Chickens Giblets….

27/08/11

It’s a flying day so suffice to say there is not much to blog about. Yes we taped a tent bag to James rucksack to make one bag and save extra bag charges. Yes the return bus tickets were not valid from this hotel so there is an impending argument to get a refund and Yes we are sad to leave but awaiting us is a flat and life in the sun… just need to find the flat, furnish it, get a car and insure it and a few small other things….

In the meantime here is Mr D Mallan’s final thoughts…

Well Luke has asked me to right a final few bits about Australia before we go our separate ways….so here goes…

Well has someone who has never travelled beyond Europe I did well even getting here but I’m so glad I did as Australia is an absolutely belting country
Things I’ve loved….

-the people everyone is so friendly confident and laidback I feel I could learn a lot, met so many people and talked to so many randomers and even gained a few friends along the way. I suppose they have to be laid back with so many potential harmful animals here!

-the outdoor way of life…I like sport and everyone here does whether its passionate support or more likely actively participating whether running along the river in Melbourne…what a place to run! Or just grabbing a board and surfing (something I can now do…well stand up)

-the beer…schooners what a perfect size more than a half and less than a pint…the beer is always cold and you get a nice level of drunk…oh and the wine (or goon) a box of decent wine for 8quid yes please

-the scenery have seen so many beautiful things including the best beaches ever and I’ve not even seen a tenth of the country!

-the randomeness of travelling meeting people (Lukes good at that) and suddenly ending up in a bar at 4am with some new friends…not Karl Kennedy unfortunately…

-my two travel partners…who to be fair have been mum and dad working together to ensure everything runs smoothly whilst I just chill…thanks a lot boys…its obvious you’re perfect together…

-working mens clubs…wipe the floor with ours!

-melbourne…what an amazing place…such a chilled vibe…outdoor way of life and the friendliest people…will defo be back!

-watching Newcastle beat sunderland in a random Sydney bar with 25 exiled Georides…singing our hearts out fantastic!

Things I’ve not loved….

Not much to be fair but…

-crossing the road…takes an age but the green man does come with a machine gun sound…has resulted in me J walking a lot of the time

-prices it is expensive (not if you live here) due to exchange rate...but I’m still within budget and its lead us to explore things we may not have done and look around for more baragins also Lukes cooked some fab meals!

-the flight…not as bad as I thought but 24 hours on a plane is tough especially as I’d exhausted all forms of entertainment…4 films, a book, some top gear, some conversation, 8 G and Tonics, one wine (reckon that balanced up the price of me flight) and the music channels…all I can say is thanks for Bach rescue remedy… a god send for nervous fliers like meself!

So back to England for me just in time for bank holiday Sunday and then back to normality…definitely got the travel bug and definitely will be back to explore more of Australia I can’t recommend it enough!