the electricity in good grace.<\/p>\n

He was less sympathetic, however, when I made exactly the same mistake during the Germany-Argentina quarter final and pretended not to hear his phone on that occasion.\u00c2\u00a0 Understandable really I suppose.<\/p>\n

Aside from the footballing festivities I have managed to undertake a few trips in the New South Wales area and plan a whole lot more – some local, some further afield.<\/p>\n

First up was a three hour train trip north to Newcastle accompanied by Cameron.\u00c2\u00a0 I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t waste too much of your time on this particular excursion, needless to say if Australia ever get round to producing a version of the UK\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcCrap Towns\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 book, Newcastle will be a worthy entry.\u00c2\u00a0 The main reason for the journey was to check out the local beach so, naturally, it pissed down the day we went there.\u00c2\u00a0 Newcastle, like Sydney in truth, is very much a summer town:\u00c2\u00a0 When the rain starts to fall there isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t a huge amount to do and we were forced to retreat to a wildlife park which at least afforded me the chance to take a few obligatory Koala pictures before heading home.<\/p>\n

More successful was our road trip up to Hunter Valley -\u00c2\u00a0 a huge wine region about a two hour drive north of Sydney and a five hour drunken drive back (that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a joke by the way Mum).\u00c2\u00a0 Carly and I were fortunate enough to be chauffeured around for the day by my housemate Greig who was generous (and foolish) enough to agree to ferry two inebriated idiots around.\u00c2\u00a0 I did agree to drive up there, a decision that I was beginning to regret when the engine of our hire car started making some alarming noises on the motorway after about an hour of driving.\u00c2\u00a0 Carly then helpfully pointed out that I had in fact driven the first hundred kilometres stuck in third gear (it was an automatic if that is any sort of defence).<\/p>\n

Damaged transmission aside, we reached Hunter Valley in one piece and it was a worthwhile journey.\u00c2\u00a0 The scenery is absolutely astounding \u00e2\u20ac\u201c valleys covered with<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Carly and Greig on their way to taking to taking the piss in another winery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

vineyards as far as you can see enclosed by a stunning mountain range.\u00c2\u00a0 There are literally hundreds of wineries to choose from all of which are happy to provide free samples to prospective buyers so we spent the day travelling from vineyard to vineyard pretending to be interested in buying their wares before inevitably disappointing the winemaker and leaving with nothing more than a slightly rosier complexion.<\/p>\n

In fairness there were some excellent wines on offer and the winemakers were generally friendly although my observation that one particular Cabernet Sauvignon tasted like \u00e2\u20ac\u0153burnt hair\u00e2\u20ac\u009d was not altogether warmly received \u00e2\u20ac\u201c it was met with the first (and surprisingly last) \u00e2\u20ac\u0153get out\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of the day.<\/p>\n

It was a hugely enjoyable day out though and the alcohol, doubtless combined with some lingering sense of guilt at taking so many free samples led me to buy some cheese which I<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Giving the $22 cheese the respect it deserves<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

convinced myself was the finest I had ever tasted.\u00c2\u00a0 The fact that it tastes slightly average on reflection combined with the fact is cost $22 suggests that I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t make the decision with an entirely clear head but at least I had some sort of souvenir of the trip, other than a pounding headache the next day.<\/p>\n

The next weekend Carly, Greig, Pete and I travelled north again \u00e2\u20ac\u201c three hours up to Port Stephens.\u00c2\u00a0 Port Stephens is basically a seaside resort but is surrounded by some spectacular sand dunes which are the largest of their type in the southern hemisphere, fact fans, and are in constant motion, moving inwards at a rate of about ten metres per year.<\/p>\n

There are a number of activities that you can indulge on the dunes and first up we had a go at sandboarding which basically involves hurtling down the dunes on a glorified tin tray.\u00c2\u00a0 We were driven to the top of a large dune in a four wheel drive vehicle where we were met by Brad from Neighbours who would be supervising our efforts that day.\u00c2\u00a0 Obviously it wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t the Brad from Neighbours but if you imagine the stereotypical bleach blonde, outdoors-type Aussie bloke and you are just about there.\u00c2\u00a0 Standing at the top of the dune with some trepidation I asked Brad if there were ever any broken arms or legs suffered on this particular run.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he replied, comfortingly.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153A few collar bones though\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

With Brad\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s reassuring words ringing in my ears I began the first of many ill-fated attempts to actually stay on the board until the bottom of the dune.\u00c2\u00a0 I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll save you the humiliating details but I can safely add sandboarding on to the list of outdoor activities that I am no good at.\u00c2\u00a0 All good fun though but with the inevitable consequence that I ended up literally covered in sand and I was still finding sand in places where I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even know I had places for days afterwards.<\/p>\n

