#21 - Wednesday 25/7 at Druids Resort (south of Dublin)

This morning I thought - "bugger it, I'm staying here today". That off course means no Guinness factory tour, but I don't care. I had a very very relaxing day and even got a bit of work done. Breaky was probably the first I've had that didn't leave me feeling any sense of regret for eating it since I've been on tour! It was just perfect (or maybe I finally got the portion size correct!). My golf lesson and massage were planned and I thought I'd do some exploring as well. Dinner at the ritzy restaurant is also locked in. Aaahhhh... Just nice! So I thought I'd go for a wander around, try to find the driving range and I ended up walking around the entire estate - too far really but that's what happens I guess. It was very scenic. Very peaceful. A few birds flying around, but no other wildlife besides a massively fat bubble bee. Never seen one like it! I was quite nervous about the massage I booked in for, but I was talked through it by an expert - she started off with the oil  (almost burnies hot, I might add) and then slammed into some deep tissue manevours that caused a certain level of uncomfortablness... Is this actually supposed to make me feel relaxed?! She seemed to calm down, albeit she was persistent in getting out those last muscle knots, and then started on my legs. OMG - highly recommended. Feels great! After I had endured my massage (!) I decided to settle into a but of work - just setting the scene for when I go back on Monday. I know - it's kind of the wrong way around! Before long - time to get the clubs out for a golf lesson. How good is it to try something new. After the lesson I felt super great and ultra positive to give it crack more often than I have done in the past. However, I am missing out on one classic story - I should have seen it coming a mile away... I walked out of the reception after being prompted in the general direction of the driving range. Looking up I see a guy carrying three clubs, and instantly thought, that must be Patrick, ex-PGA pro, who's taking me for my lesson. He was carryingt here clubs, which made sense as I asked to borrow some, not having my own. It all fitted nicely, so I tried to catch up. I did feel some resistance whilst looking at him - for an ex-PGA golfer he had really let himself go! I still brisk walked to catch up and see anyway. Once we were walking side-by-side-ish, I say "Hi. Patrick?" (insert Irish accent now): "Oh hello there, how are ya?" Whew, I thought - it was him, "Yeah, good, you?" "Oh I'm alright, just going down to have a few swings". Well that's good, I thought, 'cause I've booked you for half an hour and if there were no swings involved, I might want my money back, ya goose! I kind of followed him and he didn't say too much, which scared me. Looking back on it, it would have scared me too. He looked at the shed with the padlock on it and asked "Do you know how we can open this?" Again, alarm bells were sounding... We walked on to the driving range where some nice chap was helping another bloke with his golf swing. "Great!" I thought, another guy helping my Patrick out! Uh-oh. That guy who was helping waved and shouted "Heath, is it? I'll be right wit ya!" oh no. I had the wrong guy. When they real Patrick came over and shook my hand, he helped fake Patrick with opening the shed. I prayed - don't say anything fake Patrick... "This guy thought I was you! He followed me down the hill think I was gonna help him with his golf game." Bugger. I had to laugh - "Sorry mate, I thought you were the pro!" "err... No, no, no. I'm no pro my friend!" we had a laugh and I got down to business of 'Adam-Scott-ifying' my golf swing. Real Patrick asked me to practice a few shots - they went everywhere. Filled with embarrassment I slowed down my swings. When he came over he said... "Ok swing through a few and let's see how we go." next three swings - perfect. What the hell? He reckons it was cause I relaxed etc. etc. but I still felt like a bit of a tool... Anyway, after the lesson I had quite a good understanding of what to do and look forward to playing a few holes with a little. Ore consistency in future! Right now I'm having pre-dinner drinks before ordering whatever the hell I want from the menu in the 5star restaurant. Nice! Glad I've done it this way - the trip is coming to an end in a very classy way! I am really keen to get back home, and know it will take about 35hrs of flying or waiting in airports, but that's what it takes. Just hoping I get through customs etc... Bit scared about that...

#20 - Tuesday 24/7 - Final stop Dublin

I woke and had breaky, which was very uneventful... Again. Which is probably good I spose! A quick pack up and check out, and I was on my way - 3 hours to Dublin town. The last stop on my trip! Before I left, I decided to cruise into Galway city, to check it out. Again, it was very much like freo - heaps of people and confusing road layout for a visitor. I found the Post Office, by accident (a trait of my trip!) and posted some stuff that I knew would send my over the baggage allowance. It was only 4.5kgs which I thought would be more, but at least it's gone now and I can get it later! It cost €60 to post, but it would have cost more than that if I got to the airport and they charged me for it. Least it's done now! Seamus asked if I wants to go through Toll roads. I said no. So he directed me on the parts of the motorway that were toll free and then through some country towns to avoid the tolls good man. A nice way to see the countryside too. One thing I couldn't get eas Irish use of hazard lights.i rarely see them in Australia, but this is prob the correct way to use them - a car stopped suddenly waiting for a car turning right, so he put his hazard lights on. Good idea in theory, however if I had to find my hazard lights quickly,I would most certainly cause an accident anyway! I think I have finally mastered the indicator knob being on the other side of the steering wheel too... Just in time to get back to my SS with it on the other side... I'm certain I have caused much laughter and amusement for locals as I travel round a roundabout, suddenly having my windscreen wipers waving at waiting cars! Lunch was good too - another freshly made sandwich - cant underestimate the simplicity of a chicken and salad on fresh white bread. And tin foil as well - seems to be an Irish thing. I like it. I arrive at Druids at it is simply stunning. Very much like The Vones in Perth, perhaps with more steroids.  Awesome! I decided to have a few drinks in the bar. Worked my way through Smithwicks (yuck), Budweiser (what's the hype about?) and Heineken (in fairness nothing would taste right after these two). I ordered dinner - Irish loin steak with stuffed tomatoes, hand cut chips (yeah, right) and something something cheek. It was amazing! Especially the something something cheek. I'm not sure whether I should have liked it, but I did! The Irish coffee after dinner went down a treat too! Yummo... And of future reference, they're coffee beans floating in there - not chocolate, not floaties, not anything else. They don't taste incredibly good (although that makes it sounds like I was prepared to eat floaties, which I wasn't). Tomorrow i am taking it easy. I was going to go into dublin, and i probably should since im here, but really i think it will do wonders to just chill out - go for a walk, run, golf lesson, swedish body massage etc. I really need to write up notes from the ADE conference and get a few ideas for work on paper. Might be a good day for that. But for now... I'm off to one of my two double beds - which one to sleep in? Both?

