2 Weeks of Camp

Hello there, haven't been here for a little while, have been busy with camp.

In the 4 days I was here, it was all of the directors planning and organising precamp. It was great, we got to know eachother, played in the park a few times, had an awesome dinner at the local pizza shop and got things ready for the staff to come.

This week we have had only the staff here, about 40 of them and we have been doing staff training, team building games and setting up for camp. We all have staff names and there is such a variety, I am Aussie, for obvious reasons, then there is Twitch, Boom, Swing, Bubbles, Angel, Toad, Chatter, Skipper, Oreo, Chef, Ice, Bubblegum, Nutz, Bigfoot, Sunny, Chaos, Bounce, Elmo, Beamer, Baby Cakes and heaps more but that is all I can think of at the moment.

The other Australian and I have been loving using Aussie slang and confusing people left right and centre. Hit the Frog and Toad, Rubbish, Torch, Togs, whats the G.O?, mozzies, bloke ... the list goes on and on, and you don't even realise it, until you get asked to explain yourself.

We got all of the staff to try Vegemite on one of their first nights here, the general reaction was ... Gross, that tastes like cat food. So suffice to say, they didn't like it.

Funniest moment for the week was waking up Monday morning and finding four racoons in our industrial bin, and having to rescue them ... basically putting a ladder into the bin and they climb out (they are pretty smart actually).

Seen lots of animals so far, Ground Hogs, Chipmunks, Deer, 1 Skunk and an Eagle.

Canada is going well and I am enjoying it, campers come this Sunday at 3pm so we will be firing on all cylinders as of July 1 (Canada Day).

Photos soon, I keep forgetting to bring my camera down with me.

CN Tower ...

I have just come back from going up the worlds tallest viewing platform, and i was alright. It was 447m tall and tiny, but with great veiws. You are meant to be able to see the mist from Niagra Falls there, but sadly no one whilst up there knew where to look whilst I asked, and I looked but couldn't see it ... Damn, will just have to go there.

Went to the glass floor and walked on it, but it scared me, have to say it, but I took a photo of my feet and someone took a photo of me sitting on the glass so I am proud of myself.

Then I went shopping, I bought myself some Red Crocs and am very pleased, as now I have wet shoes. Plus they are also very comfy, as Steve would tell me all the time when he was wearing them to school (by accident ... cough cough ... that excuse only went down the first time). But now I am proud to say I am part of the gang too. If you don't know what I am talking about a picture will be here soon.

Well I am killing time waiting for my ride to arrive, then it is off to camp. Don't know what kind of access I will have whilst there but I will email and blog as much as I can.

CANADA!!!! The first 40 odd hours ...

Made it!

Well after an 8 hour flight of blokey movies, I watched Ghost Rider and Wild Hogs, and a little curffle in Immigration (just took forever, but the immigration guy was cute and entertaining) I arrived in my hostel at 6pm Monday June 18.

Then I took myself for a walk, a walk of walks it turned out, I was in search of a Maccas for my international Cheeseburger Challenge. So I walked from my hotel too the water, to the main drag of Toronto, up, then back along my hotels street ... was there a Maccas? NO ... I passed 4 subways in the end but no Maccas. Turns out (as I asked) there are zoning laws in regards to unhealthy food and they can' t have too many of them in the one area. And turns out there was one 2 blocks up the side streeet of my hotel ... Damn it! But a cheeseburger I got, and a photo there shall be, when I get access. Back to the room, read and sleep, damn I was tired.

Tuesday, we had our orientation with NYQUEST, finally met the guys I have been emailling the past couple of weeks, they were really nice and talked us through heaps of things and then set off with us, we walked about a 1/3 of what I walked the day before. We went to the bank and set up accounts and got our SIN (equlivant of Tax number) so that we could work. Then back to the hotel and then farewell to Jonathon and Brad.

