Saturday, a day off for most, was spent picking hooves and olives... and had the heavens not opened the next day, I would've spent Sunday doing more of the same. As it was/is, however, I am sitting on the internet getting the things done I've not been able to do for the last week or so. Like giving you fuckers photos!! Urgh, the effort involved in that for a start...
I'm glad I am not picking olives today, as much as I love that plant, because I was starting to see olive branches every time I closed my eyes. And my manky dog bite finger is almost healed so I don't want to accidentally rip it open again from a particularly stubborn olive branch.
It's really a funny process, olive picking... you arrange all these big mesh nets under several trees (a long process for the hilly orchard we've been working on) and then pull (or milk as I see it) each branch free of olives, and at the end push all the olives into a pile at the botto. After picking out most of the leaves, you put them in a carton and voila, they're ready for the factory! We ate some of the first batch for dinner last night, tasty stuff!! Although we never made it to the olive oil party the factory invited us to and that was a bit of a disappointment. Would've been a laugh.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Day off success!
My day off was a complete success, if you count being able to withdraw money and not miss any of my public transport bits n pieces. Although at the end of it all, I did feel like I spent much of my day waiting for buses and trains.
Firstly, I finally worked out a way to get to Budapest for my week of teaching in Slovakia (I feel cold just thinking about it) and then ran down the driveway to see if I could catch the next bus. Not knowing when the next bus was, I was simply hoping it was there when I got to the bottom of the st. Not so, however, as I sat for almost an hour before the next bus came - and when it did, it almost drove past completely thanks to a big truck in front of it.
With some extra time now up my sleeve, I went to the old town of Orte, another hilltop medevial situation. Cute little place. Then I headed to Orvieto, like Orte but bigger and much more touristy. All day I swear all I heard was French, American and Australian accents. Awesometastic (insert vomit sound here). I really don't like tourist places. Am developing a hatred of them.
Orvieto itself was good, although I was too tight to pay to go in anywhere and therefore spent my time wandering the streets looking in the free churches and cathedrals, and taking pictures of the little streets with cute hanging plants etc. There were apparently caves under the town that were used to catch pigeons and store wine etc but I never found them and ended up walking around the perimeter of the town instead, which was fine.
My hopes of getting back before dark went unfulfilled as the train and bus schedules did not mesh, and I ended up having to walk up the mega long and steep driveway in the dark, getting freaked out by black things running across the path in front of me. At first I thought it was one of the dogs chasing something in the bush but then I heard kind of pig-like noises. I walked a little faster.
Dinner was at a nice cave restaurant in nearby Vasanello, which we walked to under a beautiful starry sky. But it was FUCKING FREEZING outside. Definitely not looking forward to Slovakia.
Firstly, I finally worked out a way to get to Budapest for my week of teaching in Slovakia (I feel cold just thinking about it) and then ran down the driveway to see if I could catch the next bus. Not knowing when the next bus was, I was simply hoping it was there when I got to the bottom of the st. Not so, however, as I sat for almost an hour before the next bus came - and when it did, it almost drove past completely thanks to a big truck in front of it.
With some extra time now up my sleeve, I went to the old town of Orte, another hilltop medevial situation. Cute little place. Then I headed to Orvieto, like Orte but bigger and much more touristy. All day I swear all I heard was French, American and Australian accents. Awesometastic (insert vomit sound here). I really don't like tourist places. Am developing a hatred of them.
Orvieto itself was good, although I was too tight to pay to go in anywhere and therefore spent my time wandering the streets looking in the free churches and cathedrals, and taking pictures of the little streets with cute hanging plants etc. There were apparently caves under the town that were used to catch pigeons and store wine etc but I never found them and ended up walking around the perimeter of the town instead, which was fine.
My hopes of getting back before dark went unfulfilled as the train and bus schedules did not mesh, and I ended up having to walk up the mega long and steep driveway in the dark, getting freaked out by black things running across the path in front of me. At first I thought it was one of the dogs chasing something in the bush but then I heard kind of pig-like noises. I walked a little faster.
Dinner was at a nice cave restaurant in nearby Vasanello, which we walked to under a beautiful starry sky. But it was FUCKING FREEZING outside. Definitely not looking forward to Slovakia.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Milk those olives!
Just when my hands started to smart slightly at the 'milking cows' action of stripping olive trees, I was granted my day off. So here I am, on my day off, sitting on the computer wishing and hoping I haven't missed one of the few buses into town so I can get to Orvieto to do some sightseeing. This really will be my last chance to do so before I leave, so forgive me if this blog is slightly rushed.
A couple of things I forgot to mention in my last explanatory blog... there are currently 2 other helpers here, both lovely - one from Adelaide (it's so funny I only meet Adelaidians overseas, not in Oz!) and another from Japan. The Japanese girl surprised all our stereotypical expectations, esp my host who wasn't sure at first if she was a girl or a boy! Too funny. But I am bunking now with Japanese girl and all is well. Ariel the dog still follows us around and sleeps outside our door. It's a nice feeling. I miss having a dog.
Speaking of dogs, I had a sad dream last night where my sister's dog Molly went missing and she was about 10 years old in the dream so most people thought she was sick and went away to die without us seeing, in the bush somewhere. Anyway, it wasn't the way I wanted to wake up but anyway... at least it moved my dream on from the recurring theme of a past friend who has popped up repeatedly over the last few weeks. At least I'm not dreaming of olives yet though...
We delivered our first batch of olives to the oil factory yesterday and were taken through the process of how it's all made. The smell was divine! Then we were given invites to their 'oil party' on Saturday, how fun!! Really hope we go, I'm sure we will. Ahh, the things that make me excited these days.
As opposed to the last place in Slovenia, these people always offer me wine and I find myself having a glass at lunch and dinner. Italian wine. Excellent...
The hosts are really nice here and I am so glad I've broached the subject of riding their horses. I went well the first time and ended up riding the 6 year old for most of the time, so I guess she was trustful enough! She also put me onto a site where people get PAID for horsework around the world. I'm super excited about that, may actually mean I can travel for longer. It's just those few little factors itching away at me for the moment... but all will be decided in time.
Travel plans, as always, are fluid as olive oil and I am currently trying to devise ways to get back to London for certain events and Munich for the same. JUST figured out how I'm getting back to Budapest for my teaching in Slovakia. Phew. What a life, eh!
A couple of things I forgot to mention in my last explanatory blog... there are currently 2 other helpers here, both lovely - one from Adelaide (it's so funny I only meet Adelaidians overseas, not in Oz!) and another from Japan. The Japanese girl surprised all our stereotypical expectations, esp my host who wasn't sure at first if she was a girl or a boy! Too funny. But I am bunking now with Japanese girl and all is well. Ariel the dog still follows us around and sleeps outside our door. It's a nice feeling. I miss having a dog.
Speaking of dogs, I had a sad dream last night where my sister's dog Molly went missing and she was about 10 years old in the dream so most people thought she was sick and went away to die without us seeing, in the bush somewhere. Anyway, it wasn't the way I wanted to wake up but anyway... at least it moved my dream on from the recurring theme of a past friend who has popped up repeatedly over the last few weeks. At least I'm not dreaming of olives yet though...
We delivered our first batch of olives to the oil factory yesterday and were taken through the process of how it's all made. The smell was divine! Then we were given invites to their 'oil party' on Saturday, how fun!! Really hope we go, I'm sure we will. Ahh, the things that make me excited these days.
As opposed to the last place in Slovenia, these people always offer me wine and I find myself having a glass at lunch and dinner. Italian wine. Excellent...
The hosts are really nice here and I am so glad I've broached the subject of riding their horses. I went well the first time and ended up riding the 6 year old for most of the time, so I guess she was trustful enough! She also put me onto a site where people get PAID for horsework around the world. I'm super excited about that, may actually mean I can travel for longer. It's just those few little factors itching away at me for the moment... but all will be decided in time.
