Frustrated But Not At Panic Stage

Well two of the jobs that were in the pipeline have fallen short, which has really frustrated me. I need to get out of London or there simply is going to be no money left.

I am going to head up to Telford I've decided.

And job hunt from there.

A Day Out In London

Today I did what I do best - explore! Here are some of the photos I took today. I tried my best to view London at a different angle to what I have done in the past. Hopefully you can see that! I've also added photos from Bangkok in the entry about Bangkok below (to keep up the consistency).






























































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Hmmm... ale and pie on a cold winters day!

















The boys waiting for their mate to come back from the donut shop....





















A delightful spring day near Buckingham Palace.















I made a little friend in the gardens of Buckingham Palace - Mr. Squirrel.













And here I thought that the Sex Pistols had split up...?


















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The permanent protests taking place in front of Parliament.









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Even protesters deserve smoko breaks!























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Setting Up A Life In London

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What a ride! One minute I am interviewing with recruiters, next minute I am setting up a limited company, working out phones, getting bank accounts ready and trying to get some kind of routine in my day. The bank accounts, phones and limited companies are worked out, but as for trying to find normalacy and routine, that will not happen at least for a couple of months, once I have found a job and a place to live.
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Yesterday's meeting at Badenoch and Clark went really really really well. Not only did they ask me if I wanted a job with them (it is SERIOUSLY tempting), I also found myself scheduled for FOUR meetings as opposed to just one meeting. It looks like industrial relations lawyers are in some kind of demand at the moment, and ironically, yesterday the entire public service went on strike as a result of new employment laws here in England (sounds a bit familiar!!!).
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So, you can imagine that I am rubbing my hands together right now knowing that the industrial side of things appears hot hot hot right now in England. I felt that Australia was slowly losing its spark industrially, so who knows, this may be my jurisdiction. I am not getting too excited just yet, because I must first get a job before creating waves on the industrial scene.
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My preference for jobs now appears to be centred on public service. I have always worked in private practice so the idea of no billable hours and flexi time is very tempting. The pay is a little lower, but as I say, this decision to move was to change my lifestyle, not affect the bank balance. As long as I am not in "minus" figures at the end of the day, then it suits me.

I'm still living at the hostel, which isnt so bad. My room last night only had one girl and I, which was great. I can spread my stuff out and not have to worry about it. I have all of my valuables locked up, but all my clothes can lie around! Just like home!!!

Anyway, I am hoping to post some photos of London tomorrow, because I am venturing out now to take some happy snaps (weather permitting). Its not that cold in London - I am actually quite surprised at the moment!

Au revoir for now,

K

*kiss for charlotte*

Overwhelmed and Not Sure of My Place In The World

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It has been quite confronting, going from the paradise that was Thailand to the hustle and bustle of London town. My past two entries have been written through squinted, jetlagged eyes, and I guess I am still yet to adjust to the time difference, let alone the enormous change my life has taken over the past week.

Last time I wrote a decent entry I was leaving Krabi, heading to Bangkok. After finding that Krabi was quiet, and that it was pouring with tropical-style monsoonal rain, I decided to take my chances, go to the Krabi Airport early and try and get and early flight out to Bangkok. It would mean that I would have about seven hours to spare in Bangkok, but atleast I would be in an airport, with shops, and a place to put my bags.

Well, like any other plan of mine, things went wayward and the craziness began the minute I arrived at Krabi Airport. I was lucky enough to get on the early flight, after patiently waiting with a girl, Leslie. Leslie, from Nashville Tennessee, was fuming mad because she had booked her flight but they had failed to actually put her on it. Leslie and I arrived in Bangkok out of pure luck, and I guess the very fact of us meeting in the first place was by chance. But like many other travelling stories, chance meetings can often lead you on a completely new path of your journey.

After getting into chaotic Bangkok, Leslie asked me if I wanted to use up the seven hours I had to wait by going into Bangkok with her, dumping my bags in her hotel room and grabbing a meal. I agreed and we both excitedly jumped into a cab and headed into the bizarre city that is Bangkok. We eventually found a hotel, but not before we made a pact that we wouldnt go to Bangkok without checking out Kao San Road, the infamous district of Bangkok. We agreed that doing it alone was not a good idea, and seeing there were two of us, it would be much safer.

The night ended up being the most bizarre night of my life. I was swept up in a world like no other. It is hard to explain here in writing, and only those who have walked down Kao San Road know that this is an experience like no other. I saw worms, cicadas and all kinds of insects being eaten, seedy Bangkok bars overcrowded with cheap Thai women and equally cheap thai beer, the bright neon lights and the constant "boom boom" of techno music. We dodged rats the size of domestic cats, and got harrassed to go and see "Ping Pong Ladies". We took a crazy tuk-tuk ride around, and got to see the "real Bangkok" - the seedy industry that is the Thai sex industry. We managed to avoid going into a Ping Pong place, because we felt that this was taking a step too far into a world we werent very sure about.