Then we 3 aussie chicks, who are all going on different camps, all representing 3 of the Eastern States (sorry no tasmanian). Set off in search of Burrito Brothers (recommended from our camp guys) it was pretty good and had heaps of locals in it. Then off for a walk and browse around the shops. We also introduced ourselves to the underground system of Toronto - which is used when its winter and too cold. Well its used in the warm weather as well, there are entire malls and food outlets etc underneath the city. So thats where everyone has been, and I just though no one was here when I got here.

Anyways, whilst down there, we were distracted by a guy making something at a chocolate factory. Turned out to be fudge he was heating and blending ... we watched the entire process which was great, then .... after our dedicated viewing it paid off ... we all got free fudge, which the word divine cannot simply describe. Continued walking underground, we back to Hotel for a arvo break and then off to the Baseball.

Torontos stadium is a 5 min walk from where we are staying, so off went, but before we went to a baseball bar and had an awesome dinner, then off to the Stadium. With the presumption of $2 tickets. Tickets turned out to be $11, that stopped in May (cough cough Brad and Jonathon) but we had an awesome time, sadly the Toronto Bluejays lost to the LA Dodgers.

Today I am off to camp at 1pm, but for now I am going up the CN Tower ... it has a glass floor, hmmmm I'll get back to you with photos of how I went.

Keep reading for my adventures of CAMP WYOKA.

My last day of supply ... for a little while

Well yesterday it turned out was my last day of supply for a little while, and it turned out to be a great day. I was teaching a year 4 class in Sutton and had a great day. Two girls even drew a picture of me and it is really nice.

And it has only hit me in the last 5 mins, that I am going to Canada and I am really excited now and can't wait. So I have done the things that I have had to do before I go. I have changed my flight home, and am now coming into Brisbane on Dec 18 at 7am in the morning, so be ready people.

Photos of the past couple of weeks.

So, when I have blogged the last couple of times, I haven't had my camera with me to put the photos in, so here are some photos of Mum and Dads trips whilst they were here.

LONDON

PARIS

COPENHAGEN

Copenhagen, More London and Farewell M & D

Well my world wide trip continues.

I am really starting to notice how much I am actually up to, or have been up to, I can now count the different countries that I have been to on this trip on two hands now, the toes I am sure will be out sooner than I know it.

Last time I update you all, I had been in France with Mum and Dad, maybe a bit more you know after France so I will pick up when we went to Copehagen.

I finally took myself across the River, which is all it basically is to see Nick, Rach and Ella - I have lived here 5 months and it took having vistors to get there, yes I know, I am slack. But we had a fabulous time.

We arrived on Thursday May 31, was picked up by Nick at the airport and drove the short distance to their home. I think it may be just a little further than what I had to drive in Townsville to pick people up, so not far at all. We meet up with Rach and Ella at home, talked for a while and then Nick went back to work. Rach and Ella walked us to a canal where we hopped on a boat tour of the Canals and River of Copenhagen. It was really lovely and we saw heaps, pity that the guy who was telling us what things were, forgot to translate into English for a lot of it, or if he did, it was for a tenth of the time that he spoke about it in Danish. We then went home for a lovely dinner.

Thursday, we took ourselves on a walking tour of the city, which was great, we went to museums, saw Tivoli and walked the main street "Stroget" of Copenhagen. Along the way we saw lots of souvenior shops, the funniest thing I saw was magents of Mary, Fredrick and Christian in their ski clothes. We then went into Royal Copenhagen store (crockery) now I wasn't convinced. But it turned out to be really nice and I actually bought something, only small, but I will still be able to use it when I come home to Aus. We then went into Georg Jensen, another store of notiery of Copes - the Queens choice of Jeweller. And another night with a lovely dinner and a bottle of red.

Saturday, Nick took us for a driving tour of Copes, and we went and saw the Royal Jewels of Copes and their Palace. Which is nothing like Buckingham Palace, where you can't even get within 100m's of the place, here you can practically walk right up to the door, there are guards, and I am sure they would challenge you if you tried. As it was raining by this stage, we decided to ditch the outdoor cookout we had planned and stayed in.