#19 - Monday 23/7 in Galway but Ring of Kerry 10.5hr drive

I woke at 7am and thought another 15-30mins would be ok, however when I next looked at the clock it was 9am... Darn. My plan was to be up at 8am for breaky and a few phone calls then on the road by 9am: 3hrs drive down to Kilarney to start the Ring of Kerry, 12-3pm on that, then back at the hotel by 6pm. Ambitious somewhat... that proved correct. I rang Hertz after getting organised and realised I had booked the return of my Audi to Dublin city, not that airport. Fixed that up and booked it for an extra day as the place I am staying at is 45min south of Dublin. Incidentally I got the 5 star hotel 'Druids' (very Harry Potter) €40 cheaper through the hotel website than the same room on Expedia.com. Glad I worked out that trick four days before the end of my month long trip! I filled up with petrol (not diesel, as the fuel cap instructs...) with the bowser on the right of the vehicle (dont ask) and found out that there is no lever for the fuel hatch - you have to press the cap in for it to be released (much like mine, you'd think it would not be a problem). After realizing my travel MasterCard was still in my jeans pocket from last night, I was relieved to see enough cash in my wallet - I was off! 11:45am. Great. I prob wouldn't be backup till sundown. Even though the sun goes down at around 9:30-10pm. Lunch in Killarney was Yummo - a hot. Hickey sandwich with salad, but I couldn't resist the apple and blueberry muffin on the counter, which is unlike me. It was brilliant! I sat on some moldy/licheny brick wall circa 1650 and consumed by the flowing river on the edge of theKillarney National Park. Incidentally a herd of deer still live there, trapped from the last ice ago or something. I know - who would have though?! On my travels I jagged seeing a few signs for the Ring of Kerry - After research last night I knew you had to go anti-clockwise, but I was guessing the direction from Killarney! One way to find out! By one of the signs was a MASSIVE cathedral -Ireland and England have heaps of these old cathedrals, either beautiful kept or falling apart. This one was the former! Long story short, I travelled the Ring of Kerry the correct way, but the signs seemed to diminish somewhat at the tip of the point and I needed Seamus on my NavMan to help out a little. That leprechaun knows his streets. The Ring of Kerry is unbelievable. I only wish I booked a night half way around as it would have been an awesome setting for a meal or to wake up to. I will have to let the photos and video and panoramas speak for themselves. Words can't describe. The scenery is amazing everywhere you look. From the waterfalls roadside, to the massive mountains surging from relatively flat earth. The tight roads which scare you into belief that you will lose your €1600 deposit on the hire car, and the clouds dancing on the road surface. Wow! Just when you think it's coming to an end as you reach back to Killarney, the lake and rocky mountains make you think again. I'm not one for pulling over etc. (that's why it was good for me to do this in one day) but I had to pull over, and at one stage turned around and went back. The Germans arriving at one of the stopovers were friendly too - not unbelievable as the scenery but somewhat pleasing as they took my photo. Thanks Hans and Fredrina. Glad to see stereotypes still exist in the hire car industry too as the got out of the VolksWagon. Having said that I was booked in for a Nissan Micra originally so not sure what that makes me...! The drive back was boring! Satnav has the speed limit on it which was handy. Occasionally Seamus the voiceover guy didn't know so it was good to have a second opinion! As well as an ETA. Ireland radio drove me to play my iPhone playlist. The Gaelic channel was probably the most interesting thing of all! After arriving back t 9pm exactly, I was straight in the shower and down for dinner - a beautiful Chicken Stir fry. It was also the third night on Bulmers cider (called Magners back home). Makes a pleasant change from using a knife and fork to eat a Guinness! Urgh... So thick and filling. Staff are a bit grumpier than last night/arvo's crew. I assume it's because they expected me earlier...

#18 - Sunday 22/7- from Kilkenny to Galway

You would think that my time in the Hotel Kilkenny could not get any closer to that of a horror movie... But it did. I decided to order room service breaky so left the sign out on the door. 8am came and a knock on the door. I couldn't be bothered and thought they would just leave it outside the door. They knocked again, and thought I better get up and check. No sign of the breaky by the door (they must know the unhygienic state of the carpet - fair point butler), soi left a shoe inside the door to show I was awake when they returned. They didn't. 40mins  later and no breaky, I decided to ring reception. You'd think it would be easy. No dial tone. What the hell is going on.? I removed the side table from the wall and find pencil,dust, and a flossing apparatus... Used. Aaarrrggghhhh... How are these guys in business? The cord, I find out, is unplugged - figures. However the cord doesn't fit in the damn telephone wall socket! Hahahaha! Oh my goodness, I don't even know where to start.... I find out that it does actually fit but it has a little door on it that needs tone lifted up. Right, now to ring room service - can you guess what happens? They do not pick up!why would they? Anyway - reception finally did and they assure me it will be delivered. 5 minutes later it is, and looks great- coffee, great. Food, great. Two lots of toast - nice (not that I will eat it,but nice nevertheless). Ok - where to start? Actually, seriously where to start - there is no damn cutlery!!!! Seriously,where are the cameras? Am I on "Hotels - Worst Nightmares" reality TV show? Eventually another call and I get nt breaky. Done. After breaky I had to leave. Now. Reception didn't ask how my stay was, which was just as well.im normally not a violent person, but I could have gone to town. I think they knew. Grrrr. Bring on Galway. I set off and am happy just to be on the road again. I left at 10:30am and arrived in downtown Galway at 1pm- far too early for check-in, so I dropped my bag and went adventuring. Here are some facts of what I found about Galway: It is super busy; it's very much like Fremantle (port, one way streets, although it had parking which gave it away as a Freo impersonator and not the real deal); if you go down the wrong street, it's very difficult to get back on the right road! I went back to hotel as it was fartoo packed in town, and I couldnt stand any  more shops at this stage of my trip. I watched another Gaelic footy game between Donegal and Down. It finals times (or fourth round) so theres much excitement around. After this game Dublin beat Meath in another Gaelic match. It's a great game - I enjoyed the Bulmers and chicken burger whilst watching. Although I am in the hotel, this is relaxing and what a holiday should be all about! Unfortunately after the Gaelic games, Adam Scott lost the golf. But it is only golf after all, so something to watch but certainly not to get upset about! Unless you're Scotty. Bad luck mate. Moved back upstairs and decided to do a big clean out - I charged ipad, iPhone, laptop, camera while I totally unpacked my bag and sorted it. I tried to do a little bit of washing to get my throu and started with my socks. In he bathroom basin. The damn plugs are different over here, and after the washing cycle of my sock-cleaning effort, I managed to not be able to get the plug up.the was a lever at the back of the tap but it did little. After a quick google I had to call reception. They promptly sent someone up who tried lifting it with his bare hands. Oh my goodness. One thing going through my mind was "I'm glad it's just socks I was washing. It could have been so much worse!" he fixed it and I resumed the 'rinse cycle' after remember cycles of the washing machine. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to replicate the 'spin cycle', but I'm sure it could be skipped with adequate sock freshness under foot. I went downstairs for Dinner, I had planned to venture out but the whether was terrible. Not just raining but windy too. Me and granny and grandpa were the only ones inthe restaurant. I had a salmon and seafood cake, and then trout which had a few bones and not terribly tasty, but filled a gap. I started to plan my adventures of tomorrow - maybe the Ring of Kerry, but it is 3hrs to get down there, 170 odd kilometers to do it, and then 3hrs back again. Mind you, what else would I do???