All I can say is that the "real" Bangkok is very different from the Bangkok that I caught a glimpse of only a few days before. Before I could only see poverty. That night, I got to see a culture much more bizarre - an experience I dont think I will forget in a very long time.

After hours of the seediness that in Bangkok, I had a shower in Leslie's hotel room, said goodbye to my new friend Leslie, and caught a cab back to the airport. My lungs were burning, having sucked in the horridly polluted air only for those few hours, and my mind was spinning from what I had just experienced.

The flight to Dubai was tough because I couldnt sleep, but the connecting flight from Dubai was fantastic. It was an empty plane (one of those new 777 Boeings - fantastic!) and I had a whole row of seats to myself. Here, I managed to sleep away the events of the night before, even if it was sleep that was broken.

So here I am in London, not quite sure where my place is here, and not sure where I will end up. I think that this may be the experience that I have been looking for. Too overwhelmed at the moment to understand anything, whether it be why I have done this, and what lie ahead, I know that it will be a tough few months. I miss my family already, but know that every experience that I am having is making me grow up so much. I miss Charlotte like someone missing their right arm, and I long to give her a big hug and see her smile. But again, I know that one day I will be back there telling her all of these wonderful stories.

The interviews went well and the response from the recruiters was absolutely crazy! What I thought would only be a meeting with one girl ended up being a meeting with four people, queued up to meet with me because they all have potential jobs for me. Apparently I am "the talk of the town" at Badenoch and Clark at the moment. They even asked me yet again if I wanted to come and work for them. I told them that perhaps in a couple of months, when I have settled down here in the Uk. The response has been very comforting, particularly at a time when I am desperately seeking some kind of stability.

But you know that? I wouldnt change this for the world.

xoxox

k


Anyone for fried worms?














Or does friend grasshopper take your fancy?

Thank You

Thank you all for your comments (once again). I am feeling a lot brighter today now that I have had some sleep, and am looking forward to some interviews today. It is actually clear blue skies today so I am going to take advantage of it and take some photos in between interviews. Will let you know how they all go. Depending on whether I am needed for further interviews, I may head up north to see the Williams! (cant wait to see them).

Ma, could you please do me a favour and give the airport a call about my bag. I dont think they've confirmed where to pick it up and I dont want to leave london if they are here. I desperately need more clothes. Ta. Give a kiss to charlotte for me.

Hugs n kisses.

I'm In London

Hi all, thanks for much for your comments. Keep them coming! I am in London, after 24 long hours of flights, connecting flights, tube rides, and crazy stories. I also have a tonne of mosquito bites which have suddenly appeared all over my body - not happy. I hope its not bed bugs, and just a late reaction to the little buggers in Thailand.

Will update tomorrow. Mum, I'm safe! I'm missing everyone heaps today - a bit homesick, but that is London for you....

Wish me luck for the recruiting interviews tomorrow.

xoxoxox

Reflections

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I am sitting here in Krabi with about five hours to spare. I then get to Bangkok and have another six hours to spare. Yes, it is going to be a long day. Already I have spent the last couple of hours wandering the streets of Krabi, buying the odd knick-knack (eg. bag, scarg, earrings), soaking in the Thai atmosphere.

From my last blog entry, i feel like I gave off the impression that I wanted to get the heck out of here quickly. But that is certainly not the case. Thailand is a very special place, and the more you get away from the Phuket/Patong (even Railay) etc areas, the more special it becomes. That said, I doubt that Thailand is for everyone. Its hot and steamy, often rainy, hard to navigate and for the most part, dirty.
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It not only requires an open mind but also an open heart. While most people would believe that Thai people are beggars, trying to do you out of your money, its not true. They are warm hearted people and in most circumstances, they are offering you a deal which is exactly the same as the struggling guy down the road.
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I've found that the more you barter, the more you affect their standard of living (and keeping in mind that their standard of living is really tough) so I've tended to buy for around 80% of the marked price, rather than the 50% that most tourists try to obtain.
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So, if there is anything that I would like to do when I come back to South Thailand is to learn how to trust the Thai people more. I've realised that they actually arent out to steal your money or your belongings. As one of the boat guys said to me this morning "This not Phuket or Bangkok. We nice people."
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After five days here, I think I believe him. These people do a great job at living with what they have got, not begging for more.
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Goodbye Paradise

