The
Bern wandering Years ......
.................are
the travel diaries of Bernard O’Brien documenting the wanderings of
a rugby mad Welsh teacher from June 88 to June 95. An eventful time
in world history with the Tiananmen Square massacre, the fall of the
Berlin wall, The San Fransisco earthquake and the release of Nelson
Mandela from prison. It documents the Lions tours of 89 in Australia
and 93 in New Zealand and the World cup in South Africa in 95 –
presented by the great man.
I am
typing them up – not in order..... But when I have the time...
Hopefully I won’t offend or embarrass too many people ... it’s
just what I felt at the time
Book
1 3 June
88 –
5th
Oct 88
London
USA –
Summer Camp,
Old
Gayts Canadian tour,
Hitching
across USA Canada
Sydney
|
Book 2
Australia
swimming
teaching
factory
work
lions tor 89
|
|
Book
4 October 4th
1989 – July 12th
1990
Australia
New
Zealand U2 Commonwealth games
Hawaii
USA –
mainland St Patricks day t shirts
England
Wales
Ireland
France
Gunnersbury water sports trip
Italy
Football world cup
|
Book 6
|
|
Book 7
|
Australia New Zealand UK Asia Book 9 January 8 1993- 1 August 1993 |
|
Book 1
London
USA –
Summer Camp,
Old Gayts
Canadian tour,
Hitching
across USA Canada
Sydney
June
3rd 1988 London
Well
what a day - went to soccer coaching at Southall and Redlees park -
took so much stress off Jacko for not going on the pop with him in
the evening. I went swimming with Heather at Isleworth and for a few
drinks; we then went for a really big curry in Monty's. We got a
taxi 'cause it was pouring down. I was puzzled as we never went to
South Ealing - but to a surprise party in Isleworth. I couldn’t
believe that the whole world was there. Kevin came down from Leeds,
Mum and dad. Peter, Cath, Mackers, hungry Sian, Lucy Jacko Paula and
loads of others. I had never shaved as I never knew anything about it
- Heather won her £10 bet. I had quite a few beers and a bottle of
whisky from Gareth Gummer. Afterwards 28 people got on to Brent'
wagon and the party continued to 4 in my house. I took Heather home
and got in at 1/4 to 5 and crashed out - What a day.
Saturday
June 18th 1988 camp Moose Head Maine 7.30 PM
After
a hectic few weeks of partying before I went I am last here in the
States. Today was my first day. Last night I got absolutely bit to
death by mosquitoes. It is really annoying to have a high pitched
noise buzzing all the time, it is some possible to relax and in the
morning it confirmed my worst fears. I went to bed about 9.00 last
night I was really shattered. The flight was really boring - I was
tired any way from the Blucher the previous evening and walking
Heather home meant I got back at 2.30 with getting up at 7.00 for the
plane. It was cloudy both ends so the only exciting thing was take
off and landing. I hitched from Logan Airport to Portland. It took
about four lifts - one bloke was gonna make a million on a board game
called dictionary dabble. The fourth lift was a real psycho touch
with a bottle of ale in the one hand and the wheel in the other hand.
I thought I was going to miss the bus, but everybody was hanging
round. I have tried to keep myself to myself a bit and let the prats
establish themselves first half which as sure as eggs is eggs had
they are.
There
are surprising number of overseas staff with quite a few kiwis and
Australians which will be good for contacts in the future, see how
that goes and how I get on with them before I start imposing myself.
The
camp itself is very idyllic with a huge lake. The water is a
comfortable. I was able to knock out about 20 lengths before dinner
and tea. There are chipmunks running around everywhere which is
entertaining. I have yet to see my first skunk, which are two a
penny. Weather today was really hot and my neck has reddened up
nicely.
In
the afternoon all the councellors went to a small town called Wyndham
to a shopping mall where I spent a few dollars. Mostly on different
types of mosquito repellent. Got myself some sunglasses and a Boston
Celtics hat.
The
kids are not here yet. They will arrive next Sunday. This week we
are on an orienteering week.
Thursday
23rd
June
Settled
in now I suppose, we are just waiting for the kids to arrive on
Sunday. Weather has been high 80’s all week. Last night we had a
thunderstorm – we had to leg it back from a local lakeside beach,
so that we wouldn’t get caught in it. I have written about 10 post
cards and have a few more to do. As soon as I get them out of the way
I will start writing letters. I am sure I am going to enjoy it by the
lake side as we have had a few really hot days. There are 6 of us in
my cabin. 2 for trips and 4 for section 3.
It
seems a lifetime away now but it was only last week that I travelled
up to London with mum and dad and had a few beers in the Blucher. A
competition has started on the waterfront. The first one to shave
gets the beers in.
Tuesday
28th
June
The
kids have been here for about 4 days. Me and Jonathon have been
landed with some right swines. They are on the whole ok but three of
the kids are unbelievable. Really abusive and won’t do as they are
told. I was up at ¼ past 6 for the polar bear club. Quite a good
start to the day once you get out of bed. I was in bed last night by
10. The camp has now split into boys and girls. Weather is great –
we have been putting kids through swim tests and giving them tags.
Lessons will start this afternoon. I am writing this in free time/
rest hour overlooking a trout pond. This evening is free. I have
written a zillion postcards and letters to mum and Heather, but I
have got nothing back.
Thursday
7th
July 2pm
An
absolutely scorching day for the third day running. Last night was
really muggy so it’s down to one sheet. I had a day off yesterday
so I went to Old Orchard Beach on the bus with a few girls. First of
all we stopped off in Portland to get our Maine state ID. I got some
photos on the one hour thing. – They are really good but I paid way
over the odds for them. Some really good ones of Chicago Meatpackers.
Excellent one of me and Heather drinking lager. Also a very good one
of July 4th.
On the 4th
we had a very relaxed day. Boiling hot. I went in the stocks. In my
evening my kids were a pain in the neck again. This time with fire. I
put water over it, then saw that they were putting bug spray over it.
I have found, at last some time to play tennis. If I don’t go out
in my free time I can get a set in and still be out by 8.30. I have
only had two letters. One from Heather and I was surprised to get one
from Liz Rogers who hopes to be in Sydney in September. That could be
handy as a start. I am in the middle of replying to them both.
Our
kids are in the middle of another punishment. This time because they
were fighting on the camping trip, which thankfully cannot be blamed
on me. I am teaching boating in the afternoon and because of the heat
will be doing capsize drill again so that I can get in another swim.
In my cabin I am finding Dave very trying because he is so boring. On
about his engagement. The Polar Bear club is down to 6. The only
problem was last Sunday as I got back at ¼ past 6 and was knackered
– out tonight. I will play tennis and get a few beers from the
Ville and go to the banned beach.
Sunday
10th
July
Temperature
has been in the 80’s and 90’s over the last couple of days. Last
night and today we have had two cracking storms – thunder
lightening etc. My tan is coming on lovely – I was very surprised
when I saw the white mark my watch had made – very impressive.
Today
I was told to swap jobs. I had to see Yonce and Steve and Sharpy.I am
now the tripping counselor with Pho;. Andy has gone to the owls and
James to the falcons. I am all smiles about the arrangement as a few
of the individuals I was in charge of are the most foul mouthed
obnoxious kids I have come across. It will be a good chance to see
more of the country and I will be canoeing, rafting and hiking – I
get on better with Phil than Jonathon and I have every evening off we
are on camp and I will have Saturdays free. On the negative side it
will cost me a few bucks to get decent boots and some of the trips
will be repeated. Last night on the beach was great fun, chatting to
Helen Steve and others before being moved on by the police. We then
had a few beers at the end of the drive before the rain and
lightening came. It was great. Today at camp we had a camper hunt
when all the kids had ¼ of an hour to disappear and we had to find
them. During the week it was great to hear from mum and dad which
included my access card. I will not use it unless in dire emergency.
I was pleased to hear from Heather, Caroline and Jose Rubio from
school.
Thursday
14th
July
Taking
a trip out today canoeing down the lake for a couple of hours and
then camping overnight on a beach camp. Yesterday I got back from a
hiking trip. Really good fun. I burnt myself quite a bit so I will
have to be careful. With this tripping job I feel I may get very
quickly cheesed off with burgers etc. Can’t find any socks
anywhere. Loads of people went out to “show case” last night but
I didn’t bother because of money. Polar Bear club this morning was
down to
3
8.07
Took
out 5 kids – just before dinner – had to keep to the side of the
lake because the water was so rough. When we got opposite the camp
ground we had to paddle like sin to get to the other side. No sooner
had the tents been erected it poured down with rain. That settled
down and the lake was calm so we went for a swim. I made a pot of
“chuck it all in” – it was great – a bit too hot but the kids
did not murmur anything but appreciation. I had them saying mmm after
every mouthful. We then had a thunder and lightning storm. I said
“sod this for a laugh” and dived into a tent + wrote a letter to
Nolesy, - don’t know how well that is going to be received. Had a
letter off Bill Cunningham yesterday. Everything seems ok on his
camp. I will probably see him in Ottawa.
-
I am quite excited about Canada. On Monday the whole camp is going
roller skating. I don’t mind whether I go or not. If I go it should
be a good crack, if I don’t I will get some waterskiing in. I am
enjoying this trip job – lot’s more freedom. I don’t know how I
will be feeling in 6 weeks time when the trips start repeating
themselves
Sunday
17th
July
Got
up early at 6.20 for Polar Bear club. I upset the boys in my cabin
because I keep pausing my alarm. After Polar bear club – it was
cold today- I got in the camp bus with Simo to make some phone calls.
It is great – it’s like winning the jackpot every time. You put
in 6 bucks and when the operator buts in after 3 minutes you put the
phone down and all the money falls back out. I phoned home and mum
and dad were at a bowls weekend. God news from Kevin that he had a
2:2 in his B. Ed – still quits. Catherine is going to see Michael
Jackson on Wednesday – she seems quite excited about it, she said
he has been having really good reviews in London. I phoned Heather –
no answer, Chris J no answer and Jacko was out at Hyde Park to hear
Desmond Tutu speak – I presume. That’s where everybody else is.
Tutu is speaking at a rally for Nelson Mandela’s 70th
birthday. If I was in Britain I would definitely have gone as he is
one of my biggest heroes
I
had yesterday off and initially I was cheesed off as I was stuck on
camp but I ended up sailing on my own for the first time, although
the wind was light. I also completed a lap of the lake waterskiing.
Bill Roach did his utmost to get me over in the wake but I am not
ready for that yet. In the evening I went to Portland, drinking
Guinness and dancing. Again I really enjoyed it, the crowd I was with
were really good company – had a sing song on the bus on the way
down which killed the hours journey. I am thinking if at all possible
the Olympics in September. It is all very remote and pie in the sky
but if I could get a flight to Australia via Seoul it would be great.
Raining and cold in London – good
Tuesday
19th
July
Phones
are still on the blink at the camp. I am trying to abuse them with
little success. Yesterday I phoned a few people. No answer from
Heather, Jacko and Nolesy were both out. I got through to Jacko and
had a chat and then made a real balls up. I got through to the
operator and asked for a number which she was connecting me + I asked
her shall I put the money in. – The operator was surprised as the
computer was saying it was a private call and not a public phone so I
put the phone down and tried again, but I got the same operator, who
recognized my voice and told me not to put the phone down. So I did.
I was going to phone home and Heather.
At
the moment I am sitting in a van on a trip feeling sorry for myself
as ii have just had a smack in my eye from a stick off wood. I
stamped on it and as it split it jumped up and gave me a smack in the
eye. It’s blackened up a bit but keeps watering heavily and it
hurts quite a bit.
Yesterday
we went roller skating which I really enjoyed although I was pretty
poor at it. I went over quite a few times and split my jeans.
I
don’t have Saturday off this week as I am taking kids to Boston
with Phil. I will have Friday off instead. I am also scheduled to
take a bunch of group one-errs on a hike on Thursday.
Wednesday
20th
July
My
eye has blackened up quite a bit – I will have to get a photo of
it. Last night I slept in the bus.I went to sleep really easy as I
was less than useless outside of it as my eye was weeping like mad.
It seems ok now but still weeping a bit.
Sunday
24th
July
God
what a boring day. It poured down all day – I had nothing to do at
all. It was ½ way stage on the camp – the one half left yesterday
and a new lot came in. Seems like all the best kids left and all the
bad one remained. Yesterday I went to Boston for the day taking 12
Puerto Rican kids to the airport. I read the book Les Miserable’s
all day to relieve the boredom of the journey On the way down one of
the kids threw up on my arm because of travel sickness. On the way
back Larry stayed in Boston, but me and Phil went for a great seafood
meal in Massacheteus Got back at ½ 8 went to the beach with a few
people and shared a bottle of wine. Had a good laugh. Bill Roach has
said he may come on tour to Canada which would mean a lift for me. He
could then join the Gayts when he is in London. I wrote a letter to
Danny Garvey for information on the tour and also Jim Williams and
Mandy.
Wednesday
27th
July
I
am in limbo at the moment. Phil has resigned, so I haven’t got a
clue what I will be doing next week. The camp is expecting to employ
somebody else. I am taking a group of kids on a hike to Eagle point
today and tomorrow we are taking a tubing trip out. The water should
be high. The new kids seem to be fine. Polar Bear club is still going
strong- at the moment it is on 29. I have recently had a bit of mail.
A couple off Heather, one off Nolesy and a p/c off mum and dad. At
the moment I am reading the autobiography of Malcolm X. I can’t
find my wallet anywhere.
Thursday
28th
July 10pm
Got
up at 20 past 6 for Polar Bear club – number on 25. After breakfast
prepared for the tubing trip. As I still can’t find my wallet I had
to phone Access in Scotland to stop it – just in case. I will
probably find it later now, but I am concerned. I really must insure
myself when I get to Oz. I phoned up Southend and got a free phone
again. I asked for the operator and she assumes it is a direct line
from a house so I am simply connected. I have got to abuse that
phone. I may get up early to try it on Sunday. I am kipping in the
van – we have got a pioneers group out – the kids are great. I
have been swimming a couple of times – the weather is foul. It
poured down at one stage and yesterday morning was completely rained
off. I got stuffed 6-2 in tennis by Mark McDonald. The trip is tubing
– I am hoping it is really hot.
Sunday
31st
July
Got
up at 6.15 for Polar Bear club. Bill never made it this morning. I
had a shower and went to abuse the phone. I had a chat with dad –
mum was out. Tim O’Donnell got 4 years for rape. Kevin has got a
job in Treforest. I phoned the operator and she just put me through.
I phoned Jacko who was in Mass and I had a chat with Jim Williams. I
also had a few words with Pat who will send me a few Private Eyes. I
tried to phone Hungry but the operator informed me I was calling from
a call box. I denied it and put the phone down.
Bad
news is that Mark McDonald has been fired for piercing a kid’s ear.
Straight off camp within 12 hours. I hope to meet up with him in
Sydney but I have got to get his address. Yesterday was georgeous, so
I spent all day in the sun- life is hard. I had letters off Heather
and Paula who has now moved, but I have lost the address. I would
have phoned them both this morning but I have not got their phone
numbers.
In
“Three dollar Dewies “in Portland three girls recognized me from
3 years ago at Waterville. Unbelievable really – I had a few beers
with them. A new tripping bloke is starting today as Phil has gone. I
hope he is OK. My wallet has thankfully been found – minus the
money. I have now got the problem that I have cancelled my access
card + I will have to wait till a new one comes through. Still I have
got my Maine state ID card back. World news is that the South African
government has banned Cry Freedom which is hardly surprising.
Thursday
4th
August 10 am
Lying
in the sun on Sebago National park beach. I have just been swimming
and the temperature is just perfect. Over the last couple of days me
and Bob have run two canoe trips down the crooked river. Mondays was
trying as we left late and it took over 5 hours. That meant we had to
set up camp in the dark, and cook in the dark.. Yesterday we had a
chance to swim, and then back to camp for an hour before taking
another group out.
The
new tripping bloke is different. He is heavily into identifying
mushrooms of all things. I suppose it takes all sorts. – Could be
worse – it could be Dave “spuds “Burns.
Luckily
the weather is in the 90’s for our trip down the crooked river –
most of it was under shade. – When we stopped for a dip the water
was so refreshing. I had a letter off mum and dad and got Tina’s
address in Toronto which is fairly important. Planned for this
afternoon is 10 pin bowling which I have never done. It’s Kev’s
birthday – I will try and get a freebie on the phone again. It
blanked me on Sunday and James, but Simon was ok on Monday. I doubt
if Bill will come on tour. I had a word with Pepper who is driving up
to Montreal – he is prepared to give me a lift for most of the way
to Burlington where I presume the Gayts are playing – I am waiting
for a copy of the itinerary. I was also trying to get hold of Mike
Ede but his phone was unavailable. I am still in the counselor table
tennis and pool competitions. I am really pleased I beat Roger
“YOOOO” Wilson in TT 2-0 and I fluked my pool game.
Sunday
7th
August
In
a really good mood. I have been abusing the phone again. God would
only know what would happen if I got caught. I phoned Jacko, Nolesy,
Heathers dads’ house, Bob Williams, H and Liz Charlton. I couldn’t
believe they were all out. I had a chat to Chris Judd for ages then
talked to mum and dad, Pete, Cath and Nan for quite a long time. The
last four days have been brilliant; I have had such a fantastic time.
Hitting the beach with beer and wine. I am out of the table tennis
and pool tournaments – aaah well. Today is the day of the “great
race” – should be different. I have had a Michael Pernface
haircut. We had a scream in the barbers egging each other on to get
it cut shorter. Chris Judd says the Gayts are training hard so I will
have to go on long runs now ( I have heard that before) I have just
put film in to get processed and am looking forward to getting it
out. I am now reading Spycatcher to spite Thatcher.
9th
August 5.45
Quickie
this one as bugle for the flag at any minute. I have decided to get
work with the North American Soccer Association so I have written
them a letter with my reference from Brentford. It would be great if
I could get a job in California in early September and they pay my
way from Toronto. I would meet up with Quiggers Jon and Andy. I had a
letter off Cath, wrote one to Paula. I did some fitness in prep for
the tour. I am so unfit. I have really got to work hard. Bugle has
just gone.
11
August 1.15
Just
got back from another tubing trip. I am glad that’s the last one –
I have been on about 7 now. On Monday is a hiking trip – should be
good if we get enough people. My watch is knackered so I chucked it.
I had a letter off Heather also one off Danny Garvey which gave me
loads of info about the Old Gayts tour. I will miss the Burlington
game but the boys are on a free day on Sunday the 21st
– the day I travel up to see them. I have just had photos back –
some of polar bear club and a couple of trips.
9.30
A mixed evening so far, first really frustrating and secondly really
impressive. The latter first was Jamie Kellogg’s warrior ceremony.
It was on the beach with a huge fire. The flame came from a tree and
along a line and lit the fire. Canoes carrying torches came in from
the lake. Indian dancers followed, with Bill Roach pulling people out
from the crowd. Ernie, Fran and Roger suffered. I was so relieved not
to get pulled out. James led the haka. I got a photo of them in the
jump. I took 10 photos all together. Bill and Jamie then did fire
juggling before the presentation and then he went out into the middle
of the lake. I really enjoy good theatre and that was brilliant.
The
former was concerning the phone. I have been on it free for about 3
weeks. I at last got Heather’s number for a chat and four times the
operator asked for $5.50. I couldn’t believe it. I will definitely
try again but it looks like my run of freebies is over. I will have
to get in touch with Jacko for his brothers address and I also
promised Mandy a ring. I have got to phone Tina to tell her when I
will be in Canada. I know I have had a good run and it has been great
to phone home but I still feel cheated and annoyed.
I
am now going down the local beach via the ville for a few beers to
undo the hard workout I did in prep for the tour – to Frankie’s
two tribes. I am sweating conkers from the fire and the humidity
Friday
12th
August 9pm
God
it’s hot today. Things change. I at last got in touch with Heather
and we had a really long chat on a freebie. Sometimes the phone gives
it and sometimes it don’t. It was a topsy turvey day with all the
year 3 girls on the water front. In the afternoon I got in the shade
in the shop and listened to the Jam and made a gimp. I did no real
exercise this morning and I feel a bit run down in my stomach. I did
not go out to Portland this evening because1 I wanted to save money
and 2 because I feel rough as sin. I have just been playing table
tennis and it’s an early night for me.
Sunday
14th
August 8.45
Up
at 6.30 this morning. Not for Polar Bear club as that was at 7.30,
but for the phone. News from home is that Peter and Marie have got
engaged and have asked me to be Best Man in September 1990. I am
really chuffed about it. I am also really pleased that it will be in
1990 not 1989. Kevin seems really pleased about starting in
Treforest, but I got cut off when I was talking to him. I got Jacko’s
brothers address in Sydney at last. He phoned home and gave it to
dad, who gave it to me. I phoned Jacko in Havorfordwest, but he was
at his nans – I may try and get back to him later. I had a long
chat with Mandy, who has just got back from the Brisbane expo and
reckons it is superb .I am really excited about going to Australia,
but I would love to go to Seoul first to see the Olympics. If I can
get 3 weeks work after camp I will go. Yesterday I went to
Scarborough beach with Sanjay and Sharpy. The sun was so hot. I had a
letter off Liz Rogers, so I gave her a ring and a chat in Sydney. She
will definitely be there when I get to Oz as she is not leaving till
early November. Yesterday evening I went to the beach with Graham and
Chris Paykal and got hammered on cans of bud. I went for a swim to
the dock and during a huge storm we all piled into cars.
Tuesday
16th
August 7.10pm
This
week is dragging a bit. The Gayts are already in Canada and obviously
I would rather be on tour at the moment. Still it won’t be long
now. This morning I was informed that me and Bob De Devilier were
taking 10 group ones – Nine and ten year olds on a hiking trip up
Mount Pleasant. I enjoyed it because it was different though tiring.
The kids were bitching all the way up the climb. Yesterday I went to
Windham for a few beers then onto a beach for lots more. Polar Bear
club this morning was a struggle. I gave Dave Swainston a ring
yesterday and had a chat with Chrissy Judd this evening. I am really
going to miss t hat phone but to be fair virtually all the people I
ring are usually out. Pepper still seems ok about giving me a lift to
Burlington on Sunday. It will be a squeeze but will be great. I sent
a card to Peter and Marie. There is an access card in the post for
me. I hope to get it before Saturday.
Thursday
18th
August
Really
bad news today – my filling fell out. I phoned up the dentist and
it could cost $29-$97 what a bummer. Apparently it will be much less
in Oz so I hope it holds out till then. Last night was a really good
crack. It was our last night so we hit “Showcase” + went fairly
wild. I phoned up Heather earlier in the evening and had a chat. I
tried to phone home but got blanked. I haven’t done much work over
the last couple of days but Saturday is going to be really hard work
by all accounts. It was the last day of the Polar Bear club this
morning. We gave out T Shirts to the kids. The councellors didn’t
get any because Yonce is tight.
10pm
– got
a letter off Heather which was posted 26th
July, also a letter off dad with my access card and some clippings
from the echo. I was able to phone and have a chat with Tina and she
says it is fine for me to visit, so I am looking forward to that. I
am so keen to be on my way now and join the boys who are having a
riot of a time. Tomorrow I have a bum job – taking baggage to
Portland airport. Saturday we are taking down camp which is supposed
to be hard work and then onto the councellors party which is supposed
to be a mega sesh. I am not at all comfortable about my tooth. I know
it is going to need attention very soon, but I am reluctant to fork
out nearly $100 for it, but the first sign of pain and it will be sod
the expense. My wages from camp after all my advances will be $490.
22ND
August 1988 1.45pm
I
am on the tour bus with a beer in my hand on the way to Ottawa.
Yesterday went so smooth I couldn’t have written it better. I had a
lift to Burlington off Pepper with Danny and Steve Shaw. It was
really cramped in the car. We packed it the night before. At
Burlington I was on my own so I asked a few people where any of the
rugby boys would drink. I was told the “Chicken Bone” café. I
asked the barman did he know any rugby boys and asked me did I play
against Mad River RFC yesterday. I said I didn’t but the Gayts did
and I was trying to find them. He phoned the captain of mad river. He
phoned the captain of Burlington who phoned up the place where there
was a BBQ. I then had a message that I would be picked up. Danny
Garvey came along and I have now joined the tour. I have got a kit
bag with t shirts and ties but I am disappointed that it looks like I
haven’t got the jacket I was expecting. Last night had a mega sesh
and then back to the Chicken bone. I went home early and slept on a
water bed. I was up early this morning and went for a walk to Lake
Champlain. I wrote some postcards but did not address them all and
left them behind.
The
counselors party was eventful. – played THE
most brilliant game “walleyball” – volley ball in
a squash court. It was so fast. Later on I was lucky enough not to
get caught up in a game if strip walleyball that went all the way. I
did however get some photo’s. Burlington has so much character –
I would love to visit it again – it was a pity I was only there one
night. When we came through the White mountains the scenery was
spectacular, with Mt Washington standing out in the clouds. I am
really pleased to be on tour – the only thing I will miss is the
free phone. Moneywise I am doing ok with $120 Canadian, $720 US and
£700, although next week should be fairly high spending. Life is a
laugh – chuffed on how things worked out yesterday.
Tuesday 23rd
August 5.30
Woke up on a couch with
a hangover. We arrived in Ottawa after 5 hours on the bus and got
hosted out. We drank in the pub till 8 then dropped our stuff off and
went out for more to drink – life on tour. Kevin my host got into a
fight with a big black American football player and got a pasting.
Thursday 25th
August 2pm
I am on the coach from
Ottawa to Toronto – weather is rotten again. Yesterday’s game the
Gayts won comfortably but the seconds didn’t get one. The night was
brilliant – a cracking sing song followed by a disco in Hull.
Friday 26th
August – Toronto
I found it impossible
to write on the coach. We have a new host now, we being Bill
Cunningham, Dave Russell, Paul Spellman and Phil Simpoes. We went out
again yesterday. Socializing is really wearing me out. We went to the
Duke of Kent pub. Which is the Toronto Scottish home base. – it was
heaving, mostly with Brits. Good news is that it looks likely that me
and Bill will get some labouring jobs in Toronto for a week -
hopefully it’s not just beer talk. The bloke reckons we could be on
about $80 a day- that would be cash in hand as well. We will
hopefully spend a week working and then hitch over to the West coast.
Bill has got a one week Greyhound pass and has to be in NY by the
28th September, so we will probably travel together for
about 2 weeks before I go on. I still want to go to the Olympics in
Seoul but we will have to see how things go. The Americas cup is in
San Diego in mid Sept so that is a possibility as well. Booze is
really expensive over here, 5 pints cost $19. I have phone Tina a
couple of times, hopefully I will go around tonight. I may take the
kids to the flicks if there is one local.
Saturday 12th
August
Did the whole tourist
bit yesterday. I did some laundry in the morning and then went into
Toronto to the exhibition, which was like Barry Island. – not too
impressed except for the loop the loop. One of the best things we did
was go to the Canadian hall of fame. I saw the Stanly cup and other
bits and bobs. We paid $8 to go up the CN tower. After that me and
Bill went to Tina’s where we had a Chinese and a few beers. Had a
great night chatting and got home at one. Our host “Majestic” is
from London + his tour was brilliant - just pointing out four or five
pubs and slagging off all the real points of interest. George Michael
is in town tonight. Today we are off to Canada’s wonderland $20 to
get in, but it is coming out of tour funds.
29th
August Monday 10 past 10
Loads to write – been
really busy over the last couple of days. Canada’s wonderland was
brilliant – huge funfair with loop the loops, corkscrews etc. I was
like a little kid lost in a sweetshop. I went on everything. In the
evening was a party at Roger Swinburns house. Because we are on a
budget we didn’t fancy spending a fortune in the pub before so me
and Bill Cunningham went to the CNE where George Michael was playing.
We avoided paying the $5 to get in and then messed around at the end.
We went to the press box and I claimed I was from the South Wales
Echo and demanded to be let in. Bill then said he was on an
assignment for his school magazine. The copper was all in for letting
us in but the steward blocked it. He told us the name of the head
steward so we kept going to different gates. The concert had started
by this time – we then saw a bloke coming out and the stewardess
Mimi said to him “You can’t come in if you go out” - he
replied that he had spares so Bill asked him for them. We got talking
and eventually he gave us the tickets which were for the Royal box.
The steward couldn’t believe it. I gave the bloke my Welsh/Canadian
pin. Our seats were brilliant. After 5 mins this woman came to check
if we were ok and got to our seats. The concert was great fun. “You
just gotta have faith, faith, faith.. After woods it was up to
Swinburns for the party. I got in at 3.
Yesterday was rugby. I
played for the seconds. We won 22-0 I scored a try from the lineout –
hardly a barbarian try. We had three pushovers which was great. The
firsts also won 18-6 against Toronto Scottish. After woods it was
drinking and singing at the Duke of Kent and at Tavios. I have got
somewhere to stay for a week with Bill at this girl’s house in
town. We have also been promised work as builder’s labourers for
this Irish bloke, We will be working for $8 an hour – I expected
$10 to be honest. We had to get somewhere else to stay as “majestic”
will drive us around the bend otherwise. The postal strike is still
on in Toronto. That means I have had no mail even though I gave
millions of people Tina’s address as a forwarding address. At the
moment I am sitting on the coach and we are going to Niagara Falls. I
have always wanted to go there so it is quite exciting
Niagara 4pm
How anyone can
underrate the falls I wouldn’t understand. What do people expect?
The spray from them absolutely soaked us as soon as we got off the
bus. The speed of the river is so fast and the scenery fantastic. All
the way up on the bus we were drinking Labatt’s blue. Fairly
wrecked when we got to Niagara. Had some great photos. I was starving
– that’s all I had in the last 2 days were chicken wings and
chips after the match yesterday. Me and Gareth Fox went for a meal in
the Niagara Falls table restaurant. Had a three course meal with beer
and then saved ourselves $37 by doing a runner. I couldn’t stop
laughing. From there we went on the Maid of the Mist which was
fantastic. We had to put on these blue macs but still got drenched as
we went under the falls. What an experience. I was in two minds
whether to go on the boat but I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Wednesday 31st
August 7.50 Toronto
Been working all day
shifting sand and knocking nails in wood. My back is really red. I
will have to take sun cream tomorrow. Working for a bloke called Rob
– who seems ok. The work was fairly hard, blisters all over my
hands already. Last night we went to the Duke of Kent. Quite a
productive night thought wise. What is the point of taking 5 days
hitching west when I could work an extra 2 days and fly in comfort. .
One of the boys Harry has loads of contacts in Calgary which could be
good – loads of work as well. Then over the Rockies by train. It
will be great.
Thursday 1st
September 8.30
Up at 6.45 for work –
spent all day shifting small stones. I am shattered but it will be
worth it I’m sure. Last night I went with Bill for a Chinese and
then for a couple of beers. Left the pub at 11 as we were so
knackered. – chucking out time is 1. We are staying rent free in
the rugby club physios place – Dianne! I was thinking of getting
her flowers and chocs as a thank you, but it would be more practical
to get her a kettle. Got in from work at 8. Bill had phoned up the
airport and a return for Toronto – Calgary is $179 with 7 days
notice. If we go in on Saturday we will fly out a week tomorrow. Out
now for a meal, I really feel I deserve it as I have been flogging my
guts out all day, sweating buckets and all I had at dinner was 2
sandwiches and loads of water.
Friday 2nd
September
Things change daily –
just when I had my heart set on a flight to Calgary – we can’t do
it because Bill would have to stay 2 weeks which he can’t do. So –
we may be leaving Toronto on Wednesday and hitching West again. I
haven’t got a clue what is going to happen. Today’s work was
preparing a house for painting tomorrow – very easy compared to the
last couple of days.. Got paid $252 for 3 days work – which is
brilliant compared to the $700 on camp for 2 months and I had to pay
my air fare. I am working tomorrow, but if it rains there is no work.
Sunday 4th
September
It did rain yesterday
so no work which was a pity as I could have done with the cash. I
spent most of the day in bed as I was shattered. I had a chance to do
my laundry. On Friday – we (being Bill and Tony Zacconi went to
three pubs which were “British pubs” in that everybody was Scots
Irish and English. All the dialects meant t was like Nags Head in
Covent Garden – spot the Canadian. A few of us went to a disco and
they wouldn’t let us in with Jeans on so we took them off and they
let us in with our boxer shorts!!
Today was a lazy day
watching American Football and then the Blue Jays playing baseball.
In the ninth innings the Blue Jays scored a grand slam. The two
Canadian boys shouted “Duke Duke” – if there is a Grand slam in
a Blue Jays game the Duke of Kent stands everybody a drink – so 5
of us ran to the pub for our freebies.. Earlier on in the day me Bill
and Tony went for a meal and got chucked out because we had a few
cans of Labatt’s Blue with us. I successfully sneaked on one into
my glass but Tony got caught doing his.
Monday 5th
September
Raining again this
morning so no work. Gutted. Another lazy day. A gourmet meal was for
dinner. Beans toast etc. Moneywise I am $181 Canadian, $558 US and
£700. This means I have spent £126 since 23rd August
which h seems brilliant but I have earned $250 since tour though.
Very boring all day –
in the evening went to the flicks to see John Cleese in a fish called
Wanda – really funny – then for a few beers before getting home
for eggs and bacon supper. Plans hopefully include working all day
tomorrow, Tina’s for tea in the evening then hitching to Chicago on
Wednesday. The way things are going this week anything could happen.
Weather-wise it is freezing, like November in Britain. – Cold, wet
and windy. I wrote a letter to H – I hope to pick up some mail
tomorrow.
Wednesday 7th
September 8am
Off in about an hour –
aiming to hitch to Chicago, I think it may be a bit optimistic.
Worked painting all day yesterday which was ok and gave my funds a
boost by $85. In the evening I went to Tina’s had a letter off Mary
and an echo from home. I gave the kids a big bag of M + M’s and a
badge each. Looking forward to moving on now.
11pm A really
enjoyable, tiring day. We made it to Battle Creek in Michigan. Me and
Bill caught a bus to the freeway and spent ages till we got a short
lift out of the city. We made a sign which said England to Vancouver
which worked as we had a monster of a lift – 3 hours to Windsor
which is on the border of Canada / USA – we caught a bus to Detroit
and immigration were really funny to me – where are you going etc.
He asked me how much money I had, I told him and then he wanted to
see it. Detroit was a problem getting out of. We were about an hour
out and it wasn’t the place to be at dusk. Eventually we had a lift
to Anne Arbor. It was a fairly rural place – we tried to hitch for
ten minutes. It was getting dark so we decided it was a good place to
put up a tent. Going up the ramp, an open topped van stopped and we
jumped in the back. What an experience. It was freezing – we both
pulled on our sleeping bags and lay down laughing. He dropped us off
in a really smart transport café where we went in for a coffee. We
had backpacks on etc and we got into a conversation with this old boy
George who bought us coffee and a chili burger and then back to his
place to crash and shower in the morning. He phoned up his English
mate and we are now having a few beers – incredible really as at
Ann Arbor we were willing to set up camp. He also gave us a gun that
fires blanks “for our protection. What we are talking about now is
not going through Chicago but hitching to Lake Michigan and getting a
ferry across and then up to Minneapolis St Paul. I am shattered.
Thursday 8th
September 10.30pm
Another fairly eventful
day hitching. I am so tired it’s unreal. I know this sounds stupid
but you cannot believe how big America is. We have travelled so far
in the last couple of days, but if you look on the map it is nothing
at all. Last night Old George wanted us to phone Britain . I plan on
phoning home on Sunday to say I am ok so I phoned Heather. She said
that Jacko is already in Australia. This morning we had very little
luck until this black Vietnam vet gave us a lift to the outskirts of
Chicago. Lift followed lift, then we had a really long ride to
Madison Wisconsin. We had our only really bad experience on the road.
This bloke picked us up and when he drove off it was obvious that he
was blind drunk – swerving all over the place. We saw a MacDonald’s
and me and Bill both said at the same time that we wanted food. It
was the first opportunity to get out. He then wanted money for a
burger. I gave him 2 Canadian dollars just to get out of the car. We
then decided to have food so we went to this Greek place – the food
wasn’t too good but the owner had sought political asylum from
Greece in 1968 and can’t do enough for the British. We both crashed
out on a mattress above the restaurant – another night without
using the tent. I can hardly keep my eyes open. Hitching north again
tomorrow – difficult to know where we will end up. Bill is now
talking about using his Greyhound pass which he must use before it
expires. I will therefore be on my own, which will be a pity, He
reminds me in many ways of Mackers.
Friday 9th
of September 1am
I am on my own now.
Bill caught the 1.30am bus from Minneapolis to Vancouver. We left
Madison Wisconsin, which I was not impressed with about 11 and had a
quick lift to the motorway. We then stood for about an hour in the
sun, god it was hot. A bloke stopped and was going all the way to
Minneapolis, so we had a four hour lift. We got to the Greyhound
station where Bill booked his bus and I left my rucksack. We then
went for a $20 meal, steak and the works and then I had to find
somewhere to crash. We walked to the Uni of Minnesota where we met
these blokes playing basketball – got talking and I am now in a
party which is dead. I have got my sleeping bag with me so I will
crash here if needs be. We did some shopping earlier and I bought a
jean jacket and jeans for $80
Saturday 10th
September
Got back from the party
at 4 am – woke up in the Delta Dildum? Fraternity – about 10. I
managed to persuade one of the boys to give me a lift to the
greyhound station and then to the motorway. I had a brilliant lift to
Fargo – about 3 hours – we stopped for a MacDonald’s – it’s
the only grub I have had all day. I am still at Fargo now and it is
starting to get dark so I will be putting up my tent. The weather
reports say there is 40% chance of storms. I will not be happy if it
is raining in the morning, but the clouds are building up and it
looks threatening. I have been sitting here all day on my own, it is
so boring it is untrue. At one point the North Dakota Police stopped,
I had to show ID and passport, then he went. Bored, Bored, Bored. I
am now tired, hungry and cold. I hope I soon won’t be wet as well.
I am not too keen on good old North Dakota at all. Looking at my map
I predict I will be in Calgary by next Wednesday!! We will see.
Sunday 11th
September 9.30
Last night I went to a
transport café for a burger and coffee. Set my tent up in the dark
and in the wind. Thunderstorm last night. Packed up ok then walked to
the transport café for a shower and shave. God that felt good. I am
now trying to phone home to say I am ok but I can’t get a line to
Britain. – sent Gunnersbury a post card – North Dakota is flatter
than Splott and more boring than Chris Hogg’s jokes. I don’t know
how long I will be in Fargo. The sooner out of this place the better.
If I could cross into Canada today it will be brilliant, but I doubt
it as it is a Sunday
4.30 Had a really good
four hour lift to Minot. Weather absolutely dreadful. If I get
another lift I will probably be in Canada. Got through to mum this
morning, she had sent a few letters to Tina which did not get
through. I also phoned Jacko in Oz who says he has lined up a
teaching job in Sydney for me but I need the originals of my degree
and my PGCE. If I phone home when I get to Calgary I will get them to
send them to Jacko’s brother. I had a count of my US money and I am
down to $100 – which is bad. That can’t be right. Just had a huge
meal of burger and chips and 10 cups of coffee. I am setting out to
hitch in the cold and wet and it is really grey. I predict I won’t
get further than this tonight so it will be pitch the tent in Minot
7.30 Two great
lifts have got me 19 miles from the border. It really is desolate and
cold.
Monday 12th
September
Australia here I come.
I have just spent one of the coldest nights of my life. I am in a
truck stop for a breakfast and a shower. My hands are so cold I can
hardly grip the pen. I did get to Canada and threw up the tent about
11.30 last night. I stripped off and dived into my sleeping bag.
Within ½ hour I was freezing so I stuck on thermal socks, tracksuit
bottoms and a top – the top had a hood. I then got right in my
sleeping bag, but it’s only a lightweight – I bought it like that
as I knew I would be in the sun all the time. Later on I was still
freezing so I zipped up my coat and pulled it over my trunk and used
a trick I learnt on an outdoor pursuit’s course. I emptied all the
contents of my rucksack and stuck my legs in it for warmth. I had no
sleep at all last night because of the cold. This morning I couldn’t
pick up my tent because it was so cold. It had ice all over the fly
sheet, so I have scrunched it all up and I will have to fold it up
when it gets warmer. There is no cloud cover hence the frost so today
looks georgeous. I am about 400 miles from Calgary at a place called
Regina – it would be fair to say that I would be disappointed if I
didn’t make it today. I found that extra $200 – I knew that there
had to be some mistake being down to $100.
Last night was great –
until camping started. I was about to pack up and put out the tent
and then had a lift off this Indian who gave me a 3 hour lift to
Regina via his mothers at White Bear Reservation. – He was really
interesting. It had been raining so the road in the reservation was a
really muddy dirt track – skidding all over the place. I have been
joking that that all the way through the States the only wildlife I
have seen has been splattered all over the road – skunks, raccoons
etc. Yesterday in the dark we saw loads of deer and, by the side of
the road a beautiful white owl and a white cayote. Really nice to see
but obviously hazardous driving. When I get to Calgary I hope to bump
into Calgary Saints RFC and look for somewhere to crash. I can’t
see myself wanting to crash in the tent in the frost again so
quickly! The shower here is costing me $5 – it hurt to pay it but
it is so important to feel clean when hitching.
8.15 - After
yesterdays really successful day today was a complete disaster. I
should have known better!!! I had a lift from Regina to a place
called Moose Jaw, then a van stopped and I was offered a day’s work
roofing. – I even asked him how much but he didn’t tell me. That
is the last time I ever work before knowing exactly how much. The
work was hard and I am not exactly comfortable on a roof. The bloke
was a real pig shouting orders here and there. It was a gorgeous day
– perfect for hitching I suppose. I got paid $30 and there was
nothing I could do about it. I then got a lift for an hour to Swift
Current. There is no clouds in the sky so there is bound to be a
frost tonight. There is no way I could bear another freezing night in
the tent. – Ice droplets all over the tent like this morning, so I
have cut my losses. OK so I messed up and I have spent the $30 on am
motel room – so really, the only thing I have lost is a day and
time is not of the essence anyway. I am 300 miles from Calgary. I
will be very disappointed if I don’t get there tomorrow. I am going
to take a walk into Swift Current to see what it is like.