#17 - Saturday 21/7 - In Kilkenny

After a 3am explosion - remember all the Guinness I drank... urge, not pretty, wheelchair bathroom or not - I woke ready to stab the person in the share room next door for their snoring. Arrrrggghhhh! After getting organised, I decided to just drive. I went this way and that until I saw a sign to Callan, Edmund Rice's home town.Could be cool I thought, so in that direction I went. I walked p and down the main street and it really had a country feel. Even tractors  and down the main street. An Edmund rice statue was also in the main street, as well as a Christian Brothers School plaque near where I parked the car. I said the plaque was the foundation stone of the first ChristianBrothers school, but it didn't really fit inmwith things, so not sure what it was dong! I had the nicest lunch with the freshest bread ever. Yummo! Along with a nice coffee, I set off determined to find a nice spot to eat lunch. I found a moulds concrete block seat by the river in amongst long grass. Perfect. Very Callan! It was very reflective, and the big run of a building (a church, I assumed) gave it a very peaceful, yet eerie feel. After lunch and peaceful contemplation (I know, there surrounds ,use have been good!) I walked over the see a running water well and the building ruin. It was an old friary for the 14 hundreds. Amazing - no buildings like that back home! It had no roof and grass/moss was growing on top of the walls. Stones had gave way and had fallen to the floor which again added to the eeriness of the location. After Callan, I journeyed a bit farther out of town, and (again) jagged seeing a sign to Westcourt, the birthplace of Edmund Rice. I went out there and saw the house I had seen in photos etc. which finished off the Edmund Rice experience, that wasn't really even planned! There was a chapel and museum place/thing and maybe even residences for brothers... I only took a few photos and took off! On my travels back in the Kilkenny direction, I saw a massive Hurling/Gaelic stadium and thought it would be great to see a game. Little did I know I would! On my travels I have seen so many kids roaming the streets with hurling sticks. More than Aussie kids walking with footballs. It's really cool to see them play their national sport wherever they can. I stopped outside St Kierans College and thought I'd wonder in as some cars/people had done. Kids outside the ages had hurling sticks and bags. A game was about to start. They were only hi school kids, which kind of scared me at first that kids could play this dangerous sport, but it all seemed to work out. Whacking the ball with wooden sticks on lush green grass was amazing - very skilled. The ball hardly went out! I was right in line with one shot - a pick up on the run, turn and whack over the bar and through the goal posts. Impressive. Upon my return to hell, I could not face my roomso sat in the bar, had a beer and slurped down some surprisingly good vegetable soup. My stomach thanked me. After blogging, I went back to Satan's lair and turned the Telly on - live Gaelic. Wow! What a sport day! Kenny ended up beating their oppo in a close game. I whacked on some shoes after dozing off during the game, and went back down to the bar (less friendly this time) and then into two to an awesome little Italian/mexican (I can't work out the link either but it seemed to work). The seafood meal was good, but I had to cruise for one more beer t a pub that lured me I with televising the Liverpool game. They didn't, so I left! Back to the hotel and off to sleep - snoring and all. Shut up dude! (During the night I got up and booked a five star hotel in Dublin. I had endured enough).

#16 - Friday 20/7 - From Cork to Kilkenny

Waking up was pretty hard after a 3am finish to the ADE celebrations last night. It really was an awesome conference. I suppose it was bound to be when you get 213 educators from around the world who are all on the same page with technology, and education. Doug the room mate had to leave for his plane so I decided to remind him many times that I could sleep in, which was a fun game to play for 15mins or so. When I eventually did have to get up and pack, it took a little longer than it probably should have and it was also a bit sad. Each time a bus Run would arrive I would look down and see more faces who I left at the party - they were probably boarding the bus with no sleep or one or two hours... Hard core. Unfortunately I picked the wrong time to go down to see if there was a spare seat on the busses. The last one had left 5-10mins before and the next one was to leave in over an hour. I got a taxi, and a chick from Apple UK shared it with me. She slept through her bus call, so was hurrying along the driver. I was talked into an upgrade for my hire car at the Hertz place. Probably a good idea in hindsight given the traveling I would do. An Audi 1... Nice, except my case didn't fit in the boot. Back seat for it! I also picked up a satnav which I'm sure they charged extra extra for (instead of the 'good price' promised). He was most distressed when I declined lowering the insurance rate. No three strikes here buddy! It's covered on my travel insurance pal. Twit. Once I found out how to go forward (long story) I ventured out there out of Cork airport and onto my road - Seamus my Irisih voice over on the SatNav helping me with directions. Unfortunately it took me 3 goes to find the right exit of the round about outside the airport, and of course, at least a km down the road before I could chuck a U-ie... Great. After using my kilometer allowance on the exit from the airport road, I ventured toward Kilkenny. I decided to stop off in Waterford, and jagged seeing a piddle sign directing toward the Edmund Rice Historical Centre and Museum. Wow! I wasn't sure if it would be obvious or if I would see anything, but was happy with the old 'I was in Waterford, where Edmund Rice formed the Christian Brothers'. This was even better. I found the place after a long walk, and although concerned I'd get a parking ticket the centre was excellent. So much detail and history. I am so glad I went. The chapel at the end of the tour was awesome. So much stained glass and beautiful architecture. Unbeknownst to me, Edmund's final resting place is the chapel - a tomb near the altar. Wow! I continued on to Kilkenny, and although i arrived there, wasn't sure I was there for most of the journey from its outskirts to its centre! I passed St Kierans college, a massive, old school on the same street as my hotel, and the venue for where I would later watch my very first hurling game. The hotel hard to find. Once i got to my room, i understood why. If I was charging the public to stay in that rubbish-heap, I wouldn't signpost it either. I was I the 'premier suite' (if you are in a wheelchair). Handrails everywhere in the bathroom, and a very slow closing door. Awesome. It's not a problem etc, but I certainly wasn't expecting spending €100 a night on that. Should have gone to the B &B opposite the road. I went to that pub, literally after dropping my bag, realizing the wheelchair-ness; the fact I right under the lobby (if I hear any more high heel clip-clips from the wedding party, I'll stab someone with them); the fact I was right next to the 'Kids Club' room; the fact that there was no privacy curtain (just black out curtains) on the windows; and another assortment of surprises I would find later on in the stay. The pub was traditional Irish. Seamus was the bar tender (couldn't write that into script eh?!) and the locals were talking English but I could understand a word of it! Hilarious. They were all super friendly and gave me advice about where to get a feed and pubs in town to go to etc. they assured me I would love Galway which perked me up from my hotel room experience! A short walk into town which included having a 5 year old shove a puppy dog at me (with a 'boo') and me scaring him - with my accent no less,as well as seeing teenagers play a versional of Soccer, Gaelic and Chasey in front of moving and parked cars. I walked into a restaurant who weren't keen on serving me, admittedly it was 9:20pm, so I found a restaurant who was. I even got advice from the table closest who said the lamb was good - and it was. yum. I was the only one left in the bar after I finished my meal, so apologized for keeping the bar tender, however he said they were open for another few hours! Had a big chat with him about what to do on my final 5 days in Ireland and where to hear some 'trad music'. I popped into another bar and the bar man struck up a convo about being 6 weeks into taking over the bar. A 60 year had a guitar and a harmonica behind the mike and the 5 of us in the pub were loving it, but as soon is Mick and I finished chatting and I walked out, I heard the guitar playing stop and a 'back to the CDs, Mick' comment! Must be a popular place! I walked on what I was certain was the road home. It wasn't. So I caught a cab. €5. Bargain. Now, to tackle the room with 6/7 guinesses under my belt. It seems better already!