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Well, it is all over for me here in Railey, as I pack my bags and head off to Bangkok. From Bangkok I join the flight to London via Dubai with Emirates.
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I ended up throwing monetary caution to the wind and joined the Snorkelling trip that went out at 2.30pm yesterday, and I took an underwater camera. While the water was quite rough and the recent rain had stirred up the ocean (and decreased the visibility), I still enjoyed every minute of it. I will truly remember this trip because of the awesome snorkelling I experienced. We did about five islands, and at the end, went night swimming in the Andamen Sea. It was an extraordinary experience, as we swam in pitch dark conditions. All of the boat lights were turned off and we had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing phosphorous lights. For those that dont know what this is, Wikipedia says that phosphorous:

"is highly reactive and gives-off a faint glow upon uniting with oxygen."
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In short, when the phosphorous detected movement of our hands and feet, it was like we were swimming in amongst thousands of little stars, like glitter. It was truly spectacular, (despite me having to give away all fear of sharks, jelly fish and the like in order to experience this phenomenon!).
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I have experienced so many great things here and I really love Thailand. That said, I am eager to get to a hot shower (have had cold showers for five days), to not smell abnormal smells everywhere I go, to dry out my clothes, and my skin is in desperate need of a day without sunburn! Seeing I am heading to London, I guess there will be plenty of those days ahead!





Beautiful flowers everywhere!
















The sun sets on a wonderful holiday in Thailand.

Sunshine

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Well today there is sunshine! Lots of it. And the heat is also back with a vengence. I ran out of suncream yesterday so today I went to the mini mart and paid a staggering 500 baht for 30+ SPF. That is about 18 dollars australian!!!! Yikes. Things are incredibly out of proportion here. I have paid 750 baht per night for accommodation and nearly matched that for a bottle of suncream. Beers are about 60 baht, around 3 dollars, and then you can pay only 80 baht for a freah barracuda for a meal. Craziness.
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Last night was the first night where I was a little homesick. My clothes smell of damp and I cant get rid of it. The rain was annoying and the book I purchased had a crappy ending, making yesterday's read-a-thon a waste of time! I am also getting a bit worried about the money situation because I have spent more than I should. I really really want to snorkel again this afternoon but I am not sure I will because of the cost. I know that I will regret it if I dont go though.
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Anyway, I'm going out to get myself some Vitamin D (or is it E that you get from the sun... i think its E).
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The Old Man is Snoring...

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Its raining, its pouring, the old man is snoring.
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Okay, no old man snoring but a whole bunch of tourists sit here not knowing what to do with themselves! Its funny how rain stunts everyone's plans, especially when their plans were only to include roasting their already roasted bodies in the sun. People are wandering aimlessly around, huddled under their rarely-used umbrellas, and the resident book shop is full of people looking for novels to take away their boredom. The internet cafes are packed full of those with shorter attention spans, lazily reviewing their home newspapers to keep themselves occupied, even for a few minutes.
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Not to be discouraged by rain, I grabbed a "real coffee" (which still tasted somewhat like instant), went for a walk along the beach, went and said hello to my new thai friends in the beauty palour (talk about friends in high places!!!) then laid out my beach mat under a big tree and painted my nails, read a book, cleaned my camera, and brushed sand and all kinds of marine life out of my bag.
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Patience has appeared to be a virtue, because the sun is slowly beginning to peak out and the tourists are stepping out of their bungalows for a bite to eat. I've made a dash to the internet cafe now, because its now much quieter!
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I think I may go out and kayak, even if it is in the rain. Will still be fun.

Love to all.
K
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Finding Nemo

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Today was one of those days when it really hits me just how lucky I am to be travelling. Had I not decided to travel, I would never have come to Thailand - and I would have never discovered snorkelling. I love it!

Considering I have always had a phobia of the ocean and what may be underneath, I didnt imagine I would love it so much. Today I snorkelled in the most amazing environment I have ever seen. It was awesome. I was floating around in the middle of the Andaman Sea with googles and a snorkel and I felt entirely safe - and awestruck by a world I never knew existed. It was like I was swimming around in a tropical fish tank, only bigger. I was literally swimming with hundred of thousands of different species of tropical fish, all of spectacular fluoro colours, and shapes.
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And yes, I found Nemo!!!! We'd snorkelled three different areas and I hadnt come across a clown fish, so I asked the tour guide to take me to where Nemo was. Soon enough I was swimming underwater in amongst the aqua marine life that starred in Finding Nemo - Scar was there, Dory and of course Nemo! I wish I had an underwater camera! I may go back to one of the reefs in the next day or so with one.... otherwise I will regret doing it for the rest of my life.