Calgary Tuesday 13th
September
Made it to Calgary at
last – I got in about 5.30. After yesterdays disaster I was lucky
to get one lift for 5 hours from Swift Current. Before leaving I had
a Big Mac and I swear that’s the last time I touch MacDonald’s.
On the way t he scenery was really boring again although we did see
loads of deer on the side of the road and loads of “nodding
donkeys” drilling for oil. I saw the Rockies in the distance about
180 miles away – they are so impressive. The background of Calgary
is the Rockies which looks great from a distance. When I got to
Calgary I had an Italian meal and phoned the Calgary Rugby Union,
they gave me an address where I went to and watched a rugby match and
then had a beer and got introduced to one of the Calgary Saints who
was in London last year – he has put me up for the night. I will
probably stay for two days and move on. Banff is supposed to be so
nice, but very expensive.
Last night I went to
the flicks on my own. I saw “Big” – ok – it killed a couple
of hours – I then went to a bar with 5 people in – in the centre
of town. I phoned home and asked dad to send my degree and PGCE to
Jacko’s brother. When on the phone I continued the conversation and
the operator told me I had $5 to pay, I said ok and then said goodbye
and simply walked away from the phone. News from home is Adolf has
gone North for £100,000
Thursday 15th
September
Spent yesterday
wandering around Calgary – got myself an Olympic pin and a lovely
sweatshirt. In the evening went to watch the Saints beat the Irish in
some cup competition. Had a quiet night after. I was in two minds
what train to catch. One stops in Banff and I would spend 24 hours
there but the other goes over the Rockies in the daylight. I wanted
to go on the latter but was really disappointed to find that it is
$370 and the other is $74. I went to get a ticket today and the
bloke told me it was all sold out. I got a ticket to Banff – The
guard said are you a student? I asked why and he told me it is
cheaper “OK I am a student then” The fare to Banff is now $9 and
the whole trip is $50 – probably kip in the tent again tonight.
Banff Friday 16th
September
Had a really productive
day travel wise yesterday. I dosed around all morning killing time
before the train. Got chatting to this Scot who had been travelling
since 1984. I bought a book RAGE for the journey which is great. The
train journey took us into the Rockies which are obviously really
spectacular – billions of peaks. There was nowhere at the station
to store my gear so I went to the Banff Youth Hostel – sharing a
room with 3 others for $9; I ate and read, then went out for a beer
with 4 lads – 2 Ozzies a German and an Englishman. – They are
travelling around in a VW van so I have joined them hopefully for a
couple of days – today we are driving up to the hot springs and
hopefully later on to the ice fields. The weather is dreadful so
there is a chance they may go to Calgary, which would be a shame as I
would carry on going west. At the pub there was a brilliant pianist –
I phoned dad cos it was his birthday.
10pm – the 5 of us
just went to the hot springs. The temperature outside in the
mountains is fairly cold but in the springs it was boiling. We had to
keep getting out to cool down – it was great – so relaxing. The
van we are in is a real wreck – We have to park it uphill as the
starter is wrecked. We left the hot springs on the way to the ice
fields + then it started snowing – it was great. We picked up two
French girls and packed them into the van so there were 7 of us. The
snow got worse and the van started skidding around a bit so we came
into a youth hostel called Mosquito
Creek. We have got a fire going and it is snowing
heavily outside. It is really scenic and spectacular. The dorm is
loads of bunk beds which looks great. Everyone is in a party
atmosphere. Snow is forecast again for tomorrow so I don’t know how
long we are going to be stuck here for. I have taken some brilliant
photo’s
Mosquito Creek Rocky
Mountains Saturday 17th September 10 am
About 4 O ‘Clock all
7 of us went for a short hike along this river. Brilliant. We were
snow fighting all the time. The best crack was to throw a snowball
high into a tree which causes the whole load of snow to fall on
someone. We saw this waterfall which I took a photo or two. The water
is run off from the glacier – the colour is a pale blue. Later on
we went for a brilliant sauna and again had a snow fight, again more
photo’s In the evening we ate and played pontoon 21 for a couple of
hours. Today the weather looks fine so we are going to head off to
the ice fields and then probably onto Jasper. The cost of staying
here last night was $6.50 – hardly broke the bank – a brilliant
experience. This morning I had to wash in a mountain stream – so
cold.
Sunday 19th
September 9am
Well plans change
again. We were warned that there was a heavy snow warning so because
it is such a good place and we didn’t want to risk it we have
stayed put. We had a ten dollar whip and me and Graham the Ozzie
hitched to Lake Louise and got supplies in. We spent seventy odd on
food and seventy odd on booze – ale, whisky, vodka, red and white
wine. We then hitched back. The weather was ok so we then went for an
hour’s hike which took 4 because we were aiming to see this
beautiful lake called Lake Hector. We missed it – our feet were
soaking. In the evening we had a brilliant meal – loads of veg and
a mince, onions and red wine dish as well. We drank the red and white
wine then started on the beers. The girl in charge of the place said
we couldn’t drink the whiskey. What we did was sneak the coke into
the lemonade bottles. We started a sing song with guitars – the
nationalities in the place were Welsh, English, Australian, German,
French, Swiss, Japanese, Italian, Dutch and Canadian. It was such a
laugh jumping on the seats etc. The funniest thing was at eleven
O’clock the woman in charge of the place imposed a curfew so we all
had to go to bed – to the sound of Hi – Ho. We never went to bed
but went to the VW combi to continue the sing song. After I went to
bed the boys saw the northern lights. I missed them. We are now
making breakfast, Eggs, bacon, sausages, the biz. - Everyone is so
friendly here it is great. Washing in the stream is freezing.
Hopefully we will get to the ice fields today.
2.30 On the way
to the ice fields, seeing some of the most breathtaking scenery of
mountains and valleys I have ever seen or am likely to see. I have
been snapping photo’s like a Japanese tourist. The road is twisting
around and all 7 of us agree that we are so glad we never attempted
the drive in the snow – it’s absolutely beautiful – there is a
definite snow line on all of the mountains.
4pm Just been
walking and slipping over on the Athabasca glacier – the crevices
were so deep and blue. Again I took loads of photo’s – one of me
skidding down on my bum. We hiked up onto the ice and went for about
500 yards up to it. If it was snowing we couldn’t have done it. The
VW took about an hour to start this morning. We pushed it, used leads
and then had a tug. It took us ok to here but now won’t start
again. Aiming for Jasper tonight, then onto Vancouver. I am really
glad I met up with these boys as I never would have had the
opportunity on my own.
Monday 19th
September
The VW would not start
so I resigned myself to a night in it. All 7 of us curled together in
sleeping bags – instead we attached a tow rope and got a tow to
Athabasca falls youth hostel. We thought it was closed, but couldn’t
believe our luck when we were told not only was it open but there was
a party going on with free food and booze. It was great with a disco
inside and a roaring fire outside. The weather is wet and really
cold. Plans for today is to get towed to Jasper and then catch the
train to Vancouver and then get a cheap ticket to Oz. Reading a
brilliant book Rage by Wilbur Smith.
Tuesday 20th
September 10 am
On the train to
Vancouver – I am absolutely shattered as I have been on this thing
since 8 pm last night with very little sleep. Yesterday was a bit of
a drag as the van wouldn’t work so we had it towed to Jasper and
then it was in the garage all day. We did laundry, had a shower then
went to the pub for happy hour. At first there were to be 4 of us on
the train – Richard, Beatrice and Dominique but they decided to
stay. I really wanted to be on the move again. The last couple of
days were brilliant, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world –
especially climbing on the glacier and getting stuck at Mosquito
Creek – those photo’s will be brilliant. I got my ticket for $40
instead of $60 as I said I was a student again and showed my Maine
state ID card. The Olympics are on day 4 today – it is funny I
looked forward to them for ages, even considered seriously going to
Seoul and then when I was in the Rockies I took no interest in them
whatsoever.
Again I don’t know
what I am going to do when I get to Vancouver. First thing will
definitely be food as I am starving and then I will leave my gear in
the station and get to the University and get a look at their travel
board. I will have to get a paper and find any cheap flights.
Accommodation could be Tom Barber – if I give him a ring or more
likely the youth hostel.
7pm The University was
useless so I went to a few travel agencies. They were all quoting
$1221 with a 14 day waiting list. I was then able to get a flight
this Friday for $1112 which I was fairly pleased with until I phoned
up this Chinese place in the middle of Chinatown which was a fairly
dodgy area – I have been able to get a flight for $948 leaving
Saturday at 3.50pm arriving after about 15 hours in Hong Kong and
leaving for Sydney at 10.20pm arriving at 8.55am – it will be hell
of a journey but it will be great to get to Oz – I am fairly
concerned that if I get stopped I haven’t got a return ticket and
I am very short of cash entering the country. I will change my
travellers’ cheques tomorrow and get the ticket; I will then phone
Jacko and tell him when I get in.
Wednesday 21st
September
Left the Hostel at 10
and bumped into the French girls Beatrice and Dominique who were just
getting into Vancouver - that was really good news as I have got
company for the next 2 days . I picked up my plane ticket and then
wandered around Chinatown and then Gas Town. Gas Town was very
impressive – we then went to Canada Place. I phoned Jacko and he
said that he would be at the airport to meet me which is really good
of him. I hope there are no delays. On the way back to the hostel I
saw a rugby game taking place Vancouver Rowing Club v UBC old boys
and got invited over for a beer within a minute. I posted a post card
to Tina.
Vancouver Island
Friday 23rd September
At breakfast yesterday
I saw Richard who had just got into the hostel from the Rockies. By
the sound of it the VW van had broken down terminally The four of us
got on a bus to Vancouver and then out to the ferry. We had 20
minutes to kill so we went for a burger and missed the bus. With the
girls hitching was easy. The ferry ride was really good – passing
all the Islands, we hitched into Victoria before dossing around
before going for a meal. Richard went back and we found the youth
hostel, there was no one on the desk so I sneaked in for free. I
phoned Tom Barbour who said it was ok to crash at his place tonight.
– that is brilliant as I can go from his place to the airport. I
really can’t wait to get to Oz now. I am not looking forward to the
length of time in the air as it will be hell – I am also not
looking forward to getting to customs. I will be very relieved when I
get through. Jacko will probably want to go out for a beer or two but
I will be shattered - begging for kip. Weatherwise it is rotten –
Drizzle and health wise I have got a cold sore that I can’t get rid
of and a heavy cold coming on – I will hit the beaches in a couple
of days
Entry
23-9-88 Well Bernie we had a great night tonight!! You got so drunk
at the Queen’s cross you passed out at the table!! Then back at
Tom’s house you showed us your Flintstone’s boxer shorts and
passed out on the couch. You had offers of gorgeous Canadian girls to
use their bodies as you wished but you were asleep
!! So we went
home and nothing happened. Oh well Goodbye Canada and all those who
sleep here.
PS
Pizza was great – yummy. Love + best of luck Tom, Louise Denise
24-9-88
Planet earth Destination Vancouver – Hong Kong – Australia !!
Their
speaking a language I can’t understand. God help me. I don’t care
if they call me a Pommy Bastard – just speak my language!!
On the plane now –
really boring travelling on your own. I love take offs and landings
but 13 hours in between. Yesterday watched the 100 metres when Ben
Johnson beat Carl Lewis- brilliant race. Lynford Christie came third.
Mega beers after so I am again on a plane with a hangover, I will see
my luggage again in Sydney hopefully. At Hong Kong I have to go
through customs and check in for my flight, which means I will get a
Hong Kong stamp in my passport. I am really tired and bored but find
it impossible to sleep on a plane. Typically – I only saw two films
in the States and “Big” is the in flight film – seen it.
On the second plane now
to Sydney. When at Hong Kong I phoned home to tell them I was on the
move. I had my photo taken next to a Welcome to Hong Kong sign –
plane is delayed about an hour. Trying to knock out some zzzzzz’s
but finding it very difficult? I am quite worried about getting
through customs
Sydney Monday 26th
September
Another city, another
continent. I did not enjoy the plane journey at all as it was too
long – also my cold got worse and worse as the trip went on. I
could not believe what happened near landing. I blew my nose and it
started pouring with blood. Waiting for my bags took ages and again
my nose started pouring with blood. Jacko was at the airport. I was
an hour late. I couldn’t have been good company as I was shattered
– we went to Coogee beach and I swam for the first time in the
Pacific – it’s as cold as the Atlantic. We had a few beers and
watched the Olympics. A silver for a Cardiff boy Colin Jackson in the
hurdles. The weather in Sydney is superb. It got dark at 6. For a
laugh me and Jacko phoned Gunnersbury and spoke to Bob Williams –
it was about ½ 9-10 on a Monday morning in school – we shouted
down the phone that we had been to the beach all day. I phoned Liz
Rogers and I will go out for a drink with her tomorrow. I don’t
think I appreciate the fact that I am in Australia yet. I feel really
rough – both tired and my cold is now on my chest - still summer is
just around the corner again – ha
Monday 28th
September
A very enjoyable couple
of days, although my cold has got really bad. Yesterday I bought a
paper and the headlines screamed out that Ben Johnson’s gold was
void as he failed the drugs test – anabolic steroids. I just sat
down and said WHAT – couldn’t believe it. He is now back in
Canada – disgraced and banned for the rest of his life. Today I hit
Bondi beach – the water was great. I had a letter off Nolesy and
then went to the job centre. Me and Jacko were in stitches when we
saw this job being advertised for Santa Claus. I had a go for it but
I don’t think I will get the job as they seemed keen on someone
else. It was in Bondi junction – so I had to hit the beach
all afternoon. I wrote an aerogramme to Nolesy, went for a swim and
did some reading. I spent yesterday in town. Still no idea on my GCSE
results although Rourkey said they were all right according to Jacko.
I am really keen to find out now if that’s the case. I will give
Jacko hell if they are just one grade better than his. Out for a beer
in town tonight.
Saturday 1st
October 10am
Looking forward to
today. I am working in the Sydney opera house this evening.
Wednesday 5th
October 11.15pm
Probably my last entry
as I have filled my first book. Last few days have been all rush and
thankfully all work. Today is Catherine’s birthday and I managed to
get a call through to her, which I was really pleased about. Mail
wise has been a real bumper day – my degree and post grad
certificates came through with a lovely long letter from mum and dad.
Also were two letters from Heather – one was 4th August
and the other was 11th August – saying you will soon be
going to Canada. I also had a letter from Jacko sent to the USA.
Still haven’t got my results though. – enclosed in the mail was a
football echo. We are now in the Coogee youth hostel where we will
probably stay till the 15th when we will move to a place
on Maroubra beach – unfortunately sharing a room though. Monday was
a bank holiday and we had a really good time at Randwick races. Jacko
had the Midas touch – everything he backed came in - I typically
wasn’t so lucky. The evening wasn’t so pleasant with Jacko and
his brother Jim having a mega row so we moved out on Tuesday morning.
We went to this hostel which was the wrong place. After work
yesterday I went to the green room at the Sydney Opera house for a
few drinks and got invited to a party. I got home about 3am and there
were no beds – I had to sleep on the floor. I played hell with the
woman this morning but didn’t get my money back. Jacko is the
definitive winging Pom. Every third sentence is “God it is hot”
to be fair it is warm but it is what I expected and what I came over
for although I am apprehensive about Queensland in January – the
heat will be unbelievable. I was pleased to hear from Catherine this
morning that in Cardiff it was cold and raining - Ha – puts it into
perspective. There is a moth outbreak in Sydney. The buggers are
everywhere – but, give me moths over mozzies any day as moths only
eat your clothes. The people at the opera house are a good laugh but
there are too many poofs to be comfortable.
Australia... August 1989
Surfers
....as well, so if anything ever goes wrong with the car again we will simply get the honey out. I phoned Kevin last night because it was his birthday - I caught him home because it was his holidays - It's teachers like Kevin I hope to rope into my T Shirt selling scheme in the cesspot places of Europe. Benidorm, Cappella, Magaluf etc. We went for a pizza last night then a couple of quiet beers before hitting the sack at 1/2 10. Pat was funny as he had the top bunk, it was the most unsteady bed in the world.
My plan of attack for today is to go to Surfers and have half hour in the sea on the bookie boards - then head for Brisbane. We will pick up the Irish girls and we need to get a roof rack. In the pub I want to watch live coverage of NZ v Australia - the All Blacks will simply murder them. I suppose it would be nice to see an upset, but I can't honestly see it. After that it is all consensus. I don't really want to stay in Brisbane as I have been there for 3 weekends already, but we will see what every one else wants. I did 50 sit ups this morning. I have got to make some attempt.
11.40 Running about half hour late - never mind. A very cloudy day but when we went in the sea it was gorgeous. Paula wouldn't go in - me and Mackers steamed in - it was very rough = Mackers only caught one good wave - I caught about 5 - love it, I can't get enough of the sea + can't wait to hit the reef. As we were about to leave someone shouted "Bernie" - I looked over and recognised Paul Ennis from camp last year. He is living in Brisbane and has changed his name to Paul Matthews . Great to see him - a pity really that we only had a few minutes to chat. It would have been nice to have had a beer. If you stop to think about it it's unbelievable but it happens all the time - Yosser, Nicky Lia in Brisbane, JT in Sydney Welsh. Last night I got a "I support Greenpeace" sticker which is now on the car. Pat reckons that 's a bit rich when driving a V8 that uses half the world's daily output of petrol.
Surfers
....as well, so if anything ever goes wrong with the car again we will simply get the honey out. I phoned Kevin last night because it was his birthday - I caught him home because it was his holidays - It's teachers like Kevin I hope to rope into my T Shirt selling scheme in the cesspot places of Europe. Benidorm, Cappella, Magaluf etc. We went for a pizza last night then a couple of quiet beers before hitting the sack at 1/2 10. Pat was funny as he had the top bunk, it was the most unsteady bed in the world.
My plan of attack for today is to go to Surfers and have half hour in the sea on the bookie boards - then head for Brisbane. We will pick up the Irish girls and we need to get a roof rack. In the pub I want to watch live coverage of NZ v Australia - the All Blacks will simply murder them. I suppose it would be nice to see an upset, but I can't honestly see it. After that it is all consensus. I don't really want to stay in Brisbane as I have been there for 3 weekends already, but we will see what every one else wants. I did 50 sit ups this morning. I have got to make some attempt.
11.40 Running about half hour late - never mind. A very cloudy day but when we went in the sea it was gorgeous. Paula wouldn't go in - me and Mackers steamed in - it was very rough = Mackers only caught one good wave - I caught about 5 - love it, I can't get enough of the sea + can't wait to hit the reef. As we were about to leave someone shouted "Bernie" - I looked over and recognised Paul Ennis from camp last year. He is living in Brisbane and has changed his name to Paul Matthews . Great to see him - a pity really that we only had a few minutes to chat. It would have been nice to have had a beer. If you stop to think about it it's unbelievable but it happens all the time - Yosser, Nicky Lia in Brisbane, JT in Sydney Welsh. Last night I got a "I support Greenpeace" sticker which is now on the car. Pat reckons that 's a bit rich when driving a V8 that uses half the world's daily output of petrol.
Sunday
6th August Noosa Heads
11 O'Clock start - I hoped to be off at 9 but we had to wake all the girls at the Downtown, then shave and shower and had a big breakfast. Abut of a dispute where to go today Frazier ISlanad v Rockhampaton with the latter winning. R is about 6hours worth so we hope to drive for about 3hours then hit the beach + then off again. A photo of the Tropic of Capricorn wIll be worth keeping. The weather is boiling.
Last night we arrived in Noosa about 7. We all went to the local pub. It was fairly dead so we went next door to where a Band was playing. The people we are travelling now are Bernie, Orla,Loraine and Caroline. Bernie was a riot last night selling arsehole t shirts. She sold 2. Me and Pat kipped in the car, fairly uncomfortable really as believe it or not it's not big enough to stretch out in. It will hopefully be a tent tonight. One of the things we keep swing is Big things. Big banana, Big pineapple, Big pineapple and we saw a sign for the Big fish. Pat loves it and is all in for missing the barrier reef to take pictures of Big things. Woke up this morning to see 5 pelicans - a bit different fRom London, Cardiff and Swansea.
11.30 - just passed the Big strawberry - getting loads of postcards.
11 O'Clock start - I hoped to be off at 9 but we had to wake all the girls at the Downtown, then shave and shower and had a big breakfast. Abut of a dispute where to go today Frazier ISlanad v Rockhampaton with the latter winning. R is about 6hours worth so we hope to drive for about 3hours then hit the beach + then off again. A photo of the Tropic of Capricorn wIll be worth keeping. The weather is boiling.
Last night we arrived in Noosa about 7. We all went to the local pub. It was fairly dead so we went next door to where a Band was playing. The people we are travelling now are Bernie, Orla,Loraine and Caroline. Bernie was a riot last night selling arsehole t shirts. She sold 2. Me and Pat kipped in the car, fairly uncomfortable really as believe it or not it's not big enough to stretch out in. It will hopefully be a tent tonight. One of the things we keep swing is Big things. Big banana, Big pineapple, Big pineapple and we saw a sign for the Big fish. Pat loves it and is all in for missing the barrier reef to take pictures of Big things. Woke up this morning to see 5 pelicans - a bit different fRom London, Cardiff and Swansea.
11.30 - just passed the Big strawberry - getting loads of postcards.
Tuesday
7th August 8.30 am from My Larcombe to Yeppoon
An early start after a very eventful day yesterday . Our first disaster was our choice of beach Bargara - very impressive + miles or should I say K's from the Bruce Highway. We had food and drink - sandwiches again and then went off heading for Rockhampaton. Our next disaster was we ran out of petrol again. Pat walked to the garage with a can. The girls welcomed the chance to smoke. We trbundled until we had our major disaster of the day. Orla was driving and all of a sudden it became very bumpy. We pulled over and there was smoke everywhere - it smelt like a hot water bottle. The tyre had blown and it was in tatters. Quite frightening to look at. We took some photo's but my camera never worked. I hope it is just the batteries. I have only had it a week. Pat jacked it up, the girls smoked and I had a look at the spare tyre - it looks dreadful. We need to get two brand new tyres - I think they cost about $300 so we will get a brand new one and use the dodgy one as a spare again. Pat jacked up the car, but couldn't get it down so the girls flagged down a car and they helped us out. On we went intending to stop at the next petrol station but it was closed we were running low on juice so we stopped at this pub which was closed. Me and Orla went in to see the best place to go - this bloke who looked like IGOR came to the door and this big Aborigine behind him, I was all in for going but dopey Orla asked for some bread and milk. We then drove around and I found some open space. Caroline and Bernie went to ask for permission to camp. The funniest thing of the night was they were both petrified of all the dogs. Caroline was about 10 yards behind Bernie. If a dog barked, Bernie would twitch, Caroline would run, hotly persued by Bernie. This happened twice, we were in tears laughing - in the safety of the car. We were shown a place to camp by an irate copper who said we were disturbing the neighbourhood. It wasn't us - it was the dogs. We eventually set up camp in the show ground. It was a freezing night but I was fine in my sleeping bag Everybody else suffered from the cold. My tent was brilliant because of the fly sheet - it kept out the heavy dew.
10.30 ROCKHAMPATON - Yeppoon. We got our new tyre - it cost $80 while they were fitting it I nipped over to the garage for a shower. A bargain for free. The girls are staying in Yeppoon backpackers. I will be sleeping in the tent most probably.We intend to go to Great Keppel Island tomorrow- hopefully sell some shirts
5:30. Yeppoon backpackers - the best backpackers me and Pat has ever sneaked into. Disaster follows disaster. I have lost my St. Georges card so I had to phone Sydney to order another one. Fax and a letter - I will pick it up at Eirlie beach. I wrote a post card to mum and dad and I am writing one to Caroline. I posted a wedding card to Peter and Marie. This afternoon we went to the beach - boiling. I went in the sea to try out my new snorkel and mask. I also went for a run. Really hard work. Quite a good laugh throwing a boomerang with a nutcase of a dog chasing it.
An early start after a very eventful day yesterday . Our first disaster was our choice of beach Bargara - very impressive + miles or should I say K's from the Bruce Highway. We had food and drink - sandwiches again and then went off heading for Rockhampaton. Our next disaster was we ran out of petrol again. Pat walked to the garage with a can. The girls welcomed the chance to smoke. We trbundled until we had our major disaster of the day. Orla was driving and all of a sudden it became very bumpy. We pulled over and there was smoke everywhere - it smelt like a hot water bottle. The tyre had blown and it was in tatters. Quite frightening to look at. We took some photo's but my camera never worked. I hope it is just the batteries. I have only had it a week. Pat jacked it up, the girls smoked and I had a look at the spare tyre - it looks dreadful. We need to get two brand new tyres - I think they cost about $300 so we will get a brand new one and use the dodgy one as a spare again. Pat jacked up the car, but couldn't get it down so the girls flagged down a car and they helped us out. On we went intending to stop at the next petrol station but it was closed we were running low on juice so we stopped at this pub which was closed. Me and Orla went in to see the best place to go - this bloke who looked like IGOR came to the door and this big Aborigine behind him, I was all in for going but dopey Orla asked for some bread and milk. We then drove around and I found some open space. Caroline and Bernie went to ask for permission to camp. The funniest thing of the night was they were both petrified of all the dogs. Caroline was about 10 yards behind Bernie. If a dog barked, Bernie would twitch, Caroline would run, hotly persued by Bernie. This happened twice, we were in tears laughing - in the safety of the car. We were shown a place to camp by an irate copper who said we were disturbing the neighbourhood. It wasn't us - it was the dogs. We eventually set up camp in the show ground. It was a freezing night but I was fine in my sleeping bag Everybody else suffered from the cold. My tent was brilliant because of the fly sheet - it kept out the heavy dew.
10.30 ROCKHAMPATON - Yeppoon. We got our new tyre - it cost $80 while they were fitting it I nipped over to the garage for a shower. A bargain for free. The girls are staying in Yeppoon backpackers. I will be sleeping in the tent most probably.We intend to go to Great Keppel Island tomorrow- hopefully sell some shirts
5:30. Yeppoon backpackers - the best backpackers me and Pat has ever sneaked into. Disaster follows disaster. I have lost my St. Georges card so I had to phone Sydney to order another one. Fax and a letter - I will pick it up at Eirlie beach. I wrote a post card to mum and dad and I am writing one to Caroline. I posted a wedding card to Peter and Marie. This afternoon we went to the beach - boiling. I went in the sea to try out my new snorkel and mask. I also went for a run. Really hard work. Quite a good laugh throwing a boomerang with a nutcase of a dog chasing it.
Tuesday
8th August 3pm Great Keppel Island
Upat 7 showered and breakfast in time to get a boat to take us to the Island.The boat trip blasted about 2 hours - we stopped off at a beach playing this egg chucking game. The best crack was boom riding - a net over the side of the boat which was in the sea. Every one kept moving along and we all had a go of being supported by a singlerope being dragged along _brilliant laugh. We visited an underwater observatory and saw some reef and some fish. Unfortunately thaw sea was too choppy to go snorkeling which I was keen to do. We area staying on the Island till half 3 and then back to the mainland. God knows where we will end up today. Ian afraid to say I had a roasting yesterday off Bernie for being too dictatorial in where we are going. She has a points buts we have got less time than them because Paula has only got 3 weeks leftand I don't want anything stopping us going on the barrier reef course. Me and Pat had a good laugh by going in this boiling Jacuzzi but we got chucked out by this irate bloke.
Upat 7 showered and breakfast in time to get a boat to take us to the Island.The boat trip blasted about 2 hours - we stopped off at a beach playing this egg chucking game. The best crack was boom riding - a net over the side of the boat which was in the sea. Every one kept moving along and we all had a go of being supported by a singlerope being dragged along _brilliant laugh. We visited an underwater observatory and saw some reef and some fish. Unfortunately thaw sea was too choppy to go snorkeling which I was keen to do. We area staying on the Island till half 3 and then back to the mainland. God knows where we will end up today. Ian afraid to say I had a roasting yesterday off Bernie for being too dictatorial in where we are going. She has a points buts we have got less time than them because Paula has only got 3 weeks leftand I don't want anything stopping us going on the barrier reef course. Me and Pat had a good laugh by going in this boiling Jacuzzi but we got chucked out by this irate bloke.
Wednesday
9th August Mackay
Up very early and booked into what looks like a brilliant hostel for only $5. Lots to do here on first impression although it Lois like if you are not careful you could pay quite a bit. Last naiaght we camped in a field. Petrol was running low so we cut our losses and had a fee kip in the tent. On the way up. we had a massive scare. Markers screamed out 'Kangaroo'. This roo was on the other side of the road. He was massive -about 6 foot. As we approached he just stood there and started running towards us.. I thought we would give it a glancing blow with the side of the car, but thankfully we missed it. It would have caused loads of damage to the car. Pat also had to slow down as a bingo was on the road as well. We saw another this morning. Most of the wildlife is splattered over the side of the road. This afternoon I am in a tennis competition hopefully.
Up very early and booked into what looks like a brilliant hostel for only $5. Lots to do here on first impression although it Lois like if you are not careful you could pay quite a bit. Last naiaght we camped in a field. Petrol was running low so we cut our losses and had a fee kip in the tent. On the way up. we had a massive scare. Markers screamed out 'Kangaroo'. This roo was on the other side of the road. He was massive -about 6 foot. As we approached he just stood there and started running towards us.. I thought we would give it a glancing blow with the side of the car, but thankfully we missed it. It would have caused loads of damage to the car. Pat also had to slow down as a bingo was on the road as well. We saw another this morning. Most of the wildlife is splattered over the side of the road. This afternoon I am in a tennis competition hopefully.
Thursday
10th August KoHuna backpackers Mackay 9:10
Up fairly early because of the noise in the bunkhouse. Thankfully the wind seems to have dropped which has spoiled the sea over the last couple of days. The place here is idyllic but last night in the bar was solo dead. There was carpet bowls taking place - full of the wrinkles. Me Pat and Paula were drinking and were joined by Orla and Caroline. It only livened up when this really drunk Aussie blome joined us and me and Pat tore him to shreds - we welcomed his views on Aborigines, Unions, Poms etc - he was more right wing than Thatcher. Today hopefully should be a good crack. We are going horseriding. $25 - money is a bit of an embarrassment at the moment . I have got enough, if you ever have enough but it is in the building Soc and I can't get it out until I get to Airline beach, so I am Barry the borrower at the moment. T Shirt sales are very low because everybody is on a budget - it would be handy pocket money if I could get rid of a few. Markers reckons he has been sparked. My lions shirts make me a lustful, he puts some money into cotton and we can't give them away.
1PM A fun filled morning - basketball, archery and a swim. The girls made a great Becky to give us energy for the horses this afternoon. Hopefully they will put me with Ed the talking horse rather than Nijinsky having a grand national flashback.
8pm. We are all about to go on the town to Mackay this evening because the girls know an Irish girl who lives here and the place was dead last night. Today the horseriding was brilliant - the second time I have been and I even got into a gallop a few times on the each. My horses was called Maggie believe it or not. I called it HFAR. Pat had never ridden before so he was very nervous. We split up into groups - most of us went into the middle group. Paula had a fall and hurt her hip, but it was on sand so it shouldn't be that bad. The funniest thing of the day was our horses had been walking and "Brumby Bob" gave Pat's horse a whack on th arse so it started centering. The look on Pat's face ! He started screaming " He has gone mad." I was giggling like a pixie until "Brumby Bob" smacked my horse and off he went. Galloping was brilliant but I was scared stiff throughout. We also went through the "crocodile path" Knee high in swamp, the bottom of my jeans got soaked. At the end we went for tea and damper - Bread and treacle. A really good crack. Tomorrow we may go into the rainforest then hitting Airlie beach for the evening and hopefully I can get to the post office for my new bank card and I can pay all my debts. I sent cards today to Lucy, Hungry and Nan Manly
Up fairly early because of the noise in the bunkhouse. Thankfully the wind seems to have dropped which has spoiled the sea over the last couple of days. The place here is idyllic but last night in the bar was solo dead. There was carpet bowls taking place - full of the wrinkles. Me Pat and Paula were drinking and were joined by Orla and Caroline. It only livened up when this really drunk Aussie blome joined us and me and Pat tore him to shreds - we welcomed his views on Aborigines, Unions, Poms etc - he was more right wing than Thatcher. Today hopefully should be a good crack. We are going horseriding. $25 - money is a bit of an embarrassment at the moment . I have got enough, if you ever have enough but it is in the building Soc and I can't get it out until I get to Airline beach, so I am Barry the borrower at the moment. T Shirt sales are very low because everybody is on a budget - it would be handy pocket money if I could get rid of a few. Markers reckons he has been sparked. My lions shirts make me a lustful, he puts some money into cotton and we can't give them away.
1PM A fun filled morning - basketball, archery and a swim. The girls made a great Becky to give us energy for the horses this afternoon. Hopefully they will put me with Ed the talking horse rather than Nijinsky having a grand national flashback.
8pm. We are all about to go on the town to Mackay this evening because the girls know an Irish girl who lives here and the place was dead last night. Today the horseriding was brilliant - the second time I have been and I even got into a gallop a few times on the each. My horses was called Maggie believe it or not. I called it HFAR. Pat had never ridden before so he was very nervous. We split up into groups - most of us went into the middle group. Paula had a fall and hurt her hip, but it was on sand so it shouldn't be that bad. The funniest thing of the day was our horses had been walking and "Brumby Bob" gave Pat's horse a whack on th arse so it started centering. The look on Pat's face ! He started screaming " He has gone mad." I was giggling like a pixie until "Brumby Bob" smacked my horse and off he went. Galloping was brilliant but I was scared stiff throughout. We also went through the "crocodile path" Knee high in swamp, the bottom of my jeans got soaked. At the end we went for tea and damper - Bread and treacle. A really good crack. Tomorrow we may go into the rainforest then hitting Airlie beach for the evening and hopefully I can get to the post office for my new bank card and I can pay all my debts. I sent cards today to Lucy, Hungry and Nan Manly
Friday
11th August EUNGALA NATIONAL PARK
We are just about to drive down the really steep Rd. The Eungala national park is a huge tropical rainforest - the road was recently damaged in a cyclone, so we could only get up driving certain times of the day. Paula was driving like Mad Max = CFAR really had it's suspension tested. We looked for platypus but unfortunately didn't see any. Beautiful scenery. Palms everywhere and the sounds of Cockatoo's and Kookabara everywhere (too many everywhere's in a sentence) We went to a lookout point with a great view of the valley and had a bit of a picnic. We all dived into the car and couldn't get it started, my heart was in my mouth for about 20 minutes. but this old boy gave us a hand and something to do with the starter was out - it must have been all the bumping when Mad Max was driving.
We are just about to drive down the really steep Rd. The Eungala national park is a huge tropical rainforest - the road was recently damaged in a cyclone, so we could only get up driving certain times of the day. Paula was driving like Mad Max = CFAR really had it's suspension tested. We looked for platypus but unfortunately didn't see any. Beautiful scenery. Palms everywhere and the sounds of Cockatoo's and Kookabara everywhere (too many everywhere's in a sentence) We went to a lookout point with a great view of the valley and had a bit of a picnic. We all dived into the car and couldn't get it started, my heart was in my mouth for about 20 minutes. but this old boy gave us a hand and something to do with the starter was out - it must have been all the bumping when Mad Max was driving.
Saturday
12th August - Peter and Marie's wedding
A lazy day, - Me and Pat have booked out of the hostel - I am not that impressed with it so we will be Kipping in the car tonight I am all organised for the wedding party on the beach. We have got 2 bottles of Most and some other grog. I have ordered a wedding cake with Peter and Marie on it and we have some confetti. I will phone later and also try and phone Marie. My disaster with the bank card continues. The post office is closed till Monday. I now owe Paula $145 and Pat $140. We have booked to go on a sailing trip tomorrow.
A lazy day, - Me and Pat have booked out of the hostel - I am not that impressed with it so we will be Kipping in the car tonight I am all organised for the wedding party on the beach. We have got 2 bottles of Most and some other grog. I have ordered a wedding cake with Peter and Marie on it and we have some confetti. I will phone later and also try and phone Marie. My disaster with the bank card continues. The post office is closed till Monday. I now owe Paula $145 and Pat $140. We have booked to go on a sailing trip tomorrow.
Wednesday
16th August - Airline beach 9am
Loads to catch up on because we spent 2 days on the Whitsunday Islands and I didn't take the diary. I have just spent the night in the car
Saturday was brilliant - all 7 of us went over the beach and also a Scots girl and a few Irish lads from the hostel. The cake was really sickly. We drank all the champagne threw around confetti and took loads of photo's but my camera got stuck which I was annoyed with. We had a whip and got another box of wine in. I phoned Peter and woke him up and I also phoned Marie and she was in the hairdressers so I phoned her later. Cath was around mums house so I had a long chat to her. IT was the girls turn to cook so we had a big spag bol - we then went to the Irish boys roomfor a sing song and a chat. A really good evenings loads of drinking and on TV England were getting slaughtered in cricket. The party broke up by watching Black adder. From the hostel we went to a pub called the Hogs breath. Then onto a party. Pat was quite funny, after a week trying to get him to do his Belfast accent he started and we couldn't shut him up. The party went on to the early morning.
Loads to catch up on because we spent 2 days on the Whitsunday Islands and I didn't take the diary. I have just spent the night in the car
Saturday was brilliant - all 7 of us went over the beach and also a Scots girl and a few Irish lads from the hostel. The cake was really sickly. We drank all the champagne threw around confetti and took loads of photo's but my camera got stuck which I was annoyed with. We had a whip and got another box of wine in. I phoned Peter and woke him up and I also phoned Marie and she was in the hairdressers so I phoned her later. Cath was around mums house so I had a long chat to her. IT was the girls turn to cook so we had a big spag bol - we then went to the Irish boys roomfor a sing song and a chat. A really good evenings loads of drinking and on TV England were getting slaughtered in cricket. The party broke up by watching Black adder. From the hostel we went to a pub called the Hogs breath. Then onto a party. Pat was quite funny, after a week trying to get him to do his Belfast accent he started and we couldn't shut him up. The party went on to the early morning.
Sunday
saw a very hungover party of 7 of us in Cfar to get to Shute harbour
-we were about half hour late. We loaded sour gear onto a beautiful
yacht called NARI - we were given a pineapple drink which went down
the wrong way. It must have been the worst boat trip I have ever
been on. Pat told the hangover joke about the bloke lying in bed -
his wife came over and said I have bad news, Fred is dead. The bloke
replied "The lucky bastard". I was so I'll I was throwing
Udall the way over and eventually I was heaving and nothing was
coming up. I was at thew most beautiful place in the worlds and I
was dying.They all went snorkeling and I went for a sleep in the
shade for a sleep. I couldn't face the smorgasbord salad but I
recovered a bit and went for a Short snorkel. The coral is so
gorgeous - just wetting my appetite for the diving course. We all
went to a secluded beach called Joe's beach on Whitsunday Island. We
set up our tents and cooked ourselves a spud supper. I was in charge
of the fire. Just call me pyro. The tent was a bit of a squeeze - 4
of us in ours and 3 in the other one.
Monday
was a very lazy day on the Island. Spent most of the day reading
Howard Jacobson's In the land of Oz - I went snorkelling - brilliant
saw Boy George fish and Shirley Bassey fish. I have yet to see
Mackers Tartan fish. The coral was gorgeous. Food was fairly scarce
- just sandwiches all day. We had a cracking fire in the evening and
drank a case of beer. How I could even think of that after dying the
day before I will never know. Ray wasn't in my good books. He
brought some more people to the beach, even though he knew we wanted
it for ourselves.
Tuesday. Went for a snorkel early in the morning but it
wasn't good as the tide was in and you couldn't see the coral as it
was too deep. It was a really cloudy day, we all sat around waiting
for the NARI to appear. We were greeted by a crunchy and a can of
coke and the girls dived into their fags. The boat trip was
uneventful (thank god) sailing pastall theWhitsunday Islands. The
girls booked into the backpackers and me and Mackers went into the
car.
Wednesday.
Nightmare start. My new card was not in the Post Office so I phoned
Sydney and had a row with the woman. I can now go to any Metways
building society and get $ 500 advance until I get my card -now in
Cairns post office. I need the money desperately. I owe Pat $200 and
Paula $140. I also have to pay for my diving course. Everybody says
bad things about the course in Cairns because they are so
overcrowded so we will probably do the course in Townsville. I met
Linda and Graham , so we spent all the day on the beach. Messed
around with the frisbee and did some serious tanning. They said they
met Nick and Mike and that they did the course in Townsville and
they loved it. We packed the car to head North but the girls changed
their mind and we stayed another night in Arlie Beach. Hit the Hogs
Breath pub again. Pat had the car, I had the tent , the girls had
moved it. Pat swapped an arsehole t shirt with this 40 year old
"madam".
Thursday
17 th August
Still in Arlie Beach.Wasted all morning really, while the girls were faffing around. We are leaving the girls in Bowen So we will have to get more people for the car - hopefully we will see some hitchhikers. The most important thing for me is to get to the building society andget some money. Weather is perfect.Good news is in Sydney it is really cloudy. World news is that unbelievably solidarity are about to take power in Poland. English cricketers are about to go to South Africa and also rugby boys may go as well.
Half 5. Lesson learned. Don't lose your cashcard when you are on the move. We stopped in Bowen for the girls to get out and Itook the opportunity to get $500 out of the building Society. It took me an hour and a half. I had the apprentice doing it I think. Igor back and all the girls gear was still on the roof. No accommodation for them in Bowen so they decided to rejoin us on the trip up to Townsville which we should hit tonight.
Still in Arlie Beach.Wasted all morning really, while the girls were faffing around. We are leaving the girls in Bowen So we will have to get more people for the car - hopefully we will see some hitchhikers. The most important thing for me is to get to the building society andget some money. Weather is perfect.Good news is in Sydney it is really cloudy. World news is that unbelievably solidarity are about to take power in Poland. English cricketers are about to go to South Africa and also rugby boys may go as well.
Half 5. Lesson learned. Don't lose your cashcard when you are on the move. We stopped in Bowen for the girls to get out and Itook the opportunity to get $500 out of the building Society. It took me an hour and a half. I had the apprentice doing it I think. Igor back and all the girls gear was still on the roof. No accommodation for them in Bowen so they decided to rejoin us on the trip up to Townsville which we should hit tonight.
hail
o great one
May the road never ride up _probably see you tomorrow -Lorraine
Zeig Neil. You would be far to tough to eat Ber! Lots of love - Orla
Lots of love 17/8/89 sloppy kisses Caroline xxx See you whenever !
