IM IN LOVE!!

........With Austria that is! LOL Ive always had a very romantasised view of Austria...rolling green hills, snow capped mountains, tiny villiages nestled in deep, lush valleys. And truth is...its all that and much more!

I mean, ive only been here for a couple of days, but having seen so many other places in Europe, i simply love Austria, i don't want to leave. I may be slightly drunk and so full i can barely move at the moment from having the best meal ive ever eaten, but i really do get a great feeling about this country.

I don't know where to start explaining how much has happened in the last couple of days. I left Trier on 27th, very very sorry to leave. I had the the most amazing time in Germany over Christmas with Ben, and his family just made me feel right at home. So after tearing myself away from there, i headed off for my 9 hour train journey to Salzburg, just over the border into Austria from Germany. I mainly planned to stop here just to break up my trip to Vienna, but ended up falling in love with this town which helped me remember how ive always known that Austria is somewhere i want to be.

I stayed up too late in the hostel drinking with some other Aussies, then got up early and spent the best part of the morning fitting in as much as possible exploring the place. The highlight was of course the castle perched on top of a hill in the middle of the town, much like Edinburgh. Every way i turned my breathe was taken, and i was very sorry to have to leave and make my way the rest of the way to Vienna.

Vienna is a whole nother story in itself. Everywhere you look, incredible buildings linger over the skyline decorated with a myriad of lights and colours, a feast for the senses. I picked up a hot tip about cheap tickets to the famous Opera performances here for last minute standing places, but ended up paying 40 Euros from a scalper for a well positioned seat to watch a ballet performance of the Nutcracker. I have to say, im not a big fan of ballet or Opera, but as id never been, i felt i should give it a go, especially being in Vienna. All i can say is it was money very well spent, an amazing display of dancing and famous classical music...i loved every minute. After walking the streets for a couple of hours after this in minus temperatures with a gaping mouth, over whelmed with the city's beauty, i retired to the hostel exhausted.

Today was equally extraordinary. Another early start, i arrived at the Spanish Riding School at 8:30am and got tickets for the morning practice sessions, which was amazing and delightful and such a fantastic display of horsemanship, everything i expected. At 2pm i had a ticket to a performance (or so i thought i did), turns out it was a commentated demonstration performance thing, which only went for 45 mins, but was equally incredible to watch. The building in which they perform is magnificant, with great views from just about every angel. It was an unbelieveable experience.

After that i headed back out in the bitter cold, probably the coldest ive experienced here yet, and decided id be mad to walk around too much more. So i headed to the Museum of Natural History, which was an amazing display of every type of living creature known to man, as well as lots of rocks and information about the planet and environment. It was pretty cool, but i know i was far too tired to properly appreciate and absorb it.

A couple of days ago i spotted a great sounding restaurant in my Lonely Planet, Western Europe travel guide. 'Vegetasia' is a vegetarian place (obviously) that specialises in producing Asian style dishes but completely vegetarian. The menu boasts beef, pork, fish etc etc but all made from alternative ingredients...genius i say. I was a little to wierded out to try the not quite 'beef' and instead had soup, a vegie stir fry, then deep fried banana with honey, while enjoying some white wine then a delicious plum wine and finishing with an unexpected homemade pastry from the waitress.

You may wonder why im explaining what i ate in such great detail, and i think it may have something to do with the fact i can't remember the last time i enjoyed eating a meal quite so much, it was perfect in every way (despite me knocking over and promply smashing my wine glass....oops!)...just what the doctor ordered.

So now im about to move my arse and jump on yet another train (over night this time...13hours) and head for Zurich in Switzeland. Its a little off track since im heading for Milano in Italy, but i timed it so that i get to Zurich about sunrise and ill be travelling over the Swiss and Italian Alps tomorrow morning (YEY!!) before landing in Milano mid-morning, then making my way to the WWOOFing farm tomorrow afternoon, a couple hours train ride again from Milano.

Needless to say, im so tired right now its crazy and i can barely comprehend how cool everything it that im doing and about to do. I wish so much that i had more time (and indeed money) right now to explore Austria, but i wanted to make it to the farm before new years to get acquinted and help out with thier celebrations. Despite this, i know in my heart, that some how i will be back here one day. Ill make sure of it.

For now, im looking forward to what the next few weeks hold for me. Im not sure how my internet access with go there, but im sure you'll all here from me again soon enough. Happy New Years to everyone, i hope you all enjoy the celebrations that you have and i hope that 2008 brings love, happiness and new adventures!

oxoxox

Im dreaming of a white Christmas...

Hi all

I hope everyone is enjoying thier Christmas where ever they are and who ever they are with. I hope that Santa is kind and keeps the alcohol flowing! =D

Im preparing myself for the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning to a phone call from my family from home with snow falling outside, how cool! Ive never seen snow much before, and it has certainly been awesome to be in Germany over the Christmas period with a high chance of snow. There has been some laying around here and there, but hopefully we get some more over night. It has certainly been cold enough...the temp has been hovering between -6 and around 2 degrees celius throughout the day and night...although im completely used to it now strangly enough!

Ive had the best time in Treir and Germany so far. Ben has kindly shaufered me half way around the country, including to Munich, the famous Mosselle Valley wine region (i have now developed a keen liking of Mosselle Valley Reisling....mmmmmm) and Colonge, which have all been incredible. The Christmas markets, which are in basically every town, are extraordinary. The lights, colours, sounds, smells and people are overwhelming and delightful. Ive never experineced anything like it before. Nor have i grown to love and appreciate a certain alcoholic beverage so quickly. In Germany they serve a very popular spiced hot red wine drink at the Christmas markets called Glühwein (or 'glow wine' in English)...and it certainly does make you glow and warm up at the same time!

So here i am on Christmas Eve night, the presents already opened this evening (as is the tradition here) and im full of Champaigne, home made onion soup, sourkroute, chocolates, lollies, and wine amongst other things. Im feeling extemely thankful for such a fantastic experience and thankful that Ben's family have allowed me into their home at this time of year which i really appreciate, they have made me feel completely at home.

It hard to believe its Christmas time, ive never had one away from home, but im so glad i made the sacrifice, if only for one year. Its always interesting to see how another culture celebrates an occasion, and i guess Christmas is all about the same things no matter where you are...to be around the ones you love, showing gratitude for all we have and sharing foods and other tokens to demonstrate how much we care for each other. What a beautiful time of year.

I look forward to the next few days i have here, after which ill start making my way to Vienna then on to Italy. I wonder what other adventures lay ahead for me.

Sitting here my thoughts are with everyone dear to me at home, particularly Mum and Ty, Judith, Glen and Vivien, Tony and Colin, Tom, Evelyn, Jaimie and Kieran, Cheryl and Lawrie, MacBird and Sasha, who i would usually spend this time of year with. Im thinking of you all and wishing i could pop home just for a few days to be with you all. But until they invent transporters i guess i must rely on the wonders of the internet and other technologies =D

Take care all, seasons greetings, Merry Christmas and Frohe Weihnachgen!! oxoxox

Christmas is in the air =D

Hey everyone!

Its almost Christmas and im getting excited!! Sorry i haven't written for a while, but ive been busy baking fruit cakes and decorating and cleaning the house in preperation of the afternoon Christmas/goodbye party i am throwing myself tomorrow afternoon. Theres about 10 people going to be there and we are having cocktail, homemade gourmet pizzas and finishing with my mums own fruit cake (that i hope i can do justice to!) with custard....mmmmmmmmmm

Ive finished my last shift today and ill be leaving the comfort of the Museum Inn (once again) to venture out into Europe on Friday. First stop is Brussels in Belgium to visit a Spanish guy i met in Spain from Vaughan Town. He is going to show me around a bit over the weekend. After the weekend, on Monday, im going to head for a little place in the West of Germany called Trier where i am going to meet a German friend i worked with at the Summit Restaurant when i was living in Sydney.

Im going to stay with Ben over Christmas, as he has kindly oftered to take me in and be part of his German celebrations with his family, which sounds pretty cool. We are also going to travel to Munich and some other places around Germany as well. After that, around 27th December, im going to head to Vienna in Austria and spend a couple days looking around. Then on the 29th December i have a ticket to see the Spanish Riding School that i have already explained about, i can't wait to do that! Its one of the top things i had on my list to see while in Europe.

Then on 30th im making my way back to Italy! Im going to be doing some WWOOFing, which ive already explained as well. Ive found a farm that sounds pretty cool and friendly. I really don't know much about it, but i guess im just going to cross my fingers and hope it all works out! The following is a link to thier website if anyone wants to check out where im going....


http://www.tenuta-antica.com/italiano/mainct.html


So ill be there for a couple of weeks, then im going to head back here to the Museum! Part of the reason that ill be coming back at this time is to pick up some stuff im leaving behind, and another part is to see everyone here again, but the main reason is that Jamie Oliver is coming to stay at the end of Jan!!! Im terribly excited about this!! LOL It was also at the top of my list to meet him when i came over, and i never thought i would be able to, its so cool!