We also went to Maya Bay, the place where the Beach was filmed. I had quite low expectations about the place and I had every right to have them - the place is overrun with massive tourist boats (including the one I was on, i'm ashamed to say) and when you get on to the actual "Beach", there's hundreds of people, dumping loads of rubbish everywhere. Going there wasnt disappointing, because I didnt have high hopes that it would be great. But apart from Maya Bay, the rest of the tour was simply indescribable. I cant explain just how beautiful this place is.
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Need I Say That This Could Be A "Suntan?"

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.... nope, its not a suntan. Its just a healthy reddish glow on my shins, where I completely forgot to put suncream yesterday whilst kayaking. The rest of my body is fine. I've been diligently putting the sunscreen everywhere else for the entire time I have been here... except for the shins.
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Today I am off to do an "Island Speedboat Tour", which takes in Maya Bay (the film spot of the Beach) plus other beaches around the area. I feel somewhat of a "Tourist" rather than a "Traveller", because I am going to be among the masses who will be at Maya Bay, but I cant come to Krabi and not go to Phi Phi... as Australians say "its just not cricket."
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Last night I sat and had cocktails with a lovely couple from England, then joined the two boys again for "night caps" at another bar. This place isnt what I call "raging" in terms of night life, and everyone is in bed by 10.30pm, but it suits me. Drinking has usually begun at 3pm each day, so by the time 10.30pm rolls on, its time to call it a night anyway. Dont panic mum, I've not been going crazy on the booze. Things are so laid back that its hard to consume drinks quickly. In fact, it is hard to do anything quickly around here. I dont even know what day it is.
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I cant seem to upload photos today (uncooperative computer). Anyhow, I need to check my bank balance. Although this place is cheap, I'm still spending a lot of "Baht" to keep myself amused. Lovin it!
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Have I Found My Shangri-La?

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When I read the guide books about Railey, they all described this place as Paradise. As a result, I knew that when I arrived here, I would be overwhelmed with its beauty. And I was not disappointed. In fact, Railey has not only matched my expectations but it has well and truly exceeded them. This place really is paradise. In ever way.
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I arrived at Krabi on a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok, arriving at 9.30am. I found myself two new friends - two american guys from Colorado, Tom and Ian - by walking up to them and asking them where they were off to. I had noticed that they were reading about Railey, so I asked them if they wanted to share the cost of a cab ride to Ao Nang, where the long boats were waiting (Railey is only accessible by boat). They happily agreed, and off we went to Ao Nang.
..
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A cheap taxi ride and a short trip by long boat later, Ian, Tom and I found ourselves on the beaches of Railey. I was glad that I met Tom and Ian, because I was able to experience the "first sight" with someone, and was able to join them in being completely enchanted by that first glimpse of the beaches.
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After spending forty eight hours in this resort village, I have found that Railey isnt described by people as paradise simply for its visual beauty. The food is glorious, the beer is cheap, and the thai people are friendly. There aren't too many hawkers hassling you to buy items, something I hear Phuket suffers from. The beaches are not deserted like brochures would have you believe, but that still does not bother me at all. Railey isnt as crowded as places like Ko Phi Phi or Phuket, and the small town feel is part of its charm.
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No one is in a hurry here. People loaf around on the beach like cats sleeping in the sunshine. Then, after loafing, usually they will stroll down to the aqua blue water and paddle around knee deep. Then, after a while, they will then go back to their beach towels and loaf some more.
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Given my tendency to experience bouts of Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity, I havent really found joy in roasting myself on the beach like the majority of the part time residents. I have found fun by climbing muddy, limestone cliffs with Ian and Tom, running around the beaches in the tropical rain, eating glorious Thai food, kayaking to uninhabited beaches and sipping tropical cocktails. Yes, I have found My Shangri-La. This afternoon, I had a one hour Thai massage and I have promised them I will be back tomorrow for another.
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This evening I am off for a "suit fitting". The village has a tailor, so I have paid him to make me two (three piece) business suits made out of imported italian material, all for a ridiculously cheap price.
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And as if things cant get any better, I must inform you all that Railey is Destination No. 1 for scandinavian people - I am surrounded by holidaying Swedes, Danes and Norwegians. These people are beautiful. I cannot believe it. I have never seen so many bronzed, athletic men in my life. The down side to this is that "where gorgeous men are, their gorgeous women follow." Sadly, these women are as blonde as my skin in extrodinarily white. Their skin is as dark as my chocolate brown swimsuit. All of a sudden, my little striped bikini appears not so skimpy after all.
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It doesnt bother me at all. I am just enjoying being here, rolling out of bed only to put back on the swimsuit, swim and then eat some more.