Enjoyed all the sharking Bern....Catch you again on your travels Love Bernie. Thanks for everything.
May the road never ride up _probably see you tomorrow -Lorraine
Zeig Neil. You would be far to tough to eat Ber! Lots of love - Orla
Lots of love 17/8/89 sloppy kisses Caroline xxx See you whenever !
Enjoyed all the sharking Bern....Catch you again on your travels Love Bernie. Thanks for everything.
Our
t shirts haven't been selling well. Mackers reckons he has been
sharked. I will probably lip in the car again tonight. A bargain for
free. The nights have become really warm as we have travelled North.
One incident was a giggle in the car.Paula bought a jelly snake -
blue, green and red. I put it on Pat's shoulder. He screamed and
threw it on Orla's lap - she had a fit. Meanwhile the lights changed
and all the cars were backed up behind us.
Friday
19th August 10am Townsville
Well sharked last night. Everybody booked into the backpackers. Mackers couldn't take another night in the car so eve he went in. Decided to lip in the car. It so happened that there was a spare bed in Pat's rooms I settled in until this woman came in with someone else who had obviously paid for the bed. She said that there should only be 3 in here and then went out. I did a Houdini and quickly dressed and sneaked out, so I ended up in the car after all. Early on in the evening we all went for a meal. Me and Paula ended up in A Chinese. At the backpackers some bloke bought a Lions shirt so it paid for the meal - very nice.
On the agenda for today - we are going to look at a diving course. I am very keen to do it. It costs $325 for a five day course - 3 days in the pool and 2 days out on the barrier reef. What a crack that would be. I would have to go to the building Soc again and suffer all the palaver of getting my money out again. A pics of wisdom from the weirdo sharing the girls room. "Who is the more foolish the drunk or the man who talks to the drunk." Weather is perfect, writing Thais sitting around the pool.
1pm. Me Pat and Paula went to the dive shop and we can't get on tomorrow but we are in for Monday. Our teacher, believe it or not is Jake Taverner from Lady Mary - another one to add to the list. Paula is astonished, I am not the least bit surprised. I got $500 out of the building society to pay for the course. We have to get a medical and our plans will change again. We might as well go to Magnetic Island and Geoff's Place for the weekend, rather than hang around Townsville. After the course we can then go to Cairns via Mission Beach.
Well sharked last night. Everybody booked into the backpackers. Mackers couldn't take another night in the car so eve he went in. Decided to lip in the car. It so happened that there was a spare bed in Pat's rooms I settled in until this woman came in with someone else who had obviously paid for the bed. She said that there should only be 3 in here and then went out. I did a Houdini and quickly dressed and sneaked out, so I ended up in the car after all. Early on in the evening we all went for a meal. Me and Paula ended up in A Chinese. At the backpackers some bloke bought a Lions shirt so it paid for the meal - very nice.
On the agenda for today - we are going to look at a diving course. I am very keen to do it. It costs $325 for a five day course - 3 days in the pool and 2 days out on the barrier reef. What a crack that would be. I would have to go to the building Soc again and suffer all the palaver of getting my money out again. A pics of wisdom from the weirdo sharing the girls room. "Who is the more foolish the drunk or the man who talks to the drunk." Weather is perfect, writing Thais sitting around the pool.
1pm. Me Pat and Paula went to the dive shop and we can't get on tomorrow but we are in for Monday. Our teacher, believe it or not is Jake Taverner from Lady Mary - another one to add to the list. Paula is astonished, I am not the least bit surprised. I got $500 out of the building society to pay for the course. We have to get a medical and our plans will change again. We might as well go to Magnetic Island and Geoff's Place for the weekend, rather than hang around Townsville. After the course we can then go to Cairns via Mission Beach.
Sunday
21st August- Geoff's Place Magnetic Island
Things keep changing, yesterday morning Paula decided she couldn't afford (time wise) to do the diving course - we ddecided to postpone it. Me and Mackers will do it on the way back down south through Towns ville. Mackers has got to be able to equalise his ears anyway. We went in a and talked to all the lackeys and then the Head Honcho himself Mike Ball. He wouldn't give us our money back which we wanted, but we compramised on Pauala getting hers and me and Mackers holding a standbye. - There is no possible way that I won't scuba dive the Barrier Reef - I have never been so determined t do anything so much in my life. Yesterday was another wasted day. Me and Jackets, bored by the pool chucking each others clothes in. Very mature.
We had some grub and then to a very to Magnetic island. We told the girls to take off their watches because of the magnetic field. They half believed us but little bit gullible - Lorraine when the captain announced it over the tannoy. ( we had had a worqd with him) She put away her watch. Bernie was in two minds as well. We got the courtesy bus to Geoff's Place which seems OK. Last night we hit the bar and I sold a t shirt to a Welsh bloke from Bridgend. We are camping for a few days. Our plan of attack is to stay here for a little while and then on to Mission beach and do white water rafting and then onto Cairns. The girls, I think intend on travelling up with us - will we ever get rid of them!!!. In the bar last night I got stick off Paula for semi semi ripping into this bloke. God, if I would have really got stuck in with Mackers and Jacko we would have crucified him. He was public school educated - Welington - he told me it was one of the top public schools. I well impressed, also Cambridge followed by TA stint in Sandhurst including two tours of Northern Ireland as a little boy soldier when we has 20 + 21. Also his travels included visits to the much maligned republic
Things keep changing, yesterday morning Paula decided she couldn't afford (time wise) to do the diving course - we ddecided to postpone it. Me and Mackers will do it on the way back down south through Towns ville. Mackers has got to be able to equalise his ears anyway. We went in a and talked to all the lackeys and then the Head Honcho himself Mike Ball. He wouldn't give us our money back which we wanted, but we compramised on Pauala getting hers and me and Mackers holding a standbye. - There is no possible way that I won't scuba dive the Barrier Reef - I have never been so determined t do anything so much in my life. Yesterday was another wasted day. Me and Jackets, bored by the pool chucking each others clothes in. Very mature.
We had some grub and then to a very to Magnetic island. We told the girls to take off their watches because of the magnetic field. They half believed us but little bit gullible - Lorraine when the captain announced it over the tannoy. ( we had had a worqd with him) She put away her watch. Bernie was in two minds as well. We got the courtesy bus to Geoff's Place which seems OK. Last night we hit the bar and I sold a t shirt to a Welsh bloke from Bridgend. We are camping for a few days. Our plan of attack is to stay here for a little while and then on to Mission beach and do white water rafting and then onto Cairns. The girls, I think intend on travelling up with us - will we ever get rid of them!!!. In the bar last night I got stick off Paula for semi semi ripping into this bloke. God, if I would have really got stuck in with Mackers and Jacko we would have crucified him. He was public school educated - Welington - he told me it was one of the top public schools. I well impressed, also Cambridge followed by TA stint in Sandhurst including two tours of Northern Ireland as a little boy soldier when we has 20 + 21. Also his travels included visits to the much maligned republic
Monday
21st August Geoff's Place. Magnetic Island
Up at 9 to give the keys in and get my $5 deposit even though we have every intention of staying tonight. Yesterday we hired mikes and went to this beach. After a huge hike we went to this fantastic beach, it was gorgeous.. I had a bit of a snorkel and practised equalizing. I saw this huge skate or stingray or something lying on the bottom.It was huge.
In London there was another tragedy. A disco boat on the Thames sank killing 30. In the evening we went to the bar at Geoff's place. I sold another t shirt so it was basically a free night. If I sold one a night I would be well happy. The highlight of the night was a really los girl Michelle diving on the quietest bloke in the world Andre.I was in tears laughing. Weather today a bit cloudy, but it was like that yesterday morning but it cleared up great.
Up at 9 to give the keys in and get my $5 deposit even though we have every intention of staying tonight. Yesterday we hired mikes and went to this beach. After a huge hike we went to this fantastic beach, it was gorgeous.. I had a bit of a snorkel and practised equalizing. I saw this huge skate or stingray or something lying on the bottom.It was huge.
In London there was another tragedy. A disco boat on the Thames sank killing 30. In the evening we went to the bar at Geoff's place. I sold another t shirt so it was basically a free night. If I sold one a night I would be well happy. The highlight of the night was a really los girl Michelle diving on the quietest bloke in the world Andre.I was in tears laughing. Weather today a bit cloudy, but it was like that yesterday morning but it cleared up great.
Tuesday
22nd August. Ferry to Townsville
We are on our way to Mission Beach today, We had to pick up the tent etc. this morning so we were all up early. My back is really sore from yesterday - the reddest back in the world. I wanted to go fishing yesterday, I was going to go with 4 lads but we couldn't gst a boat so we ended up going miles or k's to this quiet beach and did some snorkelling and had a laugh playing touch rugby with my hat. In the evening I had a steak meal and sold 3 t shirts. It was the ideal evening for having few beers.
This morning I phoned up mum and dad. The wedding was "just wonderful" and they have got the parcel I sent containing the videos and my sheet. Dad wound me up saying that mum had washed it. I have got to get some new shorts as mine are mank. I must have about 10 lions shirts and then iron so that I can sell them.
We are on our way to Mission Beach today, We had to pick up the tent etc. this morning so we were all up early. My back is really sore from yesterday - the reddest back in the world. I wanted to go fishing yesterday, I was going to go with 4 lads but we couldn't gst a boat so we ended up going miles or k's to this quiet beach and did some snorkelling and had a laugh playing touch rugby with my hat. In the evening I had a steak meal and sold 3 t shirts. It was the ideal evening for having few beers.
This morning I phoned up mum and dad. The wedding was "just wonderful" and they have got the parcel I sent containing the videos and my sheet. Dad wound me up saying that mum had washed it. I have got to get some new shorts as mine are mank. I must have about 10 lions shirts and then iron so that I can sell them.
Tuesday 22nd August.
Ferry to Townsville
We are on our way to Mission Beach today, We had to pick up the tent etc. this morning so we were all up early. My back is really sore from yesterday - the reddest back in the world. I wanted to go fishing yesterday, I was going to go with 4 lads but we couldn't gst a boat so we ended up going miles or k's to this quiet beach and did some snorkelling and had a laugh playing touch rugby with my hat. In the evening I had a steak meal and sold 3 t shirts. It wasthe ideal evening for having few beers.
This morning I phoned up mum and dad. The wedding was "just wonderful" and they have got the parcel I sent containing the videos and my sheet. Dad wound me up saying that mum had washed it. I have got to get some new shorts as mine are mank. I must have about 10 lions shirts to wash and then iron so that I can sell them. Hopefully at Mission Beach I will be able to go whitewater rafting. I am quite confident that me and Pat will fill the car when we go inland. The weather is so perfect it's untrue. I am glad we are in the car today because there is no way I could hit the beach anyway because of my back.
We are on our way to Mission Beach today, We had to pick up the tent etc. this morning so we were all up early. My back is really sore from yesterday - the reddest back in the world. I wanted to go fishing yesterday, I was going to go with 4 lads but we couldn't gst a boat so we ended up going miles or k's to this quiet beach and did some snorkelling and had a laugh playing touch rugby with my hat. In the evening I had a steak meal and sold 3 t shirts. It wasthe ideal evening for having few beers.
This morning I phoned up mum and dad. The wedding was "just wonderful" and they have got the parcel I sent containing the videos and my sheet. Dad wound me up saying that mum had washed it. I have got to get some new shorts as mine are mank. I must have about 10 lions shirts to wash and then iron so that I can sell them. Hopefully at Mission Beach I will be able to go whitewater rafting. I am quite confident that me and Pat will fill the car when we go inland. The weather is so perfect it's untrue. I am glad we are in the car today because there is no way I could hit the beach anyway because of my back.
9pm
Mission Beach Backpackers
We got here about 6. It was a three hour drive. Unfortunately we haven't seen any Cassevaries which are fairly common around here. I did the washing but not all the stains on the t shirts came out. Me and Paula paid $74 to go Whitewater rafting tomorrow, I can't wait. We are being picked up at 8.40 so it should be a full day. On the way up we stoppedto have our photo's taken next to all the sugar cane. I have yet to see photo's from the camera, I hope they are all Ok. The weather continues to be glorious. Paula booked her flight to Sydney for Monday. At the moment there is an airline dispute affecting internal flights. Hopefully she will be alright.
We got here about 6. It was a three hour drive. Unfortunately we haven't seen any Cassevaries which are fairly common around here. I did the washing but not all the stains on the t shirts came out. Me and Paula paid $74 to go Whitewater rafting tomorrow, I can't wait. We are being picked up at 8.40 so it should be a full day. On the way up we stoppedto have our photo's taken next to all the sugar cane. I have yet to see photo's from the camera, I hope they are all Ok. The weather continues to be glorious. Paula booked her flight to Sydney for Monday. At the moment there is an airline dispute affecting internal flights. Hopefully she will be alright.
Whitewater
Rafting
Wednesday
23rd August 6.45 Mission Beach Backpackers
Up at half 7 this morning - got very little sleep last night because the bloke in the bunk above me was snoring like no tomorrow. I showered and had breakfast - there were 4 other girls from our backpackers on our trip and we ended up in the same boat - they were a good crack. There must have been 7 boats on the river. We got drenched - totally exhillerating and great fun. The bloke in charge of us said "Is anyone confident" Me and Paula Said we were so we had the best seats of the boat right at the front. We were instructed of where to go if we had to go left or right and the down position. Obviously the rapids were the best - the longer and steeper the more exciting . Dinner was a BBQ followed by a rope swing. I thought that the bloke who run it was a div head. Our bloke was quite amusing - I liked his definition of monster sperm to describe the foamy water.
One of the other boats tipped and was stuck against a rock . We weren't strong enough because of the water pressure so more people were needed before we dragged it off. Going over the biggest fall me and Paula became "The offering to the water gods" We had to put our feet over the front and cling on to the ropes. As we hit the water the impact threw us both back in the boat with Paula landing on top of my head. The River Tully ran through fantastic sub tropical rainforest - just like the textbook. It would be fantastic teaching material. The rainforest was so thick with creeper and trees growing out of The V s of other trees. The gulleys were really deep and it would have been interesting to see the River in the wet season.
At the end we carried the boat to the truck and went to a town and country club for some food. We were a bit late and most had gone. I had a fairly good feed but Paula wasn't happy.
In the news the air traffic dispute is still on which could affect Paula on Monday .
We viewed the vid and will probably get some photo's. When we got bad we found that Pat and the girls had another eventful day as well. They had to get 2 new tyres because of a blowout and they had to be realigned = $$$$$. On a more serious note Bernie came up a cropped when she slipped on rocks into a pool. Bernie is not the strongest of swimmers and Pat reckoned she could have been a gonner. Lorraine pinned her against a rock and Pat helped them out. WE could do with less drama's like that on this trip.
I am fairly shattered - we will get to Cairns on Friday so that I can pick up my card. I will be sleeping in the car again tonight - save $10 and hopefully be able to use the hostel facilities again. Weather was fairly cloudy- just seen on the news that. Sydney's weather is 10-16 and Cairns is 19-25.
Thinking again of T Shirts last night . I may try and get a "Keep New Zealand clean - throw your litter in Australia shirt with. a Gren Welsh scene on it and also a Commonwealth games shirt on the streets for the Christmas market
Up at half 7 this morning - got very little sleep last night because the bloke in the bunk above me was snoring like no tomorrow. I showered and had breakfast - there were 4 other girls from our backpackers on our trip and we ended up in the same boat - they were a good crack. There must have been 7 boats on the river. We got drenched - totally exhillerating and great fun. The bloke in charge of us said "Is anyone confident" Me and Paula Said we were so we had the best seats of the boat right at the front. We were instructed of where to go if we had to go left or right and the down position. Obviously the rapids were the best - the longer and steeper the more exciting . Dinner was a BBQ followed by a rope swing. I thought that the bloke who run it was a div head. Our bloke was quite amusing - I liked his definition of monster sperm to describe the foamy water.
One of the other boats tipped and was stuck against a rock . We weren't strong enough because of the water pressure so more people were needed before we dragged it off. Going over the biggest fall me and Paula became "The offering to the water gods" We had to put our feet over the front and cling on to the ropes. As we hit the water the impact threw us both back in the boat with Paula landing on top of my head. The River Tully ran through fantastic sub tropical rainforest - just like the textbook. It would be fantastic teaching material. The rainforest was so thick with creeper and trees growing out of The V s of other trees. The gulleys were really deep and it would have been interesting to see the River in the wet season.
At the end we carried the boat to the truck and went to a town and country club for some food. We were a bit late and most had gone. I had a fairly good feed but Paula wasn't happy.
In the news the air traffic dispute is still on which could affect Paula on Monday .
We viewed the vid and will probably get some photo's. When we got bad we found that Pat and the girls had another eventful day as well. They had to get 2 new tyres because of a blowout and they had to be realigned = $$$$$. On a more serious note Bernie came up a cropped when she slipped on rocks into a pool. Bernie is not the strongest of swimmers and Pat reckoned she could have been a gonner. Lorraine pinned her against a rock and Pat helped them out. WE could do with less drama's like that on this trip.
I am fairly shattered - we will get to Cairns on Friday so that I can pick up my card. I will be sleeping in the car again tonight - save $10 and hopefully be able to use the hostel facilities again. Weather was fairly cloudy- just seen on the news that. Sydney's weather is 10-16 and Cairns is 19-25.
Thinking again of T Shirts last night . I may try and get a "Keep New Zealand clean - throw your litter in Australia shirt with. a Gren Welsh scene on it and also a Commonwealth games shirt on the streets for the Christmas market
Thursday
24th August Mission Beach Backpackers
At the moment II am writing this in hiding by the side of the car - last night we went over the pub - it closed at 10. We decided to get in a couple of casesbut we couldn't find any anywhere. It was a good laugh anyway as this Irish lad Sean led a sing song - he had a brilliant voice and it went on for ages. Me and Mackers sneaked in for a free night - hence the reason to be in hiding at the moment. It looks like we will be on the way to Cairns tonight. I will be at last able to get my card tomorrow. Bernie was in favour of tonight. Orla wasn't too happy about it at all. Weather today gorgeous - I will have to be carefull about the sun.
At the moment II am writing this in hiding by the side of the car - last night we went over the pub - it closed at 10. We decided to get in a couple of casesbut we couldn't find any anywhere. It was a good laugh anyway as this Irish lad Sean led a sing song - he had a brilliant voice and it went on for ages. Me and Mackers sneaked in for a free night - hence the reason to be in hiding at the moment. It looks like we will be on the way to Cairns tonight. I will be at last able to get my card tomorrow. Bernie was in favour of tonight. Orla wasn't too happy about it at all. Weather today gorgeous - I will have to be carefull about the sun.
Friday
25th August Cairns. 4pm
Not very impressed with Cairns at all. Weather is very cloudy and very humid. The beach is like mud and the hostel is the worst I have been in. The rooms are a mess, it is really crowded and the beds are really uncomfy. I have spent the afternoon running about quite a bit. My card was not in The Post Office !! I honestly could not believe it. At the Post Office was my new pin number - big use that is and a statement , I have got $2075. I wanted $1000 to go to NZ with so that leaves me with about $1000 to keep me going. I have still got a few T Shirts left to sell which will hopefully boost my income.
The pilots dispute is far from settled. Paula could be in trouble on Monday if it is not settled. I went to the immigration office and paid $50 to extend my visa for 2 months, I have got to collect it next Friday.
Last night we stayed in Mission Beach in a luxury apartment. Orla and Paula met this girl Ann who we had met in KoHuna and Arlie Beach. - Mackers got a shine for her. We went for a coffee, had a few beers and stayed the night despite the fact that the landlord phoning them saying we weren't welcome. We saw Good Morning Vietnam on the vid. THe girls wee looking after a quadriplegic Andy - 29 who had been in a car accident - I honestly don't know how he copes. WE went swimming in the sea and it was amazing to see all these phosphorous dots in the sea. Everyone got a bit burnt today.
6.30 Recent news on the airline strike is not good - all the airline pilots walked out. and Paula'sflight has been cancelled from Cairns to Sydney. This puts her in a really bad position - she has got her money back but her options are now severely limited. She can't get a train because it doesn't get in til Wednesday and even the bus which takes 48 hours (AAAAARGH) only gets in 2 hours before her international fligh takes off. This will obviously put a real downer on her holiday.
Not very impressed with Cairns at all. Weather is very cloudy and very humid. The beach is like mud and the hostel is the worst I have been in. The rooms are a mess, it is really crowded and the beds are really uncomfy. I have spent the afternoon running about quite a bit. My card was not in The Post Office !! I honestly could not believe it. At the Post Office was my new pin number - big use that is and a statement , I have got $2075. I wanted $1000 to go to NZ with so that leaves me with about $1000 to keep me going. I have still got a few T Shirts left to sell which will hopefully boost my income.
The pilots dispute is far from settled. Paula could be in trouble on Monday if it is not settled. I went to the immigration office and paid $50 to extend my visa for 2 months, I have got to collect it next Friday.
Last night we stayed in Mission Beach in a luxury apartment. Orla and Paula met this girl Ann who we had met in KoHuna and Arlie Beach. - Mackers got a shine for her. We went for a coffee, had a few beers and stayed the night despite the fact that the landlord phoning them saying we weren't welcome. We saw Good Morning Vietnam on the vid. THe girls wee looking after a quadriplegic Andy - 29 who had been in a car accident - I honestly don't know how he copes. WE went swimming in the sea and it was amazing to see all these phosphorous dots in the sea. Everyone got a bit burnt today.
6.30 Recent news on the airline strike is not good - all the airline pilots walked out. and Paula'sflight has been cancelled from Cairns to Sydney. This puts her in a really bad position - she has got her money back but her options are now severely limited. She can't get a train because it doesn't get in til Wednesday and even the bus which takes 48 hours (AAAAARGH) only gets in 2 hours before her international fligh takes off. This will obviously put a real downer on her holiday.
Saturday
26th August
A very hot humid day which I have just fostered around in. I didn't get up till half 12 because last night we were drinking tequila spammers. I haven't got a clue how many we had but it was loads. First we went too a backpackers restaurant - $5 for all you can eat - a real bargain. We then went to a pub full of Aboriginals before going to this other place. Last night we moved to a new hostel - Tracks because the other one was a hole. I have put up notices all over the place to fill the car around Oz - we had a reply from a kiwi bloke II will have to get in touch with. Next week II hope to go to Cape Tribulation. I am thinking of doing a few days of fruit picking first.
Paula is off tomorrow on her horrific bus journey so she has been shopping for pressies all afternoon- I messed up on the rafting photo's- ordered the wrong ones but we can pick up the right ones tomorrow. We also saw the video we have bought
A very hot humid day which I have just fostered around in. I didn't get up till half 12 because last night we were drinking tequila spammers. I haven't got a clue how many we had but it was loads. First we went too a backpackers restaurant - $5 for all you can eat - a real bargain. We then went to a pub full of Aboriginals before going to this other place. Last night we moved to a new hostel - Tracks because the other one was a hole. I have put up notices all over the place to fill the car around Oz - we had a reply from a kiwi bloke II will have to get in touch with. Next week II hope to go to Cape Tribulation. I am thinking of doing a few days of fruit picking first.
Paula is off tomorrow on her horrific bus journey so she has been shopping for pressies all afternoon- I messed up on the rafting photo's- ordered the wrong ones but we can pick up the right ones tomorrow. We also saw the video we have bought
Sunday
27th August
Paula leaves in about an hours time - she has got a horrific journey to do. 2 days on the coach and 2 days in the air. Rather her than me. I have booked a trip to Cape Tribulation tomorrow - looking forward to it. Yesterday some bastard nicked my bag containing about 5 shirts. I was doing well as I sold about 6 last night. We went to Magnums again. I spent a long time talking to the Geordie couple Pippa and Steve. We were also drinking with a crowd of Jocks - good laugh. One of them - Johnny is coming to Cape Trib with us. We have had a good response to fill CFAR to Darwin it looks like a Kiwi bloke will be with us, a girl called Minnie and two girls Catherine and Julie. I have met the girls - they seem ok but I have yet too meet the Kiwi.
10.30 We just dropped Paula off at the bus stop- sad to see her go as she has been really good company. It was great to see her over here. I would not be surprised at all if she applies for a working visa in the next 3 years. Weather is so humid. I phoned Mike Ball and we are to do the diving course a week Monday. Up tomorrow at 7 am for the bus to Cape Trib. Very quiet evening playing cards. We did chinny chin on Johnny the Scot - worked brilliantly on him. I sold a couple of Lions t shirts - being an optimist I will take a few up to Cape Trib. Really funny talking to Pat about the arsehole t shirts as they are obviously a flop and he blames me 100% for conning him into it. - Pat says he is basically fed up with it all. The girls aren't coming up with us so I probably won't see them again, which is a pity as they are a good crack even if we did have our ups and downs. I did some swimming teaching with Bernie this morning. in the swimming pool.
I am quite happy with my tan but I have to lose some weight off my stumoch as it's a disgrace. Having said that Cape Trib will probably be a very heavy sesh.
Paula leaves in about an hours time - she has got a horrific journey to do. 2 days on the coach and 2 days in the air. Rather her than me. I have booked a trip to Cape Tribulation tomorrow - looking forward to it. Yesterday some bastard nicked my bag containing about 5 shirts. I was doing well as I sold about 6 last night. We went to Magnums again. I spent a long time talking to the Geordie couple Pippa and Steve. We were also drinking with a crowd of Jocks - good laugh. One of them - Johnny is coming to Cape Trib with us. We have had a good response to fill CFAR to Darwin it looks like a Kiwi bloke will be with us, a girl called Minnie and two girls Catherine and Julie. I have met the girls - they seem ok but I have yet too meet the Kiwi.
10.30 We just dropped Paula off at the bus stop- sad to see her go as she has been really good company. It was great to see her over here. I would not be surprised at all if she applies for a working visa in the next 3 years. Weather is so humid. I phoned Mike Ball and we are to do the diving course a week Monday. Up tomorrow at 7 am for the bus to Cape Trib. Very quiet evening playing cards. We did chinny chin on Johnny the Scot - worked brilliantly on him. I sold a couple of Lions t shirts - being an optimist I will take a few up to Cape Trib. Really funny talking to Pat about the arsehole t shirts as they are obviously a flop and he blames me 100% for conning him into it. - Pat says he is basically fed up with it all. The girls aren't coming up with us so I probably won't see them again, which is a pity as they are a good crack even if we did have our ups and downs. I did some swimming teaching with Bernie this morning. in the swimming pool.
I am quite happy with my tan but I have to lose some weight off my stumoch as it's a disgrace. Having said that Cape Trib will probably be a very heavy sesh.
Monday
28th August 8.58
Sitting on the bus to Cape Trib, fantastic scenery of the coast. Bus is air conditioned. When I got out for a stop there was a "wall" of humidity. Seen lots of cane fields on the way up.
Sitting on the bus to Cape Trib, fantastic scenery of the coast. Bus is air conditioned. When I got out for a stop there was a "wall" of humidity. Seen lots of cane fields on the way up.
Cape
Tribulation 1pm God this is beautiful - the bus journey was a real
treat - the driver for a change was very informative and we stopped
at some really interesting places. A tarmac road took us to the
Daintree river. Notices about crocodiles were worth a photo. We
crossed the Daintree on a car ferry then it was on a dirt road
through the rainforest proper. We stopped at couple of viewing
points and a strangled fig which me and Pat did a "Tarzan"
on for photo's. We also saw these amazing little plants called
sensitive plants. If you touch them they immediately curl up. We are
staying for 2 nights in a place called "The village" in
Cape Tribulation. I have only been here for an hour and I would like
to stay for another day. Cairns holds no pull for me at all now. We
are staying in very clean wooden shacks. My bed overlooks a really
scenic rock pool which we had a mess around with, with a ball. I
have yet to make it to the beach, but I have had a game of
volleyball. The social life is rumoured to be excellent but also
rumoured to be expensive.
I wasthinking of doing a couple of days fruit picking but what I may do is be more aggressive in my t shirt selling. As II see it I can never ever lose now on the Lions ones as the ones I brought with me were profit anyway. I would have got about $60 fruit picking so if I spend a couple of hours visiting all the youth hostels I will be very happy if I sell 6. Pat is still concerned about the arsehole t shirts - we will probably start dumping them for $10 - we paid $8.70 for them. My Lions shirts still remain sell able at $20.
The weather is very cloudy very warm and very humid.
I wasthinking of doing a couple of days fruit picking but what I may do is be more aggressive in my t shirt selling. As II see it I can never ever lose now on the Lions ones as the ones I brought with me were profit anyway. I would have got about $60 fruit picking so if I spend a couple of hours visiting all the youth hostels I will be very happy if I sell 6. Pat is still concerned about the arsehole t shirts - we will probably start dumping them for $10 - we paid $8.70 for them. My Lions shirts still remain sell able at $20.
The weather is very cloudy very warm and very humid.
7.15.
In this village two people have got on my Lions shirts and I have
already been asked for one by three people. Very promising. I spent
all afternoon down the beach. Very difficult to describe the path
that leads through the rainforest to the beach. - It is a wooden
raised platform - below is mud with dense branches - apparently it
is fraught with danger if there is a beach party. People often fall
off and the way to get along the path is on your hands and knees. It
is now raining very light and it's warm. It is so humid as I write
this and there is a permanent noise of frogs cloaking and crickets.
I have come back to stick on Jeans on because of all the nasties. I
really want to do a nighttime jungle tour tomorrow = What a
fantastic place this is. My heart bleed for Paula - she is still on
the bus and will be on it before 2 days on the plane.
Wednesday
30th August The village Cape Tribulation 11am
I am sitting here by the rock pool - weather is very hot. Last night me and Pat went on a night walk in the tropical forest.It was really different I am so glad I did it. There was a bit of a party on in the hostel, but my attitude was that you can get drunk at any time but this might be my only chance to see/experience the rainforest in the dark so you have to jump at it.There were about 10 of us with our guide in a 4 wheel drive. Went over really rocky roads that CFAR couldn't handle. We went along a path which was walkable but all along were vines you had to climb over. The guide had set traps using banana as bait and they were all full. There were cane rats in two of the traps - one he reset and caught a bandicoot - a marsupial that looks like a large rat. We saw a huge strangled fig which is formed by seeds germinating at the top of a host tree in bird droppings. The roots then climb down the host and embed themselves in the ground. They then strangle the original tree. They are huge. At one stage we all stood in an enclosed area and turned off our torches. We then listened to the noise of the wildlife - fairly deafening really: Birds, insects and all the nasties. The guide was saying that the human imagination makes things much bigger. We were told about logging and the damage that the cane toads and wild pigs can do. WE saw two wild pigs at the dump. Really huge. I would not want to mess with one. We went looking for crocs which was a laugh but we didn't see one. Up to my ankles in mud. We got back and my 4x was nicked from the fridge - had a chat to a couple of girls from Brecon, had a few beers and went to bed. The whole camp seemed to be messing around in the rock pool which was very noisy.
Today has been fairly quiet - bitten all over my ankles. I wrote some postcards and done nothing. I have booked in for another day and will be sad to be leaving this place - but really looking forward to doing the diving course in Townsville.
6.15 Spent all day lazing around a swimming / water hole - very cool which is a relief as it is very hot and humid. I had a disaster in that my flip flop bust - I only bought it on Friday so I got sparked. I had to hobble all the way home. A quick change of footwear and we went on a tropical fruit tasting session which cost $4 but I avoided paying by sneaking out at the end. There were star fruit (nice) custard fruit and chocolate chip cookie fruit. The smelly fruit (durian) the killer fruit - if you drink after eating it you die. The queen, Jack and king of fruits, boy George Fruit and Shirley Bassey fruit. Squishy black nice fruits and red dry citrus fruits. To end it all was miracle fruit which could be described as pewk fruit.
I am sitting here by the rock pool - weather is very hot. Last night me and Pat went on a night walk in the tropical forest.It was really different I am so glad I did it. There was a bit of a party on in the hostel, but my attitude was that you can get drunk at any time but this might be my only chance to see/experience the rainforest in the dark so you have to jump at it.There were about 10 of us with our guide in a 4 wheel drive. Went over really rocky roads that CFAR couldn't handle. We went along a path which was walkable but all along were vines you had to climb over. The guide had set traps using banana as bait and they were all full. There were cane rats in two of the traps - one he reset and caught a bandicoot - a marsupial that looks like a large rat. We saw a huge strangled fig which is formed by seeds germinating at the top of a host tree in bird droppings. The roots then climb down the host and embed themselves in the ground. They then strangle the original tree. They are huge. At one stage we all stood in an enclosed area and turned off our torches. We then listened to the noise of the wildlife - fairly deafening really: Birds, insects and all the nasties. The guide was saying that the human imagination makes things much bigger. We were told about logging and the damage that the cane toads and wild pigs can do. WE saw two wild pigs at the dump. Really huge. I would not want to mess with one. We went looking for crocs which was a laugh but we didn't see one. Up to my ankles in mud. We got back and my 4x was nicked from the fridge - had a chat to a couple of girls from Brecon, had a few beers and went to bed. The whole camp seemed to be messing around in the rock pool which was very noisy.
Today has been fairly quiet - bitten all over my ankles. I wrote some postcards and done nothing. I have booked in for another day and will be sad to be leaving this place - but really looking forward to doing the diving course in Townsville.
6.15 Spent all day lazing around a swimming / water hole - very cool which is a relief as it is very hot and humid. I had a disaster in that my flip flop bust - I only bought it on Friday so I got sparked. I had to hobble all the way home. A quick change of footwear and we went on a tropical fruit tasting session which cost $4 but I avoided paying by sneaking out at the end. There were star fruit (nice) custard fruit and chocolate chip cookie fruit. The smelly fruit (durian) the killer fruit - if you drink after eating it you die. The queen, Jack and king of fruits, boy George Fruit and Shirley Bassey fruit. Squishy black nice fruits and red dry citrus fruits. To end it all was miracle fruit which could be described as pewk fruit.
Thursday
31st August Cape Tribulation 1 pm
Unfortunately we have got to leave this gorgeous place. I spent all morning swimming around and lazing around the rock pool - weather absolutely fantastic. I sold 3 t shirts so it was a little bit more pocket money. Last night we had a few beers and went for a swim in the pool at 1 O 'Clock. I don't want to go to Cairns at all - probably end up sleeping in the car tonight and Friday and hopefully sharing the back packers by using their facilities. I will have to do a stock take on how many Lions shirts I have left - I am all in for going around the Cairns hostels tomorrow.
Unfortunately we have got to leave this gorgeous place. I spent all morning swimming around and lazing around the rock pool - weather absolutely fantastic. I sold 3 t shirts so it was a little bit more pocket money. Last night we had a few beers and went for a swim in the pool at 1 O 'Clock. I don't want to go to Cairns at all - probably end up sleeping in the car tonight and Friday and hopefully sharing the back packers by using their facilities. I will have to do a stock take on how many Lions shirts I have left - I am all in for going around the Cairns hostels tomorrow.
11pm
Tracks Backpackers Cairns
Booked in for tonight, maybe spend tomorrow in the car. Me and Pat went to Backpackers for food - a bargain for $5 for as much as you can eat. We then did some serious running around to fill the car from Townsville to Darwin. - I have yet to contact Minnie - she wasn't in but she is is right through. Also a girl called Josie from here to Townsville. A cockney lad Tommie might come as well. From Townsville is Minnie, Julie and Catherine, also Lindsey from London who is very loud and her kiwi mate - should keep the costs down. I phoned Paula and she is now in Cardiff - I have got to send her a shirt for Hungry. It looks like we will be off to Mission Beach on Saturday morning.
Booked in for tonight, maybe spend tomorrow in the car. Me and Pat went to Backpackers for food - a bargain for $5 for as much as you can eat. We then did some serious running around to fill the car from Townsville to Darwin. - I have yet to contact Minnie - she wasn't in but she is is right through. Also a girl called Josie from here to Townsville. A cockney lad Tommie might come as well. From Townsville is Minnie, Julie and Catherine, also Lindsey from London who is very loud and her kiwi mate - should keep the costs down. I phoned Paula and she is now in Cardiff - I have got to send her a shirt for Hungry. It looks like we will be off to Mission Beach on Saturday morning.
Friday
1st September. Cairns
Woke up in Tracks hostel and booked out. We will spend the night in the car today and save $10. Same old story - budgeting on essentials and spending it all on booze. I got all I wanted to do except get a pair of flip flops. I posted a shed full of postcards and a shirt to Mike Radburn also my tax form. I posted a shirt to Paula for Hungry. and the white water rafting photo's. I also AT LAST got my cashpoint card and went to the immigration office to get my passport back. I have extended it to November as a holiday visa, but I won't need it that much. Pat was saying that he wants to go to Melbourne from Ayers Rock. I thought we were going straight from the rock to Sydney but that looks impossible. From Ayers Rock you have to continue South, there is no other way. We will have to go through Cooler Pedy, Port Agustus, Adelaide and then Melbourne where I can hopefully get a cheap flight to NZ. The size of this country is huge.
Woke up in Tracks hostel and booked out. We will spend the night in the car today and save $10. Same old story - budgeting on essentials and spending it all on booze. I got all I wanted to do except get a pair of flip flops. I posted a shed full of postcards and a shirt to Mike Radburn also my tax form. I posted a shirt to Paula for Hungry. and the white water rafting photo's. I also AT LAST got my cashpoint card and went to the immigration office to get my passport back. I have extended it to November as a holiday visa, but I won't need it that much. Pat was saying that he wants to go to Melbourne from Ayers Rock. I thought we were going straight from the rock to Sydney but that looks impossible. From Ayers Rock you have to continue South, there is no other way. We will have to go through Cooler Pedy, Port Agustus, Adelaide and then Melbourne where I can hopefully get a cheap flight to NZ. The size of this country is huge.
Time
wise - it looks like a week to stay in Townsville to do the dive
course, Sat 9. A week to get to Darwin - 16th: A few days around
Darwin/ Kakadu/ Katherine Gorge - 21st: 3 or 4 days to Alice - 24th:
A couple of days at Ayers Rock/ Olga - 26th: Then about a week to
get to Melbourne - Oct 4th and then flying out as soon as possible -
7th !! Money is obviously going to be scarce. I have got $1500 in
the bank and $300 in cash BUT - I have to get to NZ. If I spend all
the money I have I am on $48 a day. I did plan though to leave for
NZ with $1000 that would put me on $21.50 a day.
- -----------------------------
Book
4 October 4th
1989 – July 12th
1990
Australia
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 traveller’s 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 it’s “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. It’s 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 won’t 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.
- 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. A lesson 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 myself 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 – it’s 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 won’t 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 and 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 3rd
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 15th 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 4th
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 5th
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 6th
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 7th
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 8th
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 8th
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 10th
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 11th
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 12th
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 13th
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 14th
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 15th
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 16th
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 17th
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 18th
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 19th
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 20th
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 30th or the 1st. 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 21st
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 22nd
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 23rd
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 24th
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 25th
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 26th
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 27th
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 29th
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 30th
January
Pouring down with rain
– nothing I can do. Saw the marathon finish this morning. Jones
came 4th. 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 31st
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.
1st 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 2nd
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 3rd
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 1st Feb
Sunday 4th
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
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 4th
today and St Pat’s day is 17th March. It will be all go.
Hopefully it will be better than U2/Lions / etc all together.
Monday 5th
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 7th Dept
Auckland 9.30pm
Wed 7th
Arrive Hawaii 6.45 am
Friday 9th
Dept Hawaii 10.30pm
Saturday 10th
Arrive San Fransisco 5.18am
Monday 12th
Depart San Fransisco 10pm
Tuesday 13th
Arrive New York 6.10 JFK
March 16th
Depart NY – London Heathrow
Tuesday 6th
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 – 150th
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 7th
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 21st birthday.
Really tried to make me feel welcome – inviting me to her mates
21st 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 7th 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 8th
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 50th
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 9th
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 10th
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 17th
(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 11th
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 12th
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 13th
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 15th
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 70th birthday. I must remember to phone on the
20th 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.
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 16th
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 17th
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 18th
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 19th
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 20th
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 70th 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 26th March. One thing I really
want to do is go to the Hong Kong 7’s on the 31st March
– 1st April. If I kept my ticket it would mean getting
back on the 27th and leaving for Hong Kong on the 29th.
I would be home for a day. St Patrick ’s Day is on the 17th
I could aim (if I made some money) to get home on the 21st
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 21st
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 22nd
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 23rd
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 24th
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 5th 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 25th
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 26th
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
5th 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 27th
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 28th
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 1st
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 2ND
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 26th of this month, what I want to do is bring it
forward to something like the 20th – 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 9th
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 4th
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 10th. 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 5th
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 6th
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
19th 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 19th. 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 7th
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 8th
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 85th birthday. I told her that I would be home on the
20th 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 9th
March 8pm
Another very good day
in town. Up at ½ 9. Brian gave us a lift in to town. Pat was at the
world trade centre, I was at Broadway + Brian picked up 7 dozen more
T Shirts. Pat won the badge of employee of the day. I won it
yesterday. Brian gave us his shirts and took the 7 dozen to Luke for
printing. In the afternoon I got moved on by the police and went to
help Pat. We virtually sold out of T shirts and only had Large sweats
left, so we knocked it on the head at ½ 5. On the train home I wrote
a letter to Sally suggesting she travels through Asia with me.
Tonight Brendan O’Shea
phoned and he is coming around to pick up the 150 shirts he ordered.
We made about $500 on that deal. We are going to the Inn tonight for
a beer or two and tomorrow we are going to the Rockaway Irish Parade.
Hopefully send Brendan to New Jersey or somewhere with his.
8.20 Just been watching
the news about Britain and the Poll Tax. All the violence at the
protests in London. All those people who ignored the miner’s
situation. Exactly the same response by Thatcher. – Left Wing
militant activists – so predictable.
Every paper will have
the government line – one or two people will be highlighted as an
example of the extreme left etc. Then they will fly the flag – how
wonderful the police are – good councils etc. If there are any
demonstrations on in Cardiff when I get home I will go. When the Poll
tax was introduced in Scotland no one said a word. The people of
Britain deserve it. They voted her in their droves and ignored the
other protests. God I hate that woman – Ditch the Bitch.