Travel plans, as always, are fluid as olive oil and I am currently trying to devise ways to get back to London for certain events and Munich for the same. JUST figured out how I'm getting back to Budapest for my teaching in Slovakia. Phew. What a life, eh!
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Going nutty for Nutella
Three days into the proper work schedule of Torre Amena (Red Tower) and I will give you a little indication of what my days and nights consist of. Firstly, we help with the mucking out, grooming, feeding and stable tidying of the horses. That's pretty simple but does involve getting up before the sun which is a bit unnatural in my eyes, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I just like complaining! And anyone who knows me knows I am NOT a morning person. But the cool morning air does help to give me a quick wake-up call once I step out.
The horses are a bit flighty but nothing unexpected from semi-young competition horses. They're all quite big, esp Edwi who I reckon is over 17 hands. The dogs, 5 in total, are adorable. All really sweet, particularly Ariel who is the 'helpers' dog... she follows whoever is visiting on the farm helping out, sleeps in front of our cottage door and always stays watching us work. Cute!!
Dinnertime, and in fact any other meal-related event, usually involves chocolate which is totally fine with me. But sometimes even I have to say no (not often) because of choccy overload!! They esp like Nutella... and choc and bread... But having just eaten lunch before writing this I need to stop talking about food or I'll feel sick. But it's Italy, they like you to eat well! Although I am chided often for my method of eating, esp spaghetti which I cut with a knife once. Mistake!
What else?? Oh yeah, we started picking olives yesterday but only got half a day in before it started to rain. Today is another story, beautifully sunny but windy as hell. It's ok in the olive grove as it's pretty sheltered but I'm about to have my first ride on the horses so who knows if it will spook at the wind and I go flying! Guess we can only wait n see! I'm just glad I've been asked to ride, I was getting such itchy feet...
The horses are a bit flighty but nothing unexpected from semi-young competition horses. They're all quite big, esp Edwi who I reckon is over 17 hands. The dogs, 5 in total, are adorable. All really sweet, particularly Ariel who is the 'helpers' dog... she follows whoever is visiting on the farm helping out, sleeps in front of our cottage door and always stays watching us work. Cute!!
Dinnertime, and in fact any other meal-related event, usually involves chocolate which is totally fine with me. But sometimes even I have to say no (not often) because of choccy overload!! They esp like Nutella... and choc and bread... But having just eaten lunch before writing this I need to stop talking about food or I'll feel sick. But it's Italy, they like you to eat well! Although I am chided often for my method of eating, esp spaghetti which I cut with a knife once. Mistake!
What else?? Oh yeah, we started picking olives yesterday but only got half a day in before it started to rain. Today is another story, beautifully sunny but windy as hell. It's ok in the olive grove as it's pretty sheltered but I'm about to have my first ride on the horses so who knows if it will spook at the wind and I go flying! Guess we can only wait n see! I'm just glad I've been asked to ride, I was getting such itchy feet...
Monday, 25 October 2010
Hitting the Help X jackpot
On the road again and it was a quick return to me stressing out in the backseat with dad drifting ever-closer to the middle of the autobarn and massive trucks kept beeping to move us over. Of course, he instead took my horror as an insult to his perfect driving skills and henceforth I was the rude little child in the back. Not to worry, I thought, only a few more hours before we part and I can breathe again. I love my dad but sometimes... And it's not like his wife wouldn't have wanted to see the back of me – she always needs to bite her tongue because it's her husband's child and her husband's wallet but I know she thinks we're all little brats. It's not my fault her children never step out of line. Except the one I once ran into at a rave... tut tut.
Moving on... We got to see some lovely Italian countryside and as we headed deeper into Tuscan territory I could see the delight spread across dad's face. Not wanting to stress out and try to get too much in, we took out time with lunch and then ended up having barely enuf time to get to Cortona and no time at all for Montepulciano. It was OK though, because Cortona is a beautiful place to visit at the very least. It was built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Tuscan valleys, and has all the streets leading to one central piazza. The streets are narrow and cobbled, really cute! There were some stupidly overpriced art galleries there that I saw some nice artwork in but alas...
We found we were running fairly behind schedule for our arrival to Orte so we stepped on it and I rang M to tell her we were going to be late. She sounded non-plussed about it all so I relaxed and rolled along with the countryside and dad's drifting steering wheel until we reach what I thought was going to be the little 3-street town of Orte. Turns out the old part of the town is also on a clifftop, a magnificent sight to see as we drove past down some back streets, and seemingly from medieval times. Looking forward to checking that little puppy out someday soon.
We pull into the driveway and wind our way up to a big, red towered villa at the top of the road and I slowly take a breathe out. Have I hit the jackpot here? Very nearly possibly. It was all smiles from my new hosts as they stood smiling and waiting (by chance) at the top of the driveway. I peeked over their shoulders at the view of the Tuscan valley down below as the warm afternoon sun kissed my cheeks and I took off my heavy jacket. I knew I'd be in for a much more comfortable 2 weeks at this joint.
Moving on... We got to see some lovely Italian countryside and as we headed deeper into Tuscan territory I could see the delight spread across dad's face. Not wanting to stress out and try to get too much in, we took out time with lunch and then ended up having barely enuf time to get to Cortona and no time at all for Montepulciano. It was OK though, because Cortona is a beautiful place to visit at the very least. It was built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Tuscan valleys, and has all the streets leading to one central piazza. The streets are narrow and cobbled, really cute! There were some stupidly overpriced art galleries there that I saw some nice artwork in but alas...
We found we were running fairly behind schedule for our arrival to Orte so we stepped on it and I rang M to tell her we were going to be late. She sounded non-plussed about it all so I relaxed and rolled along with the countryside and dad's drifting steering wheel until we reach what I thought was going to be the little 3-street town of Orte. Turns out the old part of the town is also on a clifftop, a magnificent sight to see as we drove past down some back streets, and seemingly from medieval times. Looking forward to checking that little puppy out someday soon.
We pull into the driveway and wind our way up to a big, red towered villa at the top of the road and I slowly take a breathe out. Have I hit the jackpot here? Very nearly possibly. It was all smiles from my new hosts as they stood smiling and waiting (by chance) at the top of the driveway. I peeked over their shoulders at the view of the Tuscan valley down below as the warm afternoon sun kissed my cheeks and I took off my heavy jacket. I knew I'd be in for a much more comfortable 2 weeks at this joint.
Dear Diary... I want to live in Bologna
Last night together, the three of us hardy travellers. I'm starting to wear thin of their extreme sensibility and dad's not-so-subtle thoughts on what I should be doing with my life he so kindly offered to add at each available chance. But hey, he's a parent after all and I wouldn't be doing my duty as a child if I wasn't disappointing him just a little.
So we arrived in Bologna, a city in Italy I'd not been before but was keen to check out, particularly since it was – as the name suggests – the birthplace of spaghetti bolognese. After dinner, however, it was most definitely the sights of the streets that impressed me more than the sauced pasta dish. It was possibly the shittest meal I've had since being with dad, and I've eaten a lot so I have much to base as comparison. The sights of the streets though, ooh la la... Turns out Bologna is a university town, much to my enjoyment, so along the rows of fashion shops there were real-life models of people looking cool right there on the pavement. I was chomping at the bit to get me some of these lookers, but I kept stopping and reminding myself that they were Italians and my past experiences with such men (never mind the women – can you IMAGINE??!) are not even worth remembering their names for. Urgh, I just remembered another one...
We went back to the hotel and had another early night, and I readied myself to head to my new host family in Orte the next day.