I hope you have enjoyed my photos from Railey. Thanks to everyone who has emailed me. I havent been able to respond individually, I'm sorry!!! Uploading these pictures on a slow internet is sucking the time away.
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Mum, I'm doing okay and keeping suncream on. So Charlotte woke up and cried when the plane took off? Unbelievable. Little cutie. I hate being away from you guys, but I feel alive in a way I havent felt before. Give it a couple of months though - I will surely miss you still.
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I'm off for a swim.... and go searching for some potential Swedish husband called Sven, or Johan or something.
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One Night In Bangkok

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I sit here at Bangkok Airport awating my connecting flighto to Krabi and I wonder where the past twenty four hours have gone. All I recall now is one final kiss goodbye from my sister and then racing into the customs area. The preceding hours were full of high drama, from oversized luggage, footing the massive bill to have the bag go directly to London rather than incur more oversized fees in Bangkok, to leaving one of my bags with my sister (and walking through the gates none the wiser) and then walking back out of the gates (while everyone else was walking in!).
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I look back and I wish I hadnt gotten so upset at the airport because my bags were nearly 17 kilos over (okay, so I played ignorant and hoped they'd let me through). Rather, I wish I had remained calm and savoured the last few moments with my family. I feel like I didnt get long enough to say a proper goodbye to them, but then, what is "a proper goodbye?".
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The sadness of leaving my family remained for the length of the flight to Thailand. A whole 9 hours of looking at photos and shedding the odd tear - oh, actually, I did watch "Jarhead" - so make that 7 hours of tears. The flight did not go without its own dramas - no airconditioning for the first half hour, a completely packed airplane due to a cancellation of a previous flight, a poor landing by Captain Whathisname, and a late arrival in the terminal due to "Air Traffic" - however, I was the only lucky fella in the entire plane to have a spare seat next to me! Woohoo!
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However, once arriving at Thailand, my outlook changed.
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Suddenly, the traveller was back with a vengance. The girl that finds joy out of walking around somewhere completely unfamiliar and finding her way through it. Even though it was about 2am australian time, and my eyelids were dropping, I still felt that rush of excitment that I only can ever get when I am travelling. Its freedom. Its independence, and its a learning experience that cannot be beaten. I know that I have that Travellers Glow when I am driving through the smokey, polluted metropolis of Bangkok in the airport transfer bus with a smile on my face.
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Yes, I am truly happy.
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I have never met a place as dirty and as polluted as Bangkok. It lacks even the slightest of urban planning, and it seems as though it takes about three times as long as it should to get anywhere. Instead of driving directly to the hotel last night, we found ourselves travelling in the completely wrong direction on a one way road in order to get to a road which went back the other way in the direction of the hotel. It would seem that this was the perfect case for traffic lights, however, I am beginning to realise that nothing makes sense in Bangkok. That said, despite its lack of urban planning, over population, and frenetic pace, I love Bangkok and I am sad that I have only gotten the chance to spend five hours in a hotel and about half an hour of traffic negotiation here. I am sure to come back and experience the real Bangkok in time. The Koh San Road, the backpacker scene.... yes, I shall return. The real star of Thailand are its people. I have yet to meet a more friendlier race.
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I am now off to Krabi where I hope golden sands great me and the sun can shine warmly upon my face. I am yet to call my mother, so if anyone reads this and can get in touch with her, please let her know that i am okay. My vodafone isnt working for some god unknown reason but access to phones and internet etc is easy around here, so I dont feel too "incommunicado."
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Anyway, I need to go and catch a flight.
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Tally so far: Three mosquito bites, one conversation with a hot guy, no lost luggage. Doing well.
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Cheerio from Bangkok!

K

OH MY GOSH!

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This is it! Today is the day! OH MY GOSH!
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One of My Favourite Songs....

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I wonder if you can pick up my accent on the phone
When i call across the country, When i call Across the world,
i can see you in my kitchen i can picture you now
as you toast to your small town and you drink the happy hour
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i'm in london stilli'm in, london stilli'm in london, still
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i took the tube over to Camden to wander around
i bought some funky records with that old motown sound
and i miss you like my left arm that's been lost in a war
today i dream of home and not of london anymore
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i'm in london stilli'm in la ha london still
i'm in london still
you know its okay
i'm kinda happy here for now
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i think i finally grown up and got myself a love of now
and if i ever come home and i think i will
i hope your gonna wanna hang at my place on sunday still
oh yeah i hope you will
cos i'm in london still
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and now we got it sorted here we've really got it down
to a fine art on sunday in a sleepy sunday town
i wonder what i'm missing i think of songs I've never heard
I'm dreaming of your voices and i'm dreaming of your hurt
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i'm in london still
i'm in, london still
i'm in london, stilloh i'm in london still
la la la la la la london still
i'm in london.