Sunday 11th
March 10am
Yesterday was the Far
Rockaway parade – a bit of a result but not a resounding success.
It was very, very cold. We got a taxi. – God that place is very,
very rough. Pat went home early and I went on a lone mission to sell,
sell, sell. I got waylaid in the rugby bar chatting to the ruggers. I
got rid of all the Sweatshirts in the evening. Funny that the T
Shirts were selling in Manhattan and we couldn’t get rid of sweats
and the reverse was true yesterday. It poured down with rain last
night so hopefully it would have cleared up for the Golden City St
Patrick’s Parade, then on to Liam Brady tonight.
We have all taken back
our initial investment of $400 each so everything now is profit. We
have a guts full of sweats and 7 dozen T Shirts to pick up.
4.50 Just come back fro
Garden city – a pleasantly sunny day – shifted about $450 worth
of shirts – Virtually all T Shirts today, hardly any sweats.
I had a pleasant
surprise of 2 letters waiting for me when I got home – One off Mary
Carson’s – married on May the 26th – Invited to the
wedding in Brighton – I will probably go. Also a letter off
Catherine – she says the Poll Tax in Cardiff is £250 – called
Thatcher a cow – good O’Brien political thought coming through
from young Cath.
Brady tonight doesn’t
look too promising.
½ 8 – Brian phoned
up and Brady is defo out as they have the official ones. Pat is going
to see the presentation tomorrow in Queens. I may go but I don’t
really care. I gave Cathy a ring who I met yesterday and she is
driving over to Long Beach for a beer this evening.
Just been watching
American home videos on TV. Very funny – bound to catch on all over
the world.
Monday 12th
March 11.30
On the tube going to
work on Wall St. Last night I took Cathy – or rather she took me in
her car to The Inn and the Chauncey’s. She was telling me about the
reason she can’t travel at the moment is because of her student
loans (which they are bringing into Britain). She has to pay $500 a
month for the next 10 years!!. Tonight I will stay in Manhattan and
hopefully get to see Les Mis, but if that is not on the cards I might
go to the flicks, perhaps to see My Left Foot – which has had rave
reviews.
Weather is very mild
and forecast is the same for next week so me and Pat have gone for T
Shirts rather than sweatshirts. I am fairly optimistic and Pat is
pessimistic because it’s a Monday and he has come to really hate
flogging shirts.
12.30
Looks like I have
missed the connection to Jamaica, so I want to get home for 2 –
disadvantages of a big city. A fairly tedious day flogging t shirts –
fairly cold. My biggest moan is I have developed a sore throat and
it’s getting worse and worse and worse. Niggling doubts whether I
will be fit for work tomorrow.
I am fairly bored with
selling shirts myself. Give me a proper job. Cold and boring all day.
Myself and Pat kept getting moved on. It looks like we will have to
get more T Shirts, but we have too many sweatshirts – especially
the large ones. I called for Cathy at her office and we got the tube
to Les Miserables.
It was brilliant again.
London, Sydney and now New York!!!
The show finished at
11, so now is the problem of getting home. I couldn’t really let
Cathy go through the city on her own, so I had to go miles out of my
way – I left her on the train with two stops to go in a “safe”
neighbourhood. Another really nice girl who I may not see again
because I am moving on – ships passing in the night + all that. One
notable event in the theatre. When we were giving in our coats in to
the cloakroom the woman in front of us had a fur coat + the bloke
refused to take it – or anything with fur on – quite right as
well.
I was hoping to get the
12.24 train but as it turns out I was lucky to get the 1.24 train as
I went to the wrong stop and the next one is not till 3.24. I am
absolutely knackered.
Tuesday 13th
March 1pm
First really absolutely
gorgeous day we have had and my throat is murder, I am a bit fluey –
no real enthusiasm for doing anything so everything can just fester.
In the diary is the Chieftans but I just don’t fancy going at all.
I hope this doesn’t last for long. Last night we had a letter off
Mike Ede.
3.30 – we phoned up
Mike and had a chat for about 20 mins. He is very jealous of the
things we are doing. – As it should be. We asked him about the poll
tax and there were more huge riots in Islington. Mike couldn’t give
a toss as he was paying rates anyway – He always was a Tory. I feel
really, really rough.
Other world news is in
Russia – Lithuania is trying to secede from the USSR and Gorbachev
is gaining more power – some critics don’t trust him but at this
moment in time I feel he is the strongest and best world leader in
the world. Mandela would also be up there.
6.30 Siobhan has just
come home from work with a quote from London Heathrow – Hong Kong
on British Airways. Leaves Mon 26TH March 9.15 and gets in
on Tuesday March 27th at 5.30pm – the price is £339 or
$554.79. I am very tempted to take it as it would be fait accomple +
I would have to do it. That is only one way so I would need money to
get home.
Wednesday 14th
March 9.20
Full cold now. –
although my throat is better. Weather is absolutely georgeous. Me,
Pat and Brian are all loading up to go to town. Hopefully to do well,
but I think that tomorrow and Friday will be the big days. We have so
many sweatshirts it’s untrue.
After yesterdays
feeling of “I have got to go to Hong Kong” today I am having
second thoughts. $600 to see a 7’s tournament – I would really
love to go but the argument against going is that if I say travelled
through Asia in April/May it would be in school time – when I was
able to earn some cash doing some teaching. I could travel in August
+ I couldn’t gain any money from it at all. I think I will be
offered a job in Gunnersbury because of the turnover of staff – I
would be willing to do it till the end of term but there is no way I
want to live in London. My main priority when I get home is learning
to drive.
6.14 Sitting on the
train on the way to Long Beach – Isn’t commuting fun. I feel
rough as sin as my cold is right in my head now- I just want to go to
bed. We did have a bit of a result today. I just scraped in winning
“salesman of the day”. I got rid of 24 T Shirts and 4 sweats. We
had grub in Houlihans which was quite pleasant for a change. Salad
much better than Pizza’s and burgers. Tom and Brian worked. Tom has
turned out to be a liability. He is never a salesman. On Saturday at
Far Rockaway he sold 1 sweatshirt and then spent the $20 on a taxi
home. He only sold 7 T shirts today but he was getting rid of them
for $10 – so effectively after wages it was $8. I felt really tight
only giving him $10 but we bought him grub and he never turned up
till gone 1. This afternoon was really dead and after the gorgeous
morning it clouded up and got really cold – I wouldn't be surprised
if it poured down tonight. - Hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.
Later on the train –
bored, been thinking all day of what to do when I get home – I
would really enjoy being a rep on a travel agency for the summer. I
will go to places like Top Deck, Thomas Cook and the infamous Club
18-30 and see what the crack is. It would be a good way to see Europe
during the summer
11.30 – A quiet night
in in which I spent most of the evening blowing my nose – god I
feel rough and heavy headed. Weather outside is rain ad drizzle.
Papillon
McCann
Thursday 15th
March 10 am
A gorgeously sunny day
– we are catching the later train because yesterday no one sold
anything for the first hour. Weather forecast for Thursday Friday and
Saturday is showers. Hopefully they wont materialise at all
10PM – an eventful
day
I had an “arrest”
assisted victory in the T Shirt seller of the day competition. Things
were
going OK but at
dinnertime Pat hadn't turned up which was unlike him as he is usually
the first to finish. We waited and waited then me Brian and Tom went
for a meal in Houlihans. I was flogging shirts where Pat usually is
(outside the World Trade Centre) and a bloke bought a sweatshirt off
me and said “You got away then?” I said “What do you mean”and
he said that he saw Pat being arrested – What a story. Pat got
charged with illegal street vendoring and resisting arrest.
Apparently the police from the Port Authority came up to him and
said “Have you got a license?” Pat said “Shall I move on 2 –
Which is resisting arrest.
I went straight to the
station and the cop said “I can guess whose friend you are. - I was
wearing the Irish sweatshirt.
Luckily Pat had 1 phone
call – Siobhan, whose dad has some clout and he was able to “Spring
him”
Actually it wasn't
funny at all – although we are all in hysterics now. Without
Siobhan's dad Pat was facing at least a night in the Brooklyn
detention centre. That would have been a nightmare – Just think of
ll the real criminals in New York. Crack, murder etc. - Pat's fellow
jailbirds were another vendor selling cuddly toys and some poor
bugger who got caught jumping over the fence to get on the tube free.
Friday 16th
March 10pm
All loaded up for what
will hopefully be big day in town. It will be a worry if it is not.
I will hopefully finish without being arrested Pat was up and out at
7 wearing a collar and tie for his court appearance at the Manhattan
Criminal Court (for it his he). What a story to take back One of the
main reasons he could have stayed overnight in the cells was because
he is not a citizen. They took his photograph 4 sets of fingerprints
(dabs) and read him his rights It goes without saying that terminates
Pat's short T Shirt career. Weather is very pleasant so hopefully we
wont get the forecasted rain. I am quite looking forward to the
parade tomorrow, hopefully we wont have too much stuff to get rid of
and I can enjoy it! We had a letter off Sharon saying that Colm knows
about us being here and wishes us best of luck.
In the kitty is about
$2200. I've virtually decided not to go to Hong Kong now – I
will have to get some supply work I suppose. God just think that
after nearly 2 years of traveling it's nearly all over What a laugh
it's been.
One story of yesterday
which was funny but nothing compared to Pat's escapades was Tom's
efforts – He only sold 6 shirts yesterday so I gave him “my
place” outside the bank in the afternoon. I think he sold 1 but
after waiting for Pat to be released we walked past and he had left a
sweatshirt hanging up.
11.30 On the train on
the way back to Long beach. I suppose a very successful day. I took
about $300 in the morning and $200 in the afternoon. I think Tom sold
about 4 but he had a good meal at lunchtime. Pat went to court and
all the coppers couldn't believe that anybody could be charged with
anything so petty – he has to go in on Monday. They were
recommending him to rip it up and leave the country.
In the evening me and
Pat went to see the Pogues. McGowan was fairly sober and it was much
better than in Auckland. I have got to get a Celtic Shirt. I did some
flogging of shirts so I left for the encore. Big mistake as I only
sold 6. Me and Pat were in the “scrum” most of the night –
behaving like two 19 year olds at the Jam. Was a bargain at $10
Big day tomorrow cos of
Paddies Day. I am really looking forward to it. We have only got
sweatshirts to sell really. If Pat wouldn't have been arrested we
would have done more T Shirts but we will get rid of what we have and
see what we get.
Saturday 17th
March St Patrick's Day
Big day today – we
have $3000 in the kitty anyway so we are winning. Good news is that
it is fairly cold so the sweatshirts should go well. Really bad news
is I can't find my camera anywhere.
7.30 Absolutely
shattered – sitting on the train on the way back from town with an
empty bag which is brilliant. We all sold out but at times Siobhan
Brian and Eileen were virtually giving them away. We got to town
far,far too late – there were millions of people – you could
hardly see the parade. Virtually every single person was wearing
green. I doubt if I will see more impressive parade. It certainly
beats the Lady Mary contingent at the Corpus Christi parade in
Cardiff.
I phoned dad early in
the day: big big surprise Scotland bet England 13-7 what a turn up
for the books. I thought England would stick 30 on them. So Scotland
win the Grand Slam.
I asked for the Wales,
Ireland score and it is being played next week because all the Yanks
had booked up the Dublin hotels because of St Patrick's day.
That is really
brilliant now, because it means me and Pat can go to Ireland next
weekend to see the game so we can tag another week onto our travels.
I am really looking forward to going home now. I am absolutely
shattered.
Monday 18th
March 10.30
Just got out of my pit
– god I was really tired yesterday – a fantastic parade. Home
tomorrow – a few things to do. Haircut, new daps, new jeans. I have
been looking at last years diary and it's coming up to Easter –
hopefully St Peter's will be having a tour to somewhere in Britain
over Easter. If they are – I am “in”. What a good couple of
weeks to look forward to – what with the Irish trip and hopefully a
tour.
1130 – I phoned Jacko
and he looks like he is off to Australia in a month so I will have a
weekend in London as well.
Finances – I have got
$1800 to take home – I will have to get a job straight away –
spend a few bob on clothe tomorrow. Ii had to pay a phone bill of
$170 – nightmare
I phoned Madison Square
Gardens to see what is on tonight and there is a hockey game – The
Rangers are playing the Cannucks. I defo don't want the blue noses to
win – it would be a a good crack to go.
11.30 Not too impressed
with seeing my first Ice Hockey game. Rangers were beating Vancouver
4-2 with 6 minutes left. It was very fast which was impressive and
the third goal was a gem. Also some really good scraps but something
seemed to be missing. It is all the hype and the repetitive tapes
going on and on and on and on. The crowd seemed to be very plastic,
clapping twice in response to one tape and 3 times in response to
another. The train was leaving Penn Station t 10.10 or 11.10 and both
of us couldn't give a monkeys who won so we left before the game had
finished. I can't remember any sport in which I had felt like that. I
have started doing some packing but I still have a bit to do. This
time tomorrow I will be on a plane and it will be nearly all over
apart from Ireland which I am looking forward to.
Monday 19th
March 1pm
Well; I am ll set for
the off now. I am ll packed. I hope I haven't forgotten anything over
here. I got myself a new pair of daps. A “NY” hat and had a
“going home” haircut. Pat has gone to town to sort out his
criminal activities at the Manhattan central court. The postman has
been and nothing again. Sally said on the phone last week that she
wrote me a letter so it will have to be sent on. I was to get jeans
but couldn't find any. I am just waiting around for the flight.
3.30 Freezing. Pat got
a $25 fine with no criminal charges - what a waste of time because of
some jobs worth copper. Especially in a city like New York where
there is so much crime. We went for grub and got Siobhan some
flowers. Our flights have been reconfirmed and at the moment it is
due to leave on time.
Just about to take off
– luckily Brian gave us a lift to the airport – just as it was
starting to rain.
So it’s goodbye to
New York – my impressions are it is definitely a dangerous and
dirty city. Every time you opened the papers there were stories about
stabbing, murder and violence. They all seemed to have a common
denominator – CRACK. – that stuff is so cheap. $5 a vial
apparently.
So the UK beckons –
very mixed feelings. Of course I can’t wait to see all the family
again. It will be great to surprise them. On the negative side –
what do I do now? I am bound to go back to teaching but I am entering
a profession with no real hope. Teaching is, and will continue to be
dragged downhill. Still it will be better than selling bloody T
Shirts. I want to get my driving license very soon. It is to my shame
that I haven’t got it yet.
Bad news on the plane
is that it is fully booked so that there are no spare seats to spread
out. I have got dad a litre of Glenfiddich and mum a litre of
Bailey’s. – Pat will take the Bailey’s through customs for me.
I will go to Gunnersbury for the morning before getting the bus home.
I am quite looking forward to seeing SW lads again and Nolesy,
Caroline, Jim, Bob etc. Hopefully I will be able to get in before
school starts or otherwise I will interrupt their lessons. I am also
sniffing for some supply teaching if I can’t get a job in the
travel game over the summer.
¾ an hour to
landing
This is a specially
designed flight to completely bugger up your system. It’s only 5
hours so they mess around for the first 3 hours giving you drinks etc
and just when you decide to go to sleep the captain says there is no
point in going to sleep as there are only 45 minutes left. Pat has
decided to go to Gunnersbury for the day as well for a laugh. Weather
in London is supposed to be foggy. I want to go back to Australia
already. They are waking up all the foreigners now to give them a
landing card. All the poor British don’t have to fill them in. We
have just got to pay zillions in Poll tax
Reading the guardian on
the plane – so much has happened since I left. Poll tax and student
loans. They are trying to do away with child benefit etc. She has got
to go down in history as an evil bitch. God I despise that woman.
Other unbelievable
changes have been in Eastern Europe directly attributed to Gorbachev,
and of course the best thing Nelson Mandela has his freedom. Other
events have been the increase in environmentalism.
Other increases is the
size of my gut and the decrease of my pate (I am bored)
Just looking out of the
window I can see some serious dawn taking place, it’s strange that
we didn’t have to pay any poll tax at the airport on the way out.
10 mins to landing
We have just been told
to stick on our seatbelts. Ridiculous really. Thinking of Billy
Connolly’s advice. Can you imagine crashing into the side of a
mountain, how would a seatbelt help? Everyone shouting together, “Go
away nasty mountain”
Tuesday 20th
March 5pm Newport Wales
I am writing this
sitting on a bus, I caught the 3.10 bus from Heathrow and I am
feeling very jetlagged. Pat came with me to Gunnersbury – we went
for the morning. A pity that Caroline and Nolesy were on a field trip
– had a chat to a few of the kids. Also had a word with Bob about
supply teaching in 3 weeks. Had a brecky with Jim and I will go to
London in 2 weeks with Jacko. Jim also invited me onto the water
sports weekend with the kids in May. I am really looking forward to
seeing mum and dad in ½ hour. I will get a taxi from the station –
I have got a bottle of Glenfiddich and Bailey’s as presents. At
Heathrow I saw Anthony Griffiths from college who was just flying
back from Canada.
Thursday 22nd
March
In another airport.
Wasn’t too sure whether to get the plane or boat – the price of
the flight was £123 return. Bargain – so we don’t have to suffer
the sea
A great welcome I had
when I got home- an obvious surprise for everyone. Even Peter was
home. Ii went over the club and yesterday I visited the Nanna’s.
Really nice to see them again. Again spent the evening in the club.
On Tuesday the younger boys were leaving for Ireland and gave me the
address where they were staying. Hopefully that’s where we will be.
Yesterday talking to Eugene O’Brien and he gave me the gen on where
to meet. I am really looking forward to this little trip.
Nicky Lia is home as
well, only last week though. I also spoke to Martin Buckley. Dad gave
me a ticket for the game so we only have to find one for Pat and we
are set. I can’t see that being a problem.
10pm Me and Pat are not
impressed with the plane.
10.05 Landing already.
By the time we finished our snack and started our coffee we started
to descend. We are equalizing. A bargain of a quick flight. We also
had a ghost next to us so we had one and a half meals each.
Friday 23rd
March – Dublin 2.30
Talk about having a lie
in. Me and Pat just stirred. I looked at the travel clock and it said
9.30 – that’s New York time.
Last night we went to
where the St Peters boys were staying and no joy because it was fully
booked – she gave us the number of a place around the corner. It’s
$10.50 a night so we are in. We just dumped our bags and went
straight out. It was fairly dead for a Thursday night apart from the
roaming drunk Welsh boys. I left my address book at home so I can’
contact the Woyans or Siobhan Devine. Unless I phone home.
Saturday 24th
March 11.30
Match day – wooden
spoon decider, Ireland V Wales. Yesterday we were due to meet all the
St Peters boys in Abbey Mooney’s pub but it was being renovated. We
went for a pizza for grub and then went to see “My left foot” in
the flicks – brilliant film. I phoned Lorna and she turned up with
her boyfriend at O’Donoghue’s pub – we also saw Sean who we
last saw in Cairns. I was chatting to some of the boys from South
Glam and also when nightclubbing saw Sweeney from London Welsh. I’m
a bit hung over now. Taxi home cost £7 – the money is going
through my fingers like a sieve.
Weather now is dry and
windy =- rained last night. I am looking forward to the game, but it
is between the worst two teams in the world.
In politics the Mid
Staffs bye election was yesterday. Labour won by 7,000 overtaking a
Tory majority of 14,000 because of the poll tax and Thatcher. On
Wednesday is a programme on the Birmingham 6 – it is obvious that
they are innocent.
Ireland 14 Wales 8
Monday 26th
March 8.30
We are sitting at the
airport. Pat is not that happy, we should have been here yesterday.
In black and white it says on the ticket that it is the 24th
but I remember in the travel agent saying you can’t get back till
Monday night.!! About the match – Wales won the “Wooden spoon”
for the first time ever. It was awful. It was a bad match played by
two bad teams in appalling conditions.
Me and Pat called for
the St Peter’s boys but most have them had gone to see the oldies
playing. We went out with Leighton and Jenksey. First stop was
Juries- They didn’t have a ticket but luckily we were given two.
Touts were asking £25 for £6 tickets, but as always we managed to
get hold of some. Before the game was a vicious hailstorm – the
less said about the game the better – Awful.
After the game we went
to Juries again and stayed virtually all night. Pat jipped out early.
On Sunday we got
up late and decided to hitch up North. In hindsight we messed up
because Pat suggested trying to get back a day early – If we had
tried we would have realized the mistake on the ticket.
Anyway we had a lift to
the airport and Pat suggested we hired a car. It was cold and wet and
neither of us felt like hitching so we got a grey one for £46 a day.
We stopped in Dundalk for grub and I phoned ahead for Siobhan.
We thought she lived in
Strabane, but in fact it was up in the hills on a sheep farm.
On the way up at the
border we were stopped by the army. Where are you going? Why? Phone
number, check passport etc
We had a coffee and
grub in Siobhan’s and she took us to the most awful come live band
ever. It took about an hour to get there. This bloke had a vest on
and a cucumber down his trousers. – an Ulsterman trying to be an
American is not very entertaining.
Tuesday 27th
March 1pm
Well the fitness has
started again. I went for a short run around the rec when I got up.
Yesterday worked out ok after all. We got on an Air Lingus flight and
Kevin picked us up at the airport – went to the club for a beer to
finish it all off. Now I have to start looking for a job of some
sort. – I will phone around a bit. I also have to sort out my CV
and also get my driving license.
11.30 pm A
fairly uneventful day – as it will be until I get some kind of
work. I got an application form for driving – that has got to be a
priority and saw St Peter’s beat St Joe’s.
The film “My left
foot” which me and Pat saw won two Oscars.
In the evening I phoned
Jacko and he may not be going to London this weekend so I would stay
in Cardiff.
In the evening I went
to the club talking to Billy, Skinner and Paul Wade which I suppose
cancels out my run. Tomorrow’s run will be around the lake and I
may be playing Peter in badminton or tennis.
Wednesday 28th
March
A very boring day –
up at 10 and went for a run. Only went as far as the flower gardens
again – weather freezing and a touch of rain. Peter was due around
at 2 – I went to see if he was coming and locked myself out.
I phoned around and it
looks like I won’t be a courier on the continent because all the
places would have been filled by Christmas. I haven’t got a clue
what to do for the summer.
I phoned Bob and I have
got 1 days’ supply teaching next week and 3 days the following
week.
I went over Peter and
Marie’s house in the evening watching the box “Who bombed
Birmingham” – all about the Birmingham 6 – so obvious that they
are innocent.
Friday 30th
March
A couple of quiet days.
Yesterday evening I went for a drink with Martin Buckley. When I went
to the club I was the only one there, tonight I am off for a drink
with JT to discuss some business – and to tell each other we have
been to Australia. I am also off to the club tomorrow to see Hungry.
I phoned up Chrissy Judd and it is ok for me to travel up to Gravel
Road on Sunday. Weather is quite pleasant. I have been running every
day. I have an invitation to Mary’s wedding in Rottingdean on May
28th. I also had the box of T Shirts I sent over by sea
mail.
Saturday 31 March
12.43
Night over the club
last night. JT never turned up. Not happy at all with him. I will see
him tomorrow morning. I am expecting to play for St Peter’s today
as Adrian Carpinini has cried off. Gorgeously sunny day out.
Sunday April 1st
Up to London today –
my poor feet are killing me from yesterday’s rugby. We lost and I
was really, really unfit. I had a few five yard runs but mobility in
the second half was nonexistent. Because it was my first game of the
season both big toes have painful blisters on them. I went to the
club in the evening and Hungry and Sean turned up – had a few beers
and a gorgeous curry. We called over Phil Harry’s but he wasn’t
in. I n the Hong Kong 7’S Wales got to the semi’s after beating
Aussie 16-10 and then lost to Fiji 34-6. I would have loved to have
been there.
I will be getting a bus
to London about 3 O’clock. One worry is I don’t know where my
card is for the bank. Dad gave it to me before I went to Ireland but
I don’t know where it is.
On the bus –
lots of drama on the M4. We just stopped and two cars were pouring
with flames – completely gutted. On the side of the road was a
bloke with blood all over his face and a woman not looking too clever
in the recovery position – Just before the bridge.
10.15 I arrived
at Gravel Rd just as Chris was getting back from Oxford with his Jock
girlfriend. I am crashing in Jane’s room as she has cracked up and
is in hospital. Paula phoned and will be over on Tuesday. I also gave
Christina a ring from camp in the States. In the evening we went over
the Barmy Arms by the river. I suppose that I am looking forward to
doing a bit of supply tomorrow- that will last about a day.
4.30 am Very
little sleep tonight. I have been thinking again of what to do in the
future. Now this is only a thought but I think it is definitely worth
following up. When in the USA you could definitely see the market for
quality Celtic goods. The Celtic connection shop suggested I started
a mail order firm. Just get the suppliers and then make a mail order
booklet of Welsh goods and bob’s your uncle. What I could do is
over Easter really go for it and try and find all the Welsh goods
suppliers and then go to the States in the summer on BUNACAMP and
then try and set it up with the “Welsh connection”. It would be a
real challenge and could be a real long term earner. It could be
anything from slate statues of miners, Wales / USA badges and T
shirts and sweatshirts. I would follow the Celtic connexion lead and
everything would be made in Wales. I don’t know how much it would
be to set up but I suppose I could ring the WDA for advice with the
catalogue – I honestly at the moment feel it could work really well
. After setting up the outlay wouldn’t be that much because I would
be in the middle. Basically I am combining what I saw in the Celtic
Connection and Mark O’Brien with his MONSTA mail order. I could
write to Mark for advice The thing is some of the T shirts and
sweatshirts I could make myself as well. I will phone Pat tomorrow -
- I have got to decide if I really want to do it very soon because if
I do it it will mean not applying for a full time job this September
– because I will be running around the USA looking for Celtic
Connections in all the big cities – it would also mean writing off
to summer camp and doing something useful during the summer. I could
even set it up and get Kevin, Peter or Cath to start sending stuff
off. I would probably need to open a post office box number. Teaching
is obviously not the profession to be going into in the 1990’s. I
want to travel more and this could be a really good opportunity. At
least if I had a go and failed it would show I was doing something.
Another thing I would have to do is phone someone like Chris Paykel
and find out how much to ask Bob for in wages this year. So at the
moment my thoughts are dragging me to the USA this summer.
5.45am Still
can’t get to sleep. The more I think about it the more I have to go
for it. – Basically that’s all I can lose is a summer in the
States. I would have to spend my summer travelling visiting different
shops. I remember in Portland a “British shop” selling all sorts
of tacky things – I am sure that if I took over examples of
different pins, key rings etc they would go down like a bomb –
especially the Welsh / USA badge. I think it would be a real
challenge. I can see myself going into shops with one of each –
taking orders and then getting someone to send them over to me from
Wales. – Once I have their order I have their names and it could be
a long term thing. “Just Welsh Ltd” sounds ok to me. When I get
home I will see the National Bank of Wales or the Principality
building soc and see which is the best to go for. At the beginning I
could just use the gift shops then go for direct mailing, The great
thing is I could still carry on a teaching career or if needs be any
other career and work from home. In the summer holidays I could
bugger off to another country and do the same thing there. What a way
to visit Australia again or NZ To be fair in OZ there are only about
5 or 6 cities – things Welsh would probably go down a bomb in
places like Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne etc.
I have basically
definitely decided to go for it after a very sleepless night – I am
going to be shattered in the morning. Basically time wise is looking
good. 1ST April today – If I do a summer camp it will be
about June 10th – that gives me enough time to do supply
work and earn some cash and also sort everything out this end –
that is get in touch with the bank and suppliers. Unlike the T Shirts
I want this to be a fairly long term thing so I will want to set it
up as a business and pay tax etc on the profits and make it legal. I
may then be able to get tax relief on flights to the States etc. I
will have to find out. What a really good laugh this will be if it
turns out ok. I’ve got a good feeling because the Celtic connection
was really going out of its way to get all Celtic goods in but it
only had one pin. I must be aware that the number of Welsh
descendants is nothing like the Irish but I am really sure I am
filling a gap in the market. Again the risk is not that huge because
once I set it up I only buy what is ordered. Outlay will be getting
examples of all the goods though. Probably get a loan or apply for a
grant
Monday 2 April –
continued – really! 11pm
Fairly tired because of
the lack of kip last night and my little session on the weights and
the run after school. I saw Jim on the train into school. I suppose I
really enjoyed it because it’s nice to see everybody again but I
definitely feel that as a job you are banging your head against a
brick wall even when you have total control. (Which I did, as I knew
the kids – Gunnersbury is hardly an inner city school) and knew the
subject – I was taking Caroline’s classes and the kids were
great. There are still problems – for example the Geography dept.
has run out of text books and lined paper because there is no money
left. – How dare the bastards in government let education fall to
this level – it is totally dispiriting.
As I said I went for a
run. The weather today was awful. I will not teach Wednesday because
of the NAS strike and I won’t cover. Bob tried to put me in a
position.
This evening I made a
big chicken dinner and phoned Jacko who is coming down on Friday –
defo. Good news from him is that he has been accepted into Oz.
Bad news from Pat is
that Anne has dumped him. – I know I will wind him up in the future
but I am really, really gutted for him because he was really keen on
her.- He is obviously not going to Indonesia now.
I have decided not to
go back to camp and set up that business “Just Welsh”. I will
have a crack anyway. Pat is keen to go as well. I phoned Steve
Kellogg and I have got to get in touch with Yonce – it would be a
great summer if I could get Pat in as well.
I hit the Blucher for a
couple of beers in the evening. On Wednesday I have got to set up the
Middlesex 7’s T shirt. Tomorrow I have got to ring Camp America.
Wednesday 4TH
April 11 pm
A day off today because
of the NAS strike – Bob Williams asked me to work, but I will not
cover a Union strike. At the moment I am not working tomorrow or
Friday, so I am hoping for a phone call. I can’t really afford not
to work.
I didn’t waste today
as I did some running around trying to set up a T-shirt for the
Middlesex 7’s – I will use a Twickenham firm.
This evening I went for
a curry with Chrissy Judd – very nice but not the healthiest of
food. I didn’t go for a run today. Weather fairly present but
freezing cold now
Big news is still
dominated by the unfairness of the poll tax and also the prison riots
in Manchester’s Strangeways prison.
Yesterday I was having
some doubts about setting up for the USA again in the summer, but I
have to do something to break out of the vicious circle of teaching –
the poll tax cuts will mean even more cuts in education. There is no
way you can win. I phoned up Bob Johnston who said his camp was full
but if anything came up he would let me know.
Thursday 5th
April 9am sunny but cold
Not too happy a man but
I suppose that is what supply teaching is all about. The phone hasn’t
rang so I won’t be doing any supply teaching today – to be honest
I am fairly surprised. I was up at 7 – showered and shaved, ironed
my shirt and waited – very tedious, relieved by watching tele for
the first time. Parliament – very entertaining.
Still very unsure what
to do in the future. There is no way I could teach full time in
London. Supply teaching is not guaranteed – I’m not sure whether
I will get the ok to
go to the USA for camp.
I have got to give this “Only Welsh” thing a go
2 pm Bob phoned
about 10 so I have got work tomorrow. Good because it’s boring not
working. I also phoned up Spongy and ii am doing soccer coaching for
the Bees from Tues 17th – Friday 20th. So
that’s a few bob over the holidays. Holidays, that’s a joke after
2 years away.
Next term will probably
be a nightmare for supply- I have made my first tentative steps
towards my “Just Welsh” venture. I phoned up the Welsh office and
I am having a brochure sent to me which will arrive in a couple of
days - we will have to see.
Friday 6th
April 10am – Sunny but cold
At the moment sitting
in the second lesson in Gunnersbury. Very easy work.
In the Times Ed is a
job in Cardiff High School. I may write off for it. I could still go
to the States in the summer but I wouldn’t be able to travel around
at the end.
Tonight I am playing in
the staff v pupils match – we will be lucky to raise a side by the
look of it. We will hit the Globe after. Jim has done the cartoon for
the Middlesex 7’s shirt. It is really good. I have got to decide on
colours now.
Last night we went over
the Blucher. Phil Driscoll and Bob Wade were flying to LA so over the
pub was me, Keith, Chris Phil and Bob and also Christine Wade and
Angela Nugent – we spent most of the night playing “Killer” in
darts.
I have got to admit I
am in two minds whether to apply for the Cardiff High job. My present
feeling on teaching is it’s a mugs game and I can’t see myself
doing it for the rest of my life. What I know about Cardiff High is
that it has a fairly good reputation – being on the “right”
side of town – i.e. not Ely or Llanrumney – a bit of a prod
school though.
Monday 9th
April 11.30 sunny but cold
Supervising a 5th
year class in Gunnersbury. An enjoyable morning with the 1st
years playing soccer. Some real swine’s down there though.
Friday’s game of
soccer was a real disaster. We lost 5-1 but the best laugh was Dave
O’Hanlon’s own goal. I was hopeless – hardly the slinkiest
footballer in the world. My poor feet were really blistered because
of the hard ground and my boots. Hobbling around like a good ‘un.
Onto the Globe later. Jacko turned up but Jim let us down. Paula and
her mates turned up so we went for a curry.
Saturday was up
early and a train to Staines and had a lift off Bob Williams to the
Gayts. I played – believe it or not on the wing in my daps because
my feet were really painful. A boring position to play in. I had 1
tackle and 3 touches of the ball. Give me the forwards any day. Back
to the club then a lift to Twickenham and onto the Orange Tree. – A
good laugh with Jacko ripping into Jim’s girlfriend about losing
her Welsh accent – a curry to finish the evening again.
Sunday was spent all
day spent festering in front of the TV watching soccer. Liverpool
lost to Crystal Palace 4-3 and Man U drew with Oldham 3-3 in the FA
cup semi finals. Ski came out with us and got absolutely legless. Out
in to Twickenham in the evening.
Monday 11th
April
11am supply teaching.
Jim has nearly finished the Middlesex 7’s shirt – it looks really
good. As ever I am very confident.
It doesn’t look that
optomistic about supply teaching for next term. Hoggy reckons there
is little available.
Tonight I’m off for a
meal with Nolesy and Caroline because it’s Nolesey’s last day in
Gunnersbury
Tuesday 12th
April 1.00
Up at 9 fairly hungover
because of last night – quite a good crack. I went to Brentford for
Nolesey’s going away do. At the pub it was a real bargain as there
was a Guinness promotion on and the Guinness was free. I couldn’t
believe it – so we were wellying them down. We went for a meal in
an Italian – we being about 12 of the Gunnersbury staff – Most of
them I didn’t know but quite a good chance to get to know them.
Quite impressed with Louse and Jane!!
I was going to get a
bus to Cardiff this morning but I wasn’t too hot so I will grab a
lift off Chrissy Judd tonight so it looks like I will be getting home
about 10.
In Gunnersbury at the
moment ii am “Golden Boy”, but whether that is reflected in
supply work next term has to be seen. Graham and Roger were pestering
me to apply for the Geography job which is going. They are also
hinting I could get an allowance A. Which is worth £800 and I would
be second in department. I can’t see myself living in London at all
bnext ter m – it would be a definate step backwards. On the
positive side I could move straight back into Gravel Rd and it is
obviously a good school. I am applying for a job in Cardiff High
School, so we will have to see how that goes as well.
I would prefer to be
teaching than just doing supply because supply is no challenge at
all, although it is a doss.
This morning I went to
the T shirt company in Twickenham and had a word with the boss
Dennis. He is prepared to come in on the morning of the 7’s. I
ordered 11- at roughly £4 each, so I have obviously got to find £400
for the little enterprise. I am really confident especially now that
I have seen Jim’s cartoon. I am still waiting for JT to get in
touch, if he doesn’t sod him – he has had his chance.
I also had a word about
the Irish T shirts – I have got to find a good map of Ieland again
from the library in the week.
I gave Heather a bell
and invited her down for Monday. – She wasn’t over keen which was
a pity. I will be working for the Bee’s on Tuesday. Jacko got £104
for the weeks work
Sunday 15th
April
A fairly cold and wet
day. Last night wentt o the Albert and the Kiwi bar – ii was
knackered so came home early. God knows what happened to Pat – he
was supposed to come here but never turned up. He wasn’t at Paula’s
when I rang.
Yesterday I played for
the 4ths against some Newport side. Peter and Kevin played as well –
the first time we had played together, so we got dad to take a photo
– another one for the growing album, we won the game. I am so
unfit.
Yesterday morning I had
a phonecall from Jacko – virtually demanding £200 each from me and
Pat for using his design in the USA – I am furious with him for
quite a few reasons. I really put myself out to make sure he had a
hooded top and a pogues T shirt as a thank you. We had phoned him up
to tell him what we were doing and ii wanted in on the whole thing at
the beginning. He had agreed and then didn’t contact me when I
phoned. His figure of £200 is preposterous as well as we only made
£1300 after throwing in £500. Unfortunately I cant go out for a
drink with him on Thursday. Rather than wishing him best of luck –
it will degenerate into an argument. Typical Jacko trying to take the
high moral ground. Also it means that if I do well on the Middlesex
7’s T shirts I will be unable to go to his wedding in Oz as I hoped
as there will be bad feeling. Sod im if he wants to be like that.
On Friday I saw that in
the paper that the Welsh Anti – Apartheid group had got hold of
some tickets for the Mandela concert. I got 2 and gave Heather a
ring, but she said no as she is studying. Hopefully I wont be stuck
with a ticket. It would be great to hear Nelson Mandella speak on
Monday. The only problem is the forecast for the weather is not
looking hot at all. It will have to be an early start tomorrow
morning. I will take some stuff up to London with me.
11.30pm really
tired – I’ve been playing on the computer all day – really
enjoyed this puzzle- all about being in some maze and working out how
to escape bloody guards with numbers on their hats, which keep
appearing. I phoned Paula and she is driving me up to London at ½ 8
– to ½ 9 so I will be up early. I will take a bit of stuff with
me. I started a letter to Sally but I am too tired to finish it. I
can’t find my cheque book anywhere now. I am hopeless like that.
Tuesday 17th
April
My admiration for that
man couldn’t be higher. I wouldn’t have missed Mandela’s speech
and especially the reception he got for the world. The concert as a
musical event was a real disappointment though, and Wembley is such a
pain in the neck to get away from. Mandela slagged off Thatcher’s
view on Apartheid and said she wasn’t welcome in South Africa. She
being as pig headed as only she can be has said that she will go
whenever she wants. I HATE HER.
Today I did some soccer
coaching for the Bees – really enjoyable – a real doss – a
class of 2 in the morning. And worked in Twickenham in the afternoon
– a bargain. Tomorrow is Hounslow and Twickenham. Start at 10
finish at 4 – nowt on the box at all tonight.
Main news of course is
Mandela but also that the NUT is voting to strike again. I agree with
them. I t is looking so depressing that 20,000 teaching jobs could be
axed because of Poll Tax rates – unbelievable. What is the point of
staying in this job – we get NO support at all.
Wednesday 18th
April 8.20
What a lovely job
starting work at 10 means. I have got a good hour to myself to do the
odds and ends – weather today is perfect – really sunny but I
suppose it will be nippy. Had a letter off Sally this morning which
was quite pleasing. She will be back at the end of May
9.10 Weather
changed – freezing cold and wet now
11.30 went to
Hounslow Town. No one there – so I came home and had the morning
off. I am now running around trying to finance 30 Irish T shirts. I
took out £50 from the bank and then found my $US travelers cheques –
a pleasant surprise in that I have got $340 rather than the expected
$200
Thursday 19th
April 6.30 pm
Up at ½ 8 – had an
enjoyable day doing soccer coaching, Bus to Hounslow and did 2 hours
there. 3 other coaches – loads of kids – I then went to the T
shirt printers and the bloke virtually talked me out of making the
Irish shirt. In hindsight I feel I should have gone on with I – in
fact I probably still will in the future. That cut my dinner down to
only ½ hour.
I had to leg it to
Leatham house for my afternoon course. A good laugh but we had a
nightmare with the weather. First rain, then hail then torrential
hail.. All the kids were freezing and when the thunder and lightening
came I dragged them all inside. – we were drenched. Home then
showered. Wrote a letter to Sally and also watched live Today in
Parliament – really entertaining. On about Hong Kong today.
Dad phoned and the
application for Cardiff High is on the way.
Teaching is really
ridiculous at the moment because of Poll Tax capping of “overspending
councils” (by the most devious of criteria) by the govt means that
cuts have to be made of teachers. The profession (that’s a laugh)
is already on its knees and all this is a kick in the teeth.
Pat phoned and put it
into perspective. He got paid £240 last week for 4 days and e said
he did bugger all. I was pleased to scrape in £100 over half term.
Tonight is Jacko’s
last night. He is on his high horse at the moment so hopefully the
night wont generate into an argument. He is being ridiculous. Last
day teaching soccer tomorrow, party on Saturday – uncertain about
work next week.
Friday 20th
April 8.30
Up at ½ 8 – struggle
as it’s quite cold out. I was kipping in Keith’s room because
Janes’ mum and her brother were in “my“ room – cleaning out
all of Jane’s stuff and will be here over the weekend. – Job
application for Cardiff High school, which I have got to have in the
post by Sunday as the closing date is Tuesday. Also had a letter off
Sue McCahill? – kiwi who knew Siobhan – asking could she crash in
Cardiff on Sunday. I’ve just phoned up the London number se gave
and told them I am in London.
Work this morning in
Hounslow – good crack. Got paid £104 for the weeks work. Home then
onto the afternoon work coaching in Twickenham. No work now to look
forward to.
Paula has just arrived
from the Lake District so I will be going for a beer with her tonight
and anyone else who is around.
Saturday 21st 9.10
What a laugh – up
about 9 Lovely day. Phoned up Gayts for a game. No answer till ½ 12
– all teams meeting at the club at 1. I ended up playing for the
youth of all sides and at number 8.!!I couldn’t believe it. For a
lineout in the first couple of minutes I charged down a kick and ran
10, 15, 20 – no – half the pitch (10 yards) to score under the
posts. We drew 10-10. I really enjoyed it. Bus to Twickenham and now
off to Chis’ girlfriends – Karens party in Hounslow. In the youth
side were 3 kids in the 5th form. They were calling me
“sir” in the warm up.