#14 - Saturday 14/7 from Reading to Heathrow to Cork

I awoke after a great night out with Bryan and Karlos. I was very grateful for the lift in the Audi to the bus stop to get the Heathrow bus. It was luxury! Wifi,TV screen showing you a map of where we were, interesting info, approx time to arrival etc. there were even plugs to charge devices whilst on the go!It only took about 30mins from Reading to Heathrow. It all went super smooth until I got to security screening, where the screen operator gave a foul look and set the beeper/red light off while my bag was in there. My worst nightmare! Thank God the guy delivering items after screening was friendly. He took me to the side and asked me to open the bag and take out the iPad and camera etc. which meant they could be scanned properly. All good after that - mental note to take out the laptop. As well as not pack 8.2kg in your hand luggage! I got the scales out at Bryan's place to get it under the20kg limit. Thankfully it got there!

I'm now waiting for my flight to Cork. The gate is somewhere between 77-84, which is kind of in the same area which is lucky, but still not helping my nerves. It's only an our and a half flight, so I should be right. The BLT and Leffe has helped.

...and touchdown. The flight was delayed, yet short, and non-memorable. I grabbed my baggage and headed out to, hopefully, not appear on the Irish version of Border Control or Nothing To Declare or Passport or an equivalent! There were three aisles that all went the same way - not sure about that, but I headed through nervously... And arrived to see two iPad-holding people with signs for the ADE conference. Very Apple. I signed in and was directed to the coach... The holiday is now on hold - work has started!

#13 - Friday 13/7 leaving Plymouth for Reading

I packed my stuff, did another load of washing and then left the Future Inn for the train station. Honestly, that's it. Boring. I hope I get on the right train...

The train ride was good. But boring. Again. Same old countryside, which is very picturesque, but after driving around in it, I kinda need a a bit of a change. Bring on the city - and Ireland.

After arriving at reading station and, eventually, finding the taxi rank. I just wanted to get to Bryan's. The luggage was annoying me! I jumped in a cab and thought I would swing past Majewski stadium, where Reading - newly promoted in the Premier League for this coming season - play their home matches. It was big. Bigger than Plymouth and, unsurprising, 50 times the size of Truro FC! I took a few pictures, realized the pounds were building up on the meter and headed for Bryan's house.

Unfortunately the train was held up and Bryan wasn't going to be home for a while, so I went to the store down the road and picked up a 4pk of Stella cans (yes, just like on Men Behaving Badly) and headed back, where Bryan and Karlos were just about to arrive. Unfortunately my travellers card was working, which I later found out was because the Bpay hadn't gone through yet, and wouldn't you know it - CommBank were doing scheduled maintenance to their system and I couldnt check! Should be right by Monday and I shouldn't need cash until then - after using my Aussie debit card to get a few pounds out to see me through.

After I had finally sorted out why I had no money, we headed out for dinner, first we had a cocktail then headed out for another with dinner. The crayfish risotto I had was the best meal I have had on my trip so far. Another beer and we were tired so headed back for some 'z's...

#12 - Thursday 12/7 in Plymouth

Not much to report today. I needed to just do very little. It was great yesterday as I spent the afternoon in the restaurant for lunch and a carlsberg and fixed up my blogs and emails. I also did some washing which was a scary and note resting experience. Where do I get the washing tablets/powder from? How would these washing machines go with my clothes / new clothes? Which setting is the dryer supposed to be on? Will it shrink my clothes? All questions that I would find out after they had done the job properly or not... It turned out fine, besides a dodgy laundry powder smell that really was much better than the smell the clothes went into the washer permeating with! I got through some TV shows whilst I stressed about the condition of the clothes, which was very relaxing. That killed two hours of time, and then I ventured down stairs for a meal best described as... Terrible. Seafood linguini sounds great, but a massive plate of linguini with flicks of some not-so-flavorsome fish, is not what I was expecting. No prawns, scallops, squid, crab, lobster... Very disappointing. As well as that I swallowed a bone, and found another. Eeerrwww...

Thursday I got up at 9am, put the 'Do not disturb' sign on the door and slowly started the day. My stomach thanked me for skipping breakfast, as one more fatty sausage or oily fried egg in a Full Cooked English Breakfast may have sent it over the edge! I spent the morning until 12noon sorting out finances - checking credit card accounts, moving money to my travel card, uploading a few photos from my 5.5GBso far to Facebook and checking emails. I forgot how much easier emails can be handled using my laptop vs two different mobile devices! So I feel all sorted now and refreshed with new clothes and a bit of a chill out under my belt. I have felt like I had to tick every box being over here: checking every record for nankivells; going to ever landmark the ancestors may have gone to, lived at been near etc. when really just being here has been the point. Any thing else I do, take a photo of, speak with, check out or do are bonuses. I've really only got to find out something about the ship 'the Nile' if I can for my time in Plymouth to be worth something. Especially to recharge a bit before heading on to Ireland on Saturday.

I journeyed into Plymouth and got a blow by blow description of landmarks from the cab driver which was good. Plymouth was extensively bombed in the second world war and there are parts that were flattened and parts that have been half destroyed and left as monuments to the war.  A church that was semi destroyed is an example of this - an eerie monument in the middle of a roundabout (or circus) as we drive by. I get to the barbican and it is wet, wet, wet. I see some monuments dedicated to the Mayflower trip where American forefathers travelled out from many many years ago, and also monuments to those that travelled out to South Australia for mining in the 1800s. OMG, that monumeithaca talking about the Nankivells (and maybe a few others)! That's a plaque I'm certainly very proud to see, and has certainly made the trip worthwhile. Even if I only got a few photos and dashed out not the rain to take a photo!