So, after i come back to work again (hopefully im needed and they have me back!), my plans get a bit scetchy actually. Ive got some decisions to make, but at the moment im just going to enjoy Christmas in Europe and spending time with the awesome girls here at the Museum and enjoy catching up with some people i haven't seen in ages, and enjoy the bitter cold of central Europe in the middle of Winter! LOL

I feel really comfortable here right now, so so comfortable. So much so i need to leave! hehe I figure im here to travel and thats what ive got to do, regardless of whether or not its Christmas. So thats what im doing. And its going to be amazing to see how another culture celebrates Christmas and to see the snow and then be involved with an Italian family celebrating the New Year, i think its all going to be incredible.

By the way, ive FINALLY got around the starting to upload my photos of Ireland and Scotland. Ty helped me burn them onto some DVDs and im so glad they are all backed up now. Ty is actually back at home in Australia now! I find it a bit strange, because he was only here a couple of weeks ago visiting me and hanging out, which was sooo awesome. Now im talking to him back in Newcastle and he's looking for a job and starting a NORMAL life....weird LOL

Well, i best be off, at work, on the office computer once again, tut tut. I put up some photos of my party as well, i can't wait for tomorrow! =D

Love you all, hope you're all enjoying the warm weather, its anything but here!!!

oxoxox

A change of season

Hi people,

I realise its been a couple of weeks, but these last couple weeks have been pretty hectic i have to say! I know it might seem like getting chauffered around the Highlands of Scotland in a bus for a week might seem like a holiday, but i can tell you its not quite like that.

Don't get me wrong, i had an amazing time, met some awesome people and saw some wicked places once again (even went swimming in Loch Ness!!!), but the weather was unfortuneately pretty shite. We couldn't see most of the stunning mountains and views there were right in front of us, so i had to resort to looking at postcards! LOL Apart from the fog and clouds and sideways rain we experienced, Scotland was definitely one of my favourite places ive ever visited. It has a majestic feel about it, and the people are unbelieveably different from the English considering how close thier ties are.

Once again i was blessed with incredible tour guides who were exceptionally enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Scotland and its turbilent past. As with Ireland, i felt so ignorant about the goings on there, it was almost like the 'ethnic cleansing' that occured with the Jews. The highlanders were outcast and slaughtered like animals and one of our guides was saying that the population there is only a fraction of what it would have been if all upset there had not occured. It was an amazing thing to think while travelling around the barren and uninhabited landscapes.

I absorlutely love to go back to Scotland and spend some more time there, though i doubt that its going to happen. I should probably let you all know that im actually planning to come home soon! I actually have a flight booked to Thailand on 1st December and then from there home on 14th December! I didn't say anything to anyone mainly because i though id change it, and it turns out that i am. Ive decided that i haven't had enough of Europe and im going to hang around for another 6 weeks.

I arrived back at the Museum on 4th November, and ill probably stay here until mid December, replenishing some funds, then take off on my WWOOFing adventures for a few weeks in Italy. Then i want to head to Austria because its one place i really want to go, particularly to see the Spanish Riding School in Vienna! I think it would be AMAZING. Ill probably do a few bits and bobs in Europe, then fly to Thailand in mid-Jan, then home about a week later!

Ive applied at a few Uni's for next year, so ill arrive back home just after the main round offers have been made (hopefully i will have made it in!) and ill have to make some final decisions about 2008. Ive applied for two different courses, both Bachelors of Science, one 'Health Science', which is a more broad degree but i can tailor it how i like, as well as 'Nutrition and Dietitics', which is a much more specific degree mainly for those looking to become dietitions. The latter is also alot more Sciency based, harder to get into and will probably take more study.

Im very interested in Nutrition, but im not sure if i want to be a dietition, so i might just be happy with the Health Science degree. Im also more interested in population and community health rather than individual health, if that makes sense, so ill have to figure out which is going to be the best for me. Anyway, i won't have to decide that until late Janruary after i get home.

I also realise im going to miss Christmas at home!!! Ive never missed a Christmas with the family so its going to be different. I looks like i might be out in the middle of Italy with some strange Italian family, sounds like a blast to me to see how they celebrate Christmas and New Year. It will be definitely be an experience if it all works out like i think its going to in my head! Ill have to see what happens when i apply to a few farms. Ill just give you all an example of the 'ad' for one of the farms i think ill apply to, it looks pretty cool....

4. Il Borgo della Colomba, via Colomba 16, Giucano, Fosdinovo, MS. Tel & Fax: 0187 628152 E-mail: cricri9@virgilio.it www.ilborgodellacolomba.comFarm (old mill) and agritourism (with 20 beds and restaurant) and 25 hectares of land. Olives, vegetable garden, herbs, chickens, donkeys, bees. Help needed in vegetable garden, cleaning around the house (garden, swimming pool, etc), with preparation of meals when there are guests, maintenance jobs, in olive grove & woodland, making fences etc. Accommodation in room, children welcome, contact: Gianni & Cristina Caraffa

Hows about that ey? =D I realise there might be a bit of work involved but it should be incredible to see the real Italian way of like instead of doing a flying visit of the tourist attractions, which ive now done. Also i doubt that Ty is going to come with me, simply because he won't have the time now as he is flying home on 30th November. Hopefully we might get to catch up for a couple of days before he leaves.

Ive just realised how much im blabbering on, i guess theres alot to go on about! Im going to try and upload some pics from Ireland and Scotland today, and i should get them all up by tomorrow or something i hope...this computer is just ridiculously slow! Ive been thinking about you all back home alot, id love to hear from anyone who is actually reading this gibberish...so whoever is id love you to write me an email letting me know whats going on, i promise to reply...i miss everyone!!

Hope you're all safe and well and enjoying the warm weather...ill be getting home right in the stink of it!! LOL that will be a shock to the system!

oxoxox

Quick update from yet ANOTHER destination... LOL

Heya all,

Just going to update quickly. IM IN SCOTLAND!! LOL :-D

Terribly excited...yet very tired at the same time. My Ireland tour was AWESOME...had a wicked time, gorgeous people, stunning places, interesting sites and fun times all round basically! Money and time well spent.

I won't go through everything we did...the itinerary is on thier website (i gave the link in a previous update) and that pretty much outlines it all. The tour leader, Kevin, and driver, David, where pretty cool and laid back Irish dudes who were definitely experienced. Kevin knew alot about all the places and told us stories along the way and gave us all the info we could possibly need.

So today i said my goodbyes to the tour that was continuing back to Dublin while i stayed in Belfast and caught my flight over to Edinburgh this afternoon...almost 3 hours of waiting around at the airport etc etc, just for a 20 minute flight! lol Pretty nacked now though...going to catch an early night because i have be up to leave on my Scotland tour in the morning. Yey!

After i get back on 3rd November, i think ill actually be heading back to the Museum in Dorset for a couple of weeks! Basically i have nothing else to do and im short on cash, so it works out well. Ty should be finished his trekking etc in Spain about mid November and im going to arrange us some WWOOFing in Italy!!! How awesome is that. If you don't know about WWOOFing, this is the link for the Italian website (though you can do it pretty much anywhere in the world)....

http://wwoof.it/

So yeah, that seems like the general plan for November. At the moment though im just going to try and enjoy my Scotland tour and hope that its as cool a group as the one i did Ireland with. Ill have some pics up ASAP (this computer won't recognise my phone grrr), ive got HEAPS of awesome photos, alot of cliffs.... hehe

Hope everyone is well anyway. I hear the weather is starting to really heat up back home...Hope everyone is coping OK....Its getting pretty bloody cold here now!

Take care all oxox

On to Irrrreland!!

Well here i am... in Dublin!

I arrived in the wee early hours this morning after a long nights bus and ferry journey (which im very much accustomed to these days anyway). The last days of my Europe tour were pretty cool, even though im still a bit run down with the ol' Coach Plague (a general chest infection peppered with random bouts of severe couching, very runny noses, drowsiness, as well as the odd temperature and all over muscle aching...not much fun).

We did an awesome bike riding tour of Berlin, which was heaps of fun and really informative as well. The last couple of days in Amsterdam were fairly chilled out, though on the last night we did some partying in the infamous 'red light district' which was a bit of an eye opener you could say hehe.

So after a llllong journey back to London on Monday, and an evening of long goodbyes and best wishes, we all went our seperate ways in the world for the first time in almost a month. It was a strange feeling sitting there in the bar of the hostel as people randomly decided it was time to depart. Over the month we all formed what you might call a 'group consciousness' where we were always looking out for each other and protecting each other, feeling that there was something amiss when someone wasn't there.

I'll definitely miss that part of the tour, yet i also will appreciate more the time that i have to myself to do what i want, when i want, without a deadline. So as ive said, i now find myself in Dublin for two whole days of freedom before i embark on another two tours...one of Ireland and one of Scotland. The following is to the 'Shamrocker Tour' of Ireland which leaves on 20th October, this coming Saturday morning...

http://www.shamrockeradventures.com/Tours/AllIrelandRocker.html

I don't even actually finish that tour which is supposed to arrive back in Dublin the following Saturday night, as im catching a flight out of Belfast Saturday afternoon to get into Edinburgh Saturday night so that i can start the tour of Scotland the very next Sunday morning! LOL I know its going to be tight, but the tour of Scotland im doing is the last one of the year with that company so i made it fit in. That tour goes from 28th October to 3rd Novmeber (Sunday to Sunday) and the link if anyones interested is...

http://www.macbackpackers.com/7daygrandscotland.html

It hasn't really sunk in yet that im in Ireland or that im taking off once again for new adventures very soon...and with a new bunch of people. I have to keep telling myself that, yet again, im in a new country and i have to appreciate the time that im here, because its unlikely that ill ever be back. So today or tomorrow ill do a walking tour of Dublin, and apart from that i have nothing else exciting planned...except for sleeping and maybe a spot of shopping for more winter woolies...its pretty fricken cold here as i expected!