Sunday 22nd
April 11pmNot a well man at all because of last nights party which
finished about4 O’clock. Woke up to the sound of Rupert and
Claires kids arriving. Rebecca, Sally and Kate – 6,5 and 2. God
what a handful – they were really well behaved but were just being
kids – LOUD and enthusiastic about life. I was feeling hung over
and looking for Pat’s “Bucket of Ice cream” to put in my face.
They were showing us things, jumping on mre etc. I had an hours sleep
in the afternoon and also threw up.
Janes mum left so I can
move into her room – at the moment all my stuff is dumped there. I
will right it tomorrow.
The afternoon was spent
in front of the box watching Cardiff Devils beat Murrayfiekl Racers
on penalties in the Ice hockey cup final. Really exciting stuff. That
is why Clare and Rupert were in London.
We have just had a
curry and are watching the killing fields.
I spent some time on my
application form for Cardiff High school. First job tomorrow is to
send it off. It could be that someone else is lined up for it.
I haven’t got any
work lined up for next week. I will get that Irish shirt out –
against the advice of the printer. I am still very excited about the
Middlesex 7’s T shirt – I need some sellers.
Monday 23rd
April
Up at ½ 8 and filled
in the application form for Cardiff High – posted it off so I will
have to sit and wait now. I had a shower and organized and hoovered
the room.
I gave Jim a ring –
he came round and we ended up in Hounslow and I spent £109 on a new
bike. A few accessories dragged it up to £130. I am quite pleased
with it and as long as I don’t lose it – it will pay for itself
over the next couple of months. Lock number 5242. T shirt for the
Amsterdam 7’s – huge event and he says nowt on sale. If I do well
on the Middlesex 7’s I will defo do it. It clashes with the Old
Gayts dinner – but that will go out of the window. A fairly
pleasant day, but turned nasty just as I was about to bike home.
9.45 –
festering night – Chris came home and offered me a salad. Bit of a
daft question really. Good night on the box highlighted by Alf
Garnett arriving in Australia (Been there). Karen called around on
her bike so that the kid I am I raced her around the block – she,
daft as a brush raced as well.
Tomorrow ii am going
for a round of golf. My handicap is I can’t play.
Tuesday 24th
April 10.15
Up at 8. Went for a run
– took half hour to the shot tower – quite a pleasant run, but
really hurts – after a shower it felt brilliant though. I have got
to get into it every day. Chris phoned and is all in for going for
another run tonight. I am all for it.
Played golf all
afternoon with Jim and Steve Curry. Really enjoyable although my golf
leaves a lot to be desired. My worst fault was topping the ball so
that it only went 10 yards. I went around in 128 on a 68 par course.
I had to borrow golf shoes and I trudged along a huge bag on all 18
holes, but only used the number 7 iron and the putter. “I think I
will use a no. 7 on this one”
On the last 3 we were
playing for beer and the Woosnam came out in me.
Wednesday 25th
April
A fairly quiet day –
school is due back tomorrow, I don’t really expect any supply work.
I will phone Gumley and a few others to get work.
I phoned up Richmond
council and they don’t give out hawkers licenses at all for outside
Twickenham. So, it will have to be illegal work again! On T shirts I
went around the printers and ordered 30 Irish shirts and 7 sweats.
Don’t really know when I can collect them, hopefully by this time
next week. The big news of the day has been the ending of the roof
top protests by the Strangeways prisoners. I was quite enjoying it to
be honest. There were 5 left and they were trapped – they came down
on a hoist.
I didn’t do much
today. I went up Jim’s on my bike – my excuse to use it.
9.30 Brilliant news –
Bob Williams just phoned and said that I should come in tomorrow.
John Bellamy maybe out till Wednesday so that’s a few days work.
Hopefully if the weather is fine I will cycle in. Nigel Griffiths
phoned this evening – I may go out for a beer with him on Sunday.
Thursday 26th
April 10am
Up at 7 and cycled into
school for the first time. Quite a pleasant ride nipping in and out
of traffic. It took about ½ hour, so I got into school quite early
at 8.10. Bob asked me was I available all term , so ii said yes –
hopefully that will mean loads of work. We will see. On the supply
side it looks like I am the only supply teacher in. Golden boy see.
Ii am sitting in lesson 2 with 2nd years – no work set
and they can’t get to their lockers so it’s a sit quietly and
talk amongst yourselves lesson.
Friday 27th
April 12 noon
Up at 7 – cycled into
school – very pleasant although nippy in the shade. The supply
teaching is boring but better than sitting down at home.
Yesterday afternoon
there was a post office robbery in Brentford – a bloke got shot in
the head near Enfield Rd – near Dave O’Brien’s house. I went to
the cabbage patch with Juddy and Tim Regan at the alternative
comedian night – quite a good laugh really. Two of the comedians
were really good but the others were awful.
I got a Times Ed and
there is nothing going in Cardiff. Gunnersbury had advertised their
Geography job, but no need to panic I suppose. I phoned yesterday
about the T shirts and they said it could take up to 3 weeks. That
would be a nightmare.
3pm – good news off
Bob Williams. He has given me work till half term and there is a
possibility of work after that – that is quite a relief actually
because it is so regular. I may be doing some English teaching as
well. Get a timetable sorted out on Monday. I will have to have a
“word” with Bob about half term if Ireland beats England, because
I will be wanting to nip over to Italy.
Sunday 29th
April
A festering sort of a
day – spent a couple of hours burning the old fence. Then watched
the soccer on TV. Yesterday I played for the Old Gayts youth (Peter
Pan) O’Brien – I only played a half because Justin O’Bierne had
to have a half. It was boiling. We bet Old Millhillians – had quite
a few beers after. It really is a good clubhouse. I sold my first
Middlesex 7’s T Shirt – by cheque. So I was pleased with that
one.
I phoned up Liz
Charlton yesterday. I will see her next week – she is now working
selling computers and she asked me if I was interested. I said I
would think about it, so she will bring some info with her when I see
her next week.
Monday 30th
April 11pm – sunny
Up at 7 – Jim cycled
around and called for me, we biked into school. He is having loads of
stick because London Welsh got relegated on Saturday (again). I have
been given a bit of a time table. I am still uncertain on what to do
in the future. I don’t want to teach in London! The thing with Liz
and computers would be good but it would mean staying in London. I
haven’t heard anything about the Cardiff job. I am not worried at
all, to be honest I can hardly give a monkeys.
I am quite excited
about the Middlesex 7’s T shirt. At the moment everything is going
ok apart from the fact I have no people to sell them for me.
I have virtually sussed
out the Irish shirt if Ireland beat England in June. The front can be
an Irish player whacking an English player on the arse with a
shillelagh. The back can be the headlines of all the papers the next
day. Tonight I have got to do my washing and also get a pair of
swimming trunks and goggles so that I can start swimming every day
after school again.
3.10 sitting with 4th
years- to be honest I am bored stiff. The kids are not motivated and
nor am I.
Tuesday 1st
May
An absolutely gorgeous
sunny day, sitting around doing supervision all day. Billy Bragg is
playing in the Town and Country pub so I may/will organize a few
people to go and see him. It should be a good crack.
Last night I stayed in
till about 9 and then we went to the Prince Blucher. I went for a
swim after school and did about 30 laps. – I will try and increase
it by two every day. There were quite a few little kids getting in
the way, so I may try the Brentford pool today. My goggles were
hopeless.
2pm sitting with double
1st years – fairly boring. I would rather be teaching –
crossed my mind a couple of times about teaching here next year, but
I doubt it.
Thursday 3rd
May v sunny
Up at 7 and cycled into
work – very enjoyable but too much traffic. A full day of
babysitting lined up. Keith phoned this morning and said he may get a
job in Cardiff so he would be moving out soon and we would have to
get a new flat mate. A Swedish Au Pair would be ideal.
Last night I went over
the Albert with Chris and his boss – quite a nice pub. Saw a few
people I know. Renee – who used to do soccer coaching for
Brentford.
Today is a polling day
for the local elections – hopefully the Tories will get a real
pasting as predicted. The important councils look to be Wandsworth,
Westminster and Bradford. They are all the “flagships” – The
poll tax continues to dominate the news. A widower got a bill for his
late wife of £1.98 – that represented the two days she was alive
in the financial year. It really is scandalous.
In world news Mandela
is meeting De Klerk for talks on apartheid – the first time since
1921 when the ANC was formed.
I went swimming
yesterday 32 lengths – the goggles were ok as I tightened them up.
I prefer the Brentford pool but it doesn’t open till 4.
Pat phoned and the good
news is that he will be coming to France on the water sports holiday.
He will chuck the cheque in the post. I am still considering whether
to make the Irish shirt in big numbers for the Irish festival in
Finsbury Park in June. It clashes with the France trip – it would
involve flying home a day early but could be a good earner. I am
still thinking of going to Amsterdam for the 7’s. I will have to
get the teams off Jim. I am really relying on the Middlesex 7’s T
shirts to go really well. I still need a few people to work for me.
Hopefully Catherine and Barry won’t drop out.
There are a couple of
lads a couple of doors down who may be interested. I will pop in and
ask them tonight.
6.20 Poor old
Pat is out of the game because there is no room for him on the trip.
If one of the kids drops out he is in.
I have been for my
swim- very enjoyable – I have got to keep it up for fitness sake.
Thinking again on the
future I would love to go travelling again and the rugby world cup
would be a good crack. Cardiff High hasn’t even taken up my
references. I will have a chat to mum about it over the weekend. I
know she defo wants me back in Cardiff. I could try the
Gunnersbury job that’s going. The benefits are that I have a flat
in a reasonable area at a fairly good rent for London. The
Gunnersbury staff are really good and although it’s hard work I get
a real kick out of teaching. I know all the crap that goes with it,
but simply, I enjoy it. Negatively I will be in the same school
living in London. The financial aspect of teaching will be overcome
by flogging shirts, which I also get a kick out of. If Keith moves
out Mackers can move in.
Friday 4th
May 2 pm sunny
Up at 7 I have got the
TV in my room now – watching the local election results – a bit
disappointing – Labour won 300 odd seats but the Tories have got a
victory in keeping Wandsworth.
Weather today is
boiling. I biked into school and have had all upper school which is
great. At dinnertime I cycled to the bank and took out £500 on
access for the Middlesex 7’s T shirt – hopefully the weather will
be like today.
Home tonight by train –
the roads will be packed solid – should be a good laugh – home
for mum’s birthday – 50!
Sunday 6th
May on train to London 5.30
An eventful day
yesterday. I went to the cup final with Peter – out then with the
family for a meal and the house got burgled. The weather is and has
been gorgeous. The cup final was won by Neath who beat Bridgend-
really close game. Second row got sent off for stamping.
We then had a wild
goose chase to Rhoose for a meal but it was fully booked, so we had a
meal in Whitchurch. It was ok but when we got back ( me via the club
– chatting to Karen – Jims missus – what a nightmare) the home
had been burgled and the video was stolen. – Dad, ever subtle
blamed Cath, who was in tears. They had got in through the window,
nicked the video but the security in the house prevented the tele or
anything else going. That must be the third time the house has been
robbed. It makes you think – especially with the house in
Twickenham – I have got about £700 lying in cash in the house and
the front door has a dodgy lock and its is also easy to get in the
back.
I had a word with mum
about staying in London – she was not happy about it saying I
haven’t really tried, but I can see myself going for the
Gunnersbury job. – it was in today’s Universe. I phoned up Pat
and told him that Keith’s room in Gravel Road was up for grabs –
he is thinking about it. If Mackers was moving in I would defo stay
in the smoke for a year. If I do stay in London I’ve got to really
work hard on a few different shirts and “use” London for my
advantage for example there is a Kiwi tour of England in cricket now
on, The kangaroo Aussie Rugby League side are coming over. The rugby
world cup and the soccer world cup. I have got to find out about
opening a PO Box number and have a word with Karen about opening some
kind of business. I have got to learn to drive.
If I go legit I can
afford to advertise. Next week’s shirts have to go really well. My
first thing will obviously pay back the £500 I owe on access. I have
also got to decide whether to fly back early from France and take 100
or maybe 150 shirts to the Irish festival. It will hopefully finance
my jaunt to Italy in the summer, if Ireland win. I’ve got to keep
my cards more to my chest.
Monday 7th
May – Bank Holiday
The sides have
qualified for the Middlesex 7’s next Saturday so ii can now get
started. Good news is London Welsh have qualified and Jim wants me to
put London Welsh on the back and I will have a definite order of 30.
I got back yesterday
and went to the Barmy Arms – a gorgeously sunny evening. Chris was
there with his mates from Orleans – I was not impressed at all.
Typical “pants on your head” rugby boys. I would not have been
happy if I would have had a tray on my head.
I phoned Jim this
morning and I have to go and see about the back..
Bank Holiday today so
no work, a festering day
Tuesday 8th
May
Sitting with 4th
years in lesson 1 – they are ok. I have phoned through to the
printers and gave them the list.. I am hoping to pick them up
tomorrow but expecting it to be more like Thursday.
I didn’t do much
yesterday but thankfully I managed to squeeze in a run. Me and Chris
went to the Blucher in the evening. I gave Liz Charlton a ring and I
am seeing her tonight in the Orange Tree. Jim’s idea of making them
for London Welsh has not come to fruition yet – he is going to fax
through the design just in case it is too aggressive. If there is an
order for 30 I can get the money up front £240 – I would reinvest
it and get 30 more. So really I wouldn’t have taken any risk.
Lesson3 Jim
phoned through and they aren’t prepared to put the money up front –
doesn’t really matter as they will hopefully buy one anyway Lesson
4 supply teaching is really boring. I have now got 3rd
years – I have set them up with work, now keeping them quiet and
waiting for the bell I suppose. I am definitely grateful for the work
though.
Wednesday 9th
May lesson 2
Went for a swim at
Richmond pool last night – then for some grub and over for a pint.
She had to get back to Redbridge which is a real nightmare,
especially as all I had to do was dive on a bus back to Twickenham.
I have just phoned up
the T shirt place – he is now printing the fronts and they have to
make the back so I’ve got to give him a bell about ½ 3 today –
hopefully I can pick them up at 5.
5pm – as expected I
have to pick up the shirt tomorrow. I had a phone call from Bernie
Norris – she and her two friends will be working for me on
Saturday. I suppose I will have enough now with Catherine and Barry,
Kieron from school and Ryan and his mate – hopefully the weather
will be ok.
I spent the afternoon
covering an exam – computing in the design block – fairly boring,
but better than standing in the hall all day.
I paid Bob £10 for my
ticket for the Old Gayts – Bob has been asked to be the coach of
London Welsh – if he takes it, he will let the Gayts down a bit but
it has got to be tempting.
Thursday 10th May
weather cloudy and raining
Lesson 2. Just had a
call off Catherine this morning. Her and Barry won’t be able to
come down on Saturday so I will be needing someone else – one of
the Borough Road boys will be ideal – I will try and see them at
dinnertime. On the shirts front I will be picking them up tonight –
hopefully then start to get rid of a few.
Weather outside is
really grotty – drizzle and rain – it was fairly chilly cycling
in today. The 5th years have now left, only coming in for
their exams.
Last night I didn’t
bother going out as I had an early night. Good news is that Pat
phoned up and is moving in. Because of that I will almost certainly
apply for the Gunnersbury job. I will be wanting the “A”
allowance – and hopefully mainly upper school classes.
Midnight
Decisions, Decisions. What I decide over the next day or two will
decide my future over the next year.
This morning as I wrote
the above I was I quote “almost certainly applying for the
Gunnersbury post” The reason was – I enjoy the school etc. and
that Cardiff High had not taken up my references
Things changed at 5
O’clock. I have been invited for an interview next Wednesday.
Thinking about it at 5 O’clock I thought I would defo go for the
interview. I would expect to get the job (on an MPG) and I was quite
looking forward to the challenge.
Me and Chris went to
the Blucher at ½ 9 and met Renee. He told us that the Kangaroo tour
of GB would be in October. This really twists it all around because I
am sure that I can make real guts full on the Ozzie shirt. I’ve got
a kangaroo tour 1990 – exactly the same as my Lions shirt. I could
be at Earl’s court by 5 every night in October. I will have to
discuss it with Caroline, Graham, Bob Roger and even John Heffernan
tomorrow. I would be thinking at least an A incentive. I would take
in my letter of interview and when I get the job I would get some
Ozzies to travel to the games.
I don’t think I will
get much sleep tonight.
Friday 11th
May 12.30
Decision made. I will
go to the interview in Cardiff High School on Wednesday. To be honest
I will be disappointed if I don’t get it. I had a word with Bob and
he said I would be dull if I didn’t go for it as he has been
desperate to get into Cardiff for ages. I am still very keen to do
the Kangaroo tour shirt.
I hope I have made the
right decision. I am fairly tired as I didn’t get much kip last
night.
I brought a few shirts
in today and got rid of them – mostly to staff for £5. I won’t
raise enough to order more until tomorrow. Weather is fairly chilly –
hopefully it will brighten up for the 7’,s Later Bob has
changed his mind and I should reconsider staying here. I will be
going to the interview.
Sunday 13th
May
A result yesterday at
the Middlesex 7’s. I made about £300 profit, but it was hard work.
The weather was against us – very cold. The girls didn’t do well
and knocked it on the head about 1. Ryan Dodgson turned up with a
black eye and was never really in the game. I flogged them for £8
and at 2 O’clock decided to get 80 more. A risk which I regretted a
bit but it turned out ok and got rid of them all – with the help of
Jim I unloaded at £5. I paid Jim for his artwork £65 and had about
£800 left. I have got to pay access £500 I borrowed for the shirts.
To be fair it was very hard work and I thought I would do far better
– the optimist coming out in me again. Still, it’s paid for my
trip to France over half term. The Quins won the competition for the
5th year running. In the FA cup final it was a draw
between Man United and Crystal Palace 3-3. In the evening I went over
the Blucher, the Eel Pie and then for a curry.
The main thing
preoccupying my thoughts will be my future in teaching. Cardiff High
School v Gunnersbury. It really is difficult as I keep changing my
mind more times than Wales have beaten England at Cardiff in the last
30 years, more times than London Welsh and Cardiff City have been
relegated and more time than I have been dumped
( That’s enough more
times – ed.)
At the moment I am all
keen to go back to Gunnersbury. On Friday I was all keen to get a job
at Cardiff High School.
Monday 14th
May 12.15 sunny
A fairly relaxing
morning – spent supervising cricket down the fields with the first
years and now “babysitting” first years again. I gave Steve Curry
£40 to see if he could get hold of some FA cup Final tickets for
Thursday. If he gets some Mackers will come up as well
The fifth years today
sat their GCSE exam. I still haven’t made a firm decision on
Gunnersbury v Cardiff High.
Jason Wing said about
12 Borough Road boys want a shirt, so I said that I would make an
order next Monday and get the money first. Milking it now.
7.00 Scurry went to
Wembley but all the tickets had gone. In the afternoon I took a
really bad cricket lesson with 2nd years. This little
swine gave me tons of stress, so I phoned his mum, but they were in
the States – I’ll Have him !! On the way home I had my hair cut –
a number 4 – quite short.
I am still undecided
about Cardiff High or Gunnersbury – I gave Heather a ring, she says
the same as everybody else – my decision. God it’s hard. I am
sure I would enjoy another year at Gunnersbury but London is so
expensive. Then again if I had the Aussie rugby league shirt on the
go I am sure I would get a really good result. Heather says she will
be in London on the 12th June. If Ireland beats England in
the world cup I will be off to Italy – she could work for me if she
was prepared to risk it.
Tuesday 15th
May 2pm – sun / cloud
A fairly quiet day -
off to Cardiff in the evening. I am in two minds about the interview.
Got rid of a couple more Irish shirts – they are going ok. I will
catch a train to Reading and then pick up the Cardiff train from
there rather than travelling across town.
Friday 18th
May
My concerns over the
last week – Cardiff High V Gunnersbury have now been solved. I
wasn’t offered the Cardiff High job – a blow to my pride. I
suppose that the reasons being was that I had no A level experience,
I had been travelling and the on that should concern me the most was
my language in the interview. “Bloody cold” for glaciers Vamps of
the sixth form and Aussie blokes – did not go down well. I suppose
it was good feedback for the future.
I wasn’t that over
impressed with the department or the school. The department was
spread all over the school and the school itself was very drab. If
offered I was going to refuse (honest). One of the main reasons was
that the staff was so old.
I have now filled in
the application form for the geography job at Gunnersbury. I think I
would be favourite as the present incumbent Cathy Taylor is not that
over popular,
I had my interview and
went over St Peters club on Wednesday evening – in the early
evening I had a look at the baseball. Our firsts won and the seconds
lost. Train back yesterday – the connections worked ok.
Last night I saw the FA
cup replay. Man United beat Crystal Palace in an uninspiring game. I
did some tinkering with my brakes and will have a look at them again
tonight. Tonight I am off to the Old Gayts dinner. I will be playing
for them next year, providing of course I get the Gunnersbury job.
Saturday 19th
May Cold
Up at 9 and did some
reading. I didn’t have a hangover as in past dinners because I kept
off the wine. I had a fairly dossy day in school yesterday. Bob gave
me 2 lessons off to fill in the application form for the Gunnersbury
job – 3rd time I have applied for the same job.
Post applied for –
Gunnersbury; Previous experience – Gunnersbury; References –
Gunnersbury.
I would be very
disappointed if I didn’t get the job and very surprised. Next week
I am off to France. Should be a laugh. The dinner last night was very
enjoyable. I am being sounded out to be second team captain, but I
don’t want it.
Mackers is coming down
later – I am off to the school whit fayre, I’ve got to keep my
nose clean.
Sunday 20th
May cloudy 2.15
Up at 9 and did some
reading – did my washing over the laundry. We then got the
breakfast in – Pork sausages, not beef because of the “mad cow
disease”. Me and Pat went over the Blucher at dinnertime – I
don’t want to get into that habit again as I crashed out for an
hour and feel wrecked.
Last night I went to
Waterman’s for a trivia quiz with Pat, Anne and Jim. It was really
good – different than just hanging around the pub.
Good news is when Pat
moves in he has a TV and video. The one we have now is a nightmare –
it keeps losing its picture and we are stuck with “snow”
10pm – spent the
evening in watching the box. Jeeves and Wooster – brilliant; and
looking forward to Spitting Image. The week ahead involves an
interview on Tuesday – I expect to get the job and I am also going
to France on Friday. Should be a really good crack. I will order
another 100 Irish shirts tomorrow so that I can sell them at the
Irish Festival in Finsbury Park on the day we get back.
Monday 21st
May 11.45 cloudy
Up early, cycled into
school – my tyre is really low- it needs some serious air in it.
I phoned up wages and I
should be paid on Friday. I also phoned up the T Shirt place and
ordered 100 for the Irish Festival in Finsbury Park. That is on
Sunday 3rd June the day we get back from France – so it
will be “all go”
Jim Williams has got an
interview for Mal’s old job – interesting to see whether he gets
it.
11pm John Gallagher has
signed for Leeds for £500,000 – what a surprise.
Tuesday 22nd
May 1.30
Well I got the job –
one of the most awkward mornings of my life – I hated it. There
were 4 candidates, one Cathy Taylor, the present incumbent – who I
think was never in the game. The other two looked fairly strong –
especially the girl, who was quite smart. The interview started at ½
9 and went on for ages. They kept us waiting a full hour after the
last candidate. I was fairly confident, but very nervous. It would
have been a real nightmare – so embarrassing if I wouldn’t have
got it.
The interview went ok
but “Heffo” asked me that did I think that teaching and selling T
Shirts complimented each other. I couldn’t believe how long I was
waiting – it went on for ages and ages – I will get the gen off
Caroline but I don’t think the management has that much confidence
in me. ‘Caro will hopefully give me all the news.
Anyway, onto the
positive side. I’ve got a job and can start thinking about “A”
level teaching next year. That is going to be really hard work, but a
real challenge. I know there are times I will regret it but I am
pleased to get it.
Before the interview
and during it I kept myself to myself in the staffroom – it was so
embarrassing
In the news is the
Maguire family, who – just like the Guildford 4 are having their
sentences totally squashed because it is obvious they were stitched
up. How the Birmingham 6 can remain in jail baffles me. – British
justice I suppose.
The Whitbread round the
world yacht race finished today – as expected Steinlager II walked
it.
6.30 – I phoned home
to tell them about my job and fairly bad news about mum’s eyes. She
has lost the use of one of them and has been told not to drive.
Obviously loads of tests to do. I hope she is OK
Wednesday 23rd
May 12 noon sunny
A gorgeous day –
cycled into work and started babysitting. Only one real incident of
note. – some nutcase of a first year, Gavin. Jim Williams is
working on my Irish T shirt – looks very good but very aggressive.
At dinnertime today I
have to get about £350 on access to pay for the 100 odd shirts to
take to Finsbury Park. Richard Burke said he would pick them up.
Thursday 24th
May 8.30pm
Just about packed for
the French trip – off tomorrow and looking forward to it. I have a
sore throat and feeling fairly rough.
I had my letter
offering me the Geography job. I have got to write a letter of
acceptance. Spent the day supply teaching, gave Burkey £500 to pick
up the Irish shirts so that I can take them to Finsbury Park.
In the afternoon I was
up the BIS room so I had a fiddle on the computers
Home to a cheque for
£500 for supply teaching up to the 2nd May.
Friday 25th
May 2pm
Sitting her with 4th
years – writing letters or something. All set for the trip to
France – should be a good crack. Last night ended up over the
Blucher and for curry with Chris. The shadow Michelle followed. Jim
was in trouble with Anne because he never told her he was going to
France till yesterday – daft bugger.
Talking of Jim, he has
taken the job in a private school so he won’t be in Gunnersbury
next year. I gave in my letter of acceptance today.
I am taking my rucksack
and a small bag- we got a taxi to school. On the things I forgot list
was my jeans. A fairly dossy day again.
Can’t think of much
happening in the world – Labour won the Bootle bye election with ¾
of the vote.
FRANCE
11.30 Boulogne
A very uneventful trip
so far – 16 hours to go – boys very well behaved – thankfully!
Cathy Taylor got the geography job in Lampton so I don’t have to
feel guilty – not that I was. As a bonus Crocodile Dundee is on the
vid. Been there – both Sydney and New York.
Saturday 26th
May – very sunny – on coach 2pm
Crashed out ok for a
few hours on the bus. Went through a few videos “Preditator” with
Schwartzenigar was deemed unsuitable – quite right – saw Naked
gun which I really enjoyed, I had never seen it before. We have
stopped a few times – spent some of my pfennigs’ – had a bit of
a water fight. Poor old William Martin ended up in the fountain. –
He wasn’t a happy man. We are due to arrive in the camp site in
about an hour – we will have free time, so it will be straight down
to the beach. I read viz and private eye on the way down. Different
but equally as good.
6.00 Sitting
outside the tent after spending a couple of hours on the beach. A
fairly hot couple of hours – so I was fairly covered up with
blocker etc. The kids have been great so far touch wood. We jumped
Steve Curry – rolled him in the dense leaves which are on the high
tide and bunged him in.
Sunday 29th
May 9.30
A fairly late night
last night. Kids fairly excitable – expected I suppose. The boys
were introduced to the Quest staff – some of them real prats. About
9 of the “lads” hit the disco and the 8 of us went to our tent –
away from the mozzies, and made a hole in the supply of booze. Me and
Jim went to check about ½ 10 and the music was “We are
gogoggggtooto play house music ic ic all night long all night long,
house music all night long” – sorry not for me.
During the night a
school from Aberdeen arrived. Apparently they caused blue murder –
swearing and noise, but I was knocking out zzzz’s
A brilliant bollocking
this morning for the Jocks. Breakfast was croissants and coffee.- ok.
Today we are off to Aqua land. In the evening will be the option of
seeing an -21 European championship game England v Czechoslovakia.
5.30 “COR WAT A
SCORCHER” – A real hot’un at the waterslides and a real good
laugh. Really caught some sun and had a few good photo’s taken on
the Niagara and some of the flumes. There will be some really sore
kids today despite repeated warnings. The response to see the soccer
is not that high so it maybe beach games.
Monday 28th
May 5.30 stormy
A very mixed day spent
on the beach. Weather-wise it started really cloudy then at dinner it
was a scorcher, we then had to come back early because of the threat
of a storm. – ot hasn’t happened yet, but could be on the cards.
In the water I went on the wave ski and also had a crack on the
hobicat with Jim – the instructor who looks like a woman “Burglar
Bill” – lots of games on the beach – rugby etc. Scurry is like
a tart with all the coloured cream on his eyelids etc. Nice to have
coffee in the tent.
This evening’s
activities could be limited because of the threat of rain will knock
horse riding on the head and go carting – so it will be into the
local town called HYERS. This is all very tiring, I forgot to report
that the mozzies are biting.
6.30 – We spent about
½ hour chatting about various members of staff. “Herman” came up
– my new mate next year in the geog department. By all accounts he
has rubbed everyone up the wrong way- no one really has a good word
to say about him and socially he is a mare.
I’ve a gut feeling he
will resent me getting “Cathy’s” job, but I suppose I have got
to give him a fair go. First impressions are obviously not someone I
would socialize with, but he looks to really work hard. It is a worry
that he has already got his toe in A level which I am keen to get.
Tuesday 29th
May
Off to the “Island”
today. - It looks really hot so I will have to cover up. Yesterday’s
storm never materialized – a pity because I love storms. We went to
the Port Hyeres. I wasn’t too impressed – like a bigger Mumbles.
Our instructions to the boys left a lot to be desired. “We will
see you at 9.15 by the bar”! After the kids were safely padlocked
in their tents we went over the road and had a few then had a bop in
the disco. I can’t handle the house music at all. I really hate it
– we did have a chance to go crazy to ska. Madness and the boys. –
End of the evening I told the boys the corky story.
5pm – sitting on the
beach with sore feet – cracking day weather wise on some French
Island – went over on a boat which had an underwater viewing area.
Did a bit of sunbathing then all the staff went snorkeling. I enjoy
snorkeling, but to be honest you can’t compare it to coral. Lots of
weeds and some fish but not the mind blowing variety of fish and the
colour of the Great Barrier Reef. We had a game of volleyball and
some dinner.I gad a lazy afternoon reading and crashing out. I then
had a nightmare jumping Scurry – I bust my flip flop. I have got to
get some more – my poor feet are so sore.
Pre dinner Got
some new flip flops – 250 zonks. I am all showered and ready for
grub. – Starving; the showers were freezing – we all got back to
the tent and slagged off more members of staff. Jane Weaver, Peter
Ward and Marie Christine took a pasting. I may have to come next year
just to avoid having to get talked about. Weather has clouded over a
bit. Tonight’s exiting activity is 10 pin bowling. I don’t think
a sesh is on tonight as stocks are low in the fridge, but you never
know.
Wednesday 30th
May 9am
A fairly chilly cloudy
morning – the boys are on wave skis and toppers all day. Breakfast
was ok – loadsa coffee and cerials. We have got 2 more GOEFAS –
Matthew Ryan and Dymott – we caught them drinking last night.
Punishment was straight to bed and stick off us all the week. The
mozzies have been giving us a real pasting. Last night was a real
bargain as I borrowed “Fitzey’s” tracky bottoms.
6.15 A really good
crack today despite the dull weather. We have found a new game on the
beach. – sod all the water sports – the game is chucking all the
woody “flotsam” over each other. The important sporting news of
the afternoon was beating Jane (I play tennis for the county)
Chambers in tennis 3-0. I had to sneak in some sneaky Splott tricks.
I lost to Brendan though. We are also having a rugby comp. 1-1 at the
moment.
Could be problems with
the Jocks and our lads. A scrap is rumoured to be planned at the big
Disco tonight or on the last night. Steve Curry is all in for a scrap
as he hates the Scots.
Thursday 31st
May 9am
Looks like it’s going
to be a really hot one. I have got to be a bit careful. I think the
boys are water skiing and windsurfing.
Last night we went
bowling. Most of the boys played soccer. Thankfully as only 2 alleys
were open. It was a real laugh when someone had a duck as me, scurry
and Jim were doing this duck walk – we were giggling like a gang of
7 year olds but Louise got upset because the duck walk came out about
4 times for her. We had a fairly early night, but I am knackered now.
1.30 Gorgeous
day – but annoyed with myself – I said earlier that I was
knackered. I went to the beach – did a bit of reading (Fatal Shore)
and then when I awoke.
Went water skiing –
quack quack quack- bever going to live it down the boys are going to
slate me (Jim Williams)
6pm what a brilliant
afternoon – sun scorching. I had a crack at wind surfing – very
frustrating and only had a ten minute go as the kids had to have the
boards.
We then had a sit down
and me and Maguire had a go on the topper, really relaxing and quite
successful. I was , for a change in charge and control of the
board/boat. When that was finished I queued up for a water-ski. It
was brilliant – best I have ever done. At first I had a go as a
refresher on the bar and then on the rope. I went outside the wake,
which I have always wanted to do – I was really pleased with myself
and was very surprised with the mega stick about being the worst poof
ever, because I went on the bar first.
Tonight we are going to
one of these bug Euromarkets – the girls will love it. Shopping to
their hearts content.
Friday 1st
June
After being Mike
Hazelwood yesterday, I decided to be Chay Blyth today with my trusty
companion (Claire Francis (Another quack quack). It appears that in
these unexplored waters on the South of France there are some
turbulent undercurrents. Again today I was hit by a ferocious tidal
wave that appeared from no where. This resulted in man and woman
overboard, followed by the now infamous cries of Quack Quack Quack!!.
The boats gone missing. I always believed the Bermuda triangle was in
the Atlantic (Jim Williams)
Friday 1st
June
A brilliant day
weather-wise – the afternoon’s entertainment for me was sailing.
I loved it. As soon as I could I grabbed a boat, which was
immediately. The wind was perfect for my standard of sailing which is
improving from the last time I sailed, which was camp.
II went out with Jane
which was ok although we did capsize once or twice. Then there was
Louise! – the jinx. It was my fault that we lost the boat. –
(hence the stick from Jim above)
What happened was the
centre board was stuck in the sand – Louise was up front – I 9
stupidly) let go of everything, the wind caught it and lobbed us both
into the sea. That would have been ok but the boat was on the horizon
by the time we both surfaced. The most unfortunate thing about the
whole episode was that Jim, Scurry and John were watching.
I then went out with
Caroline – whizzing up and down the coast
After the sailing we
had another mega fight with the wood chippings – a few photos were
taken.
Last night we went to
the supermarche – got loads of booze to take home and for the
evening’s entertainment – as a bonus we confiscated a case of
beer as well.
Tonight being the last
night could be a long one, The Jocks have had £30 nicked so there
could be some repercussions.
I have caught a bit of
sun thankfully
7pm Post dinner –
Gorgeous again. Being the last night the kids are a bit hyper –
some of it forced
Saturday 2nd
June 9.30 v.v sunny
Off home in an hour
with a dreadful journey ahead of us – plan of attack is to leave at
10.30 – get to Boulogne at 6 and Gunnersbury by 9. I then
have to zip up to Finsbury Park with my shirts for the Irish
Festival.
Very, very sunny so the
coach will be murder.
Last night was the most
dreadful cabaret. Me and Scurry sneaked out the back over the wall.
Quite a few of the kids had been drinking a fair bit so it wasn’t
quiet. A really enjoyable week. Lotsa sun
8.30 A fairly
tedious coach journey, with the worst still to come. Boredom relieved
by watching videos – Swartzenniger in running man was so, so bad.
We saw lots more cheers and some music vids. We have stopped so far a
couple of times for coffee breaks and will probably hit Paris for
about 11pm. We may have to hang around the port for the ferry. Then
it is back to the land of the Thatch. – Jonathon Fitzpatrick had
his diary out – declaring his undying love for Debbie – one of
the girls on camp
½ midnight The
little name dropper I am. We are now driving through Paris and
stopped outside the Eiffel Tower for some photo’s – very
impressive and daunting, all lit up. The traffic around Paris is
murder – especially around the Arc de Triumph – again – very
impressive. There are people everywhere – then again it is Saturday
night. I am very tired – I don’t know how much kip I will get
tonight.
England
Sunday 3rd
June England
We are still on the
motorway – expected ToA was now but we got held up for two hours at
the Port of Dover because we never had a relief driver and now the
motorway only has one lane. This is really bad news for me because I
have got to get straight up to Finsbury Park with my T Shirts for the
Irish festival/ It would be a ‘mare if I was really really late.
I’ve taken out £350 on Access so I am looking at least to recoup
that – so, anything above £350 is a bonus. I am very tired, but as
always on these ventures very confident. Virtually everyone on the
coach is sleeping. Wales beat Namibia 18-9. England only drew with
Tunisia 1-1 and Ireland beat Malta 3-0. Hopefully that will crush
England’s confidence and Ireland will get the victory I am praying
for next Monday.
Later – still
on the bus. Things are looking very bleak. – to describe it as “not
being T Shirt weather” would be an understatement. It is wellying
it down outside as we approach London.
Midnight - + so
ends one of the most tiring days of my life, I can’t believe how
tired I am. John Heffernan gave me a lift to the house. I immediately
had to phone mum because last night there was a coach crash in France
killing at least 10. She says that her eye is hopefully not as bad as
first feared, although she is not allowed to drive.
I obviously got to the
concert area late and there was loads of competition. It was cold and
pouring with rain. I started selling at £8. I then swapped a shirt
for a ticket and got into the arena. I dropped my price to £6 and
stood for hours. I had given up and was walking to the tube when I
met this bloke who had a table and had about 5 shirts left so I moved
in and sold mine. I got rid of all the XL – only a few mediums and
smalls left – they will go (back up to £8 now,) I also sold a few
sweat shirts.
Long tube ride home and
a taxi from Hounslow East – counting up – I have got £605 so it
was a definite result. Out of that £605 I have got to pay Access
back £350 and Burkey has got to give me £100 so that leaves £350
in the kitty for different shirts. I am determined to keep the
different monies separate, so that I can build on them. Basically I
earned about £200 today which is over a week’s work. It was very
hard graft though – I will be thankful of my bed now. Alarm is set
for 6.30.
Monday 4th
June 7.45pm
I was the tiredest man
in the world this morning and it was reflected in the patience of my
teaching. I cycled into school and coming home – something didn’t
feel right. I asked Jim and he said it was ok but when I got to
Twickenham Green it was as flat as a very flat thing. I know what I
am like with bikes – a flat tyre means I might as well chuck the
thing away.
At the end of the day
in school there was a staff meeting. Talk about déjà vu. It was
virtually a different staff moaning to a different headmaster about
exactly the same thing we were moaning about 3 years ago – sod
that. I am not looking forward to a return to that type of life at
all. I think I am far too cynical now.
11.30 Just got
back from the Blucher. Only had a couple but I have really got to
think seriously about fitness. Tomorrow I will go up to Old Gayts
training session. In future I have got to start doing runs and
weights at dinnertime – I can easily eat my grub after. Bring on
supply most dinnetimes I am only sitting around anyway. This evening
Pat phones and will be moving in some of his stuff up next week.
Hopefully on Monday. I gave Sally a ring – she has been back a week
now – we had a chat for about ½ hour. I invited her up for the
weekend but got blanked.
News today is the SDP
have folded up.. I have got no time for them anyway – The fence
they kept sitting on has obviously collapsed.
Over the Blucher I got
rid of two Irish shirts to my shadow Michelle and a South African
barmaid. – Talking to some blokes – I may bring out an England
shirt if they beat Ireland, but I am still backing Ireland. If they
win I am sure I am in for a fortune.
Tuesday 5th
June
Train to school today
because my bike is out at the moment – fairly cold day. I spent a
couple of lessons in the special studies room on computers. I gave
Luigi a hand in the sweep for the soccer world cup. I jipped out of
training – the poof I am, I am still determined to go running at
dinnertime tomorrow.
This evening I have had
a night in – been tidying up. I gave Heather a ring about her exams
– she will be in London next Tuesday. I gave Peter a ring and he
will send up the cucumber and beer books
Wednesday 6th
June
27
A fairly rotten day
weather-wise. I had to get a train because my bike is still ill. No
mail this morning as the postman hasn’t been before I left. I have
got a free next lesson so I may go on the Apple Mackintosh computer
and design some sort of poster for the Irish world cup or the Oz NZ
shirt.
Thursday 7th
June 4.30
Felt rough all day
because I went over the Blucher at ½ 8 to celebrate my birthday. I
didn’t want to get up this morning + struggled through.
I had a bargain of an
idea. Any good classes I will take to the computer room and ii will
learn how to do word processing. I phoned up the post office and will
get a box no. for my shirts – it costs £41 / annum which sounds
quite reasonable to me.
6.45 I have just put my
bike in the shop to get the back wheel done – should pick it up
tomorrow – cost about £6. I phoned up Paddy Phoenix the T shirt
man from Manchester – he is asking about £2 / shirt or less if I
order a quantity of over £300 – that would be unbelievable. I am
seriously thinking of doing the Benedorm touch in the summer.
8.00 more thoughts on
the crack in the land of “Here we go” land of Benidorm, Callella
etc. The hero of all these boys will be Sid the sexist. I could bring
Sid and the fat slags in on the beer and cucumber T Shirt – it will
be a real killer I am sure. What a laugh that would be.
Friday 8th
June 3.00
A rotten day
weather-wise. Pouring down all day. Doing supply I spent a couple of
lessons on the computer – getting better. At dinnertime I did Jim’s
fitness session – which was enjoyable but killed me. Last night we
had a brilliant storm. Paula phoned and I went over the Turks Head
with “her man” Jules. The world cup soccer starts tonight with
Argentina v Cameroon. I am really looking forward to England v
Ireland on Monday.
6pm – watching the
opening game into the second half Cameroon 0 Argentina 0. I picked up
my bike and decided not to go to Burkeys as it was raining.
Brilliant news Cameroon
have just scored, just moments after one of their players got sent
off. The Cameroon player should never have gone – the crowd are
right behind Cameroon because it was so unjust. Another Cameron
player sent off. This one should go. – Result 1-0 Cameroon – what
a start to the world cup!
8.15 I phoned Mike Ede.
He is in London next week and is very keen to see the viz shirts –
he also knows a mate who will be more than happy – so hopefully I
can pull it out of the bag and have them flogging for me. –
Benidorm etc.