Lucky we did, as there were droves of people out who were going to a football game between Denmark and Sweden. They were everywhere, climbing the statues, drinking in the street and this was all before the game. Now we didn't watch the game but we did happen to flick over the TV in the last minute to see the score. And we were glad we did, a Dane punched a swede in the stomach, the Dane got red carded, a Fan then came out and acosted the Ref, the refs then decided to walk off with 57secs left on the clock. Now as the game was tied, this caused even more chaos. All the people were standing in the stadium and no one knew what was happening, oh to be able to speak the language at that time. But in the end, we worked out that to punish the danish fans, the refs declared the game 3-0 to the Swedes.

An exciting end to our trip in Copes. Sunday we returned to London, to find it sunny. Dad and I went off to Tower Bridge, to go up in it and have a look around. Mum went off to Tate Modern and St Pauls Cathedral. Mum had a great time, as did Dad and I. Dad and I happed to read a sign which said that the bridge was opening in an hour after we were there, so we called mum and got to her come and join us. It was quite cool.

Monday, no work for me, so I joined mum and dad in their last bit of sight seeing, Mum went to West Minster Abbey, we were all going to go, but the cheap tickets ran out the day before, and i was being cheap and didn't want to pay £10. Dad and I went off to Harrods where Mum met up with us an hour or so later. We looked around and found nothing that we wanted, as its all too expensive. Mum bought her Harrods Bag and was very happy.

Tuesday, no work for me again, and Mum and Dads last day. Took them souvenior shopping on Oxford street and off to Picadilly circus. A full day it was, we got back to my house about an hour before they had to catch the train. So we finalised their packing and walked to the train station. It turned out that we got to the train, it was leaving in 2 mins, so a quick goodbye and they were off. It was weird, as it just seemed like because they were hopping on a train, that they would be back soon, but no, they are gone and back in Australia.

Had a good time whilst they were here, despite being cramped at night in my small room as I am sure they will tell you. But it all worked out well and they loved their time here.

Well I am off to Canada to start my job as Assistant Camp Director at Camp Wyoka in Toronto, heres the website http://www.whiteoaksgirlguides.ca/camp/index.php

Tell you more soon.

3 days of Paris

Friday May 18 Mum, Dad and I set off for Paris, France on the Eurostar. A very early morning rise we had to get to Waterloo international on time, but we made it with style (15 mins earlier, than we needed to be there).

We ended up getting into Paris at 12 noon, and then a very quick Lunch at McDonalds. Not before we were inundated by these very poor looking, hardly able to walk "Gypsy Women" asking we if speak english and then holding up a sign about their hardships and if we could please spare some change. Funny though, as soon as the police came these women who could hardly walk etc, all ran across the street like there was a fire. Coincidence I think not.

Then off on a bus tour which was provided with our journey. We got driven around Paris and saw; The Palais Garnier, which is the actual Opera House which inspired the Phantom of the Opera Show (it actually has a lake underneath). We also saw, Les Invalides, Napoleans Tomb, where he has his coffin sitting higher than everyone so that when people come to see him they have to look up at him. The "Kissing" Bridge, Notre Dame, Lourve, Effiel Tower and we drove around the Arc De Triomphe (where an accident is said to happen every 8 mins, and if you do have one, you aren't covered by any insurance company in the world), it has 12 lanes coming off it, and the only rules are that you have to give way to people coming onto the round about, no lane markings or anything. Along our travels, we got to see many lovely one fingered people shouting abuse at our bus driver and other cars around them. A cyclist even had the nerve to cut our bus off and still have a go at our bus driver for blasting the horn at her.

Once off the Bus the 3 of us went back to Notre Dame for a look and then off to the Lourve. We had been told then 26's got in for free on Friday's so we investigated, but sadly its under 26 you get in, too old now I am, schucks. So then, back to the hotel for dinner and then sleep for the next day.

