The Bern Wandering years

2010-08-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Book 5 October 4th 1989 – July 12th 1990

New Zealand

Christmas in Sydney

New Zealand

Hawaii

USA – mainland

England

Wales

Ireland

France

Italy

3rd October 6.30 Sydney – Wednesday

I spent all day running around in preparation for tomorrow. I’ve got my ticket and changed $800 AUS to NZ so I will make a start with NZ$147 cash and NZ$950 travellers cheques, so it will be a better start than when I got to Oz last year. I am in two minds about going. – on the positive side is the challenge and the Commonwealth games and on the negative is the fact that I know no one at all over there. I will try and join a running club as I have put on so much weight and it will be a good chance of meeting people. – Rugby of course is out as it is off season. My flight is at 1.15 so I will have to be at the airport about 11.30ish. I bought a new bag for 50 dollars which was the amount of interest I got when I closed my account. We got two films out today – mostly of Ayers rock – they were really good. So, I am all set for the land of the KIWI. Spent all day listening to the Les Mis tape mum and dad sent me.

4th October 12.30 Sydney Airport

A good night out yesterday. Went out with Mickey Radburn, Pat, Mike O’Connor and Jacko turned up – All news on that front. He has given up his job of teaching and is working as a labourer. He has moved into a new flat in Randwick and has got engaged to Pina.- He says the date of the marriage is June 30th 1990 so I might have to alter my travel plans around that. He has with Colm designed a T Shirt for the world cup – Ireland World Champs!! – A good idea, so I said I would come in on it. I am all for any ideas now.

This morning I was up at ½ 7 and went over Siw and Sharon’s for a coffee and a chat before they went to bed because they were on nights. Pat came around as well. I will miss that crowd – Funny I may never see them again, but in all probability we will meet up somewhere. Mackers said I would be saying GOODBYE AUSTRALIA in my diary. He is quite right.- a really excellent year. I am really sad to leave. NZ should be fun but I will probably have a rotten two weeks before I settle. I am a bit down at the moment with the prospect of having to start again. God knows what I will be like when I have to return home. I can’t imagine thinking its “all over”. I have got a bottle of gin at Duty free

5th October Auckland 7.30 am

Coldest, wettest day in the world. The weather really is miserable. Up at 7 to watch The Lions v France – should be a good game. I hope we stuff em!. I stuck my Lions sweatshirt on and two Welsh lads were immediately keen to get one each. I love New Zealand. I have been here less than a day and there is live rugby on at the moment. The bloke who is cleaning the room asked me if I wanted a days work in a factory but I turned it down. 9.30 The home unions beat the French 29-27. Really good game. We were up all the time after a 90 seconds try. Really impressive performance by Gavin Hastings. Frightening really how impressive the English players were – Even without Teague, Richards and Dooley. Only 2 Welsh players in the side. 6.30 PM A very hectic day running around. The first thing I did was go to Poste Restante. Good news is 21 Lions T shirts were waiting for me. I’ve got to send Greg $200AUS tomorrow. I had no mail so that means I haven’t heard from a soul for 10 weeks. I went with this Irish lad Morris to the Uni looking for a flat. And then get in touch with the education office. Its going to be a bit of a struggle at first because I need a work Visa for a job and I can’t get a job without a visa. = catch 22. Anyway she said I would have to send my info to Wellington for classification. Not my original certificates but photocopies signed by a JP. I went out and photocopied them and took them to the law courts and had a JP sign them. So I am ready as soon as the application form comes. I phoned rugby world and can put an advert in the rugby world paper for about $50NZ. I will do it but probably only once. I am full of confidence about getting rid of the 20 Lions shirts – I have cleared 3 in this hostel – got to get the money though..

Back to the hostel – went for a run with the two lads from Swansea. – did some sit ups and then had tea. – had a chat to Morris the Irish lad and two Americans – a couple. Touch wood they are the exception to my experiences. – Anyway, we are all looking for a flat till Feb. We rang around and we are seeing 4 flats/houses tomorrow. It’s a start anyway, so quite a lot accomplished in a day. In the paper there are quite a few ads for flat share if the house fall through and anyone drops out.

After the flat – back to the TV room and Top Gun is on the vid – what a bargain. I want to phone up all the T Shirt bods and get some prices. – The one I had a look at today was way above the odds compared to Sydney. In fact it would be cheaper to Get Pat onto it and get them sent over.

The other thing I did today which would be fantastic if it came off is applied for a job as a tour guide with a holiday firm. Newman’s Tours – Paul Williams 303 1149. I thought it went really well. He never dismissed me anyway. The upshot is if I didn’t have a visa I would not have a chance in hell. I would be considered with a visa.. It would be ideal to get a visa through teaching – jack it in and take up this job, - It will probably be pie in the sky but if it came off it would be ideal even if it meant sacrificing the commonwealth games.

6th October 1pm Friday

Bored. Up at 9.30 and I’ve done very little all day. I think No.1 priority is getting a house fairly quickly. The two Americans and Morris the Irish lad are ummming and aaaahing so we will look at the 4 houses tonight. I want a yay or nay otherwise I will start looking for flat shares. I can’t stay in a dorm with 10 people and its difficult applying for a job with a hostel as an address. Last night I sold 5 Lions shirts although I haven’t all the money in. I am owed $30 – it meant though I sent Greg $148 of my money and $100 that I already had in. The weather is still rain, rain, rain.

7th October Saturday 1200

A flat hunting day. I’ve got 5 flats to look at today so hopefully I will get a result. – It is the people I will be looking at rather than the flat. This morning has been more of the same – torrential rain. Out last night to a bar with the Welsh lads Ceri + ? and the cockney Kevin. It was OK but I have had better Friday nights out. I phoned home earlier in the evening. Nan has been in hospital – I thanked them for the Les Mis tapes. Dad is sending some clippings – all to be picked up at the post office Could be problems getting a teaching visa because they want transcripts again. I will be going to try and get casual jobs at Student Job search 23a Victoria St ( off Queen St)

4.30 Weather torrential rain, thunder and lightening. I’ve looked at 4 houses and I have one to see. I like the look of two of them and am hoping to get invited into one where there is an Auckland rugby fan. House is OK and the bloke seems fine. In the other house there is nothing + the bloke seems fine. I didn’t like the look of the other two so I wont contact them.

Sunday 8th October 12.30

Another grotty day weather wise. I’ve got to phone around today and see if I have got a house. I hope so desperately. Last night was really enjoyable. Me and Morris went to the Rugby Tavern – brilliant. The boss graham showed me around his museum which I will have to see again. He liked my T Shirts and I’ve put two in the window and left 5 others to sell, so that wont hurt at all .In the rugby tavern we got talking to these Jocks who gave me the address of a party, so I crashed it.

5.0 I’ve got a flat and I’m very pleased with it It’s got a vid and a phone and the people: Wendy, Mike and Nicky seem great. A very sporty household. I will move in on Tuesday so my No.1 aim is completed and now for No. 2 – get a job

116 Garnett Rd, Westmere, Auckland 761738

Monday 9th October 9.00

The job hunt is on now. Looks fairly bleak to get teaching classification.. I need a visa so I will have to go into immigration this morning. I will also go to the student job search. – I am really knackered really because I only have $500 to my name and $200 will have to go on rent and bond tomorrow.

A very tiring and frustrating day with some result I suppose but I am not exactly happy. The major thing I have got to fight is beurocracy. I need a working visa to get classification and I need to get classified to get a job and a job to get a visa. I don’t know what to do apart from keep plugging on. Good news was the student job search was helpful.. I have got work every Sunday by the looks of it – the bloke sounds very plumy English . It is $15 an hour but I will be taxed 1/3rd. He will be picking me up about 5 O’ Clock – contact me on Saturday afternoon. I’ve also got two days work tomorrow and Wednesday so it will keep the debtors at the door.That job is at $10 an hour with a bloke who can’t speak English. I will have to be in work at 6 to get up at 8. My main problem is that I haven’ worked since June so ANY work I’m not looking forward to. I am really looking forward to moving into the new flat tomorrow. My student job search number is 2104.

8.30 cheered up no end. I decided to try the old boy network.- this afternoon. I popped into the rugby tavern and got the list of all the Auckland Welsh members. I was going to leave it but then phoned at random and he gave me the number of the secretary Derek Williams. He had me in stitches – the choir meets Thursdays at St Luke’s prespertarian church in Renemeura Rd Newmarket 7.30 – 9.00, they then go for a beer. Funnier – he asked me was I around for the commonwealth games because on Fridays the Welsh folk dancing meets at the recreation hall in Grafton Rd. They are preparing for the games. On a more concrete note he gave me the number of Gerald Harbison.

I went for a run with Ceri in the rain, showered and had grub.

I phoned Gerard and he was very useful – he said he knew a bloke that had given two Welsh lads a start in a motor factory and a bloke called Ross Thompson who is a builder and needs someone quite often – so he will give me a ring tomorrow.. Hopefully using the “TAFFIA” will see me clear. I hope so because working every Sunday will be murder. On the social scene there is a game of soccer on soon and they also have a “social cricket” side – you can only catch someone out if you have a can of beer in the other hand

Tuesday 10th October 9.25pm

Up at 6 and caught a bus into town then another bus to Onehunga and worked shifting heavy machinery from one place to another. Hard work but much better than the flour mill type work. I was working with this Chinese bloke and trying to help him learn English. He is from Beijing and was in Tiananmen Square during the unrest. Really makes you think – it hardly got a mention in my diary but changed his life forever. I have got the alarm set for 6 again – my second and last day of labouring.

I moved into Garnett Rd this evening. – Had to get a taxi as my stuff was too heavy. My room is looking the tidiest it probably ever will – although I am trying to make an effort in this flat. A meal was presented on the table which was a bargain, but I suppose I will have to reciprocate. The flat has a microwave, a video and a washing machine. The TAFFIA Gerald phoned back but when I rang him he was out. I’m praying that it’s something permanent – I’ve virtually decided not to do the Sunday job. – too much of a commitment. – I really enjoyed my Sundays in Sydney. Everybody in the flat is playing tennis and the All Black games are on Sunday mornings. This week it’s v Cardiff. I wouldn’t be a genius to predict the blue and blacks will take a pasting. Everyone in the house seems OK but I have mild reservations about one of the girls who tried to push a Christian Union magazine on me – on the first evening. She can cut that straight out. But …diplomatic O’Brien didn’t go straight for the jugular, I just let it ride. I’ve got few enough mates in Auckland without getting onto a bad start with anyone. I wrote a letter to Siw and Sharon, Mackers and Giz (same letter) on the bus and started one to send home. What I really need is permanent work so I can then start applying for a working visa as well.

Wednesday 11th October 7.45pm

Up at 6 this morning for my second and last days labouring at Onehunga – I got paid $160 cash in hand – pays the rent. I was working with two Maori boys and Frank the Chinese bloke. – Torrential rain all day – what a surprise. I got back and Wendy made a cracking stew. My turn tomorrow – I have got in Salad and tuna pasta. I phoned Gerad of the TAFFIA and he said he was talking to a painter who may have some work on. I would love that as it wouldn’t be physically hard as labouring on a site and it would be more interesting than a factory. Music as well presumably. I phoned that bloke I was supposed to work for on Sunday and cried off – NZ are playing Cardiff.

Thursday 12 October 1.30

A very lazy morning – something I do not need. – Weather outside is appalling so no real incentive to go rushing around. Up at 11 and festered around all morning. I’ve made a big salad and tuna pasta for tea – looks quite good. I phoned up a few T shirt printers and it looks like it will be cheaper for Greg to do them in Oz and send them over.

3.15 Still the windiest day in the world. I’ve been a bit daft really all day – I’ve done bugger all – quite determined to do loads tomorrow but hoping for a phone call with a painter’s job at the end of it tonight. Soccer news is Wales lost to the Dutch so we are out of the world cup. England are through (0-0 draw) and Eire are through – beat N. Ireland 3-0. That result is really good news as Jacko can now get his world cup T Shirt out. I know that’s going to be a winner. I will just have to wait for him to get in touch. I bought a video blank video so I can get a few things on tape. – Street and sport.

11.15 A worthless day. I’ve got to phone this bloke Bernard something about a job. I’ve got a few things to do tomorrow. After phoning, I will go to town – see if I have any mail, also want to visit 2 Catholic schools in the area and work on my visa. Late this evening I had a phone call off a bloke who wanted 2 shirts. I only bothered putting ads up in two backpackers, so it may be worth running around and throwing ads up in all of them. It will be quite time consuming but worth it if I get the results. I could have done that today. This evening I saw the street then bottled out of going to choir practice as it was too far away and fairly cold. – I can’t sing anyway. The All Blacks v Cardiff is on at 2.20 Sunday morning with the Pontypool game 2.20 on Thursday. It would be a riot if Cardiff or Wales beat them but no one can really see it. It would be unbelievable if they did.

Friday 13th October 4.15

I’ve been in better moods. I am quite down really – running around all day and not getting anywhere. I phoned Bernard Newcastle of the Auckland TAFFIA 3 times but there is still nothing really on. He said it’s a bad day being Friday and will contact me tomorrow. I suppose if I didn’t pester I wouldn’t get anywhere. I went and stuck two Lions posters for shirts on the board. At the moment feeling fairly down – I just feel sod it they are not going to sell, and yet yesterday I was all in for getting a new batch. I know that the Lions shirts are “yesterdays” market. The commonwealth games have got to offer something better. I am really missing Sydney and all my mates but I know even in Sydney I felt really frustrated that I wasn’t working and was wasting my time. Here I’m really low on money

9.00 Cheered up quite a bit but again it could be pie in the sky. On the radio it said that U2 were playing a second concert in Auckland. I did some ringing around and I know it sounds boring but T Shirts could be on as well. The thing about doing nothing apart from lack of money is sheer boredom. I found out U2 are playing Christchurch on the 4th, Wellington on the 8th and Auckland on the 10th and 11th. For 50 shirts I would have to lay out about $700 – that’s the big problem. But I know I can sell them. Design would be Batman maybe or a superhero but U2 are bigger. On the back “I was There” (I have seen that before with U2 hits NZ and the dates. Other good news is Nicky from the flat invited me to a 21st tomorrow. – That would be great especially getting back to see Cardiff NZ live. I spent the early evening running around with Mike looking for a Friday 13th Badminton party – no luck. Back to watch the film Fletch. I’m having problems setting the vid. My room has lapsed a bit

Sunday 15th October 1pm

The wettest and windiest day in the world again. Yesterday I went for a run with Nicky from the flat. – She was the one that suggested it – so good news someone pushing me. We went to a party with her boyfriend Greg in the evening. It was a 21st. The girl whose party it was acted like a spoilt 6 yr old all night. It was definitely a family do which was disappointing, but I had a really good time. It was in a garage which got quite cold at times. Because of the game in the evening I took some stick but gave as good as I got even though I had a very defeatist attitude. I even got dragged up to make a speech. I got home at 12 – straight to bed and set the alarm for 2.20. I am really glad Cardiff played with so much spirit and hwyl. We were even leading at half time, with a try on the bell. Score was 25-15 but with 2 tries late in the second half by the incredible All Black machine – they just closed down the game and rolled the ball down the middle. Impossible to stop when done properly – and the All Blacks do it with precision. A very heartening performance. I felt a bit homesick watching the game. It was gorgeous weather and great to see the Cardiff side came out to clap the crowd at the end. We lost but with Welsh rugby at the pits playing the world champions we had a moral victory. Went to bed at 4 and got up at 1. The weather is dreadful – rain, thunder and lightening – the business.

Other news is I am all set to do a U2 T Shirt. I want it out as soon as possible. I obviously haven’t got the money so I will use the plastic and get it from my £600 from home. When I get some profit I will send it back. I abandoned the Batman idea.

9.30pm – a fairly uneventful day. The weather was so bad that I never even bothered to go out of the door. Thunder lightening and torrential rain. I must put another $120 more in the bank for the flat as I’ve to pay 2 weeks rent and 2 weeks $20 kitty. My finances are seriously low with only $350 with the promise of 1 days world tomorrow. I am really desperate for work. I honestly don’t know what to do. I want to get 50 shirts out straight away – I can work for myself then. I read the exorcist today.

I will have to give the library a visit soon. I was going to give the Irish club a try tonight but never bothered. 1) The Weather 2) the weather and 3) most importantly – I suppose the confidence of going somewhere on my own.

Monday 16th October 6.45

Up at 9 and a ½ hour walk to Mount Albert. I met Graham the bloke who owns Shirt Tales (English) and the artist Jim (Jock). I gave them my idea and the final costs were:

3 screens @$25 = $75. Printing @ $3.75 x 50 = $187.50 Shirts $7.50 x 50 = $375 plus $100 artwork = $737 which is $14.75 a shirt. Because of cash in hand he pulled it down to $6.87 = $13.75 for the first 50 after that it is minus screens and art = $10.35 a shirt. I went to the bank, paid some rent and bond $120. That leaves me the poorest man in the world $200 in travelers cheques, and $150 cash – that’s all. To pay for the shirts I took out $700out of the bank on my MasterCard – the first time I used it. I will have to send all of that to dad to put in my account to drag it back to £600.

I caught a bus into town and was really pleased to get two letters in the mail. One was from Graham and Linda – they are in NZ traveling around and trying to get in contact. They suggested meeting up for the Wales NZ game but I will be in Christchurch flogging shirts. I also had a letter from Siw, Sharon and Pat. Telling me what a laugh Australia is and how warm it is – as if I never knew. For the rest of the day I went to different shops asking them would they take my T Shirt. I had a favourable response from 3. I went for a run, passed the Zoo and the bullock track killed me. Even though I haven’t seen the shirts and I haven’t sold any I feel for the first time in NZ (apart from getting the flat) that I have accomplished something. I have got to ring on Wednesday to pick them up Thursday. I will spend all day Wednesday sticking up tents at the showground and then hopefully Thursday I will be working for myself at last. My aim is to sell enough on Thursday so that I can pick up 100 more for the weekend. Positive thinking. One funny thing – I went into Sounds record store. – the official sellers of U2 tickets - the bloke told me I could be prosecuted and then asked for my name and number. Not surprisingly I never gave it to him.

Thursday 17th October 10.45

Didn’t get too much sleep. Mind working overtime on T Shirts. Lessons learned from last time is I didn’t get around as much as I should have. This time I want to get to quite a few outlets. I will want to work hard on this as it will be the only solid work I have till Christmas. That means making it a 9 -5 job with overtime for my self on the weekends. If I made enough I could go to Sydney for Christmas. – New Years eve down the rocks would be heaven. I also want a bike. My plan of attack today is to go to all the local shopping malls and sell the idea. I will use backpackers as salespeople.

Wednesday 18th October 7.30pm

Shattered – I spent all day assembling units for a craft show in the Auckland show ground. Fairly easy work and got paid $75. I woke up at 4 and 5 O’ Clock because of torrential rain. I couldn’t get back to sleep as I had to be up at 6.30 to get to work. I woke up with a mild hangover, because yesterday I was asking shops would they be outlets and I saw an “I was there” Lions T Shirt. He had bought it off me in Sydney. We got chatting and went for a beer. A fatal mistake as it turned into a real sesh – the first real one in NZ.

Playing darts with 3 kiwi’s – I was hanging. I got a taxi home. Bernard from Auckland Welsh phoned with an offer of a job, but I am going full steam ahead with my risk on the shirts so I will turn it down. I phoned Graham of the T Shirt factory and I have got to give him a ring at 12. – Hopefully I will have them on the street in the afternoon. Weather today appalling again. Probably get up at 2.15 to see the All Blacks play Pontypool – come on Pooler.

World news is that there has been a huge Earthquake in San Fransisco – 6.9 on the Richter Scale. At least 200 dead – motorways collapsed – worst quake for 83 years.

Wednesday 18th October 11.30 am

Waiting, waiting, waiting. – Exactly the same as happened with C Bon. I am being stalled. I just phoned up and the artist isn’t in yet so I have to ring at 1.30. I can see me being stalled now until tomorrow morning. Very frustrating, because I’m really keen to get out and do some sales work. Up at 2.15am and watch Pontypool getting stuffed by the All Blacks. They were so efficient. Frightening to think what they will to do Wales in the test. The score was 47-3. In San Fransisco the death toll is over 270 because of the earthquake. I haven’t got a bed now – its been taken away.

1.00– A nightmare – just phoned and the artist still hasn’t turned off – I am really cheesed off as I am hanging around waiting

4.30 – Jim the Scots artist phoned up and is working on the artwork now. Graham reckons he will have it done by 9 so I will go around at ½ 8 to get them. I’ve got 23 days of solid work if I want this to come off. I know the frustrating thing will be waiting for the things. I should be on the streets flogging my guts out tomorrow. Bernard from Auckland Welsh and a few Welsh boys are going to the rugby tavern tonight so I will go down as soon as I get my shirts. He was saying that on the 4th Nov – Wales v NZ they are having am all night session in Mt Roskill Rugby Club. – I will be in Christchurch. If I can get a plane back I will. I wrote a letter home but spent all day festering around.

Thursday 19th October 9 am

Still haven’t got the shirts. Had a phone call last night so I am going in now. I went for a ride and a fish – (caught nothing) in Mike’s boat in the early evening. I went for a beer with Andy, met Bernard Newcombe, sold a shirt for $27. + Bernard sharked me – I’ll get the money off him. At the rugby Tavern Gordon told me Caron had been in. I got back and he had phoned. He phoned later and unfortunately he is leaving today so I have missed him. Jacko phoned at 3.30 am – He is sending me 10 Ireland World champion T Shirts.

Friday 20th October 7pm

At last the T Shirts have arrived. I walked to Mt Albert and he had only done 36. I went into town, sold a few then went back but he hadn’t done the 14. – I am soo cheesed off with him saying they will be ready and then them not being there. I ordered another 26 to make it 40. I then went back to town – flogged some more so I ordered 20 more. I have 17 on the go and 60 being made – but when will they be done?

On the positive side the T Shirts are brilliant. Really good quality and the design works lovely. I sold 17 so it’s the same as making $208.25. I am making $12.25 a shirt at the moment. I am getting rid of them for $26 or two for $50. I will do 3 for $70 as well I think. Although I must admit that I feel fairly frustrated because things are happening fairly slowly it has been a fairly successful day.

A really pleasant surprise was that I bumped into Caron in town and we had a chat about traveling in Australia – He is going to Hawaii + will be home for the test.

Saturday 21st October 6.15

Everybody in the house is away because of the long weekend. I was up at 10. I phoned up Pat and also had a chat to Siw ($22.46) News is that Pat is off to Bathurst to work. – His company will pay for his flight and housing – He wants a luxury house. Also, tragic news from Cairns about Caroline who has only just survived a crash on her bike. – she is in all sorts of trouble – been in intensive care, also she has no Medicare + when she flies home she will have to have 3 luxury seats.

I told Siw about my T Shirts and her reply was as expected. Why didn’t I get a proper job in a factory – she makes me laugh.

I phoned mum and dad from town but the telephone was having a nightmare. I told them about the shirts. I went into town and sold the grand total of 0. – Not happy at all. The weather is dreadful. I put 2 shirts in a shop in Grey Lynne and in 2 dairy’s around here.

I popped around the hostel and all the boys are going to the “press club” To watch the GB/KIWI game followed by the All Black / Swansea game so I will be up till 6 this morning. Bon Jovi are also playing Western Springs on the 19th so I may do a shirt for that. This is quite a laugh if it comes off.

Huge news from Britain is the Guildford 4 being released from jail after 15 years for the bombings they never did. The judged recommended they should be hanged at the time – if he could have. Jacko is ecstatic – told you so etc.

Saturday 22nd October

I can’t stress how wet and windy it is outside. Continuation of last night – it’s a pain in the neck. Last night I saw Rebel without a cause – James Dean. I really enjoyed it. I then went down the hostel. Me Ceri, Steve and a Yank, Troy went for a few beers at the Press club and had a few games of pool. Disaster – the big screen wasn’t working – why we went. I watched the first half of the Kiwi v GB rugby league game and at half time legged it for a taxi to save getting soaked. I sold 2 shirts in the Press Club – one for a cheque. I crashed out on the couch and woke up half way through the Swansea All Blacks game. The All Blacks won 30 odd to 20 odd – 6 tries to 3 but it flattered them. Swansea were really committed especially the forwards who were all very young – about 20 , 21. Arthur Emyr looked dangerous whenever he got a touch.

7.30 what a dreadful day – did my washing a joined a video club. Saw Planes, Trains and Automobiles = ok. Also saw the rugby again – Emyr was not as impressive as the outside half – Clements. Tonight I am off to the Auckland Irish club. It’s funny I am not that confident at all today about my little T Shirt venture – I have only really got 8 days before I go to Christchurch. To be honest I wont sell enough to finance the trip. My no 1 problem is supplying the shirts – My problem is I need them NOW. But I have to keep waiting. It seems daft that they haven’t got a big stock of shirts in. I hope to shift a few tonight. I have a sneaky feeling it wont be a young crowd which will be a ‘mare.