Saturday 9th
June 8pm
A bit of a “Dougie no
mates” today with Juddy in Yugoslavakia.I phoned up Pat and he is
not coming till next week now. That means we are stuck with the dodgy
black and white TV that is likely to go snowy at any time. It is not
that much of a mega disaster because I will be seeing Heather on
Tuesday when she gets to London from Brum.
I missed the morning-
got up ½ midday, which is a waste – I cycled into Hounslow and
bought 3 shirts, some grundies and shorts. – About £70 all told. I
gave Nigel Griffiths a ring and cycled over to Surbiton and saw
Romania beat Russia 2-0 which is another surprise. Griff is working
behind the bar tonight so I cycled back and am now watching Italy v
Austria. Still 0-0 but the wops look strong.
One thing on the news
is the Italians are searching everyone. If Ireland beat England I am
virtually committed to going over, but it is not 100% certain I can
get over the border – what a laugh.
Weather today has been
grim. Italy 1 Austria 0. A really good game, Italy kept missing
chance after chance, but got the well deserved goal with 10 mins to
go.
Sunday 10th
June
God I feel rough- I
had a fairly unsettled night running to the loo with the trots. The
thing is I went over the pub last night and I was on the wagon –
it’s not fair. I have festered around a bit today. Even did some
tidying up!! I am now settling down for another world cup match. USA
v Czechoslovakia. Tomorrow is the big one; Ireland v England –
virtually committed to trying to get through customs and into Italy
with the shirts. 8pm Yanks are getting stuffed 3-0 and one of
their players have been sent off. Personally I am dying. Stomach
cramps and running to the loo all afternoon. – I did some ironing
and tidying up – that’s what caused the cramps probably.
10pm Still
running to the loo every 10 minutes. Not too happy. Hopefully it will
clear with the Alka selsa tomorrow.
Earlier in the day
Bernie Norris called around with £50 from the Middlesex 7’s shirt
which is a bit of a bonus. Just saw Brazil v Sweden 2-1 – but not
impressed.
Monday 11th
June 10.30 cloudy
Up about 7.15 –
cycled into work with Jim. I was up a couple of times during the
night – I don’t feel too hot now. I have got games this afternoon
but didn’t bring any kit!! Today I have to find out prices and
availability of planes to Palermo and see if it is worth going and
take 150 shirts. It will be such a laugh if Ireland beat England. –
Steve Curry has got a BBQ so it will be up to his for the match.
5pm I am dressed
up for Curry’s tonight – Irish T shirt and sweatshirt on. Spent
this afternoon on games and quickly cycled home for the Scotland v
Costa Rica game. Just into the second half and the Jocks are having a
mare – 1-0 down. They always mess it up against the minnows.
6.00 Jocks are
virtually out – I have got a stomach ache, still. Ireland v England
is on in a couple of hours. If Ireland beat England I will make a
gutsfull on the smacking the arse shirt.
Tuesday 12th
June
I am writing this,
unfortunately in Gunnersbury because Ireland only drew with England
1-1. Poor game, but very exciting. England scored after only 8
minutes with a goal by Linecker and Ireland came back in the second
half. We saw the game over Steve Curry’s which was a good laugh, as
the split was 50/50. I am feeling rough, not because of drink, but
because of a stomach bug. Hopefully Heather will call around tonight
– I haven’t seen her for a couple of years – so she will no
doubt have a few stories to say. I cycled into school this morning
and it was freezing.
A real pity about
Ireland not getting the second. I was fairly well prepared and life
would have been very interesting had I got the shirt out.
Wednesday 13th
June
Cycled into school-
again freezing. Such a luxury to have a clean shirt every day (5)
rather than last week when I had only 2, so I had to wash one every
day. In school fairly uneventful – I had mostly upper school
thankfully, so I went on the computer and had a crack at the Tower.
Bob Williams said that I have probably got a 3rd year next
year. I was hoping for upper school.
Last night Heather
called over and we went over the Blucher – I was on orange juice
and soda as I still have a bit of an upset stomach. – Quite a few
others came over as well, Caroline, Eva, Dave McCord.
We are thinking of
having some kind of party on the final of the world cup. Any excuse.
Hopefully Mackers will be up otherwise we will only have the black
and white.
Thursday 14th
June
Cycled into school –
absolutely freezing again – school didn’t start till10 because of
Corpus Christi. I jipped out of mass.
I am sending a letter
to the NZ embassy to find the days of the rugby tour to France so I
can set up the shirt – it will be the smacking the bum shirt. I am
sure that will be a winner – then again I always do.
After the exams (which
are next week) I have to teach Bob’s lessons on science – doing
pollution. I have to get together with Heather as she is doing the
same thing with the first years. For next year I think I have been
lined up in one of the humanities rooms, which I am not happy about
because I want one of the Geography rooms – I will have to throw
some hints. I don’t want “Herman” to get “my” room.
Friday 15th
June
A big improvement in
the weather – cycled to work in the sun.
Yesterday from school I
went over Burkey’s house to watch the Cameroon v Romania game –
fairly boring game until the last 15 minutes when 38 year old Roger
Millar scored two crackers. That puts Cameroon top of the group and
through to the last round. What an achievement
I cycled home and
watched the box TOTP was a nightmare with one of the songs Betty Boop
and the Boops singing the Doo, making me rush for the button.
9.15 Annoyed with
myself a bit and the other with Herman Muncer. God if I keep this
diary up I will be giving him such a pasting next year. After school
I went for a beer with Jane and Louise. John – a history teacher
(bit of a sap) and Herman were in the pub. We had a couple of beers
then did a really dull thing. i.e. phone Heather – I have got to
avoid her at all costs or the last 2 years have been for nowt – I
am so dull + so annoyed with myself.
Herman has annoyed me
as he has made a play for G2 as his tutor base – announced Caroline
has G1 and he has G2 because he put up the curtains. I am sorry I
will fight it. I still may do the smacking the bum shirt only order
30 though.
On TV at the moment
West Germany are stuffing UAE at ½ time.
I have every intention
of getting up at 3.15 to watch NZ v Scotland in the morning (stuffed
31-16)
Sunday 17th
June
Very pleasant day
weather wise. Spent the day festering – picked up the washing,
cleaned the bog and went for a run – so, I can be a bit smug.
Looking forward to the Ireland v Egypt game this afternoon. If
Jackie’s boys can beat the Egyptians they are through to the knock
out stages. I hope they cream them
Yesterday I went with
Chris and Karen to Paula’s hospital school – we took two of
Karen’s charges with us. They were ok but we thought we had lost
them at one stage, Karen was very blasé about losing them as “that’s
the nature of the beast” I suppose. Me and Chris went over the
Blucher and the Albert to watch England v Holland 0-0 What a laugh.
England had so many chances in the second half – they scored a goal
from a free kick but it was indirect. All the English were gutted.
The Jocks beat Sweden 2-1 so they are back in the game.
I phoned Pat and he is
moving up tomorrow – hopefully with his TV and vid, so I will have
to peg it back tomorrow. A bloke called around and our door will be
fixed tomorrow. With Pat moving in we can have a BBQ for the world
cup final. It is the same day as the Wimbledon final.
½ time Ireland v Egypt
0-0. Not a bad game – Ireland on the attack all game but Egypt
looking warm.
Monday 18th
June 9.15
Invigilating lower
school exams should be a very boring day, but hopefully a chance to
get some letters out of the way. I owe one to Cathy, Siobhan and NZ
Yesterday’s second
half of the Irish game was awful. That side can start packing their
bags now because they will never beat the Dutch. Went out for a meal
with Paula and then to the Albert – a quiet night.
Pat moves up today –
I am hoping to get some tickets for Ben Elton’s play “Gasping”
– see if anyone else wants to go.
Weather wise today is
perfect. – cycled in ok this morning. Hopefully go for a run
tonight. I am off to Jim’s keep fit tomorrow night.
Tuesday 19th
June 9.30
Cycled into work today
– just avoided the rain. Pat turned up yesterday minus the TV and
vid – we were gutted. – We saw Argentina + Romania draw on the
black and white.
Caroline has just given
me a copy of the “A” level syllabus – god it’s hard. There
are some words in there that I don’t even know what they mean. Mind
you I will really look forward to teaching “A” level next year –
it will be a real challenge, although I will obviously have to stick
a shed full of work in. I jipped out of my run yesterday, but I still
intend on going to the keep fit tonight.
Main topic of
conversation of course is the world cup. In the staff room we have
got a 10p sweep going every day on guess the score. I have only won
once so far. The world cup will get much more exiting next week when
it goes into the knock out stage.
I have got to get on
the apple mackintosh soon to knock out some of my designs for my
shirts. Aussie kangaroo one, NZ and France one and the two viz
shirts. I phoned Mike Ede yesterday and he will be sending some viz
to the house so I can trace them
11.00 Just spent
20 mins buggering around on the Apple Mac. It is so impressive.. I
have got to get more proficient at it.. At the moment I am
invigilating 1st years – boring, so I am knocking out
some letters.
3.00 I have got
my Mercantile T shirt in school and looking it I can improve the back
of the Kangaroo tour T shirt by copying Kangaroos along the bottom
similar to my U2 shirt and the kiwi’s.
Wednesday 20th
June 10.15
Weather gorgeous. I am
writing this during exam invigilation – I have taken a hammering on
cover today. My legs are aching all over because last night I went
fitness training up the Old Gayts. – Very enjoyable but hard work.
I am suffering now. Went over the pub after and had a couple of pints
– which was annoying. Chris’, mate was there – showing off his
Porsche – what a prat. I am thinking of going home for the weekend.
It will be decided if Chris is heading home and I have a lift
Kit was talking about
going to aerobics on Wednesday. I am sure I would enjoy it but it
would be awkward if Heather is there.
In the world cup
tonight it is Scotland v Brazil. If the Jocks get a point they will
go through, but if they lose they are out.. Luigi Fulgoni is opening
up the envelopes today for the world cup draw. Italy are still in it
but I bet I get UAE or such like.
Thursday 21st
June 12.20
Weather raining. This
morning I have got a second year class who are a real pain in the
neck. Earlier on today I had my science class working on pollution.
Tomorrow I am out of school on a trip to Heathrow which will be
different with a first year class. Last night I saw Scotland get
knocked out of the world cup 1-0 by Brazil. Tonight England and
Ireland are playing. I would expect England to beat Egypt and go
through and Ireland to lose to Holland and go out. Juddy is not going
home on the weekend so I will probably stay up in London. Cycling to
school this morning I saw Tony Barry and Neil ? in Brentford High
Road.
Monday 25th
June
Loads to catch up on.
The main world news of the weekend is the earthquake in Iran. Over 40
thousand people died – that is such an unbelievable number and is
simply impossible thing to imagine. The thing with an event like that
is I don’t feel the same numbness as I did for example Hillsborough
or Kings X disaster where the casualties were under 100. I suppose I
could identify with those victims.
Friday – I
spent dragging 1 Pole down to Heathrow with the poisoned dwarf Anne
Clair, who was alright as it turned out. The day was split into two
halves – one being very boring and the other was ok – a really
gory film on safety on the track – showed all the burns etc. In the
evening I went out for a beer with the girls – Jane, Louse and
Heather – then cycled home and gave Claire McAuliffe a bell – I
went to town and went for a beer with her and an Aussie girl, Sarah
who might be interested in going to Spain with the viz shirts, I
crashed around there.
Saturday – got
home about 11. Made the breakfast and generally festered around for a
couple of hours. Chris gave me a lift to Cardiff – got home about3.
I looked for that T shirt everywhere- of the kangaroo jumping on the
Lions head but couldn’t find it – I have tried to trace it myself
but can’t. I will have to get Jim on it.
I went over the park to
watch the baseball and watched Cameroon – they are unbelievably in
the quarter finals now, with a 38 year old Roger Miller – the story
of the world cup so far. I went over the club and then the Philly. I
saw Anthony Sagona, then, right at the end I unbelievably saw Sioned
and Awen. – They only got back last week. From the Philly I went to
the Welsh club down Womanby St. Very different. Then to Cathays for a
coffee. Home at 3 and locked out. Had to get dad up.
Sunday –
typical weather rain/drizzle all day – what a drag. Nan came over
and we watched My Left Foot on the vid. Festered around most of the
day. Saw Brazil lose to Argentina 1-0 and GB league beat NZ. I missed
most of the West Germany v Holland game because we had to get back to
London. Ended up having a curry to finish the day – got in at
midnight. I brought back quite a bit of stuff but the thing I was
trying to get I couldn’t find. I have got loads of files because I
am teaching “A” level next year
Today – up ok
and cycled to work – weather grim but not wet. I have got a box
number – 91. PO BOX 91, Twickenham TW26SZ.
I have got a bit to do
– I am going to get the Aussie shirt to the printers by Friday
7.00 What a
laugh Ireland v Romania. I saw the first half in the staff room and
then cycled to Burkey’s for extra time. – 0-0 Full time. 0-0
after extra time. – Then onto penalties. After 4 each it was 4-4.
Romania missed and O’Leary scored to win the game. What a laugh.
Rome has got to be on. I phoned Jacko. Woke him up and told him the
news. He had over slept and missed it. Probably Ireland v Italy ¼
finals on Jacko’s wedding night – what a laugh.
I phoned Pat and he is
definitely in – we will hopefully leave Wednesday. Tickets to Italy
are going to cost a fortune. £219 return. Leave Wednesday but can’t
get back or £171 single. That’s BA so hopefully we can get a
cheaper ticket. What a laugh. The T Shirt I will be taking will be
the Ireland one with I was there – Rome 1990 on it,
10pm – Defo going- I
have got to. Pat is in charge of getting the flights and I am in for
getting the T Shirts.
Tuesday 26th
June 11.30 pm
Up very early and
showered and cycled into work, weather really sweaty all day.
First thing was to see
Bob Williams and tell him that I was going to Rome. I have said that
I will try and get back on Sunday. It was quite funny – Bob was
saying “Are you serious?” and I just smiled. I have got to go.
I thought earlier about
not mentioning it to anyone, but it is not my personality – if
something really exiting like this is coming up I have got to tell
the whole world – it is just me.
I spent all day trying
to mark the 4th year exam papers – I am not unhappy
about their knowledge. A drag marking them – so, so, so time
consuming. At dinnertime I phoned Pat – We are DEFINITELY,
Definitely, Definitely going to Rome on Thursday morning £166
return. Brilliant. Unfortunately we don’t get back till Wednesday.
I really want to get back on Sunday – read on to see if I get back!
I phoned TSP and
ordered 200 shirts. Pat is having 50 and I am in for 150. Dennis was
umming and aahing and gave me the impression that he couldn’t get
them. I really pleaded with him and when I phoned back he said that
he would do it. I can pick them up tomorrow. After school I played
tennis against Louise who I comfortably beat and Jane, who I got
stuffed 3-0, 3-2. Very sweaty and I suppose got beat by a better
player.
After school Jane
called over and me and Chris went to Pat Harty’s to watch England
play Belgium. Boring game, but a really good night. 0-0 full time and
1 minute left Platt scored this beautiful volley from a free kick –
sensational goal which puts England in the ¼ finals against Cameroon
– what a world cup. I honestly can’t wait to get to Rome. Jack
Charlton has again upstaged everybody. He has cancelled Ireland’s
training session tomorrow because the whole squad is going to meet
the Pope – what a coup for big Jack. I am off to Italy – YESS.
Wednesday 27th
June 7.45
Really excited about
going to Italy tomorrow – what a laugh. School was ok today –
fairly muggy. At dinnertime I went to the bank and picked up £600 on
Access. Spent a lot of t he day marking. What a drag After school I
went over the pub with Louise and Heather – only had an orange,
then cycled to the t shirt place to pick up my shirts.
They have got ROME
1990 on them and look very good – I hope I get them through customs
OK - be a bugger if I can't. Pat phoned and we are flying up at
10.30. I have to be up at 6 so I can get to Gatwick. Why Gatwick when
Heathrow is really close? I am still hoping to be home on Sunday.
Thursday 28th
June – Gatwick Airport 10.30
Up at 6 this morning
and Juddy gave me a lift to Twickenham. Train to Clapham and then
Gatwick. The bags weighed a ton but thankfully I've unloaded Pat with
a bag full. Here is praying that we get them through the airport ok.
I am really looking forward to this trip. I have no doubt that
Ireland will get stuffed by Italy but it is going to be a brilliant
laugh. At the check in was a very nervous 18 year old with his uncle.
He asked us to look after him, so Lorenzo is “with us” - or
rather we are with hm if we can't get anywhere to crash.
We went for a coffee in
the restaurant and had a nightmare with the marmalade – me and Pat
couldn't open it and this woman showed us up by easily cracking it
open.
On the plane
Pat has just got
sharked by Lorenzo. He dived into the window seat and Lorenzo
insisted that it was his. Pat tried to explain “the rules” but
Lorenzo was going to burst into tears so poor old Pat had to change
seats.
Star spotting in
the business class is sitting Andy Summers of Police” fame –
where is Sting? In the paper is a report on the Irish team meeting
the PAPA in Rome yesterday. Another of Jackie Charlton's quotes “The
pope had been smaller than he expected, but only in size”
Friday 29th
July
I am feeling really
rough. We ended up in an Irish bar. “The fiddlers elbow”
On arrival in Rome we
had to get a 40 minute bus to the centre – talking to these people
who said tickets would be available. The HEAT – it's better than
Sydney !!
We went to the railway
station and got ourselves a room for £12.50. It's clean but in a
really seedy area
We went for food at 6.
Walked to the pub – a fairly bad move as we obviously stayed We
cleared about 50 shirts – they went really well. We knocked the
price down from £8 to £5 so we can get rid of them quickly and
enjoy ourselves. A fairly riotous night.
The hope now is for
tickets. Apparently 8,000 are kept for the Irish so we are going down
the stadium very early and will probably be queuing all day. I will
expect to pay about £60 for the ticket. Scandalous price but if
there is an outside chance of seeing the game – I am in.
3 pm I've got a
ticket – we paid £40 for a ticket – which is cost price. The
heat is so hot it's unbearable. I am soaking with sweat + I have got
jock rash because of it.
We went down the
stadium+ there were hundreds of people queuing. We got chatting t
these two Aussie lads, Sharpy and ?. I lent him about £50 to get his
ticket – we waited in the heat which was stifling – no water and
came up trumps. I think virtually every one who was there would have
got one. I then did some selling of shirts and got rid of all the
ones I had - about 80 without any problem. - pity we didn't take
more The frustrating thing for me is I haven't got any photocopies of
my address so people can get them by mail order – A good lesson as
soon as one of my shirts comes out I have got to get it immediately
photocopied.
We then went to St
Peters Square – rally impressive, absolutely huge. – went into
the basilica – again it was gorgeous. Everybody was very friendly
and you could see the Italians are very confident. Because we have
got Irish shirts on the touts are trying to flog us tickets. We are
being asked for £150 -£200. I am so pleased to get the ticket for
the ¼ final of the world cup. The atmosphere will be great. We
wandered around a bit and then had a big incident on the bus. The
gypsy kids tried to snatch Pat’s wallet and again at another stop
someone nearly lost his wallet. We have come back to have a siesta
because it is so hot outside – we will hit the pub about 7 tonight.
7.00 Had a lovely 2
hour kip and we are ready for the off again now, I am enjoying this –
it’s a real good laugh. I am fairly peckish though. I have just
showered, had to pay 2,000 lira for the privilege. I have just washed
the T Shirt that I wore yesterday so that it will be clean for
tomorrow. The match kicks off at 9 – we hope to be in the stadium
about 6 so we will have to leave 4-5 – I have caught a bit of sun
today.
Tour songs so far:
“Tell me ma, me ma. I won’t be home for tea, We are staying in
Italy. Que serra, serra.” “ OOOH AAARH Paul McGrath, say ooh
aaargh Paul McGrath (repeat for ever)
Saturday 30th
June – Match day 8am
Really, really good
crack last night. We got rid of all the shirts. Me by selling them
and Pat by leaving about 15 of them in a restaurant, Typical.
We first went for a
meal and some vino and to the fiddlers elbow about 8. The atmosphere
in the pub was wild with the most dreadful songs being sung. “Who
is that lying on the seafront, who is that lying on the beach. It’s
Norman Tebbit and his wife, she’s paralyzed for life and they won’t
be going to Brighton anymore”
The pub closed really
early so me and Pat went with these two American girls for a meal. I
went to the loo and heard them talking about us. One of them was keen
on Pat and the other wanted to go, so all the pressure was off me and
I gave them verbal abuse all night. Pat reckons ii am a jinx. Pat
then forgot to pick up the bag of shirts. Divhead.
We then went to the
Piazza and enjoyed all the singing till 2 in the morning.
10.30 The sweat is
pouring off me. We went to the restaurant we were in last night but
the bag had gone. I’ve been looking for a photocopier. I found one,
but I have no change now.
We divvied up the
money. I’ve got 1275 lira – about £640. Pat got 425 lira.
Basically the £640 has covered my flight over as I owe access £600
so I can pay it back on Thursday. Loads of Irish in town – quite a
few drinking already which is daft.
7.00 all set for the
game now. Ticket checked and a camera check. We will go for a beer
and then to the Olympic stadium for a few cold ones, then who knows.
My prediction for the game is for Italy to beat Ireland by 2 goals to
0, one of the goals to be a penalty. Tomorrow I can forecast having
loads of difficulty getting a flight.
5.00 Back to the hotel
with a couple of CIOA’s mascots of the world cup.- bargain at £2.50
each. Back to the hotel to grab a beer but the ban is on. –
absolutely pouring with sweat.
Sunday 11am
“We” went down 1-0
– what an experience. The whole game and the evening was
incredible.
My problems start now.
I have a ticket which says Wednesday on it and the ticket says it
can’t be changed, so I will be hanging around the airport for days.
I didn’t get back to
the hotel until ½ 6. I spent the evening singing, dancing, jumping
on cars etc. My photo’s will be fantastic.
1.15 as expected I am
struggling to get a flight. Every plane is fully booked and they are
charging £200 one way on standby. I have put my name on the list but
on my ticket it says it can’t be changed – the flight looks fully
booked and there are 15 people in front of me. I have told them I
have been robbed and have no money so I have got to get back. –
Please god I make the plane, I am so tired now.
About the game
yesterday: There was an alcohol ban, but we got loads of booze from
the supermarket and sat on the grass outside the stadium.
Unbelievably we saw
Brian, Bernie’s boyfriend. We last saw him in a pub in the Ireland
Wales game and before that in Sydney.
To describe the
atmosphere as electric would be an understatement. We were with
thousands of Irish fans, but obviously heavily outnumbered by the
Italians.
Scilachi scored for
Italy after 38 minutes and was unlucky with a free kick that beat
Bonner and hit the crossbar. I must have taken about 50 photos – so
many flags etc. Ireland attacked throughout the second half but Italy
closed the game down. After the match all the Irish fans stayed
singing and chanting for an hour. Charlie Haughy did a walk but all
the chanting was for JACKIE CHARLTON who got such a reception. I have
got loads of photos – I hope they all come out.
As I am writing this I
can see the queue of people lining up for “my” plane. There is
only one flight and it looks packed.
After the game me and
Pat went to this bar by these steps. – The atmosphere was
unbelievable with all the Italians riding around in cars, waving
flags and beeping horns – an experience I will never forget. I
don’t know what I will do if I don’t get a flight. I am so tired
now.
11.30 – a day I would
rather forget- I am shattered and still in Rome. I couldn’t get on
a flight as my ticket was a no change one. If I had paid an extra £30
I might have had a chance. I have put my name down on a list for
tomorrow –it’s not guaranteed but I am praying that I get home. I
phoned home to tell them to ring Gunnersbury to tell them the
situation. I feel like I have jet lag which in a sense I have because
I got no sleep last night.
I met two lads at the
airport Tony and Jim – they were wearing Celtic shirts – I was
chatting to them – they had no money at all so I lent them £100 I
will get a cheque off them. I went for a Chinese meal which was
lovely then back to the hotel to watch the ¼ final. England beat
Cameroon 3-2 so the semi’s are England v West Germany; and Italy v
Argentina. I would say that West Germany will beat England in the
final.
I may borrow an idea
off a brilliant shirt I saw with a stand full of soccer supporters,
all with flags and team names on the flags. – It looks really
excellent – I could do it for all the different sides in the world
cup – just change the names and the colours on the flags. I am
praying for a flight tomorrow
Monday 1ST
July 11.30 Hot and sweaty
Took ages to get to
sleep last night because of the heat and all the noise outside from
the Irish fans. Aim today is obviously to get out of Rome. I will be
so cheesed off if I don’t get out. Obviously our chances have
improved with England getting a result last night.
1.30 Rome airport
again. – they say it’s not looking good again but I am hopeful as
they have said I am no1 on the list, but it’s fully booked and
there only has to be 1 business class person to come along and I am
knackered. Please god let me get home. The airport is packed with
Irish people again. – Thank god England won or the situation would
have been much worse
Tony Quinn/Jim
McNally 6 Horlich Drive Dulghetty Bay Fife Scotland 0383 825083
3.15 Joy oh Joy – I
am on the plane waiting for takeoff – very much looking forward to
getting home and getting some grub down my neck. I have only had a
Chinese in the last 2 days. Being no.1 on the list was a real bargain
so I will be able to make school tomorrow. I will give Bob a ring.
11.30 Showered etc and
chucked all the stuff in the cupboard. Saw Dear Sarah on the black
and white TV – it’s got to go. All about Giuseppe Conlon – so
moving. School tomorrow.
Tuesday 3rd
July 2pm
Up early and cycled
into work. I saw Alex Higgins in Twickenham – a pig of a bloke. A
fairly quiet day compared to the last few days, I am very tired
though.
Tonight I have a game
of tennis against Jim and I am going up the Gayts to go training –
trying to get the fitness going.
Wednesday 4th
July
Train into work today
as it’s pouring down with rain. News from Heather is that she
passed all her exams so she will be in London all next year.
Last night I played
tennis in school – lost to Jim and then went training up the Gayts
but no one was there because of the soccer.
Me and Jim went over
the Blucher and saw Argentina beat Italy on penalties, so the Argies
are in the final against England or West Germany who are playing
tonight. I may go over Pat Harty’s to watch it. My form next year
is 3D
Thursday 5th
July
England got knocked out
of the world cup last night on penalties. I saw the game around Pat
Harty’s house with Jane and then saw Louise in the Blucher. –
Very exciting stuff. Pat got back from Italy. – Didn’t have a
great time in Florence as he was Dougie no mates. Today I had off as
it was a Baker day. I cycled up and put in my photos – very good,
then did my washing and had a brecky with Pat.
Weather today really
awful – rain and wind. Spent all day working on the viz shirt. The
Sid the sexist is looking really good – even if I say it myself.
Friday 6th
July
Weather not too good –
spent all day on supply showing the kids my photos of Italy – the
little egotist I am. I can’t resist a captive audience. Paula gave
me a ring this morning and will be coming over this evening.
After school I am
playing badminton against Brendan Bloomer – apparently he is very
good and I will get a pasting, but it will be good exercise. All talk
is still about the world cup – Why is a German egg better than
English egg – because it stays in the cup longer.
Monday 9th
July
A fairly hectic weekend
and I am fairly annoyed with school. Jim Williams phoned up at ¼ to
8 to say that he couldn’t come in as he was ill and he was missing
the field trip. Surprise surprise, - he said last week he didn’t
want to go. I took in my kit/ gear but I would have been very
aggrieved to have gone because of the state of the house because of
yesterdays Barbie. I also want to set up the viz shirt which I hope
to do today. It would have been a real inconvenience at short notice.
On the other hand it is ridiculous that I haven’t gone. I know I am
on supply but I am teaching the kids who are going next year. I have
been overlooked in favour of Bob Williams, Jim, Luigi etc so I am not
happy about that. I was annoyed this morning but now feel sod em and
not let it worry me and concentrate on getting the Sid the sexist
shirt out.
Yesterday was the BBQ
which went a bit flat because of the lack of people attending. West
Germany beat Argentina having had 2 players sent off – they won no
friends at all.
I expected a few more
people at the house and to be honest I was quite disappointed by the
lack of response. In the men’s tennis final Becker lost to Edberg –
not a bad match.
Saturday I festered
around a bit and at last got a TV and video. – It’s £30 a month
and gone on direct debit. We went to a party at London Welsh, I
wasn’t too impressed to be honest because 1 it was a disco and 2
the bar closed at 11.
This week we have to
advertise for a new flat mate as Pat is definitely not moving in –
a shame.
9pm – I phoned
Kingston + no joy on the shirts front so I phoned the bloke from
Manchester – Paddy and hopefully he is getting back to me. I still
don’t know whether I will be going on the fieldtrip tomorrow. –
Probably not tomorrow, but I couldn’t give a toss. I want to sort
out the shirts first.
Got home after school
and tidied up the flat – what a wreck.
Paddy phoned and I have
got to give him a ring about 6. Even if I went on the fieldtrip –
which I doubt, as it’s too bloody like common sense. He said I
could meet him this weekend as he is “working” the rolling stones
concerts. One thing I don’t want to get involved with is working
concerts for someone else.
Thinking ahead, I know
teaching is really going to cheese me off next year- I have seen the
bloody mindedness and the stupidity of management over the last week
with this fieldwork thing. I have no real respect for John Heffernan,
Ian McGibbon or Peter Ward and I have got to work under them next
year. God it is going to be frustrating. Plus, throw in Herman Muncer
and you have a nightmare waiting to happen.
I have got to be
determined not to let the “bastards grind me down” for example
this fieldtrip thing has really cheesed me off but why should it
really worry me – it’s their loss. I was talking to Pat Harty
about inter school politics – you can’t avoid them because
obviously if you have any common sense you can’t let anyone get one
over on you in work.
The other thing that is
really cheesing me off is the women situation. If I am honest I am
really keen on Heather but I am not prepared to go back to the
situation that existed pre my travels so that effectively that’s
her out of the game completely because it’s screamingly obvious
that she is not going to change at all. What a waste. Brilliant
laugh, but………..Jacko would have a field day with stick as they
didn’t really like each other at all.
While I am writing on a
downer I must grudgingly admit that I miss Jacko’ company in
school. He was a real pain to share a flat with but in school at the
moment I am a bit out on a limb socially. I don’t particularly want
to knock around with the PE crowd but the other social set I am not
being invited out as I want. I can’t do anything about that, just
wait, I suppose. It was really disappointing that Caroline Ferrario
the other week had a party and I didn’t get invited. I think that
could have been Heathers influence – if it is, I suppose I
shouldn’t be a hypocrite and say that suits me fine. As the way
things stand I can’t and won’t socialize with her as I won’t
and can’t be second best. She was making noises about going to
Spain selling Sid the sexist shirts- obviously deep down I couldn’t
think of better company, but I would be the biggest mug in the world
if I took her up on it – mind you she is all talk anyway.
Thinking about school
politics, I am sure that my biggest problem ( it always has been) is
my big mouth. I have to keep as mum as possible about these viz
shirts as THEY – the staff will use it against me, especially
someone like Muncer, who is an arselicker.
Tuesday 10th
June 2.30
A very enjoyable day,
but I am really shattered. I am writing this in Gunnersbury park,
supervising the boys playing tennis. I had an absolute disaster on
the way down as my tyre is flat. I will have to find a bike shop to
get it fixed. There is training at the Gayts this evening but at the
moment I don’t feel like it at all. Stupid really because I really
need the fitness.
Caroline Menton ended
up going on the Geography fieldtrip – what a totally ridiculous
situation that was. I must honestly be laid back and not let it worry
me and not see it as a personal affront. I had a chat with Heather in
one of my frees. We combined classes because they were 4th
years. Basically said to her what I wrote yesterday – what a
waste.!!
Tonight I have to sort
out the Sid the sexist T shirt and stick some adverts in some of the
shop windows to get a flat mate.
In some ways I am
really looking forward to teaching next year but in many ways I feel
it is going to drive me around the bend especially if similar
situations occur like the beginning of this week. I am thinking of
asking Brad to do the artwork for the rugby world cup shirt because
Jim Williams is too slow – he is taking absolutely ages to knock
out the Aussie shirt.
Wednesday 11th
July
Last night I managed to
fix my bike – cost £5 to have a new tube stuck in. I went training
– fairly hard, but the real thing starts next week Tuesday and
Thursdays. I phoned Paddy and I’ve got to see him outside Wembley.
The price he gave me was £2.15 which is a real improvement on £3.20.
After training I got home and watched desperately seeking Susan on
the box.
7pm Today – gorgeous
day – mostly geog – I have got to sort out 2W at dinnertime. I
went for an orange with Heather. She reckons I have made a big
mistake going back to Gunnersbury – She could be well right.
After school I had a
game of Badminton with Pat Harty. I beat him but he took a game off
me. Tonight I am off to the pub with some of the PE dept.
I had a shock when I
got home – I had mail from South Glam county council. My first
reaction was the poll tax people had caught up with me but thankfully
it was a cheque for £37 – exxies from Cardiff High School
Thursday 12th
July
A gorgeous day. Cycled
into work Really pleasant lessons went ok. I had a little time on the
Apple mac
After school I had a 5
setter game of Badminton with Jim. He creamed me in the last game
15-2. The sweatiest game in the world – I absolutely love playing
and it has got to be good for fitness.
Jim still hasn’t done
the artwork for the Aussie shirts which is a bit annoying – so
basically I am going to sack him!! I had a word with Brad at
dinnertime and he will do the cartoon of the crowd for my world cup
shirts. He will have them ready for September – I hope it’s good.
On the way home we
popped into Dave O’Brien’s house. It looks fairly good although
he has got lots to do. This evening was fairly boring – just
watched tele and not much on there. Tomorrow I am seeing Paddy and
setting up the viz shirt
Close of the diary
Reflections speak for
itself really – a really, really interesting nine months of my life
– I can’t, unfortunately see the next nine months as interesting.
Thinking of the above
statement I have got real reservations about joining Gunnersbury
again next year.
Hopefully my T shirts
will take off and it will be a really good year. On the menu at the
moment is the Australian rugby league tour, the All Black tour of
France + the world cup shirts England, Wales Cymru, Ireland NZ and Oz
– also this summer Sid the sexist and fat slags.
My aim is to make as
much on the shirts as I make teaching.
-----------------------------
Book 9
January 8 1993 – 1 August 1993
Australia
New
Zealand
8th
January 1993 Sydney
Presently
living in Coogee in Sydney. During this diary I hope to go to NZ and
make a killing on the Lions tour 93
This will
hopefully finance a trip home for Kevin’s wedding and also pick up
Caroline who I am devoted to!! On page 1 of my last diary I said i
was very keen on her. This has now progressed to being totally in
love.
“We”
hope to travel through Asia in September hitting Nepal and Bali –
we will see. My toe hurts. I have had an in growing Toenail cut out.
Work wise I am working in a factory for DSC but I will do swimming
teaching next week.
Saturday
9th
January
Sunniest
day in the world – Woke up feeling rough as I went out for
a meal last night and drunk far too much wine. Jane (Jones) put me in
a taxi cos i was wrecked. I stayed in all day because I have got an
in growing toe nail cut out. A pity really as it was a cracker of a
day and I would have liked to have gone to the beach, Sharon called
over for an hour. I am out tonight with Jane and Fiona at Kitty
O’Shea’s
Monday
11th
January
Up
at 6 thankfully my toe is improving but
still painful. I took my camcord into work and was quite pleased with
the results. I spent the morning sticking stickers on things then
shifted some boxes for a couple of hours then did 3 hours overtime
but stitched myself up a bit because I missed the last bus and had to
catch a taxi home. Chicken for tea. Wrote a letter to Caroline, I
really want to phone her but I am skint. I will ring her Saturday –
her birthday. I generally festered around in the evening. I am
working tomorrow, but I will have to phone in to Gerard to tell him I
am finishing Wednesday to do the swimming job. What has really made
me decide to do the swimming is the 200 shirts in the room that I
have got to shift – please god
Wednesday
13th
January
Up
at 8 this morning – no work, which was expected so I did my washing
over Sharon’s. Mail came and incredibly I had 4 letters off
Caroline – they all came at the same time – brilliant to hear
from her. I went to the post office and sent her a video tape and
some T’s to various locations.
Last
night dad phoned and said a Cardiff boy broke his neck at Coogee on
New Year’s day. Andrew Lucas, so I went to Prince Henry hospital to
see him, what a nightmare – nice bloke lying in traction – his
arms are moving. There is a benefit on the 30th
– I will go along to that. I will see if I can do anything.
Thursday
14th
June
Quite
a tiring day – weather was scorching which I didn’t need as I had
a rotten hangover from last night’s mega sesh. I met “Woody”
who is a mate of Giz – couldn’t believe it he was wearing a
Rangers shirt. I drove to Botany pool and worked with Jody and Sue
who are fine. I have got a lift in tomorrow. God I was dying this
morning . I enjoyed the teaching – it was all outside – it will
be hell if it cools down.
I drove to
the SCG and sold 30 then came home and nursed my head – had a lay
down. I wrote a letter to Ian K and one to Plucko – back to the SCG
– even though it was a full house I only sold 9. Tomorrow I have
got to pick up my Celtic and Rangers shirts. Pat would be grinning if
I said I was very confident with these ones.
Friday
15th
January 11.20
Sitting
here pouring with sweat. It’s really, really hot – very enjoyable
morning in the pool. I had a lift in off Sue. In the afternoon I
crashed out. I picked up my Celtic and Rangers shirts – about
$1,070 notes. They didn’t do the Rangers shirts correct. I ordered
my Lions shirts.
Good news
for Andy – British Airways are going to fly his parents out.
I went
into Coogee in the evening – drinking coke!
My gums
are very sore – I may have an abscess forming – I hope not.
Caroline’s birthday tomorrow – I will give her a ring.
Sunday
17th
January
Good
night last night at Sharon’s for a meal – got in for the rugby
which started at 1. I phoned Caroline and she was out. I taped the
game, luckily because the next thing I knew it was ½ 5
– I had slept through it. I phoned Caroline and had a lovely chat-
I really miss her (lots) Watched the game England beat France – we
can beat them in 3 weeks.
Went
down Coogee beach with Sharon – there is a perfect job for me in
the Sydney Morning Herald (Geography
teacher – St Paul’s Manly) – I
will apply my CV will get typed tomorrow. I really want it. I am not
as confident as I was about the other one. It would really put me on
my feet if I got it – I could then go to NZ as planned.
Beach was
great, very hot and sweaty – we will have a storm soon. I went to
Paddington with Sharon, Jane and Andrew to Kitty’s for a beer. I am
swimming in the morning so I have to be up early. I have got the car.
The boys have been using my video all day – quite a good swapsie.
Financially I am fairly knackered at the moment.
Monday
18th
January
The
georgeous weather has nearly broke. A very cloudy day but still warm
– enjoyable morning swim. I took my red class into the big pool –
they weren’t happy at all. Thankfully I had the car.
Fiona
moved her gear around and Jane will move in tomorrow. She pointed out
how small the advert was for the job. It could easily be an inside
job. Sharon’s mate Sheila did my CV – it looks great so if there
is a job going I will be in with a chance, but to be honest I am very
pessimistic. I will phone Thursday to see if a short list has been
made.
In the
afternoon i went out with Jane and Sharon to the harbour and did some
residency, I went to the dentist – he just returned my forms which
are sorted. I went down to Coogee and picked up 15 tickets for that
benefit night a week Saturday. I also had a letter off Sydney Welsh
to go to a BBQ next week. I am quite tired now. Up for swimming in
the morning – my gums still hurt. I wrote a letter to Caroline and
one to Caroline Ferrario.
Thursday
21st
January 8.15am
Up early
for teaching swimming, it looks like another really hot day – we
have been very lucky with the weather. Only 3 days I will be
unemployed again. A horrible thought. I have applied for the job in
Balgowlah – I really want it but I doubt if I will get a look in.
Loads of mail yesterday 1 off Caroline, 1 off mum and dad and a
Christmas card off Liz Rogers who is now in Perth. I had a rejection
on the shirts and an order for 30 T’s from Adelaide which was
unexpected. In the evening I went to the Olympic. I was home by 11
because of swimming today. I don’t want to teach with another
hangover like I did last week.
Friday
22nd
January 5
Fairly
shattered – bad start to the day, car wouldn’t start – fl;at
battery – taxi in. Sold the driver a ticket for Lucas do. Poured
down with rain all day so dragged in my groups and gave them a water
safety talk – bargain. I went for a burger with Sue and Jodie after
work.
I phoned
up about that teaching job. It is being advertised again on Saturday
– so there is a job! Shortlist to be made Wednesday – I will
phone again Friday. Sounds better the more info I get – 450 boys
school – a bargain.
Yesterday
I had 4 letters off Caroline which was very pleasing.
Saturday
23rd
Jan 7.30
Rain
drizzle – up at 7 . My last day teaching the ankle biters which I
have really enjoyed.
Monday
25th
January
I feel so
cheesed off. I have lost my wallet – I have looked everywhere, but
can’t find it. I think I may have left it in the phone box
yesterday when I phone Caroline. God I am annoyed. I had such a great
day yesterday and this has put a real downer on it.
Financially
I feel really knackered + I feel I am trying so hard. I haven’t
even got an access card now and I have got to pick up $1000 worth of
gear on Wednesday. No bank cards. I am upset because it was the
wallet that Caroline gave me + it had a photo of her in it. I want
it.
Yesterday
Caroline phoned but I was suffering from the night before – I
wasn’t happy with the way the call went so I phoned her late at
night. – I love her so much. Dad phoned and unbelievably St Peters
beat Cardiff in the cup – what a result.
Wednesday
27th
January
I lost my
wallet the other day – what a mare. All my cards etc. I made it
worse by phoning up Plucky and starting off with “This is not a
lovey dovey call” – so stupid. Annoyed with myself. I have phoned
her up 3 times in 3 days and she has cancelled my cards. She is
hating school at the moment – 11 people out today.
Financially
things still aren’t good. I went out yesterday for Australia day
and sold 30 shirts – so I have got $300 – that has soon been
taken. Rent is due and of course I have no money to pay for the
shirts I have ordered today, so I will have to owe CBon about $1300.
