The weather is improving – by which I mean getting more like a Sydney summer. On Wednesday, I joined Damion (who’s back from Japan for Christmas) and his family on their yacht in Pittwater Bay. The sun was fierce, yet tempered by the breeze, and the company great. With nothing but a shorts, long cotton… Continue reading Summer Sailing
Christmas in Sydney
I know I shouldn’t be writing on Christmas Day, but I don’t get access to the net so much since I moved back to civilisation. Today I’m having christmas at my aunt’s house and they have a cable ready made for me to connect my PC to so I took advantage and brought it along.… Continue reading Christmas in Sydney
Friendly Aussies
I remember Australians being friendly, but I’m surprised at just how friendly they (we?) are. I’m staying with friends in Hornsby, almost the northern limits of Sydney’s metropolitan area and catching the train into town whenever I need to. The first time, just a couple of days after I arrived back, I was walking down… Continue reading Friendly Aussies
Overload
I’ve been back in Australia for a couple of days now and everything is a surprise. Everything is expensive. They’re steam cleaning cars now. The layout of supermarkets is strange. Gum trees provide a familiar, alien landscape. There is a distracting amount of cleavage on display. Sydney is BIG. People speak with a very strange… Continue reading Overload
What’s next?
One of my big fears about moving back to Australia is that I’d have to give up my life goal of breaking down cultural barriers. What is the point of this site if I can only travel once a year? The answer is that this is only a temporary situation. If my goal is strong… Continue reading What’s next?
The future beckons the unfulfilled.
The more the time to leave Bhutan draws close, the more I consider what I’ve missed. I never did shoot a traditional bow with the locals. I never did get further east than Bumthang. I never did learn to cook ema datshi. I never learnt to speak Dzongkha or Sharshop. Actually, I don’t think I… Continue reading The future beckons the unfulfilled.
Crash!
I can’t believe it. It’s my second last day in Bhutan, almost certainly my last driving and I had a crash. Worse, I can’t help but feel it was my fault. I was taking my bike down to be boxed up for shipping and drove through the southern traffic circle where one policeman directs traffic… Continue reading Crash!
Hard to leave Bhutan
I’ve moved a number of times in my life. Each time, I embrace the new and am eager to move on. It’s the same now. Sydney calls. My friends and family call. All my possessions currently locked up in storage call. This morning I bought my ticket out of Bhutan. I fly out on Friday.… Continue reading Hard to leave Bhutan
Kuensel Editorial
I’ve decided to leave Bhutan by next weekend. It’s all a bit of a rush, but there’s not much for me to stay here for. Marie has asked me to let her take the next assignment on her own – just to prove she can. I’d rather be home for christmas and I think I’d… Continue reading Kuensel Editorial
World AIDS Day in Bhutan
There’s a sign up over the main street announcing World AIDS Day. A great cause, I’m sure. Awareness is the best chance to combat it, but I’m not sure this is the best way. The sign says ‘World AIDS/HIV Day – Keep the Promise – Accountability’. I don’t even know what that means. How are… Continue reading World AIDS Day in Bhutan