Monday 23rd October – Labour Day Bank Holiday

A fairly interesting day running around and achieving nothing, but I think I learned a lot so nothing ventured nothing gained I suppose. I was up at 9 and took a trip to the craft fair – where I did some work last week. A dead loss – the woman wouldn’t let me sell there so I took a trip to the Victoria market. It costs $120 a weekend to have a stall. I got chatting to a bloke Trevor who let me flog my U2 shirts for $4 commission. I only sold 4 – quite surprised as I thought I would sell more I sharked Trevor for $4 as I sold one when he was off for a coffee. I could not believe what he was selling the most of. People were walking past very good T Shirts in droves and buying his “old fart” “grumpy old fart” and “boring old fart” T Shirts – just goes to show. I took a trip around the market and had a chat to a few people and will defo go back next week and leave some stock there. There is also a chance of going in tomorrow and leaving stuff with people who run it 7 days a week. I can also go to the oriental market – behind the bus depo as there are stalls three. First I have to get the shirts off Graham. Taxi home as I couldn’t stand to wait for a bus.

Last night I went (on my tod) to the Auckland Irish club – fairly dead – especially compared to the Mercantile. Apparently there is a bit of life in the Albion on Tuesdays.

On funny thing is Wendy wants to get rid of the couch. She asked me last week and I said that in my opinion it’s ok where it is. Today there was a note saying that unless there are any objections she is getting the Salvation Army to take it away. You can’t really reason with notes. The decision is made and a challenge must be made for anyone to alter it. Nicky got back and was furious as she is always leaving notes. If she wants to get rid of it she can – I don’t give a monkey’s, but I see some tension between Nicky an Wendy. I will call that note number 1. I can’t wait for note number 2. Nicky was all in for replying to the note on paper.

I am going to be cheesed off if I can’t get my t shirts tomorrow, but I can’t see it really. I will be happy if I get them by the evening.

Tuesday 24th October

Cheesed off with my little T Shirt man. Phoned him this morning, this afternoon and early evening. He wants me to ring him tomorrow dinnertime + he will only have 30 for me. I was hoping for 100 so I could start distributing them. I went into town today and didn’t have a good day. I only sold 4 – my aim is to sell at least 8 a day. Eight is the equivalent of a day’s wages. In town I saw Tony the Yank and had a chat to him. Also the 3 Scots turned up. They were all in for going ¼’s on a whole range of shirts. I am off tonight to the Albion pub where hopefully an Irish band is on. I had a phone call from an Irish lad who wants 3 shirts so I have nearly hit my target - + I have got bloody none left now. This is ridiculous – I ordered them Friday.

I got back and made the grub – Wendy had got rid of the couch. Amazingly it didn’t rain today. I read my Diary yesterday and found out it was Nolsey’s birthday so I gave her a ring. She wasn’t in.

Wednesday 25th October 11.30

Bored stiff, watching Tele. I ordered the T Shirts last Thursday. I think I have enough money to buy 80 and I can’t get hold of the bloke. I’m so annoyed. I went to the Albion last night + it was excellent. Fairly small and loads of atmosphere. I got rid of 5 shirts and could have sold more if I had any left. Taxi home.

This morning up at 8.30 and went for a run – a killer, really sweaty. I am now very frustrated. I should be in town making money. The Neath game is live on tele tomorrow. If one side can beat them it is Neath. – I will be up at 2.15 to watch it live.

12.30 Phoned Graham at 12 + I’ve got to ring back at 4 – another full day wasted. It’s just not fair. I have risked everything and no one seems to care. I am so annoyed. I said on the phone that I have done nothing for 2 days waiting + he had the nerve to say that I was luck as he had been working solidly for 16 hours. – That’s supposed to cheer me up!!

9.30 What a waste of a day. – I am fairly pessimistic about things now. I went into town – dead. I sold 1 shirt – went to the college with one of the Scots lads – I promised him some work on Friday. I will hopefully pick up 100 shirts tomorrow. I said I will go in and give him a hand about 4 so I would be sure of the shirts. The ones I got now are not ½ as good as the old lot. Spent the afternoon watching the film “Peggy Sue got married”. Up at 2.15 to watch the Neath game.

Thursday 25th October 11am

An absolutely gorgeous day. I am sitting here in Queen Street (Since ½ 10) and have had no luck at all. Just been reading the paper which you don’t really have to pay for in Auckland. – Fairly boring really. The pessimist in me is starting to creep in, but in reality I am sure I can make a killing at these concerts if I could afford to finance it. Selling 8 will be the same as a days work – I will stay t he day here so hopefully I will sell more. Grand total now though is 0

I was up at 2.15.Neath got beaten 25-17 – very close until the end but Neath had there chances but a couple of missed passes. Not happy with Wendy at all last night. She was moaning about me using the couch cushions as a bed as I would wear them out – so I had to kip on the floor. At the moment reading the “Go Between” by WP Hartley

Midnight. Going to bed tired but happy. I sold 3 from 10.30 – 2 and then really pushed it from ½ 3 and finished with a total of 11 sold. A day’s work is 8. At ½ 5 I went to Mt Albert as I said I would give Graham a hand. (I paid my rent of $190). The shirts hadn’t arrived till 7 so I potted around. Fair play to him he works really hard. I could only get 70 and had $150 left over so I struck a lovely deal for seconds @$6 each – some of them printed out so well I will probably get rid of them at $26. Now I have got some stock I can really get going. Hopefully I will give a few to the Scots lads tomorrow. Finished work at ½ 11 so what with getting up from 2-4 to watch Neath it’s been a long day. Still – I have got to be prepared to stick in the graft if I am going to get any success in this little venture. One note of caution – Bono has lost his voice and cancelled a Sydney concert. I would be knackered if that was the case and he couldn’t play NZ.

Friday 26th October

11.45 – Sitting on a bench in Queen St. + haven’t sold a light – fairly boring. Hopefully things will pick up around dinner time.

6pm – A fairly successful day – flogging shirts. Most of the success was around dinner. Very little after. A lot more confident but I realize I have got loads of graft before it all pays off. One of the Jocks – either Mike or Jim turned up and gave me a hand – meant I could go for lunch. He only sold 5 all afternoon – I am hoping he can be persuaded to come down to Christchurch with me as it will be good company. The weekend is coming up and I am a bit of a Douggie. Tomorrow is Nicky’s 21st birthday so that should be a good night and Sunday I will go to the Gaelic club. Hopefully, a few more than last week.

9pm – Douggie no mates tonight. Mind you I am knackered. – back into town tomorrow morning. Just counted up my cash + came home with $560 – so it was a good one. The news today in GB is Lawson has resigned, so Thatcher is up against it- The day she is out is drawing closer – DITCH THE BITCH!

Sunday 29th October

1.30 Up at 4 to watch NZ beat Llanelli 11-0 – the windiest day in the world at home. The All Blacks just played it to the forwards and crucified the Llanelli pack in the second half. Last night I went to Nicky’s 21st – ok, but I’ve been to, and was expecting much better. Got home at 12 and was up at 4 to watch the rugby and then up at 11.30. Did the washing and got a vid and a Chinese in for dinner – Sad man. I have got to go into town later and pick up my shirts/money from the markets. Yesterday morning I sold 8 shirts which was pleasing.

I have virtually decided that to go to Christchurch I will go right up to my credit limit on my Access. I will fly to Christchurch on Thursday morning at 9 am. – gets in at 10.40. So I will have a full selling day there. Finance will be coming from different sources hopefully.

5pm – A bus ride into town + to the Victoria market. Trevor had sold 4 so I got $88 and he took 10 off me for $19 each so he will give Graham $190. I then went to the Chinese market. Mario was not there so I have to go in tomorrow - he had sold 2 though. Tonight I will go to the Auckland Irish club – hopefully it will a good night.

Weather over the last couple of days have been lovely – I went for a run yesterday with Mike – that hill is a real killer. Being Sunday it would have been Mercantile night, so I am definitely still missing Sydney. Hopefully the U2 shirts will go very well and I can have Christmas there. I am still intending to travel around Feb/March time – I am really hoping Pat makes it over.

Monday 30th October

Last night at the Gaelic club was really good – chatting to quite a few Paddies. One lad Brian was very keen to come down to Christchurch with me but no sign of him today.

Up this morning at ½ 7 and hit town at ½ 10. A fairly successful day selling T Shirts – sold 17. I also got rid of 10 in the Chinese market. Did some running around and had a curry for dinner. I got a plane ticket for Christchurch for Thursday. Cost $106 – paid on Access. I also took out $940 on access – determined to pay it back very quickly. I don’t like using the plastic – too easy to do.

My sales pitch is all lies - $35 at the concert etc. I ordered 200 for Wednesday off Graham – I am hoping for a lot more. Had a bit of a scare in town when this bloke told me that the U2 concerts were cancelled. Neither confirmed nor denied at the moment – Hopefully the latter. If one concert is cancelled I must not panic as there are 3 others.

At home Thatcher is still taking loads of stick because of the resignation of Lawson - Good. In South Africa there was a huge turnout of the ANC welcoming the released prisoners – Good

Wednesday 1st November 12 Midday

I am taking a day off today`- I have been running around like a blue arsed fly for the last 2 weeks – not complaining as it’s work which is what I need. The next week is so important to me and sod having a social life. I need to go for solid graft. I phoned up Graham and ordered 250 shirts costing $3,000 – I’ve got about $2,700 so I will be owing him $300. I was aiming to take down 400-500 so I will be very disappointed if I don’t sell all of them in Christchurch. I am flying down tomorrow at 9

Yesterday wasn’t that successful especially compared to Monday. I went to Grey Lynne to pay a cheque into the bank and then got to town at ½ 11. I only sold 4 shirts all day. Had a curry for dinner – I got really cheesed off and came home at 4. I got St Elmo’s fire on the vid.

The evening was great. I went to the Albion at 8 chatting to Bernard + ? It is a disaster that stop tap is 10 O’clock. Just as you are getting into it the pub shuts. I then went to the international backpackers where there was a Halloween party on – a good laugh. Got a date with Lorraine – but not for a couple of weeks when U2 is all over.

Up at 3 again and watched Newport get stuffed 54-9. The test is on Saturday – I will be in Christchurch. I saw a brilliant cartoon of a Welsh bloke smacking the arse of an All Black – if only.

10pm – A very tiring day doing nothing – Got “Hannah and her sisters” out on vid – up to Woody’s high standards. I made a Chile for dinner. At 5 Graham gave me a ring and I went around helping him do the t shirts. I paid out $2,870 for 145 shirts. I’ve packed them and it fills up a rucksack, Nicky’s suitcase and my big bag. I will expect to pay some luggage costs.

I am really looking forward to going to Christchurch – the sheer size of the T Shirts though is daunting. I will be very happy if I sell them all. I do expect to. It won’t be the end of the world if I don’t though as there are still 3 more concerts.

Thursday 2nd November 8am Auckland airport

Up at 6 this morning, quick shower and brecky and Greg gave me a lift to the airport bus. I checked all my baggage on the plane and I have now got ¾ hour to wait. I haven’t got that much money on me. When I get to Christchurch I hope to get a single room at the backpackers so that I can organize myself. I also want to get a couple of people working for me today and tomorrow. If t he shirts went really well I would love to miss the concert – jump on the 9pm plane Saturday night and be back in Auckland to watch the Wales / NZ test at Mt Roskill RFC. with all the Welsh boys. Because I have only got 250 shirts I may up the price to $28 and see how it goes. I will be able to pay $6 commission then. The weather is gorgeous now; hopefully it will be the same in the South Island.

Starting to descend into Christchurch, I will be equalizing like a good un. Below the scenery is fantastic – huge mountain range with the highest being snow capped. First time I have seen snow since Canada over a year ago. I am really looking forward to this little venture but I know I have to work really hard, - it’s very exciting though.

I’ve got to get a backpackers near Lancaster Park where U2 are playing.

Booked in – no real lock on the door which I am not happy about. Owner came in and wanted a free T Shirt for a night accommodation. Job done, as I’m paying $24 a night. All set to hit Christchurch now – it’s freezing.

6.30 Very eventful. I went to the mall and was selling nicely when these blokes came up and said was it a licensed product. I said yes, + they wanted to know who by etc. They gave me 10 minutes to clear out. One was really aggressive and his mate was a gorilla. – I buggered off sharpish – the coward I am. I then came back because I thought they had gone but they came back. I was really scared but everything is riding on theses shirts so I decided to take another load out and went around the mall asking in the shops. I ended up selling 43 today which I am happy about and will go to the Irish pub tonight and hopefully sell some more

Friday 3 Nov

Happiest man in the world. Had a really productive day selling shirts followed by a really good night at Warners Irish bar. Excellent laugh really. Saw the Wizard give a speech. First impressions of Christchurch are very favourable. Really good atmosphere in the square. Spent all morning really hung over from last night. Judy did very well working for me – really pleased with her but very disappointed with these other lads who let me down. I phoned Paula because it is her birthday. Phoned Graham and ordered 250 more – aiming to clear the rest of them and fly back to Auckland to see the Wales / NZ test. – I am really praying we beat them. What a turn up for the books that would be.

Saturday 4th November

Back in the game. Exactly the same response as with the Lions shirts. Brilliant. I went town with Judy with 79 shirts – sold t hem all within half an hour. – people were just swarming around me and gave me all their money. – Brilliant, I paid Judy with a U2 ticket - $80 – I think she expected more. Shuttle bus back to the airport and then I am flying to Auckland – should be brilliant tonight at Mount Roskill rugby club. Even though on paper it looks like I have made $2000 I see it as I have made nothing as I have got to pump it all back in for Wellington and Auckland. A gorgeously, sunny day. Paid £180 for the airline ticket

Auckland. Got back and I have got $5300 plus $500 in cheques – ordered 500 shirts. A word of caution is apparently Jacko got “taken in” but was not charged at a U2 concert for selling his Ireland T Shirts – so I have obviously got to be very, very careful I Wellington and Auckland – They weren’t even U2 shirts.

Sunday 5th November 8.15

Very Tired. – spent all day with Graham on the shirts. I gave him $5,000 for 500 shirts, I owe him $1000

Last night was really good at Mt Roskill rugby club chatting to everyone. Met some really good people BUT Wales got stuffed 36-9 – virtually all the points in the second half. Off to the Gaelic club tonight – I must organize getting the shirts down to Wellington. I know I am being optimistic but if I could hot $20000 I would be able to fly mum and dad out for the Commonwealth games. That would be brilliant. If I raised the cash + they wouldn’t come I could give Peter and Marie a late Honeymoon.

11.30 Had a phone call off Ian – him Margaret and Chris are coming around at 9. I will have to arrange a minibus to get them to Wellington. I will fly and take 100 down with me. Gaelic club was very quiet, I also went to the Ivanhoe lodge – said Goodbye to Steve and Ceri who are leaving which is a bit of a shame.

Monday 6th November 1pm

Sitting again in Auckland airport ready to fly to Wellington. Up at 8.15 and Ian Margaret and Chris came around at 9. Spent a few hours sorting out a hire car. They are on the way now with a car full of shirts. I have paid on Access again – had to get a blank one which I will fill out at the end. I banked $640 and then got a taxi to the airport ($34). I got here at ¼ past and the plane is due to leave at ½ past – a bargain at $78 + it takes less than an hour where as the car will take about 8 or 9. I have got a widow seat – Yess. It’s funny – I have just got on the plane and I read the in flight magazine last Thursday. I am very confident about the shirts. If possible I will fly back to Auckland to pick up more – if I sell them as fast as in Christchurch. All cloudy below – bit of a shame as I want to see the coastline. Hopefully I will be able to see the U2 concert on this little trip. About to land – can see a few smaller islands, cloud cover has thinned about quite a bit.

Wellington – Brilliant landing – looks like we were coming down on a beach

10.30. Wellington has got a rep for being windy, and they are not wrong. It is quite blowy out now. I got the airport bus to here – Rowena backpackers + grabbed a single room. Got chatting to this lad Phil who is helping me sell shirts. – a little bit of a divhead really but is very keen. We went into town and between us only sold 20 – a start I suppose. We grabbed a pizza and festered all night. – I am very tired.- but that’s expected after an all nighter Saturday and working all yesterday. A bit concerned that I haven’t seen the car and the rest of the shirts – I was expecting them around 9 but they haven’t arrived yet. Phil said he saw Judy, who will be around tomorrow. So, what with Ian, Margaret and Chris we should hopefully sell a gutsfull. I phoned Graham and he gave really bad news that the bloke whose logo of the kiwi and the wellies we nicked came around and will presumably be looking for me. I sold 2 shirts in the record shop so I bought myself a U2 ticket. On the ticket it’s got the point that official merchandise will only be at sale at the venue.

Tuesday 7th October 11.30pm

A very busy day. Started off with Phil insisting on going to Lowerhutt which was ideal to get rid of him. Me Ian, Margaret and Chris went into town and had a very disappointing day, I suppose. I sold 40, Chris 15 + Margaret and Ian 15 between them. Highlight of the day was when I am sure I saw 2 U2 gorillas running down the street so I grabbed the bag and me and Margaret legged it into an arcade – down another one and hid in a cupboard with Margaret – people can talk. We met Judy and took a trip to Athletic Park to see it. No big screen tomorrow which is a surprise. This really bossy woman ordered us out (“Seig Heil”) Back to the hotel and Phil had sold 48 “I could have sold hundreds more if I had mediums”. Fair play – he worked really hard + I will be really pleased if he comes to Auckland on the plane and then sells them there for me.

In the evening the fun started. I settled down to watch Cheers and Brush strokes – all the others were off out. Ian lost the keys to the car. We tried to break in, but no luck – tomorrow’s problem. We went for an absolute gorgeous curry – fairly confident about selling tomorrow but we’ve got literally hundreds left. I will be very cheesed off if we don’t sell them.

Wednesday 8th November 9.15

Quite a big day today. Phil – the keenest man in the world has come in to collect his shirts and is off – what a difference to the lads who let me down in Christchurch

Thursday 9th November 11.30

I am now sitting in Wellington Airport. I have just passed the Wizard who is really famous in Christchurch – really funny to see a bloke in a full wizard outfit – stick as well with a hat on, waiting at the airport.

Well, what about yesterday? I am really disappointed to be honest, but I should qualify that by saying I made about $2,000 profit. It just wasn’t the same as Christchurch, probably because Christchurch concert was on a Saturday so – Wellington was more of a rush. Apparently it had been on the radio all day that official T-shirts were on sale at the concert and too aware of rip off material. I must have brought home about 120 which I’m really cheesed off with. One of the problems I had were the people working for me obviously wanted to see the show so about 2 hours before the start they all disappeared leaving me with 100’s of shirts. I saw most of the show- U2 were really good but I left an hour before the end which I was glad I did as I took $1,000 after it finished. Phil was a real pain all day, I did offer him $100 to be a driver and God, the power went to his head. Anyway, he was happy enough to have 4 shirts this morning. It’s a shame he’s not coming to Auckland as he would have sold loads of shirts but an hour next to him on the plane would have been unbearable. It’s Peter’s birthday today so I’ve got to try and give him a ring later. I’ve got a really long day ahead of me. I’ve ordered 600 shirts off Graham so I will be helping him from 5o’clock tonight.

The cost of the plane is $137. I owe out bits to different people. $1,125 to Graham, $95 each to Nick and Mike for rent and my excess bill of about $1,700, also I’ve got to pay for the hire of the car. My biggest concern is that the locks on the windows are knackered. I hope I don’t get stung for a fortune on that. Weather in Wellington is normal – very, very windy.

I really feel I’ve failed on this trip, but in reality that’s daft because I’ve at least broken even. I suppose I had really high expectations. Even if I had 100 odd after the last concert I’m sure I could get rid of them before Christmas.

12.00 Just booked on the plane and in the departure lounge were loads of U2 heavies with Security written all over their shirts, so I’ll keep a low profile – no sign of the boys. I’m looking forward to take off because the landing is spectacular but it is very cloudy, so once we are in the air I’ll see bugger all!

Just finished lunch – I was starving, I’ve got a major moan that the bloke next to me hardly touched his – I could have murdered at least his roll.

12.30am Got home and phoned Graham. I went to town and sold 5 shirts before going to Mount Albert for half 5. Worked solid till Midnight. 4 of us printing 600 shirts – paid Graham the $1,500 I owed him plus $7,000 for the shirts. I now owe him $325. I had a really interesting mail at last from Joan Conlan with loads of gossip from Gunnersbury. I just tried to phone Peter – it’s his birthday but he wasn’t in, it’s only 11am at home, I’ll bell him first thing tomorrow morning. Tomorrow and Saturday are probably the two most important days I’ll have in New Zealand, I am absolutely shattered a the moment, I’m getting up at 8am and phoning up Youth Hostels for salesmen, I’m looking for about 12. If I can’t get them there I’m looking at the Student Job Service. I really want to be organised tomorrow. 700 shirts is really filling up the room. I’ll be happy as Larry if I sell them all by Saturday, but what a laugh if I can sell them all tomorrow!! I’m feeling fairly pessimistic after my efforts yesterday, I feel as if I failed although I sold 400.

Friday 10th November

Up at 8am, phoned Peter ($43) for his birthday, then rang all the hostels. Ian and Margaret are coming over at 9.30am and the Scots lads, Jim and Mike are coming over asap.

Huge news worldwide is that East Germany has thrown open its gates – that news is so big, obviously a direct consequence of Gorbachovs glasnost – got to give it to old Gorby.

12.30 Well the workers are out, I phoned up the Student Job Service and they have sent over a few. All the backpackers were really useless which was really surprising. As I write I’ve got 200 on the streets. The Jocks, Jim, Mike and Grant have got a prime site, hopefully in town. Ian and Margaret are in Henderson, a girl Jane is out in Newmarket and a Malaysian bloke Vincent is having a mare – just sold one. I’m fairly bored and jumping up every time the phone rings.

8pm HELP. I’m a frightened man, isn’t life interesting. The shirts have been selling, the Jocks flogged 86 in town and Jane sold 26. At half six everybody was out and I got bored – there was a few hundred t-shirts in the house so I went the concert gates, a really, really dull move, obviously motivated by greed! I knew the gorillas were around. I sold about 5 and this van pulled up and could see Security written all over them, I thought I’d apologise then move on, but this bloke had a real go at me and the gorilla scooped up about 20 shirts and told me if I wanted them back to come to the dressing rooms – I was really shaken again. Then again, what should I expect? I knew it would be risky by there. The American girls came back – sold 20 and were really pleased with themselves and were all in for taking another 20 more but as people were coming back they were saying how they had been hassled as well. But thankfully I was the only one to loose shirts. Ian and Margaret had this gorilla really rip into them, where did you get the shirts? It’s illegal etc and they were just sitting having a smoke with a big bag of shirts next to them. I obviously won’t be ordering any more – got a shedful left and will be looking for a proper job on Monday. In the evening we all went to the Gluepot – Ian and Margaret are leaving for Sydney tomorrow (I envy them) so I’ve said goodbye, hopefully I will see them again. Everyone else is working, despite the gorillas. God, I’m a coward, but my nose is still not broken.

All exciting stuff, better than working in a factory.

Saturday 11th November

8pm – I’ve won, I’ve won, I’ve won! Just counted most of the money in and its $8,465, quite a few shirts left which I can milk. I will unload at Christmas. At the moment I have still got Kevin the cockney lad and 3 of his mates pushing out 100 + 30 in the Victoria market. – Probably all sold and 15 in the Chinese market. Jim the bluenose went out and sold 40 in town and Sarah and Louise sold 50. I sold quite a few in town – really running around. I was in the paper again – what a laugh. I phoned up Chris Paykal – off to Oz tomorrow and will give me a ring when he gets back. I also phoned up James Poff who will be in for a beer in a week. I am also going out for a drink with Lorraine next Thursday!!. I have won – brilliant! I was a bit concerned yesterday + I have obviously got loads left but as I see it the biggest risk was spending $8000 on Thursday and I have now got $8,400 so even if I throw all the shirts away I will have made $400 since Thursday – a good weekends work.

1.30 – before I left the cockney lads brought a few bob back- upped it to $8680. I phoned mum to tell her the good news – Nan O’Brien is ill again, she is in hospital and crying ‘cos she won’t see me again. I can’t do nothing really – I feel dreadful about it.

At ½ 9 I went and filled my rucksack full with shirts and listened to the end of the concert, sitting in the Bullock track. I sold them all for $20 then ran back and got some more – ended up with £1,760 = $10,440 + bits and pieces coming in.- a definite success. I am knackered

Sunday 12th November

In quite a good mood today – strange that. At the Victoria market Trevor had sold 30 shirts and about 8 of the 15 I gave him today – I will pick up the cash next week. – got loads to do tomorrow.

