h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Had a MUCH nicer day today. The weather was great - clear blue skies and enough of a breeze to make it not too hot. (Yesterday by contrast was overcast, vilely cold and blowing a gale). We finally both felt it was time to get out and about.

Yesterday we lost, mainly because of the weather. Wednesday we had done some clothes shopping, but I made the mistake of trying to do a 'surgical strike' in a shopping mall I don't know. And I know that I can never, ever, ever even consider buying clothes with a man in tow. So the surgical strikes were a bit abortive, and I only really got any success when I said: 'look, this isn't working, I will meet you here in 30 minutes'. I was hung-over and jetlagged that day too, neither of which helped!

But today, by contrast was fab. We took a bus and then a ferry over to the centre of town, perfect tourist stuff, and then hit The Rocks which is a group little high-class tourist art-shops and boutiques, and nestles between the Bridge and the Opera Hosue.

November is the perfect time to go away on hols. YOu can combine recreational tourist shopping with buying Christmas presents and feel amazingly productive and virtuous! Best buy was a Skippy-skin for our nephew. Actually it is a wallaby-skin, not a kangaroo-skin, but it is sufficiently politically incorrect to merit a raised eyebrow from our sister, and sufficiently nice for him to enjoy the kudos now aged 10, and to still be getting out of bed onto it in a couple of decades time.

I also got a whole load of obviously Australian Chrimbo cards, and am going to spend a lot of the next two days getting that lot out of the way in time for the Manly Ferry trip on Monday or Tuesday, and then the Big Road Trip South on Friday.

an englishwoman abroad called Ben

Say hello to Manley for me. I lived one end of the beach and worked the other for a year (not the side where the ferry comes in) used to get up early in the morning sometimes to watch the lifeguards practise (well, somebody has to) before sauntering along said beach on way to work. If the job had been as idyllic as the scenery and the locals, I'd still be there.

Will-do 'Star.

I am kicking myself now for not organising this whole thing better, and taking in a trip to NZ and catching up with a couple of researchers there, and of course seeing if I could visit you on the way past. But I arranged it all in such a hurry, and delegated most of the arrangements to Big Bro at that, that I cannot complain.

I must admit I am looking forward to the Manley trip, and it will be nice to do some more sight-seeing over the next three/four days. We were cooped up recovering from hangovers and jetlag and hiding from the bad weather for a day or so longer than was wise.

Take care!

B

Taking the ferry to Manly is great, loads of wonderful views! Was the market on at the Rocks? There was loads of really nice stuff in it (arts and crafty things that were actually beautiful) so if it wasn't on when you went try and get back before you leave.

Have a great road trip



k

The market was not on, (though they were setting it up). But I got pressies for just about everyone anyway, so I have done my retail-bit. We may drop by tomorrow or Sunday, I guess. But I am pretty spent-up and I haven't even been here a week!

B

It is easily done

Don't forget pressies for you too...!

Just a suggestion anyway. I ended up buying a painting from one of the galleries and having it shipped back home while I was there, looking back, it was a really impulsive purchase (and totally out of character) but I am glad of it now - looks great in my living room!

Has big bro been out there long?

k

Glad your having a good holiday Ben, you deserve it!

It is wonderful to hear about your experiences, Ben!
I wish I was there. (Sort-of)
Have fun!
Karen

Pleased to hear you are having fun. Have you recovered from the J-L yet? You're not missing anything here - pi**ing down in Glos, cold, dark and miserable.

Have you found MY pressie yet? (I'm looking forward to unwrapping him when you get back!!)

Hi all

I have got a few things for myself Kelli, but mainly small things. Eucalyptus joss-sticks and a notebook with a dreamtime picture on the cover, (I guess I ought to use it for writing the diary of the road-trip). The flat is pretty-much full, but if I do see a picture I really love I may get it. That is a good thought. I have ornaments coming out of my ears though!

Rainbow - I did think of you yesterday. I got a wallaby-skin for my nephew, because I so liked the ones you had got for your boys.

Big Bro has been here 25+ years, and this is my first trip out here.

Jet lag? Almost over it. In bed at 9.00pm last night and up at 5.00 am, but no naps yesterday. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be fine.

And guess what - it is the h2g2 Sydney meet tonight! Another fine reason for coming out this way.

B

I'm probably too late, but enjoy the meet!
Karen