After some dramas connecting my phone to a computer, ive finally managed to upload some new photos of Berlin and Amsterdam, just a few. Soon enough id like to upload more photos from the entire trip, mainly just to get them on the internet where theres no danger of losing them. I have about 1200 photos stored on my phone at the moment...all the way from back in Spain after a lost my other phone....eeeek.

Anyway, not sure when ill get to update next, probably leave it until after this tour or after the second one. No doubt there'll be more stories and more photos, yey!! hehe

Hope everyone's well, ciao for now! oxox

5 Days to go

Hi all,

Well, im almost there, just counting down the final days. Im in Prague at the moment, and tomorrow we are heading to Berlin for a couple of days, then on to Holland for the last two days to visit The 'Dam (otherwise known as Amsterdam...which should be interesting hehe).

Ive uploaded a few new photos, mainly of me doing stupid poses just to prove i was there hehe But ill have more up later obviously. We have visited alot more places since my last update in Florence, such as Venice, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and now Czech Republic. I really liked Venice, that was gorgeous, but very touristy. Debrovnik in Croatia was also amazing, i did a 7 hour island hopping boat cruise to the islands in the area and the water was sooo clear it was unbelieveable.

Ive also recently been struck down by the 'Coach Plague' which is tearing through the ranks at a swift pace. Walking tours are easy...just having to following the coughing, gagging, nosing blowing, sneezing, sick people LOL I was feeling it pretty bad in Budapest, spent the best part of the morning in bed which a temperature and aches and pains, then got out of bed and spend the afternoon in the incredible Turkish Baths they have in the centre of the city.

Im feeling ok now, my temperature has gone down and im just fighting a cough etc....yey for me hehe Anyway, i gotta go, going to run out of money on this internet and ive got no more coins!

Will probably update next in London when i get back. Hope everyone is well and enjoying (what i hear...thanks to Shan) is warming of weather in OZ.

Ciao for now! oxox

Having the time of my life!

Hiya all!

Well, what can i say, the last week has been crazy and amazing and unforgetable, i don't know where to start describing it. My reservations of coming in the first place have quickly faded away.

Im going to give a brief outline now, though, at the end of my trip im going to sit down and blog my more detailed adventures from the whole trip that im just writing down on paper at the moment.

Its been a whirlwind of countries, people, sites and sounds over the last week, and im only a quarter the way through the trip (day 8 of 28)! Ty and me made it safely to London on a dodgy Megabus and eventually founded the even more dodgy hostel that we were staying at and that the tour was meeting at the next morning for the trip. Everyone was shy and nervous outside the hostel at 6:30am on a freezing cold London morning, not knowing what to expect and if it was going to be an awesome adventure or something they would regret.

All i can say so far is that im 99.99% sure that everyone is having a wicked time. The group is fairly young, all generally around my age, but are all really cool and really friendly (about 25 of us all up). Most people are Aussies, then there are about 6 Kiwis, one South African and one Brazilian (sooo glad there are no Americans!). There is also a younger lady tour leader, a younger guy cook and a guy bus driver, who are all really awesome and relaxed and want everyone to have a good time and make the most of it all.

We've been staying in some pretty cool campsite and some dodgy ones, but mostly its been pretty good. Like at the moment we are in Florence and the campsite it wicked, over looking the whole city. I must say though, the best place yet has been Switzeland and staying in a town called Laueterbrunnen, nestled in the Swiss Alps. Ill give more detail later, but all i can say is that it was the most incredible place ive ever seen and there were a few times during the couple of days there that the views over the mountains and the surrounding countryside literally took my breath away.

Another simply incredible place was Cinque Terra, the five famous little coastal towns in Italy. They were just so typical Italian, beautiful stone buildings, winding staircases, and an amazing trail which lead between them all. The water was sooo blue it didn't look real, something straight off a postcard. We then went on to Pisa, which is pretty much a scanky town in Tuscany holding some incredible historic treasures from past greatness. After doing the mantatory pose, we came to Florence yesturday and hit the town for a pub crawl last night, which was sooo much fun and obviously helped strengthen group relations significantly hehe.

Im really really looking forward to the rest of the trip. It feel like we've already seen and done so much, yet theres still so much left, like Hungary, Croatia, Germany and Holland. Im soooo glad i did it like this as well. It has been stress free, relaxing and exciting and a really good introduction to the highlights of Europe. Im definitely getting a good taste of different countries and sussing out where i would like to come back to and spend more time. It is a fairly jam packed schedule, but we do also get some free time, and theres alot of hours on the coach for catching up on sleep, so it kind of balances out. Like today im just chillin' out by myself for just about the first time, wandering around Florence, checking out the markets and contemplating lining up for the 2-3 hr long wait to see Michelangelo's David nearby.

So im just uploading some photos at the moment, ive taken sooooooo many, i doubt im going to have enough storage! hehe Anyway, you've all got to check them out, ive got some really amzing ones. I know my phone camera is not brilliant, but it does the trick and you mostly get the point. The day time ones turn out alot better than the night time ones of course.

Well, after getting up at 9am (definitely considered a massive lie-in at the moment) and spending so much time on the net, i best be off and see some more of Florence before we head to Venice and Rome over the next few days....can't wait!! Don't know when ill get on next, i might leave it for a while because it is quite expensive to spend a couple hours on the net like i just have done now.

So i hope all is well back home and things are warming up in OZ, no doubt it is =D

Missing you all! oxox

Last post for a while!

Hi all,

Just thought id just write a tiny bit and say goodbye to everyone for one month!

I seriously can't believe im leaving the Museum, it feels like im leaving home again. Im honestly feeling more sad that im leaving then excited about seeing Europe, but i know that once i get going again that everything will be ok.

Im really feeling out of wack right at the moment, worried that i might not have made the right decision to leave. But i do know that thats just how im feeling right now and i think i have made the right decision.

Anyway, i don't know how much opportunity ill get to update my blog, but i promise i will try for sure. Im definitely excited to see Ty again before we go our seperate ways. Its certainly going to be a very interesting couple of months ahead for us both.

Well, i best be off, just having a last drink at the bar before i head to bed and leave early in the morning for Brighton. I hope everyones well and ill talk to you all again soon enough.

Take care! ox

Planning the next two months of my life....

Well...everything is finally booked. After some minor hassels with my Barclays Debit card, ive managed to plan out the next two months of my life. Now that may sound boring, but its actually quite a relief for me, and i can't wait to just go out there now and experience Europe and the UK! (Scotland in picture)

As ive already written in my last post, im going to do a months tour of Europe with Budget Expeditions, but it doesn't end there! LOL On Monday 17th September ill be leaving the safety and comfort of Museum Inn and training it to Brighton where i have to sort out some of my stuff and leave some things behind with one of Ty's mates there. Then Ty and me are catching a bus to London that afternoon and staying in a hostel (Ty's going to London also to see a band or something at the same time). Then at 6am opn Tuesday 18th September the bus leaves for my European Adventure from outside the hostel we are going to be staying at.

THEN.....5 days after i get back into London (15th October), ive got a 16hr bus trip to Dublin, where on the 20th October im leaving on an 8 day bus trip of Ireland with 'Shamrocker Adventurers', then catching a plane from Belfast to Edinburgh on 27th October, then on 28th October im doing a 7 day tour of Scotland with 'Macbackpackers'!! Its going to be full on madness...im sure my head will be spinning trying to keep up with all the new places/countries ill be in almost everyday!

The following links will take you to the two companies websites that explain everything that ill be getting up to on the tours of Ireland and Scotland.

http://www.shamrockeradventures.com/Tours/AllIrelandRocker.html

http://www.macbackpackers.com/7daygrandscotland.html

As ive said before, i certainly have my reservations about doing tours, but honestly, it just seems like the easiest way. I love to to spontenious things, don't get me wrong, but at leats this way i can track my finances and im guarenteed to see the places i want to. Also, one of the gals here, Bryony, only recently did the tour of Scotland and she said it was great, the tour guide was excellent and she met some cool people and had a great time, what more can you ask.

So theres just about only one more week to go here at the ol' Inn. I really think im going to miss this place...its definitely been my home for the last couple of months and ive grown to really like it and most of the people. Its been so lovely to even have somewhere to put my clothes apart from my backpack, i felt spoilt just having my own room when i first got here! Its certainly going to be a shock to the system getting back out there to those hostels...and particularly the camping arrangements that Budget Expeditions has (i.e. they supply two person tents and unless you are with a friend or something, you are sleeping with a stranger!).

Anyway, its all part of the adventure, i know, and its great. So at this stage im not too sure of my movements after Scotland, but i have a fairly good idea hehe Not going to give too much away, but it looks like Ty and me have similar ideas about places in Europe we want to spend some time, so we might hook up and do some stuff together in November. But thats so far away right now!