So we arrived in Bologna, a city in Italy I'd not been before but was keen to check out, particularly since it was – as the name suggests – the birthplace of spaghetti bolognese. After dinner, however, it was most definitely the sights of the streets that impressed me more than the sauced pasta dish. It was possibly the shittest meal I've had since being with dad, and I've eaten a lot so I have much to base as comparison. The sights of the streets though, ooh la la... Turns out Bologna is a university town, much to my enjoyment, so along the rows of fashion shops there were real-life models of people looking cool right there on the pavement. I was chomping at the bit to get me some of these lookers, but I kept stopping and reminding myself that they were Italians and my past experiences with such men (never mind the women – can you IMAGINE??!) are not even worth remembering their names for. Urgh, I just remembered another one...
We went back to the hotel and had another early night, and I readied myself to head to my new host family in Orte the next day.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Bleeding craziness by the lake
Luckily the first half of today was spent in the back seat of the car, because I was too tired to be exerting much energy. That damned throbbing tooth kept me up to the point that even a Sandra Bullocks movie seemed appealing in aid of making me weary. Tough times.
Today was our 'Bled tour' day, and it ended up being really nice. The initial drive around the snow-topped mountains awarded us some pretty awesome views and another lake to ooh ahh at (dad loves a good lake), and it gave dad another chance to pretend he was in the Targa Tasmania going around some of those hairpin bends. Inside every man is a little boy.
After lunch (again a massive undertaking), we went for a walk around Lake Bled, and took an insane amount of photos on the camera my bro gave me (after I severely disabled my pretty new little Nikon). Dad was annoyed he couldn't take photos on his nice, big Nikon but since I pretty much wrecked it to the point of needing repair (don't know how but I bent one of the tiny pins in the memory card space), I kept quiet. He doesn't want to openly blame me but...
Dad's wife bought a watercolour painting from a local man by the river, who ended up doing a quick watercolour sketch of us 3 and basically laughing hysterically at his own jokes (or just laughing because) for about 10 minutes while dad tried not to impatiently tap his foot... the guy was crazy, but it was pretty funny.
Then we headed to Bled Castle, which as dad says has possibly the best view he's ever seen from a castle - which is a big call considering he's seen a good chunk of the most beautiful castles in the world! Big castle connisseur there... I gotta admit though, it was pretty nice. Sitting right over the lake, and the sun decided to finally come out in the afternoon so we had some good photo opportunities. Yay!
Now I'm obviously on the computer but wondering if dad has falling asleep, because I haven't heard him knock on the door for dinner yet. And that's unlike him. Must rouse him now. Adijo!
Today was our 'Bled tour' day, and it ended up being really nice. The initial drive around the snow-topped mountains awarded us some pretty awesome views and another lake to ooh ahh at (dad loves a good lake), and it gave dad another chance to pretend he was in the Targa Tasmania going around some of those hairpin bends. Inside every man is a little boy.
After lunch (again a massive undertaking), we went for a walk around Lake Bled, and took an insane amount of photos on the camera my bro gave me (after I severely disabled my pretty new little Nikon). Dad was annoyed he couldn't take photos on his nice, big Nikon but since I pretty much wrecked it to the point of needing repair (don't know how but I bent one of the tiny pins in the memory card space), I kept quiet. He doesn't want to openly blame me but...
Dad's wife bought a watercolour painting from a local man by the river, who ended up doing a quick watercolour sketch of us 3 and basically laughing hysterically at his own jokes (or just laughing because) for about 10 minutes while dad tried not to impatiently tap his foot... the guy was crazy, but it was pretty funny.
Then we headed to Bled Castle, which as dad says has possibly the best view he's ever seen from a castle - which is a big call considering he's seen a good chunk of the most beautiful castles in the world! Big castle connisseur there... I gotta admit though, it was pretty nice. Sitting right over the lake, and the sun decided to finally come out in the afternoon so we had some good photo opportunities. Yay!
Now I'm obviously on the computer but wondering if dad has falling asleep, because I haven't heard him knock on the door for dinner yet. And that's unlike him. Must rouse him now. Adijo!
It's just so beewwwwwwdiful
Hardly any sleep last night. It sucked balls. I ate a tough tuna steak for dinner and a piece got stuck in the stupid back cavern of my teeth, the cavern that defies my comfort in sleep!! Damn you cavern!!! The bane of my existence my whole life.
Anyway, yesterday we spent a lot of time driving which was fine with me since it was mostly through the SE wine region of Slovenia. Some of it was gorgeous back roads that wound through little villages, vineyards and farms. Others were on motorways - and I tell ya, Slovenians love a good motorway. I sat in the back trying to fall asleep so I wouldn't let myself stress out by way of osmosis through dad's stressing. I swear about 99% of the time he forgets he's on holiday and still thinks he's due back in the office in 10 minutes.
But you just can't go past Slovenia in the autumn - many of the trees are yellowing, the others are turning red and some stay green. The mix is just stunning. On top of this, the mountains are getting more than a slight drizzling of snow on the tops and even as we wound up the mountains today, it was obvious there had been a decent snowfall recently that still sat all around the road and in the forest. We were all in awe.
In Ptuj, we stopped at the castle and had a look around. There were some weird artworks in there... the girls looked pregnant but also had massive cleavage, it was just a weird combination for people who were meant to be regal and high class. More like discarded hookers.
Dad keeps me amused with his super Aussie pronounciation of everything Slovenian - I can't believe I'm correcting him! It's a slavic language, for fuck's sake, what do I know?! But to be honest, I am actually half decent at this language thing... which I made the mistake of telling dad. Now he's on this not-so-subtle warpath to get me to uni as a linguistic expert. He just does not give up. I swear he's dropped subtle hints before, but now he's just being plain obvious.
The message is loud n clear: "You're making a big mistake traveling for so long, you're going to be left behind from everyone back at home, you're missing out on big life opportunities, you won't have anything to fall back on without a uni degree, uni opens up new doors" and on it goes... Seriously, I know he misses me, but this ain't gonna bring me back any sooner. I regret none of the decisions I've made in my life so far and I have had an AMAZING 26 years so far. But it seems I'm the only one around here that has any trust in life.
Anyway, yesterday we spent a lot of time driving which was fine with me since it was mostly through the SE wine region of Slovenia. Some of it was gorgeous back roads that wound through little villages, vineyards and farms. Others were on motorways - and I tell ya, Slovenians love a good motorway. I sat in the back trying to fall asleep so I wouldn't let myself stress out by way of osmosis through dad's stressing. I swear about 99% of the time he forgets he's on holiday and still thinks he's due back in the office in 10 minutes.
But you just can't go past Slovenia in the autumn - many of the trees are yellowing, the others are turning red and some stay green. The mix is just stunning. On top of this, the mountains are getting more than a slight drizzling of snow on the tops and even as we wound up the mountains today, it was obvious there had been a decent snowfall recently that still sat all around the road and in the forest. We were all in awe.
In Ptuj, we stopped at the castle and had a look around. There were some weird artworks in there... the girls looked pregnant but also had massive cleavage, it was just a weird combination for people who were meant to be regal and high class. More like discarded hookers.
Dad keeps me amused with his super Aussie pronounciation of everything Slovenian - I can't believe I'm correcting him! It's a slavic language, for fuck's sake, what do I know?! But to be honest, I am actually half decent at this language thing... which I made the mistake of telling dad. Now he's on this not-so-subtle warpath to get me to uni as a linguistic expert. He just does not give up. I swear he's dropped subtle hints before, but now he's just being plain obvious.
The message is loud n clear: "You're making a big mistake traveling for so long, you're going to be left behind from everyone back at home, you're missing out on big life opportunities, you won't have anything to fall back on without a uni degree, uni opens up new doors" and on it goes... Seriously, I know he misses me, but this ain't gonna bring me back any sooner. I regret none of the decisions I've made in my life so far and I have had an AMAZING 26 years so far. But it seems I'm the only one around here that has any trust in life.