Monday 13th November
Up at 10 – phoned Christchurch and will send him down 15.. Phoned up Graham and ordered 50 more – trying to milk it.. Went to the bank and stuck in $9000 cash and $1000 cheques – very healthy. Christmas in Sydney is about $600 return. I met Kev the cockney. He is off on Friday so we went for a beer. Stood in Queen St for 40 mins and sold 6. Went to the Aussie embassy – huge queues so I will go back. Starting to think of Christmas presents now. Peter and Kevin can have an ANZAC jersey. I will have to look around for everyone else. Last night I went to the Gaelic club – got home with a few beers in me and phoned Nolesy, Caroline, and Mary. Also phoned Jim and Heather – who weren’t in. Nolesy is seeing Richard Burke as Jacko predicted.

5.45 – Sold about 10 shirts in town – also got chatting to an Art student who has screens and all the stuff and is willing to come in and do a shirt for next Saturday’s Bon Jovi concert. I am really interested despite last Friday night.

World news is dominated by the opening of the Berlin wall. Brilliant scenes in West Germany. Nicky and Mike are up at 6.30 to go for a run. I hope to join them

Tuesday 14th November 9.15

Up at ½ 6 and went for a run with Nicky and Mike. Achilles hurts like hell, but I feel great now after a breakfast and a feed. – Just off to town and take my library books back. Hopefully I will get my Australian visa for Christmas, send home $4,000 to pay my visa with a bit extra lobbed on top. I will also sell some shirts. Weather really wet. – Hopefully see that bloke about Bon Jovi T Shirts – might give it a go.

Things always change. Went into town – no real problem in booking my Australian visa – I will get a single entry for a month before December 31st. I then went flogging T Shirts outside MacDonald’s – sold 2. Then had a break for dinner. In between a bloke came up with a camera and started taking loads of photos of me and the shirts. He said he was from Acme records + I was obviously a small business. They have got some of my shirts and now photos of me selling them. I still think it is a bluff but I am not going to risk Bon Jovi shirts.

Two Christmas presents out of the way. I got ANZAC jerseys’ for Peter and Kevin.- They are gorgeous

6pm – World news is gain dominated by the opening of the Berlin wall with ‘000s of East Berliners flooding through – really heartening to see. In Melbourne some nutcase jumped into a gorilla pen in the zoo and attacked a cowering gorilla – got caught and now certified as a nut and possibly a murderer. It takes all sorts.

Wednesday 15th November

A fairly quiet day. Went to the Albion yesterday. Really good night again. Siobhan gave me a lift home (I think she fancies me). She is a top salesman for my T Shirts. Talking to Bernard and he said he met Leo Duffy and Jacko in the Mercantile. I phoned home for my bank account number – had a chat to mum, Kev and dad. St Peters have got Treorchy in the WRU cup and if t hey beat them they have got Swansea at the Harlequins.

I spent all day reading Brendan Beehan’s book – Borstal Boy. Really good. I done the grub + in the evening I got another video. Spent an hour looking out for a pushbike. I will get one by the weekend. A fairly quiet day today.

Friday 17th November

Another Lazy day – Idle rich can be a bit boring. I’ve got to pick up another 50 U2 shirts tonight – I’m quite confident of shifting them through the markets and that shop in Christchurch. Yesterday I spent all day festering around. I went into town and transferred $4000 to my account in Swansea so I can pay off my access and bought myself a pair of 501’s. I spent the evening with Lorraine – quite a good evening out. She is very chatty and has got more stories than me. Went to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and then went for grub.

I have had my week off now so I need more work. I am seriously thing of trying the world tour idea. Mackers will go half’s and I will ask the Jocks. Only an idea – I will be very reluctant to go working in a factory. until I am desperate. I went looking for a job in the market and they are only on $7 an hour and that’s taxed – AAAAGH. I want to buy a bike tomorrow.

5.20 A fairly boring day really. I went into town and took out $1000 to pay off the T Shirts I owe for. I will be picking up 60 tomorrow. I’ve got to do something for Simple Minds. – These days life is fairly boring. Nothing can really top Henry Root. I have got the video Cocoon in to watch this evening.

Saturday 18th November

Mike woke me up at 5.30 to go fishing. – No chance. Up at 9 taxi into town and got paid $800 by Trevor. A bloke from ACME T Shirts had been around and was asking lots of questions so I quickly changed into a Splat man shirt. Luckily as well because he came back, but I don’t think he recognized me. I was going to flog some in town but I didn’t cos of that. I went to Penny Farthings bike shop + got a lovely bike. BFAR for $150 – I spent $50 on lights and a lock etc. – quite pleased with it but knowing my luck with anything mechanical it will fall apart.

Lat night I went out with Jim the Jock – quite a good laugh but ended up night clubbing/ It doesn’t matter where in the world we are I hate clubs. Good laugh winding up Jim – not only is he a bluenose but he is the only Thatcher supporter in Scotland. No brain obviously. Wait till I drag him down the Mercantile on New Year eve. I am really looking forward to going back to Sydney for Christmas. Tonight the Paddies are facing the awesome might of the All Blacks rolling maul. Up the Irish. Next week is the big one – the Barbarians.

Sunday 19th November 6.30

Up at ¼ past 3 this morning. The Irish played really well but got beat 23-9. – three tries. It will be great if the Baa Baa’s beat them next week. Back to bed then up again at ½ 10. Dreary wet day. I watched the end of the vid Mosquito Coast and festered away – really boring really. Wendy came out with a classic; - Did I know who the Unification church was? As she is thinking of joining. It is the MOONIES. She can sign away anything of her own but I reckon the Moonies are after my T Shirts.

I have filled in the form for Commonwealth games tickets. – going to day 5 athletics. Finals boxing and closing ceremony. Tickets about $50 each. Tonight I am off to the Gaelic club for a beer. I went for a run. I’ve got about $600 that I want to reinvest into different shirts – world tour T Shirts and England world champion T Shirts.

I am happy to wrap up my Christmas presents this week. Mum and dad a sheepskin rug. Helen and Tony T Shirts and Stark. Also Catherine and Marie. Nan and Nan will be difficult + I have got to get something else for Catherine.

Monday 20th November

Up at 10 – festered around for an hour + then had a bike ride to Grey Lynne. Posted a letter to Mackers and 18 shirts to Christchurch. Life without work is so boring so I phoned up Greg in Sydney and re-ordered – he hasn’t yet sent the 20 Lions shirts. I also ordered 20 of Jacko’s Irish shirts so hopefully “I will be back in the game” very soon. In Grey Lynne I paid my rent – late again!!. I am also definitely going for the world tour idea. How it will sell God only knows but it won’t be half as good as the U2 idea. I phoned Graham and put the idea in. Another thing I will have to do is get a bed soon.

World news is still dominated by changes in East Germany, Czechoslovakia and Hungary with huge demonstrations – good old Gorby’s Glasnost.

Wednesday 22nd November

Up at 8 this morning and live on TV was the All Blacks beating Ulster 23-3 – Baa Baas Sunday morning. Yesterday turned into a mega sesh. Started off quietly enough. I biked into town and went into the visa office. Huge queue but I had a slip so I was in and out. I’ve got a one month Australian visa. – I’ve got to be in by December 31st. I went to the post office and surprise, surprise my “instant arsehole” shirts had arrived so I have got them now. Some of them are wrecked but I can flog the others I suppose. I have really got to put money aside for T Shirts and not keep dipping into it like I have been. I then went to the travel agent and paid for my Sydney trip. At the moment going over on the 22nd, coming back on the 8th – where to stay? – cost $569

I then went out and ordered a gutsfull of Commonwealth games tickets $825 worth but I will get a lot of that back. Then came my downfall. I met Bob – a Yorkshire lad – I had met him twice before, once in Auckland and then in Christchurch. He was flying to Fiji at 9 so we went for a beer at 1. We got dragged into a round with these Cockneys who had been in the country for 6 hours and also a lad from Brum. A mega sesh in the afternoon. I biked home – the big hill by the Victoria market beat me. Had some grub, watched Cheers and then caught a taxi for Paddy night there. Mackers phoned and I had a letter off Caroline. – A very full day. Today I am off to town again got some Christmas presents. I want that Sheepskin rug for mum and dad

My bank balance is $5,787.20 – could be worse.

4pm Spent the morning doing my Christmas shopping. I got a gorgeous sheepskin rug for mum and Dad. For Cath, I got an Auckland Uni Sweatshirt and Stark for Marie. The Nan’s were the most difficult – I got them NZ honey and Kiwi fruit jam. It’s all packed and ready to post tomorrow. I am bored stiff not working.

Thursday 23rd November

Pouring down outside – no real incentive to get up at all. I am bored stiff not working. I am waiting on Graham for these world tour T Shirts – I really hope they go well. I have just had a look at my bike – no mudguards so I can’t really ride it in the rain. Not many things to do really. Just post off my Christmas presents – I reckon that will cost a fortune.

5pm Siobhan came around at dinnertime for a coffee and gave me $60 and took another shirt and invited me to a BBQ on Sunday. I had a phone call from Jim + I went around and we had a chat about my new shirt. I think it will be good and sure to sell but it will cost an arm and a leg for art work. The world tour is relegated to the back with the University of Life on the front

$450 for artwork, it’s going to cost an absolute fortune to set up. $1145 – about $23 a shirt for the first 50 but obviously after that it will fall

10pm I phoned up Pat + he wasn’t keen at all on the University of life T Shirts. He is all in for the England world cup one though. – a bit of a damper – I suppose. I am still confident though.

Friday 23rd November 1pm

I am quite chuffed with myself. – I have just biked up College hill – which has beaten me twice. Only trouble is I have set a precedent now. I got Stark by Ben Elton, so I have done all my presents now. I will send them this afternoon. I went to the library and photocopied a cartoon for my T Shirt file. Pity it never happened but I can easily adapt it in the future. I got a few books out, Henry Roots letters, Spike Milligan’s book and a couple of others/ - Read some of the papers, biked to the fruit market. Had a chat to Alison who told me the Simple Minds concert was cancelled. So I did well not to make shirts for it. She also gave me definite doubts about t he University of Life T Shirts – I will phone up Jim and cancel it and go for the Scotland and England world cup T Shirts.

Biked down with my Christmas presents and postage cost me $161 – so expensive. I will be so annoyed if it didn’t get there by Christmas. I phoned up Jim the artist and cancelled the Uni of Life shirt and ordered England and Scotland world cup shirt.

Saturday 24TH November

In the mail was my classification as a teacher – so I will phone around a bit and see if I can get a job. – will be a nice change – only relief work though. A little bit interesting in the flat, Wendy storming in and out + screaming at me that she wasn’t interested in my quotes from the Spike Milligan book I am reading. She also “had a word” with Nicky. I sat there like a naughty schoolboy trying not to giggle as I thought she was having a moan about me to Nicky, but she was giving Nicky a going over as well. She is giving huge hints that she is looking for a new place – strange girl. Judy from Wellington + Christchurch phoned up + asked could she crash tomorrow – so I said OK – so I won’t be able to go to the BBQ that Siobhan invited me to.

Only one month till Christmas.

Tonight I am off to see Rodney Rude with the Scots lads. – I rate him as an overrated blue comic but we will see how the night develops. Baa Baa’s v All Blacks at 3am – I might give Jim Williams a ring as it’s his birthday.

Sunday 25th November

Hungover. – A really cracking night last night. I went to the rugby tavern and met Jim and the Scots lads – had a few beers and a game of darts – retired unbeaten. Some brilliant flukes. From there we went to Rodney Rude. – Absolute garbage. We left before half time. We then went to the Nags head for a few more before going to a club where we abused this poor sod by doing “cheeky cheeky” on him. The best I have ever seen – He was covered in ash. Really funny. Went back to the Scots boys flat to watch the Barbarian game. All Blacks won 21-9 – very close until the last 10 mins. Crashed on the couch and woke up with a cat on me.

Monday 26th November

Nightmare for relief teaching. I have got the classification but to get a visa I need a valid airline ticket out, a letter from the school and the board of trustees, qualifications, passport and $90 so, I can’t really see me bothering. I need those T shirts quickly to do some work.

I spent all morning watching the Baa Baas v All Blacks game a very good match. Yesterday I was hangover. Judy came around and imposed on me, but she is now in a youth hostel- she did a lot of hinting to stay. I was really pleased to get a phonecall from Siw, Sharon and Pat. Siw and Sharon are going to live in Cairns – so they say. In the evening went to the Gaelic club. Weather is dreadful.

Wendy continues to be a bit of a nightmare. – she is looking for a flat because she says she doesn’t fit in – she is leaving all newspapers all over the place with adverts circled all over them.

4.30 What a boring day. Jim still hasn’t done his artwork. Raining all day, so I’ve stayed in. I sent off Siw’s birthday present, and a T Shirt for Paula and a few Christmas cards. Bored. Reduced to making the dinner and watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. – Nothing in the post again. I am expecting T Shirts from Greg, Wales/ NZ programme from dad and a card from Siw and Sharon.

6.48 Wendy’s home and in a happy mood – all smiles and brought home Strawberry cakes. She has also invited me and Nicky to an opera. No thanks wend, I can’t afford it (Nicky) Na, I think I will give it a miss (me). Next was singing in the choir for the Commonwealth games. – Can’t sing Wend (me) They wouldn’t let us through the door (Nicky). Next was some art and craft open day. – Just leave me alone Wendy, please. But bring us some more strawberry cakes.

11.20 Just about to knock off to bed, still pouring with rain. Just watching the news about the Round the world boat race – ¼ million people welcomed it in last year. I hope to be back in Auckland for the 4 Jan. I think that the boats will start arriving during Christmas week but if it is later it would be a good T Shirt earner. I will find out tomorrow.

Tuesday 28th November

Up at 11 – AAGH. I phoned up the Steinlager people and really good news is that the boats are due in Auckland between 5-12th. I hope to be back by the 4th. I have already got the map of the world screen, so now I have to find the route. And of course order the art work. – Very confident.

I went for a run. I want to do it every day now especially up to the 10k run. That’s a challenge. Off to town today to sus out where the boats are coming in. No mail today.

7pm – into town – paid rent $195 then went to the travel agent trying to get a flight back either on the 3rd or 4th – preferably on the 3rd as the boats are in on the 5th – 12th. I went down to the Princess wharf to see all the gear – its all Canterbury stuff – the cheapest shirt is $37 – very good but very expensive – also they haven’t got any singlets. There is a definite market. I bought 2 posters and sent one to Gunnersbury. I am too good to them and took one for Jim the artist to work on. I got home and phoned Sydney – Greg sent the shirts only today. I then biked up Graham’s – paid Jim $105 for artwork on England world cup T Shirts, Scotland world cup shirts and map of the World. Should be out by the end of the week. Graham is very exited about the round the world shirts but pessimistic about the England and Scotland shirts.

Off to the Albion tonight – hopefully the Jocks will be there ( Wendy is also going with her man)

Wednesday 29TH November

Another fairly lazy day – hopefully the lull before the storm – as I hope to get some T Shirts tomorrow. I got up at 11.30 – went for a run (twice in a row) Siobhan came around for dinner + that’s all the excitement I have had. Last night was really great down the Albion and later to the Terrace bar. I was chatting to Grant and his woman, Siobhan, Judy and Cath and Bernard the Paddy. The only worry is Wendy again. She had a “Wonderful time” and will be going every Tuesday. I think she will be going to the Gaelic club every Sunday as well. – the girl is haunting me!! I gave Siobhan a big kick when she invited Wendy on Sunday. I don’t think I will see Judy again, She was “having a crack” at me all night, but I blew her out. Bored – Shirts not ready till Friday.

Thursday 30th November

Up at 9.30 – early for me these days, and its freezing. Poured down last night – what a surprise. It doesn’t look too good now.

The disaster of Wendy continues. She got sacked from her bank job after 3 days – she is not a happy girl at all.

I had a chat to Mackers on the phone yesterday – he is definitely “in” for the round the world yacht race – he would be a fool not to really, as well as the soccer ones which I suppose are more of a risk. Pat won’t be over till mid January but good news is he is in for traveling through Asia a bit.

Last night I saw Platoon on the box – very strong

I am bored – I need work

10.15 – Had a letter off Sharon and Siw inviting me over for Christmas.

Back to town and took out $1000 for T Shirt money – so that leaves me with a balance of $3,597.20. I have got $1260 for shirts with dribs and drabs coming in all the time, so I will try and reinvest it all for the big one which will hopefully be the Round the world yacht race, what I would like to do is finance a gutsfull of England world cup T Shirts to take to Sydney. Sell them or unload them at cost price then bring back a shedful of Ireland world cup T Shirts.

I changed my date of flying to Sydney to the 18th confirmed but I want the 17th for the Mercantile in the evening. I am still on the 8th flying back but I want the 3rd

Friday 1st December

A new month – no mail. I was thinking I hope this month is more exciting than last but I suppose last month was exciting looking back on it. Up at 9 Very stiff from running and cycling yesterday, so I skipped my run – no self control. I cycled up to Shirt Tales to pick up my world tour T Shirts and England world cup shirts – I am pleased with them and hope they will sell well. I will have to work on it though. The world tour shirts look good but two problems remain. The drawing of the line of the trip. I will see a company about that later and the other problem is lettering. – I will sort that out. If I can crack that I reckon they will sell well.

Weather very cloudy – 1st day of summer as well. I am supposed to go to a party with the Jocks tonight – I am very keen but they are meeting at 2 – sod that for a crack. I will get there at 5.30 which is still early. I have got to get in touch with Siobhan – I think she wants to come as well.

Saturday 2nd December

Up at 10.30. Had a letter of Siw – about 3 this week, - very keen + welcomed. Interesting news about Jacko getting refused residency. She said to come over earlier, which I am and she asked me to tape the street – which I have been doing. Yesterday was very busy – running around to Albert Hill to get the T Shirts then Newmarket for fabric pens + then to the North Shore for lettering – I spent $180 so it should be all systems go for next week. They are quite good – all pastels.

I went to the rugby tavern at 5 and got into a monster round with Jugs. The game on the vid was ’73 – THE GAME. Played darts and went to the Nags head. Siobhan turned up – we then went to the Bird Cage, then a club – I hate night clubs. This morning I went for a run and this arvo I will be going to a BBQ. James Poff gave me a ring so hopefully I will be seeing him this afternoon as well. Weather cloudy and windy – I will be disappointed if Sydney is not hot.

Sunday 3rd December

What a laugh yesterdays BBQ was. The Scots lads and Nick the Geordie are absolutely nuts. If only I had my camera with me. We went up to this deer farm – KIMU or something.

They had a full lamb which was roasted. It was great seeing how the spit operated. If I had a go I would have loved it. They set up a fire and laid the ashes below the lamb. It was gorgeous. – took 4 hours. In that time we did some serious drinking. The highlight was when a log was in the fire and a couple of the boys were on the log up singing before the fire burnt them.

Poor old Jim was left behind by Patti. We then went to another party. At this party we introduced ourselves as Bob, Robbie, Robert etc. The girl didn’t know what to say.

Our next party piece was a race with trousers around the ankles – all in scrap as the last one back was eliminated. We then went to another party which was dead so we went back to the original one + then to a house with a hot spa – brilliant. – Crashed there – going to another party this afternoon. Siobhan phoned so I will also go to the Gaelic club – I have a full night ahead of me.

2.43 – Biked down to the market and gave Trevor 6 arsehole T Shirts – the sooner I get rid of t hem the better. He will be giving me my U2 shirts back as I wont give them to him for $15.

Monday 4th December

First the good news – then the bad. The good news being it’s great that I have got the flights I wanted. I have got to pick up my ticket on Friday. I will be flying to Sydney on Sunday December 17th - I will get to the Mercantile – what a laugh. I leave at 10am and arrive at 11.15. Coming back will be on the 3rd January leaving 3.10 and getting in at 8pm – that’s great news because I will be back for the boats coming in.

The bad news is that the world tour T shirts didn’t exactly set the town alight. I sold 2 = dreadful. I saw Gibby and Jim – they had free tickets to Ghostbusters 2 – I thought sod it and went – film not that good but special effects were brilliant.

I then went to the globetrotters – Andy is selling them for me – I will be popping into town to the Ivanhoe lodge in a minute to see if I can sell them I will try to do it with one person in every hostel. Preferably the boss. I will try and do one or two every day.

10.30 I biked down to the Ivanhoe – not a very good response. Steve – one of the blokes working offered to sell them, but I have no real confidence in him at all. Still, I have had a go – I can see myself festering around a bit over the next couple of weeks. A fairly muggy evening. – I have to go for another run tomorrow in prep for the 10k run. My social life over the next few weeks is looking good. Tuesdays are the Albion, Friday I will be out with the Scots lads, Saturday I have an invite to a party, Sunday is the fun run followed by our BBQ. Following Saturday is the Irish Club ball then it’s Sydney. Siobhan has offered me a lift which is good of her. I owe her a meal as it looks like Wendy won’t be going to the ball after all. – Thank god. No mail today – I am expecting Lions and Irish T Shirts and a letter off dad.

Tuesday 5th December 4.30

Up at 10 and went for a run. Did some washing and wrote a letter home. I biked to the post office and sent the U2 shirts to Nolesy and Caroline and also Christmas cards to the staff of Gunnersbury. Like an idiot I locked myself out of the house. Siobhan called around and we went to Mission Bay. – Fantastic place to sell shirts when the boats come in in January. World news is the bastards in the American Navy have rammed the Greenpeace boat – Typical – I will send Greenpeace $20. I phoned up Jim the artist and he has done the artwork for the round the world t shirts, which is great news. I am hoping to have them in the markets by the Weekend.

Tonight I am off to the Albion for sing a long a Paddy night.

7.10 Jim has done the artwork and it is excellent. I paid him $270 and he was taking it over to Graham. I have already ordered 100 – I am hoping to collect on Friday. I will ring tomorrow so no real excuses.

Wendy is still on about going to the games thing on the 16th. My alibi is the Irish ball but I’ve got to ask Siobhan and Cath.

Wednesday 6th December 12.15

Up at 11.30 – feeling a bit rough. The meal I mad last night gave me the trots. I blame the tomato sauce. Last night I saw cheers – ran for the bus and missed it – had to get a taxi to the Albion. Talking to Siobhan and a Welsh lad Meredith who I met at Mt Roskill rugby club- He is keen to sell T Shirts in January. I also saw at last Jacko’s Ireland T shirt – I am expecting them by post. I think I may get 100 of them when I am in Sydney. I will get rid of them easily.

I have got tickets for the boxing, day 5 of the athletics and the closing ceremony. I paid $825

I phoned up Graham and hopefully I will get the yacht race T Shirts on Friday. I will have to get $1500 out of the bank – that will only leave me $2000 but I am expecting $1000 off Pat soon as part of the investment into different shirts. Graham is charging $14 for the first 100 and $13 after that. For singlets I have got to get him down a $ at least. I phoned up Christchurch to get paid for the 18 shirts – he said he will get in touch with accounts to pay me.

3 O’clock – biked down to the International backpackers in Ponsonby Rd. Had a chat with Dave the manager – he bought a Dave’s world tour T shirt off me. + took 5 to sell on. And an England shirt, which was quite pleasing. I then went to Interflora and bought a rose for Siw’s birthday on Saturday (What a raving poof I turned out to be) If Pat found out he would crucify me

11pm – spent the evening watching The French Lieutenants’ woman. Very good. Poured down with rain this evening + is raining now. I phoned Pat and told him about the Commonwealth games tickets + when I will be arriving. He will be in Sydney then but won’t make it down the Mercantile. Pat confirmed what Siw said about Jacko being an “illegal alien” as he is overstaying his visa – silly boy. I suppose Jacko has always wanted everything to be dramatic. Pat says that there is a cheque for $500 on the way for the shirts – that will be very welcome.

Thursday 7th December 11am

Phone rang at 10 – as I got up it stopped ringing – great start to the day. Rang again at 10.30. The American girl who wanted a U2 T Shirt. I will see her outside the CPO. It will kill the afternoon.

The nightmare with Wendy continues. I would not have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes. On the table is a note pad with all messages and doodles on it. I turned it over and on it was written "I need love lord- the agony of having Bernard around is torture - he is just what I wanted in a man - I wish I could have him but I don't think I'll get him" Your quite right there Wendy!! Than god I am getting out of the way next week.

Changing the subject - weather today is gorgeous

Friday 8th December

Up at 10 – showered and then read an autobiography on Cosby. – Not so good, but I read it outside because the weather was so sunny. Got to get a base tan for Sydney, I phoned Graham and I can pick up 100 around the world shirts at 4. Very excited about that. I have been for a run – felt fairly comfortable, but very sweaty. What I want I suppose. Last night I watched and taped the street. Went to the Shakespeare with Siobhan – giving me loads of stick about Cath, Chrissie and especially Wendy. On the way a cat ran out and Siobhan killed it. That’s all you could hear was a dull thud.

Saturday 9th December 5 O’clock

Up about 10 + biked down the markets. Gave shirts to Trevor’s stall – he wasn’t there, which was quite pleasing as I am up to here with him. I also left a few shirts with another bloke – then biked to Mario’s stall in the Chinese Market – he is moving it but he will take them in High Street. I left a couple in Traffico. I then biked home but didn’t fancy attacking the hill. I phoned Siw, but she wasn’t in. It’s her birthday. Don’t know what I am doing tonight. Mum phoned but I wasn’t in. I don’t want a heavy night tonight as I am doing the 10k run. It’s also our party tomorrow. Wendy has been running around doing decorations.