A couple of the girls who ive become close to and happen to be the two Aussies in the house are leaving this Monday for a week to go on a little trip to Amsterdam and i won't get to see them before i leave, so that sucks a bit. I hate goodbyes. You always say 'yeah yeah ill see you again, ill come visit' even though you know its highly unlikely. Anyway, we all have had a great time together while ive been here, at some great memories, but its definitely time to more on now, it feels right.

Well, not much else to report, jsut tying up some loose ends here during my last week. So many things to sort out before i leave, you wouldn't believe it, everything down to just returning books to the library....all a pain in the arse. Well, i better get going, its 12pm now...after a busy and looooonnnggg Saturday night shift and ive got alot more of it tomorrow. Hope everyone is well and the weather is starting to improve back home! Before you all know it, it will be blistering hot again in Oz hehe

Take care then, love you all! oxox

OMG!! IT'S BOOKED!! YEY! =D

Ok, im terribly excited because after about 2-3 weeks of indecision and termoil regarding my moves after Dorset and Museum, ive finally booked a tour of Europe!!! Its not a fullest tour of Europe available with the company (but its the second biggest/longest - 28 days), but because its so late in the year, there was a limited selection to choose from. This is the link that describes the tour...

http://www.budgetexpeditions.com/tour/Europe/Totally+Europe/18

How good does it look?! I settled on a tour for a few reasons;

• it will probably end up cheaper anyway because the company knows what they're doing (cross fingers) and the best places to go
• my accommodation (cabins and tents) and food all are sorted
• ill get to meet other like minded people instead of being alone (the ages for the tour company is between 18 and 35 i think, so no kids or old people! lol)
• there are optional extra excursions if i think i have enough money (up to me)
• i know that ill be seeing most of the highlights of Europe even though they have all been done before, its still a new experince for me (such as Paris, Venice, Rome, Prague!!!)
• its a good way to get an idea about countries i like and would maybe like to visit again
• it keeps me on a schedule instead of just wandering around not knowing where to go next (and therefore spending too much money in one place) because im so indecisive sometimes

I think all those reasons count for something! It goes to alot of countries, but misses out a couple that i really wanted to see, such as Barcelona in Spain, as well as Austria. But, money permitting, id like to head to Austria for a little while later in the year anyway.

So what am i doing after the tour? Well i have a few ideas actually, including a couple of other shorter tours that ill let you all in on later when i have it all figured out! Its so good to have a focus now outside of work here. Work is still going well and im definitely going to miss everyone, but im really getting the feeling that its time to move on, definitely getting itchy travellers feet again! LOL This tour should surely cure that =D

Anyway, not much else to report, but ill have more updates later about what else ill have planned for after the tour because ill need to get all that sorted before i leave here.

Hope everyone is well! Also, ill be calling people in the next couple of weeks as well before i go, as i don't think ill get much of a chance to call people after that!

Ciao oxox

Sweet summer has finally arrived

Heya all!

Well, summer has finally arrived in Dorset! LOL The weather has been stunning and im feeling FANTASTIC! Spending long afternoon lounging out in the back yard working on my tan, reading, listening to music etc etc. Im really really enjoying my time here at the moment. I can't believe the time has gone so fast, ive been working here like 6 weeks now!

Oh and i must mention, that yes i had the time of my life riding the other day, its definiately an experience ill never forget, hopefully ill get to do it again as well.

In this post i must say hi to a couple of people who are my biggest fans and are dedicated to reading my blog regularly....Mum and Judith!! Hope you are both well...and the bird and dog and any other beings in the house while you are reading this :-D Always thinking of you guys and you don't have to worry about me, im doin really really well and it won't be too long before im sure ill see you again OXOXOX

Oh and by the way Judith, i sent you a postcard with Stonehenge on it not long after your birthday, not sure you got it, Mum said you hadn't mentioned it. But anyway, if you haven't got it it doesn't matter, i don' t think the postage system it being too relyable at the moment.

Well not much else to report on really, just enjoying my time here, enjoying the sunshine, enjoying hanging with the cool ppls here, enjoying working and earning my poundage for traveling, life is sweet.

Love you all! ox

Well, needless to say i had a GREAT birthday. Thank you soooo much to all those people who emailed, phoned, and left messages on this page, Facebook and my phone, its really means so much to hear from you all. *KISS AND HUGS* Does make me miss everyone though! :-(

Despite one little hiccup early in the morning (reversing one of the staff cars into a hedge which got caught under the back bumper and cracked it when i drove away...could NOT believe my bad luck), Ty and me spent the day together. I picked him up from the station in the morning, then we hung out in Salisbury, then he came back home to the cottage, then Kirsty and us two went to see the new Simpsons movie, then we came back and had a fantastic dinner at the Pub, it was really special.

He stayed another day and we just hung out around Farnham. He jumped on the bike and i ran and we took off up the road so i could show him some of the countryside...though we didn't make it back for an hour and a half...we were both nacked by the end too! Presents were slim this year for obvious reasons, but Ty did manage to make up for it by getting my a heaps of random presents, including a new mini IPod Shuffle to put music onto for my running, sooo cool of him.

Not much else going down. I guess you may of all heard about the flooding here in England, its pretty bad but luckily for me theres no flooding in this area at all, its all around the middle of England i believe.

Can't wait until tomorrow morning. As ive previously said, the lady who looks after Madonna's horses works at the pub sometimes and we often get to go riding. Well its finally my turn, and me and Bryony are going there in the morning to go riding for a couple hours!! OH MY GOD LOL 8-D Unfortunatley though, we aren't allowed to ride them for one reason or another when Madonna is at home, and apparently she is due to come next week for the whole of August.....BOOOOO. Anyway, im sure the experience of doing it just once will be memorible enough.

Ill let you all know how its goes! Take care all oxoxox

(1,132-acre Ashcombe Estate)

Harry Potter Madness & My Birthday Plans

Well its been an interesting weekend so far. Friday night was MADNESS. It progressed slowly and snowballed into crazy catastrophy of collosal proportions. Well...it seemed like it at the time, and after all, i did up with a new copy of the 7th and last Harry Potter book in the series at 1:30am on Saturday morning.

Basically, up until recently, some of the girls have been saying that the head chef here is an arse. And finally i too now conclude that he is indeed an arse. To cut a long story short, service on Friday night didn't go very smoothly due to lack of communication between us two and his mouthing of that im a shit waitress etc etc, then finished the night at about 12pm, holding back tears.

I held it all together reasonably well, knowing that me and Bryony were going to go for a midnight dash to Shaftsberry (small town 20 mins away) at midnight to buy a copy of Harry Potter each. So we both finished at midnight, i skulled half a glass of wine (much needed) and dashed to the car. The car was indeed a VW Polo thingy that id never driven, and i also didn't realise it had a security system...which i soon discovered it infact did!! LOL

So at 12:30am on Saturday morning, and 3 very very loud and long soundings of the car alarm (and ill remind you that this is all right next to the pub with all 8 the rooms full of guests), and 3 rounds of stricken panic attacks and disbelief from the both of us, we arrive in Shaftsberry at 1:30am to a sworm of people lined up outside a little book shop. Everyone was saying the same thing, "Oh my god, i can't believe we're actually here at this hour buying a book". But none the less, we were all there anyway LOL

I will never forget that night. It was like one of those nightmares you think you'll never wake up from, but it had a happy ending :-D

And last night i had a brilliant conversation with my big bro, Ty, who informs me that (dispite our last conversation stating otherwise....shithead) he can indeed make it to come down and see me on my birthday next Thursday!!! YEY! I was so excited i could barely sleep last night, thinking of things we can do while he's here. I have Thursday and Friday day off, so no doubt its going to be fantastic. The new Simpsons movie is definitely on the cards for Thursday afternoon, then him, me and a few of the girls will still have dinner at the pub that night.

I CAN'T WAIT!! LOL

Anyway, i must be off, back to work. Ive got some photos to upload as well, so ill get that done tonight or tomorrow or something. Hope everyone's well!! OXOX

A Dorset Day Trip...including Stonehenge!

Well i had the best day in Dorset so far. Today was my first day off after 8 days of work in a row, so i made the most of it and took off in one of the cars with Kirsty (seen in the photos on Flickr) who also had the day off.

Since learning that Stonehenge was kind of near by here, i was like, i HAVE to go. So we have just spent all day basically cruising around the stunning Dorset countryside, visiting castles etc (including the one they used for the Kevin Costner Robin Hood movie!), and of course we drove out to see Stonehenge!

It was absorlutely amazing. The stones weren't as big and spread out as what i thought they might have been, but they were still surely awesome to say the least. It was really cool cos they have little mobile phone style speaker thingies that you hold up to your ear as you go around and it narrates the history and myths of the stones at 7 different points around the area. Of course you're not allowed to touch them, there is fencing all around it that you can't pass, but you do get close enough.

I did take a far few photos, but im just going to chuck a few on cos it takes like 30 mins for this computer to upload about 6 photos! Anyway, so after we did our day trip, we finished up at the local gym, which was ggggreat. Obviously i haven't been to a proper gym in almost 4 months (GASP!), but i felt fantastic, no different to what i did back home. I have been trying pretty hard to stay fit and healthy though, running 4-5 times almost every week when i could, so its definitely paid off.