Monday, 18 October 2010
Couchsurfing cuties to Maribor mountains
I forget what it's like traveling with my dad and his wife but now the memories come racing back to me like a Formula 1 torpedo. They are just SO SENSIBLE! And while that works extremely well in their relationship, I just could not live with it. So no, thank you for the offer dad, but I am NOT living with you when I get back to Australia. Whenever that may be. Well, at least not longer than I need to before I find a place of my own. Thanks daddy :)
There are so many 'just in case's and 'you never know's, nothing left to chance, nothing unplanned, everything 1, 2, 3 and we're done, next monument please, hurry up we've gotta get on the road again, let's program the sat nav while we're on the autobarn, wait do I have a chance to scratch my ass?? JUST RELAX. The amount of times I have had to remind dad that he is on holiday, we are in possibly the smallest country we'll ever holiday in, he can take it easy... he thinks I'm nagging him but I am simply trying to get him to breathe. Just breathe.
So now I've vented my frustrations, possibly because I'm one cocktail and half a litre of beer down, I can say that today has consisted of a lovely stroll through downtown Ljubljana, the first day we've seen commercial activity since we arrived on the weekend. I met a local girl through Couchsurfing who video interviewed me about Couchsurfing and we had a quick coffee afterwards (although after a big traditional Slovenian lunch I had no room for anything but water) and I sat there the whole time wondering if she thought I was as pretty as I thought she was. Guess I'll never know. Or will I...???
She tells me there is a really cool ex-military site which is now a boho kinda club district that I should check out... shame I found out about it just before we left town but it's not like I can't ever come back. And now I have a guide :)
My overall impression of Ljubljana has been positive - the people are not the ugliest in the world, a change from other (ahem) parts of Europe, and they seem to have an understated sense of class/style which also shows through their shops. I've been well impressed by their range of shoes!! Have absolutely no room in my bag though, so no chance of a random shopping spree. There is some beautiful architecture and everything seems quite well maintained, so you can't complain about that. Except that I like derelict buildings so a little less maintenance wouldn't have gone astray for my weird tastes. Still, you can't please everyone, can you??
Now I'm in our new hotel near (another) mountainous region of Maribor, which we'll explore tomorrow. Dad and his wife are resting in their room, I'm downstairs drinking. Life is good.
There are so many 'just in case's and 'you never know's, nothing left to chance, nothing unplanned, everything 1, 2, 3 and we're done, next monument please, hurry up we've gotta get on the road again, let's program the sat nav while we're on the autobarn, wait do I have a chance to scratch my ass?? JUST RELAX. The amount of times I have had to remind dad that he is on holiday, we are in possibly the smallest country we'll ever holiday in, he can take it easy... he thinks I'm nagging him but I am simply trying to get him to breathe. Just breathe.
So now I've vented my frustrations, possibly because I'm one cocktail and half a litre of beer down, I can say that today has consisted of a lovely stroll through downtown Ljubljana, the first day we've seen commercial activity since we arrived on the weekend. I met a local girl through Couchsurfing who video interviewed me about Couchsurfing and we had a quick coffee afterwards (although after a big traditional Slovenian lunch I had no room for anything but water) and I sat there the whole time wondering if she thought I was as pretty as I thought she was. Guess I'll never know. Or will I...???
She tells me there is a really cool ex-military site which is now a boho kinda club district that I should check out... shame I found out about it just before we left town but it's not like I can't ever come back. And now I have a guide :)
My overall impression of Ljubljana has been positive - the people are not the ugliest in the world, a change from other (ahem) parts of Europe, and they seem to have an understated sense of class/style which also shows through their shops. I've been well impressed by their range of shoes!! Have absolutely no room in my bag though, so no chance of a random shopping spree. There is some beautiful architecture and everything seems quite well maintained, so you can't complain about that. Except that I like derelict buildings so a little less maintenance wouldn't have gone astray for my weird tastes. Still, you can't please everyone, can you??
Now I'm in our new hotel near (another) mountainous region of Maribor, which we'll explore tomorrow. Dad and his wife are resting in their room, I'm downstairs drinking. Life is good.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Teensy tiny Slovenia
Having extrapilated myself from the clutches of Rottweilers and stallions in countryside Slovenia, I have now acclimatised to a new kind of holiday with daddy dearest. And I've still not taken out any money.
Dad came with his wife yesterday to pick me up from the farm and I couldn't get out of there quick enuf. I was so excited to see him and also to just move on, I jumped in the car and bid the place a final goodbye. We went straight into the capital Ljubljana (pronounced lube-lee-arna, took me a while to get that one) and found the accommodation I'd booked for us. Was a bit worried about whether it was going to be nice enuf for them but it has turned out more than adequate. Me done good.
Went out for dinner by the city river, which was so nice and reminded us of Switzerland or Stockholm... as everything else has been in this country, it was clean, neat and orderly. Maybe it's more like Germany then. Everything is nice and sensible - dad loves it.
Today we jumped in the car and opted for a last-minute planned route skirting the city centre, checking out some cute little towns and old buildings. We didn't get out much except to eat (fine with me), which was good since it was raining all day, and I enjoyed just staring into the yellowing autumn forests as we wound up and down the hills and rolled through the pasturised valleys. My favourite town was Skolja Toka. So romantic...
Everything is so darned close to each other, I'm now getting an idea of just how small this country is. I hope I can stretch this holiday out for a few more days before seeing everything it has to offer!
Ate way too much for lunch and now am trying to prepare myself for another no doubt overfilling for dinner. This is what happens when I holiday with dad. We eat. And drive. And stop to eat. And eat again.
Dad came with his wife yesterday to pick me up from the farm and I couldn't get out of there quick enuf. I was so excited to see him and also to just move on, I jumped in the car and bid the place a final goodbye. We went straight into the capital Ljubljana (pronounced lube-lee-arna, took me a while to get that one) and found the accommodation I'd booked for us. Was a bit worried about whether it was going to be nice enuf for them but it has turned out more than adequate. Me done good.
Went out for dinner by the city river, which was so nice and reminded us of Switzerland or Stockholm... as everything else has been in this country, it was clean, neat and orderly. Maybe it's more like Germany then. Everything is nice and sensible - dad loves it.
Today we jumped in the car and opted for a last-minute planned route skirting the city centre, checking out some cute little towns and old buildings. We didn't get out much except to eat (fine with me), which was good since it was raining all day, and I enjoyed just staring into the yellowing autumn forests as we wound up and down the hills and rolled through the pasturised valleys. My favourite town was Skolja Toka. So romantic...
Everything is so darned close to each other, I'm now getting an idea of just how small this country is. I hope I can stretch this holiday out for a few more days before seeing everything it has to offer!
Ate way too much for lunch and now am trying to prepare myself for another no doubt overfilling for dinner. This is what happens when I holiday with dad. We eat. And drive. And stop to eat. And eat again.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Just realised... I´ve been detoxing!!
It´s been almost the full 10 days I´m staying at this host´s house in Slovenia and I realise I´ve unintentionally been detoxing from alcohol. Arrgghh!!! Scary times. But it´s just because my hosts don´t drink and I haven´t been out to a pub or in fact outside the perimeter of this village (100 inhabitants), and now I´m scalin' the walls. Scalin' man. Lucky dad is coming tomorrow and he will buy me beer. Sweet, delicious beer. Or wine. Not fussy.
In other news, I am much more relaxed now the host couple has left for Munich. We´re still doing the work that needs to be done, but I feel much happier now I don´t have eyes watching and judging how I interact with their pets. I am good with animals, why do I feel like I suck now??! Breathe. Just keep calm.
What else? Took Spooky for a nice trek through the Slovenian forest today, about time too cos I´ve been eyeing that mother up since I got here. Just beautiful.
Oh yes, and in my super relaxed state I have gotten back into tacky US drama like Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, Ugly Betty and House. And god it feels good. But not as good a nice, cold beer.