We woke early, did breakfast and arrived at the foot of the Effiel tower at 9:25am, and a huge line we encountered. But we started talking to the people in front of us who were a group of 12 - a family from Arizona. So they were our entertainment whilst waiting to go up. We ended up convincing Mum to come the the 3rd level with us, and we were up there by about 11:30am. Looked around for about 20mins and then made our way slowly back through floors 2 and 1. It was 1:30pm by the time we got down, had some lunch and went off to the Arc De Triomphe where we stood underneath it and took photos and then 3 2 1 what happens, a motorcycle runs into the back of a car. They stopped, the cyclist got off the ground looked around whilst the driver looked as well. Then back in the car, stand the bike up and off they went.

That evening we went to Sacre Coeur, a church atop of one of the only hills in Paris. Where we saw the Effiel Tower sparkling in all its glory and watched the sun set at 10pm at night. It was just full of people, all sitting on the steps singing, drinking wine and enjoying the lights of Paris. It was very late by the time we got back to our hotel, but very worth it.

Sunday, saw us up and out of the hotel by 8:30am, at the Lourve by 9:15am and in at the Monna Lisa by 9:40am. A treat, as the Lourve was only just opening so the lines were very short and crowds little to none. I left Mum and Dad in the Great Hall, and went and got the audio tour of the Davinci Code tour of the Lourve. It was brilliant, as it wasn't just all the movie, yes it was themed by the movie, but it was an explaination of all these paintings that I would of just glanced at had I not bought the tour. Mum and Dad looked around the rest of the Lourve whilst I was doing this and then we met up after I finished the audio tour and parted again, where I startedmy National Lampoons Tour of the Lourve. If you've seen the movie they do the lourve in about 15 mins to the song Ca plane pour moi by Plastic Bertrand, so I was singing the song in my head, racing (well ever so elegantly) around the other two alises of the Lourve that I had yet to see, I ran into Mum and Dad once, and they said to go into something, but I was on a mission. No I didn't do it in 15 mins, but I managed to cover 3 floors and 2 wings in about 45 mins. And they said it takes 9 months to see the entire Lourve. But damn my legs were tired afterward.

Then back to the Arc De Triomphe, where we walked down the Champs-Élysées (the road of Diamonds and Rubies, not just because you can buy them there, but at night when you look at the cars their headlights/tailights look like the sparkling gems, no I am not making that up, I am quoting our tour guide) On our day, it was raining and most of the shops were closed as it was a Sunday, but still a lovely day.

Back to our hotel, where we met back with our group. Boarded the bus to get us back to Garde du Nord, where we caught the Eurostar back to London. A fun, yet very busy trip had by all.

And today, Monday, I am at work, I woke at 6:45am and thought I can't be bothered, went back to sleep and my phone rang at 7:35am for work. I accepted a day of exam cover, where I am currently sitting watching students do an exam in a computer room, whilst I tell you all of my trip with my parents in Paris. A pretty nice way to recover from my trip to France.

Overall I did pretty well with the language barrier, I didn't speak Italian when trying to speak French (unlinke my time in Belgium) and my Parlez vous anglais - do you speak english? Did me pretty well.

To all the soccer balls ...

Yes thats right, I have been travelling along the South West Train line for a good 4 months of my life now and everyday I see a soccer ball or 3. They are all different types, white, red, green, blue, checkered, some still round, others deflated, others faded and others which you could fit in the palm of your hand. But still some poor kid out there is suffering without his soccerball. But then again, sucker shouldn't of been playing so close to the tracks!

No, I have not gone mad, I was just bored and filling my mind in whilst I was coming home this afternoon and so I thought I would share my madness with you. That being the soccerball thing, not anything else you think I am about to share from my werido sense of humour. Sheesh ...

Well, haven't got any exciting London or travelling moments to share at the moment, as I have been laying low since New York (saving up), as Mum and Dad are here on Saturday and it should be great.

What was also great, was seeing my entire Family on Sunday morning, as Carolyn and I figured out how to have a video conference over msn, so we got the whole family in the next time. So I got to see Mum, Dad, Carolyn, Rach, Ben, David, Bradley, Harry and Nan; little challenging at times when all of them were talking and I had to hear it all through the headphones, but I wouldn't of missed it.

So I shall share my mum and dad moments very soon. Till then areverdici!