Tomorrow me and Kirsty will hit the gym again, then i have to work lunch, then there is a festival at a local gardens/nature park thingy about 2k from Farnham which sounds as if it going to be pretty cool. There is supposed to be bands and stalls and all sorts of things. Supposedly its a bit exxy to get in, but the owner of the Museum, Vicky, buys the girls tickets every year apparently, so we get in free! So us girls, Kirsty, Sian and Bryony are going to pack a lunch and head there after lunch service here tomorrow, should be an awesome afternoon i think.

Im also starting to get a better idea of what i want to do after leaving here. I really like working here, but im getting itchy feet already, i want to keep traveling so badly! Bryony just got back from a week in the Scottish Highlands and said she had the most amazing time of her life and she's going back ASAP. I was just looking at the photos she took also and they look incredible. So when i finish here, i was thinking of doing a week there, then getting a Eurail ticket, which gives you pretty much unlimited train access in 18 countries of Europe (not including Britian...how shite) for a certain time period (depending on the ticket you purchase).

Bryony also did this before coming to work here and said it was one of the best things she's ever done. So yeah, ive calculated that i should have a fair enough amount of money to be about to buy one of these tickets for 2 months (about 720 Euro or AU$1,100) which isn't too bad considering. I will still of course have to pay accommodation etc, but at least ill be free to just go where ever i want, when ever i want to, in most countries id like to visit. So i was looking to do that during September, October i imgine, and even into November, after ive got enough money from working here.

Also Ty was planning on doing the Camino de Santiago in Spain, which i might just join him for part of it i think, so thats at the end of September as well. Im getting all excited just thinking about it all!! Theres so much to do and so little time and money to do it! Plus i don't want to leave it all too late cos its going to start getting mighty cold. The weather today was the most amazing ive seen since ive been here, and for some reason i can't imagine thats its going to last too long!

OH!! And its my birthday in 2 weeks tomorrow, YEY! LOL 23, Im getting old :-D

I was thinking of just trying to arrange the other girls to get the night off (there are a few random other local girls who work here too, so they might cover us...cross fingers) and just having a nice night here having dinner at the pub, i think that would be awesome. So yeah, i have that to look forward to as well! I am working alot, but im still trying to make sure i keep my eye on the goal, to keep traveling. I don't want to get bogged down. It would be lovely to continue to stay here, but theres so much more to see, i can't wait to get started!

Well do check out my photos of Stonehenge etc, they're pretty cool. Theres only a few there anyway. More updates soon guys! OX

Well here in Dorset the weather has been slowly improving, after about 3 solid weeks of rain! Ive just been working almost every day. Its been good though, no complaints at all. Saturday was a gorgeous day, so we made the most of the sunshine and went out to a little fair that was happening on the roads here in Farnham. It was so typically English and fun, drinking pimms in the sunshine.

Id love to add more photos but its going to have to wait because ill be here for an hours cos the computer here is so slow. This is the only one i could be bothered putting up for the moment. As you can see it was a gorgeous day and i just hope it continues!

Nothing much else to report, im doing really well, even going to join a local gym nearby for a while i think, save running on the roads the whole time. Hope everyones well!! OX

Back in the stunning English countryside!

Well...I couldn't stay away, the English countryside is amazing...the green rolling hills, sweet smelling flowers, vibrant colours, cute little cottages with thatched rooves, friendly locals...its just like the story books.

As i said in my last blog, im down in Dorset now on the South coast. My sense of where i am at the moment is so minimal. All is know is that the closet bigger town is Blandford Forum, but im in Farnham, which is the tiniest, cutest little town you could imagine. The Museum Pub where im working is the only one in town and i think we get alot of locals etc, but apparently most people come from miles and miles around, even London, to eat here because its so good. Well its looking pretty good so far, don't know when ill get to try some things though. Everyone is incredibly rich here as well, the houses are spastically nice but they seem friendly enough so far. Madonna has a big farm just a few K away as well, and apparently she drops by for a drink sometimes! That should be exciting LOL

The job seems fairly simple, but i think its going to be manic on the weekends. Theres plenty of staff though so i think it should be fine. Its the perfect situation, all the waitresses live in this 5 bedroom house just behind the pub, 3 are from OZ, one NZ, one English and one South African at the moment, though the NZ and one of the Aussie chicks are leaving on the weekend. They all seems really nice and happy, which is the main thing, as a few some of the have been working here for a while and they quite like it.

So im working 10 shifts a week, but they are like 3-4 hours breakfast and lunch each, and dinner is a bit longer, maybe 5 hours. AND THIS IS NOTHING! LOL Im sooo used to working crazy, hard hours, then having to travel at least an hour home. So this is pure luxury, its going to take a while to sink in. The whole set up is really sweet, feels like its too good to be true actually. Im waiting for some catch where we are all like slaves for the day or something, but everything is so relaxed, as long as you just get things done and everything is sweet.

So apart from work, the place is pretty isolated, but there are quite a few things within driving distance. Theres the coast line which is like 30mins away i think, that supposed to be stunning, then theres all sorts of things like a random safari/zoo nearby that has a TV show done on it which is on every morning apparently. The girls were up drinking last night, and i went to bed early because ive just done breaky, but they just randomly took off to Stone Henge, which is only like 30mins away too. There was some festival at night and people were going nuts and dancing on and around the stones, which you usually can't do. Thats a must see thing for me i think, i wish i could have gone.

I haven't taken any pictures yet, so i haven't nothing to show you of my own except for these random photos off the net.

http://www.imagesofdorset.org.uk/Dorset/025/intro.htm

This next link is just one for Dorset, i think it mentions Farnham very briefly.

http://www.thedorsetpage.com/Dorset_Home.htm

Well ill stop blabbering on then, im using the computer they have here for staff to use, and its like those ones you had back in the early '90s, and PAINFULLY slow dail up internet connection. Oh and i must find out the phone number of the house im staying in, cos it has a landline phone there which is handy. Ill find that out and put up a short blog soon. Theres very little to no mobile phone service here too, so i appologise in advance if anyone calls or messages and i don't get back for ages.

So i can't really think of much else to say, but hopefully ill have some exciting adventures to report on while im here. At this stage i want to be here for the summer, until September and just save money for more traveling later on.

OH!! Also, i must mention that im a terrible person because its been my little brothers birthday and my Great Aunties birthday on the 15th June and i haven't rung them or anything. So if people who talk to them are reading this, PLEASE pass on my Happy Birthday wishes and love and hugs and kisses and everything, and when i get a phone card i can make a quick call to them both. I really hope the two of them had a great day and that they had everyone around and got some good pressies as well =)

Well i hope everyone else is well and people who are in Maitland and Newcastle are coping ok with the flooding. My golly that place is going to stink afterwards, and no doubt there will be alot of cleaning up to do. My thoughts are with you guys. Take care everyone! oxoxox

Off to work i go!

Well im having one last lovely weekend in Portsmouth with Georgina, who i know from the first Vaughan Town that we attended way back in April. I arrived here on Thursday night by train and we have just been hanging out, shopping etc etc. The weather has been fairly crappy, so its been limiting to the things we can do.

Portsmouth has alot of history, with the naval base and the ships that are in port here that have been in Iraq etc. There are also masses and masses of private sailing, power boats and other various nortical vessels everywhere you look. There are also a whole lots of ship museums and alike to visit, though we got slightly distracted by shopping today and didn't quite make it to anything. I definitely needed to go shopping though, had to pick up some clothes for work! Ive also come to the realisation that i haven't been nearly as healthy as i could be, so ive gone and bought some really healthy foods, teas, specific minerals that i know ive been lacking. So im sure ill be feeling alot better for it really soon.

So yes, i have arranged some work in Dorset for the next couple of months, if all goes well, as i really hope it does. Its a live in position, with accommodation right near the pub ill be working in. It costs nothing to stay there and there won't be any bills to pay or anything like that, ill just be saving a heaps of money i really do hope. The following link will take you to the website...

http://www.museuminn.co.uk/

And this one will show you on the map exactly where it is in England...

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wl&q=

Its just a pub, but its supposed to be one of the nicest, trendiest and best foodest pub in England, which is pretty cool. I'll be living with some other girls who also work there, and we rotate shifts so that i work 5 days on and have 2 days off together. Apparently there are 2 cars that the staff can use on thier days off, which should be handy. Also, Its REALLY close to Portsmouth and not too far away from Brighton, so hopefully ill find some time to visit George and Ty, or they can come and visit me!

It's supposed to be a nice area, in the country etc but also not too far away from the coast. So id say ill be working fairly hard, and thats the point really. I just want to put my head down, bum up for a while and earn some money to keep traveling. Ty's off to another Vaughan Town next week, lucky bugger, im sure he's going to have an absorlute blast once again. I'll be thinking of him while im working away waiting tables, but at least ill be earning some money!

Well, i must be off, ive been sitting here for an hour while George has been slaving away making us an amzing dinner and now i must go and enjoy it! LOL i'm being far too spoiled!

Hope all is well with everyone! oxoxox

New pics from the cave!