My Lions shirts are out – these are the ones I hope to make my cash
on. Please God. I have said that I will give $10 a shirt to Andy at
that benefit. So I will lose money on the Lions shirts but will have
50 on the streets being worn. I will only start taking orders on
Saturday. I am off to Huntsville now to register for the state sector
as a supply teacher. I am phoning up for that job in St Pauls
Balgowlah tonight and tomorrow “Am I on
the short list?” If I get it I honestly believe my financial
worries will be solved.!
I
went to the Sydney Celtic supporters club on Tuesday – Jacko went
with his mate Pete – who is a bit of a
sap “I am not going over there they will be talking soccer all the
time. It was a laugh but a way out in Martindale. They took 10 shirts
off me for $100 which again is not breaking even but it will in the
long run. In town yesterday the Irish shop in the rocks which is a
start as well – especially when I pick up 30 today and I have
already got rid of 20. I can always order more. Setting up is a
fortune but my aim is to be the middle man. Weather remains warm.
Thursday
28th
January
Not a
happy man. Nothing has gone right today – I obviously didn’t get
that job as it is a set up. I got through at last to the deputy and
at one stage I thought I was in with an interview but there was no
job. I have got to phone him up tonight.
Then I
went to meet Nicky who I last met in Kuala Lumpa. She was returning
home to get married – like soul really, someone travelling around
and in love but that all fell through.
I took the
Irish shirts into the Rocks but had no money as no one was there.
Very hot day – nothing has gone right. Also 20 of those brilliant
Lions shirts are on Chinese cotton which are rubbish. I phoned CBon –
not happy.
I
desperately need a job – this whole dream of getting back to
Caroline is slipping away. $3K in debt. I have been there before but
not without a job.
Sunday
30th
Jan
Welsh boys
were around all day – very festering day – bit hungover from last
night’s do.
I only
sold 20 shirts which was a disappointment. I got wrecked talking to
Jacko. Yesterday afternoon I went to the “Cross” and in the Kings
cross Hotel – Ii have manged to get 10 shirts in. I will take them
in tomorrow. I approach a new week now with spirits not remaining
mega high. I have still got no job, and to be honest the shirts
aren’t taking off and I am getting worried about even getting to
NZ.
Wednesday
3rd
Feb
On a mega
low at the moment. On Monday I had what I thought was a productive
day. I phoned Caroline on the way to the beach – she was not in
good spirits so I phoned her in the evening “cos I luvs her” I
sent off resumes to loads of schools and in the evening Russ Morgan
phoned with 4 weeks work – I was on cloud 9 but Tuesday morning it
just evaporated. I was gutted. On a mega low yesterday – up early
today, showered and nothing doing. I am not winning at all.
Thursday
4th
Feb
Starting
to win. The difference a day makes. Phone call last night put me back
in the factory today. So pleased. I am back tomorrow at 7.30 and a
vague promise of three weeks – hopefully it will take me to when
teachers start to go sick – Hooray !! Also the chemist in Coogee
shifted a shirt.
It
was the hottest day in Sydney for two years – I was unloading
container trucks – very hard work, very pleased to be working
though. We were taken outside and hosed down with a fire hydrant.
Lovely – loads of water. Got back home and straight to the beach –
had a letter from Catherine. The sea was fantastic – salad for tea.
I am absolutely boiling. I hope to go to
the 7’s Rugby League.
Friday
5th
Feb
Nightmare
of a start to the day. Got on the bus to work and left my bag on the
bus stop – so bus back. Work went ok in the factory + I am working
at ½ 7 tomorrow overtime. – I will be knackered – no bus to work
so I will be up at ½ 5. I am pleased to be working though. I went
and picked up some Irish shirts – new one with Australian map on
the back and 50 Lions shirts – paid $500 I owe to CBon. Got home to
a $180 cheque and a letter off my beloved. I have written back and
included an Irish top.
Sunday
7th
Feb
Wales
beat England last night – what a laugh. I saw the game in Randwick
rugby club. 10-9 - 1 lovely point.
Got up
this morning at ½ 1 so I missed the replay – what a laugh. I was
very rough. Went to Coogee beach and took my camcord. – left it
with the boys from the flat and went for a dip. The waves were really
huge – just what I wanted. Jacko phoned so I am off to the Merc now
– running a bit late. I am so pleased to be working tomorrow.
Yesterday
I met Toby and Mandy for an hour and went to the Captain Cook then
over to the 7’s. Hit the CBH at 10 drinking with the Cardiff boys –
Pete and? We went over to the Randwick rugby club and there were
about 20 Welsh boys in red. I took my flag and we had about 3 others
– great fun. Especially the result. It was so close. Afterwoods –
stupidly in retrospect- especially with what happened to Andy – we
went for a swim in the sea. Waves were huge. I walked home and phoned
up the Gayts which was a laugh and then Krystoviak then mum and dad
and then the girl herself Caroline who seemed in good form. This is
very hard on both of us – I hope we both pull through.
Today was
the sunniest day in the world. I have got to get some post cards to
send to everyone
Monday
9th
Feb
Up
at ¼ past 6 Fiona told me that her and Jane were moving out tomorrow
which was a surprise – they didn’t want to give any notice – we
would have been stitched – after chats they are now giving a week.
Work in the factory went ok. I am still
very happy to be working. One of the other casuals is on a different
(higher) rate than me so I will have to check why. I got paid $200
for last Thurs, Fri and Sat. I got back to rain – it was very
sweaty all day .. and is now!
I did a
stock check and worked out my finances. Basically with all the shirts
and money I’ve got I am about $1000 under – my short term aim is
of course to fly to NZ at the end of April, buy a car and set up the
shirts. I have a hell of a lot of work to do – to say the least.
The boys
wanted to review the rent – which was fair I suppose so I will be
paying a little more but not the $100 what they wanted because they
never considered the house just the room. Jason and Chris at least
listened but Peter flew at me. He has been getting under my skin
recently and I flew back. I basically decided a few weeks ago that he
is a prick so in a few words I told him. A bit stupid really as it
will put tension in the house. I wrote a letter to Caroline.
Sharon
phoned and I will go and have a look at her new house tomorrow. If
there was room in it I would move.
Wednesday
10th
Feb
Raining
this morning – worked from ½ 7 to 4 on picking and sorting out
bags in the factory – boring but the radio helps even though I am
getting cheesed off with the station. I will get in early tomorrow
and alter it.
After work
I went for a swim at Coogee – festered around. The telephone bill
is in at last. Peter is still in my bad books – how dare he start
all that foot stamping. I am still not happy with Jane and Fiona’s
attitude on trying to avoid paying a weeks’ notice. A bit of a kick
in the teeth really. – As Sharon said “They haven’t done me any
favours at all” which is true. So, all in all not a good atmosphere
in the house.
I had 2
letters off Caroline – she is not in the best of spirits either.
She will be going home to see her new nephew on the weekend. I had 2
letters off Caroline – she is not in the best of spirits either.
She will be going home to see her new nephew on the weekend. I tried
to get her flowers for Valentine ’s Day but it was closed. I want
to be with her. It seems to be getting harder and harder. I went
over Sharon’s place in the evening – really nice – not as handy
as Queen St though.
Saturday
13th
Feb
Had a
phone call this morning at ½ 8 Caroline Louisa has arrived on the
scene – Helen’s baby – mum was really excited – wonderful
news.
I
have been in quite a lot of contact with “my” Caroline – had a
few letters and written lots and phoned her up yesterday - I made a
balls up of sending a single red rose to Gunnersbury on the 15th
when they are on ½ term. Went to the Cock and Bull last nighr –
Elton John was playing – brilliant.
Sunday
14th
Feb
Feeling
fairly tired after being out last night. I
went to a BBQ at Cindy and Kev’s then to the Merc with Sharon and
the others – then onto the Cross – out far too late. Met Andrew
Korn (Acorn) who I used to teach.
Today down
to the beach. Weather was great – did some T Shirt stuff then back
to the beach and over to Sharon’s. Phoned Caroline who gave me
loads of stick for sending her a lovey dovey card and now an early
night.
Alarm set
for 5 in the factory – no complaints as I am pleased to be working
– hopefully do another two weeks at least. I would obviously prefer
to be teaching.
Monday
15th
Feb
Up at 5
but I was still late – I missed the bus as I got a paper. – An ok
day in work. It went fairly steady – tried to get home for the post
but missed it. I had a great 20 mins on the boogie board. Got home to
a pleasant surprise. John and Martina – who we last saw in India
gave us a visit – perfect timing – they are moving in tomorrow,
which I am happy about – for four weeks. I went for a meal with
John and Martina – they were impressed with China, but I never
fancied it. I put John in touch with Mark Pluck for a job. I hope
they both benefit.
Chris
wanted 8 Irish shirts – I will have to order another 50 tomorrow –
they are going OK with Paddies day coming up which is good news.
The
Australian election is coming next month. Looks like the Liberals
(Tories by another name ) looks favourites.
Wrote a
letter to Plucky about boxes!
Wednesday
17th
Feb
Up at 5.15
and clocked on at 6.15 – at last caught the bus. Work went ok but I
was a bit stiff from training last night. Had a bit of a result in
Kingswood – sold 10 shirts and Bill Cunningham has been around and
got 6. Chris gave me $50 so I can easily cover the 50 Irish shirts I
have to pick up Friday.
Didn’t
do too much in the evening – bed by 10.20. Today’s weather was
really bad – storms. Wrote a letter to Plucky and Kieran.
Sunday
21st
Feb
Been
neglecting this diary, - a reason being is I have been spending all
my time writing to Caroline. Basically I have been twiddling on in
the factory not doing too much overtime. Working from ½ 6 to ½ 3 –
still pleased to be working. Caroline sent me Whitney’s tape “I
will always love you” – what a woofta.
I can’t
get my video to work – the editing part.
Friday
night phoned Plucko – she was in good form. I went to the Grand in
Bondi and had a mega sesh – ended up in the Coogee Bay Hotel and
then asleep on the doorstep. I was dying yesterday. Had a good hour
on the beach, did some laundry and then went to the cricket with John
and sold another 3 shirts.
Straight
out and met Jacko in the Captain Cook and dragged him to Coogee to
see Sharon, Woody, Perigo etc. Had a few beers and went to Randwick
rugby club to watch the rugby but it wasn’t on. I came home to
watch it but not surprisingly crashed out so I don’t know the
score. Wales were losing 14-0 at half time. The game on was
Ireland/France. The frogs looked in control.
Wales got
stuffed 20-0. The day was awful – went to Paddies market got myself
a wallet and watch. Cooked a chilli, wrote a letter to Plucky and did
some editing on tape.
Monday
22nd
Feb
An
ok day in work – up at 5 and did some editing on the vid. Work went
smoother than normal. After woods I went to the Post Office and took
the boogie board to the sea. – Freezing
We had a
game of touch and had an all you can eat Monday special nosh up. I
feel bloated now. Wrote to Caroline and it is time for bed.
Tuesday
23rd
Feb
Knackered
– just came back from training, running up and down those steps on
the reservoir. Killed me. Today in work I had to unload a container
which was different from my dossy little number that I have got at
the moment. When pay came it was £357. I
asked Gerard why I was on $10.50 and the others on $11.87 – he was
really weird “This is not the time and place – phone me later”
– I did and I got my pay rise – means nearly $48 a week – bit
of a bonus.
I went to
the beach and had surf on the boogie boards and went training.
Written a letter to Caroline.
Freezing
cold this morning.
Wednesday
24th
Feb
Up late so
I had to run to work – well, to the bus stop anyway. A quiet day in
work, because the system is improving I suppose. My feet are still
under the table. Got home to a letter off Catherine Buckley and a
photo of her sprogs. I have written a letter home and one to
Caroline. We all went out for an all you can eat Pizza – not
impressed – too samey. I went down the beach, but the waves were
garbage.
I phoned
Helen to see how she was and everything is ok with Caroline jr.
Thursday
25th
Feb
A
mare of a day. Up ok but Fred told me that
tomorrow would be my last day. – Talk about a kick in the balls. I
was gutted. I feel like I have let Caroline down a bit. I need work
to get my NZ plan in operation – not over happy at all. Spent all
day with my chin on the floor.
Went in
the sea – garbage waves. I phoned Plucky to cheer me up; I also had
a letter from her. I really miss her, it’s all got to work. I am
sending her a video tomorrow.
I went to
the gym with Chris and Jason – really good fun. I will go again.
Friday
26th
Feb
Now
unemployed again. Gloom, gloom, gloom.
Sunday
28th
February
3pm
– full up with a cold. Feeling very rough. Yesterday I went to the
Gay and Lesbian Mardi gras with Sharon. What a laugh – I got some
brilliant stuff on the camcord – really outrageous, but bad news is
that it doesn’t work now with the battery because one of the pins
has broken. We are now over to Jane and Fiona’s
for grub. I have said that I won’t drink so that I will drive back.
I was going to see Jacko later but he jipped out.
Tuesday
2nd
March
Things are
not going good at all on the job front. No work Monday or today –
very frustrating. Had a letter from Paula – who s pregnant, which
is good news for her.
Haven’t
done that much. I have a little deal with the Aaronbrook Lodge to
make their T’s – I quoted them $7 a shirt so I will make a dollar
on every one and I will make a few bob on the artwork and on the
screens for setting them up. Not working hasn’t really worried me
because it is sunny and I have a cold, but I really need work + if I
am not working tomorrow I will get worried.
John and
Martina are moving out on Saturday and we have two Manchester lads
moving in. I don’t even know their names. I am off training now
with Waverley – should be hard – GIZZAJOB.
Later
11pm. Tomorrow I will be more positive.
If (as if) DSC don’t give me a job I will phone up the other job
agencies.
I went
training – very hard, which has got to be good for me I had a bit
of luck in the evening, the Moon and sixpence pub wants 20 Celtic
shirts – brilliant. I will wait for the cheque to arrive before I
send them off but I will order them tomorrow.
Thursday
4th
March
An
enjoyable day doing supply teaching at last. I had a phone
call at 8.10, quickly showered and changed and got a taxi to Sydney
Boys school. What a doss – had three classes, all boys – all very
well behaved. Two free periods. I will not rely on teaching as it is
very limited at the moment but a real bonus for today, only problem
was I had a hangover all morning.
Yesterday
I registered in another agency and had a frustrating day phoning
around places. – I have an interview in the morning, but hopefully
won’t be able to make it as I will be working somewhere. I went to
the Oceania last night and had a fair old sesh. Got back at 2. I sent
off quite a lovey, dovey card to Caroline + had a letter off Kieran –
I am quite certain he knows about me and Caroline, not that it really
matters to me.
I sent a
birthday card to Nan and yesterday sent 20 Celtic shirts to Perth. I
am now out and will be picking up more tomorrow.
Friday
5th
March
Phone
rang at ¼ to 7. I am sure it was a school but I didn’t get to it.
I phoned up the two agencies I am now in but no work. I went and
signed on with Manpower so I am now in 3. These will of course be of
use next year as well. From North Sydney I went to C Bon and picked
up my 30 Celtic and 30 Irish shirts. They were giving the Ranger’s
boy a flash of orange so I stopped it
(luckily) I had to wait an hour for it. I went over Jane Jones’
house last night for a georgeous Thai meal. I want the recipe. I had
a letter off Helen with some georgeous pictures of Caroline-Louise. I
also had two letters from “my” Caroline who is as beautiful but a
bit older.
Saturday
6th
March
Not a good
day on the shirts. I went to a few pubs, but little response. I
phoned Plucky for a nice chat this morning, gave me a boost.
Two lads
phoned up who will be in NZ for the Lions – Stuart and Adrian who I
am off for a beer with tonight. Rugby is on live Scotland v England –
up the Jocks. Our boys are playing Plucky’s boys in Cardiff. Up the
dragons. 1.30 – back to watch the rugby. A disappointing night –
I am very tired and was just not “with it” – funny, I didn’t
really want to make the effort to talk to anyone really – I felt I
was killing time before the game. Definitely missing Caroline so
much, especially nights like tonight. I am so much in love.
Monday
8th
March
Quite
down now – no phonecalls from schools and no luck in
any of my agencies. I phoned up Drake and I am going to register with
them. I mustn’t let myself get too low as it does happen. I cried
out of Canberra with Russell Morgan. Caroline phoned up to rip into
me about the game.
Tuesday
9th
March ½ 6
Work! –
I am working in a factory job in North Ryde, which is miles away. I
phoned up all the agencies at 4 – nothing, then had a phonecall at
½ 5. $13.70 an hour – the journey in is a drag but it’s work and
I am very pleased. Ironically after all my lack of work I had a call
off Andy Martin the deputy head of St Paul’s in Manly for a day’s
teaching which I had to knock back for the factory. I would rather be
teaching.
Last night
played touch football – fairly hard as it was 3 on 3. My feet are
playing up with athlete’s foot which I can’t get rid of. I phoned
up Nan yesterday to wish her happy birthday. Woke up to a massive
electrical storm. I have to get to town by 6.59 to get a bus to
Macquarie shopping centre by 7.40. Hopefully I will be able to get in
by train. I will try and sus it out tonight. Today I expect to be
unloading container Lorries.
Wednesday
10th
March 6.15
On
the bus to work in N. Ryde. It took me 1 ½
hours to get back last night. The work is in a Sony factory.
Yesterday I spent the day opening boxes and sticking warranties in
them and re sealing them. I was also sticking plugs on tele’s. The
main problem is the distance from Coogee, but some of the boys in the
factory have been there for 3 months. The job is not 100% secure –
when the work runs out they lay you off but here is fingers crossed
for work till May – hope so anyway. I have a problem of when to get
to CBon to pick up my shirts for Sunday. I will have to give them a
ring from work. Of course I am happy to be working. The hours vary,
usually 8-4 but sometimes they add another hour on either side.
I
wrote a letter to Caroline yesterday on the bus expressing some of my
feelings – the poof I am. I don’t know when I will be able to
phone her on the 11th.
It is important for me as well as her. I am really missing her now. I
had a letter off Juddy and Plucky yesterday. She was saying we are
over half way, figuring March is ½ way between September and
September. That is ridiculous as I expect to be back by the end of
July.
Thursday
11th
March
Just
got to the Sony factory ½ hour early. Didn’t do anything last
night – got in about 14 to 6 – went to CBH and they won’t take
the shirt – gutted. Had some grub, festered around - saw Oprah
interview Michael Jackson and went to bed about 10.
I
phoned Plucky today – not in. The 11th
is very important for us + I need to talk to her, but I don’t want
to dwell on it every year.
The job is
going ok – a few people to talk to and the radio is on. Yesterday
we were opening boxes and today it looks like a container lorry has
arrived – what does that mean?
Friday
12th
March
A
very mixed day yesterday which thankfully
turned out ok? Work was fine and I was quite enjoying the security of
working. At 5 to 4 he dropped the bombshell that 4 of us weren’t
needed. To say I was gutted was an understatement. I was back to
square 1 again, I couldn’t believe it. I got off the bus and phoned
Caroline – I needed to. Not much of a conversation because she was
half asleep – I had woken her up. I phoned up all 4 of my job
agencies. DSC said I could take down a tent on Monday and Tuesday. I
got back by train, really gutted. I phoned up Andy Martin from St
Paul’s – he had asked me to work Wednesday and I said No, I said
that I was now available and he said what about tomorrow. YEEES. What
a bargain. So I am in. Up at 6 today and phoned Caroline again. Had a
laugh on the phone about her “feeling strong” Into work on the
jet cat – what a way to commute. I got in far too early. – Andy
said the kids were trouble but they seemed fine – only 400 in the
school. I am now in two minds whether to take down the tent! Do I do
those two days or do I hope for more teaching. If I go for the
teaching it means I blow out DSC which is daft. But – teaching is
double the money and more fun.
Saturday
13th
March
Election
day in Oz (10pm) and things are looking great. I was concerned that
the Liberals (Henson – Tories) were going to get in but now it
looks like the boys (Keating Labour) will stay in power. At last we
have won an election.
Today is a
festering sort of day. I couldn’t raise the $600 for the shirts so
I had to grab $130 from rent. Picked up shirts for tomorrow –
please god let me do ok. Missing Caroline lots. Went to the TakiToa
sesh so I got back early to watch the election.
Monday
15th
March 7.30
Fairly
hungover – went to the Mercantile last night – got there about 9.
I worked at the Irish festival flogging shirts. It started off ok but
basically the competition crucified me. I was banging them out for
$20 and these other lads dropped their price to $5. I had no chance
at all. I brought back about $800 which will pay off a few debts and
obviously something to build on for Wednesday.
xxxxx
(Starting
this a couple of months in)
Tuesday
20th
April 6.15am Sydney Airport
Off to Auckland now –
hopefully to make my killing – it won’t be for lack of trying. I
spent yesterday running around. Did some editing in the morning then
went to Randwick and picked up a cracking pair of hiking boots –
really nice. I then went to Bondi with Gwynfor. Amazingly my ticket
wasn’t there. I hung about for an hour then I went to see Andy
Lucas. I will see him again in Cardiff.
I finally picked up my
tickets in Bondi. I couldn’t get in touch with J+F because they
never left a forwarding address + City Extra were totally useless. I
went for an all you can eat Italian – in the evening had a quiet
night in.
Sunday night at the
Mercantile was a cracker – went to the Hero of Waterloo as well –
got a bit of it on tape.
6.45 am Pat would
crucify me. All the artwork I had was left at the counter so I had to
run back through customs for them !!
So – aims for New
Zealand. Basically I have got to do well. I am confident (as always)
but I realize that the competition might absolutely crucify me on
price. This week when I establish the price will be as important as
actually selling the shirts. I want a price of $6 a shirt, I will
easily go up to $7 and reluctant to rise to $8. I also want a price
of $1 for printing. I have got about $2,000 to play with. I want to
make $10k which will mean I will be able to fly home for the wedding,
pick up Caroline and fly back. – no Asia $10K is the minimum if I
fly back. $20K will mean going through Asia with Plucky (what a
dream). Anything over $20k would be great. I want to leave anything
over $30k in Oz so that I can get a Kombi. I have got to aim high. So
far Bill and Rob and Gwyn are in defo. It should be a great laugh –
I am really looking forward to it.
Money matters I have
got $700 Australian with a chance of $400 being sent out by Sharon
from shirts. In Access I have £2,000 - £200 available.
11pm Ivanhoe Lodge
A bit iffy about the place – I may have a look at a few others. 3
girls in the dorm. One very strange and unfriendly and snoring
loudly. Weather is definitely colder and I am very tired. I phoned
Caroline and she said I sounded down, I am not, just tired. $20
lasted no time. I did a shop and got myself a bank account. Shirt
tails – the company I was with last time doesn’t exist anymore
which is a big fly in the ointment. I had hoped to be with them.
Tomorrow I will visit a few and sort out prices etc. Hopefully I can
start it all up. Auckland are playing W. Samoa on Saturday which will
be a cracker. I will try and phone Graham tomorrow for advice on
prices. I hate the girl who is snoring – I hate dorms.
Wednesday 21st
April 9pm
Up at ½ 9 and showered
+ had a coffee. I posted my letter to Caroline and walked for miles
but they didn’t exist. I went to my first place and will not get
the price I wanted. The first place gave me a printing quote of $3
but + GST so that would be $3.45. He has given me an address
of T Shirt place that I can get plain whites at $7.36 which gives a
shirt price of $10.81 that is better than Graham’s U2 price
of $12 but still too high for me. I want to give them to the boys at
bulk for $15 so my price has to be lower than $10.
I came back to the
hostel for dinner – coffee again and two of the boys wanted a shirt
so I sold them one each at $20 and gave them my talk. The “Chelsea
Boy” – no names yet wants 10 for tomorrow as he has got 3 sold
already, which is a real result for a start – get the buggers on
the street while I am setting them up – hopefully they can earn
easy money and come back for lots more.
In the afternoon I went
to town then a bus to Mount Eden. Some old lady directed me the wrong
way. I walked for miles and the heavens opened and I got drenched. I
ended up buying a street directory so it won’t happen again. I
found the place and Chris (ACI) was much more bendable on his
printing costs. Looking at $2.40 for printing so that brings the
price down to $9.76 which is better. I will spend tomorrow
visiting another 1 or 2 printers then give them the art work to set
it up and while they are doing that I will work on getting down the
$7.36 for a blank shirt.
I got back and phoned
home to tell them where I was, showered and had some grub. Wrote my
letter to Caroline and now I am watching Prizzi’s Honour.
I tried to phone Bill
but no answer – not that I expected it. I want Bill and Rob here
asap – I wouldn’t have got drenched today with a car – also
when the boys get here I will be able to move out of the dorm into a
triple room.
Thursday 22nd
April
Up at gone 10. Annoyed
with myself a bit but it’s fairly cold and I was snuggled into a
warm sleeping bag. I got a bus to a T Shirt place. Ridiculous quote,
but I did eye some fairly cheap shirts – not many, but a few. I
came back and Scotty in the hostel took 10 off me for $150 which was
a confidence boost.
I then went back to ACI
and ordered the screens. I have now got to get the shirts. I will
take them in on Tuesday and they will hopefully be ready on Friday.
My job now is to get the shirts as cheap as possible.
A bit of fun in the
hostel as the manager is getting funny about putting the heat on –
it’s freezing – what a joke. If he patronizes me just once I will
leave. Basically in this hostel Scotty and Chris (I think) can sell
the odd shirt for me and I can move on.
On the sports front
good news is that Rangers are out of the cup as they only drew. Good.
Also Rob Jones is in the Lions as Armstrong is out. Personally I
reckon Rupert Moon has had a better season.
Friday 23rd
April
Slept in till ½ 12
because I went out late last night to Tappers with about 6 people
from the hostel. I had a sauna earlier and was really alive. Sold a
couple of Lions shirts and more importantly got a few contacts. The
buggers will go well but the competition could kill me.
I was dying this
morning (afternoon) I found out where the shirt manufactures were –
in Glenfield which was miles away. I thought sod it, I will go Monday
– I then gave myself a bollocking. I am here to work, not to go on
the pop. If I didn’t go to Glenfield I couldn’t justify going out
last night. I am really determined that for the sake of a few beers I
am not going to blow it. I remember sleeping in till 1 during U2
because I went clubbing the night before. It’s ridiculous putting
in so much money and going on the pop. I have got a real aim now
anyway, so old Caroline can be my conscience. I will always remember
that day in Oz when I made 2 grand and how much contempt I felt about
the bloke who was on the pop from ½ 11 and sold 0. I will drink but
I have got to be disciplined. I will hopefully have the car most of
the time anyway so I can’t drink.
I went to Poste
Restante and had a letter from Caroline. Not just any letter but a
really fantastic one saying how much she missed me – that’s defo
mutual.
I had to wait 40 mins
for the bus so I had a look around the Chinese market. A bit of a
downer as I went in and showed this bloke my sample and he said that
some bloke had phoned in that morning with Lions shirts –
competition rearing its ugly head, It is the competition that could
kill me.
I went to the factory
and saw some gear- the prices were:
White $7.20 that means
+ $2.40 print = $9.60
Black $7.59 = $9.99
Grey $7.84 = $10.24
Cheap white in med
$4.50 =$6.90
I have ordered 200
white, 100 black, 50 meds and 2 grey
That comes to $2440, I
also priced sweats at $23.06 so I ordered 20 = $461.26.
I have to get out
$2,900 on Monday and I will be in business. I have of course got
printing costs then. I will charge an extra dollar for XL and take of
a dollar for medium. Sweats are a tricky one. I am paying $25.46 for
a printed sweat so I will sell to the boys at $40 to sell on at $60 –
which is only £20.
I went back to the
hostel and made myself a Thai curry and spent ¾ hour writing to my
darling. I then went for a sauna for ½ hour which was lovely. A
night in watching the rugby league.
Sunday 25th
April Auckland beat Western Samoa in Super 10
Another late morning. I
have no mega incentive to get up so simply I don’t because it’s
fairly cold. Yesterday I went to see Auckland beat Western Samoa at
Mt Smart. We sat on the hill. Before the game I went to see Scott and
Huw in Auckland central – they are both in for shirts and Scott is
prepared to stand in Queen St and sell them. We got on the shuttle
bus and there were 3 public school boys doing their “world tour”
before Uni – I had a word with them and they are going to take 50.
Good lads. They will get rid of them easily because they are headed
down to Queenstown. What a bargain. I actually ordered 50 more on the
strength of that. If they let me down I will still use them.
I phoned Bill up in
Christchurch and am not overjoyed with him. Basically I desperately
need the car to kick things off here and also somewhere to store the
shirts in. Bill is happy to stay in Christchurch because they have
got free rent. I understand that but our aims are completely
different.
I phoned Brent Scott to
say I was around and he invited us all down which will be a laugh. –
he said he hasn’t even got an address!!
At the rugby bar I took
my flag and the bloke said to come in for an interview and he will
get me in the paper as one of the first Lions supporters to arrive, -
what a bargain. So, being modest I will pop in today and then wander
over to the Vic market for the afternoon and see if I can get a
contact or two there.
5pm went to the rugby
bar – no interview. Those boys may not take 50 either – ii told
them to let me know. I then went to the Victoria market and hopefully
had a result. I have to see “Buster” tomorrow. His sister was
talking in ‘00’s but I have heard it all before. I popped into
Kitty O’Brien’s an Irish pub and they might take some.
Monday 24th
April
Midday – went to the
bank and took out $2,700 and $500 of my own money and paid for the
shirts $2,800 and also $200 deposit on sweats. So it is all go now –
I have got to go and see Chris at the printers about 4. I am off to
see Buster now. Last night I went to the Auckland Irish club –
really dead so I went to Kitty O’Brien’s – I knew quite a few
people there which was nice. I tried to phone Plucky twice with no
luck so I was a little disappointed in that. Gutted in fact. I can’t
see me going to Tappers again. It will be either the rugby bar or
Kitty’s.
Hopefully with seeing
the artwork today they will be printed before Thursday and I can
start.
9pm I am actually
sitting in the sauna so I will write a few words before I start
sweating. I did quite a lot today and spent quite a lot as well. I
went to ACI and looked over the artwork. I am pleased with the way
things are going but as soon as I get the shirts on Thursday I can
really start. People are always so full of it before they part with
their money. Those 3 lads disappeared. I am still hoping on Buster in
the market but it is all talk until I see the cash. The black shirts
will cost $4 to print, which is a fortune.
I phoned Caroline and
had my little chat so I was pleased about that. Just think IF
(fingers crossed) everything goes well in 3 months I will be with her
– what a dream. I can’t get in touch with Bill – I phoned
twice. I reckon that if he was here now he would be bored stiff. But,
at the moment I have no mates – although I am working hard doing
all the running around. If I ring him I hope to see him Friday, but
in reality I would be happy if he is here a week today.
Tuesday 27th
April
A real downer of a day.
I’ve been soaked through and achieved less than very little. Up
early, my shirts haven’t arrived at the printers so I had to chase
that up. They were there by 12. I phoned Bill and he is in two minds
whether to hitch up or to get a car in Christchurch and drive up. It
will cost $140 to get over from S to N island.
I never left the hostel
till ½ 10 because we were in the middle of a massive storm. I went
walking around all morning and got absolutely no where. I went to the
university and got nowhere. No rugby clubs on campus. Up to some pubs
– nothing.
Being cynical:
Yesterday I had a day where I felt I achieved something – everybody
was very positive and I was going to make a fortune. Today – nobody
wanted to know. What was the difference? – Easy – yesterday I was
spending $4,000 and everyone was nice, but today I was trying to sell
them. Nobody would even buy 10. Tomorrow I have got to get a present
for mum and a card in the post. I am shattered.
9pm – Sauna time –
a quick entry before I start to drip – Ii will be glad to sweat out
a really awful day. I phoned Sydney and it looks like Fiona did take
my bag which is important. It will be an excuse for her to see
Caroline. My bag will actually be in the air as I write. I phoned
Bill and he will probably get the car in Christchurch and drive it
up. I would expect to see him I would say Sunday which would mean I
would be off the ground by then. I hate t he waiting around. The boys
in Sydney said that there were two letters from Plucky but they
haven’t sent them. – I am starting to sweat a bit now.
Monday 28th
April
I had my lie in till
11. I will be up early tomorrow as I have got to pick up my first
consignment at last. I walked into town. Yesterday I felt quite
stressed out. The rain didn’t help Today I had fairly low
expectations so it went ok. I got mum a relaxation tape – I don’t
know how she will take it. I had a card off mum wishing me all the
best in NZ and two letters off Plucky (love her) so I had a great 20
minutes reading the mail from the women in my life. I met up with the
two Cardiff girls from the hostel, Caroline and Vicky and had a
wander around Auckland with them.
I had a monster of a
curry in the evening. Nice to see the Street on the box – I have
just had a sauna.
I have moved into my
own room and will be joined by Bill and Rob hopefully on Sunday –
they are looking at cars now.
Thursday 29th
April
Sitting in a room of
shirts. Very daunting. I have been to town to get rid of a bag full
to different places. I have got $660 in cash, but my access bill is
$3765, so obviously I have loads to do.
I couldn’t get out of
bed this morning. – Very cold. I went to the bank and then the
printers to help them out. I got back and gave Andy the 10 shirts I
owed him; I then took in 10 shirts for Huw and Scott in town. They
are very keen. Then to the rugby bar. He gave me $100 – owes me
$50- Not happy with him at all. Then to Bad Habits who had 10 off me
and then to see Buster who wasn’t there in the market. He will not
take 100 off me now surprise, surprise. I had a message off Bill and
Rob and I’ve got to ring them now.
¼ TO 10 Just
got in the Sauna – It is hot and what I need – I have had a
fairly eventful day. I have just walked to Ponsonby Road to the Harp
and Crown and he has taken 1 of each to show around – I really
don’t want to do that. Why should I? I went to the Horse and Trap
and have got to go again tomorrow. I was tempted to go to Kitty
O’Brien’s but I knocked that back, I will go tomorrow after
Auckland v Natal. I phoned up Bill and he has checked the car and
expects to be here Monday now as he will pick it up Saturday and
drive up Sunday. On a positive note: I have two definite outlets
already with 4 boys pushing them for me. That’s better than even
U2, but I have got to aim higher because it is a bigger reward i.e.
Plucko
1st
May
Up at midday – what a
mare – but it is cold – a fairly fruitless day. I went to Parnell
but the Nags head was not available. I went to the Chinese market
which is a story in itself. Yesterday I left a shirt with a bloke and
he had sold it within 2 hours – but today they didn’t want it.
The bloke in the stall next door told me he was a “copier” so
Berns shirts could be a victim of the rip off boys. Yesterday I went
to see the rugby and my flag got drenched and ran everywhere. Gutted.
I will be up tonight to watch Wigan / Widnes live at ¼ past 1. I may
have a Sauna and go to Kitty O’Brien’s
Monday 3rd
May
Up at ½ 9 – my
coffee was nicked!! Bad start. – phoned Plucky for a few minutes –
not enough and drove into town – got rid of a few shirts today in
the market and a few pubs. The car broke down on me. I drove home and
saw Bill and Rob were in so we went back to town. We had some grub
and had a real laugh going through the offices and taking notes. We
went to the Nags Head, Kitty’s, and King and Crown and back to the
Ivanhoe to watch the State of Origin League game. NSW beat Queensland
– great game – its cold We are moving up country tomorrow.
Tuesday 4th
May
On the road. We have
just been to Weiwera Hot pools so I am feeling all glowy. I flogged
only 6 shirts but I have got to get the money tomorrow so it’s not
a great result. We got in by paying an entrance fee of one shirt. Up
this morning and into town. I bought 100 cheaper shirts at $5.70 and
6 sweats and took them to the printers. Hopefully I will be able to
pick them up Thursday with the new black ones. I spent about $700
again today, but that is out of my “wedge”
11pm Whangarei –
we are booked into a motel for $15 each – great rooms. We will use
it as our base during the Lions tour. I did a stock take. We are well
short on All Black shirts so I will ring tomorrow and get all of the
100 of those shirts to be printed as All Black shirts. Tomorrow we
have a job to shift 30 odd All Black shirts, once we have done that
we may as well go back or see some sights or some spots – why not?
Thursday 6th
May
Back in Auckland. We
cleared all the All Black shirts yesterday and drove back in the
evening. I phoned mum for her birthday – the twins were around so
she was in good spirits. Nan O’Brien is very ill.
10pm The
Whangarei trip was fairly successful – gave me a buzz to get out of
Auckland. 10 shirts here and there in the pubs didn’t hurt at all.
Today I was up at ½ 8
the boys were dead to the world. I picked up the 100 All Black shirts
– the quality was garbage – much stress off Bill and Rob. I’ll
get better in the future i.e. tomorrow hopefully. Into Beer
Essentials – they had sold out so I replaced them – I took 20 to
the Tartan bar so I got some money together. – After dinner I
picked up my new black shirts. Really good quality and design. The
boys went to see the crying game, I had a sauna and an early night.
Looking for a big day on the shirts tomorrow as North Harbour are
playing N. Transvaal – hope to flog a bit of cotton and then push
down South on Monday, or even better would be Sunday.
Saturday 8th
May 1993
Just got in the sauna.
Hung-over all day – feeling really rough. Yesterday we went to the
rugby and N. Harbour stuffed the boys from South Africa – quite a
good game. We ended up having a major sesh in the hostel – a few
freebies thrown in – which was nice. The boys had quite a good day
flogging which is good for me. I did some running around and picked
up my new sweats which are real crackers. I also organized a bit of
couriering which I will hopefully try out soon. We went to North
Harbour today – had grub but no sale. Bad Habits phoned and took
another 17. I have got to make a delivery to the Harp and crown.
Sunday 9th
May Hamilton
We moved off down South
– stopped at about 4 pubs but no one wanted to know. We have got a
motel room – TV and all the stuff. Just had a feed and now watching
Total Recall, a bit disappointed about the lack of interest today.
Doing Hamilton tomorrow! Then whizzing around the North Island. Got
into the motel and into the hot tub – lovely. Last night I sold a
celebrity T Shirt to Bernie McCahill. I didn’t drink so a cheap
night. I am all in for getting up at 7 tomorrow. The boys are talking
½ 9 ish – I can’t get the staff.
Monday 10th
May Hamilton 9am
I have been up since
7.10 pestering the boys to get up and on the streets. I have had
light bulbs chucked at me, the radio is on and now we are into
Hamilton. Hopefully to have a good day. The boys got rid of 28 in
Whangarei and I did 20 so if the boys can do the same and I did say
double ii would be happy.
On a financial report I
have got $600 with $500 in the bank. I haven’t had a stock take but
I have roughly got 80 black shirts, 150 All Black and 70 Lions – a
good aim would be to break even before the tour starts and then make
some $$ during the tour.
I have lost my little
red book which was not a good move but luckily I have made a copy of
most of my addresses and numbers.
We had a spa last night
– really warm – took in the camcorder. We also had meeting + we
have made a plan of attack over the next 7 days which will keep us
busy. New Plymouth, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua + Taupo.
Turangi 9pm
Turangi is south of
Lake Taupo. We were at Hamilton all day and we have driven the wrong
way. People kept telling us we were going the right way – we are
now 5 hours from where we should be. – What a mare. I kept saying
we were going the wrong way but the boys wouldn’t have it. We are
now in a hostel having a beer. No food to be found. It is not as if
Hamilton was a raging success. I had one hit of 14 shirts, and a
couple of All Blacks and two places took 1 of each. The boys sold 15
Our plan of attack for
the next 7 days have gone out of the window. We bought ourselves a
crook lock for 60 odd dollars – unlike Bill’s radio it works.
Tuesday 11 May
After yesterdays
debacle we have had a better day today. We have just arrived in
Napier but are struggling to find accommodation because it is the
school holidays – everywhere seems to be full. We lost our deposit
in the YHA in Turangi but Bill gained a sleeping bag and the room was
better aired than when we found it.
We had actually written
off today and decided to head for Napier but we popped into the
local Taupo Gazette where we gave an interview. It actually cost us
about 2 hours of time as we ended up going with the photographer to
some rugby ground and had our photo taken with me standing on the
car, Bill standing on the posts and Rob sitting on the cross bar. The
boys sold 20 and I had one big hit and then we drove on to Napier and
swapped a shirt for $15 of veggies. I also got a sale in the pub!
Napier looks like a really good place with first impressions, but we
are a day behind. I phoned up Irvie Blue and ordered 120 shirts and
put $787 in the bank and phoned Chris to print them tomorrow. I have
got to phone up the couriers to get them to Rotorua hopefully for
Saturday. The All Blacks trials are on Sunday – hoping to clear a
few then.
Thursday 13th
May Nearer Hastings than Palmerston North 10.20
A late start today, but
well deserved. Yesterday we had a real stormer of a day in Napier
with the boys clearing 40 and me pushing out 80 to the shops. Napier
is a great place! So it’s off to Palmerston North with very little
gear. I did some banking yesterday and have got 300 shirts arriving
in Rotorua on Friday morning. I ballsed up a bit because I could have
got the 100 All Black shirts to go to Palmerston North and given us
more work in the place. I am learning. Yesterday we rewarded
ourselves with a $60 motel room- had a massive egg curry – some red
wine which killed me. Only TV of note was the Street. I just couldn’t
get to sleep. Got myself some 501’s for $130.
In discussions I will
raise enough cash to get 300 shirts down to Rob in Wellington. He
will fly down ahead of us and miss the North Auckland game. It’s a
fairly grim day, raining: we are about an hour from Palmerston North
10.30 a
disappointing day on the cotton in Palmerston – we had very little
gear and no one was interested. We are now in Rotorua. Me and Rob
just had a hot bath. Amazing. Tomorrow I am going to pick up the 300
odd shirts – I have got to order some more. Things a really
working.
Sunday 16th
May Rotorua 9am
Not confident at all
for today. It has been raining really heavily all night and it is
really dreadful out now. In Rotorua is the final trial for the All
Blacks but there won’t be any crowd. Everything is against us. The
ground is very exposed, and it’s live on Tele. Can’t be helped
though.
On Friday we had a
fairly good day in Rotorua. I had enough money to order another 200
All Black shirts and my wedge is $1400, but I owe $400 in printing
costs. Friday night the boys went out at ½ 6 and got slaughtered.
Bill trying to flog shirts to Laurie Mains and Earl Kirtain the All
Black selectors. Yesterday was a wipe out – we were up late, but
basically Rotorua was closed. We went to see Groundhog Day –
started out crap but it was ok. I phoned Caroline. She said she had
written a couple of “low” letters because C.Menton has got a job
in Ireland – 2 miles from Plucky’s house. Caroline is thinking
what if she got a job like that and is hoping everything works out.