In other news, I am much more relaxed now the host couple has left for Munich. We´re still doing the work that needs to be done, but I feel much happier now I don´t have eyes watching and judging how I interact with their pets. I am good with animals, why do I feel like I suck now??! Breathe. Just keep calm.
What else? Took Spooky for a nice trek through the Slovenian forest today, about time too cos I´ve been eyeing that mother up since I got here. Just beautiful.
Oh yes, and in my super relaxed state I have gotten back into tacky US drama like Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, Ugly Betty and House. And god it feels good. But not as good a nice, cold beer.
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Healing hands, healing dreams
I´ve now gotten to the point where my manky dog bite hand is airing itself in its natural surroundings, albeit looking like a leftover prop from Saw IV, but at least it´s starting to dry out nicely. Soon I believe I´ll look like a real girl again - oh, mary, that´d be swell!
Little Miss deLightul had to turn down a burlesque dancing job tonight (sad face) because of my geographical location, maybe best since I´d need to coordinate my outfits back over here via my father... perhaps not the best idea to let him roam free in my little bag of tricks anyway.
Had another strange dream last night which caused me to wake myself with my own whining noises - all because mum was interfering with my life! Ruining everything. Hilarious. I am so perceptive in my sleep.
Cooked dinner again tonight. Soup. Basically just chucked everything I could find from the fridge and pantry that looked like it would suit... god knows how it will taste. Well, it´s not like their opinion of me could get much lower ha! I´m being mean, I´m sure they don´t think I´m that bad but they´ve certainly managed to take my confidence down a few pegs around horses. The complete opposite to Romania.
Little Miss deLightul had to turn down a burlesque dancing job tonight (sad face) because of my geographical location, maybe best since I´d need to coordinate my outfits back over here via my father... perhaps not the best idea to let him roam free in my little bag of tricks anyway.
Had another strange dream last night which caused me to wake myself with my own whining noises - all because mum was interfering with my life! Ruining everything. Hilarious. I am so perceptive in my sleep.
Cooked dinner again tonight. Soup. Basically just chucked everything I could find from the fridge and pantry that looked like it would suit... god knows how it will taste. Well, it´s not like their opinion of me could get much lower ha! I´m being mean, I´m sure they don´t think I´m that bad but they´ve certainly managed to take my confidence down a few pegs around horses. The complete opposite to Romania.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
The one about the flying snake
Last night I had a dream that involved a flying snake - literally a black snake with black and white magpie-type wings. It also had a part where I ran into a recent ex and was really nice to him, while he complemented the way I´d grown my nails etc. My mates were incredulous that I had been so nice to him after how much of a prick he´d been to me.
While receiving reiki from the Spanish helper, I was explaining this to him and he started explaining his theory of the 'saving mother', where girls draw themselves to people needing their nurturing. He thought the ex part of my dream was related to this. He also said that flying snakes, in Spain, were symbolic of someone graduating from a snake (just learning) to a bird (fully grown as a person). Which means it showed I was growing as a person, learning more about myself and the world. Very interesting. The dream, unlike so many others, is still so vivid in my mind.
I also got a massage from D, the Spanish helper, so I feel all nice and comfy. And knowing I have just 24 hours left with my hosts before they leave for Munich, then another couple of days before dad comes, I´m even happier. I don´t feel at ease around the hosts, although I feel nothing against them as people. I just think they think I am lazy or something, I dunno. And waking up after 10 today didn´t help - no one roused me so all the mucking out had been done when I rose! Way to help my cause.
While receiving reiki from the Spanish helper, I was explaining this to him and he started explaining his theory of the 'saving mother', where girls draw themselves to people needing their nurturing. He thought the ex part of my dream was related to this. He also said that flying snakes, in Spain, were symbolic of someone graduating from a snake (just learning) to a bird (fully grown as a person). Which means it showed I was growing as a person, learning more about myself and the world. Very interesting. The dream, unlike so many others, is still so vivid in my mind.
I also got a massage from D, the Spanish helper, so I feel all nice and comfy. And knowing I have just 24 hours left with my hosts before they leave for Munich, then another couple of days before dad comes, I´m even happier. I don´t feel at ease around the hosts, although I feel nothing against them as people. I just think they think I am lazy or something, I dunno. And waking up after 10 today didn´t help - no one roused me so all the mucking out had been done when I rose! Way to help my cause.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Light at the end of the Slovenian tunnel
It turns out I wasn´t the only one disappointed with my performance here at the Appaloosa Ranch in Slovenia. I was sat down yesterday by my hosts who said they didn´t think I was the right 'fit' here and if I minded leaving so the other helpers could get on with things more productively. Well, it wasn´t exactly in those words, there were no hard feelings and I couldn´t agree more.
My finger, although it was damaged by their dog, has really hampered my ability to help out and only the last 24 hours I´ve felt almost back to normal. There´s still more healing to do but I can now do most of the things I can normally do with my left hand, except I still write like a 5 year old child, or a man, same thing.
Now having gotten our grievances out in the open, I am much happier knowing the end is in sight, there are no more expectations and I am glad to see my departure means the lovely Italian helper no longer has to leave. She really loves it here and is a very good fit. And the dog doesn´t want her fingers for breakfast.
Post-discussion, I immediately started making alternative arrangements and less than 24 hours later I had organised an extended trip with dad, arranged a new place to go in Italy with horses and researched the train options in getting to Bratislava for teaching in November. Sorted!
I am really happy, counting down the days til I see daddy (4 to go) and glad it´s all worked out for the best. The place in Italy looks gorgeous, the Italian girl here says it´s just under Tuscany so really nice - yay! And I get to stay with dad longer when we drive from Slovenia back to Italy. Good times ahead.
I realised the other day that I don´t even know what the currency is here and I´ve been here almost a week haha... long live Help Exchange!
My finger, although it was damaged by their dog, has really hampered my ability to help out and only the last 24 hours I´ve felt almost back to normal. There´s still more healing to do but I can now do most of the things I can normally do with my left hand, except I still write like a 5 year old child, or a man, same thing.
Now having gotten our grievances out in the open, I am much happier knowing the end is in sight, there are no more expectations and I am glad to see my departure means the lovely Italian helper no longer has to leave. She really loves it here and is a very good fit. And the dog doesn´t want her fingers for breakfast.
Post-discussion, I immediately started making alternative arrangements and less than 24 hours later I had organised an extended trip with dad, arranged a new place to go in Italy with horses and researched the train options in getting to Bratislava for teaching in November. Sorted!
I am really happy, counting down the days til I see daddy (4 to go) and glad it´s all worked out for the best. The place in Italy looks gorgeous, the Italian girl here says it´s just under Tuscany so really nice - yay! And I get to stay with dad longer when we drive from Slovenia back to Italy. Good times ahead.
I realised the other day that I don´t even know what the currency is here and I´ve been here almost a week haha... long live Help Exchange!
Monday, 11 October 2010
From riding lessons to Playboy
OK, so today I´m in slightly better spirits than yesterday. Have been talking to a random bouncer me and K met in Oz while bar hopping, who runs an exotic dance party business on the side. What a connection! Not only can I see some very fun nights ahead with this scene, but also some potential job opportunities. Be sure I´ll be hitting him up when I return home!!
I´ve also just given the Italian worker a horseriding lesson on Spooky, the best trained horse here who reminds me of my precious Issi and how I´ve trained her. Bless. Anyway, she went really well which I´m sure is more due to the horse and a competent rider than my teaching methods. Still, it made me feel a little less useless today. Hopefully I´ll get a chance for a short ride this afternoon.
There´s one thing that´s kinda weird about this place though. Well, a couple of things. And I spose it´s more just getting used to it. Firstly, they are a 'diaper-less' family so they don´t use diapers on their baby. Which I totally understand from an environmental point of view but it´s just unusual to see a mother crouching over a compost jiggling her baby boy around to get him to take a piss into the decomposing manure. Also, they have Playboy mags in the bathroom. Next to the toilet. It weirds me out when I go into the bathroom, thinking what the last person who sat on the bowl was doing or thinking... I just think it´s strange they don´t move them if they have helpers around.