(lyrics by The Waifs)
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Checklist

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..........toothbrush (manual and electric)
toothpaste
hairbrush
hairdryer
hair straightener
hair serum
makeup
pjammas
socks
undies
journal
photo album.......
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Group Email - Admin Stuff

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To all - so that I can get my address book sorted, can you all please email me at kateeighty@yahoo.com.au if you wish to be included in my group emails.
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Oh my gosh, I'm leaving within 72 hours!!!!!!!!!!!
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Bon Voyage

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(left - Erin and I)

Today has been a long day. I finished up at the place I have been contracting with, and celebrated my departure with a gorgeous lunch at the American Club (a secret society on one of the top floors of a building that only americans and a few aussies know about! he he very MI5!). I had to say goodbye to my friends at MRI, Maria and Erin, which was sad, because they had become a real part of my life even if I had only four weeks with them.
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(L to R - Erin, Maria and I)















Then I came home to find "Bon Voyage" balloons set up in the dining room, and my family, all ready to celebrate my farewell with a roast dinner. I was given a beautiful mud cake and an equally beautiful white gold necklace of a cross from my parents - I will never take the chain off.


I'm sorry its a boring entry... i've eaten too much and i'm tired!!!

Kate Is Truly "On The Go"

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Kate On The Go has herself a new Toshiba M70/Koo. Oooooohhhh. For those that dont know what that means (including me), its a freakin cool laptop. "Teal" colour, they call it. I heckled the sales boy to such an extent that he ended up throwing in a backpack and two years extra warranty. Fair's fair. I was spending a decent amount of money. I wanted my money's worth. My money isnt going to be worth much when I get to England (once the exchange rate gets hold of it).
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Anyhoo, my friends, not too much to report. I havent even put my mind to all of the things that need to be done in the next three days. I've been far too busy with this new toy.
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Guess What KateOnTheGo is Getting Tonight?

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My sister was actually going to secretly get me one so we could stay in contact easily, but now I've decided (given recent business activity) that it would be really beneficial if I bought one. So I'm going shopping tonight.

...

At This Very Moment....

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........ I've forgotten all of the reasons why I am leaving Australia, and I've found all of the reasons why I should stay.....

Six Days

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Exactly A Week From Today...

....
...... I will be waking up knowing that I will have to say goodbye to those I love dearly in order to pursue a life long dream.
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Suddenly, my dream seems selfish. I want to snuggle up next to Charlotte and promise her that I am not going anywhere. Her cute button nose, her gorgeous chubby cheeks, her long but tiny fingers.... ah dammit. Talk about bad timing.
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All of sudden I have thousands to things that need to be done, yet I sit here and I cant think of exactly what I need to do.
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My bags arent packed, but all of its soon-to-be contents are thrown all over the lounge room floor patiently waiting to be found its rightful place.
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I cant believe that the time has flown to such an extent that I have these last seven days before me, and I dont know how to begin filling them with what needs to be done.
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Ah, the seven-day-blues. I always get these before going away.
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What To Do In England

LIST OF THINGS TO DO

1. Go back to Bath! I loved it when I was there in 2001/2002.
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2. Check out the Cotswolds - without being limited by the Foot n Mouth Disease (like in 2001/2002)
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3. I want to see if there are any Pirates in Penzance.
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4. I want to go and see the universities of Cambridge and Oxford.
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5. Check out Blenheim Castle.
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6. Go and spend more time in York.
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7. I would love to go and see an F1 race at Silverstone.
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8. Go and see another West End show.
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I'm sure there are plenty of other things that I want to do...

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Yummy Fingers

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Out For The Night

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Looking happy and ready to go!

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We Were Conned

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I think we were tricked by Tigger. I think he wanted to make us feel guilty for leaving him out overnight by putting on a performance worthy of an Oscar. He seems to have had a miraculous recovery and is back to his usual lazy, sooky self. I think we were officially conned. He knows full well I am leaving, and wants to get his fifteen minutes of attention before I go.
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What a little mongrel.
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Tigger Isnt Well

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Nine days before I leave, and Tigger appears to be on his last furry legs. I may be worrying but he seems to be very lethargic and will only walk a couple of steps before plonking back down on the ground. He went missing last night again, and got stuck on the other side of the fence. Perhaps he is just tired from being stuck outside all night.

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Is This A Sign?!