Just a quick note to say im putting up some new photos of the cave i visited in Burgos, Spain...they are AWESOME. Thanks Barbo! Do check them out :-D

Just chillin' by the seaside in Brighton

Well, here i am again, back in Brighton, just hangin out with Ty and watching my money
dissipate at a frightening rate. Ive now spent over half of the original money i left home with, and therefore realise that i MUST work, instead of just working for something constructive to do. Yesturday we made some awesome chicken sandwiches and went to eat them in the park where there were some people playing cricket. I took full advantage of what little sun there was and tried in vain to sustain my tan, while i believe Ty has given up all hope! LOL Apart from being attacked by tiny spiders that were appearing EVERYWHERE from NOWHERE, we had an awesome day just chillin together cos he had the whole day off work.

So at this stage i have numeral possibilities available to me, of which i am seriously considering going into carers work. This of course will be a huge committment of myself and particularly time, as the organisation i have recently spoken with has a contract of no less than 6 months. They provide full training, then send you off on assignments throughout England for 3 weeks at a time, then you have 1 week off (in which time i would try to arrange time in Europe somewhere, e.g. Paris, Rome, Venice, etc!), then 3 weeks on again somewhere else. It pays really well, but i understand that it would not be an easy job by any means.

So there is that, and then i am keeping a close eye on Gumtree.com which has a whole host of jobs available, including anything and everything in hopitality throughout the UK as well as heaps of other random stuff. Another thing im considering are the organisations here that run "residential activity holidays and educational courses for children", where you basically hang out with kids and guide them through summer programs of various activities and stuff, which sounds interesting. Apart from that i found an AMAZING looking job in Greece (http://www.peligoni.com/) working in a restaurant or something. Ive emailed them, but im not sure about the visa thing and if its legal for me to work there, as i only have a 2 year working holiday visa for the UK. So im trying not to get too excited about that one just yet, although looking at the website, its hard not to!

So its just kicking over into summer and there are all of these jobs available, so im taking my time to mull over what is the best. I think i am being too fussy at the moment, but i don't want to just rush into something and find that its not what i wanted to do and it doesn't pay as well as something else i could have done, and id be stuck there for at least a few months. Its kind of a long process, and i have a few options available to me at the moment which im considering, but yeah, im just taking it a little slow and enjoying my time here.

Also, its Ty's 25th birthday on Tuesday, YAY!! I think i timed it pretty well to hang with him for his bday, which is awesome. We'll probably just do lunch or something, because i think he has to work that night. Then on Wednesday or Thursday it looks like im heading to Portsmouth, which is about an hour West of here, still on the coast. I'll be staying with George, an awesome chicky babe i met on the first Vaughan Town and we got on really well. So im pretty excited about going to visit her, though i must try to keep concentrating on arrange some work!

So yeah, not much else to say, but ill update again when i know my next movements. Hopefully ill have an amazing job to report about where im being whisked away to an amazing island in the Med to work minimal hours and be paid a fortune! HUH! :-D In my dreams. Well i hope everyone is well, and im sure you'll all here from me again very soon! Take care oxoxox

SLIGHT change of plans...

Well, theres been a slight change of plans in that....im not in Portugal...im still in Madrid...AND i have a plane ticket back to the UK for tomorrow morning!! How exactly did this occur i hear you ask? Well, im not really sure...miscommunication with the lady in Portugal mainly. Not that im really worried actually because now im feeling content with the idea of heading back to the UK and settling down for a little while. Im liking the idea of chillin out with Ty for a little in Brighton again, then catching up with some people around London before finding myself a decent job that actually pays alright. A have a couple of ideas about what i want to do, but ill update you all more when i know more.

So...for the last few days ive been hanging out with various people from the hostel where i have been staying on and off for the last 6-7 weeks. Namely Cecil on Saturday from the US, and we just walked around Madrid then wentand had dinner with a bunch of people on Saturday night. Sunday i hung out with Tommy from Vancouver (see photos) in Segovia (about one hour north/west of Madrid) which was great fun. Then today we headed out of the city again, this time to Toledo in the South, known for its roman and medievil buildings and cathedrals etc, as well of the sworms of tourists they attract. We had an awesome couple of days, and its always better experiencing a place with someone else.

So yeah, ive thrown a heaps of photos from Segovia and Toledo because they are both gorgeous cities with heaps of nice places and stuff (this is a technical term of course). It was great to get these places in because ive heard so much about both of them after being here for a while, and they both about an hour from Madrid, easy day trips. Anyway, so i guess its going to be weird to go back to the UK, where people drive on the normal side of the road. Will be totally awesome to hang with Ty again and see some other people. Also, working in the UK will definitely earn me more money than working in Portugal.

Ive also got a couple of links to some more photos from Vaughan Town last week, please ignore the drunken ones of me....i was only acting drunk of course ;-) *shining halo*

http://picasaweb.google.com/jadelhierro/Gredos?authkey=JxcO-FbgC2c

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1&Uc=18sf2a2d.6m9h3h2d&Uy=-ggdov5&Ux=1

Id like to extend my birthday wishes to mum...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MA!!! LOVE YOU LOTS AND WISH I WAS THERE!! HAVEAGREATDAY :-D

Apart from that i hope everyones well and enjoying the onset of winter (suckers!.....just kidding!!). Though i must say my tan is getting more impressive by the day! LOL Ill have further updates in the UK, stay tuned! oxoxoxoxox

Photos of Vaughan Town 20th-25th May

Hey all,
Ive just got a link to some photos Dade took of last weeks Vaughan Town, you can see how much fun we all had!

http://picasaweb.google.com/dadefreeman/VaughanTownGredosProgram33

I was stoked because one of the Spanards, Belinda, who i clicked with really well lent me a dress to wear for the last night at the party. It was so cool to dress up and be a bit girly for a change. She also works for a makeup company and we had some time together before the party just getting dressed and she did all my makeup...i felt pampered!

I have some of my own photos but im currently in an internet place that doesn´t have a USB connection thingy (well done Cassy), so i might just do it later on i think. Had a MAD time last night, just drinking in Madrid and wondering around at all hours with peoples from last week, as well as ´random guy´that we picked up on the metro, who turned out to be an English dude who has been travelling for ages and was incredibly funny and entertaining.

So yeah, just hanging out today with some peoples from last week again and then i´ll be onto the tapas party tonight at 7pm to meet the anglos/english speaking people for next weeks Vaughan Town. Not much else to report, just looking forward to round 3! Hope yáll well =D

Dos down, uno to go...

Well ive basically just arrived back in Madrid from my second week at Gredos doing the Vaughan Town program. Once again i had the most amazing time. It never ceases to amaze me, the people you meet and the bonds that are made.

I´ll get some photos up asap, though i didn´t really even get the camera out this week. I did the final party night, only enough time to gather incremidating evidence as such hehe. Rob and Dade did the Master of Ceremonies again this time, they are an inspiration. They put so much of thier love, time and energy into this program every week to make sure everyone is having a good time. And 99.9% of the time everyone does. Everyone goes away changed in one way or another from this short time together, and so many memories are created, its unbelievable.

Im really really enjoying talking to people and helping the Spanish participants with thier English. I don´t think ive ever really done anything that i enjoy so much. Im even starting to think that id like to teaching of one form or another when i get back to OZ. I could certainly see myself doing this with my life. Learning and sharing knowledge i think is so valuable, and to be in a position to help people where your help is changing lives is incredible to me. Its fantastic to be able to meet people and learn about a countries culture as well as help them master the English language and travel at the same time. I was talking to some people from the program today and we all agreed that sometimes travelling can seem pointless and fulfilling. Though having the opportunity to be involved with Vaughan Town really feels like its time well spent, which benefits everyone in a myriad or ways, some that i don´t think we can even fully understand.

Anyway, i wish i could rattle on more but i actually need to head off because we are all meeting for drinks here in Madrid in about 5 minutes. I might actually update this tomorrow before i head off on my third week of Vaughan Town on Sunday morning, hopefully ill get some time. I hope all is well back home, thinking of you all! oxoxoxoxoxoxox

Got a tan...now its time to head back to Madrid!

Hey all,
Just thought id give a quick update to let everyone know my tracks for the next couple months as it appears at the moment. Im heading back to Madrid in the morning to be there nice and early (and do some much needed washing) to organise myself for Vaughan Town on Sunday. So im off to Vaughan Town for two weeks in a row. Im really excited to be going back and im sure ill have some new and awesome experiences...again! Though i know its emotionally and mentally draining and i hope i can handle two more weeks of it! A couple of people from the last Vaughan Town are going to be there again for the two weeks, so that should be a riot. Although its not going to be the same without my big bro by my side, i think it will certainly be a different experience.
So ill get back to Madrid on 1st June, then i get to get my bum down to the south coast of Portugal as ive lined myself up a job so it seems. I don´t want to have to work again, but looking at the website and speaking to the lady on the phone who runs the place, it seems like a pretty cool place to work. She also said that she has other Aussies and Kiwis working for her because she knows they work well, so ill have some people to talk to and hang out with, which makes it alot more attractive. I have to try not to think of it as work, but just another experience and opportunity to meet new people etc. It is a live in position, so i don´t have to pay for anything except some food i believe, but im not really clear on all that just yet. I doubt ill get any more clear on it and just head down there and hope for the best. I get the impression that its alot like my position at Foxhill, except more laid back, which i really hope for. Its not as much money as Foxhill, but as long as im enjoying myself and money is coming in for a change, ill be a happy girl.