But whatever. Just some thoughts I wanted to share.
I´ve also just given the Italian worker a horseriding lesson on Spooky, the best trained horse here who reminds me of my precious Issi and how I´ve trained her. Bless. Anyway, she went really well which I´m sure is more due to the horse and a competent rider than my teaching methods. Still, it made me feel a little less useless today. Hopefully I´ll get a chance for a short ride this afternoon.
There´s one thing that´s kinda weird about this place though. Well, a couple of things. And I spose it´s more just getting used to it. Firstly, they are a 'diaper-less' family so they don´t use diapers on their baby. Which I totally understand from an environmental point of view but it´s just unusual to see a mother crouching over a compost jiggling her baby boy around to get him to take a piss into the decomposing manure. Also, they have Playboy mags in the bathroom. Next to the toilet. It weirds me out when I go into the bathroom, thinking what the last person who sat on the bowl was doing or thinking... I just think it´s strange they don´t move them if they have helpers around.
But whatever. Just some thoughts I wanted to share.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Beauty vs. depression
It´s been an interesting first few days for me here, mostly on an emotional level. The dog attack has seriously altered my mental state because I feel I can´t help as much as I should and also am worried that after the 2 month correspondence with the hosts here, I´m disappointing their expectations of me coming here.
There is really only 1 of the 5 horses here I can ride, the others are either too young or too untrained/flighty. So I do what I can, brushing and cleaning, and lunging when I can. But it´s hard. And it´s making me mull around in a state of semi-depression. I most certainly am not my normal effervescent self. I´m counting down the days til dad gets here.
The other workers are from Italy and Spain, both lovely and the Spanish one is giving me reiki on my finger. With 3 of us here, it´s a little crowded which makes me feel even more useless, but the Italian is leaving on Monday so maybe that will make it a bit better.
Besides my damp mood, the countryside around where I am in Slovenia is just beautiful. Like Romania but richer, better managed and cleaner. Can´t wait to see the rest of the country on tour with dad, just hope I have enuf clothes to keep me warm. Even as I write this I am starting to shiver a bit... need to put on another jumper.
There is really only 1 of the 5 horses here I can ride, the others are either too young or too untrained/flighty. So I do what I can, brushing and cleaning, and lunging when I can. But it´s hard. And it´s making me mull around in a state of semi-depression. I most certainly am not my normal effervescent self. I´m counting down the days til dad gets here.
The other workers are from Italy and Spain, both lovely and the Spanish one is giving me reiki on my finger. With 3 of us here, it´s a little crowded which makes me feel even more useless, but the Italian is leaving on Monday so maybe that will make it a bit better.
Besides my damp mood, the countryside around where I am in Slovenia is just beautiful. Like Romania but richer, better managed and cleaner. Can´t wait to see the rest of the country on tour with dad, just hope I have enuf clothes to keep me warm. Even as I write this I am starting to shiver a bit... need to put on another jumper.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
The finger...
Next stop Slovenia
After the massive drink-a-thon that was London, I jumped on a plane to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia and my place of residence for the next month. The plane was too uncomfortable to sleep on again, so I sat in impatience trying to make time go faster. Arriving late, I soon met my new hosts D and A, and their gorgeously cheerful little baby N.
I wanted a quite bite and then bed, but I was led around the property to meet the ´troubled´ family dog and 6 horses I´d be working with during my stay here. The stallion is indeed ´self-confident´ as D had described him to me, but to the point that I need to amp up my aggression factor to make sure he doesn't smack me down. Fun times.
I went to bed mega early and after brushing down and getting to know all the horses again (2 mares, 1 stallion and 2 foals), I went into the house and saw the dog playing with a toy. Stupidly, and ignoring all D´s warnings to be careful with this animal, I tried playing with him and surprise surprise, he attacked me. Super fun times.
Blood was pouring everywhere, it was clear the bites on my finger were not just grazes and I was getting light-headed from the whole ordeal. Lying on the bathroom floor didn´t help much, considering the floor is heated, but eventually I calmed down and now I have to function without most use of my left hand, my good hand. I guess it´s good to be ambidextrous.
It just annoyed me because a) I was so stupid to ignore the warnings I was given, b) it´s the first time I´ve been attacked by a dog even after being told it was aggressive and c) it means now I can´t play with it or pat it, and to me that´s the whole joy of being around pets.
They do have 2 pet snails so I guess I could always give them a try ;)
I wanted a quite bite and then bed, but I was led around the property to meet the ´troubled´ family dog and 6 horses I´d be working with during my stay here. The stallion is indeed ´self-confident´ as D had described him to me, but to the point that I need to amp up my aggression factor to make sure he doesn't smack me down. Fun times.
I went to bed mega early and after brushing down and getting to know all the horses again (2 mares, 1 stallion and 2 foals), I went into the house and saw the dog playing with a toy. Stupidly, and ignoring all D´s warnings to be careful with this animal, I tried playing with him and surprise surprise, he attacked me. Super fun times.
Blood was pouring everywhere, it was clear the bites on my finger were not just grazes and I was getting light-headed from the whole ordeal. Lying on the bathroom floor didn´t help much, considering the floor is heated, but eventually I calmed down and now I have to function without most use of my left hand, my good hand. I guess it´s good to be ambidextrous.
It just annoyed me because a) I was so stupid to ignore the warnings I was given, b) it´s the first time I´ve been attacked by a dog even after being told it was aggressive and c) it means now I can´t play with it or pat it, and to me that´s the whole joy of being around pets.
They do have 2 pet snails so I guess I could always give them a try ;)
Friday, 8 October 2010
The dinner that never materialised
All I had was one night in London, so I had to make it worthwhile. Told some mates I was in town, didn't really have time to broadcast it but at the same time it was an interesting test to see who gave a shit or not!
I started drinking at lunchtime. 2 thirds of my DC girls made sure of it. Then there was another friend's house. More drinks. And a quick hi to a stressed friend taking time out from work. More drinks. Then meeting up with a lovely lil geezer I missed out on seeing last trip to London for dinner. Although we never ended up eating anything.
A pre-drink at the pub turned into an all-night booze session, highly expected from said geezer plus the other rogues that turned up to join the party. All as bad an influence on each other. Not that I needed much to tip over the edge. Of the spotty memory towards the end of the night, I'm pretty sure I confessed my undying love for a particular someone (to their face) and made a complete, utter fool out of my emo self. Sigh.
Luckily, the person in question had the decency to be a downright sweetheart back and make me feel like less of a douche. But fuck me, someone needs to remind me to pack some gaffer tape in my bag before I go out drinking.
I started drinking at lunchtime. 2 thirds of my DC girls made sure of it. Then there was another friend's house. More drinks. And a quick hi to a stressed friend taking time out from work. More drinks. Then meeting up with a lovely lil geezer I missed out on seeing last trip to London for dinner. Although we never ended up eating anything.
A pre-drink at the pub turned into an all-night booze session, highly expected from said geezer plus the other rogues that turned up to join the party. All as bad an influence on each other. Not that I needed much to tip over the edge. Of the spotty memory towards the end of the night, I'm pretty sure I confessed my undying love for a particular someone (to their face) and made a complete, utter fool out of my emo self. Sigh.
Luckily, the person in question had the decency to be a downright sweetheart back and make me feel like less of a douche. But fuck me, someone needs to remind me to pack some gaffer tape in my bag before I go out drinking.
Farewelling home
Being a gypsy, it's really something to be able to feel at 'home' somewhere. And be surrounded by old friends and family, comfortable with everything around you. So it was a little sad when my final day finally rolled around in Australia. But them's the breaks for a nomadic lifestyle. Juuuuust when ya get comfy...