I stopped in on my way to the library, at the Plymouth Gin Factory. I wasn't going to, but the taxi driver talked me into it (!) he said its very good... For historical and research purposes!! I went to the barbican for lunch and it was sensational! Apparently owned and operated by celebrity chefs in the UK. Posh without being posh. I liked it as I sipped on my Saviougon Blanc... Very ritzy! The Salmon Teriayki with Seasome noodles was fantastic. Restored my faith in 'seafood' plates in Plymouth. Well done kids. They buy their fish from the fish market across the road, so I guess it was bound to be pretty good. Yum! Although having got the bill and being charged £3.50 for a bottle of still water, I thought I'd ask for the lid and take this rich water with me. Cheeky buggers.

Off to the library to see where all the cool peeps hang out. With cardigans. And glasses on lanyards... That's how they roll in Plymouth! I was able to look at some Devon Town Historicals produce every 5 or so years. And I also found some Cornwall ones as well. The have a description of the town, important people and land values etc. unfortunately no Nankivells in any of the towns in any of the years. I'm sure I could find some replies on the maternal side, but I haven't really gone into that as yet. I stayed there until closing and got kicked out! A first for me!

A quiet night at the hotel restaurant. A massive lamb roast for one was delivered, and to my surprise I fitted it all in as well as the fruit salad! Yummo. One more sleep in Plymouth...

#11 - Wednesday 11/7

In brief, this was one of the best days of the tour. I went to Tavistock after a break - in which I still felt very spoilt, as it was all laid out for me! - and I went down Ford Street in Tavistock where it is known the Nankivells lived before traveling to Plymouth where they sailed out on the ship 'The Nile'. Although no specifics are known, it was great to know I was where my ancestors lived 150 odd years ago! I can't wait to venture into Plymouth to finish this part of the journey, and to have it link to the Burran life I know so much about.

In Plymouth I needed to hand the car back in, but thought I'd cruise around first. I found Plymouth Argyle FC's 'Home Park' stadium and decided to stop by. I had followed them last year every now and then, knowing it was all I have to go on of where the Nankivells lived. The survived relegation in the 4th division, and hopefully can stay in the league 2 in the coming season. A gate was open where a tractor was coming out of and young guys and his family stopped and took photos. I thought I may as well ask and the groundskeeper was most accommodating and even took a photo of me and the stand in the background! It's a big stadium!

My next move was to get horribly lost in Plymouth. A big city with complicated roads... I asked a few people, phoned the car hire company and still no luck. Eventually I got there. Thank God. I could to drive around for a minute longer! Luckily the hire car crew offer a drop-off service so I was taken straight to my hotel. Awesome!

The service/reception was not grand, but I was happy to be in a hotel after a few B & Bs... not better, just different! I needed to wash my clothes too! I settled in to finish writing some blogs and chill out at the restaurant for the afternoon. Aaaaarrrggghhhhh!

#10 - Tuesday 10/7 in Mary Tavy

Happy birthday Mum! Hope you had a great day! Love ya.

Last night I propped myself up at the bar and watched as a dozen locals came in and out of the Mary Tavy Inn. I was most surprised. I was sitting there taking it all in, listening to the conversations when I decided to ask a few questions about the Olympic torch relay. After hearing my accent, a lady said " Oh sorry - you're not a local! Is that an Australian accent?" And we were off on conversation with the locals! It is very much a 'Heartbeat' tv series in Mary Tavy, without the drama and crime… hopefully it stays that way for at least another day! The barman sounds exactly like the Police Sergeant of the show. Praying that a 'Green Grass' character doesn't rear his head anytime soon! I was asked why I was traveling to Devon, after saying I was checking out family history etc. one local asked, "What's your family name?" "Nankivell" I replied, to which he looked at his mate and a smile came to his face, "Nankivell? I don't believe it! Oy my goodness. There's a Nankivell just lives down the street…" Unfortunately I didn't finish the chat and got talking with a couple who are moving to Exeter. He's a thatcher - a very interesting occupation. She was a teacher, but didn't enjoy it and quit. They were great company. For dinner, I had salmon with prawn sauce which was delicious!

My day involved checking out the Mary Tavy sights. It didn't take long. I went to the local post office and chatted briefly with a chick who directed me passed the Mary Tavy Inn and to the Parish Church. There I went through every headstone in the parish cemetery, but no Nankivells were apparent. Perhaps a little beyond the Nankivell vintage, but there was some of the same era. I was disappointed. One name, even if a cousin and not a direct rely would have been awesome, but not deterred I moved on. The church, incidentally, was magnificent and having some minor repairs as I journeyed around. My shoes were soaked from the lush wet grass, but I didn't care.

I toured to the Brentnor Church which stands on the top/side of a hill just out of Mary Tavy. It is so country/farming around the place and I felt like I was back in Burra or out in the Wheatbelt which would have been very homely for the Nankivells that ventured out many years ago. I don't think I caught the environment that the church existed in. It is literally built on the side of a hill... I was puffing on the way up to it. A paddock, a few rocky outcrops built up to a hill and then a church. It was a magically, yet eerie, and a little scary place to visit. I wouldn't go there at night. The several headstones capped off the experience. There are so many old churches around the place, and old buildings. We just don't have that history in Perth.

I went back in to Tavistock after my Mary Tavy adventure. I went to one cemetery (apparently there is a couple) but I couldn't find any headstones old enough. Bugger. A quick tour around Tavistock and going into the markets which were hundreds of years old (perhaps the relies bought stuff here?!) was good for an orientation. I went to the library which was super cool - I went through parish records, mining records and some fish records about births, deaths, burials, baptisms, marriages etc. and found some Nankivells, but all were records we have - although I was able to confirm a few dates we were unsure about.

After heading back to the Mary Tavy Inn, I again had an evening chatting with the locals. Good times in Mary Tavy!

#9 - Monday 9/7 St Agnes then Mary Tavy

After last nights' awesome pub gig and great local atmosphere, I thought I'd venture to the beach on local advice and then check out a few little haunts around the place. I didn't want to travel too long on the roads as most are only big enough for one car, with brick/stone walls or heavy shrubs next to them - I'm talking on or centimetres just off the white line! I ventured to the beach at was one of the most prettiest sites I've ever seen. Hilariously, the lifeguards were on duty, but secretly praying I wasn't about to take a dip because they would no doubt freeze before rescuing me. Similarly to Scarborough and Cottesloe, they 'patrol' (!) near a pub. Well actually they are on the balcony of a pub - another reason for very little chance of rescuing. The beach is nothing like Aussie beaches, that being said the cliff faces and the unspoilt surrounds are hard to beat in Western Australia. The almost vertical slopes seemingly held together by grass and vegetation, are unbelievable. The panorama photos I took go some way to do it justice, but really you only ever get that sense by being there. I was in t-shirt and jeans and quite comfortable to, although when the breeze did come to say 'hi' it was brisk, yet refreshing.

I found the St Agnes Cemetery which was a beautiful grassland, yet obviously quite old. It houses the local museum, which I didn't get to, but the architecture of the building was nice (I'm guessing it's an ex-church). No 'Nankivell' or variants spellings to be seen on headstones, but I think our crew were a little before this cemetery's time unfortunately, certainly from the headstones I could decipher  no other relies were prominent.