As it is currently off-season we were able to afford to stay in a pretty luxurious resort which came complete with gym, steam room, a huge swimming pool that circled the entire<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Living the High Life in Port Stephens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

resort and hot tub.\u00c2\u00a0 We headed to the hot tub on our return to the hotel and I would like to tell you that we sat in the hot tub all evening drinking lager and recounting the day\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s excitement.\u00c2\u00a0 In reality we sat in the hot tub for five minutes before a security guard kicked us out but at least the thought was there.<\/p>\n

The hotel room also featured excellent cooking facilities which was a major result as the standard of cuisine in Port Stephens is not the highest; again I will save you the details but serving up Smash instead of mashed potato and tomato puree instead of a salsa is surely a firing-squad offence for any chef?\u00c2\u00a0 Luckily Carly cooked us a fine roast dinner – my first in three months and something that the English will always do better than the Australians I think.\u00c2\u00a0 After a few dozen beers we retired to bed, still slightly aching but content with the day\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s activities.<\/p>\n

The next day\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s sand-based activity was quad biking across the dunes, something I have not tried before but will certainly be doing again.\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s certainly not cheap – $90 for an hour \u00e2\u20ac\u201c but worth every cent in my opinion.\u00c2\u00a0 It takes a little while to get your confidence up but \"\"<\/a>once you get the hang of the bike it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s enormous fun and you soon find yourself hacking along the dunes at 70KM\/H with ease.\u00c2\u00a0 The landscape is extremely surreal; we would negotiate up a 100ft sand dune and, when reaching the top, find ourselves looking across an alien landscape with nothing but sand and blue sky as far as you could see.\u00c2\u00a0 It was amazing to think that you were literally a few kilometres from a reasonable sized town when, to all intents and purposes, you could have been in the middle of the Sahara.<\/p>\n

The hour flew by and we were soon heading back to the town for a final culinary atrocity before returning to Sydney.\u00c2\u00a0 This time not only was the food crap, the waiter surly and the bill extortionate but the for some reason the restaurant was playing \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcStand By Me\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 by Ben E. King on a seemingly endless loop \u00e2\u20ac\u201c we heard it at least five times whilst sitting there.\u00c2\u00a0 A recipe for insanity if ever there was one.\u00c2\u00a0 Self-catering is definitely the way forward in Port Stephens.<\/p>\n

That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s pretty much it for this instalment but just to tie up a couple of loose ends:\u00c2\u00a0 I am working again after quitting the first horrific telesales job that I rashly took as soon as I got here.\u00c2\u00a0 I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m now doing Sales Co-Ordination for a ATM company called First Data, a pretty easy job and the company is excellent\u00c2\u00a0 – I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been there a month and have been out on three (all expense paid) drinks already.\u00c2\u00a0 I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m only contracted until the start of September but I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m desperately hoping that they extend my stay there for a couple of extra months \u00e2\u20ac\u201c and not just for the free alcohol.<\/p>\n

The past month has also seen a blitz of trip-booking:\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 I have weekends away in Melbourne and Brisbane planned in September and October to see friends and from November onwards, the fun really begins.\u00c2\u00a0 First up I have three nights in Los Angeles with Carly before driving to Las Vegas for my cousin Simon\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wedding.\u00c2\u00a0 We stay there for five days before returning to Sydney for a couple of days and then I am off to New Zealand for a month with my other cousin Paul and his girlfriend, Lou. \u00c2\u00a0We then return to Sydney and hire a camper van to drive up the east coast to Brisbane over nine days and spend Christmas with friends before flying to Thailand on Boxing Day to catch up with some mates for three weeks of debauchery.\u00c2\u00a0 From Thailand I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m then off to China to stay with another friend who lives in Shanghai before retuning to Sydney around the end of January.\u00c2\u00a0 Jealous?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s been a while since I updated you on my Antipodean activities and, knowing how you all worry, I thought it only right to fill you in on the latest on my life down under.\u00c2\u00a0 At the end of my last report I was happily working for a web hosting company, the weather was absolutely … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “The Latest from Down Under”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[30,27,29,31,32,28,26],"class_list":["post-64","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-australia","tag-hunter-valley","tag-ice-skating","tag-newcastle","tag-port-stephens","tag-quad-biking","tag-socceroos","tag-world-cup-in-australia"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=64"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=64"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=64"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.rashdecision.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=64"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}