Had a quick breakfast with mum and headed over for lunch at dad's, where I had my final goodbyes with a couple of me besties as well. Then it was off to the airport, filled with mixed emotions and small amount of relief that the 10 day party was drawing to a close. Was definitely looking forward to some chill-out time - the flight to get there, no - but some chill-out time for defo.
The flight to London was about as fun as it could've been. The first leg I was so uncomfortable, even though I had 2 seats to lay across, but I just couldn't sleep and was all restless. I felt like I was coming down. Which in a way I spose I was... But this man in front of me kept hocking up, and I find that disgusting. Especially when he was from England, I mean come on, that is not culturally acceptable!!
The second leg I just slept, all sore from the first leg, and really itchy to get off the plane and see my friends in London. Got grilled at the airport, left my print-outs in my backpack so didn't have any proof I was going forward from there. Told them I had no interest in more employment in London and couldn't have been more sincere. London is not where my head's at right now. And I know that for sure. Need something new to focus on.
Now it's just a case of figuring out what the hell I want to focus on and whether my loose plans for the next few months have anything to do with that. Man, what a boring post! I'm sorry everyone...
Had a quick breakfast with mum and headed over for lunch at dad's, where I had my final goodbyes with a couple of me besties as well. Then it was off to the airport, filled with mixed emotions and small amount of relief that the 10 day party was drawing to a close. Was definitely looking forward to some chill-out time - the flight to get there, no - but some chill-out time for defo.
The flight to London was about as fun as it could've been. The first leg I was so uncomfortable, even though I had 2 seats to lay across, but I just couldn't sleep and was all restless. I felt like I was coming down. Which in a way I spose I was... But this man in front of me kept hocking up, and I find that disgusting. Especially when he was from England, I mean come on, that is not culturally acceptable!!
The second leg I just slept, all sore from the first leg, and really itchy to get off the plane and see my friends in London. Got grilled at the airport, left my print-outs in my backpack so didn't have any proof I was going forward from there. Told them I had no interest in more employment in London and couldn't have been more sincere. London is not where my head's at right now. And I know that for sure. Need something new to focus on.
Now it's just a case of figuring out what the hell I want to focus on and whether my loose plans for the next few months have anything to do with that. Man, what a boring post! I'm sorry everyone...
And the weariness sets in...
After Saturday night's efforts, I took a little time adjusting to life on Sunday. I scrambled out of bed, coaxed myself into putting some makeup on and staggered off to meet friends for lunch. Ate way too much, tried to drink champagne (someone's gotta do it) and barely got down 2 glasses... I was in Struggle Town.
Then came Parklife. My mate kindly gave me a guest ticket and another friend gave me VIP so I was sorted. I just could not for the life of me imagine drinking alcohol. Only until the bitter end did I manage a couple of beers, and by this stage everyone around me was so wasted it kinda seemed pointless to try and catch up.
But I did get a good dance in to Missy Elliott (for those times she actually chose to sing), Busy P, New Young Pony Club, Kele and Groove Armada on their last tour ever :( The festival itself wasn't that amazing but it was good to see more mates, and then afterwards head into town to see more people. Just 2 beers later and I was DONE. Absolutely pooped! Got a cab home, impressed the driver that I picked some of the Algerian/French he was talking on the phone via my Romanian skills and was tucked into bed before midnight. And god, did I need that sleep.
Then came Parklife. My mate kindly gave me a guest ticket and another friend gave me VIP so I was sorted. I just could not for the life of me imagine drinking alcohol. Only until the bitter end did I manage a couple of beers, and by this stage everyone around me was so wasted it kinda seemed pointless to try and catch up.
But I did get a good dance in to Missy Elliott (for those times she actually chose to sing), Busy P, New Young Pony Club, Kele and Groove Armada on their last tour ever :( The festival itself wasn't that amazing but it was good to see more mates, and then afterwards head into town to see more people. Just 2 beers later and I was DONE. Absolutely pooped! Got a cab home, impressed the driver that I picked some of the Algerian/French he was talking on the phone via my Romanian skills and was tucked into bed before midnight. And god, did I need that sleep.
I'm a horrible, useless slut
Saturday began with a foggy head and plans to head to a birthday party on my side of the bridge before going into town to meet some more mates... never did I think it would end by a mega embarrassing lapse of memory...
The bday party was fine, got to see some more mates I hadn't seen in a while, and eventually hauled one of my very drunken friends into dad's car to go into the city. Once there, we finally got in to the back entrance of this secret club that she knew the bouncers of (otherwise no hope of getting in) and she stumbled up the stairs and pretty much into the arms of some sleazy American suit wannabe.. it was at this point I decided to put her in a cab, to the amusement of the entire bar. Don't drink on antibiotics, kids.
So once she was off home, me and my mate K continued to get rowdy in bar after bar, eventually meeting up with other mates, some of whom indulged us in some naughty treats that sent us into trashbag overload - in a good way ;) Of these two mates in particular, one was a guy I went to primary school with who'd moved away shortly after. I thought I hadn't seen him since then, so I exclaimed, 'OMG, I haven't seen you in like 20 years!' to which my other friend whispered to me, 'Actually you have, and that time you actually slept with him. Oh, and it was his first time too.' SHHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. Worst ever. Tried to cover my tracks, not sure if it worked, but damn I am useless. Officially.
While our mates were refused entry into the last bar (phew, the less embarrassment for me or anyone else, the better), we went in with our new best friend bouncer and danced up a storm with some random guys. Last memory I have was me asking where one particularly interested guy lived, deciding it was too far and jumping in a cab alone to dad's house. Best decision ever.
The bday party was fine, got to see some more mates I hadn't seen in a while, and eventually hauled one of my very drunken friends into dad's car to go into the city. Once there, we finally got in to the back entrance of this secret club that she knew the bouncers of (otherwise no hope of getting in) and she stumbled up the stairs and pretty much into the arms of some sleazy American suit wannabe.. it was at this point I decided to put her in a cab, to the amusement of the entire bar. Don't drink on antibiotics, kids.
So once she was off home, me and my mate K continued to get rowdy in bar after bar, eventually meeting up with other mates, some of whom indulged us in some naughty treats that sent us into trashbag overload - in a good way ;) Of these two mates in particular, one was a guy I went to primary school with who'd moved away shortly after. I thought I hadn't seen him since then, so I exclaimed, 'OMG, I haven't seen you in like 20 years!' to which my other friend whispered to me, 'Actually you have, and that time you actually slept with him. Oh, and it was his first time too.' SHHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. Worst ever. Tried to cover my tracks, not sure if it worked, but damn I am useless. Officially.
While our mates were refused entry into the last bar (phew, the less embarrassment for me or anyone else, the better), we went in with our new best friend bouncer and danced up a storm with some random guys. Last memory I have was me asking where one particularly interested guy lived, deciding it was too far and jumping in a cab alone to dad's house. Best decision ever.
'The Hen's Night Out'
The plan was set for Friday night and it was looking like a girls only affair. Never been too much of a problem for me :) We headed to Double Bay, which is usually a no go zone for me but since it was for my girlies, I relented.
It turned out to be more of a hens night, with all but one of us single and several recently heartbroken by break-ups or just boys in general. No surprises there (wow, this really is turning into a feminist rant innit ha). We got merry with rounds of shots and all the appropriate alcoholic treats, laughing at some of the guys attempting to chat us up.
One in particular, an English bloke, was so hammered he kept asking my name (which as a nickname is one letter) and then eventually floated away somewhere. When he returned, he said, 'sorry what was your name again?' to which my ever-eloquent friend said, 'Look mate, it's one fucking letter, see ya later.' After which he realised his time was up and skulked away. Bahahahaha...