A bonus was going for a tour of a tin mine. It was closed down when global tin prices crashed and has been restored as a tourist operation highlighting each step of the mining process. It was awesome! Possibly where the Nankivell/Nanskeval family worked (that's what I'm telling myself anyway!). The produce jewellery and various products. I almost flattened my camera battery taking photos of the place and signs etc. It will be great to show the family back home!

After leaving the mine I'd drove back to the Peterville Inn to knick their  WiFi from the car park! Loaded up Google Maps to find my way to Mary Tavy, and knew it was going to be tricky. The A30, A380, B3587, B3047 were all blending into one, and I knew I was going to get lost. Heck, the first left after the Inn's car park left me uncertain. I drove for about 30-40mins and kept coming back to St Agnes. I knew the directions were through Truro, but eventually as soon as I saw a Truro direction, I went for it and thought I'd grab a map from the servo. Thank God I did. I only then needed to remember Truro, St Austells, Liskead (?), Tavistock and then Mary Tavy. Easy! Although I did get lost out of Tavistock on the way to Mary Tavy! Roads are very different over here, yet seem to work and can be picked up easy enough. The round a bouts still spin me out. An oversupply of Roundabout makers in the universities one would assume!

I'm now sitting in farmland described as the 'beer garden' writing this up. The pub opens at 6pm, the first I've seen that isn't open as soon as I arrived! Probably a good thing as the beers have been stacking up (and overflowing of my new jeans!). It's very quiet, and I can't imagine it will be busy, particularly on a Tuesday night - we'll see!

#8 - Sunday 8/7 The Eden Project and St Agnes, Cornwall

Checked out of the Victoria Inn, and realised that I hadn't planned my stay here very well being a Sunday when things wouldn't be open. Having said that, my awesomely talented hairdresser recommended a visit to the Eden Project. I'd never heard of it before, but my brief research on the net said that it would definitely be worth a visit. I managed to not get too lost there - a first in England! The scale of the project is massive and inspiring. Huge biospheres that house mediterranean and rainforest vegetation were amazing! The photos I don't think will do it justice. I wondered for a few hours and when my feet were too sore to continue, I left heading for St Agnes - the home of the Nankivells (or Nanskevalls or any other variants) as far back as can be found.

It took me about an hour longer than the approx 2 hours it should have taken me to get there, however scooting into the town, my accommodation was right there on the left. Noting its location, I decided to carry on, getting my bearings and come back. Wrong move. I lost it. I had no idea where I was going and couldn't even chuck a U turn for the small streets with vegetation up to and sometimes over the edge of the road. It was crazy. I ended up in Perranporth, which I'm glad I went to as the hilly terrain made for some awesome scenery and just out of the town looking over it was brilliant. Again, getting back was a challenge, not helped by the fact that English drivers will park on the road in residential areas cutting the road to one lane. All drivers are most polite though and will wait while you cross first and waving excitedly upon passing. As bad as the roads seam, there's virtually no accidents or road rage which is interesting... everyone knows the roads are weird and they just get on with it I suppose!

My arrival at the pub came one minute before my first burnout in the Hyundai. I know - I didn't think it was possible either, and old mate grandpa crossing the road in front of my exclaimed his surprise too as he turned around with a 'You're-not-a-local-are-you?' look on his face! Good times in the i10. The pub was  a traditional English pub that had a surfy feel to it. St Agnes, as I learned from Jim, a friendly, chatty, 30yo local at the bar, is home to some good surfing - hence the pub advertises itself to the the surf-tour market. I know what you're thinking - Heath, you don't belong there! All I was after was a bed and essentially that's all I got in the room, but it was nice. I settled at the bar and Jim chatted away with me while the band set-up for their gig. They played some Bob Dylan songs and a few others - 'Freefalling' was prob the highlight for me. Jim, the bar tender who was possibly the tallest 20-something I have seen, and I discussed St Agnes (or 'Aggie' as us locals call it) and watch as Federer beat Murray in the Wimbledon final. Interestingly the locals were talking up 'their' Great Britian hope of winning, but when the match was completed it was a case of Murray being a 'Scot' who didn't quite make it. What a shame.

Jim and I ventured for on least pint at the pub up the road and bumped into an Aussie. She was very good at talking... about herself... and threw in lines of her experiences as well as some references to her siblings, Angus and Julia Stone. The singers. I couldn't take much more of it so started reading up about history of the bar! Whoops.

A big night, but a fun night with locals and live music. I was happy to be in Aggie.

#7 - Saturday 7/7 in Truro, Cornwall

I decided to just drive around Truro on Saturday morning. My plan was to find a car park and then walk around the town and see where that took me. It proved to be a challenging journey with the small streets within Truro as well as the busy streets/roundabouts that linked major roads like the A30 (I think that's the one, or maybe the A38…). I ended up at the end  of a road near a tennis club where a one man coffee shop was set-up. A good cappuccino set me up for my next drive back into the city centre, but again, I got lost as well as sidetracked by trying to find Truro City Football Club. It was described as a 'stadium' on a map I saw, however Subiaco Oval is my general definition of a 'stadium', so using the Truro definition, Burra Footy Club's shed could class them as a 'stadium' too! The Chuack Pavillion at Aquinas should then also be renamed as part of Memorial Stadium! I found the club was actually out of Truro and on the way back out to Threemilestone - I'd obviously passed it a few times already - which again illustrates the sheer magnitude of the 'stadium'. The car park was adorned with two massive logos and the brick wall had all kinds of sponsors plastered on it. One car was there and a guy was walking to one end of the carpark no doubt concerned about what this Hyundai run-about was doing trespassing on club land. I stepped out and took a couple of photos and the guy came over to my, without smiling and said "That's not a Watford club shirt is it?" It was at that point that I freaked and thought that my Perth Demons polo shirt may land me in hospital from a hooligan attack. Pleasingly. I was wrong and Ray, as he introduced himself, was most excited that I had come to check out the place. He was planning on doing some painting, but the weather made it difficult - having some extra time he invited me in and showed me the clubrooms, players' area and allowed me on to the hallowed turf of Truro FC! It was very much grassroots stuff, however Truro had won the lower leagues' equivalent of the FA Cup as they played in front of 30,000 people at Webley Stadium, no less! He let me know if I was to come back during the season he'd fix me up with some tickets to a match! What a bloke. As described in an earlier post, after I left and went into Truro, he contacted the club chairman and then tracked me down at the pub where he frequented some years ago and gave me a club shirt - I was stoked (excuse the reference to the premier league side… or what might now be described as my second favourite club!).

