Hello from Australia..

Bristol Pete

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Hi to all,

Managed to find a wind up computer to say hello :hiya:

Long, tiring journey from the UK. Seriously, how mad is it? You just keep on flying! I was ok up until the tenth hour and then suddenly, it was as if someone had injected me with tiredness as I simply could not stay awake. Had a brief 2 hour rest in a very wet Singapore and then flew the 7.45 hours to Brisbane, landing at 7.00pm OZ time. Overall, nearly 22 hours in the air. First impression from the plane? Australia is simply vast, taking near on 5 hours to fly from West to East coast.....Looks cool, but very dark at night. Even at 7pm, way darker than Europe and quite odd. One minute light then bam, get those head lights on. :eek:

Was met at the airport by a couple of friends and then drove back to Loz’s place to surprise Kaz, after I had passed through immigration and passport control. Very, very tough here. Loads of questions about birds, eggs and farm animal contact as it seems Australia is very concerned about bird flu, which realistically, is just across the water. Other than that - no worries. :smashin:

Anyway, gave Kaz a massive surprise when I turned up at the house in Brisbane, which is super cool. Two floor town house with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, an electric car port and all mod cons including lovely new kitchen for just under $800 Aus. dollars a month which is sssssssoooooo cheap. Kaz was totally shocked to see me and said the classic line ‘what are you doing here?’....it was almost as if she did not realize I had just walked in the door! Had told her was due to arrive later than planned!!! :D

Chilled out Sunday night, was sat in the back garden with a stubby and was amazed when a Possum climbed over the fence and into our garden. Honestly, it was mad. Managed to get a picture of him. We have named him Pete and its seems he is a regular visitor to the garden.... :cool:

Had a quick look around Brisbane center Monday. It is a big city, really varied, lots of different cultures here and some mad parallels to Bristol. Both Cities are divided by a huge river and suspension bridges and even saw some Bristol-esque byzantium brick work at an old museum. Loads more to see however. I would describe Brisbane as Spain meets America meets England. Seriously, very hot Monday and a good first insight into OZ with old style colonial town houses juxtaposed against new modern buildings. All very nice though I could not believe it when I saw a guy selling the big issue outside Borders book shop. For a moment I thought I was on Bristols very own Whiteladies road. Aaaaaaaaaarrrgggggggggggghhhhh..... :suicide: It seems Homelessness appears to be a global epidemic. Poor souls :(

Arrived in Toowoomba late yesterday as had a petrol leak on the way up here so lost about 3 odd hours travel time. Ho hum, the Australian RAC were great and got us going again. Really nice place, in fact I like it a lot. Reminds me of the town that Marty McFly lived in, in the film Back to the future, with a really nice centre and a great big clock. Kept expecting to see the doc shouting 'Marty, weve got to go back in time!'.............

In perspective, Toowoomba has a population of 90,000 and a shopping mall bigger than Bristols Cribbs Causeway. So, so far so good. Got a base now and can start travel plans etc.

Finally, learnt that the word Kangaroo is aboriginee, meaning 'dont know'. It seems that back in 1770, Captain Cook asked a native what the animal was called and was advised that no one knew. As such, due to Mr. Cook it has been called that ever since as no one ever told him his error!!!! Explorer my arse!!! :rotfl:

That is the latest. All the best for now.

Pete.
 
juxtaposed...... guess you had time to read the dictionary on the long flight over huh?

Say hello to Kylie, Madge, Harold, Crocodile Dundee et al from us....
 
You have no idea how jealous I am having just red your post :(

Brisbane has to be the most incredible city i've ever had the pleasure of visiting and I can't wait to get back. Enjoy your trip matey - if you get a chance pop into the "Down Under Bar" under Palace Backpackers (opposite Brisbane Central train station) and have a beer on me - it looks a bit grim but it's one of the best evening/night spots in Brisbane :D

K.
 
HA! Wicked post...good work...
 
Oh mate it all sounds brill!! Looking forward to a regular diary :clap:

I'm so jealous - not just that you're out there but that you had the guts to go. Its something I could never do. You're going to have such a fab time!!!

Swine :mad:


:D
 
So has Pete gone for good then i.e. emigrated there or is this just a long trip or what? I looked into going over there a little while ago as they've made a lot more skilled visa's available and with my computing background I shouldn't have a problem getting one. I'm sure as the nights draw in and I end up scraping the ice off the car every morning the prospect will become even more appealing!
Anyway Pete, all the best and have a great time (however long you're there for)
 
Hi mate good to hear you sounding so upbeat :thumbsup:

Steve is correct in that this thread needs pics (if only just to make me even more jealous than i already am)

Good luck ;)

Adrenochrome.
 
oxygenuk said:
22 hours.

**** im never goin to OZ lol

6 weeks on the boat instead mate ;)

Seriously though Pete. Glad things are good out there. Keep it real mate ;)
 
Ive just got back from a 3 week trip to OZ. I started in Sydney for a week then I did a Contiki tour up the coast finishing in Cairns. Quite easily the best experience of my life, I did awesome white water rafting, sky diving, a good scuba dive, 4 Wheel driving,,,, the list goes on. ****** every night but a damn good trip, full recommended.

Flight times are insane though, my journey back from Cairns was 31hours and that was pretty good apparently (25hours flying).

Have a great time, its such a lovely place, I fear I will be saving to go back next year now....
 
G'day Captain B,

It's good to hear back from you Pete, me ole mucker! :D

I'm pleased to hear that the first few days down under are going well for you, and that you are slowly integrating into the way of things, in Australia. You'll have to try and get us some pics of the local wildlife, and of the creatures too! :rotfl:

Anyway, I hope you'll pop back again real soon, and let us know how everything goes. Any clues of what kind of work you intend to do? (Apologies if that's something you've already spoken about.)

Okay, take care, and give our best wishes, from everyone here at AV Towers, to your good lady! :clap:


Pooch
 
You whinging aussie lover you :D:D:D

Remind them about the cricket :smashin:


all the best

Gary
 

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