The last memory I have is a kebab shop and saying, 'I don't feel too well' to my bestie before passing. Bless her, I awoke in the morning to a (empty) bucket, glass of water and my earrings next to my bed. Then it was Saturday...
It turned out to be more of a hens night, with all but one of us single and several recently heartbroken by break-ups or just boys in general. No surprises there (wow, this really is turning into a feminist rant innit ha). We got merry with rounds of shots and all the appropriate alcoholic treats, laughing at some of the guys attempting to chat us up.
One in particular, an English bloke, was so hammered he kept asking my name (which as a nickname is one letter) and then eventually floated away somewhere. When he returned, he said, 'sorry what was your name again?' to which my ever-eloquent friend said, 'Look mate, it's one fucking letter, see ya later.' After which he realised his time was up and skulked away. Bahahahaha...
The last memory I have is a kebab shop and saying, 'I don't feel too well' to my bestie before passing. Bless her, I awoke in the morning to a (empty) bucket, glass of water and my earrings next to my bed. Then it was Saturday...
Re-igniting old flames...
Thursday night rolled around and I headed to an industry gig to catch up with mates. Didn't know much about this thing but it turned out to be a networking event for people in the music industry with media, advertising, film etc. So it wasn't entirely unusual that I only knew a handful of people, but perhaps a little unexpected that I ran into a guy I hadn't seen for years who works for something like the stock exchange.
Anyway, the night wore on, I was suitably appetised by almost illegally young rock singers (sigh) and before I knew it, I was having all manner of flashbacks back at my mate's parents' house in Vaucluse. Damn, that is a fine property. 180 degree views of the entire Sydney Harbour. Can't complain about that.
So, getting my diva on to suit the mood, I refused to go out on the balcony until I had a spliff in one hand and a big, fluffy bathrobe around me. Suitably attired, we wandered out and before long he was proving my theory wrong that he'd never reciprocated the crush I had on him... Good times, great classic hits.
Anyway, the night wore on, I was suitably appetised by almost illegally young rock singers (sigh) and before I knew it, I was having all manner of flashbacks back at my mate's parents' house in Vaucluse. Damn, that is a fine property. 180 degree views of the entire Sydney Harbour. Can't complain about that.
So, getting my diva on to suit the mood, I refused to go out on the balcony until I had a spliff in one hand and a big, fluffy bathrobe around me. Suitably attired, we wandered out and before long he was proving my theory wrong that he'd never reciprocated the crush I had on him... Good times, great classic hits.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Takin it easy
The next two days and nights were spent with old friends, catching up on gossip and telling them stories of the time I injected a dog and then drove a tractor leading an over-packed hay bale trailer. It all sounded a bit unreal coming out of my mouth but it also made me more excited to know I just had more of the same coming in the very near future.
By Wednesday night, which was meant to be my last in Australia, I'd decided it was foolish and wildly inappropriate to leave before a long w.e in my home town so I promptly changed my flight to Monday afternoon. *Cue crazy disco music and massive shape throwing*
So I stayed in that night, knowing I would be in for a biggie - well, continuous biggies - until I left. Dad's wife cooked a stellar lamb roast and I also caught up with my sister-in-law. Didn't mind spending some quality time with daddy dearest either.
By Wednesday night, which was meant to be my last in Australia, I'd decided it was foolish and wildly inappropriate to leave before a long w.e in my home town so I promptly changed my flight to Monday afternoon. *Cue crazy disco music and massive shape throwing*
So I stayed in that night, knowing I would be in for a biggie - well, continuous biggies - until I left. Dad's wife cooked a stellar lamb roast and I also caught up with my sister-in-law. Didn't mind spending some quality time with daddy dearest either.
Backtracking to Oz... Scuuuuuuuuuuubaaaaarrrr
OK so I'm not really sure how this is gonna work but basically I have now wrapped up an insane 10 days of visiting family and friends in Australia, and will attempt to give the short but sweet versions of each day.
Last I remember I had blogged about my sister's party which was epic. So after spending the w.e up the coast, I headed back to Sydney to start the big friends catch up. Deep breath. And get the calendar out to refresh my memory.
The first night back in town I spent with some industry mates (most of which were drunk when I got there) and a couple of lovely ladies I just happen to know. We went to Betty's Soup Kitchen then the Courthouse (hideous) and then topped off a classy evening at Scubar, where unnamed industry boozehound didn't even make it past the bouncer before she bailed into a cab unexpectedly.
Once inside this club - open til 4am on a Monday night and sandwiched next to Australia's biggest youth hostel - we were greeted with the expected mix of students and backpackers, all of whom had one thing and one thing only on their minds: picking up. So us old fogies, feeling ever the older when one of my mates saw some of the law students she teaches at uni, hung about people watching.
Before long, there was a steady stream of guys coming in for the kill on one of us at a time. We politely refused each and every one of them and soon realised our dreams of a good ol' pash, dash n palm were not going to be achieved. Not that night anyway. We did meet some hot Italians but, well, I've not had the best experience with Italian men thus far and so we decided against going to another seedy bar in the Cross when Scubar closed, and left them in a cab behind us wondering whz the hell we turned left instead of right.
Last I remember I had blogged about my sister's party which was epic. So after spending the w.e up the coast, I headed back to Sydney to start the big friends catch up. Deep breath. And get the calendar out to refresh my memory.
The first night back in town I spent with some industry mates (most of which were drunk when I got there) and a couple of lovely ladies I just happen to know. We went to Betty's Soup Kitchen then the Courthouse (hideous) and then topped off a classy evening at Scubar, where unnamed industry boozehound didn't even make it past the bouncer before she bailed into a cab unexpectedly.
Once inside this club - open til 4am on a Monday night and sandwiched next to Australia's biggest youth hostel - we were greeted with the expected mix of students and backpackers, all of whom had one thing and one thing only on their minds: picking up. So us old fogies, feeling ever the older when one of my mates saw some of the law students she teaches at uni, hung about people watching.
Before long, there was a steady stream of guys coming in for the kill on one of us at a time. We politely refused each and every one of them and soon realised our dreams of a good ol' pash, dash n palm were not going to be achieved. Not that night anyway. We did meet some hot Italians but, well, I've not had the best experience with Italian men thus far and so we decided against going to another seedy bar in the Cross when Scubar closed, and left them in a cab behind us wondering whz the hell we turned left instead of right.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Good times back home = slack blogger
So I know I've been mega shit with keeping up in the blog stakes, but I have good reason! I am back for a short time only in my home country and trying desperately to see all my besties and family as often as possible. It's good being back for a short time cos everyone makes the effort to see you and you enjoy every second much more than if I was here forever - it's shiezenhauzer though because some people are just so busy and I don't think I will see them!! Oh well, can't please everyone.
Over the last few days, well almost a week, I've managed to go to the place I used to keep my horse and see the lady that lives there, one of my old school teachers who is just so lovely. Left my sunnies at her house which sux balls. Many a hungover day I've been punished since.
Being back here has really mixed me up emotionally... from the mini-anxiety attack I had on the plane here to the growing appreciation and love I have for this intensely beautiful country. And a developing longing to see the rest of it...
Anyway, as I finish this blog I'm writing from London, where I've just landed and it's going to be another hectic 24 hours so I won't likely get a chance to update any more blogging until I get to Slovenia.
I NEED SLEEP!!
Over the last few days, well almost a week, I've managed to go to the place I used to keep my horse and see the lady that lives there, one of my old school teachers who is just so lovely. Left my sunnies at her house which sux balls. Many a hungover day I've been punished since.
Being back here has really mixed me up emotionally... from the mini-anxiety attack I had on the plane here to the growing appreciation and love I have for this intensely beautiful country. And a developing longing to see the rest of it...
Anyway, as I finish this blog I'm writing from London, where I've just landed and it's going to be another hectic 24 hours so I won't likely get a chance to update any more blogging until I get to Slovenia.
I NEED SLEEP!!
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