Monday 11th December 9.30

A very eventful riotous day yesterday. Up early for the fun run. It was really hard work and I can feel it now, the weather was really scorching. I wore a singlet so I really caught the sun. I ran around with Mike – I was pushing him up the hills and he was dragging me along the flats. Even though it was painful I did enjoy the run and I obviously want to do more and beat my time of 48 minutes.

After the run we started preparing for the BBQ. It was fairly quiet to be honest. I spent loads of time just trying to avoid the sun. Mike and Julie came, also Siobhan and Cath, and the nurses Clair and Jo. It livened up towards the end with a Jelly fight. Which was a laugh. Then Jim and Gibby turned up and it livened up even more. Drenched Lynne which really upset Mike, but I thought it was quite funny. They got their marching orders and Nick was really abusive to Siobhan.

I then went down to the Gaelic club which was quite a good night again. I got a ticket for the ball for next Saturday. I’ve got to pay Eileen 2 T Shirts so it’s a bargain.

When I got home I gave mum a ring – questioned when I was coming home? My reply was I don’t know, but definitely by next Christmas. They haven’t got my parcel yet and there is one in the post from me. I hope I get it this week before I go to Australia. I am really looking forward to going to Oz. I hope it’s not an anti- climax but with Pat, Sharon, Siw et it should be a good crack.

Today looks like a real scorcher. I am going to town to try and put some shirts in different shops. I am also picking up my airline ticket and going for a drink with James Poff at 1.30

7.00 Fairly optimistic about the shirts – I first biked down the Chinese market – had a chat to Paul who was keen to take some shirts. I then went to Mario’s place in the High Street. He took some and paid me for 6 U2 shirts. I banked the $500 that Pat sent over and then went to a couple of souvenir shops. I will go back tomorrow to push some more. I then went to the travel agent – my tickets for Oz weren’t there. Then to the rugby tavern and met Chris Paykel and James Poff. I maybe in for a ride on a yacht on Wednesday or Thursday. Had a few beers (shouldn’t have really) and then biked home. I had a letter of Ryan Dodgson who has left school and intends to head off to Australia in February.

I also got my Christmas parcel from home. Boxers, Welsh T Shirt. A sweatshirt off Cath which was too small – I may send it back for a bigger one. Also a lovely towel and a Gren diary + a book off mum and dad.

Today was a scorcher again. Same hopefully tomorrow – really feels like summer is here.

Other news is the draw for the soccer world cup has been made. England are in the same group as Holland is very dodgy. Also Ireland are in the same group. I hope the Paddies stuff England.

Tuesday 12th December 11 O’clock

Another lazy morning. Got up at 10 and festered around. Had a Christmas card off Nan with £20 – very nice. I phoned Graham and ordered 20 more shirts – He then phoned me to tell me Kiri Te Kanawa is doing a free concert in One Tree Hill on January 14th – expecting 100,000 people. I could be very interested but it will be a big risk – I will have to think on it. Looks like summer is over – very cloudy with rain threatening.

Wednesday 13th December 6pm

Got up at 12 – disgraceful!. I am feeling a bit rough really – stomach ache. Last night went to the Albion and felt too rough to carry on after as not feeling 100%

I had some grub and biked to town – Gorgeous day. I went to the Victoria market. Trevor hadn’t left my cheque or the remainder of the U2 shirts.

I parked my bike near the Post Office and then walked up and collected my ticket to fly to Sydney on Sunday morning. 10am so I have to be there at 1/28. Coming back its Wed 3 Jan 3.10 pm so I will be at the airport at 1 – I will be back at 8.

I phoned up Greg in Sydney and will pick up 100 Ireland shirts next Tuesday – I will get the money off Access.

Over the road to pick up 2 Pogues tickets for the 2nd of Feb. It will be an ideal birthday present for Pat – on New Years Eve.

When I was in the travel shop I looked at prices to go to Hong Kong for the 7’s. It’s about $1100 one way with stop overs in New Caledonia, Jakarta, Singapore which would be great. Hopefully the round the world T Shirts will pay for this.

I then had a 20 minute bike ride to Mission beach and was very surprised to see that there were no T Shirt shops but I went into a dress shop and left 5 singlets and 5 T Shirts. Very happy about that. Biked back, very tough on the legs. I went to the wharf and the woman agreed to take some – then biked home. Couldn’t face the hill at all.

No mail

9.30 Pat phoned earlier asking how the shirts were getting on. He told me that Siw was copping on like a goodun in Sydney to forewarn me. I hope it’s not too awkward staying in Randwick with Siw and Sharon. If it is I will simply move into Giz and Cam’s house if it’s ok with them – anyway, I will have to play it by ear,

Thursday 14th December

Up at 9 – early for me these days, although come January I have got to do some real graft. Graham came around with the Scotland shirts and some more round the world shirts. The Scotland ones are OK but the blue is a bit light. Me and Graham had a chat about July and the problems facing me. He is not coming back till the 8th Jan – The boats are due in between the 5th and the 12th Jan. I am going to give him $500 for 100 shirts so I will owe him $700 – he will print them and get them to me before Christmas. He is asking George to be available on the 5th so hopefully I will give him a ring that weekend and get something sorted out. Weather today is gorgeous again – I have to bike into town today and pay my rent.

Friday 15th December 5pm

Up at 11 then festered around for an hour before biking up to Mt Albert. I owe Graham $500 for the 100 shirts he will bring around. Back home for grub before biking down the Victoria market and collected $38 which I stuck in the bank, then up the hill to home. Showered and did some washing. Weather very cloudy and close. Tonight I am off to the rugby bar and then the Nags Head. Last night I went to the Shakespeare after watching and taping the Street for Siw and Sharon. (I am too good). In the Shakespeare were Siobhan and Paula, who I gave loads of stick too – all deserved.

I have booked the Super Shuttle for Sunday – it will be picking me up at 7.30.

I am very seriously thinking of making it over to Italy to see the soccer world cup in June. That would probably cut my trip short as it’s only a hop skip and jump from Britain.

Saturday 16th December

Up at 10 – feeling a bit rough from last night – God knows what I will be feeling like tomorrow after the ball and having to get up at 7. I have got to do all my packing tonight.

Weather outside is dreadful + I have to get all my washing on the line. Last night I met the Scots lads in the rugby Tavern – had a game of cricket on the darts board and then went to the Empire. At 9 I dived into a taxi and met Siobhan and Paula in the Nags Head. At closing time we went to the Bird Cage – NO MAIL.

Sunday December 17th 10.15 Auckland airport

What a disaster. The plane has been delayed for 4 hours. I should be in the air now. I didn’t get home last night till about 3 from the Irish club ball. I was up at 7 – quick shower then to the airport on the shuttle. I am not quite sure what type of welcome I will get in Sydney. I phoned Sharon to say not to bother coming to the airport and she said she hadn’t planned to anyway. I am looking forward to tonight down the Mercantile but it will be a bit of a rush job now. I have packed my rucksack with loads of English and Scottish T Shirts – I hope to collect 100 of Jacko’s T Shirts Tuesday.

The most frustrating thing about the delay is I could have murdered another 4 hours in bed this morning – Bored.

Airborne between NZ and Oz. – What a waste of a day. I am starving. We were given a $6 voucher for McDonalds, but I have kept to my vow of never touching that stuff again. I met at the airport an Irish lad Paul who I have been on nodding acquaintances’ with. We ended up in the bar – outrageous prices. I have got a bottle of Baileys which I will give to Siw and Sharon for letting me stay. – If it is awkward I will see if Giz and Cam will let me crash. – I will take my Baileys back then though. I am really looking forward to Sydney but I am very tired. I am hoping to see Jacko, Leo etc at the Mercantile tonight. I am starving – I wish they would bring the grub around I could then knock out some zzzz’s.

Monday 18th December Sydney

A gorgeously sunny day. Last night I went to the Mercantile with Sharon. – I love that pub. Talking to quite a few old faces. Jacko was there with Pina and told me all about him being an illegal alien! He is so serious all the time, he should lighten up and start enjoying himself. Colm was there knocking out Ireland world cup T Shirts – they have also done an England one – same idea as mine but to be fair much better. I went to the Gaelic club, but didn’t know anyone so I got a taxi to Randwick.

This morning I went to Randwick with Siw – got a Christmas tree and lights – so the house looks very Christmassy – Spent all day reading Trinity – Brilliant book.

Tuesday 19th December 11 O’clock

Up at 7 – Sioned and Awen had returned from Brisbane. They will be in Auckland in January. Weather outside really scorching. I might go to town later to kill the day. I phoned Greg this morning and I have to phone him later. He said he sent over the 20 Lions and 20 Irish shirts so I will have to pay for them as well. – I will be hoping to pick up the 100 Irish shirts today so I will have to get $1,000 on access. Last night went for a pint with Jacko over the Dog.

Wednesday 20th December 2.30

Up at ½ 8 and a bus and taxi to Lillifield, picked up 100 Irish T Shirts which fit in the rucksack with a squeeze. Taxi back. Weather absolutely boiling – shorts and T shirts a must. Spent all day reading Uris’ Trinity again. Can hardly put it down. Last night I called over for Orla, who with Lorraine went to Giz and Cams house for a BBQ. God it’s hot. I maybe playing soccer tonight with Jacko and his mates. Seen quite a few cockroaches which I didn’t see in NZ.

Plans include going to Randwick races Saturday and beach on Christmas day. On New Years Eve, Sharon, Siw etc are going to a dance party at the Horden Pavilion – tickets about $50. I wouldn’t go if they paid me $50. At the BBQ last night they had about an hour of house music but I was glad when Abba came on.

4.20 Jacko phoned, so I will be playing soccer this evening. I phoned up a fancy dress shop and it’s $45 to hire a Santa outfit – that would be brilliant for both the Mercantile on Christmas Eve and Bondi Beach on Christmas Day.

Thursday 21st December 7pm

A fairly quiet day – weather was very cloudy which was a bit of a shame. I was feeling really rough as a result of a bit of a sesh last night. Jane got in the video Mississippi Burning, which I had seen before but was brilliant. We then saw Crocodile Dundee 2 which was fairly crap. I finished Trinity which I really enjoyed for the second time. I am still thinking of hiring a Santa outfit for Saturday – that would be a real laugh.

Friday 22nd December 4pm

Another day festering. Up at 10 and did some tidying up and then some washing. Weather is gorgeous. Sitting here in shorts. Forecast for Christmas day is storms. I won’t be happy. Got a video “Hope and Glory” – brilliant. Out tonight to the Grand. Mackers comes in at 9

Saturday 23rd December 11.30

God I feel rough. Grand and Bondi Bay Hotel last night – so easy t o get back into the old Friday routine. My poor liver. – I spent all the time in the Grand talking to Colm. His attitude on the T Shirts is the same as mine – absolutely brimming with ideas. He was trying to persuade me to go to New York for the St Patrick’s Day parade – lovely idea but I want to go to the Hong Kong 7’s.

This morning there were 6 of us sleeping in the same room. A bit of a squeeze. Mackers did the business and went over the shop and Jane did the breakfast – the works. Bacon, beans sausage eggs etc. A great start to the day. Jacko is around – he is not a happy man at all. The new immigration laws say that if he gets caught overstaying he will get deported for 5 years. He says that he is leaving on the 11th January.

National news is that a huge coach crash killed 30 yesterday. Something always tragic occurs a few days before Christmas. International news is that in Romania massive street riots have been suppressed by the government – blasting away at the crowd. Also USA attacked Panama. Peace to all men and such like.

Today a big crowd of us are off to Randwick races but as I said earlier I am not feeling on top of the world after last night’s sesh. Me and Pat phoned Paul Jordan. He said he saw my flag on the Lions tour.

Sunday 24th December 10.30 – Christmas Eve

Up at ½ 9 to a phonecall off Jacko – calling a sesh for 2. - avoid it like the plague. Yesterday was brilliant even though I had a hangover all day. We went to the horse racing at Randwick. There was a really good crowd of people there – it was really hot. I came out $10 up. I bet on all horses with the word “rock” in it – a brilliant system. As we went in we saw a bloke dressed as Santa so we had a few photos. I had one on his knee. I never had a drop to drink but everyone else was wellying them down. We then went to the Doncaster pub. We stitched up Jane a treat by letting her climb over a gate and then everyone walking through it. Had a meal in the pub and then to the London Tavern in Paddington. Giz was really on form. They were singing dreadfully and this woman started complaining. About half an hour later a rose seller came in. Giz and his mates bought some roses, got on their knees and started serenading her with “You’ve lost that loving feeling. The other highlight in the pub was we did “cheeky cheeky” on Sue Daly. It worked really well – we had some photos so hopefully they will come out. From the London Tavern it was a taxi to the Bondi – 24 hour license. I stayed till 3 and taxi home. I tried to get a Santa outfit this morning but being a Sunday it was shut.

Christmas Day 1 am – Wrecked

What a brilliant night – went to the Mercantile at 4. Really Really good night. Saw Leo who was really on form. Jacko and Colm were arguing like sin, At the Mercantile was Sharon, Sioned, Mackers, Jacko, Giz, Orla, Bernie etc. Then onto Gaelic club.

Christmas morning in Sydney

Pat is complaining that the only thing he has for Christmas is a balloon – but he is happy. Something to tell his grandkids.

Just phoned mum and dad to wish them Dolly Clowid. My bloody parcel broke and Peter never got his ANZAC jersey. I am not happy about that. Usual questions from mum and dad – Mum – would you settle there – I said yes. Dad asking about Mass. Nan told me it was raining.

12.30 Just off to Bronte beach – had a chat with Martin Buckley on the phone – I will see him on the beach. – I am in a really good mood, not hung-over at all – like last year. A friend of Sharon’s came over – Lynne who was in Beck with me in 81/82. I didn’t recognize her but she remembered me. Weather is perfect for Christmas day. Camera all loaded up and Sharon is nagging me to move.

7.15 A fantastic day down Bronte beach. Weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Bound to have qualified for the hottest day in the world.

Boxing day

About yesterday – All the Welsh boys were in the park behind the beach. We started off by playing rounders. North Wales v South. The Gogs won 8-5 – everyone cheating like sin. I saw Martin Buckley on the beach. Had a few photos for the family. I can’t stress how hot it was. One of the Irish boys had a video camera – I want one – brilliant toy. I went in the sea. Surf was very strong. Best part of the day was when Gwynfor said “Would you like a steak?” – Me and Mackers dived in – Gorgeous. Games played were pyramids, a massive piggy back fight and going on for hours was a water fight starting with balloons and then full buckets of water until an unfortunate Japanese family got it full in the salad, and all over them. They were not happy at all. From the beach we walked back to Gildethorpe and then had a cold turkey salad and champagne. Festered a bit before me Sharon and Mackers went to the Bondi. From there I went to a party with Giz, Orla, Siw and Anne (Mackers’ missus) who we are seeing on Tuesday. The party was not that great but a lot of Champagne was drunk.

I went to bed feeling very bloated, I didn’t feel too good and it was a very muggy night. My worst fears were realized so I quickly dived out of bed and ran to the loo. I could imagine Siw, Sharon and Dee giving me a pasting if it was in the house. I obviously was 100% innocent. The only person I could really blame was Dee for making me wash the dishes before I went to bed.

8pm Today was another cracker weatherwise. We spent all day down Watsons Bay. Firstly to watch the start of the Sydney Hobart yacht race, and then sitting in the sun having a few beers. Same as yesterday – I took a few photos. Weather was scorching, at one stage I thought it would pour down.

This weekend – Mercantile on Christmas Eve, Bronte on Christmas day – Watsons Bay today has definitely justified my decision to come over to Sydney for Christmas. Not only the weather/ the setting but importantly the people who made it well worth it.

Wednesday 27th December 10.15

Yesterday evening we saw the video one of the boys made. It is quite funny but obviously amateur. Legs and sky – some of it with the cap on. You can see as the video goes on how people are getting more and more drunk. I could hardly send it home. In the evening we went to the Welsh boys – Mike, Anthony and Gerald’s house. As part of the flat it has a pool so we went for a swim with Sioned, Awen and Jane. Chatting and having a few quiet beers. Weather is very warm again.

Today looks like another scorcher. After seeing the shape of me on the vid I have got to go for a run. That will be cancelled out by going to the Mercantile tonight.

1.45 Boiling out. Sharon came in all bubbly as she has got a job. – Just walked in off the street – says it would never happen in Britain.

5.30 Went for a walk with Sharon and Jane in the heat. Siw phoned and I am her courier now. Seeing her down the Mercantile with cream. We walked to Clovelly and up to Coogee and up to Randwick to get some photos which were of Christmas day. Some really good ones of Buckers and me and Pat etc. Pyramids and all the nonsense. On the way back home we popped into the Welsh lads’ house for a swim.- Oh to have a pool in the back.

Thursday 28th December

10.30 – We have just had an earthquake – only a small one. Sioned had just gone to bed and dived up. Me and Pat were there to protect her. Awen dived on me for protection – do we go outside or stay in. Sharon was in the shower and thought the water pipes were rattling. The cat (twpcat) is missing, we are all worried. Jane just came in to tell us she survived. There could be a T Shirt in this. I survived the 10.75 Richter scale Sydney quake. Siw just phoned to say she was OK. Should we phone home? – blame the Ozone layer – Thatcher is to blame.

5.30 – Just been to town with Mackers. He has booked his flight for the 25th January. I couldn’t believe the news in the paper – 60 dead. I was only taking the mick when I wrote the above. Actually the Daily Mirror is like the Sun at home. Lies. – actually there are only 6 dead with 100 injured.

Fairly hot out but not as hot as it has been. I got some more photos out – Quite good – One of my favourites is sitting on Santa’s knee at Randwick. Had a curry in town – horrible – too mild by far.

12.15 – I phoned dad earlier to say I was ok The earthquake was quite big news at home. Spent the evening in front of the box. Saw “Letter to Brezhnev” – great – a dodgy film. Mackers wrangles an invite to go around Orla’s tomorrow for a meal. Hopefully I will get a game of tennis in with Pat tomorrow. I have got a bed tonight as so many of the girls are on a nightshift. The earthquake was 5.5 on the Richter scale.

Friday 29th December 11am

Woken rudely by Sioned at 8. The night shift had returned, so the day shift had to vacate the beds. I just moved onto the couch and fell back asleep. Carl Denning called around to get the dates of the Hong Kong 7’S. It will be great having a few people I know in Hong Kong. Me and Pat were talking about his travel plans. He is coming over on the 25th. – hanging around Auckland for the games and the boat race, then driving around NZ on a trip for 3 weeks. We will then go into Asia, something like Fiji, Bali, Bangkok then Hong Kong. Pat has to be back home for his sisters wedding. IF we do well on the boat race shirts. (For me it is essential to get home). If Pat does well as well he is thinking of seeing me back in Hong Kong and we can do the Trans Siberian train and maybe see the soccer world cup in Italy. We will have to see, but a lot depends on the round the world yacht race T Shirts.

I am still confident but my confidence took a knock on Boxing day when we went to see the boats leaving Sydney Harbour because I know I wouldn’t have bought a T Shirt. The other thing that doesn’t build up my confidence is the fact that there have been no reports at all over here about the round the world yacht race. I know that it will be huge in NZ now but it wouldn’t hurt if I could get a little bit more news on it. Obviously my hopes on making $20000 were optimistic, but having said that I am well prepared with all the souvenir shops ready to sell them.

Nightmare on the financial front – I have only got about $150 left to last till Wednesday with one of the most expensive weekends of the year coming up – HELP.

Spent all afternoon playing Pat in Tennis at Maroubra beach. Beat him 5-7, 9-7, 6-2. Both really bad but he is obviously crap. He blamed everything from age, sun in his eyes, his backhand and his ankle, but whatever he says it goes down as a W in the column.

Saturday 30th December

Woke up at ½ 1 really hungover from last night. I got stitched up a treat at Orlas playing this stupid game. One red hen, 2 black cats…. 7 secular sailors sailing the seven seas etc. Ended up in the Bondi.

I phoned up Siobhan because it was her birthday. Jim the Jock phoned but I messed up badly. I thought the Lord Nelson was down the Rocks but it wasn’t. Going to the Mercantile later + then it’s on to the Bondi.

Sunday 31s6 December Mackers 30th Birthday

Up at 12.30 feeling rough as sin again. Yesterday we got a taxi to The Lord Nelson followed by The Hero of Waterloo. Then it was on the Mercantile with Jane, Sioned and Sharon. We met Pat, Jacko etc and then onto the Bondi – the pub of no return. Weather is perfect again.

Tonight its off to the Harbour to see the huge firework display, then onto the Rocks.

My feelings on my T Shirt venture for the round the world boat race is very low. I honestly don’t think they are going to sell very well. If they don’t it will be a nightmare as I don’t really have any money to travel around NZ and Asia with. I can’t see any reason why people would want one!!!

Pat suggested that I should write a review of the year here but I’ll leave it a couple of days till I get back to Kiwi, and I will consult my old books – one thing is it’s been a brilliant year. Lions trip and our around Oz trip defo being the Highlights.

1990

A new Decade

Who would have thought 10 years ago I would be in Australia

I wonder where I will be in 10 years time

Monday 1st January 1990

Well what a laugh last night was. The Rocks was absolutely wild. I went into town with Pat. The first thing we heard was these trumpets, which were going all the time and were driving me nuts. As the night went on I was all into it.

We saw the fireworks – I am always a bit cynical but God you couldn’t beat it. (although Sound Cloud last January was better).

Me and Pat met Anne and Sue (another one) + had a spot near the Rocks. I took loads of photos – God knows how they will turn out. The Rocks was unbelievable. The Mercantile had 3 huge lights and stereo speakers, so everyone was outside. The small room of t he Mercantile was closed and was flogging beer. People were climbing up trees and getting pelted with cans. Circa The Hill.

I got soaked with beer, champagne etc, but gave as good as I got. At midnight it was like everyone was on a different plane- it just moved up a notch. Fantastic fun. Pat copped on with Anne – the girl he has worshipped for months. He said fireworks were coming out of his head.

It was murder coming home the taxis just wouldn’t come. Got home at 4

Woken up at 7 by a phonecall off mum and dad. Lovely to hear from them, they were just about to go out.

One funny thing about last night was this poor little Asian bloke trying to cop on with everyone – he was dressed like John Travolta.

Tuesday 2nd January

Another mega sesh yesterday culminating in the Bondi (The pub of no return). I saw Jim and Gibbie there. Seeing them tonight at the Grand. They are loving Sydney – who wouldn’t. Yesterday was Jazz in the park. The weather was threatening all day with rolls of thunder and streaks of lightening but the expected down pour just didn’t happen.

Before going to the Domain me and Pat went on a wild goose chase to Redfern because he was sniffing after Anne. They weren’t in so we went for a steak. Jazz in the park was great, the best was this Spanish guitarist – only way to describe it. There was a Welsh flag which was a honey pot for every Taff in the place. It was flying all the time. I led a conga with the flag with 100s of people in it. Next week will be better with Rock in the park with The Eddies; unfortunately I will be in NZ.

After the Jazz we (being all the gogs) went to the Grand. Brilliant sing song on the bus and then to the pub of no return.

Pat leaves for Bathurst today, still skipping wildly about Anne – He will be coming to Sydney next week to see her.

Wednesday 3^rd January

Sitting on the plane at Sydney airport. Sharon came to see me off which was really good of her. I have kept my record of having a hangover on every international flight I have ever been on.

Last night I went for a curry with Jacko – bloody horrible, and then onto the Grand. I didn’t need much persuading to go to the pub of no return – The Bondi – and crawled in at 5 in the morning.

Jacko’s news is he is going home on the 15^th and hopes to get married in June – Sharon is not so optimistic. When I last left Oz I wrote in my diary that I may never see Siw, Sharon, Dee etc again. But, as I leave now I know I will bump into them again. Probably in

Wales

. I will definitely, definitely definitely come back to Australia some time. It’s got so much to offer. When I left last time I was really upset, but now I know people over there it’s ok.

Going to Australia for Christmas was a brilliant move. I will never regret or forget what a riot we had. Auckland has a lot to offer next month. Hopefully I will make a fortune – it’s so, so important that I do.

Last night on the news it showed a shark that got caught just off shore in Victoria. 3.5 metres big – the biggest shark in the world.

The customs bloke was really officious and wanted to see my outward ticket from NZ luckily I have got one. I know Pat has got just a single. The only problem with traveling is the hanging around all the time. Going to NZ is not as bad as going to Oz when we had a 3 hour delay but it is still very boring.

Later Food is about to come around. – Good I am starving and bored again.

Later Nightmare – there is always something you leave behind but my sleeping bag is still in Randwick – AAAAGH.

Bored, bored and bored. Food was lovely so that is all the excitement of this flight over now, How could I possibly have left my sleeping bag in Sydney = DULL.

Landed. Quite funny that a few lads at the back of the plane have been on the pop for the whole trip. On landing they started clapping.