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Oh dear. My countdown thingy up above has snuffed it, ten days out from leaving. Is this a bad sign, or what?
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Nope. I will not be deterred from my trip of a life time.
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Things are beginning to move with this possible job opening in London. It seems like a good job, particularly to allow me to settle in, build up a bit of a bank account and then go with the wind. I did want to go to Edinburgh, but I have to accept that this trip is about there being no plans, and to just ride with whatever comes my way.
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"Coz I'm on a road to nowhere"....
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London Calling

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I've just applied for a job in London, doing employment law work for 17 pounds an hour. Seems like a fairly reasonable hourly rate, and I guess I could also find a bar job as well to add to the money. I didnt really want to base myself in London because it is so expensive to live there, but I guess if the price is right....?
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So, all you Brits out there, I need your help. Is 17 pounds an hour a reasonable amount of money to receive? Will this allow me to live as well as save a bit of money in London or am I best to head up to Edinburgh like I always planned to do?
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I suppose even if I do this for three months and live out of a hostel and eat fruit and noodles, I can save enough money to pay off a few things, and also get ready for Winter 06/07 in Europe, as well as a Greek redevous... I welcome people's assistance with this! (pretty please!)
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Decisions, decisions, decisions.
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Loving it.
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Remembering Europe

More photos from September 2005 - October 2005.

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Enchanting Paris.

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Beautiful Gimmewald, Switzerland. If you are in Interlaken, make the long trip up into the Alps to visit this beautiful tiny township with sits right on the edge of the mountainside.

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Gimmewald again. So peaceful.

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Confession

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Wentworth Miller from Prison Break is so gorgeous that it makes me want to break the law in order to go and check out whether there are any hot guys in my local prison. (okay, kidding - crime doesnt pay!)
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http://www.mostbeautifulman.com/actors/wentworthmiller/bio.shtml

In Just Eleven Days...

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... I shall be huddled in the shade here trying to avoid getting sunburnt!!! How exotic!
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No, seriously, I do plan to sea kayak my way around to the other beaches around Railey, Thailand...
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http://koti.mbnet.fi/arilaaks/gallery/pics/matkailu17.jpg

Its Raining

Its raining in Manly. So there goes walking off the hangover with a morning walk on the beach. Seems to be the way life goes. Nevermind. I shall sit and drink my diet coke and contemplate life.
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http://www.hanaeda.net/st30_2b.jpg
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I really must take the time out this morning to give a virtual "THANK YOU" (hence the bunch of flowers) to everyone that has been so supportive over the last couple of months. Yes, those people know who they are - my beautiful "virtual" friends, my supportive family (despite it being hard to let me go), my overseas friends, my old work colleagues (who have lived and breathed this dream for the past six months) and new work colleagues.
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Big changes in life don't seem so big when you have people cheering you on. People who have no other motivation other than to see you happy.
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Okay, enough of the soppy stuff.
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Last night's seaside dinner went off with a bang. Gourmet, I tell you. Inventive gourmet. Barramundi fish, marinaded in herbs and zest, rocket salad with homemade vinegarette (dijon mustard and white vinegar plus a secret concoction only I shall know), sun dried tomatoes and special potato stuff (Erin made that - cant remember what she put in it). All served with beautiful Malbourough region (NZ) white wine. Ohhhh! Plus prawns for entree. With homemade thousand island sauce.
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Jamie Oliver, move over.

Lucky To Be Australian!

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Okay, so now that it is coming close to leaving Australia (wow, even saying it doesnt seem real), I've become a lot more passionate about the country. I love Australia. I know I keep saying it but its true. And I know I will miss its way of life, its sunshine, its beaches, its atmosphere, its safety and all of the other things I have taken for granted these past twenty five years.
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As you all know, over the past couple of weeks I've been lucky enough to be working from not only Sydney, but also on the Northern Beaches in Manly. Its one of Sydney's nices areas, mainly due to its laid back beach culture, despite being reasonably close to the city. I'm so glad that I have been given the opportunity to step out of the office and into the beach side town, because its given me time to take a breath, take a look around, and see what beautiful surroundings I have been so lucky to have while growing up. I definately would look at coming back to Sydney to live in Manly one day.
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Tonight I am going to celebrate life and its wonders, in true Australian style. A beachside barbeque of fish, washed down with some great wine, some sun to colour the tip of my nose and the sounds of waves crashing against the shore. And tomorrow, I shall wake my sorry, hungover self and go for a walk along the beach.
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So Close But So Far

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Well I am heading towards the single digits. Soon it will be nine days left, then five days left, and then tomorrow. When people ask me "am I excited" I am unable to reply affirmatively. After all, no one likes to say goodbye to their family, particularly a family with one new little addition (baby). Its also hard to get excited because the wait has been so long. I have dreamed of doing this for about nine months (well, I started to seriously put the plan into action then). It has, of course, been my life long dream to travel the world. Every day for me since July last year has been one day closer to leaving. The unfortunate consequence of that has been that I have left many close friends behind and have more or less had to stay at home, night after night, trying to save money. And furthermore, nothing is as exciting as travelling the world... so for nine months, I've not really had all that much excitement, except for the four weeks I so luckily had back in September 2005 when I travelled to France, Italy and Switzerland.
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The next week will be just like any other week, I am afraid. Sitting, waiting. Sleep will be hard to come by but it is to be expected.
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Passport - check.
Tickets - check.
Visa - check.
CV - check.
Bank Accounts - check.
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I guess I am as ready as ready can be in these circumstances.
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Newsflash: Bird Flu

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"In an attempt to thwart the spread of bird flu, George W. Bush has bombed the Canary Islands."