So i have a link to their website, it looks pretty nice http://www.qpahorseriding.com/

Not much more to say i guess. Just that ive been enjoying myself here in Gijon, having the boat to myself. Ive forgotten how nice it is to have your own space to just do whatever you like, leave things laying around, cooking dinner on the gas stove, WATCHING TV!! LOL It almost feels normal...YUK! LOL Ive also been working on my tan laying on the front of the boat, listening to music, reading heaps, swimming at the beach, had the most gorgeous weather yesturday. I absorlutely LOVE the Spanish laid back way of life, they are so cool, just do what they please, i enjoy just watching them sometimes.
Anyway, must be off, got more things to organise. Im sure next time i update ill have heaps of new things to say about next weeks Vaughan Town, can´t wait! Take care everyone! oxoxox

Still in Gijon! *sigh*...But have boat to myself *yey!*

Well, im still in Gijon as Keith had to head back to the UK and sort some stuff out, and im staying here on the boat by myself! lol Saves alot on accommodation and its pretty cool living on a boat alone for a few days, just chillin out!
We arrived here on Sunday and i was wondering why i was still feeling awefully ill on Monday and Tuesday...well turns out diesel had leaked from the engine (because we had to flog it like never before to get into port because of the wind we were `sailing´into), which is under my bed in my cabin and the fumes were intoxicating and making me going slightly spaz. So we got all that cleaned up yesturday and (surprisingly) im feeling ALOT better now! So i haven´t really got anything to do while im here except watch some of Keith´s (mostly poor) dvds, attempt to renew my license that expires in a few days, go for a run along the coast (i went for 2 hours on Monday, was sooo good, absorlutely gorgeous) and eat Spanish food.
Speaking of Spanish food, up north along the coast they have this really cool Spanish tradition with apple cider (about 6% alcohol!) and the way they serve it. Its flat while in the bottle, but they pour a little into the glass from high above so it fuzzes slightly, then you drink that quickly before its flattens out again (traditon is `little and often´). Its really cool watching the pro´s do it (waiters and barmen), as me and Keith had a go at it last night and managed to get more on the table then in our glasses! lol (see photos).
So that was fun, but now im by myself id feel embarressed ordering a bottle to myself and sitting in a restaurant, though i may be tempted to do it anyway because its quite nice!
I probably won´t update my blog before i go as i doubt there will be anything interesting to report. I just hope to don´t do something stupid and break something on the boat or do something so the water and electricity doesn´t work lol I´ll be heading off for Madrid on Saturday morning and Keith will get back to Gijon Saturday night to keep on sailing along the coast with someone else to help him, so i have to make sure everything is fine when he gets back. I almost destroyed the place last night when i was drunkingly trying to make soup on the gas cooker (bad idea...though i didn´t think so at the time). So i must restrain myself i do think.
Well i hope everyones well and everything, watch this space for future updates! ;-D

Half way there...

Well, we have made it to Gijon, about half way from Bilbao to La Coruna (where we are headed). Its been an interesting journey so far, and i can definitely admit that im not really the sea-fairing type! The whole coastline that we are 'sailing' is known as the Bay of Biscay, which is nortious for shite weather and sailing conditions, and its certainly living up to that. Up until yesturday there was not a spot of wind and we plodded along with the engine running for two days because otherwise we would have been going just about nowhere. So yesturday we headed off from Ribadesella expecting to have to do the same, when 20 mins into it i was laying on the front of the deck about to go to sleep when suddenly a huge gail came out of no where and i was almost blown away! So for the next 6 hours we absorlutely battled our way into the port of Gijon in like 60 knott winds (massive) with waves crashing over the boat every which way and me having to navigate the boat in because Keith was steering and couldn't see jack because of all the waves! lol it wasn't funny at the time and i was thankfull we made it in at all. Keith said that it was almost the worst he's been through, especially because the wind was coming straight at us.
Soooo, here we are in Gijon, the weather is still shite, and it actually looks like we are going to be here for a while, and may not even make it to La Coruna by Friday. I need to be there by then to get back to Madrid (10 hour bus trip) by Saturday because im now booked in to do another two weeks of Vaughan Town (Yey!). So we may not even try to get there at all and just stay here. Im not really sure whats going to happen, as long as im back in Madrid by Saturday i don't mind if we continue on or stay here. It seems like a nice enough town. We went out for dinner last night to this really tradition kind of local pub/restaurant and at the most AMAZING local fresh seafood, never had prawns, calamarie or sardines like that ever, and doubt i would again outside of Spain. I was sooo nice, and cheap as well.
So its been an interesting four days. I can say that ive NEVER slept like this in all my life. I can't beleive the effect its all having on me, i swear im sleeping about 15-16 hours a day. When it was calm on last Friday and Saturday, i just positioned myself on the front of the boat to sunbake and just fell asleep basically the whole time, i couldn't stay awake! Also because there was no wind, the boat was exceptionally rolly poley, which means ive basically been feeling ill for the last four days as well. It comes in waves but most of the time i feel light headed and completely lazy, can't be bothered doing anything but read and sleep. Although today, when/if it stops raining, ive resigned myself to get my ass off the boat and go for a nice long stroll, i think theres a gorgeous beach about 10mins walk away.
I think ive blabbered on enough, but i thought there might be a few people who wanted to know everything that is going on (e.g. mum :-). But don't worry, apparently theres pretty much no way the boat can roll over, its apparently a really good yaught (i had to ask!). So at this stage we are just waiting and seeing, but i don't really mind what happens, im kind of enjoying seeing all these amazing little towns on the coast. And i must say that the coastline is INCREDIBLE, totally gorgeous and amazing, i can't capture it with my camera, and often i feel too sick while sailing to bother going under deck to grab my camera, so ive just put up a whole host of random ones from a couple of the ports we've been in, Ribadesella being the most stunning of them all.
OK, im going to shut up now. Hope everyones well, ill give another update when i know more about what im doing next!
oxoxoxoxoxox

Oh damn!..Time to sail the north coast of Spain *sigh* LOL

Well, its my last night in Pamplona with Rob, he´s going back to Madrid and im heading to Bilbao on the north coast of Spain to meet up with Keith and he´s boat to go sailing across the top of Spain to the far west side, and depending on my schedule, down the coast and around Portugal. Sounds pretty sweet hey? I thought so too :-) Though the thought of being stuck on a boat all that time (between 1-2 weeks, not sure yet) is a little bit of a worry, but hopefully well worth it!
So ill be on the boat for a while and im really not sure what its going to be like in regards to internet access, so it could be a while before i can make any updates to my blog or email anyone. After the boat however i will either head straight back to the UK and find myself a job and start to try and get back ALOT of money i have spent here in Spain - OR - i may stay on longer and do some more time with Vaughan Town, depending if i can get in the weeks that i want to. I´d really love to have an excuse to stay in Spain longer, especially doing Vaughan Town because its so much fun and it doesn´t cost any money!
So yeah, as usual i don´t know a whole lot about what im doing but i have a fairly good idea at the moment, mainly to start thinking about finding some work, either in Spain or the UK, at least for 1-2 months, then think about more of Europe.
Thanks to those people who have emailed my thier numbers, i really appreciate it. In a way it has been good because its been an excuse to email everyone, and its soooo good to hear from people and what everyone is up to. Its just a shame that it took loosing my phone though! lol
Well i guess theres nothing more to say, but i hope everyones well and taking care of themselves. I will try to get some photos up of the boat etc as soon as i can, im sure to have to great ones for you all!
Adios (for now)! oxoxoxox

New phone number...again!

Well, i arrived back from San Sebastian to Madrid only to have my phone stolen hours later. It was my rather expensive Sony Ericsson K800i that ive been taking all my photos with, storing songs and data etc etc etc. Anyway, so after about a day of devastation and disbelief, i got myself together and bought a new phone. So yeah, i have the phone but no contacts and only the photos ive loaded onto flickr. What can you do, im pretty cool about it now though, life goes on.
Anyway, so ive headed north again, now in Pamplona with Rob (one of the dudes from Vaughan Town) who looked after me/put up with me while i had a break down in Madrid. For those who don´t know, Pamplona is where they do the ´Ferminas´ or The Running of the Bulls. Its not for a couple of months but its a gorgeous, awesome place just to hang out, so much history. I´ll have some piccies up soon enough.
Anyway, ive got to get going. Anyone reading this please note that my phone number while im travelling is now...