Thursday 4^th January

Siobhan came to the airport to pick me up, which was really good of her. She is having a going away party on Saturday which should be good. I gave her an Ireland T Shirt and she took 6 to sell. I think they will go easily.

I couldn’t get any sleep last night – I was still awake at 5 so I am fairly tired now.

I phoned around this morning and the response to the shirts hasn’t been that fantastic – but the boats come in tomorrow so hopefully they will pick up. I am just off now to town to put a few more in different shops and replace the 6 sold in the market.

7.00 Spent all afternoon in town. I can’t really say how I’m feeling about the shirts – at times feeing really confident and then very pessimistic. Really big day tomorrow though. The boat race is huge news – due in about 11 but could be as early as 8. Grant is calling around at 8 – he is giving me a hand. I’ve got to get in touch with Jane to see if she wants to work. I may give Greenpeace some shirts to sell for me and I will give them commission. I am so generous. One of the Markets sold 4 and in the Treetops they sold 2. BUT – They are charging $39 for them so how can they expect to sell them. I have ordered 45 more so I will be going to work tonight. Hopefully I will flog them all and order some more.

I got Pogue tickets for Jane, Awen, Sioned and Carl Denning, but tickets for the closing ceremony are all sold out.

10.30 To bed early today because I have got to be up at 7 tomorrow- really big day tomorrow. George brought around the 45 so I have about 128 to sell. Which I will reinvest. Grant etc are coming around at ¼ to 8. I couldn’t get in touch with Jane.

Friday 5^th January 7.30 YACHTS DUE IN

Really bad news is the weather is really awful. – pouring down which will obviously affect the crowds at the wharf. I got very little sleep again last night. Elton John is coming – got to be something in that.

8.40 – stopped raining but still very grey. Bloody NZ – Heat wave in Oz + I return and within 2 days it’s raining. The hype for the boat race is full on. I phoned up Grant and Pattie at ¼ to 8 – the time they were due around, but they were still in bed. They will be around at 9. I hope to be at the waterfront at ¼ to 10. At the moment I am fairly confident. Plan of attack is if I sell 30 I will immediately phone George to start up the presses. He has to wait for the shirts to arrive and then screen both sides so the frustrating thing will be waiting I suppose the 2 hours for the 50 to be done. I will ring him when I sell 20. Hopefully leave one of the Jocks on the waterfront when I go down. Obviously things could go wrong and I may not sell 20 all day.

11.30pm Well, day 1 over and I suppose I am winning. My end result is I sold 80 and brought home £1300 which I am spending on 100 odd shirts tomorrow. I was very optimistic but the weather really spoilt the morning. There is a lot of competition. Everyone seems very friendly. Trevor Wart turned up – slagging off everyone’s shirts and saying he won’t take mine. I hope he doesn’t do one.

Grant and Pat helped me out – they sold about 20. Pat was really cheesed off. We all got drenched. I stayed till ½ 6, went home and saw the street, had a bath and went to the Nags Head. – I stayed on the wagon cos of tomorrow. I saw John Grice at the wharf – he has been here for ages.

On thing that didn’t please us was we got thrown off the wharf. I hope we will be ok tomorrow.

Tomorrow evening is Siobhan’s going away party. Paula is picking me up about 7. I’ve got to ring her!!

Saturday 6^th January 9.00

Phonecall off George at 8 this morning. He has been around and I have paid him $1,300 – weather pouring down again – Nightmare.

7.30 – Not as good as yesterday, competition too good. They are all buying Mike and Alison’s shirts. I sold about 31 and brought home $600- my Scotland shirts sold, and Ireland, and Lions. I will take a few of t hem down tomorrow. I have sun burnt my nose and my neck a treat. I will have to be really careful as I will be outside most of this month.

Tonight I am going to Siobhan’s going away party – taking a shedful of Irish shirts.

Cameron phoned me up – he is in Auckland just for tonight – had a bit of a chat and said we would meet up either in Wales or Scotland sometime.

Sunday 7^th January 8.45

A fairly hard day flogging T Shirts. Hard, because I didn’t get home from Siobhan’s party till 5 O’ Clock this morning. I was at the wharf at 12. It went fairly well, better than yesterday but not as good as Friday. I brought home $600 odd dollars. I also sold 5 Irish, 2 U2 and even an England shirt. I will be reordering another 20 U2 shirts. Might as well keep milking them as I will be on the wharf all month. The sun was so hot, I got blue nose guard – covered in cream and a T Shirt covering my neck.

Siobhan’s party was a good crack. Great to wander around with loads of people you know. The sing song was naturally very Republican.

Atmosphere down the wharf is brilliant. Julie is doing some designing and will hopefully be doing a Kiri Killer out of the bag. I am aiming to be working at about 10.30 tomorrow – I have got to get to the bank. Mike and Julie have made a sign – T Shirts $25, US $15, AUS $20 GB £10 – I have sold a few for US and OZ – Why not. I didn’t sell any Lions shirts – disappointing. I can’t stress how hot it was.

Monday 8^th January

Up at ½ 8 and got to the wharf at 10. A lot slower today as expected. – I sold about 14 world tour shirts but a bonus was flogging 11 Irish shirts and 2 arsehole shirts for $15 – a bargain. Really bad news is I’ve been moved off the gate. A bloke from the Port Authority had a word – we got shifted – I will be back Saturday though.

The cockney lads were there again shifting cheap perfume.

Other news is that Kiri is playing Christchurch tomorrow. If I would have known I would have gone. I got another load of shirts in today. My Scottish one looks really good -. Navy Blue.

Siobhan phoned when I got home and said the Irish boat crew were down the Birdcage. I went and believe it or not there was a free bar if you were with the party.

I started on the wagon but – you can’t look a gift horse in the mouth. One of the crew – Bob said he would show me around the boat.

I swapped one of my Irish shirts with one of the crew. – They also had a map on the shirt. – It is brilliant which shows what could have been done if Jim the artist would have showed some imagination, so, I will change my design and copy theirs. It is so classy; I have got to do it.

Tuesday 8^th January 10am

Up this morning at 7.30 – I’ve been running around like a pixie. I phoned Jim the artist and he is coming around by 11, I will show him the artwork. I’m trying to get in touch with Greg from Sydney to get more Irish shirts. I also phoned Mike and Andria and am going around tonight to look at the Kiri shirts at 8.

6.00 A dreadful day. – at 10 Mike and Rosie came around trying to give me a really really hard sell on pyramid selling. – Serves me right I suppose to give out my phone number after a few drinks. I’m expecting a phone call any second – they were so pushy. – Luckily I am a cynic + I will have nothing to do with it. I got in touch with Greg and he is sending me 20 Lions, 100 Irish and 20 of Jacko’s English. I will have to send him $1220 Australian tomorrow.

I sold 3 singlets all day. I’ll be on the wall again tomorrow – they will have to move me. I also sold 6 Irish, a couple of Scottish and a Lions shirt. Kiri is playing Christchurch today so we really buggered it up by not being there. Very frustrating all day. I gave Jim my Irish shirt to copy – he said it would be a lot of work – I am fast losing confidence in Jim. That’s the type of shirt he should have originally knocked out for me.

12.00 - Spent the evening around Mike, Mark and Andréa’s. We are going to print 1,000 Kiri T Shirts for Sunday’s concert which is expected to draw 130,000 people. At a rough cost it will be $2,250 invested, so I could be looking at Access again. Hopefully it will be a killer.

Wednesday 10^th January 6.15pm

Another fairly slow day on the wharf, which I think will be the general pattern until a couple of big days. At dinnertime I sent $1,000 to Sydney to pay for the next consignment of shirts. I’ve got to send another $500 on Friday.

Boiling hot all day today, so I covered up again. It looks like I will be chucking in about $3,000 on the Kiri T Shirts – A real bugger is that Kiri’s Wellington concert is the same day as the Colin Jackson race which I’ve got tickets for. At the moment I will have to see how this Sunday goes, but I really want to see the day 5 athletics. Grant may want to put some money into it – which I can see no problem. Mike, who is in partnership with me doesn’t want it, but I will let him as he is a bigger mate than Mike.

Tonight is Siobhan’s last night in Auckland – we are going out for a meal.

Thursday 11^th January Midnight

A very frustrating day which could be a real disaster. After being thrown out of t he wharf and then being thrown off the gate we are now being faced with hassle from the Whitbread people who have the franchise. I will probably just ignore it and see how it goes, hopefully they are bluffing, but I can’t afford to stop flogging shirts. It could be a good move to bugger off into Queen St for quiet days and the reappear for big days. Anyway, on the last day I should be able to get rid of them all.

At dinnertime I got an hour off by Pattie and I went to the bank. To my amazement the MasterCard people refused me $1,500 for the Kiri T Shirts so I paid Mike $1,000 and I owe him $500.

This morning I phoned mum and dad and they have been sending mail to Windermere rather than Westmere.

This evening I went to see Siobhan off. – She had quite a crowd to see her go – which to be fair she deserved as she is quite a character. Cath gave me a lift there and Paula’s sister Annette gave me a lift back. I don’t think I am in either Cath or Paula’s good books.

Wendy will be back tomorrow so I will be sleeping back on the floor now.

Friday 12^th January 9am

Woke up to the phone of Graham the printer trying to persuade me to make a Kiri T Shirt. – Gave me all the facts and free credit till Monday and any not sold Jim the artist is prepared to go to Wellington and flog them. There is no way I could do it as I am in with the other crowd – I couldn’t raise all the money yesterday. I was $500 short and Mike covered me. I am sure if he didn’t I would have thought sod it and gone with Graham. – Graham does his shirts for $12 – Mike does his for $10 – starting to learn business I suppose.

5.30 A wasted day really, it was the windiest day in the world, I only sold 5 shirts then it started to hammer down so I thought sod it and got a taxi home. Did a bit of a stock take – I’m holding about 235 shirts. Tonight I am going to Mike, Mark and Andria’s house to pack the Kiri shirts. If it pays off the Kiri shirts should pay off quite a bit of my debts. I will really have to work at it. Patti and Grant will be working on Saturday and Dave the Scotsman will work with me down at the wharf.

If I raise enough money I may even be able to afford a new pair of daps and even pay the rent. It should have gone in today but it’s all tied up in cotton.

Saturday 13^th January

Up at 9 and down the wharf at 10.30. A very windy day with some rain. For a weekend I didn’t do too well. I sold 12 shirts, 9 Irish and a couple of Lions. I knocked it on the head at ½ 5. Tomorrow is the big day with the Kiri concert. I phoned Patti and Grant, I may go out but it will be a quiet night. The cockney boys were there and again they did better than me. I am really banking on doing well tomorrow and hopefully those Irish, Lions and England shirts. I’ve also to decide whether to do a Welsh shirt for the games.

10pm – Quiet night in because of tomorrow is a big un if it comes off. I went down the video shop and got in “scandal” which I hadn’t seen before – really enjoyable film. I have got to phone Grant about ½ 9 tomorrow. They may be working on the hay, but I hope they are not. I wrote a letter to Caroline – I am on a bit of a pessimistic trough on the shirts at the moment. If I do a Welsh shirt it will be a copy of Jacko’s Irish shirt. Just spent half an hour reading about the Lions trip which has given me a real taste for traveling again. Next few months will be great if I can raise enough money this month.

I have got to graft for it – selling the round the world shirts are so much harder than selling the Lions shirts.

Sunday 14^th January 9.50

The Kiri concert is today. – very big day. Last night was freezing – I am in that skinny sleeping bag because my good one is in Sydney – and I am back on the floor.

Up at 9, showered and phoned Grant – hopefully him and Patti will be around and not do the hay, as it will be awkward for them to find us. I am quite looking forward to hitting the streets with my T Shirts – I’m very confident. 1,000 shirts – obviously not all mine – I’ve got 250 – that’s more than I did on the best day on the Lions tour.

10.45 Still waiting for Grant to come and pick me up. I’m going to be fairly annoyed if he is going to the farm to “do the hay” as I feel I would have been let down. Mike phoned about ½ hour ago – he is as inpatient as me. When I phoned Grant he said he had 5 U2 shirts in the house – which is good news as I’ll get rid of them easily. I am sure that Grant would not have been late if he had $500 wrapped up in this. Come on hurry up, this is worse than waiting for a bus. I’ve got to get a new pair of daps on Monday if I do well on the shirts today, as the ones I’ve got are mank I am wearing them all the time as I left my shoes in Sydney.

Monday 15^th January 9am

WHAT A DISASTER.

At the moment I am sitting on a loss of $1,900 on the Kiri venture. Everything looked good but the type of people who went simply did not want T Shirts. There were 140,000 people there – we couldn’t get rid of 250 shirts. There were 9 of us working. Patti, Nick and Grant did OK and earned about $100 each. I am really tired as I slept little last night – to rub it in it’s on the news all the time. I put in $2,500 and got back $600. I owed Mike $400 so that left me with $200 – thank god it’s enough to pay the rent. The Wales shirt is definitely out now.

My only way out now is there is a Wellington concert. It is the same day as the Colin Jackson race which I really wanted to see. If it is a toss up between Colin Jackson and the Hong Kong 7’s the rugby would always come out on top.

Mike Reynolds just came around about that pyramid selling job. I was polite but got rid of him very sharpish- I wasn’t interested anyway but he picked the wrong day to come around. I think on a positive note ANY thing I can claw back on those bloody Kiri shirts is a bonus now.

The worst thing I can think happening is the bloke who had the Whitbread license to come down and clear me off the wharf. It would be a nightmare. One thing is I am bound to look back at this in a few months/years time and laugh but at the moment I am not happy at all and I am a bit worried about my future traveling plans especially through Asia being cut short.

5.00 Spent all day down the wharf. Those Kiri T Shirts are my new Arsehole T Shirts. – Every one sold I have got to rejoice or I will end up chucking the buggers away. I got to the wharf at ½ 10 + didn’t have an exceptional day, although I did bring in a few bob. I got rid of 2 Lions shirts to a couple from Ynswbwl, 6 Kiri’s @ about $10 each 4 Ireland, 2 U2 and a Scotland. Very sunny again, I can really feel the heat on my face now. I am still smiling about yesterday and I am sure that if given the same figures again I would do it again. – A very good lesson learned though.

10 I phoned Pat and he laughed like a pixie when I told him about Kiri and made the point that its two months work. Oh dear, I never thought of it like that. I phoned Mike and he has been phoning around and some bloke will take the shirts of us for $5 – I am still keen to go to Wellington and work at it. A boiling day today, I have got quite a colour on me. I have to be careful that I don’t get burnt – especially on my face.

10.20 – Seriously thinking of Sod Wellington. If I can defo get $950 back I may take it and run. If I flew to Wellington it would cost $260 return and the concert is at Lower Hutt – outside Wellington. If I sold them all it would be $1900 - $260 add bus fares - $950 (I could get) = $690 = a lot of effort for $690 especially as I probably wont sell them all. I have got to get back to Mike tomorrow.

Thursday 16^th January 11

The wettest day in the world so I am being forced to have a day off. I slept like a log last night and at 9 when the alarm went off I could hear the rain so I thought sod it the wharf will be empty.

Got the paper and still can’t see the Welsh side for Saturday’s game against France in Cardiff. I doubt it will be on tele.

Wednesday 17^th January 9.30

Forecast is rain again today – I will go to town and if it rains I will set up in

Queen St

near McDonalds and try to earn a crust down there,

Last night I went to the Albion, but there was no music on. A bit annoying as I phoned earlier and they said there was. Got talking to a few Kiwis so I stayed. Name dropping Keith Quinn the rugby commentator was there with a load of other commentators. The producer of rugby special over here assured me that the rugby from the 5 nations championships will be shown “as live” at 8 O’clock on Sunday morning which is brilliant news. Yesterday I did very little – got a couple of videos out – Highlander – which was excellent and Plenty which wasn’t that brilliant.

After Kiri my confidence on all the shirts is fading fast. Tomorrow and Friday are important. UK and

Ireland

day. I hope I haven’t ordered too many Irish shirts.

7.30 Spent all day in town flogging shirts. I got rid of 5 more Kiri shirts and sold 9 others which is not that brilliant. Town is starting to fill up with athletes – especially Canadians. I met a Welsh lad in town who is going to Hong Kong.

The story of the day has got to be Wendy again. It’s bound to be her. I got home and for the first time since October the dead lock was on. It’s not on my key ring so I was locked out for an hour. I would still be out now but my neighbour helped me squeeze through the bog window. I was really annoyed. Out tonight to the pub next to the Irish club. I am quite looking forward to the Welsh girls coming over on Sunday but I haven’t heard from them.

The weather today was predicted to rain but it never – it was the muggiest day in the world – pouring with sweat. Big day tomorrow on the shirts as it is UK day. I am hoping to get rid of the majority of my England, Scotland and Lions shirts. I have got a cold sore forming on the side of my mouth.

Thursday 18^th January 9.20 am

Hoping for a good day on the shirts today as it’s UK day, but I haven’t heard too much publicity about it. The main problem is the weather; it was pouring down last night and looks a bit threatening today.

Last night I went to the Newton pub for the Irish night. A really good crack again. A bargain catching the bus when I was all in for a taxi. Tonight I am off to the rugby tavern with Patti and Grant for a stag night.

5.30pm not too bad of a day in town. Got rid of a few shirts, but I was daft to have an hour off to see the Welsh choir on stage. I got back to good and bad news. The good news was there was a cheque for $340 from Christchurch for U2 shirts and the bad news was my Irish T Shirts are being held in customs so I will presumably have to pay some tax on it. But worse I’ve got to pick them up.

I saw Chris Paykal in town – I am still keen for a trip on his old mans boat.

Friday 19^th January

I am not really winning on the shirts am I?

Bloody Kiri.

I woke up this morning to a phonecall from Graham – obviously wanting his $700 – which of course I will honour. Secondly I phoned up customs about the parcel of Irish shirts from Greg. To get them in I have to show an import license and pay 40% duty, and it goes on. I will send them back. – he will be able to give them to Colm. I have paid more than enough for them anyway. Thank god I didn’t send the full amount over to him.

Last night, I really enjoyed, but the stag night was awful. I went to hear the Welsh singing down at Princess Wharf and they all went to the rugby tavern. It was a really good night in there. Stayed open till ½ 11 – me and Patti spent more time in there than in the stag.

The other thing is I am now an Arsenal supporter. They can be my London club. I was chatting to these two London boys. One Arsenal, one Chelsea. The Chelsea boy has been to Ibrox a couple of times, got a King Billy scarf and knows the sash. That’s good enough for me to support Arsenal. Up the Gunners.

Saturday 20^th January 11 am

Planning on being at the wharf at 12 (ish). Yesterday was very eventful. – quite a good day on the shirts.- It was Irish day. I saw quite a few people I knew

BUT I had a visit from the man from the council because the Harbour Board has been complaining of “illegal street traders”. I told them my name was Robert Jones. The upshot is I have had my warning and they can now confiscate my T Shirts for 3 weeks. I have got to get a permit at $14 a day. I will be knackered if I don’t get accepted – I have got to see the bloke at 9am on Monday.

I worked until ½ 5 – I got badly burnt again on my nose – just call me Rudolph. Taxi home and phoned up Sharon because it was her birthday and also Greg and explained the situation with the T Shirts – so I will send them back.

Taxi back to Princess Wharf for a couple of hours for Irish night – sold about 4 shirts – a bargain. Then I went to the rugby tavern and had a fantastic time at the Welsh night – another on Feb 1. Grant and Patti were there – they are leaving for Sydney on Sunday, tomorrow. They got hold of a gorgeous Auckland Welsh polo shirt that I have ordered. I am taking this girl out on Monday – Sally from Bristol. – Only 20, that’s Catherine’s age.

I might ignore the permit for the shirts and take a risk over the weekend – hoping that the council work Monday – Friday 9-5

12.00 – pouring down outside which is a bit of a blow but I will still go down and do a bit of graft, The tall ships are coming in which could pull in a crowd but the rain may keep them away

4.20 Nightmare in town – just poured down all day – sold a few shirts but very depressing.- I got drenched. Came home festered around a bit. Sioned and Jane are arriving tomorrow at 8 and Awen about 2. I wont meet Awen as I have got to work – Pat is poofing around with his woman and will not arrive till the 30^th or the 1^st. I phoned Sally for about half an hour and tried to encourage her to come to the games with us as she has a day 5 ticket. Getting grub from down the road again then to the rugby tavern for another sesh as it’s Grant and Patties last day.

Sunday 21^st January 9.10

Waiting for the Wales France game to start – we will get stuffed. England have creamed

Ireland

. Lat night me and Bernard tried to pick a Welsh side and we couldn’t because every man and his dog has gone North.

Half Time – we are beating France by 4 points – lovely try by Tittley BUT the daft bugger Mosely got sent off – had to go – stamping. So we are really up against it.

11.00 – We got beat 29-19 we were in it till the last 10 minutes when the Frogs scored twice. Awen phoned from the airport. I am quite looking forward to the Gogs coming over – they can be my new mates now that Grant and Patti have gone to Sydney. We had a really good sesh in the rugby tavern again last night. Got in about 3 again because they had a lock in. Thank god they played the England Ireland game first as I overslept all but the last 20 minutes of it.

England

are the team to beat this year – hurts me to say it. I can see Wales beating Ireland (maybe) but England and Scotland will hammer us.

Patti and Grant said I must see an Old Firm game. I would love to go but I would defo go to the Jungle – no way would I stand with the blue noses.

Monday 22^nd January

8.30 an early start to the day – a bit cloudy, but that should keep the sun off my nose. Yesterday at the Wharf

I got home at 5 – the most burnt man in the world again. There were millions of people but no one wanted to buy T Shirts. – I sold 20 – still that’s $200. Awen had arrived – we festered around for an hour – had fish and chips and then Nicky lent Awen the car so we went to the airport. Sioned and Awen were the last people to come through the gates. We came back and taxi to the Irish club. Brilliant night – stop on again. Quite a few athletes in there – Irish and Scots. I sold a bag full of T Shirts – even the one off my back. There was a buffet. – Singing etc. Back to the flat + had baked spuds and baileys as a nightcap.

Today the girls will be working for me and I can do a few things – go to the council and try to get a permit – doubtful. I can also go to customs and try to get the Irish shirts – no chance. Bank about $7,000

8.00 Spent all day in town – very quiet on the shirts. Banked about $1,800. Awen Jane and Sioned looked after the shirts when I went to the council. Basically he is turning a blind eye unless someone complains. If they do and I don’t move he said he will have to come down and give me a second warning – which is great, rather than have my shirts taken. I banked my cash then went to the customs place – no chance of getting my shirts out. I had to pay 40% duty - $470 and GST $50 odd. So – I had to send them back.

Weather today was very bleary, at dinnertime I took the girls to the Rugby Tavern for an hour for lunch – also went with two of the bowlers from the Welsh team.

Taxi home and mail at last from home. – They have been sending mail to Windermere. It was full of photos from Christmas day at home. Kevin has got his ANZAC jersey on. Peter hasn’t. If I’ve got enough I will try and get him another one.

Tonight’s news is another one of Wendy’s notes. Quote “Go easy on the food this week as there will be up to 8 people living here. Be considerate – Love Wendy.” Unquote.

The reason she wrote that is because last night after the Irish club we had a glass of baileys and a baked spud each. The cheek of it especially as the girls chucked in $20 each this morning.

The girls are going up to the Bay of Islands tomorrow – something I should have done in November when I was bored stiff. They will be back Saturday.

I phoned up Sally to take her out but she lives too far away – it would have taken her about an hour to get into town on the bus. She would have got in about ¼ to 9 – the pubs close at 10 so it wasn’t really worth it. I will see her tomorrow down the Wharf and take her to the Albion.

Tuesday 23^rd January

Just off to town – The girls are hitching up to the bay of Islands – very cloudy day – very chilly. Not too hopeful about sales today. The girls are going to the ticket office to get Commonwealth games tickets in the same place.

Wednesday 24^th January 10.30

Just off to town – looks like a nice day – I got my hat. Yesterday I didn’t do too bad but I am out of Irish shirts now, Sally turned up about 2 so I spent the evening chatting to her – we went for grub at an Italian and then onto the Albion. The “usual” crowd weren’t there. Probably in the Newton House tonight but I may stay and watch the opening ceremony of the games on the box.

I phoned Pat and he is not coming over till the first now – Anne was there so I told them what I said to their flat mate yesterday – Pat may miss some of the boxing.

7.30 Watching the opening ceremony – Prince Edward ruining it – what a poofter. He has had a nightmare with his hair – His Royal Highness the Prince (spam) Ed.

Today’s weather was gorgeous – I only sold 12 though. All covered up with cream + hat. It was worth going in today because a Welsh bloke Richard came over for a chat and he has taken 200 Kiri T Shirts to Wellington as she (the bitch) is playing there on Sunday. I have got to ring up a few people to sell them. That move can only be good.

Thursday 25^th January

Woke up at about 10 to Graham on the phone – obviously wanting money. I will be able to give him the $200 tonight. He will have to call around for it though. I was in town by 11 and sold only 4 shirts all day. No yacht race shirts again. I met 4 Cardiff boys and gave them my number – they are staying in Papatoe. The chain on my bike is knackered. The games have started – England and Australia creaming everybody in the pool. I haven’t seen any Welsh medals yet, although in the boxing a Welshman hammered an NZer – In the Scottish cup it’s Celtic v Rangers at Parkhead.

Boiling hot – pretty down about the shirts – I hope I get rid of them all. This evening I will have a night in. I phoned up Sally and I will see her tomorrow. I had a bit of a go at Wendy for leaving that dreadful note on the fridge.

9.00 A fairly boring evening – being in Wendy’s company never helped. That girl is driving me around the bend. Mike went fishing and brought back a guts full of snapper. I am hoping for a good day on the shirts tomorrow but at the moment pessimism is ruling.

Friday 26^th January

Had a letter off mum this morning addressed to Windermere, so there is still a chance of my diving card coming through.

Looks like another real scorcher today. It is the day of the street parade so I hope to sell a few shirts – having said that it hasn’t been going that brilliantly recently. My cold sore is still there – typical as I am seeing Sally tonight. Overdoing it on iodine.

Saturday 27^th January

What a nightmare on the shirts yesterday – only sold 3 all afternoon – boiling. Very, very pessimistic on the whole venture now although this morning I have sold 6. Yesterday was the

Whitbread street

parade which looked great but didn’t help sales rocket. Sally turned up at 2 so that killed the boredom. Carl Denny is in town and was supposed to meet us last night in the Irish club.

Saw Seb Coe walk past yesterday and Tessa Sanderson. The little name dropper I am. Sun is really scorching again and I am really covered up. Sally came out with a really red face yesterday.

Big news at home is that hurricane winds – stronger than the ones we had in London 3 years ago hit Southern Britain. – Artic lorry blown over on the Severn Bridge. London on a standstill. Had a postcard off JT snr.

8pm I didn’t have a bad day on the shirts today – 19 – quite happy with that. The girls are back from the Bay of Islands – all burnt – especially Jane’s chin. We have made a sign

“KAERDIFF BORN AND BRED – ST PETERS RFC” – off to the Rugby Tavern today seeing Carl Dennihy.

Monday 29^th January – Auckland anniversary day

My first athletics meeting I went to see yesterday went very well. I went with Awen, Sioned and Jane and sat next to Mike, Lynne and Sally. Weather wasn’t that hot which to be honest was a relief as we would have got a pasting from the sun. Thankfully Colin Jackson won the gold so we all did some performing – we had our banner, so did a few other Taffs. A real surprise was Rob Watkins from college who came over to say hello. We had a beer then he had to go back to his wife!!!. – Quite a surprise to see Rob as I haven’t seen him for 5 years.

Me and Sally spent most of the day laughing at the fact that the Kiwi’s were coming last in everything despite the hype.

About the athletics – I really enjoyed the track but long jump; high jump etc is very slow. Apart from Jackson’s glorious win we saw Lynford Christie win the 100.

5.30 A dreadful day in town – thousands of people milling around - I must have sold 6. I will try to unload this week so I am not holding on too many next week. I will start flogging my around the world T Shirts for about $15 from tomorrow. If I have got loads next week I will be in a mess because when there are thousands of people you simply can’t sell them. I went to my usual place and this street entertainer started up + I was done as people were 4-5 deep on the fence. I moved to the gate and the Whitbread boys moved me on so I thought “sod it” – time to unload definitely – hopefully it’s not too late. I saw Rob Watkins again in town. In Athletics today – don’t know – but Kevin McCormack lost the boxing to a Kiwi. My cold sore is still very bad.

8.00 Quiet night for a change – can’t honestly remember the last one. Pat phoned – defo coming over on Thursday but will most probably miss the boxing, most of it anyway. Sally phoned – I was supposed to see her on Wednesday but she is not working tomorrow so she phoned to tell me. We arranged to go out tomorrow BUT – at the cycling where she is working it has been raining so it will probably not be on today – on tomorrow instead. So, I won’t see Sally tomorrow or Wednesday – a pity cos she is quite a good laugh. I will probably see her now in GB.

Tuesday 30^th January

Pouring down with rain – nothing I can do. Saw the marathon finish this morning. Jones came 4^th. Gold was Kenya then Aussie then

Zambia

.. Graham phoned and I gave him $200 – I’ll hopefully pay him $300 Monday. I went to town and got drenched so I came home – I phoned Sally + she is coming around. I will make her a salad.

2.00 Salad made – what a chef. Big news on the games is that yesterday an Indian weightlifter got stripped of his medals because of drugs. Anabolic steroids + today another positive. Strong rumors it could be a Welshman. – Disaster as all our golds have come from the weightlifting – having said that if they are cheating – they deserve to get caught.

Absolutely pouring down outside.

Wednesday 31^st January 5.45

In town all day flogging shirts – I’m trying to get rid of them now so reduced them to $15 and sold 20 odd. – Hopefully the weather will be ok over the next few days – I went to the bank and the balance is $3,850 – hopefully it will be able to get me around NZ and into Hong Kong. If I have to get home on the plastic – so be it.

The girls are off to Taupo for the evening – they have seen more of NZ in a week than I have since October – what a mug I am. I had a letter of Heather this morning which was a surprise.

Last night Sally came around – we spent the evening trying to avoid Wendy’s inane conversation. She couldn’t raise one iota of intelligence so to speak.

Mackers arrives tomorrow – hopefully he will get to see the boxing.

In the games it was a Welshman on anabolic steroids – so we have lost a gold. Daft bugger – he should be banned for life. A third positive has been made in Weightlifting and strong rumours that it is another Welshman. Probably not a good time to be here.

1^st Feb Thursday

10.20 Just off to town to unload (hopefully) a shedful of shirts – I have got millions of mediums left and very few large. Weather looks ok. Tonight I am off to the boxing.

6.08 Not a bad day in town – very hot. I sold about $400 worth of shirts which was quite pleasing as it was the hottest day in the world. I am meeting Carl in the Rugby tavern tonight – then boxing. I am looking forward to seeing Mackers again. He should hopefully arrive half way through the fighting. Unfortunately the rumour of a second Welshman on steroids was true – so he has been sent home and banned for life from competition. – Quite right.

The girls are not too happy with me as the Welsh night is tomorrow not tonight. Maybe go before the Pogues

12.30 Back from the boxing. The Kenyans cleared the board.. Best crack was a Northern Irish boy who won Gold and they couldn’t get the tape to start, so the commentator sang Danny Boy – all the crowd singing. Mackers turned up and caught the last 2 fights. He got stitched up at the airport for $400 because he never had a return.

Friday 2^nd Feb

Day in town flogging shirts – boiling hot – did OK. Mackers in the field now as my competition – with my shirts. Pogues tonight – should be good.

Saturday 3^rd February 9.10

The Pogues were brilliant – before we went we hit the Rugby Tavern – difficult to leave because we were having a really good tome there. I was skipping like a good un. The poof I am.

Free bus to the concert – we timed it nicely – 20 mins before the concert started. I got up for a bop or two. Mackers said he had never been to a livelier concert – but it was the same atmosphere as the Jam concerts – I loved all that. Dirty Old Town and The band played Waltzing Matilda, were the ones I recognized, although some of the instrumentals were great. McGowan is a nightmare waiting to happen – The girls didn’t enjoy it all.

Today it’s down to the wharf till 1 and then to the closing ceremony. Strong rumours of Kiri playing at the finals. Can you imagine the wailing bitch coming back to haunt me.

Big big news in the world is in South Africa (Is the world becoming normal again? after Gorbachev’s achievements, Berlin wall coming down etc)

De Clerk has un banned the ANC and agreed to Mandela’s terms. Brilliant that Mandela can give the terms of his own release after 30 years in prison. Hopefully he will be out today – What a hero. Nan Manly’s birthday 70 on Feb 20 – Marie 22 on 1^st Feb

Sunday 4^th Feb – Whitbread boats go out

Yesterday was the closing ceremony – what a fantastic day – it was scorching all day. The day was spoilt for me by getting some cream in my eye, which was really sore all day. We were in the stand, I was sitting next to Sally and Pat – Thankfully the sun wasn’t in our eyes. 1500 metres was brilliant with Elliot winning really well. HRH the Queen was there but I think she kept on nipping out for a leak – she was on the DB draught all day – official beer of the games + she was wellying them down. Prince Edward just sat there looking like a poof and losing hair by the minute.

Me and Mackers had (if it comes out) a brilliant photo with one of the Aussie 4 x 400 gold medal winners.

My favourite part of the closing ceremony was these Maori kids aged about 10 doing a Haka. The Indians of Victoria Canada – brought over a totem pole – which was nice of them I suppose but a bit of a squeeze in your rucksack. A lot of the closing ceremony was fairly boring – skipping and kids dancing. Pat wanted to see some patterns and shapes by the people but all we got were some small hearts. The announcer had a mare. All the silver things in the programme people were waving all day, she was asking us not to. At the end she asked the audience to remain seated. We were the last to leave – the stadium was empty and she said “Thank you for your patience – you may leave now”

The wailing bitch Kiri turned up to ruin the day and sing “Now is the hour”

At the end we went to the Gluepot and saw a brilliant Canadian comedian. Sally wanted to phone Pat to say she would be home late, so I grabbed a phone card and phoned home as well – weather at home dreadful – torrential rain + wind (good) here it was boiling.

We came back home and chatted with Mackers and Sally till 2. I was trying to persuade her to come traveling with us. I don’t think she will though – a pity.

Up early this morning to watch the rugby. England creamed France 26-3 (they will stuff Wales) and it’s into town to get rid of the rest of the shirts.

One major thing on yesterday. Her Royal Highness waved at Pat and he was up – tears in his eyes, clutching his Union Jack and cheering like a proddy. Pat’s mum would be really upset and his granny revolving in the grave.

9.30 Sioned has just had a bad start to the day “When the Spanish wave went around the ground”

6.30 I am all set to go on my travels now. We spent all day down the Wharf turning out the rest of the round the world T Shirts. I am quite glad to see the back of them especially after last Monday’s bank holiday when I only sold 6. After counting up me and Pat brought home $300 each. I’ve got about $1500 to put in the bank – I owe Graham $150 cos Trevor will give him $150 – that leaves me with about $4,500 to travel around with. I will get a balance tomorrow. Really, really roughly I am planning on spending $1,000 traveling around NZ, $1,500 going from NZ – either Fiji or Tonga – Bali / Jakarta – Bancock. – Hong Kong, spending about $1,000 on that trip and about $1,000 in Hong Kong. My plastic can then take me home and I will get a job straight away to pay that off and maybe save to go to Italy in June. Again that’s a very rough plan – I will probably have a wild 3 weeks in NZ and spend it all. My major aims now are to do a Bunji jump in the South Island at Queenstown, go climbing on a glacier again at either Fox or Franz Joseph and I am really looking forward to seeing the Hong Kong 7’s.

Pat will hopefully be with me as far as Hong Kong, but he is madly in love, (he is over 30 so obviously looking to settle down) with Anne. If she gives the nod he will abandon me like a kipper without a tail. To be fair I don’t really blame him. As I said yesterday I doubt very much whether Sally will come down south, so she will have to go in the air until we both get home and see where it goes from there. All the people weren’t on the wharf today as they were all on the water – so it was a bit slow. Me and Mackers took a ride to Devonport, which was a waste of time, but a nice little ride.

Got home and Wendy had done the deadlock again, but luckily I had the key – the girls never had one though if they had got home first.

NEW YORK

Well – who would have thought – I couldn’t believe it’s happening, light bulbs popping like good uns.

Me and Pat went to the Irish club and it’s changed our lives quite a bit. We met Brian who I met at the wharf. He wanted an Irish T Shirt but I had sold out. He said he lived in New York. I suggested he brought a camera to the club and photographed it. He could then set up in New York and make a few bob. He was there tonight and I took my T Shirt along – he photographed it and got me a beer.

Bryan C Flynn

Long Beach, New York

I took his address but obviously had no plans in visiting the USA in the future.

Later in the pub people were talking about the Irish T Shirt. New York is the place to be, especially around Paddies day, so is Boston, Chicago etc. Me and Pat started joking but the upshot is we are virtually 100% defo going to New York to flog T Shirts. I reckon I will be in NY for 2 weeks at least – fly to Boston and everywhere. I am so excited – it’s like starting all over again. Sod the South Island and the Hong Kong 7’s – WHAT A STORY. I couldn’t do it on my own. We have to go very, very soon. We will have to work so, so hard. It’s Feb 4^th today and St Pat’s day is 17^th March. It will be all go. Hopefully it will be better than U2/Lions / etc all together.

Monday 5^th Feb

Didn’t get much sleep last night, T Shirts, shamrocks, Jacky Charlton, Sweatshirts, Megalopolis and millions of people running through my mind. We are just off to the American Embassy. I looked at my passport and I have got an indefinite multiple entry in it so I should be ok – Probably queues, queues, queues. Weather lovely. The biggest shock of getting to the States will be that it will be freezing.

3.00 Been to town – we have already paid for our ticket. Auckland – Honolulu – San Fransisco – New York – London. God I am excited. We will have a day in Rotorua tomorrow and fly out from Auckland on Wednesday at 9.00. The flight cost us $1,162 which we both reckon is a bargain. I can’t wait to get to New York and get started up. My legs are killing me from my run yesterday. I have got to get fit again. I haven’t done anything for months. Just think in 2 weeks I could be playing rugby again. Not looking forward to the cold at all.

Wed 7^th Dept Auckland 9.30pm

Wed 7^th Arrive Hawaii 6.45 am

Friday 9^th Dept Hawaii 10.30pm

Saturday 10^th Arrive San Fransisco 5.18am

Monday 12^th Depart San Fransisco 10pm

Tuesday 13^th Arrive New York 6.10 JFK

March 16^th Depart NY – London Heathrow

Tuesday 6^th Feb 4.00

First thing I have got to stress in view of where I will be next week is the heat – it’s absolutely boiling – difficult to get to sleep last night because of the humidity. Last night we had a meal at La Barossa – Me, Sally, Pat, Sioned, Awen, Jane, Mike and Julie, Mike and Lynne, Wendy and Carl. It was quite a good laugh. We took BYO and all had stupid hats on. Me and Pat were performing our Medley of American songs.

After the meal – back to the flat – Wendy acting drunk and Sally being hysterically funny – ripping into Wendy with no mercy. The worst thing about traveling is you meet someone you like and if you move on you don’t give it a chance – the someone I like obviously being Sally not Wendy. Back home it was really hot – we taped Black Adder and Faulty Towers.

I phoned Sally this morning – being a bank holiday – it was Waitangi Day – 150^th anniversary of the treaty of Waitangi – agreement between Pakeha and Maori – I digress. We were going to go to Rotorua but there are no trains. The bus took 4 hours. I will hopefully see her tomorrow before I go.

Today is, as I said very humid and boiling hot. I will go for a run later though. We spent all day festering around. Sioned, Awen and Jane left to hitch down South. On Sunday afternoon I had planned to be on the road also – but things change.

Last Day in NZ

Wednesday 7^th Feb 8.45 am

A little bit of a cloudy morning but will probably warm up later.

Yesterday evening me and Pat went for a run. That Bullock track hill murdered me. It was so hot – no cloud cover at all, sweating like a pig. Festered around for an hour – had a chat on the phone with Sally – basically filling in her diary as she had got behind.

We went down the Albion in the evening – very quiet, talking to Paul – the man with the secret money making idea he wants to keep to his chest. Also Moraid, the girl who arrived a few weeks ago – lived through the San Fransisco earthquake – she is so confident now after a couple of weeks. Also in the pub were the girls who stitched us up on John Perigo’s car in Sydney, who we saw on the way up to Queensland. – I have got her Cardiff address. Pub bloody shut again at 10 – the landlord is a pig in that pub. We went on to the Terrace bar and chatting to Moraid/ Paul about shirts in USA. They told us about the Gaelic games in the

USA

– God that would be a killer.- they were very pessimistic about going around skyscrapers flogging them. Me and Pat are trying to get as many contacts in the

USA

as possible. Give them a bell as obviously there will be different Irish communities.

Today we have got loads to do – pick up our tickets also importantly get some insurance. I want to get some rugby in so insurance is very important. Also pack up a load of stuff and send it home.

As I write this Wendy is droning on and on – God she is boring.

9.30 Just about to take off – running around like a blue arsed fly all day. We went to pick up our tickets – our flight had been cancelled and we are now on Continental. I went to the bank and changed all my money to $US – I have got about $1500. I had a meal in the rugby tavern and said goodbye to Roger and the others. The most eventful thing of the day was in Traffico. I went to get my $60 they owed me. Basically the boss wasn’t there and they weren’t authorized to give it to me. I could cope with that but they were really smug about it. I tried to speak to Mario and he wanted to speak to one of the girls and she put the phone down. I was getting very stroppy and she wouldn’t let me ring again. She snatched the phone off me, so I ripped a page out of the phonebook to get the number. I was really angry – there was no way in a million years I was going to get paid.- I had explained I was flying out later that day – they were so smug so I just swept my hand along the counter and pushed all the jumpers on the floor and kicked over the stands – I have always wanted to do that. She threatened to call the police. I was furious. Ripped off for $60.

I got some photos out – OK but only half came out.

Home by taxi, showered and packed. Taxi to Sally’s who was seeing us off. – I bought her Stark as a present (Oh yes, I just remembered – me and Pat both nipped into Interflora) I got a rose for Sally for Valentines day – also included, to the disgust of Pat a poem by Robert Frost “Two roads diverge in a wood” Jacko would love it)

I packed. We went through our check list – Everything AOK BUT we got to the airport and I realized I had forgotten my ticket. – Much stress from Pat and Sally and a quickie phonecall to Nicky who thank god brought it around.

Went to the bar and had a beer while watching the street. Hardly a tearful farewell – I will see you at home. – I will as well. As we were boarding the plane it hit me that I had left behind my tent. I am determined to leave everything I own at a different place in the world.

So – it’s leaving Auckland and off to Honolulu – what a story. I am looking forward to ringing mum from Frisco.

Feelings on Auckland? Fairly boring place. My routine which I enjoyed was Albion Tuesdays, Newton House Wednesdays and the Rugby Tavern on the weekend. The around the world yacht race was good fun but I got beat by the competition. The Commonwealth games were great. I should have perhaps have gone to a few other events, but I was working. The people I met were great and will hopefully see them all again. Different groups. My drinking mates’ pre Christmas were Grant, Gibby, Patti and Jim – The Jocks. All Tory, Prod blue nose bastards, but a brilliant laugh and we had a great time, especially in the rugby Tavern with a million stopovers. Then also Pre Christmas was Siobhan – a really good laugh. Not my type at all but great company. Always stirring about Cath McCardle, Paula and Chrissy. I made a really good move going to the Irish club and getting involved with that crowd. People like Michael O’Malley, JJ were really good company and I enjoyed the chat of the oldies like Cath Doran and her mates. I got to like Irish music in Sydney and enjoyed more of it in Auckland. Also thinking pre Christmas was U2. I really like Graham. I think he made quite a bit out of me but I could hardly complain. Also on the shirts I met Trevor down the market – his FART t-shirts’ selling like hot cakes. – An absolute prick of a bloke.

Pre Christmas also obviously were my flat mates – Time for a character assassination. (I will leave Wendy till last)

Mike

Mike interviewed me. – I really wanted to get into the flat on the strength of his personality. Very keen on rugby – season ticket holder at Auckland and obviously gave me loads of stick during the All Blacks tour of Wales.

Mike’s keenest interest is fishing that does nothing for me. I only went out once for a couple of hours – freezing, boring and I never caught anything. He can give stick and take it which is great. His biggest problem is his 39 year old girlfriend who he worships. – I suppose if he is happy that’s all that counts, but a very deep relationship with too many ties – 16 year old daughter etc. Mike really wants to do a European trip. But he won’t. I reckon the only time I will see him again is when I go back to New Zealand again to see the South Island. (Because I’m missing it chasing money in the big apple).

Nicky

21 really good looking. A real good laugh who has obviously got money behind her. Gorgeous car with plates NICKY 1 on it for her 21^st birthday. Really tried to make me feel welcome – inviting me to her mates 21^st after a couple of weeks – and my confidant in the house as Mike was never there. When talking about Nicky you must mention Greg – A Yachty – again with a few bob behind him + a good crack. Nicky at the moment is looking to move out because of …………

Wendy

What a nightmare – she is a bit of a misfit – even though she tries well, she will always balls things up. She never got off to a good start by trying to shove Christian Union literature down my throat on the first day. The easiest girl in the world to wind up. To describe Wendy is to say she is really wimpy. Everything she does – dress, mannerisms, choice of reading, company and conversation is wimpy. I used to get home see that Wendy’s bike was not there and breathe a sigh of relief because I wouldn’t have to get bored by her.

She had a bit of a shine for me which I couldn’t understand because we are poles apart and not in a million years would I be seen in the same company let alone a date.

She, like a lot of other Christian Union people sees herself as very pious but in a way they are very evil. For example all her really twisted notes – getting rid of the couch, the awful note when the girls got in. I’ve got no time for her and the best laugh over the last week was when Sally crucified her after she had a few beers. Not a girl I would like to see again. I probably made it clear.

That was all pre Christmas. After Christmas the Jocks went and thankfully Awen, Sioned and Jane were my new mates. Also Mark O’Brien – he is really going places with his MONSTAS. Mike and? came on the scene. The Kiri disaster hit and I started seeing Sally. Only 19 but a real riot of a laugh and really good company.

Pat came over and within a couple of days I was no longer going to the South Island but am off to New York – what a brilliant story.

½ an hour from Honolulu

God knows the time because we crossed the International Date Line. We are going to arrive 6 O’clock am on the same day that we left, so today is the longest day in the world. So – its Wednesday 7^th all over again. The film they showed last night was Parenthood with Steve Martin which was OK. Our seat didn’t have a view of the screen so me and Pat moved. When we got back the Old Boy sitting next to us had stretched out so I had to go back. As we descend I am having to start equalizing again. It’s still dark outside. I hope Hawaii is nice and warm. Hawaii!! – Its impossible to believe that last Wednesday Mackers hadn’t even got to Auckland. I was planning on hitching down to the South Island. I got a couple of hour’s kip on the plane but missed out on the coffees when they came around. We will both be very tired today. We have got to find a hotel for tonight.

Pat is having a nightmare – In his diary Anne has left a little smiley face. Instead of cringing with embarrassment and burning the page he is all in for “Oooh look what a lovely thought” he has got it bad.

6.45 – landed safely – We have just had our first Aloha – I can see me getting cheesed off with that by the end of the couple of days. – Everything is getting corny already. Some bloke just said “I hope you have a safe day in Paradise” – Arggghh. The old boy next to us suggested leaving a rucksack in left luggage – brilliant idea. – Still funny to think we are starting Wednesday again. Got here before we left.

Hawaii

9am First impressions of Hawaii are not too favourable – Windy and raining + the hotel is stinking. Glad we only paid for the one night. Crashing out till 1 now as I am knackered.

8.30pm Not impressed with Waikiki at all – much, much too commercialized – after traveling up the Queensland coast we are much too spoilt. Give me an empty beach like Byron Bay, Mission Beach, Cape Tribulation anytime compared to Surfers Paradise or Waikiki. We went for a walk along the beach. May get some body boards tomorrow if the weather is ok. Had a great meal as we were both starving. The side salad filled me up. Every intention of going for a run, but that’s all gone for tonight. I have got to get the fitness going. The fattest man in the world.

Thursday 8^th February

Last night was a good laugh – we had some sandwiches with these three Aussie girls and went over the Rose and Crown pub. Started on the pitchers and stayed till the close. Hope that’s not going to be typical for every night in the

USA

but I suppose we could do worse. Funny that in my year in Oz we hardly met any Aussie girls but once you start traveling you bump into some.

We are now looking at a completely different Hawaii than we saw yesterday. We have hired a jeep between 5 of us and we are now looking at a gorgeous beach – Hanauma bay – palm trees, beautiful bluey green sea. Quite a few people snorkeling – I can’t wait to get in the sea. Our jeep only cost $60 between us – It doesn’t matter if we crash it as it is on Pat’s credit card.

Behind me is a huge dormant volcano called the KOKO crater – its shape is very impressive and all tree lined – It looks far too steep to climb. I also found out we are not on Hawaii at all – Honolulu is on the island of Oahu – no wonder I couldn’t find the Mauna Loa volcano. There are Island of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai. Oahu and Kauai + a few others- Sea looks gorgeous.

3.00 Gorgeous snorkeling. The coral is dead but there are zillions of fish – some grew to quite a size. Me and Pat went in while the girls sunbathed – we hired snorkel, mask and flippers for $5 – bargain. We came back for the girls to have a go but they weren’t keen so I went back in and saw a sandy camouflaged sandfish. I played with him for a few minutes – dropping sand on him and annoying the little bugger till he moved, then I followed him and started again. I saw these blokes with a bag of peas. They were dropping them down and attracting loads of fish to this hole. It was ok until I heard them speak. “Hey you guys there is a whole bunch of fish in this hole.” Americans again. I can’t complain as technically we are in the 50^th state, bit there are so many Polynesians about you find it different to relate it being in the states.

Pat has become the most boring man on the Island – complaining we are only getting one Tuesday when he was used to getting two days of everything.

7pm – we decided not to go north as the weather could have turned nasty – we will hopefully go up tomorrow and see the Bonsai Pipeline. We drove to Pearl Harbour but they wouldn’t let us in without military permits – went to the memorial but it was closed. Early evening we went to a place called “Smorgys” – all you can eat for $7.97 – all five of us pigged out, so my fitness is on hold for another day. – we were thinking of going for a run earlier but no.

Friday 9^th February 12.40 Hawaii

Woke up this morning with a hangover – what a laugh this world tour is. Getting drunk in as many places in the world as possible. Last night we went to see a ventriloquist called Freddie. Excellent ventriloquist – quite a good show but ruined by the fact that he was really, really racist. The funniest thing of the evening was that he really murdered Pat. – He really got a pasting. An eventful night as at the end we got accused of “sharking” this woman for a beer – there is no way we could have done – the reason she was upset was because we weren’t tipping her – different culture see. We moved on to the Rose and Crown and then back to the back packers for some wine.

Daft really because we have missed another day on the Island. We won’t go north today as it is too late – will probably go down Waikiki beach, get some big boards and go into the sea.

9.00 Sitting in Honolulu airport waiting for our plane to take off at 10.30. On TV is a baseball game. We spent the afternoon at the beach – fairly warm. The surf was very low so I didn’t catch any waves on the boogie board. Very rocky beach. In the evening me and Pat went for a meal – seafood salad and a clam chowder for entrée. Before that we phoned up Paul Jordan from an international phone centre. The bloke said do you realize that it is only 3am in Britain – we both said “Good” at the same time. No answer, it rang for ages so we phoned back after the meal. He wasn’t the happiest man in the world getting up at 4 to answer the phone. The other thing we did was get 3 really tacky photo’s that look really funny of me and Pat surfing the Banzai pipeline. Pat is the only pro surfer in the world to surf in his Jeans. We’ve one with us two standing on the board, one with Pat on my shoulders and on the third with me leaning off the board.

So we will be hitting San Francisco for three days soon. We will obviously be tired, but I am hoping to do a few things, namely ride on the trolley car up the big hill. 2. See the Golden Gate and it could also be a good idea to see the Giant Reds in the Giant Redwood forest or whatever it’s called. One thing that could be a major concern is the weather. We have been really been spoiled over the last year – I am not looking forward to the cold at all.

I am still very very confident about the T Shirt venture in New York.

Saturday 10^th February – San Francisco 8am

Backs to the wall we are in Frisco! Very tired, we had very little sleep on the plane last night and got in about ½ 5. We couldn’t lock our stuff in the airport as we were too early. First thing was to stick a jumper on because of the cold. It wasn’t freezing – in fact it was quite a pleasant bracing morning because it was very stuffy on the plane. We had a bit of a laugh getting here because the two English girls (very la de da) who were on the plane had a word with the bloke in the Limo and it cost the same if all 4 of us to use it than the shuttle bus. So we arrived at the Youth Hostel in a stretch Limo – style eh? Had a few photos naturally. The weather is foggy which is as it should be according to all the text books.

The Hostel looks very clean, but being a YHA we can’t have a room till 4, which is dreadful because we want to kip in now. According to the bloke at the desk – another of the most helpful blokes in the world is the Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown today – see how we feel later.

4.30 Very impressed with the bay area of Frisco. From the YHA we took a walk through the park. We were forced to leave the hostel between 2-4. Before that we got out our sleeping bags and crashed out on the most comfortable settees I have ever seen in a hostel. As we walked through the park we could see the Golden Gate Bridge – what a sight – the sky was really blue, but the fog hadn’t lifted from the water so the bridge rose above the fog and it was like seeing the sky upside down. For a bonus we also had a view of Alcatraz, again misted in fog. I am quite looking forward to visiting Alcatraz.

We were starving so we went into Safeway and went to the serve yourself salad area. You take what you want – they weigh it and you take “it” away. A bargain for only $3.40 for a really filling meal. We sat with the la de da girls when we ate the grub. They were very difficult to talk to – so different from the Aussie girls who were on our wavelength. These two had painful accents and were obviously travelling on mummy and daddies money. Me and Pat went for a walk cos we were freezing. I was going to describe it as a lovely January morning at home – Correct I suppose, but it is Feb.

We walked towards the bridge along this parkway. Quite a few people flying kites, roller skating along, working out etc. We also took a walk along a few streets and saw some of the earthquake damage from October 17^th (who would have thought I would have been here – I just looked back and I did make a note of it) There were buildings being propped up, signs about trespassing – obviously everybody had abandoned their houses. On some of the worst ones were signs in yellow paint “SEARCHED” – some just had “S” on the door – all interesting stuff.

We had a walk back, then I phoned home. DAD “What the bloody hell are you doing in San Francisco?” – I gave a quick explanation and had a chat to mum. I told them I went to Hawaii and they could hardly believe it – I don’t think it has sunk in for me yet either.

It looks like the Giant Redwoods are out as it is 4 hours in the car and 8 hours in a bus. Still we will “do” Alcatraz – Isn’t life a laugh at the moment – not too happy about the cold though.

Fantastic news – Dad told me that Nelson Mandela is being released at 1.30 UK time – what a hero

Mandela released

Tyson knocked out

10pm – went out to see the Chinese New Year parade but never made it. The news of the night was not Mandela but the fact that Tyson got knocked out by a nobody. Buster Johnson – nobody has ever heard of him.

Sunday 11^th Feb 8am

Just got woken up – what a difference between a YHA and a backpackers in Oz. In a YHA you are treated like a little kid – lights out at 11, doors locked at 2. Everyone up at 8. You must do a chore. – Hostel closed between 2.30 – 4. We are supposed to be on holiday. I honestly can’t see me and Pat volunteering for our chore – we are bound to shark them.

We went for a pint last night and wore the Irish shirt. Really good response – most encouraging that about 4 people wanted to get one.

Weather again looks gorgeous, but a bit cold. Bloody winter. Mum thought we were a bit daft leaving summer for winter

This is a joke. The whole place is a hive of activity of people running around doing chores. A bloke came in and told Pat off for still being in bed and to report to the kitchen at 10 o’ clock. The bunk overhead was empty so he asked Pat where was the occupant. Pat said he didn’t know. The bloke said “Darn I’ll get him tomorrow” I was writing postcards not on my bunk but on someone else’s. The bloke checked the number on his sheet of bunk numbers. He gave me a big thumbs up and a smile as if to say well done and went out. Me and Pat collapsed laughing. The bloke was only about 20. I can see me and Pat getting thrown out for being naughty and not doing our chores.

12.45 On the ferry to see Alcatraz prison ($7.50) weather cold and foggy – as it should be to see Alcatraz I suppose. Bad news this morning is that Dai Young has gone North. Another one of Wales’ best players. – We are playing England next week + will probably get stuffed.

Monday 12^th February 9.45

Weather very sunny but also a chill in the air. I really enjoyed Alcatraz – a cold and damp place. It’s a national park and the ranger who welcomed us onto the “rock” was the spitting image of Sue Mitchell. Loads of stick off Pat as she started chatting up every bloke there. Tart (Bitter, bitter, bitter)

We started off by seeing a slide show and the long walk up to the cell block. The highlight of the trip was the guided tour. Really well done. I couldn’t have coped with an American guide being questioned by sycophantic tourists. The tour was on tape so you could go at your own speed and stop for tacky photo’s if you wanted. Me and Pat had photo’s in Times Square, Broadway, CD square also in the prison cell sitting on the bog. We saw the cell of the birdman and the dining area etc.

On the descent we tried to avoid the most boring man on the rock Don Hurley who was plugging his book on childhood reminisances.

Once we got out we were knackered, cold and hungry but we couldn’t go into the hostel till 4.30, what a nightmare. We festered and festered, had another clam chowder and pizza and eventually killed enough time to get into the hostel.

We phoned New York and Bryan seemed quite pleased to hear from us. We will get a taxi for about $25 and Siobhan should be at the house to meet us.

Down to Safeway’s for some grub and we both crashed out about 5. Far too early as I had about 5 hours kip and couldn’t get back to kip then. God knows what we are going to do - probably go on the cable car and into town. I am quite looking forward to hitting New York and getting started on the T Shirts. Rough aim is to get them on the streets by next Tuesday – our cost must be about $6-$7 selling about $15 - $20.

5pm – just killing time in the hostel before my flight at 10. – bus booked for 8.30. Today we went to the centre of San Francisco – talk about hills. Weather was gorgeous – very sunny, cloudless sky, but it was freezing if you went in the shade. I got some photo’s developed of Hawaii and Frisco. Pat’s camera had a ‘mare, reversing tables on dodgy cameras. We took a trolley bus – clanging away to the centre and had a look around. – Like any other city I suppose. I bought myself a wallet and Pat cashed in some travelers cheques. I am really looking to moving on so we can “set up business”. – still very confident, only thing that could go against us is the weather. God knows how cold it will be when we arrive at 6am.

San Francisco is supposed to be full of queers and we have certainly seen our share of camp effeminate men – especially the shop assistants.

We got away without doing any chores this morning. A bargain. I hate the coziness and chumminess of the YHA compared to a backpackers. Being woken up at 8 and a lock out between 2 – 4.30 and then having to be in by 2 – they can shove it. Last night someone came around with a torch to check we were all in.

The American accent is driving me around the bend. The newest one which is really annoying me is that if for example you get a cup of coffee and you say thanks they all say in a sugary sickly way “yourwelcome” (one word) – AAAAARGGH. If it happens too much I will stop saying thanks.

9.45 Just boarded the plane. It is absolutely freezing out. New York is supposed to be much colder. Our Taxi driver to the airport was assuring us that San Francisco doesn’t really have a winter and as he was saying it he was swerving to avoid Polar Bears and Penguins. He was warning us how violent San Francisco was. Early on in the evening I read every magazine and paper in the YHA to kill a couple of hours. Mandela was the story of the day- released yesterday + it showed his speech. To conclude it he repeated what he said in his trial 27 years ago – showed up that he hadn’t backed down, but the government had. What a hero he is.

So it’s goodbye San Francisco. A very picturesque place, obviously 2 days doesn’t give it a chance – I sent the usual guts full of postcards. I am not looking forward to the NY winter at all.

I forgot to mention that Pat broke my diary – he is not in my good books at all.

Aims – when we get to New York has obviously set up the shirt business as soon as possible – it looks like sweatshirts will be high on the list – also fitness- I want to do something every day – hopefully beat Pat in squash and badminton to go with my recent tennis and table tennis triumphs. Swimming is also on my list and maybe some gym work, but I can’t see myself doing too much running in the cold. I want to play some rugby but it will be very social as I haven’t got all that much time and I may be flying to Boston or wherever there is an Irish do some weekend

Delayed for 20 minutes – Capt. Just told us that we never had enough fuel, very slack. I was in charge of fuel all across Australia – I will give him a few tips. Those 5 gallon cans are very handy. Mackers reckons that a 5 trillion gallon Jerry can is a bugger to get off the roof rack. Another good tip is get some honey oil.

Tuesday 13^th February New York 9.15am

Really shattered – we got in about 6.30, which was 3.30 on our body clock because of the time difference. – Had very little kip on the plane at all. Weather not as cold as expected.

Me and Pat got into a taxi and the bloke reckoned on $82 fare so we got out immediately. Siobhan and Brian reckoned it would be about $25. We then had an offer of $47 from a limo and finally down to $30 from another taxi which we took.

Got to the house – no answer so we let ourselves in- they have got a dog who is a real pain. Siobhan got on the coffees and then we both crashed out till about 3 but the dog kept getting in the room and disturbing me – the sod of a thing.

I sharked myself badly because I got in which I thought was the best room but Pat got the room which locks to keep the dog out and also the one with the TV – 32 channels on cable.

I phoned up T Shirts and it looks like we will be paying $4.50 a shirt – that will be great if we can get rid of them for $15. $8 for sweatshirts – sell at $25 – try to get the ball rolling tomorrow – all I want to do now is sleep.

Thursday 15^th Feb 9.45

Just woke up to the dog diving on me. Yesterday me and Pat went to Valley Stream with the shirt and put in an order. We have got to go in again and front up 50% of the cash. We went to the library first and got a stronger map for the front. Got back and were dragged to the pub “The Inn” – so again our threatened run was put on hold. Good news is that Liam Brady is giving a talk for two days so we will be there. Weather very cold.

I got my card off to Nan for her 70^th birthday. I must remember to phone on the 20^th or I will never forgive myself.

Me and Pat are becoming real yuppies – we have paid a deposit to go on a days ski trip next Wednesday – it should be a good laugh but I have never been before so it could be really embarrassing. Last night talking to a bloke about the T Shirts – typical New Yorker “ Hey, I like you guys – I don’t even know you” – I am sure we will see a lot more of Pete. After the pub we went over to one of the neighbours. He let us in and me and Pat picked up his wife for a Valentine’s kissagram job. – Then, he released his mad budgies. I think today we have got to go back to Valley Stream to pay half the shirt money. The bloke “Bob” doesn’t seem to be that “with it” for some reason. Not half as keen as Greg in Sydney or Graham in Auckland.

Thursday 8^th February

USA

but I suppose we could do worse. Funny that in my year in Oz we hardly met any Aussie girls but once you start traveling you bump into some.

Pat has become the most boring man on the Island – complaining we are only getting one Tuesday when he was used to getting two days of everything.

Friday 9^th February 12.40 Hawaii

Daft really because we have missed another day on the Island. We won’t go north today as it is too late – will probably go down Waikiki beach, get some big boards and go into the sea.

I am still very very confident about the T Shirt venture in New York.

Saturday 10^th February – San Francisco 8am

Fantastic news – Dad told me that Nelson Mandela is being released at 1.30 UK time – what a hero

Mandela released

Tyson knocked out

Sunday 11^th Feb 8am

We went for a pint last night and wore the Irish shirt. Really good response – most encouraging that about 4 people wanted to get one.

Weather again looks gorgeous, but a bit cold. Bloody winter. Mum thought we were a bit daft leaving summer for winter

Monday 12^th February 9.45

On the descent we tried to avoid the most boring man on the rock Don Hurley who was plugging his book on childhood reminisances.

We phoned New York and Bryan seemed quite pleased to hear from us. We will get a taxi for about $25 and Siobhan should be at the house to meet us.

San Francisco is supposed to be full of queers and we have certainly seen our share of camp effeminate men – especially the shop assistants.

So it’s goodbye San Francisco. A very picturesque place, obviously 2 days doesn’t give it a chance – I sent the usual guts full of postcards. I am not looking forward to the NY winter at all.

I forgot to mention that Pat broke my diary – he is not in my good books at all.

Tuesday 13^th February New York 9.15am

Really shattered – we got in about 6.30, which was 3.30 on our body clock because of the time difference. – Had very little kip on the plane at all. Weather not as cold as expected.

I sharked myself badly because I got in which I thought was the best room but Pat got the room which locks to keep the dog out and also the one with the TV – 32 channels on cable.

Thursday 15^th Feb 9.45

I got my card off to Nan for her 70^th birthday. I must remember to phone on the 20^th or I will never forgive myself.

Weather looks really cold out. One of the obvious problems of being in Long Beach is that we are a fair way out. Yesterday was murder waiting for a train – we will have to use the timetables much better – looks like an hour to town (The Apple). The advantage of being here is obviously safety – hopefully not much violence, crack etc in Long Beach.

It is immediately noticeable in all the papers the concern of drug abuse compared with anywhere else I have been. It started immediately on entering the States. – The customs man “Do you do drugs?” “What is your attitude to drugs?”

Midday – Oh the cold. We just ran for the train to Valley Stream. I have got to get gloves, a hat and a scarf or I will die. For the first time in months you can see my breath – my ears, hands and even teeth are freezing. We must be mugs leaving Auckland and leaving Hawaii – really hot to get to this climate.

7.30 Me and Pat have just been for our first run in the States. – Freezing cold, drizzle. I enjoyed it more than the heat in Auckland. The run was about 22 mins along the boardwalk. We hope to go for a run every day.

10.30 A quiet evening in. We saw a good film. “Billy young guns” on the cable. The dog was a good laugh – on his back snoring away. A couple of dead days before the shirts come in. We may do more sightseeing and ring around to get some shirts in different functions.

Friday 16^th Feb 12.45

A lazy day in bed – didn’t even stir till 11 – no real incentive because we have no work to do until the shirts come out and it’s freezing out. The warmest place to be is in bed. We were thinking of doing the tourist bit today but it looks like we will be happy just doing the washing and going to the post office.

9.30pm – The lazy day continues – Siobhan made a cracking chicken dinner. Me and Pat wolfed it down because we had an appetite from our run. We did the boardwalk run again, but this time the other way. God it was nearly twice as long. The cold AAAARGH. My hands especially were freezing but were ok half way through. Did a few sit ups after woods. Out to a few pubs tonight but it looks like a very late start. Posted a million letters today but doubt if I get any back. – Jacko, the Jocks, Sally and home. Playing rugby tomorrow is England, Wales. Odds are heavily in favour of England being in Twickenham.

Me and Pat spent an enjoyable 10 minutes pestering the dog getting the swine back for waking me up in the morning.

Saturday 17^th February 10.45 At home now Wales are playing England at Twickenham. Two years since we had about 30 people on the floor at Gravel Road. Funny – 2 years ago if we would have lost I would have taken so much stick with teaching in London, but if we lose today Pat might make a passing comment to wind me up but no one will really care. I will phone home later to find out the news.

Fairly sunny day out – hopefully we will go into the city today and have a look around and do the tourist bit.

Last night wasn’t that brilliant – we went to all the local pubs in Long beach and they were fairly dead. Brian was out of his tree, so Siobhan brought him home. – She wasn’t that happy. I woke up this morning again with the dog crawling all over me – bloody thing

8pm Freezing out – that wind is so cutting. News of the day back home is that Wales got absolutely stuffed by England 34-6. 34-6 can I even imagine the stick I would have taken at home. 34 -6 that’s a crucifixion. In the other match Scotland beat France. I phoned home and have a $10 chat with mum and dad. They didn’t realize I had an address in New York – I think they thought I was staying in a hostel.

We caught a train to New York. Change at Jamaica to Penn Station. We then went on the subway. A really wrecked black woman asked us for money. Pat gave her 25c – but she wanted a dollar, so he had to cough up the 75c he owed her.

We got the tube to Battery Park and got the ferry to Liberty Island. We had a few photo’s of Manhattan and some of the Statue of Liberty. Today there was no cloud so it was freezing on the ferry. More photo’s of the statue and then we joined the queue to the crown, but it would have taken two hours – it was too cold so we went for a coffee, some post cards and the ferry back. The statue of Liberty wasn’t half as interesting as Alcatraz.

I bought a watch for $20 much to the amusement of Pat who thought I got sharked. Back on the tube. I was not comfortable at all. One weird black bloke singing for Jesus up and down the carriage. Another bloke pulled out what I thought was a knife but it was a comb.

We got to Penn Station and we had 20 mins to wait for the train so we went up onto the street. God, talk about culture shock. It was really cold. People asleep with blankets in the auto bank place. Loads of street stalls selling chestnuts and scalpers offering Knicks basketball tickets. We also stopped for a few minutes to watch the black Muslims ranting on and on. It was a relief to get on the train. The train had a completely different atmosphere than the subway. I felt really safe on the train and very ill at ease on the subway. We had a 20 minute wait again at Jamaica – Freezing.

The walk back to the house was perishing – got to get some gloves at least. Siobhan has got a turkey dinner on. We will have to make some meals next week.

I am really looking forward to get the shirts so that we can do some selling, but I can’t see myself going to Penn Station to sell them.

World news is that loads of the exiled ANC leaders are planning a return to South Africa now that the ANC is not banned. God it’s cold.

Pat has lost his glasses – looking everywhere for them – he gives me stick for losing things. Mackers’ cousin phoned from Queen’s so we may go over to visit them. She hasn’t been into the city for 20 years!!

2am A quiet evening in. Saw on cable Whoopi Goldberg introducing Billy Connolly – Yanks have never heard of him. – No beard. Followed by Clint in the Dead Pool. Weather in the freezing temperatures now.

Sunday 18^th February 3.45

Another Lazy day – Got up at 12 – went over the diner for some grub – got the NY times, about 14 ft thick. Came back to watch Papillon but couldn’t find it on the cable. No report of yesterday’s rugby in the paper. Spent the afternoon festering – may go for a run, and take the dog to the beach later. Very sunny out but very cold – Last night the dog’s water bowl froze over. Why did we leave Auckland?

11pm – nothing to really write about – I wrote a really wrong letter to Nolesy, took the dog for a run around the block and then and then we went for a proper run along the boardwalk. It took 32 minutes and really is a killer, but obviously no hills. The wind is really cutting. I would say that it is more enjoyable than running in the sun as you soon warm up. We saw Papillon which was on at half 5 and had a couple of cans of Bud.

Hopefully we will get the shirts tomorrow. I can’t see it but there is a possibility – Tomorrow is a bank holiday because of “Presidents Birthday” – our problem is all our money is in travelling cheques. I must remember Nan’s birthday on Tuesday and give her a ring.

Monday 19^th February 6.45 pm

Highlight of the day was getting up at 8 O’clock – the dog diving on me again – bloody thing. Me, Pat and Brian did a shop $103. Pat will pay half – at least we are paying our way a bit.

Phoned up for the shirts and as expected they are not ready. They said late tomorrow or Wednesday. Going by experience you can read into that Thursday or Friday. Festered around all day. It is freezing out.

We had a bit of a laugh when Brian’s mate Danny came over. He has a girlfriend from Aberystwyth so I phoned her up and said I had talked to someone in the Farmers Arms in Aber – he had given me her mum’s number in Cirencester and she had given me her number in New York. Me and Pat were at JFK and were waiting to be picked up. She didn’t quite know what to say and asked me to phone back in 5 minutes. Danny phoned in 5 minutes and said she was in a real panic. – Brian said we could stay here so the story is still going.

Mackers made the grub, my turn tomorrow. We are going skiing on Wednesday. Got some of the gear.

I wish we had the shirts.

11.30 – another quiet night – I was keen to go for a pint, but I started watching a really good film “Principal” with James Balushi, which killed the evening with out resorting to the pub. There is supposed to be a cold spell coming (Not sure what is supposed to be now?) – I am not looking forward to it. Hoping for some mail tomorrow.

Tuesday 20^th February 3.30

Same old story – shirts still not ready. They will hopefully be ok to pick up tomorrow – me and Pat are going skiing so we will have to ask Brian to get them. I don’t see why he can’t as he is in 3rds on it. Up this morning at 10 – Freezing out. Pat is having loads of trouble cashing his travelers’ cheques because they are in Australian dollars.

I went to the post office and posted some post cards and letters. I got $20 in quarters. I phoned Nan as it is her 70^th birthday, but there was no answer. I also phoned home but there was no answer there. Probably out with Nan. I will try to give her a bell again in a minute. To go out I wore Brian’s ski jacket, so I was fairly warm despite the cold.

I made the grub today. Green salad and tuna/pasta salad

11.15 Just been down the Inn to find out when the ski trip is on tomorrow. We have got to be there at 5.45 am. Not happy about that at all. Borrowed all the equipment – only thing to hire is ski’s and boots.

I phoned Nan earlier to say happy birthday – it sounds like she had a great day. I said I would see her before Christmas, but I will be back before then (explain later) I also had a chat to mum – spent a fair bit of time chatting to Catherine.

Plans for the near future: Hopefully as from tomorrow I will be flogging shirts like a good un + I can make some money. At the moment me and Pat have tickets to London on the 26^th March. One thing I really want to do is go to the Hong Kong 7’s on the 31^st March – 1^st April. If I kept my ticket it would mean getting back on the 27^th and leaving for Hong Kong on the 29^th.

I would be home for a day. St Patrick ’s Day is on the 17^th I could aim (if I made some money) to get home on the 21^st so that I could have a couple of days at home. – bugger off for the Hong Kong 7’s and then come home through Asia – again setting up the Irish shirt in Cardiff so when we get home we could go over to Ireland in June for the world cup and sell them over there. Again only ideas but it will be interesting to see how it works out. I would really like to go to the Hong Kong 7’s – could be my only chance. All the time in between I could do supply teaching.

Wednesday 21^st Midnight

A very full day. Two real stories. Skiing and T Shirts. Me and Pat were up at 5 and got to the Inn at ¼ to 6. We were buggering around till ¼ past 7 which was very frustrating as we were knackered and could easily have had another hour in bed. There was no snow in Pennsylvania at all. I wasn’t impressed, but when we got to Camelback there was artificial snow.

Pat thought he was the boy wonder because he had skied a week in France before. I paid for a lesson but I wish I hadn’t as no one checked. I did the beginners job then started down the “bump” like a man possessed. The funniest part of the day luckily no one witnessed. It was on the bunny slope. I shot down like a bullet – I couldn’t stop and wiped out a complete fence. I honestly couldn’t stop laughing. A 13 year old girl also fell – looked at her mates and said “It wasn’t me – it was that man over there – he is worse than Sarah” – The shame.

After dinner I took my second lesson on the slopes – making Father Christmas turns. I did fine on that so it was up to the green with Raj.

I was pleased with my performance on the green slopes – I did about 5 runs – it was exhilarating – I was on my arse a bit.

Thursday 22^nd February 11.30pm

I’ll finish off yesterday, I was obviously ½ cut. The green slopes were a bit of a shock – I thought it would be less steep than it was. I was tumbling over like a good un. Skiing is very, very exhilarating. At some point you come to a point of no return and some how you recover – brilliant. I didn’t like the ice on the slopes at all. Because we had borrowed all the gear I was as warm as toast – really, really enjoyable.

We got back at 8 – got to the flat and at last the shirts had arrived. We went to the Inn and there was a Guinness promotion. I was disappointed we only sold 3 but I had a really good night.

Today – feeling rough all morning. Me and Pat went into town – a few things to do. First we went to Queens to this Irish shop, but the woman had been called out earlier so it was a wasted journey. We then went to Manhattan – Pat had to get money as all his $$ were in Aussie currency. We then had grub. We were at a loss so we stood in the street and sold very few. Then onto a wild goose chase around Manhattan to Tommy Maceys bar – dead. Then into a few bars in Queens after getting lost a million times. Grand central is an amazing place. There are homeless everywhere. I didn’t feel quite as threatened as Saturday but still very wary. All told we only sold 10 shirts and both of us are very tired – again very disappointing. We will “do” the Bronx tomorrow. Might do the tactic of using one of us as a plant, especially if Brian is with us.

The other thing that is really annoying is we phoned up Bob for more shirts and he is insisting on us paying a deposit again + they won’t work weekends by the look of it, so we are going to dump him and have a word with the Long Beach bloke and tell him the crack. We need to phone up any time and get them printed, even if it means us going in and printing them.

A few things to do tomorrow. Get a poster printed for the shirts, get bags for the shirts. Pat will go in with $250 to order more shirts and I will go into the West End of Long Beach and get him to set it all up. I am absolutely shattered but it is better than sitting around all day like we did last week.

Friday 23^rd Feb 12.30

Up at 11 – lay in because we are working nights now (sort of). The dog had dragged the rubbish bin into the cellar, so we smacked his arse and chucked him out. Bloody thing.

7.00 Writing this on the train to the Bronx. A wee bit different from Auckland. A fairly interesting day. I went to the library and got the map and went to see Luke. In the West End of Long Beach. – Much more helpful than Bob. The deal with Luke depends on us getting the shirts, but hopefully it will be a lot faster. Pat went to Valley Stream and paid for 80 more but they won’t be ready till Tuesday.

I got the photo of the shirt and made up a poster, which isn’t that bad. I also sold some shirts to the Irish shop in Long Beach for $10 each. The other thing we did was get plastic bags and packed a shedfull of shirts. We are staying in the Bronx tonight – In a friend of Brian’s house – Pauline – which will be fairly handy. Fairly cold out – I did all the running around on a bike which cut the time in half.

Saturday 24^th February 1pm

Didn’t sell many shirts in the Bronx last night – about 9. It looks at the moment that flogging in pubs is not working very well. We got soaked as it was bucketing down. I was on club soda all night – haven’t had a drink since Wednesday – with the work we are doing I might stay on the wagon till after St Patrick’s Day. Last night we stayed in the Bronx in a friend of Brian’s house – glad of it as it would have taken about 2 hours to get home.

Woke up this morning to snow, but it has brightened up a bit now so that it’s gone. – We went for a lovely brecky and then to an Irish gift shop in the Bronx, “The Celtic Connection”. We had to hang around for an hour so we went over the pub and saw the first half of the Wales/England game – England so dominant. We then got our first big order on the shirts. 15 T’s and 20 sweats. Take them around next week. We also left him one of each to hang up so hopefully we will get repeat orders from that. He was suggesting taking World Cup 1990 off it and they would sell for ever. An idea I suppose when we get back home but I would have to have a word with Jacko.

We are on the tube now going to Manhattan + we may try to work our way through every store in Manhattan on the St Patrick’s day parade route + see if we can get some type of response.

6.00 another wild goose chase. We walked up 5^th Avenue – full of really high class shops like Gucci – that wouldn’t dream of taking our shirt even if we asked them. We saw a bloke flogging sweatshirts on the street with Hard Rock Café on them - $10 for a sweatshirt. We stood for about 5 minutes trying to flog shirts but it was freezing.

One thing I forgot to record yesterday. We were walking through Manhattan between stations – we saw what I am sure must have been a “crack” deal or some other dodgy substance. We walked along a fairly unlit street and passed a deep doorway. – 3 blokes “dealing” in the door one on the door itself and another being the most observant person in the world (for some reason) – looking this way and that. Me and Pat didn’t try a citizens arrest – but, head down, arse up and carried on walking.

Midnight Spent Saturday night in – I was keen to go out, but Pat wasn’t. Watched Escape from Alcatraz – been there!. Also we phoned Gildethorpe and spoke to Sue Daly. We also phoned Mike Ede, but he wasn’t in again. We gave him the usual message and his flat mate said “Where from this time?” We also rang Paul Jordan about 5 times but he wouldn’t answer. Weather is freezing. It’s been snowing a bit but it’s stopped now. Sue Daly said she had just been down the beach. One thing I am worried about is I can’t find the ski mask I lent. I have got to get that soon. Pat had a phone call from Anne – he is seeing her in Indonesia in April. I haven’t heard from Sally yet – surprise surprise. God it’s cold.

Sunday 25^th February

The days are creeping closer to Paddies day – we have yet to make our fortune. – Always seem to be shelling out. Weather today was bitter with a capital B. - didn’t snow too much last night but it was on the ground. I had to nip over the shop for milk – God it was cold. Got up at 10, at 1 me and Brian went into the Lower East side and picked up 5 Dozen sweatshirts and 3 dozen T Shirts. We also got 3 brilliant running tops with hoods for $9 each. I took them to Luke and he said he would start the screens tomorrow – hopefully they will be ready Tuesday evening. I wish!! The qualities of the shirts are 1000% better, so we will probably keep collecting them ourselves.

We got back and gave Brian’s mate Danny a hand getting this kitchen into a house. – I was frozen. Mackers got two Woody Allen films from Danny. Love and Death – which I haven’t seen and Manhattan. We stoked up the fire a treat. I love making fires.

We were going to go to the pub and hopefully flog some shirts but it was simply too cold. Plan of attack tomorrow is for me to go to Brooklyn and Pat to go to Queens to different Irish shops and get some orders. We also want to make a phone call to this woman from Hallmark cards which I reckon could be big if it came off. Why did I leave Auckland? It is freezing.

Monday 26^th February

Another fairly frustrating day although we did clear a few shirts in an Irish shop called Gibbons in Queens. Up at half 9 – absolutely freezing out. I was frozen as I biked to a shop in Long Beach, but the woman wasn’t there. I had to empty the ice from the dogs bowl and replace it with water. You should see his face when we are about to leave and we chuck him out. Basset Hounds look fairly miserable even when they are really happy, but to face the cold he just lets his jaw drag to the ground and his eyes look at you. Mind you it is so cold if I were a dog I would put up a better fight.

We got on a train to Queens and gave the woman 16 shirts and got an order for 12 sweatshirts so that was nice but it was the highlight of the day.

We walked to the end of 5^th Avenue but there were no pubs there at all. We will have to split up as its pointless both of us doing the same places. It is so cold out!!

Nothing doing tonight. No real events in the diary and too cold to go out. Tomorrow we are hoping to pick up shirts off Bob the Nob and some off Luke. I suppose Luke’s won’t be ready even if I am prepared to go in to help.

On the news there was a piece about severe storms again in Bristol – so Cardiff would have got a hammering as well. Britain has really taken a pasting tonight.

For a laugh we will phone up Jordan again – It is 3 in the morning and he refuses to answer the phone, but we will phone him every day till he answers.

Tuesday 27^th February 3pm – snowing

Up at 9 and showered. Pat went for a run, but I jipped out. Too cold – I did some tidying up. I did some phoning around – I couldn’t get in touch with Nancy from Hallmark cards – I am sure they would take a lot. I phoned Luke and the shirts will be ready tonight. Pat phoned Bob and the shirts are ready to be picked up.

A good laugh watching the dog. He had the leftover soup, so I boiled it up and put it in his bowl. It was far too hot but being a greedy fat git of a thing, he piled straight in and couldn’t figure how to gulp it down without burning his toungue.

Me and Pat were going to go to Valley Stream to pick up the shirts, but it was daft as you only need, so I am now a packhorse. I have filled my rucksack and a bag with shirts and I have to wait 20 mins for the train back. It really is a pain getting in and out of the place + the fact we have to do it twice because of the deposit. I hope Luke does a good job as I don’t want to use Bob again. Tonight there is a soccer tournament in Queens that we will hopefully go to and please god shift some as it is fairly slow out. Weather wise it is cold but not as bad as yesterday. It is snowing.

I am hoping to get some mail today – haven’t had any for ages. With the shirts we will probably drop our prices for the Irish boys to get some turnover and then up them for the Irish Americans on and around St Patrick’s Day

Wednesday 28^th February 8pm

Not that a productive day – saved by a good deal in the night. Pat phoned Gibbons Irish store and she blew us out for the 12 sweatshirts. – Wanted to drop the price – we wouldn’t. We picked up the shirts from Luke – much better. He has made a much brighter orange, which is better and the print is better.

I flogged 1 of each- T Shirt and Sweats to Futons in Paradise and Pat biked for an hour on a wild goose chase. In the early evening me and Brian went to Far Rockaway – sold 2 sweats, then did a lovely deal in the Saloon. – Wants 12 sweats and 12 T Shirts – paid $150 and owes $162 – so we have about $500 in the kitty.

Thursday 1^st March – St David’s Day 12pm

No big parades in New York for St David’s day – the Paddies have all the big parades sewn up.

I am writing this on the train going to New York. We are off to Wall St to peddle our wares. Up this morning at 9 and biked over to Luke’s place – filled a rucksack and a big bag full of shirts and cycled back. Last night we went to The Inn and sold 8 shirts including the hooded one off Siobhan’s back. Quite a good laugh with the owner getting stroppy that we were flogging gear in his pub. The kitty now stands at about $700. Weather wise today was quite pleasant after the recent cold spell. I am getting stick about being always too optimistic and Pat is exactly the reverse. I am always taking a huge bag of shirts everywhere whereas Pat will take one or two. To be fair Pat is usually right but twice I was justified yesterday. In the Saloon we didn’t have enough to give him and in the bar last night we sold out of Sweatshirts. Next time I will just have to take all the stock.

I had a letter yesterday off mum – fairly interesting but normal type of news. – Everybody is getting married. Claire Norman, Ian and Patrick Dacey (not to each other) and Deborah Hasset.

Friday 2^ND March 11am

Bad start to the day. Brian took the jeep into work. Phoned the house. I phoned the T Shirt shop and they close at 1 so Brian can’t pick them up. He wasn’t happy at all. We have at last got an early train. I am again very confident. Hopefully we will sell out this week. Pat will be happy if we sell about 3. Weather wise – very pleasant winter’s day again. I have got gloves today though because obviously being in Manhattan the sun can’t get between the big buildings. Tonight it’s off to see the Wolfetones with all our stock. Last night we went for a Chinese meal at K O’s – very nice and then on for a club soda in the pub. We had a coffee in Barry and Lisa’s house – gave them a sweatshirt each.

3.10. We are winning. Our first real result on the shirts. Me and Pat stood in Broadway from 11- 2.15 and cleared a bag full of shirts each. I have about 2 and Pat has 4 left. It was fairly cold, so I have two sweatshirts on. Quite a few blacks were buying them as well. I got told by the police that I couldn’t sell on the street so I went and had a chat with Pat for about 5 minutes and then went back. Luckily I never saw the copper again. He asked me if I was Irish – I said yes – it helps. If any Yank asks me and PAT we just agree with them. Our problem now, as I predicted is we probably won’t have enough shirts for tomorrow’s parade in Hoboken. I can’t think of anything we can do about it.

On the tube on the way to Penn Station another bloke came begging. You could hear a voice down the end of the train “Excuse me I am handicapped + I live in the subway – please can you spare a nickel or Dime” then went on with “Have a nice day” and all that. He shuffled along the train and we did give but I don’t know what to think. To be honest there is a bit of revulsion as well as a lot of pity. – There are so many people on the streets begging – it puts it into perspective that me and Pat probably made about $200 in about 2 hours with our first real “result” on the shirts.

Reading Pat’s diary and he makes the point that we could be home in about 3 weeks. Apart from seeing everyone again, I don’t want this particular trip to end. My main long term plan of attack is to firstly do well on the Irish T Shirts – I think we will as long as we can keep getting the shirts. I really want to go to Hong Kong to watch the 7’s but I can only do it if I can make these things work. My ticket to London is on the 26^th of this month, what I want to do is bring it forward to something like the 20^th – fly into London arriving in the morning, so I would nip into Gunnersbury + say hi, - stay till dinnertime and then go home to Cardiff. I can’t imagine what reaction I would get if I said I was only staying for two days and then going to Hong Kong. If the flight was early in the morning, I could stay in Gravel Rd. I have also got to think about getting a permanent job next September. I think it would be too easy to go back to Gunnersbury, although it would be a lot easier. I don’t want a really rough school as I want to teach, not fight the kids all the time. My first priority is to get a driving license. It is getting ridiculous at 26 not being able to drive. When I tell people they just look at me in disbelief. I am very confident of walking into a teaching job, but I don’t feel I will be happy doing it for the rest of my life. I would like to do a “Devaney” – take all the computing qualifications I can get and then get out with a proper wage rather than the peanuts with all the crap you have to do every night, weekends and holidays – Joke. Another thing I would like to be is a rep on a holiday bus going through Europe. When I get home I will have to make a more up to date CV. My last one is about 4 years old.

Saturday 9^th March 9am

We are definitely winning. We went to Queens last night and brought home over $300 – if we can keep this momentum up in the next two weeks I will be Hong Kong bound. We are off to the Bronx now to deliver that big order to the Celtic connection. We are then off to the Hoboken St Patrick’s day parade, our problem is we have very few shirts left.

10.30pm The Hoboken St Patrick’s Day parade was a dead loss – about 5 men and their dogs watching it. – Any Hoboken robber would have had a field day as the whole constabulary was there. We only sold about 4 shirts all day. A fairly cold day. We went to the Bronx in the morning – had a brecky and collected $460 from the Celtic Connection. – We were given a brilliant idea by the bloke in the shop- so obvious that it is hitting us smack in the head. Exactly the same shirt – without the world cup on it and change one of the flags to the stars and stripes. – The Irish Americans are the ones buying the shirt anyway, not the Irish, so it would really work well. Pat is thinking of spending all next summer in the USA travelling to all the Irish exhibitions – I’d have to think seriously about it. It would be a good laugh travelling the states but it would have to start for the St Patrick’s Day Parade. – For the big earner (hopefully) and then through the summer. So – if I got a teaching job I could only take it till February. Not sure about how I would feel about that. It would be easier for Pat as he is self employed, but as he says, - Life is more interesting on the road – not paying taxes etc. We went for a few beers in some pub in Hoboken and then for a meal. I phoned home and Wales lost again – to Scotland 13-9 – Try by Emyr. – What a season. Big clash now in a couple of weeks. Scotland and England are both playing for the Grand Slam + Wales and Ireland are both fighting for the wooden spoon. I will have to get one to present to Jacko if we get the correct result.

I am writing this on the train – getting back from Hoboken – it’s a real drag. We have got over $2,000 to spend on shirts tomorrow.

Sunday 4^th March 8am

Just woke up – no Lecky but its on now. Had another idea for a T Shirt- I think it is brilliant . Basically it’s a rip off of the cartoon in the Auckland post – The idea is an England Grand slam T Shirt.

It will be quite expensive to set up as it will be four colours. An English rugby player whacking the 4 nations on the arse. Red, green, navy and light blue. Maybe 5 screens on the front – black as well. We could get a big advert out in Rugby World – set up a box office. Ring up Jeff Taylor immediately and get him to do it. Pat will probably want in as well – so that will keep costs down. If England don’t win then Scotland will have the slam and I could do it for the Jocks. For shirts it would be better if England won as there are more of them.

Got home last night to a letter from H. She is marrying Jon on November 10^th. Do I want to come to the wedding – will I be home – YES.

11.30 Brian and Pat have just gone into town with $2,000 to spend on shirts. – We phoned Brendan O’Shea and he is paying $8 a shirt and spending $1,200 so he will have 150 shirts. Not a bad deal.

I phoned home and had a chat to mum and dad ($20) it will be great to see them in a couple of weeks although they will go nuts if I hopefully go to Hong Kong within about 3 days. I have got Jeff Taylors phone number so I will give him a ring later. We are off to the Bronx later to Lehman College and hopefully get rid of the last of the shirts.

4.30 On the way to the Bronx. I phoned JT twice but he had his answering machine on. I also phoned Joan Fuller a ring. We took the shirts around to Luke and he is working on them now. He printed a shedful to take to Lehman so we can take the “good stuff” i.e. Fruit of the Loom shirts rather than the rubbish that Bob gave us. We are much more organized than on Friday. We will actually be there early, but on Friday we got the break of having a table to sell off. Hopefully we will get another table tonight. – Inside the hall. We are staying in Pauline and Tom’s tonight.

Later on the Tube It’s a real nightmare on the tube – don’t feel threatened at all but seeing how people live when they are at the bottom of the pit. Walking through Penn Station you can see loads of people lying on the station at 5 O’clock for the night with a blanket over them. As we left the tube station a bloke with a stick announced to the whole carriage that he wasn’t an alcoholic or on drugs but he was starving – where do you look? I gave a handful of change – hardly generous, but what can you do? What would have happened if at the next station someone else came begging? It’s really awful. I feel ashamed a bit to have money, especially as we have 3 bags of shirts and if things went really well we could make about $200 in a night doing very little work.

It looks like Pat won’t be in on the Grand slam T Shirt. I think to repeat the cartoon 4 times would be boring so I could have the slapping the arse of one country, my Lions cartoon for the other and I would have to work something else out for the other two. Ideas could be a handoff in someone’s face and scoring a try in the last one.

½ 8 Another balls up, our planning is atrocious. I cannot believe we are making very simple mistakes. We caught a taxi to the Lehman centre and people were streaming out. – it started at 3pm – we looked at a poster and it clearly said it started at 3. We were only there 2 minutes and we sold 7 sweatshirts – there were about 2,000 people there apparently, so so so frustrating. On a positive note we only had about 50 of the poorer quality shirts. I am sure we would have got rid of them. We are making basic mistakes which are costing us a fortune.

We then went over to Pauline and Tom’s and Ger’s house who we were supposed to be staying with in the Bronx, but there was no one in. We were only going in for a coffee anyway. Pat’s quote sums it all up. “Just a night for F**K ups”. I am bored on this tube – not that I’d be happy if anything exciting happened. Time it’s taken to get to Long Beach = 2 hours – similar from driving from London – Bristol. Hopefully if we get our connections we will be back in the house by 10. So we have had 6 hours of waste.

I have got to get a new walkman.

Tomorrow we will go back in town for my job on “Wall St” – hit the dinnertime mkt then have an hour off and get them coming out of work as well. Needless to say I’m freezing.

Monday 5^th March 2pm

On a train again, if we get a result on these shirts on St Paddy’s day no one can accuse us of being “lucky” – this is really hard work. After Friday’s result and Saturday’s disappointment + Sundays disaster we had another bad day – reason is it’s freezing. Me and Pat stood near Wall St for about 2 hours and we were unable to continue – it’s just too cold. Be fair, selling T Shirts when it is snowing is a bit beyond. We were going to go to the offices but is says no soliciting. I got warned by the police again so I moved for about 5 minutes.

We are thinking of going to Springfield Pennsylvania on Wednesday. It would be about 3 hours away – I may ring Heiler or Matty Lagowski.

I have also got to get a walkman as travelling on the train is so boring. I posted Nana’s birthday card today and I will phone her on Thursday.

Pat is laughing at the fact that we only sold 4 shirts in town – I, again brought the whole stock in. A rucksack of sweats and a bag of shirts. My rucksack needs sewing up. When I get back I will have it replaced as it’s under a lifetimes guarantee.

Tuesday 6^th March 9am

Snowing out – not exactly T Shirt weather. Thank god we went into sweatshirts as well. After last nights wild goose chase into town I spent the evening on a wild goose chase with Brian running around every pub in the world having a club soda and not selling at all.

I phoned up Pan Am and hopefully I will be able to change the dates of the flights to the 19^th which will be great if I can get to Hong Kong. I phoned up JT and he has got to run around finding info on the T Shirt.

6pm – A freezing cold day – really heavy snow all morning. I went for a bike ride this morning and dropped off 6 sweats off with Gerry to take to Islip. Get money Friday.

I then went to town – stopped off at Queens and sold Mary Gibbons 9 sweats – she dragged me down to $15. I got a daily mail (yesterdays) I then went to town and changed my ticket to the 19^th. We had to pay $50 each. Siobhan priced my ticket to Hong Kong $500 but that’s BA – hopefully Cathays Pacific will be cheaper.

Me and Brian went and picked up a load of Sweats and T Shirts.

I phoned Jacko and he is through all the rigmarole of applying for residency. I will see him two weeks Friday in Cardiff for a beer, He had to have an AIDS check for his application – he hasn’t got it. Tomorrow it looks like me and Brian will be going to Pennsylvania to Philly to flog shirts.

God it’s cold.

In Grand central station I also got yesterdays Times. It is sickening how sycophantic IT IS TO Thatcher.

Good news is that Celtic beat Rangers in the cup. Big news is the Poll Tax. It is so unfair.

Wednesday 7^th March 10.30pm

Another disastrous day on the Ireland shirts – they are starting to build up. Me and Brian went all the way to Philadelphia and sold 0.

Fair play we had a laugh though. We arrived at the place and the boss wasn’t there – we conned the people that we were with the Wolfetones and conned them into giving us a table. We were about to set up. I went to the loo and I could hear the boss “Jesus H Christ – what the f**king hell is this?” There was our table and the Wolfetones. He said to me “Are you with the Wolfetones?” I was saying well………….. Brian just disappeared. He wanted to see contracts and everything – so we buggered off. A journey home – back by ½ 9 what a waste of a day.

Pat is in Manhattan – hopefully he will have done well – but I doubt it.

Got back and Brendan O’ Shea hasn’t picked up the shirts – says he will pick them up on Monday.

The more I think of it the more I am looking forward to going home for a few days – The price of a ticket for Hong Kong looks like $550 – which is fairly steep.

No mail again. I was expecting a bit that should have come via NZ. I know Jacko, Kevin and Sharon sent letters to Auckland + I am not happy at all not to get a letter off Sally.

I am not quite sure whether to get my ticket for Hong Kong over here or wait till I get home. I definitely want to go – obviously we have got to do well on these Irish shirts – I know Pat will laugh after our result today but I am fairly confident.

Thursday 8^th March 8pm

A really, really enjoyable day at last – a fair result on the shirts, did some sightseeing, took in a ball game and had a postcard from Sally. Up about 9 – cold out but not as cold as it has been. I phoned Nan – her 85^th birthday. I told her that I would be home on the 20^th and she promised not to tell anyone. She said she would try and “Cling on” till I got home.

Me and Pat got our bags together and Brian gave us a lift into town. We started selling very fast outside the World Trade centre – had some photo’s and then got moved on to our normal spot – “Broadway” The shirts went OK – more T’s than sweats. At ½ 2 we went for a pizza and then the tube to the Empire States Building. – An enjoyable couple of hours – more photo’s at the top. Equalizing coming down. Unfortunately we missed most of the people coming out of the offices, but we still sold a few. We then went to Madison Square Garden and saw a college basketball game. Really enjoyable – and only $10 – we moved to these brilliant seats. We saw the Uni of Pittsburgh beat the Uni of Boston. The best laugh was photo’s especially one of the most georgeous blonde cheerleaders. Me and Pat had the pom poms and she was in the middle – hopefully it will come out.

We bought the Today newspaper and the London Times – both yesterdays, and so sickenly right wing and sycophantic towards “we who are a grandmother”

All the news is the Poll Tax – huge demonstrations and loads of arrests.

Home via one beer, and a postcard from Sally from Hawaii. I had given up on her. She obviously had the flower (and poem) for Valentines Day and my card from Hawaii, but nothing else. I am pleased to see that she is travelling through the South Island. Tomorrow’s plan of attack is off to town early.

Friday 9^th March 8pm

The bern wandering years

The Bern Wandering years