The centre of Truro is easy to find due to the 3 spire cathedral dominating the skyline. The cathedral is old, dark and needs a bit of wash in my opinion, but you can't rush hundreds of years of decay, mould, mildew and soot etc. I drove for about 20-30mins trying to find where to park, or locating a spot and then trying to get back there. A nightmare. Truly. Once I found a multi-storey pay-parking spot I stepped out onto the semi-cobbled streets to take in the atmosphere of the biggest local centre my ancestors would have been near during the 1500-1700s. I'm guessing.

A Cornish pasty was in order and hit the spot nicely for a bit of lunch. Inspired after my tour of the football club, I thought I'd check out a local sports store and see if anything Truro FC-ish was available. I wasn't holding my breath, but after asking an assistant, he tracked down some shirts in back corridor of the store. I know. Prominent positioning. I bought a home shirt and saw a mug at the counter so got one of those too. A Cornish Pirate rugby team mug was there also, so I decided to grab one too. The bloke started to wrap up the order at the till and then turned around to rummage through some bags/stock etc. and he threw onto the bench a blue 'away' strip for Truro. He said only 12 were ever made and the club is suing the Thai manufacturers for not giving them more! The chairman of the club found them in a back cupboard and passed them on to the store for sale. Pretty sure it will be the only one in Australia, so he offered me a deal for both and I took it. Awesome. I went to the local Family history centre, and although 30mins before closing punched in a few details and got mixed results - essentially only things I already had from Dad's research or my own dodgy Google searches that seemed potentially correct. Another couple was also there from England checking out their family's move to the South Australian mine of Wollaroo… unbelievable!

I toured the cathedral, walked through the library and checked out a few other areas and snapped away with my camera. Incidentally I love it too! I waltzed back to the Vic Inn and wrote up a blog entry and watched the Wimbledon Women's final. Staff and a bloke at the bar were a bit chattier than last night, so I felt much more comfortable. The cavern meal was absolutely outstanding tonight! Beef, pork and turkey with roast veges, potato bake and cauliflower bake - yummo! A good home cooked meal like Mum used to make… ok maybe it wasn't as good as mum used to make, but closer than previous pub meals in London! I went to my room and had the worst sleep of the trip - the bed creaked and I could not get comfortable. I survived though and lived to fight another day!

#6 - Thursday night 5/7 & Friday 6/7 train trip to Truro, Cornwall.

A big night out at Reading was awesome. Even though a beer was nicked, got told off for having feet on the seats and the morning after was like having your head in a vice... Bryan and I met at this awesome little big bar opposite Oxford University Press building. I was a church decommissioned and the approval was given to be knocked down, but has now been transformed into a venue holding several different events and doubling as a groovy bar. We waltzed back to pick up my bags and then catch the train back to reading. I felt very 'Tony-ish' from Men Behaving Badly as I knocked back a Stella in a can - that's right in a can! We headed in to Reading, passed some beggars who were in need of begging (work that one out) and went in to get some dirty Reading cuisine... Chips with shaved chicken and mayo... In his own words, Bryan describes it as Dirty Reading. I agree. Upon the tour of his 'in the progress of being' renovated premises, we checked out and scooted to the local bar. Less than 15mins in and the first spat at the pool table was seen. Thank God for beer gardens! We zoomed around the locals and had a great nite. The morning after, once I got organized - we stepped outside the door to get the bus to the city, and three steps down the driveway the bus drove passed. Excellent. The taxi took 20mins and left me with 1.5mins afterthedash to the ticket machine, across the platforms and waiting for the train. That was close. *** STOP PRESS*** As I write this on Saturday, I have just been visited by Ray Jennings who has passed on a Truro City team shirt! After speaking with him at the stadium today (and being given a tour and walk on the turf, he spoke with the chairman and got me a shirt! What a legend! See the next post for more info - what a champ! ***** The train trip was some of the mot scenic countryside I have ever seen. Houses built on the side of hills, train tracks traveling through hillside tunnels and waterways with overgrown trees,shrubs and grassland. Amazing! Unfortunately I forgot the minor detail of booking a hire car for the time, and Hertz were all out, and the taxi took me up to Avis, which were also booked out. Luckily, Enterprise car hire had a Hyundai i10 for me to have until next Wednesday and I'll be dropping it off at Plymouth. My case only just fits in the boot (the word 'boot' is literally related to the size of the footwear 'boot' in my opinion), and I think when iwas growing up in the 80s, Dad had a lawn mower with more grunt than this car... I journeyed, albeit tentatively up the hill in the general direction of the Victoria Inn, Threemilestone where my room was booked, and took alert of the A390 and took the Hyundai down the smallest 2 lane street I have ever seen. Worried about my deposit, and knowing it was not the right road to be traveling down, I chucked a 7 point turn (yes, that describes the size of the road compared to my hire car!) and returned to the motorway. I located it fairly easily after that and was shown around by the bar maid. Nice accommodation and a nice, traditional bar - looked good! I was feeling a bit down after the train ride and having a such a good time last night, but thought I'd go for a pint and meet the locals. Not sure that I was seen as the outsider, but apparently it's OK to cut in the line (ie walk in front of someone at the bar) and order a beer. Good one idiot. Let me know when you're in Australia next and we can discuss etiquette at the Bentley... I was left by myself so thought I'd grab a bite at the attached restaurant and was met with similar hospitality. Felt on edge after this and it didn't help my 'downness'. My resilience kicked in as I returned to my room and watched UK Big Brother... And slept. I needed it!

#5 - Oxford and Reading

I awoke after a fairly large sized night at The Victoria, being served drinks by an Italian, Polish and local  barmaid (although the local was more looking for an American to marry... Which worked quite well for a visiting Englishman with an American passport (?) and a US marine, who I chatted with for most of the evening. To say he was anti-America, anti-George Bush, anti-war on Afghanistan are all understatements. I made the mistake of getting him started. I think he's still talking... I knicked the free wifi at my hotel before I checked out (I know, it's cheeky) and then headed out to Mimos cafe for breaky - true to my word from yesterday's wallet fiasco. Filled a hole. Good. Was unsure what was happening but knew I was to meet Bryan (school mate from Grammar days). I should have organized it better, but was still excited to be catching up with him. I bought a phone (sorry, Anne - on retrospect should have taken up your phone offer!) My train ticket to Oxford was £22 for an hour's ride - 15mins out of the Paddington station and it was English countryside. Typical country houses and the overgrown trees and shrubs over hundred year old brick bridges. Very scenic. Thanks to the good directions of my British friend, I found the vet surgery and dropped my bag off. On to explore the world of Oxford. First - lunch at the pub, with - once again - free wifi! A cruise of Oxford via the hop-on-hop-off buses (damn, these buses are great!) gave a great historical guide to the city with some anecdotes etc. I love the architecture of the buildings and the respect given to these structures. They are so detailed and meticulously fashioned. Unbelievable! Stories from 1200 are also amazing - we have no history detailed/captured in Australia essentially from pre-1800s. Cruising on through Oxford and the many Colleges - one of which was Trinity, and ironically no Ian McRae Cup there either, in direct relation to the Perth college of the same name! - had a Cornish pastry which was nice, but I'll probably go for a steak and kidney pie next time. On my travels passed Oxford Press I found this awesome pub 'Frevd' (think the V is pronounced U from old latin-ish writing) renovated from an old church... I will probably to go to hell for consuming alcohol in there  besides altar wine but ironically I was probably more engaged in the messages on the stained glass windows and altar than I ever have been before. Whoops! Not a fault of my teachers through my years in Catholic school education! Will catch up with Bryan tonight and report back when I recover.