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HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA Love it.

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How I Intend To Find Myself a Decent Husband

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I saw this picture on www.hotmommadrama.blogspot.com and I realised that unless I dye my hair from red to blonde, I am never going to find myself a decent husband.

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I'm off to buy some peroxide and contact my plastic surgeon.

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And then change my name from KateOnTheGo to "TrashBag".

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This Is A Knitting-Free Zone

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I just want to say that there are too many knitting blogs on blogger.

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So I am making this a knitting-free zone.

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Over-Dramatisation

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http://timstvshowcase.com/mcbeal3.jpg
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Okay. The whole "I'm going to starve and be left of the streets" thing is a little over dramatic. That said, in the circumstances (ie. moving country, one way ticket, not much money), it is still possible to be a little concerned. Nevertheless, the situation is not as dire as I am making it out to be. Its just pre-flight nerves. The truth is that I have got various agency meetings set up the day after I arrive in London (and I will be going for my best 'Ball of JetLag in a Crumpled Suit' look).
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Agencies havent exactly been knocking me back, because of my experience and the fact that all Brits think us Aussies work hard! So I have picked the two agencies which responded to me quickly and thoroughly with my concerns. So I have two interviews lined up on the 28th in London. I could have arranged more, but I dont want to appear to be the newest Legal London Bike (ie. everyone wants to have a ride of me).
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You see, now that I have been contracting in the recruitment industry for the last two weeks, I'm a lot more aware of just how much commission these recruiters get for placements. So when I send my resume to them, they say "Hello Piece of Legal Meat".
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A couple of months ago, I had big dreams of spending the European summer in a resort playing with kids in Spain, or Turkey or Greece. In fact, I even scored myself a couple of job offers. Then I compared the salaries of those kids instructors to the potential earnings of a temp lawyer in London and the latter won. This way, I can work hard for six months (ie. work hard, play hard) and then if I've saved enough money, go and be a wandering nomad for however long I want (and escape the cold Scottish winter, after I've snowboarded, that is). Who knows. Maybe Africa. One thing I have to make sure while being a temp lawyer is to not to take it all too seriously - otherwise, I should have just stayed in my perfectly good job in Sydney.
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Things I Have To Do Whilst Yonder:
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1. Get up and look for the Loch Ness Monster;
2. Do at least five (5) weekend trips across to Europe (if not more, depending on money situation);
3. Date a Scotsman (he he - its the kilt-accent thing that gets me every time);
4. Get a flexible second job in a bar (i did a bar course, remember?);
5. Get to Ireland!!!
6. Go and see at least one Formula One race in Europe.
7. Sail the Greek Islands
8. Do something bizarre like an Artic tour of Greenland or something (something where I can see Polar Bears)
9. Spend time with loved ones in and around the UK.
10. Get back to Venice... again.
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Okay. Having just re-read over my list of things to do, I am definately going to have to work as a temp lawyer to pay for this.
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Goodbyes and Possible Hellos

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Last night I went down south to stay with Adam's family for the night. Despite Adam being far away off the coast of the Grand Cayman, I've maintained a wonderful and close relationship with his mother, and two sisters, Leah and Amanda. While I dearly miss the support that I used to receive from Adam, Ruth, Leah and Amanda have been fantastic in his place.
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Its hard to say goodbye to those I love so dearly, I dont think it has really hit me that I may not see these people for a while. Goodbyes are so incredibly easy, because it isnt NOW that you miss them, its later on when the going gets tough on tour and you desperately need something that reminds you of home.
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In a somewhat spooky coincidence, Adam rung from the Carribean last night. Word has it that he may actually be back in London earlier than planned. I hope I see him soon. I miss him terribly.
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Musings

Today, I picked up my plane tickets to Thailand, and then off to London. This tends to be the day where things slooowly start to sink in. The only difference on this occasion is that there's no return ticket to Australia...

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I've had to begin sorting out my resume. Considering writing on the front cover:

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"Free To A Good Home...Young and Utterly Over-Educated Lawyer....
will clean and wash dishes if required."

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I really shouldnt laugh. I may actually have to resort to these measures if no one will employ me!

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