Nothingness, random stops, buttons and enjoying the slow times.

So, its been two weeks since I have been a travelling and well what have I been up too?

Not much at all, but still, it is probably just what I needed. In my first couple of days back I spent at home reading books and doing nothing. Then I had work the first Monday back, which was fine and normal.

Tuesday, I didn't get any work, and tried to go out with Alex to the movies, but after a water issue at her house, we ended up waiting for people to come and have a look, reading in the sun and then an early dinner.

Wednesday came around and still no work, so I decided to register with another agency. The appointment was at 3pm. So I took myself into london with a book and decided to get off at a random stop. Well, Green Park was my random stop, which turned out to be awesome. It is as it says a park thats green, but it was at lunch and absolutely every piece of grass had someone sitting on it, reading, eating, talking or contemplating their next investment. So I took myself to lunch in a cafe across the road then back to the park for some reading.

Thursday, Friday I got work, wahoo ... and it was just ordinary, except for the student setting a fire extinguisher off and another swallowing a button.

Saturday - Bubbles birthday lunch, which was a lovley afternoon in the park, drinking wine and champange, eating cheese and bisucits and a lovely semi BBQ lunch and then Boules in the latter part of the evening.

Sunday, met a friend for a late lunch, which turned into an evening of drinking. Really Victoria, you say, well yes I am a sad predicitment of an Aussie, but when duty calls ...

And this week, I have worked eveyday and don't have much planned for the weekend, but I am sure something will come up.

New York

Where to start on a fabulous trip ...

Obviously from the beginning, but there is just so much to say.

Sat April 7 - after waking up to a great start I realised I was very excited as I left the house at 9am, then walked around in my station for ages trying to think of a way that I can download my photos before I go ... solution, after much deliberation, photo shop across road, so yup ready to go. Damn it ... walk past blockbuster and need to return DVD. Walk back home ... go home, decide to take my time and watch TV etc. Leave home with DVD, walk halfway to station, damn it, left sunnies at home. Walk back home. In the end I met Alex at the Airport on time at the Kuwait Airlines checkin desk at 12. All checked in, emergency alise an all - and our flight is delayed for 3 hours - tops ... seeings that we were there 3 hours before our original time of departure we were there 6 hours waiting. But all went well and fast and the trip to New York great.

Got into JFK NY and it took about 2 hours to get thru customs - seeings my hands were to dry to take my finger prints and I had to moisturise whilst standing at the customs desk, then I blinked in my mug shot ... and no this is not because I did something wrong, but standard procedure when going into the states now. Made it to shuttle desk, booked a shuttle to our hotel in Central Park West and then we finally got there at midnight - 5 am London time - we were stuffed, but it worked out pretty well for the jetlag thing, as we slept until 8 ish the next morning and started exploring from there.

Sun Apr 8 - Easter, so I left a tobelerone for Alex at the foot of her bed so the Easter bunny had looked like he came, and we celebrated by having some for breakfast. Which became our morning ritual for the coming week, wake up eat Tobelerone and set off for the day. Today we learned how to master the subway after a failed attempt to go to a gospel church, we were at 135th street in Harlem and needed to get to Lower Manhatten, so we bought ourselves a Metrocard and we were off. We ended up getting off by chance at the World Trade Centre site so this was our first sight we saw ... its a very errie (can't spell it) sight, as you know what happened there, but now its just a building site. But I have to say to the credit of them, that the photos which are around and the dedications are very respectful, informative and tasteful.

Then we walked from WTC to Battery Park, and froze our butts off in the wind tunnel we were walking in. It was a funny day, rainy, sunny, windy so very funny to think what to do. So we caught the ferry to Ellis and Liberty Island, and as we were too late get booked into the statue we decided to go to Ellis first. Here we did the tour of the Immigration centre - which for someone with family heritage there would be very good, for us it was interesting. And also whilst we were there it started to snow - very weird but not uncommon for April in NY we were later told. Had some fun on the island video taping ourselves and then off to Liberty Island. Upon reading the wall found that an Anthony Sadler family came into the States, pretty close I think.

Had since found out that since Sept 11 no one is allowed in the statue, and its not a security risk thing. When we got to Liberty Island, we read a sign that said there were free walking tours on the hour. We went and asked the info desk and the guy said you meet him at the flagpole .. now I wanted to be a smart arse here, as the flagpole is huge and well you just can't miss it. So I sarcastically asked "Wheres the flagpole?" ... and the guy started to explain to me ... bugger, he didn't catch onto Aussie humour and I had to aplogise profusely whilst Alex was having a go at me. Seems that lots of people actually ask that question, and well he just answers all questions no matter how dumb. Damn ...

Our tour guide, who we scored on the island to ourselves as we were the only 2 who showed up for the 3pm free walking tour. So he walked us aorund the island telling us all about the statue and how it came about, it was great ... even though the guy seemed to get a bit lost in his words. Now back to reasons for not being allowed in the statue - they did a safety overhall of New York after Sept 11 and realised that duh, theres only one staircase up and down the statue and it'll be a bit hard to get everyone out in an emergency, and well if you only let 5 - 20 people up at a time, then well, we'll let you keep her open. They came to the outcome that too many people would be disappointed and therefore now no one gets to go inside, just up to the platform where the statue actually starts. So we didn't go, as we had found out all that we would read inside already.

We returned to mainland Manhatten and made our way to Times Square, which again I asked for directions (in all seriousness) from a NYPD officer, to have him point behind my back and say .... there. Alex by this time was in hysterics at my mind numbedness, as I was having a pearler of a day. So we got to the centre of it all, and were taking our pictures, and whilst there a man who was doing his daily run decided to grace us with his company. Now he didn't bother us at all in any way, except for the fact the man was wearing a g string leotard - he did a couple of runs by before we decided to leave and go for dinner.

Mon 9 Apr - Alexs Birthday! We took our time getting up that morning and to decide what to do. We made our way to Canal Street Markets - which is a place where the entire street is knock off merchandise. Where you walk along and every second person is saying "Handbag, handbag ... gucci, chole, prada". Where we looked and walked for a very long time and decided to come back on our last day for the sake of carrying things. So by 1pm we had walked our way along Canal Street to China Town, so we had Chinese for lunch. Then Alex decided that we should do the Empire State Building - this is where I started to go quiet, I was determined to do it, but I tell you I was kinda scared. Made our way to the building where we find that there is a line outside around the corner. I walked inside to ask the security guard where to buy tickets, the guy said right up the escaltor and I asked if the line outside was for the tickets, he said "If you don't see that line, I don't" .... SCORE! So we got to dodge about an hour of waiting, now this is not to say that we still didn't line up, as we did and while waiting we learned that there was an IMAX show and you got a free tshirt, and that the 102nd floor was open for an extra $15 ... I convinced Alex to do the Imax tour and she convinced me to do the 102nd floor. So after a nice investment to the building owners of the building. We did the IMAX (so so) and then off to the 80th floor where we lined up again to get to the lift for the 86th floor. Then after about 1 1/2 hours of waiting we were up the top. And verdict - It was great! Not jitters at all, I loved it and Alex did the audio tour first and then I, and on this we learned about the buidlings around and a little about the Emipre state building itself. Had dinner on the lower end of 5th avenue at a restaurant called DANO, then caught a cab home. FACT - even in 110mph winds the building will not move more than a 1/4 inch either way.