It won’t be for lack of trying. Sometimes phoning her really hurts
because I want to be there. It’s only two months to go. I have
still got a lot of work to do and can only have faith in her. I love
her.
Back to the cotton
front things are bleak today.
11pm Today was
a total washout – what a massive bummer. It has poured down solidly
for 24 hours and we sold v. little shirts so basically a waste of
time coming to Rotorua. The thing is we couldn’t have been better
at planning and we couldn’t have worked harder – happens, I
suppose but it is annoying.
Monday 17th
May 9pm Auckland
Just came into the
sauna to sweat away all my problems. They are mounting. I am at my
lowest I have ever felt in NZ. We got back to Auckland after a
particularly bad days selling in Rotorua to the news off Andy that my
shirts have been copied and are on the streets of Auckland now at $15
each. We are knackered. I am angry and upset and thinking for the
first time about failure. I knew competition would kill me but not my
own shirt with my name on it. It is not fair. This was the big one.
What if I can’t get home to see Caroline? I would be defeated. I
love her.
Wednesday 19th
May 8.30 am
Started to calm down
now. I was really stressed out yesterday. Basically we have got to
get out of it. Yesterday I had loads of mail. 5 off Caroline, the
little treasure she is. One off Kev, One off Paula. I picked up loads
of Black tees and took them to the printers. Then into town. Bad
habits = no, but Beer essentials took another 10. A quiet evening –
met this bloke Mark who wants to flog shirts and saw Simpsons,
Cheers, sauna then bed. I really needed an early night because I was
overtired and stressed out. Today I will pick up Gwynfor at the
airport and I want to get a roof rack. Pick up the black shirts later
and shove off to Whangarei tomorrow.
Thursday 20th
May 8.45am
Feeling rough. Had a
few beers in the bar last night. Yesterday Yan took all day to fix
the stereo on the car. At last we have got sounds.
I went to pick up
Gwynfor but the plane was delayed so I nipped into Mangere and sold 4
shirts. I picked up Gwyn and then drove back to the hostel and then
into town. No mail, into the market and then picked up 100 black
shirts. Had a row with the boys about a roof rack. Yan back on the
car in the dark.
I went to town about 8
and had a chat to these lads who are following the tour. I have got
to make a delivery today. I then had a sesh in the evening. Gwynfor
has coined a lift up to Whangarei with these 3 girls who are going
north.
Friday 21st
May 7.30 Whangarei
On the cotton today in
Whangarei. I didn’t do so great but Bill and Rob had a stormer.
After Gwynfor’s salesman of the day stunner yesterday he is wearing
the dunce’s hat today. We are all fairly tired but we will hit the
pubs tonight. I phoned to get more sent up but it wasn’t on. The
first Lions game tomorrow. – it would be great if we stuff them,
greater if I can get rid of all the shirts.
Yesterday I got two
letters off Caroline. She was fairly down so I wrote a stunner last
night. Up at 7 top watch the FA cup. I won $10 off Rob on Arsenal
beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-1
Saturday 22nd
May 8.45
Match day today –
North Auckland v Lions. Weather is fine thankfully. I am praying that
we don’t see any competition which would kill us. I have got a
wedge of $2200 – obviously I will aim to get $3200 by the end of
the day. We did end up in a bar but I came home early. Saw a few
people who I had flogged t shirts to and some lads who I met who got
a campervan who bought 15 so hopefully all those will do well as well
Just got back early and
with cheques and money in the bank I have got about $4 and a half K.
This is great news. No real sighting of the rip off boys. The Lions
won 32-18
Sunday 23rd
May 12.30
Am I hung over or what.
Great night last night in the Grand Whangarei. Lions all were doing
the karaoke. At the moment we are waiting for Bill as he is a dirty
stop out. There is no room in the car at all. I have about $4 and a
half k so I will throw $1000 in the bank to pay off my access which
will help. On the Caroline front she has resigned – which is
brilliant news. I had a chat. I also phoned dad and I an. We all
still have a bit of work to do. I am hoping that Rob will get on a
plane with about 300 shirts tomorrow and head down to Wellington. I
want to go to sleep.
Monday 24th
May
I’ve had a really
busy day doing organizing. I got up at ½ 8 and drove Rob to the
airport. He flew to Wellington with 230 shirts which, hopefully he
will get rid of.
Then back to the
hostel. Bill was still in bed. I went over to North Harbour and
picked up 200 shirts, then we had a real result. We went to the pub
to pick up my flag – it looks brilliant. There was a press
conference on, so we just went in. All interesting stuff. Then to
Novelli to pick up another 200 shirts and then to ACI to drop them
off. I have lost my brown book which is really annoying.
Into town to re trace
my steps – to the post office. I had two letters off Caroline. I
will reply to them now in the bar, while watching the State of Origin
game.
Thursday 27th
May
Neglected the diary a
bit because I have been busy which is not a bad thing. The Lions beat
North Harbour yesterday 29-13 – really physical match. Brilliant
try by Tony Underwood and a mass scrap. These t shirts still puzzle
me how they are going. We seem to be doing better on the day before
the match than on match day which is really strange. Yesterday the
boys hired a car, but it didn’t really work out as they never sold
that many. Tony has now joined us from the full trip. From Cork –
He has basically dumped his American girlfriend to follow the Lions –
she was not happy. I am a bit fragile as we were in Kitty O’Brien’s
till midnight – a real great night again. About 6 of the Lions were
up singing
10.30 pm Bulls
As expected, a very
late start half 12 – I wanted to leave at 9 but we all had things
to do and were in no real mood to do it. I went into town with Bill
and filled up Beer essentials with shirts. I collected a letter off
Caroline – giving me stress about last year’s diary. I gave her a
ring cos I loves her. – She has told me not to ring next week as
she is up in York with Jo.
I picked up 100 Black
haka shirts and gave in 110 Lions shirts to be couriered to
Christchurch to pick up Monday. Off we went and we have left Auckland
for 3 weeks now. I am looking forward to the South Island. The trip
down was a bit of a drag. We stopped off in Hamilton but no real luck
there. I sold 10 shirts to Kelly and Graham at the Ivanhoe and we saw
them in Hamilton. We had grub in Wanganui and have now booked a
motel. - $50 I have sneaked in. It’s freezing out so we have got
the heater on and electric blankets. I have set the alarm for ½ 6.
The boys won’t be best pleased but we need an early start as
experience shows the day before the test is the best day! I am very
tired.
Friday 28th
May
Up at ½ 6 and drove to
Wellington. Rob done really well and gave me $1300 which I put in the
bank. My access bill is now $1400 – I have got a long way to go
before I reach $10,000 to get me back to Plucky and obviously the
above (solicitors letter) notice doesn’t help at all. I am
actually trespassing if I pay to see any of the games! It’s not as
funny as the boys feel. I have got so much to lose. I am fairly tired
but will go out tonight.
Wednesday 2nd
June
Christchurch hasn’t
been too kind to us, there doesn’t seem to be any real interest in
the rugby and we have sold very little cotton. The backpackers
Charlie B’s is awful and I have got a rotten cold. Game today is v
Canterbury. Time now is 10 so we will give it another push.
6.40 Another win for
the Lions. Absolutely freezing weather – we got stuffed in the
first ¼ but Guscott scored a brilliant try and we dominated in the
second half – probably go to a pub called Lochabars Scottish pub in
town – off to Dunedin tomorrow. I phoned home, mum talking about
Caroline.
Friday 4th
June 11pm
I like Dunedin. A city
with real character. Also the shirts have gone down very well . I
sent home $1600 this morning. Pulled that in on the drive up. I also
paid $80 to pick up the 100 Haka, All Blacks and Lions shirts. I
worked really hard + even went out in the night. I have got $1700
with about $600 in the bank for printing.
A really sunny day but
pouring down now. The Lions have picked a really strong side for the
Otago game. No news from Bill, we will hopefully see him on the
terraces tomorrow if the worst come to the worst. The backpackers we
are staying in is the best one yet. Very impressed. Basically a
house, very comfy. I was gutted that I have lost a letter that I
wrote to Plucky. I am missing her – I don’t think she would enjoy
all this t shirt flogging though.
Saturday 5th
June
Dunedin is still a
brilliant place but the Lions got creamed 37-23. A real pasting in
the second half. Cotton is flying out of the window though. Bill came
back from Invercargill with $1200 for me. Me and Rob did about 2
hours solid graft after the game. All in all over the last two days I
have accumulated $4,900 which is fantastic. A lot of cheques but as
Rob keeps saying “Dunedin is wedge city”
Got home to a meal off
Gwyn and now on the town. Bayfield is out of the tour and Carling
went off – obviously a bit of a worry as it was a shadow test team.
30 Tomorrow argghhhhh.
The backpackers doesn’t
cease to amaze me. The bloke in charge saw us in the pub and said
there is a fridge full of beer to commiserate – we caned it.
Monday 7th
June Invercargill
Tour news not great.
Scott Hastings is going home – fractured cheek and we are losing
Dooley as his dad died. What a nightmare – for the test we lose
both our line out jumpers. NZ are becoming very hot favourites.
Personally I think we are in for a real pasting on Saturday. Money
situation looks ok – I am in a position to order another 350 shirts
and send another $2000 home which will be a total of $4000 saved. I
have always said that I am aiming for $10k to get me home. Not over
impressed with Invercargill. We have booked into motel units – even
with the heater on it is very cold, Today is a bit of a dead day
cotton wise as it is a bank holiday. Bill and Gwyn have just gone to
some pubs - me and Rob will have a crack later. We had a meeting and
Rob will fly from Christchurch to New Plymouth and from New Plymouth
Rob will fly to Napier and Bill up to Auckland. I phoned home
yesterday. Cath’s engagement to Barry is off – she is very
upset. I wouldn’t be over surprised if I saw her in Oz next year.
I phoned Caroline, she
was in good form and sunbathing as much as she can. I am missing her
dreadfully
Wednesday 9th
June Queenstown
Who couldn’t be
impressed with Queenstown? We got up very late and drove up. Stopped
a couple of times and arrived at Queenstown at 5 – too late to go
around so we will hopefully be up early tomorrow, do a couple of
hours selling and then the long drive up to Christchurch for the
first test.
Predictions for the
team is Leonard, Moore, Popplewell, Bayfield, Cronin, Richards,
Webster, Clarke, Morris, Barnes, Guscott, Carling, Evans, Rory
Underwood, Hastings (capt)
Bill reckons delete
Richards and in goes Winterbottom – better ball hands. Rob wants
Gasgoine, Linecker Gascott and Georgie Best
Sunday 13th
June Christchurch 12.30
Feeling rough. Well 1-0
to NZ. The All Blacks beat the boys by 20-18. Not a great game but
really exciting at the end. Gavin Hastings kicking a massive penalty
with 5 mins to go then Fox winning the game in the last minute –
gutted.
I had an awful day
Friday, Nothing went right. My toe was killing me. The bloke who
wanted 20 Haka shirts never showed, the rugby shop only wanted 2
shirts. I ended up having an operation on an in growing toenail. To
make it worse we had the car broken into and I lost my green bag with
about 40 shirts and my camera. Not happy at all.
Saturday was better on
match day. Sold all the Lions shirts and the atmosphere at the ground
was great. After the game we went our separate ways and sold loads of
All Black shirts. I have got over $5000 in the safe so I will be
making a phone call tomorrow to get some more shirts and I will be
sticking some money in my “Caroline” account. I phoned her
yesterday for a little chat – she is worried when to apply for her
visa. I wish it was for more than a year. I phoned mum and dad this
morning.
Rob is flying to New
Plymouth and we have the long drive to Picton. We can’t get on the
ferry as it is fully booked, but hopefully we will be on tomorrow.
12pm Picton in
the backpackers - A great one compared to Charlie B’s. My name in
the backpackers is Ronald Jerusalem which had us all in stitches. The
trip up was uneventful – very windy and we killed a rabbit. –
stopped at Kaikura for a fish supper which was georgeous. Bill
sharked Gwyn lovely and Gwyn sharked Bill impressively later on – I
was winning both ways.
Monday 14th
June
We are now on the way
to New Plymouth. Up at ¼ to 4 to get the ferry. Stopping all the way
to sell cotton. Gwyn was mega out of order in Wanganui. Our meet was
½ 1 and he has us waiting till ¼ past 2 in the car. We set it up on
tape and I had a real go at him so he upped and started packing to go
home until we showed him the tape. Weather is really awful, I phoned
through for 300 All Black shirts to pick up tomorrow in New Plymouth.
Also, good news was I was able to put $2000 in my account at home
which will now reach $8050. $2000 to go before I can make realistic
plans about going home to pick up Caroline. When I get to the $10000
mark I will send her a shed full of flowers – the poof I am.
Wednesday 16th
June
Match day again, Lions
v Taranaki. We are now in New Plymouth. I had a couple of letters off
Caroline and a strange one off Ian K’s mum asking me to go around
the Lions asking for autographs. Nope – sorry. We haven’t really
wedged it in New Plymouth but the money is dribbling in nicely. I
will make another order tomorrow before we make another long drive to
Auckland. Bad news is that all the tickets for the third test have
been sold out. Graham and Kelly are back in the game flogging cotton
like pixie’s. My toe is still killing me. Weather is freezing. We
are off to the parade now at 12.
Lions stuffed Taranaki
49-23. Gibbsy had a good game. A very good morning on the cotton as
Mike Burton’s boys arrived – so all the Lions shirts went –
after the game – nothing. The news is I have $2000 to put in the
bank – I will send it home tomorrow so that = my $10k to fly home.
I will inform Caroline by a massive bunch of flowers tomorrow.
Brilliant news. My aim now is to get to $15000. That will be $5000 =
plenty for travelling + then I want some money for us to have a car
in Australia. Everything is positive today.
Saturday 19th
June
Match day again. Lion’s
v Auckland.
Thursday was basically
travelling all day. Highlight of the day was when some old witch
demanded a hawkers license off Bill. – We made one.
Hawkers
License. This license allows “Harry the Hawker”
to sell cotton in New Zealand during June 1993 signed Larry the
license provider Larry
She started arguing it
wasn’t from Waitamo district – we argued back that Larry was from
Auckland – much bigger. In the evening we saw “Consenting adults”
which I thought was ok. On Friday we had a fairly disappointing day.
I went to ACI to pick up shirts and then we went into town. I went to
the post office which effectively wiped out the morning for me – I
had 8 letters off Caroline. God I love that girl. I also had a letter
off Nolesy and a card off Caroline Ferrario.
I restocked Bad Habits’
but Beer Essentials jipped out. I went back to Bad habits later and
she took $500 worth – brilliant. Graham, Gary and Kelly were out –
they all done well and wanted more shirts. In the evening me Bill and
Rob went out – a bit too late really as we had a fantastic roast
lamb from Gwyn really georgeous. So it’s all go today. I have got
$1300 and $280 in cheques. We took a visit to Eden Park. Fox was
practicing his kicking and we went over and had a word. – a bit of
the tour I enjoy. He reckons no pressure today at all. No test, no
championship points – missing Caroline heaps.
Sunday 20th
June Auckland
Yesterday was a
complete write off – we probably lost money!!. The Lions lost and I
stuck $10 of diesel in the car. Clouds of smoke everywhere – boys
aren’t happy. It will get fixed tomorrow. Rob is now in Napier –
he flew today with a major hangover. I took Rob to the airport and
tried to take the car back – went to see a film – Indecent
proposal. Demi Moore is georgeous, but not as nice as Caroline.
Tuesday 22nd
June ’93 Napier
Match day again.
Today’s game is against Hawke’s Bay – we should win, but
Saturday is the important one – 2nd test. Yesterday was
all car. It had to be drained and ran through – cost me $80 –
bargain. We actually left about ½ 1. I bought another 100 Lions and
100 Haka’s to be delivered to Wellington.
We can see things on
the shirt front are definitely slowing up.- Most of the Lions
supporters have now got one . I have now stopped making All Black
shirts for the Lions and I am looking for the Bledisloe Cup. I have a
couple of nasty patches of psoriasis which I am concerned about .
Today is obviously the game, Bill is getting the car serviced. I know
we won’t “wedge” today but I am hoping for a good one in
Wellington. We are virtually writing off Hamilton and Auckland. I am
relaxed. I have got my $10000 so all the risks are not real risks. I
have got to get $1500 soon together for my ticket. So I will be
looking forward to seeing Caroline again soon. 28 days is nothing but
seems like an age.
Wednesday 23rd
June
What a nightmare of a
match yesterday. The Lions were 19-5 up at half time and got stuffed
29-19. They were awful, weather was georgeous. I didn’t enjoy the
evening. The match never helped but I felt very unsociable. I was
(am) missing Plucky so much and I didn’t really want to talk to
anyone else. We had our car serviced which cost us $50 each,. Today
we got up late and are driving down to Wellington On the cotton front
I have ordered 50 more All Black and 50 more white Hakas (Whakas).
I have about 150 Lions
200 Hakas (Black) 130 All Blacks 70 Whakas. I have about $1600 in
cash and soon I have to pay for my flight ticket. I am just hoping
that the flight touches down in Heathrow. My Caroline count is 27
We have an executive
meeting tonight to discuss our plans for the Aussie game.
Thursday 24th
June
Up at ¼ past 9 and
drove the 20 mins to Petone and picked up 100 All Black and 100 Lions
– typically we are out of All Blacks now. – I am pleased that I
got that extra 50 to be picked up tomorrow. Bill and Rob are
suffering because they have had their jabs. I went out flogging
cotton and sold 15 all day. – Same result for everybody else so I
got a few bob in from Bill, Rob, Gwyn Graham and Kelly. Hoping for a
big wedge day tomorrow. I have about $2000 in cash so I might book my
flight ticket tomorrow which is a nice thought. At 2 a reporter came
around to the backpackers and we had an interview which took an hour.
When I got out I couldn’t find the car – the boys had it – a
bit of a worry.
Saturday 26th
June Match Day LIONS V NZ 2nd test
Today is the match of
the tour. Wellington has given us glorious weather and I am convinced
the Lions can win, but they will have to play brilliantly. Out last
night to Midnight, got back to no bedding – Rob playing funny
buggers – not happy with him at all. Gwyn is selling no cotton
today as it’s his last test.
Sunday 27th
Lions 20 Blacks 7
Really good fun
yesterday with the boys doing the business on the park. We were miles
and miles up – freezing cold. Lions faced a really strong wind and
turned around at 9-7 We were then always going to win – Love it.
Cotton flew out of the
window from all directions and I have wedged $6k over the last week.
After the game me and Bill went flogging and ended up drinking with
these Kiwi’s from Hawke’s Bay. I had a big steak in the bar and
we went out about ½ 10 to really celebrate. Great night. I phoned
Caroline – I am still madly in love and looking forward seeing her.
Count is now 23. I also phoned home and Kev asked me to be an usher
so I have to wear a monkey.
Monday 28th
June – Bulls
We drove a couple of
hours from Wellington yesterday. Stopped to play golf at Levin. I
started off brilliantly – my putting superb but I went rapidly
downhill and became the worst golfer in the world. Got to Bulls and
bad news is there is snow. In the mountains and the Desert road is
closed, so I can’t see us stopping for cotton selling as we will
have to make loads of detours.
8pm A mixed
sort of a day. I am really annoyed with myself because I have lost
$400. We drove up from Levin. I had $6000 on me. I sent home $3000 so
at home my total is $13000. I have also got my flight booked + I have
paid $1000 out of the $1500 – I will pay the remaining $500 in
Dunedin. I also paid $1500 towards 100 Lions and Aussie shirts.
NZ 508 DUNEDIN 7.50
- CHRISTCHURCH 8.35AM
SQ 288
CHRISTCHURCH 10.55AM – SINGAPORE 8.30PM
SQ
322 SINGAPORE 11.15PM - LONDON 05.55AM
So I will be in
Caroline’s arms defo in 22 days time.
The drive up was
driving rain but it could have been worse as the desert road was
closed – also there is icy conditions in the South Island
Tuesday 29th
June ’93 Hamilton
The Lions took a
massive pasting 38-10 – they were absolutely crap which was a real
bummer. I picked up 100 shirts this morning and they are virtually
all gone now + I am sitting on a wedge of $1,800 – I will buy
another 100 (Lions) tomorrow. I have tried to get in touch with a
mate of Peter’s brother. I will have to do it tomorrow. After the
test I went to the box office and bought some tickets for the final
test $13 each, which is pleasing.
So 21 days and falling
now, I got hammered on the phone $110 for 3 calls yesterday.
Tonight’s agenda is curry and beers.
*Peter Wright at
prop has completed a tour where he has impersonated a tea pot.
Immobile with arms on his waist, for many games* Sums up
Peter Wright’s tour, so frustrating to see someone playing for the
Lions and walking around.
Thursday 1st
July Auckland
Back in Auckland.
Didn’t sell any cotton yesterday but I had a great result in that I
found the missing $400 notes – yippee. To celebrate we had a game
of golf which was a laugh. A quiet evening and a wonderful sauna.
Read 5 letters from my darling, - Had a wedding invitation from
Kevin. First time I have had a card to Bernard and Caroline!! Also
had a letter off mum and one off Caroline Ferrario. Georgeous day but
ice on the window screen this morning.
Sunday 4th
July
All Black !!
We got stuffed 30-13
after being 10-0 up so disappointing. All gloom last night – after
following the tour it is all over.
We went into town in
the morning and shifted quite a bit of gear. Obviously now we are not
getting any more.
So it’s all over –
for us it’s been very successful – I will be sending home $2000
tomorrow so that will get me up to $15000 – That is all I will send
home. I am basically now saving for a car for me and Caroline What a
dream, this all seems to be working. So if I do get any money I will
buy Aussie travellers cheques. My aim is to get about $5000. At the
moment I have about 70 Blackas, 140 Whakas and 100 new Aussie shirts,
I have left 30 Lions and 20 All Black shirts. Tomorrow I will buy
another 100 Blackas and send them down to Wellington.
I phoned Caroline –
really lovely to hear her voice – I spent $40 on the call – don’t
begrudge her a penny. She is keen to go to Thailand now as well.
Good. She had some bad news, but when she told me I laughed. – She
really is funny – worrying about little things. I really do love
her and can’t wait to get home to see her. Only 15 days before I am
in her arms. Getting deep here but I remember flying into Heathrow at
the end of my last trip and I felt really defeated. It was all over,
but now it is the opposite. I have achieved what I wanted and it
feels like the big beginning of my life with her. I can only give it
my best.
I phoned home and dad
wanted to know exactly when I will be back for my fitting.
Monday 5th
July
What a waste of a day.
My intention was to do some running around till ½ 10 and then shove
off. In fact I got up at 1 and we didn’t get off till 7. The car
wouldn’t start – live wire not connected. I couldn’t believe
it.
The reason for the late
start was last night. Saturday was heavy but last night was very
heavy. 4 of us went into the sauna and had a water fight. One of the
girls Kylie got drenched and became mega stroppy. Later we went to
the bar to watch France / South Africa and Kylie was watching the
film. – I wasn’t happy at all with a 16 year old kid stamping her
feet. Film finished at ¼ to 11 so we wanted the Aussie Tonga game
on. Kylie wanted to watch another film. I said we wanted to see the
manager and we got our way. The rugby finished ¼ past 12 but Robbie
was in charge of the bar. I was showing him sweats while Bill was
filling up the glasses and at one stage Robbie went to the shops to
get Mars bars and left us in charge of the bar. Bad move Robbie.
This morning I went to
the post office – nothing, - chased up Mike Burton – not happy
with him at all. I got money off Bad Habits then up to ACI –picked
up 10 shirts and gave in 300 for Wellington. Bill and Rob are now in
Blenheim for the game v W.Samoa and we will do the Samoa v NZ Uni’s
game at Wellington on Saturday. We are now in Thames and will be
travelling south tomorrow – ending up in Rotorua probably. Now
travelling with Dave and Mark.
Tuesday 6th
July Te Puke
Up at 7 – fitness, my
god. I did 50 sit ups. No reason why I can’t do sit ups every day I
did some banking and we worked in Thames, then drove down the coast
stopping in different places. I ordered 100 more Blacka shirts and
will pick up 100 in Rotorua today. We are now in Te Puke in a motel.
We had a brilliant spa then a cracking meal. Saw the Simpsons and
Cheers, them went to a club to watch rugby on Sky. Natal v Transvaal.
Tomorrow we will hit Te Puke and then travel via Rotorua. We may do
the luge and then the big trip as far south as possible to get to
Wellington on Thursday. My count is now on 14. I sent my Welsh flag
and other bits and pieces to Plucky’s brother Mark.
Wednesday 7th
July Wellington
Back in the Downtown
Backpackers, but obviously not the same atmosphere as the last two
times I was here. A waste of a day really but we made up for it by
making the long drive to Wellington. We stopped off in Rotorua and
basically wasted our selling time by going on the luge. –
absolutely brilliant. – Huge queues but exhilarating must be the
word. I came off three times in two goes and thankfully the third
time I got down OK. Mark cut his knee open and ripped his jeans and
sweat. O even though I came last I did survive. Fairly long drive –
arrived about 9. I am hoping that Bill and Rob are on the late ferry
and will join us about 11. If not we will hopefully see them
tomorrow. We will all work Wellington Thursday and Friday then we
have some options. Either stay in Wellington for the NZ Uni’s v
Samoa game on Sunday or push down south Asap to wedge out in prep for
the test on Saturday. I am pushing for the latter I suppose.
Saturday 10th
July Christchurch
Wellington was useless.
Bill and Rob came from Blenheim – useless, so we have driven down
to Christchurch. Dave and Mark were on the bus with Mickey B – stop
press – they have just arrived – they got their car. We have
knocked the Samoan game on the head. We have been caning boxes of red
wine every night which has crucified me twice.
I phoned Caroline last
night. Good move as she was in fine form. I am so, so looking forward
to seeing her again. My count is now on 10.
I also phoned mum and
dad for a chat. Our car is so packed, I hope I haven’t
overstretched myself! Ever confident though. We will have a short
drive tomorrow.
Sunday 11th
July Tamuka
Small place – 20k
north of Timaru. We had a late night last night and did the 2 hour
drive south. We wanted to play golf but couldn’t get a course that
rented clubs. Gorgeous day – freezing night. We have got ourselves
a motel room which is nice and warm. On the way we got stopped by the
police – they were checking everyone. Billy C had his license
handy. It could easily have been at the bottom of the car. Grub was
beef stroganoff.
Tomorrow I aim to sell
a wedge full of cotton – start at 9 and do some work in Timaru –
then work down slowly southwards stopping in every pub/place on the
way down. 9 days before I meet Caroline – something to look forward
to.
Monday 12th
July Omaru
Up at 9 and did a bit
of work in Timaru – hardly flying out of the window but they are
shifting slowly. We have got as far as Omaru which is 130km north of
Dunedin. Roughly I have got 150 Blackas and 150 Whakas and I am
thinking of getting 100 more. I have got $2900 – out of that $500
is taken by my air fare. I have got $365 in the bank so that is
$2750. I need to put away $2000 to make my aim of $1500 for
travelling so I suppose I can put another $750 into shirts. Virtually
all the gear has no dates – so I can send them to Aussie
(hopefully)
A fairly wet day – we
stopped a number of times but most of the pubs we had already been
to. We have got a motel room which is really lovely.
I posted a letter to
Caroline this morning. No point in sending her any more really
although I am tempted. I want to give her a ring on Thursday morning
too see how she got on in her driving test. – It would be brilliant
news if she passed. This time next week I will be on my way to
Singapore so my count is on 8.
Thursday 15th
July Dunedin
Caroline failed her
test – I got the blame for not phoning to wish her best of luck –
women!!
On a positive not I
will be back o wish her best of luck in person. I phoned her tonight
and she said she is starting to tell people in school. Paul Muncer
didn’t believe her – Jealous probably! She can tell everyone as
far as I am concerned.
Me Bill and Rob had an
awful day on the cotton – because we hit the red wine last night. 3
boxes between 5 of us. I reckon I will clear all the T Shirts – I
have just over $3000 in cash so tomorrow I will go to the bank and
change them into travelers cheques. – Aussie dollars – that will
be for a car. The rest of the money I will change into sterling
traveler cheques for pocket money when I get home. My count is on 5
Friday 16th
July Dunedin
A day of banking –
didn’t sell that much cotton on the eve of the game really, but the
money trickled in.
I went to the bank and
changed $3200 to $2700 Aus traveler cheques. I like putting money
into compartments and that is my money for “our” car when we get
to Australia – hopefully we will both be able to drive it. We spent
a few hours in the quadrant and in the evening had a less than
successful sneak around the pubs so I have got $1700 in cash. Fairly
cold day tomorrow in the Bledisloe Cup. I am sitting on loads of
shirts but with the 6 of us I really believe we can do well.
So – Basically it’s
one working day left! I am setting the alarm tomorrow to get the
troops out at 9. I will do all the driving around - calm down Bern!!
+ get them flogging. Plan of attack is to get rid of all the white
shirts first and then unload on the blacks. If I get stuck with any I
would prefer them to be Blackas. I have every confidence the
Whakabies will go.
Sunday 18th
July 1993 Dunedin Midday
Well it’s all over –
good.
On the rugby front the
All Blacks beat the Wallabies 25-10. Enjoyable game – packed solid
– tries by Bruce after Inga stormed through and a try by Fitzy.
Foxy made a break!! Horan snatched a try for the Wallabies –
brilliant player
The day started early –
freezing cold and foggy. I dropped Mickey B, Dave and Mark in town
and then went back for Bill and Rob. To say the morning was quiet was
an understatement. We all went to the village and cleared a few and
then it picked up fairly well, We did get rid of all the Whakas and I
am stuck with about 40 Blackas and 30-40 Whakabies which I will post
to oz – so the right result – I am pleased as sin. Final total
was $4200 last night added to the $3200 for the car and $15000 I have
sent home = $22,400 or £7000 odd pounds – a result for 2 months
work. Looking back I can always say I made $20k but it was really
really hard work and there were loads of worries. I have got quite a
few people to thank but I can give myself a big pat on the back as
well. I am pleased that I achieved what I aimed for and it means lie
with Caroline will be easier next year with a car. Home to her
tomorrow.
The evening was
brilliant. The 6 of us went to the Little India curry house. I
shouted Bill and Rob as a thank you and got in 3 bottles of Champagne
the 1st one went everywhere – the grub was fantastic –
we all had the banquet and two boxes of red went down well. –
Really good company – we wee celebrating as well. I phoned Caroline
and was over the moon that she was taking Tuesday morning off (for
jabs!!) – such good news – we have so much to talk about. She was
moaning that in school everybody knows about us. She can hardly blame
me for that one. I phoned home as well + I have got to be back a week
Monday for the fitting. I will go to Kevin’s wedding – Cardiff on
Monday + Tuesday. I have got to pack today. Up at 5 tomorrow.
Monday 19th July Christchurch
NZ
Up at 5 this morning. A bugger of a job to
wake Billy C as we all went out last night for a meal and beers at Rosie
O’Nasties. Bill and Mickey went on till about 3. Flew to Christchurch and now
the for the big flight. This is a bind, but I am so looking forward to seeing
Caroline. I don’t think I have ever looked forward to seeing someone as much as
I do with her – it must be love (Poof)
I have changed all my NZ to £ 1,300 =
lots!!
I got rid of shrapnel by playing machines
and phoned Sharon, Jane and Jacko to tell them how I am getting on. So now it
is to Singapore. In the three hours I am there I may go for a haircut and a
shower. I am tired now – I don’t think I will even try to kip on this flight
but try and knock out zzz’s on the next one. I think this plane goes to
Auckland first – it does – we have actually got one and a half hours wait in
Auckland –it’s a 1 hr 05 minute flight. I am feeling bored already.
11.50
Bored!! – I suppose it is only just sinking in that I will be seeing Caroline
very, very soon. I have been on a high with the success of the Lions venture
but nothing can compare with the high of our reuniting. I have missed her so
much and I want to share all my thoughts and feelings with her.
Later – on
my 4th wine + bags of nuts. This is a 10 hour flight. I will
obviously watch the film, grub and stick my head down. I don’t mind staying
awake on this flight, but I would love to kip all the next one. Even though it
is boring I do love flying – all the energy involved. It is funny on these long
flights I do miss the company of Pat. I can’t fathom that it will be Caroline
with me on my next one. I have worked so hard for this
A preview of what I expect over the next
few weeks. Obviously a week of real “Quality time” with Caroline. I just want
to soak up her presence. Staff social on Wednesday which should be a good
crack. On Thursday my darling tells me we are going to Caroline Menton’s BBQ. I
will get back to Cardiff say Sunday afternoon. I would love Caroline to come –
in fact I would love to be inseparable but she has got her brother in town.
Kieran’s wedding is a week Saturday which I am really looking forward to. I
have got a fitting this Monday. Then there is Kevin’s wedding – should be
great, followed by a visit to Ireland and seeing Caroline’s folks. I will be a
bit nervous but something I have to face. Then see some of Ireland. – Home and
then the “Dream trip” with my “Dream woman” – I don’t feel nervous about
travelling with Caroline – very excited yes and there will be problems being in
each other’s pocket for 24 hours, but she has given up the security of a job
and taking a mega risk coming with me. Similarly I am flying around the world
to capture (re capture) her heart so I really think we deserve each other. I
have always wanted us to be open and honest and our relationship is built on
trust – after a year (nearly) all I can see is trust, honesty and openness
getting stronger. I actually need Caroline very much. Our time apart has
dragged and this 24 hours is also dragging. I am obviously looking forward to
seeing Mum and dad, Pete, Kev and Cath, the twins and my new cousin Caroline.
As we are flying there is a map of the area
showing progress. A geographers dream. We are now half way across the Tasman –
looking down all is clouds
Later Four hours to Singapore
Outside I can see the red sandy desert of
Oz near Broome. Films have been on and I have kipped a bit – Groundhog Day – I
had seen and Home alone 2 was always going to be crap. I love the screen with
the map on it showing the progress
Later smack
on the equator now. And descending into Singapore. I have got a 2 ½ hour wait
in Singapore. Plan of attack basically is to stay awake in the airport and on
the next plane I would love 3 seats together and stretch out and kip. In
Singapore I wouldn’t mind a shower and if possible get my haircut. That might
not be on. I am shattered. I threw a couple of Bloody Mary’s down my neck which
was nice
Singapore airport
Missed on a haircut as it was closing but I
treated myself to a sauna – so obviously had a shower and shave so I am all
fresh but tired to get on the plane. I got a bottle of Bailey’s for Caroline
but I may end up giving it to mum as I can hardly turn up empty handed. Plan of
attack now is easy – sleep. A lovely thought is that this flight will take me
to Caroline.
Tuesday 20th July
Airborne – dawn or rather pre dawn – it’s
about 3 hours to London (and Caroline) I have managed to get a bit of kip on
the flight – but not much. I killed and hour by watching Disney’s Beauty and
the beast. Home alone 2 is on now, which I am not the slightest bit interested.
I am so pleased I had that sauna + shower. They have just woke us up as brecky
will be served. I could do with a feed as I was asleep during the meal. Looking
out the window there is a beautiful dawn waiting to take place. Being deep it’s
like me and Caroline – hopefully a dawn of a continuation of a fantastic
relationship. I really can’t wait to see her in less than three hours. I will
be asleep by about 9 or 10 so it’s probably best she is in school this
afternoon. She will be shattered tonight as it’s an early start for her.
Later – Less
than an hour to go. Weather report is cloudy, which is a pity as I have a
window seat. Feelings: excitement, apprehension – I have waited for this moment
for a long, long time. An hour is too long. Waiting in customs for the bags
will be murder, especially since I intend buying another bottle of Bailey’s to
smuggle through – hardly a capital offence. London time is now 5 O’clock - to think Caroline will be out of bed and
will be on her way. I am so pleased she has got the morning off
6.20
She is not here!!
40 bloody hours in the air. I honestly
didn’t want too much fuss but the excuse had better be a good un. I actually
feel quite bemused. I was wondering what I was going to first say to her, but I
can say if it all goes wrong now – you were late at the airport. I do love her
so
11.20 pm – A lovely day - spent some
fantastic time with Caroline, I have to pinch myself to believe it’s happening.
Funny though – she has her English dept do tonight and had to go, so I was
dumped. This afternoon I had a couple of hours kip and when she went out I
popped over Ian’s – he gave Lowie a ring and on my first night back I was over
the Blucher for a couple of pints of London Pride with the boys. I feel very
tired now. Staff social tomorrow. I am all smiles.
Thursday 22nd July Twickenham
A couple of days of
déjà vu. Yesterday was fun – I went into school about 2. Frank
and Paul Leigh were retiring. – spoke to lots of people I wanted
to. I told Caroline F about me and Caroline and she bit my head off
for not telling her earlier. Mass was at ½ 2 and they had speeches.
I nipped down to Nolesy’s for a chat. A BBQ was in school – good
fun. Graham was digging like sin. Caroline told everyone about us. It
was really wonderful to talk to everyone about our plans. Over to the
plough for a late night.
Today I have been
fairly bored. I made a Thai curry for later and had a kip as I still
haven’t really recovered from the flight. I phoned mum to say I was
back and I will be in Cardiff on Sunday. Tonight we have got our
meal. Champagne is in – quite right we are celebrating! Tonight’s
discussion will be on our timescale of when we are leaving. I will go
into school tomorrow.
Saturday 24th
July
A really enjoyable day
in Gunnersbury yesterday, I went in with Caroline, but (silly girl) I
disappeared on the way up to get a paper. I did some much needed
weights in the gym and went into Scurry’s lesson for a sports quiz.
I did Bob Williams a favour and took his lesson. The crack in the pub
was great. Graham and Roger on fine form. – Planning their trip to
Dublin!!! – behave boys. I had a good sesh and went for a meal with
Caroline, Ed, and Jo et al. I’ll go home on my tod on Sunday –
coming back up Wednesday for a BBQ.
Wednesday 28th
July
Now on the train back
to London. – BBQ tonight at Caroline Menton’s. I went home on
Sunday. Peter was there showing off the twins + then I was whisked
off to see Helens’ Caroline. Sunday lunch and went to St Peters in
the evening. I am going to miss Kev’s stag this Friday as I will be
in London for Kieran’s wedding on Saturday.
Monday – I went for a
run, festered around a bit and spent about 3 hours in Catherine’s
house decorating – stripping walls. – her house is a mess – but
it has real potential!! – like me!!
On Tuesday I was up
early and played badminton against Kev. I lost the first game 11-0
humiliating but came back and beat him, he had match point in the
last set. I then went over Peter’s for the day – did some editing
and had little Kieran and Hannah running wild. Funniest part was when
he was spinning them around and they were giddy. In the evening I did
some more work for Cath and went for a pint with dad.
I will see Mackers
tomorrow – a bit of a tricky one as he wants to crash, but I
haven’t the place to let him really. I will have a word with Ian –
Good old Gravel Rd.
Wednesday 11th
August Dublin
Missed loads and loads
of this diary as I have been massively busy – a pity really because
there has been loads’ going on. At the moment I am with Caroline in
Dublin – hence access to the diary has been limited, Kev got
married and we have booked our flight through to Asia.
The trip to Asia looks
so good! We leave London 14th Sept – Delhi. At the
moment we have no time in Delhi but we may change it to 3 days – we
will go to Kathmandu and have 3 weeks in Nepal trekking and then to
Bangkok, down the country to a temply place before heading into the
jungle for a few days and then Phuket. A week or two on the beach
before Malaysia KL and Singapore and then on to Indonesia before
hitting Oz on December 4th for Christmas.
Kev’s wedding went
very well – lots of tears from the Butt’s family and Catherine.
We hired a car on
Thursday which was a story in itself. We had been in town to get the
tickets and had been running really late – I went into Heathrow to
get the car and they wouldn’t give it to me because I had the wrong
points. – I ended up paying above what I wanted to but I was so
grateful to get any car – we ended up with a metro. On the Friday
we picked up Caroline’s stuff – suitcases and suitcases of gear.
We visited her sister Louise for an hour and hit the motorway at ½
11. The drive was a drag, we got to the hotel at 5. Kev gave us a
lift to Chester to take the car back. Out in the pub in the evening
with all the future outlaws. Saturday was the wedding.
Thursday 12TH
August
More caching up – I
was usher at the wedding + late. Peter was panicking because he was
the best man. I gave him a hand. To be fair the better jokes were his
anyway. Rain kept off quite well – but poured down at the
reception. Meal was great, all in all it was a brilliant day.
Catherine wasn’t in the best of spirits so I had a word. In the
evening we ended up in a hall with a big sing song.
On Sunday mum and dad
gave us a lift to Holyhead + then we took the ferry to Dun Louhrie.
There were loads of people waiting on the Quayside – very daunting.
In the evening I got dragged over the pub, I didn’t fight much.
Monday I went to a
place called New Grange – an ancient burial ground with passages –
very interesting. Near the River Boyne. We went out for a great meal
16 of us sat at the table – again very daunting.
Tuesday – we had a
look at Medieval Dublin and took a visit to the Guinness factory.
Yesterday we went to UCD to sort out Caroline’s transcripts –
went surprisingly ok . In the evening Caroline Menton came over with
some stuff.
Today we are into
Dublin to meet some of Caroline’s friends.
.
To come in Book 9
Asia - Delhi,
Taj, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Yogya, Bromo, Komodo, Bali
– Sydney 14th December Diary slows down and finishes 1st
August 1994
Ghana 2012
This blog is written by
3 students, myself and another teacher who were lucky enough to
travel to Ghana in Feb 2012 on an educational trip. We visited a
school in Kumasi, Ghana’s second city and then went down to the
Cape Coast
A
highlight of the trip was a visit to a cocoa plantation. This was run
by Kaupa Kokoo who gave us a presentation how the company operates
under the fair trade mark with money reinvested in the poor farmers
and social projects such as clean water, sanitation, mobile hospitals
and education benefiting from the “premium” they make. The cocoa
is sold to Devine chocolate which can be bought in shops in Bridport.
One of the students was lucky to meet the president of Kuapa Kokoo
who have over 70,000 members. She was a very impressive lady.
No comments:
Post a Comment