#4 - Wednesday 4/7 in London

I love it when a good plan comes together. Today, unfortunately, was not so much that day. Not a waste of a day mind you, but certainly not to plan. I thought it would be simple, the open top bus tour which I did the full run of yesterday would be the best way to see everything logically and with transport sorted. Its 7:30pm and I've just got back! Its still very light though and the cabbie reckons another 2 hours of light to go. The sun comes up by 5am... I spent the morning shopping and got a little carried away - £400+ carried away, but have never seen jeans and shirts and shoes that I like. £45 and £51 for the jeans I bought. Levi's normally fetch well over a hundred bucks in Aus, so I went all out. I got some shoes too and I love them, but I would have loved if the sales assistant was more keen on checking he had two of the same shoe in the box, than keen on just taking my cash. Another trip to Oxford street and the resultant bag carrying through the National art museum and Buckingham Palace trip, I could have done without. After a big shopping adventure it was clear I needed a feed and perhaps a fine local ale so I went to the Sussex Arms for some fish and chips and Fuller's British Ale. Yummo. Wimbledon was on so I did watch Federer and Andy Murray for a set or two. A coffee to prep me for my final sightseeing adventure, hop-on-hop-off escapade was in order so I stopped by a local Italian coffee shop for an espresso. It was great - I was really enjoying it, until my life was put on hold when I reached in my pocket for my hotel card, and the familiar leather feel of my wallet was not there. Paniked, I ran back to the pub, but the only thing I was met with was blank looks... I was planning my speech tithe consulate officials and the Australian embassy, when I popped my head in the door of the Italian coffee shop where. Saw three Nonos looking at the familiar backing of an Aquinas College business card. My heart returned to beating and I promised I'd be back for breaks tomorrow morning. Whilst I was ever so thankful, I'm guessing they were asking me what the niter national dial code for Australia was... But I just keep smiling. Whew. I jumped on the tour bus at its familiar stop up the street and planned my journey. Although it was already 3:30pm i was keen to take some happy snaps and check out some historical places of significance.The national gallery was Aaaaaamazing! Buckingham Palace was pretty grand too - you can't appreciate the magnitude of it until you're there in reall life. The marble arch is also up there - along with the horse head that looks like its kissing the ground... A marvel of engineering!

#3 - Tuesday 3/7 In London town

Big day today - landed in Heathrow at about 5:15am and my head hit the pillow at about 9:30pm. No jet lag to speak of - I was stuffed and slept right through last night until 7am and feeling good. Yesterday I found a good bus trip for £30 which is hop on hop off for two days. Used that to get around the town and did the whole trip to know where things are - planning to do a bit of shopping (although yesterday's 5pm-8:30pm effort with nothing to show for it has puffed me out a bit!). I'll also do the touristy thing on these buses and take some happy snaps. Found the Apple shop too so feel like I'm a true international Apple-y prior to conference. My hotel is good - nice spot in Paddington, with some cool local pubs around. Checked out the Victoria yesterday and a cool Italian barmaid was there - I guessed Croatian, and I think she then charged an extra bound for my carlsberg - would you believe 'Stevo' who works there is ex-Perth? Unbelievable. There are 56 steps approx 15-20cm long to negotiate up to my room, and despite the musty smell it is nice and quite comfortable. Looking forward to Reading tomorrow and then the cool Truro pub that seems to be a gem of the area. Let the family history tracking begin! More soon.

#2 - The Underground

Did you hear the one about the Englishwoman, the Australian and the chick from some European place? I just had 12-13 hours of it. It was fine, but knee feels like it did that fateful night on Bruce Rock Oval in 2003 when my promising (!) football career came crashing down. Ouch. Anyway, highly recommend Singapore airlines - great service, great staff and everything went smoothly. Good job team! I write this on the underground train from Heathrow (yes, exciting to be in my nickname-sake). This is after being quizzed from Border Agency officials as to my movements in the UK, but all worked out well - no frisk, strip search or camera in my face from the English equivalent of 'BorderPatrol' via BBC, which I'm kind of happy about, but. Old have really kick started my international TV career. It awaits for another day. The train was surprisingly easy to sort - although I did make a fool of myself missing the 'underground - this way' sign and having to enlist the services of airport information. Thanks Sandra for your help, sorry to interrupt your discussion re your children's future employment opportunities. I'm now off to Earls court where I change to the district line and then to Paddington... If I dont have another entry soon, you know I missed my stop and best look for me t the next roger federal match on Wimbledon. So I made it to Paddington Station (but didn't find the bear) wit a few road crossings, bridge crossings and train jump-off-jump-ons because Earl Court station was closed because of a suspicious package! Drama in London. I'm a currently at Starbucks sponging off the free WiFi trying to work out how I can get to my hotel... It wet, raining and some way from here. More soon, I guess.

#1 - Singapore Airport

Just under six months ago i got the email saying my ADE Global Institute application had been accepted. Cork, Ireland was the destination for Sometime in July. While exciting, it seemed so far away with so much to do and sort before I left. Naturally, my instincts weren't to leave getting British pounds, two pairs of thongs and the packing of my case until five hours before my flight left... But that's what happened. Regardless of my terrible time management skills (or excellent per-flight relaxing at home, as I like to word it) I arrive in Singapore's Changi Airport. It took 25mins to walk from the ????? Plane that flapped me from Perth all the way to B7 (I think im at the correct gate) where a majestic A380 will take over the, dare I say 'privilege', of journeying me to ye old London town. Ok I'm bored. And I have a cracking headache. Perhaps too many pre-flight nerve-calmers (ie alcoholic beverages). Having said that from 'quite concerned' on the non-numeric rating scale of pre-flight nervousness indicator, to 'it will be fine, more people die in cars than airplanes' is a step very much in the right direction. Quick question - why are people queuing outside the gate now... Wanting to get the best seat? Wanting those comfortable and roomy seats renowned throughout the air travel game, as opposed to the relative spaciousness of the airport lounge? Worried they will miss the plane? I think I'm missing something - the line is moving and I'm outside. No loudspeaker message. I'm off... 35mins later. Err... That would be why they were moving. Official Singapore military-type men checking passports and such. In case you're wondering. I got through. The plane awaits. I await the next mass movement of people as my cue to board. Is the loudspeaker broken, or has this long service leave thing caught on so that the ILSA (International Loud Speaker Authority) cannot cover employees on LSL too... All quiet.