Tues 10 Apr - Alex and I went our seperate ways today, she to Woodbury Common to go to a discount shopping outlet. Myself, I went to 59th Street and started a walking tour of Midtown Manhatten. My first stop Bloomingdales - which is a maze and a half, but an alright store. Then off I went to the Plaza hotel to have my Kevin McAlister moment - which sadly failed, as the hotel is under restoration. So next (and these are all in the same 2 block area) I went to Tiffany's - where I only suffered one jaw dropping moment - for some lovely ruby and diamond earrings. And I saw a giddy couple who were just getting engaged - Tiffany had supplied champange and all - very cute. Then to Trump towers (right next door) ... it was alright but very Donald. Then back from where I came from and to FAO Schwatrz ... Had my BIG moment and played on the huge keyboard and then off I walked to the Waldof Astoria to have a squizz, along the way I discovered that 5th Ave has Tuilips lining their median strips - very nice. Off to the brooklyn bridge where I had my Qantas moment (from the ad a few years ago). Then lunch and I had some time to kill so I got my haircut ... nothing drastic or NYish just a trim. Then off to Central Park where is was a sunny afternoon and I took some arty photos. Then in the evening I took myself to dinner at Tom's Restaurant - where Seinfeld used to eat. A day where I relived a fair few of my favourite New York movie moments.

Wed 11 Apr - We made our way to Rockefeller Centre and decided to go up "The Rock" which is basically another viewing platform, but had better views of Central Park and mid town Manhatten. Which was great, I thought awesome no jitters this time ... until our lift started to go up and woppee the lift has a glass roof and the inside of the shaft is lit up like a disco. But it wasnt' that bad and it was very quick. Then down we went and off to Grand Central Station - a beautiful building with amazing detail, but very lost on the fact that its a train station and people just walk around without a care for its beauty. Then in the afternoon, back to Central Park where we caught a bus to Central Park South and 72nd and walked to see the Bethseda Fountain and Bow bridge and we decided to meander until we were sick of walking, we took ourselves all the way to 86th street. Along the way we saw people playing Baseball, a castle which is now a meterological centre, had a swing in the park and a photo with a lamppost. Then off to Serendipity 3 (the resturant from the movie) got there and was informed of an hour and a half wait, so what else to do but shop. The closest location - Bloomingdales, where after many different try ons and much convincing from Alex and the shop assistant I bought a lovley sliver and black netted dress. Then back to Serendipty for dinner (Corn Chowder - YUM!) and dessert a frozen hot chocolate (very tasty, but it was all cold).

Thurs 12 Apr - Our final day. Made our way to the Staten Island ferry, the ride was great, but a little disappointing as it was pouring rain and you couldn't really see the sights of the harbour as it was a complete white wash. Then back to Canal Street for shopping, bought shoes, perfume, jewellery and some hats. Then making our way back to hotel we found a nice Thai place for lunch (well it was 3pm) and then off we went to our hotel and waited for our shuttle bus. Which arrived practically empty - but then we got to zigzag around the streets of new york picking up other people. We finally arrived at JFK after a very bumpy and stomach curdling ride at 7pm. Booked in all ready to go. Fumbled around the airport spending the last couple of USD we had on us, and were really surprised when we looked at the exchange rate of USD to AUD $1.08 amazing!

On the flight home I slept nearly the entire time, and made a fool of myself. As I was acting out my dreams with my hands ..

Had a fabulous time in New York with Alex and some great moments of spazoidisms on my behalf and barry's on Alexs. We realised that we forever had songs in our head and so at random moments we asked what was in our heads - ranged from for me - I still call Aus home, MMMM bop (Hanson), Jenny from the block, Adams Family, Working girl song (Rivers run) and other werid ones, but it was good. Walked from here to kingdom come, seriously the days after I just didn't go anywhere as my legs were soooo tired and flet like lead. So now, I am back in London and back to work, as I spent up in NY and then mum and dad are arriving in about 4 weeks. So that'll be great so until I next write ... B Bye

Pictures of my travels

IRELAND

These are way over due and should go into the actual blog, but its all too much effort now ... so now you get a montage.











1000 yr old church in Dublin, Biggest Free Standing Celtic Cross, Castle ruins, The city of Derry








Giants causeway from above and beside, McDonnell Castle (its slipping into the sea)









Sights from a photo stop in Ireland ...











The houses of Lower Shankill and their painted walls, guy with guy follows you round the area










Signing the "Peace Wall" which seperates the relgious areas of Belfast, and my little bit













Guiness Factory - first pint ever ... and outside the factory

So thats my overdue Ireland photos, hope you enjoyed ...