0044777 059 1291

Until i get credit, no one can call me but you can message me no troubles. So everyone PLEASE email me you phone numbers because along with my phone i lost all my contacts etc. Hope to hear from you all soon!! xoxoxoxo

Back in Madrid

Well, im back in Madrid again. As you can probably see from my photos i made my way up to San Sebastian, which a totally amazing and beautiful seaside town. I did enjoy my time there, however, it is in Basque country, which means people tend to speak Basque, which i know zero of compared to my next to zero knowledge of Spanish.
Anyway, it seems that English speaking people in San Sebastian are scarce, even when your staying in an Aussie backpackers lol So it was a totally gorgeous place, but it was pretty lonely and frustrating because i couldnt talk to anyone at all. I also felt like a scraggy backpacker and that everyone was staring at me. All the people there are loaded and walk around town dressed in beautiful clothes while im getting around in clothes that are in need of a good wash lol I especially attracted attention when i was sitting on the amazing beach prominard dunking bread sticks into a jar of jam and woofing it down, you wouldnt believe the stares i was getting!! I just had to laugh at that.
So, to have any hope of maintaining sanity, i spent 6 hours on a bus today to get back to Madrid where some people speak English! I stepped into the backpackers and was talking to a lady, and it sounded strange to be speaking at all, almost forgotten how to talk lol
So where to from here? Your guess is as good as mine. Im meeting up tonight with one of the guys from Vaughan Town and maybe we will end up doing something, otherwise ill get my arse back to England and find some work to make up for what ive spent this last week.
Ive learnt some valuable lessons these last few days though;
1. Dont travel alone in a non English speaking country simply because its too isolating
2. Dont just take off without planning at least a little ahead, you end up spending too much money, and
3. For the rest of Europe im going to get on one of those bus trips that you can get one and off and where accommodation is there for you, most like Busabout or Intreped
Bit of a school week for me it seems. Anyway, nothing more to report, hope alls well with everyone!!! xoxoxoxo :=D

From Madrid to caves in Burgos

Well! I certainly found something to do! lol Thanks to Couchsurfers i came across an awesome guy called Barbo who invited me to stay at his place the last two nights in Burgos, north of Madrid. So not knowing what to expect i left Madrid on Monday night and arrived very late and met up with Barbo who turned out to be endlessly generous and kind, although a little crazy (loco). I say crazy because he loves his adventure sports and i agreed to do anything that he thought would be exciting. So on Tuesday i woke up in Burgos and it was snowing!!! lol It was amazing. But that didn´t stop us heading out of town to a cave where we met some of his friends (who are all expert cavers and mountain climbers), and we got all prepared and heading into a VERY small mouth of a cave for 6hours! It was one of the most challenging and exciting things ive ever done that i´ll never forget. I´ll have some photos up asap, but unfortunately Barbo´s camera was dropped and went for a llllong drop and a swim, so we only have a few photos from in the cave.
So after that exhausting day i stayed at Barbo´s again and today im just looking around Burgos, which is an absorlutely gorgeous town. Tonight i hope to travel to San Sebastian (the north coast of Spain) as i hear its really beautiful. Nothing more to say i guess, other than i better get going so i have enough time to travel tonight and find somewhere to stay! lol
Hope everyones well! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Back to reality...

Hey everyone,
Vaughntowns now over and its very much like coming back into reality, that place is like a world of its own....totally mind blowing. This is the link so some photos that one of the Master of Ceremonies took over the week...

http://picasaweb.google.com/dadefreeman/VaughanTownGredosProgram30

So now im in Madrid, trying to think and plan what to do...i know where i want to go but at the same time id like to do some planning so that im not spending all of my money here in Spain, which could all too easily happen i think. So im just planning on seeing some of the sites today and probably just hang around for a while then i don't really know after that. Hope everyone's well! xoxoxoxo :)

I'm still alive! lol

Hey all
Well im finished now at the farm, only did 3 weeks there altogether and enjoyed it overall. I was really glad to have the experience but ive got heaps more things to see and do. So here im am now in Spain!! I apologise that its been so long between updates but the VaughanTown program that me and Ty and doing is quite full on but we are having a wicked time and really enjoying meeting some real Spanish people and learning about their way of life while helping them to master the English language. I'm getting some good ideas about where else id like to visit in Spain after there program but unfortunetly i haven't had the opportunity to plan anything solid as yet. I'm hoping to find work maybe for a while here and do as much travelling around as possible, particularly the south and north coastlines.
I wish i had more time to email everyone and call everyone individually but i honestly don't have the time. I'm on Ty's laptop right now and some of the keys aren't working which is driving me bonkers so i have to keep this short and sweet. Basically we are in an aaaammmmazzzing hotel in Spanish countryside being treated like royalty and eating so much food its crazy while drinking to much and meeting incredible people....my idea of a holiday, and its basically free!!
Please check out the new photos, they may not all have explanations as yet because it takes more time but you'll surely get a better idea of whats going on.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of my time here and in Spain after the program and when Ty goes back to England. I'll have more updates asap i promise, but its is difficult. I really hope all is well with everyone and ppppplease keep the emails coming even though i might not be able to reply straight away! oxoxoxoxoxox

Just a quick update!

Hi everyone!
This is just a quick message to say im still alive and kicking. I'm working pretty hard at the moment, but still enjoying myself. There is a big 'Hunts Trial' on at the farm this weekend, which is basically just cross country with big wooden jumps set out all over the farm. Its going to be pretty massive, about 400ish competitors, so im looking forward to watching some of that, even though i will be working that day. I've recently realised that there is a website of the farm (http://www.foxhill-farm.com/) which i haven't really had a chance to look at much, but it looks like a cool place on there! lol
Anyway, that should give people more of an idea of where i am and what im up to. Ive taken some more photos and ill be taking some of this weekend, so ill hopefully get them up next week some time. Hope everyone doing great, starting to miss everyone now!! I'll be fine but :-) Love you all. xoxoxo

Where to start!! LOL

Well!!! It's certainly been a while! I think only a week, but i have done a far bit in the this time, i just haven't had access to the internet unfortunately. Well i'll start from where i left off. I think i updated last about 26th March, my third day in London with Ty. The rest of that day we basically did some more site seeing and bought tickets for 'The Big Bus Company', one of those big red buses with the open roof. There are a number of buses in that company that go around and around the city all day, so you can get on and off as you wish. Most of them have live commentary, which was interesting, they were pretty funny and almost informative LOL Worth the money i suppose, but it would have been better if we had more time, due to losing an hour because we only realised on that Monday afternoon that the clocks went forward on Saturday night!! LOL Jet lag is my excuse anyway.... 8-)
That night Ty and me took a coach down to Brighton and got in late, so i was pretty much unconcious straight away. I stayed there 27th and 28th, just hanging out with Ty, seeing where he worked, shopping, doing laundry, meeting some of his friends, going for a run along the Pier etc (there's some cool photos on flickr). It was great, but i was still pretty out of it for these two days, so not a great deal sunk in Hehe. So on Thursday 29th i had to make my way to Banbury, Oxfordshire (about 2 hours North/West of London), as i'd been in contact with a lady with a position on her farm as a groom/farmer worker type person which i thought sounded pretty interesting and i decided i would just do it!
I was going to catch a coach in the afternoon that i had booked the day before, that arrived into Banbury late Thursday night. Lesley (the lady who owns the farm) called that morning and said that i should get there earlier so i can settle in and start work the next day, Friday. So i ended up paying a small fortune (£37 or about $100) to catch the train one way, which is the same price i paid for the coach there and back!! Double the price! ANYWAY, it's all fine and i'm kind of glad i got here a bit earlier to get myself acquainted with the place.
So i've been here almost exactly 6 days now, and it's been interesting. Basically my day involves getting up at 6:30am to start at 7:30am, heading out into the stables where they keep their own horses and a number of other people's horses who they charge to have them looked after (about 15-20 as they come and go sometimes). There's a head girl called Kate who is really nice and this other Romanian guy called Nicholas who can't really speak much English but is nice as well. So all day the three of us basically feed horses, muck out stables, take them out into the paddocks and bring them back, ride a little bit, groom the horses etc etc It's hard work, but i'm getting used to it. I'm lucky i'm pretty fit, otherwise i think i'd be struggling!!
I often also go into the family house as well and do some housework, which isn't too bad, and at least it's out of the cold! The Weather isn't too bad here though, not as cold as i thought it might be, and we actually had a couple of sunny days which was nice. The owners of the farm (which is called Foxhill Farm) are Lesley and Keith Smith who are really really nice and are treating me pretty well. They are very busy running the farm, and they have heaps of other committments other than the farm as well, so they are often running around to and fro, but are always very friendly and thoughtful which is great.
Anyway, so it's all good here, for the next couple of weeks (until 20th April, then i'm heading back to Brighton on that Friday, then Ty and me will be heading to Spain on Saturday 21st for Vaughntown, YEY!!!) I can't wait for that, but in the mean time i'm perfectly happy here, earning a little bit of money, instead of spending it which is a good idea.
Do check out the new photos and read the comments i've added to them as well because they explain the photos alot more. On my day off yesturday i headed out to the Cotswolds, which is a famous old English region known for its picturesque landscapes and gorgeous little towns, which was awesome and i've put up some photos of that as well as of Foxhill Farm where i'm staying.
Well i've got to dash off because Kate needs a hand in the stables. It's my afternoon off and Lesley was supposed to be helping her this afternoon, but she's had to dash off once again, but it's all fine because i don't have much else to do! Keith has let me use his computer to do all of this today, which has been great, so hopefully i'll be able to use it again when i want if he's not using it, probably in a few days or something.
Hope all is well with everyone, keep the comments coming on the right >>>>>
I love to hear from everyone, please!!! 8-) Take care xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo