- 01.01.2002 -

Well, happy new year everyone! Another day dawns. I leave for Australia tomorrow. The only thing bothering me still is that my plane from Phuket to Bangkok lands an hour before my plane to Australia takes off and I have to get my luggage, get across to the international departures lounge, check in and get on the plane in under an hour. The ticket clerk said that was enough time but I'm dubious. I think I can see myself running at some point.

Today I'm being lazy again. Nipped out to catch up on emails before I leave as no idea when I'll be on the net next. Monks were arriving at the hostel when I was leaving. Apparently they are eating here and performing a ceremony that will hopefully bring good luck and prosperity to the hostel. Niki asked if I could be back in time for lunch. A sit down with the monks should be interesting.

Had a free lunch then we got bored so me and Sarahad went to VDO EZY and got 'The Forsaken' (cool vampire movie) and 'The Point Men' (crap Christopher Lambert flick).

- 02.01.2002 -

Had breakfast with Christina. She told me the story of her life as I was leaving. Who would I tell? She was given to a guy at 16 to marry and had a kid. He was shot in the head by his business partner so she gave the kid to her mother and went to Saudi and a few other places until she arrived in Thailand. Until recently the kid thought they were sisters but now she knows the truth. Wow what a life story!

Packed and took a few pictures of everyone. Sarahad and Meow dropped me off in Phuket town where I posted some postcards and then got a airport taxi (80bt) complete with Nigel Mansell as a driver! He glanced in the rearview as I tested that my seatbelt did indeed work!

At the airport I was told that my luggage would be checked through to Melbourne and I would be transferred via shuttlebus in Bangkok so that was good news. After checking my luggage though I found that I had to pay a 500bt fee to get to my gate. Its an airport tax not included in the ticket price. I did not have it so went to the ATM. After two tries it did not like my card! Argh! If I tried a 3rd time or another ATM it might eat my card! I remembered my travellers cheques. It was an emergency so I changed 80USD to 800bt. Probably not the best exchange rate but I needed the money. I paid the tax then used the rest for drinks and a bite to eat.

The flight from Phuket to Bangkok was full of turbulence and I felt sick. Got transferred ok and this flight was better. Both flights were full. Got a window seat again (all so far have been an A seat). Sat next to me was a German guy. We chatted for a bit. I got my moneys worth out of this flight by ordering JD on the rocks from the stewardess when she went past. Watched a couple of films.

- 03.01.2002 -

Melbourne, Victoria. Australia

Arrived in Melbourne and breezed through passport control. Had to go out through the red zone though as I had a British passport and they wanted to check my shoes coz of foot and mouth disease. Told them I've not come from the UK so they waved me through where Stuart was waiting. Drove into town.

After failing to find the Carlton Hotel I checked into the Flinders Station Hotel. Its a backpacker joint. You have keycard access for everything even the loos! They know where you are at all times. Ever seen the movie Sliver?

After a coffee Stuart went to work and I managed to sleep for 2 hours. Headed out and saw RATRACE at a crappy cinema. It was 13.20 dollars! Australia is not cheap. Felt homesick most of the day. Got back to the hostel late and watched American TV in the TV room with a load of people. This journal should read 'TV, Video and Cinemas Dave has watched around the world'. He he.

Met Martin (Germany) and Dave (London) my room mates.

- 04.01.2002 -

Got up painfully as my right leg had cramp. Argh! Damn that is painful. Did the golden mile walk but kinda shopped for books in the Sales. Ended up at Carlton gardens and then walked back.

Went to Zest bar and met Stuart and his mates. Had the steak. Got the usual jokes about the meat being safe here and how I should avoid NZ coz they worry sheep. Nice bunch of people though. Had a good night. Thanks Stuart!

Went for a walk with Stuart then headed back to the hostel. Chatted with Martin for a bit.

- 05.01.2002 -

Woke up painfully again with cramp. I think I had messed up my leg with all this walking. It still hurts now.

Martin checked out. He's going to Tasmania. I can't leave for Sydney as its kinda on fire at the moment. Hooked up with Dave and we went and had an english breakfast at a street cafe. Walked around for a bit and found an internet cafe that was 1.65bucks for 30mins which is good coz its 5bucks an hour everywhere else. Figured it would be a week before this diary saw its next update.

No idea what I'm doing yet with regards to travel. Got offerred a V8 last night for 3,000dollars. Hmm. Also Stuart noticed I'd lost weight which cheered me up. He said I should send a picture back home and suprise people. Its all the walking and not buying junk food as it costs more than healthy food. I've moved up 3 notches on my belt and my face is a lot thinner. I'm pretty chuffed and hope I can keep it up. I might even be able to fit into my suit for the wedding when I get back!

Realised I had left my paper journal at the internet cafe when I got back to the hostel so ran back to get it. Luckily it was still there. Phew!

Grabbed a bite to eat and watched VANILLA SKY (Weird film) then hung out at the hostel. Met Sven (Germany) who was here for a day. Grabbed a bottle of JD.

- 06.01.2002 -

After breakfast I was picked up by Stuart and his mate Drew. We went to get Rob then the four of us headed down Great Ocean Drive for a road trip. Stopped off for a bit to eat and Stuart accidentally drove into another car. Oh dear.

The drive was long and scenic and made a change from buses or trains. I was the only straight guy in the car so as the others checked out guys from the car I had to check out women just so I wasn't left out. (Nothing something I normally do. Honest)

Stopped in Appollo bay for lunch and visited the 12 Apostles and a few other rock outcrops like London Bridge and also Blow Hole and Thunder Cave before turning back.

It was a long drive back but with the rain and view it kinda reminded me of England so I felt right at home. When we got back into Melbourne we grabbed a bite to eat at Fast Eddies. They do a good nachos there. Hopefully I won't put the weight back on in Australia that I lost already!

- 07.01.2002 -

Met our new dorm mate, Rohan (York). Paid for another 3 days then headed out to grab a bite to eat and log on for a bit. Melbourne is a nice city but I think I am going to start to plan where I am going next. Maybe the outback towards Alice Springs and Ayers rock then head up north before coming back down the coast to Sydney. I still have almost 3 months to spend here before heading over to NZ. I may not get a car as there are problems with registering it as a tourist. Instead I'll use my money on public transport and maybe hire a car here and there for a day. Who knows what you will be doing tomorrow when you are travelling and taking each day as it comes?

Was a tad bored so headed out towards the river. Went into the Aquarium. Got a concession when I mentioned I was a backpacker. It was a pretty cool place. Spent about 2.5 hours there. They have about 3million litres of water in their tanks. The biggest tanks are in the basement and you can walk under them through tunnels so that the water is at your sides and above you.

The divers went into the tanks at one point to feed the sharks. One shark that the girl with the mic was pointing out did its business right in front of a group of fascinated children who all went 'yeuck!' then the little fish ate it.

They had a couple of rides which consisted of a platform with hydraulics and a screen in front of you. The dolphin ride was tame but the underwater rollercoaster was quite good.

Headed out to the Crown complex next. Grabbed a bite to eat and wondered around this extravagant place. The casino was pretty amazing with light and water shows. Shops like Prada, Gucci and Rolex were the norm and way out of my price range.

Back at the hostel I watched South Park, Ali G and Buffy in the TV room. A lot of foreigners were amused by Ali G to the point of almost crying.

- 08.01.2002 -

Dave snuck a girl into our room last night. He was pretty wasted and would not stop giggling. This morning he was apologising every time he saw me for being drunk and loud. I wasn't too bothered. She slept in the spare bed. If housekeeping find out he'll be fined but I won't tell them.

Caught a tram to St.Kilda. The weather was not to great and St.Kilda was dead and I mean dead. Walked along the shore and along the pier for a bit listening to NOVA FM on my walkman. There's a cool track called 'Kryptonite' by '3 Doors Down' that I must remember to get at some point in the future.

After grabbing a cappuccino at the cafe at the end of the pier I caught a tram back to the city. I went to the museum where they gave me another concession. Cool. Its a pretty big place and I laughed at the display about the British Museum saying no to Greece's request for the return of the Elgin marbles. The British museum is known as the 'Pirates museum' because it contains everything we have stolen over the centuries from other countries. Its true. Every museum I have visited so far on my travels says that their best pieces are in the British museum.

Went to ICE next (Immersive Cinema Experience) which is a curved cinema screen and LCD screens in front of you (free with museum pass). You play a game against all the other players (about 100 of them). The object in this game is to be the biggest predator. You all start out as plankton then become small fish, turtles, dolphins, whales etc moving up the food chain by eating your fellow players.

The big screen follows the leading player and when I bothered to glance up from my LCD screen I noticed my name upon occasion. When I managed to become the great white shark (top of the food chain) I was eating everyone. I finished my mission and the whole room went dark. Huh? The big screen and our LCDs lit up with the high score table and my name was at the top! The PA crackled and my name was called out. My prize was two free tickets to any of the ICE games when I want. Cool. I stifled my grin as we all walked out with everyone moaning about getting eaten all the time. Heh.

Also part of the consession ticket is a pass to the IMAX 3D theatre. The next showing doesn't start until 7.30pm so I'm killing time surfing and having a beer. Note: Another great song being played here is 'Catch' by Kosheen.

Grabbed a milkshake at Fast Eddy's which ws 1.5litres! Wow (burp!). Then headed back to the IMAX and saw 'Shackletons Antartic Adventure' which was pretty good.

- 09.01.2002 -

Rohan checked out. Said bye. Bought a phonecard and tried to use it but took ages to figure out that I needed to put 40cents in first. Talked to mam for a while and woke Ziploc up (sorry mate!).

Grabbed a meal at the Crown casino for 2 bucks and saw Shallow Hal by saying I was a student and using my YHA card. It worked! Bought a bus ticket to Adelaide and a Train ticket from there to Alice Springs (cheaper option).

- 10.01.2002 -

Lost 40cents trying to phone people who were not in or who were engaged. You only get 5 tries! (Mam, Cat, Grandma, Aunty Linda and Wes).

Chatted to the guy in Metal Mahem store who recommended States and Europe rather than Oz for Metal. Used my ICE tickets and kept winning until a kid called James beat me. It was amusing. I'd go in, win, come back out and play the next game. Well I was bored.

Grabbed a capuccino at McCafe (McDonalds have cafes here!) and a Tuna Subway before seeing OCEANS ELEVEN as a studen ahem. Also grabbed the all-you-can-possibly-eat buffet at the casino for 7.50 bucks! Wow! I'm so full I manage to crash in front of the TV back at the hostel with my 1.5litres of JD and coke.

- 11.01.2002 -

Exchanged the books I'd read for ones I haven't at an exchange place. No money envolved in this transaction. Cool. Met Stuart at the casino for another go at the buffet. His mate Shane from Canberra joined us.

Went for a drive with Stuart and Shane. They shopped as I didn't real need anything. Saw his mums house then met Rob and his cat Kylie before picking up the Rob I'd met before and heading to the coast for a late supper of pizza.

Stuart and Rob showed me the Melbourne sights you can see for free. Go to the 35th floor of the Sofitel hotel which has glass windows and you can see Melbourne city for nothing rather than paying 10.50bucks to see it from the Rialto towers. Headed back to the hostel and met our new dorm mate from Ireland.

- 12.01.2002 -

Woke up early to find out that someone had trashed the mens room and dropped 5 dollars in the process. Put on some clothes and nipped over to the 24hrs supermarket and bought food and drink for tomorrows trip with my 5 bucks.

Got on the bus to Adelaide. They showed THE GRINCH and THE WEDDING PLANNER (boring) during the trip but I tuned into the radio via my walkman. However when we hit the outback there was no radio so I was greatful when the driver loaded a third film. As soon as it said 'Mutual Film Company' I knew what it was. Tomb Raider!

Got to Adelaide and moved my watch 30mins backwards as there is a time difference here of half an hour. I fancied staying in a hotel and after checking a few out I checked into the Ambassador which had a massive room (3 beds! even though I asked for a single) and a big TV and coffee point.

Watched TV and used up all the coffee sachets.

- 13.01.2002 -

Adelaide, South Australia

The hotel was ok but pricey so I checked out and checked into the Cannon Street backpackers hostel for a third of the cost. I ended up using the other two thirds on food, entertainment and internet access for today.

Walked around and took in an open-air Metal concert. The band (VNV I think they said) was pretty good. The sort of band you'd see in The Bronze (Buffy fans only!). Grabbed a steak at the hostel and a few beers. I leave for Alice Springs tomorrow on 'The Ghan' train which goes through the outback.

- 14.01.2002 -

Aboard The Ghan, The Outback, South Australia

Got food from the supermarket for my journey. Caught the bus to the train station and had to wait a while. Boarded The Ghan and chatted to the lady who was in the seat next to me. She teaches Aboriginal children in Alice Springs.

They showed Crocodile Dundee 3 on the TV in the car. How corny. Slept in the louge car as my chair was not comfortable and the lounge had comfy sofas! There was a lot of people in here doing the same.

- 15.01.2002 -

Alice Springs, Northern Territories

Woken up by the porter. Ate a light brekfast in the lounge car while watching the sunrise. Set watch back an hour. Alice Springs is GMT+9.5 hours.

At Alice Springs I got on the curtesy bus to Toddy's Resort. Cheap place with a swimming pool right outside my dorm. Met Aran (England).

Walked into town (It was 39degreees C!). Back at the hostel I booked a 5-day Safari tour as they were offering a 165dollar discount today. Beat Aran at pool. Met Mark (Chesterfield) at the bar. We had an all-you-can-eat BBQ for 7.50. Went to bed. Just me and four women in my dorm.

- 16.01.2002 -

Mark and I caught the bus into town and walked around for a bit. We climbed Anzac hill and then went back into town. We had heard that the Desert Park place was great and he had booked a ticket. I went to the tourist office and got us both a cheaper ticket so he canceled his other one. We spent the money we had saved on beer in Bojangles, a western bar with a Ned Kelly theme.

The park was pretty cool (although the weather was 41degrees C). I saw Kangaroo, emu, lizards, snakes, nocturnal animals, a birds of prey show (when you hear the cry of an eagle above the McDonnal ranges then it swoops down in front of you, its amazing). Mam would of loved all the birds here. You can walk into the avaries with the parrots and other species. A good day out!

Met a guy from Korea at the hostel (Me and Mark were knocking back cheap red wine in the hot sun and getting wasted real fast). Also met Antoine (France) who had just got back off the 5-day Safari and said it was great.

- 17.01.2002 -

Red Desert Safari - Day 1

Up early, checked rucksack into storage and boarded bus with only my backpack and the bare essentials. Our bus driver was Andy (emegrated Scot).

On the bus was Al and Sue (Sydney), Peter and Carina (Switzerland), Lisa and Joho (South Korea) and Philip and Mark (Switzerland).

We had a long drive into the outback with the occasional stop at a roadhouse. They have these long trucks here called road trains which do not stop for anything smaller than a town and kick up a lot of dust. The meat pies here are much better than back home. Yum!

Walked through the Olgas in the heat (42C). Drank plenty of water and wore plenty of sunscreen. Then drove to the airport to pick up Claire and Leron (France). Then drove to Ayres Rock for the sunset. Drank white wine. Nice sight.

Our camp for the night was in the bush a few kms from Ayres Rock. We prepared our supper and then chatted for a while before retiring as we had an early start in the morning. The sky is so clear here than you can see all the stars and there are a lot of them. There were a lot of insects too. On this trip we would be plagued by redback spiders (poisonous), mosquitos, grasshoppers, praying mantis, moths and stinging insects of various times that appear immune to our sprays.

The french couple did not realize we would be sleeping in tents and moaned (as the french do) then checked into a hotel for the night.

- 18.01.2002 -

Red Desert Safari - Day 2

Up at 4:30am. Had breakfast then drove to Ayres Rock for sunrise. Went for a 7km walk around its base with Al,m Carina and Peter. Then we went to the Community Centre then the Australian couple and Mark and Philip left as they were only here for 2 days. Then there was 8.

Our camp for the night was at Kings Creek Station. We had a big fire and a nice meal and we all chatted around the fire as the insects buzzed us. I saw a shooting star so I was chuffed. You can see the Milky Way here.

- 19.01.2002 -

Red Desert Safari - Day 3

Up at 5am and off to Kings Canyon. Stopped at a roadhouse to buy a carton (24) of VB beer which went straight into the cooler. The walk around the canyon was long, hard but amazing. I hope my photos come out ok. We went down into the gorge half way around to a place called the garden of eden. I swam in the cool water of the gorge, very deep but refreshing. A beautiful tranquil place.

We continued around the canyon back to our 4x4 bus. We had lunch at the Kings Canyon Resort picnic area after a swim in the pool. Then we drove off-road for 3 hours (up, down, up , down) until Lisa was sick. Cool ride though.

Camp 3 was at Glen Helen. The french and Koreans checked into motel rooms as they were sick of tents (wimps) and me and the Swiss went for a swim in the gorge which was warm from the suns rays! I could get used to this life.

We cooked dinner over the fire (we stopped for firewood on the way) and then grabbed a shower. We all then met up at the lodge where Andy our guide was aching to beat everyone at pool. The local pool player was there too (Bruce) who was also the local chopper pilot. After the night was over everyone was calling me a pool shark after none of them could beat me. Tsk.

Back at the tents, me and the Swiss couple dragged some beds out of nearby tents and laid down with our beers and looked up at the stars. I could stay out here all night of it wasnt for the insects. Night!

- 20.01.2002 -

Red Desert Safari - Day 4

Note: I'll write a more detailed report on this tour as what I have typed here does not do it justice as I have to type fast as Alice Springs is in the middle of nowhere and internet prices are double what they are in the cities.

Day 4 and we all slept in until 7:30am. Missed sunrise. Too much beer the night before for all of us including our guide perhaps? Oh well. (Yes Dad I am drinking beer, purely because it is cold, wet and cheap).

Went to Ormiston Gorge and saw rock wallabies. Went on a long walk which had good sights but my camera was playing up. Arrived back at the river and went for a swim with the fish. Me and Peter had a long chat after swimming to the other side.

Drove to Ellery Creek Big hole which is very beautiful. The sand was hot and the water was cool. Me and Claire swam 0.5km from the beach, through the gorge to the other side and a nice cool pool where we sat as fish swam around us. We talked for ages before swimming back. The others were impressed but my arms were not. They hurt like hell.

We then drove to Wallace Rock Hole Aboriginal Community where Ken took us on a tour in his 4x4 jeep. I sat up front. Its a nice aboriginal community. No alchol outside our campsite though. Strict rules here! We had more beer and the french couple chatted with me and then we all sat around the fire chatting about this and that and tossing the occasional log onto the fire.

There was a scream later on. A local dog had wandered into Carinas tent as she'd gone for an early night. We all rushed to her rescue as she was terrified. She had no torch and could only hear the animal. She thought it was a dingo in her drunken state and was thrashing out wildly in the dark. I grabbed a torch off Lisa and Andy could see the dog in the torch light. I think the dog was more scared of Carina than anything. We chased it away.

In the night I was woken by scraping noises against my tent. In the morning I'd find lizard holes.

- 21.01.2002 -

Red Desert Safari - Day 5

Up at 6am and off to drop the trailer off at the next town over. Then we drove to Palm valley over a rugged dirt track. It was very bumpy hence the need for the 4x4 truck. We drove up hills and through rivers. I sat up front. It was a lot of fun!

Walked around Palm Valley then had lunch. Drove to Standley Chasm and walked into it. Then a long drive back to Alice Springs and farewells! A pity really as we all bonded in the end and we had spent 5 days together walking through the outback mountain ranges, swimming in rivers and gorges with fish, chasing lizards, spotting kangaroos and wallabies and camping under the stars by a roaring fire. Its gotta be the best part of my trip so far. I highly recommend it.

Back at the hostel I saw Mark for 5 seconds and met Boris (Swiss) at the pool. I'm back in the bunk house with mostly women again.

- 22.01.2002 -

Paid for another day and caught the 9am bus into town. Shopped at BI-LO and bought some birthday cards which I wrote out then posted off. Tried to decide where to go next. Darwin or Cairns? Both are experiencing high humidity levels this time of year.

Logged at the net at the library which is the cheapest in town at 6bucks an hour. The service is slow though and I get DNS errors while trying to access my TALK21 and HOTMAIL accounts so I cannot check my email.

Back at Toddy's I read and swam for a bit then went to the bar for happy hour and a few draught ciders. In the TV room I met Shawn (Texas) and we chatted for ages. Played pool against a guy from Sydney and won.

- 23.01.2002 -

Decided not to rush my decision on where to go next and to take it easy instead for a few days. Caught the 12pm bus into town and had a cheap meal and beer for 9.90bucks at an english bar called THE FIRKIN HOUND. Not bad.

Read some more of my book and swam 50 lengths just so I get some exercise each day. I want to keep this weight off and not put it back on. Met Han (S.Korea) and a guy from the UK who were staying in my room. Played pool with Han then Aran came by for a rematch against me and he lost again.

A babe checked into our room. Nice eye candy. Finished my last beer off and then used up the rest of my phonecard talking to Mam.

- 24.01.2002 -

Woke up thinking it was late but it was only 7am. Everyone was checking out but me and the babe. Said bye to Han. Spent the day chatting to a few people as I lazed by the pool, occasionally swimming 10 or 20 lengths and then drying off in the shade with my book.

Its expensive to travel or do something everyday when you are travelling as long as I am so its nice to have some down time that costs next to nothing to do. Rent is 12dollars, food is 5 and a few ciders is also 5. Coffee, tea and water is free all day and you can exchange books at the reception for free. So nothing to do but read, chat, swim and laze in the sun.

Later in the day the 2 day tour came back along with John, the guy from Sydney who I'd played pool with. We met at happy hour and chatted to a guy from Bath and a girl from York, UK over the BBQ. We talked about Harry Potter vs Lord of the Rings. Not sure if I've already mentioned this but I've lost count of how many people I have seen on my travels reading Harry Potter. I've seen a few reading LoTR too but only a few.

Played John at pool and I won 5 games to 1. Watched a bit of TV then I left as I wasn't feeling to good. Ended up throwing up for ages in the gents. I think it was the chicken. Should of gone with my instincts and stuck with the kangaroo. Thats what you get for saving money on food! All-you-can-throw-up-later.

- 25.01.2002 -

Woke up early and discoverd I was fully dressed clutching my towel. Got undressed and went back to sleep. Woke up later feeling much better but with a sore throat so drank a lot of water.

Took a swim then got ready for breakfast. The guy at reception got shirty with me for being an hour late with the money for staying today. Geez this place is dead and this guy is being a prick. No worries mate.

I chat with Aran who is leaving today then head into town attempting to find the cheapest ticket to Cairns as that's where I've decided to go next. Both the Darwin and Cairns leaflets were offering the same sort of thing so I'll skip Darwin this time around.

All the travel agents are offering the same deal with no discounts. One is throwing in 1.5 hours of free internet access though as they have an internet cafe attached to their shop. I took the deal. I am leaving for Cairns tomorrow. It feels good to be moving on again. Staying in one place too long can be boring. People say 'you moving already?' even after I've been there a week. But when was the last time that they went on holiday to one place longer than one or two weeks? I move on when I'm bored with a place. Its my trip, my decision.

I treat myself to a Guinness and beef pie at the FIRKIN HOUND and read some more of my book. Then I head to the internet cafe where I am now updating my web journal.

Alice Springs hasn't been too bad. Its very hot here which is to be expected as we are right on the tropic of Capricorn. Yesterday it was 47degrees. No idea what faces me in Cairns as the humidity levels are pretty high as its the wet season. Not sure how long I'll be there either as its supposed to be an expensive tourist place. You can't swim because of the box jellyfish either but I am told its ok out on the great barrier reef. My intention is to travel down the east coast from Cairns to Brisbane, Sydney and back to Melbourne where I hope to get a cheap ticket to Auckland, New Zealand.

Back at the hostel I met Shawn from Texas back off his trip to Ayres rock. We chatted for a bit over a few beers and swapped email addresses.

- 26.01.2002 -

On route to Cairns

I didn't get much sleep and woke early to get my bus to Cairns. We headed for Tennant Creek stopping for lunch at the Devils Marbles. The CD player and video did not work on the bus so I tuned out for a bit with my walkman and read a little.

We spotted a pack of dingos on the road and their recent kill, a headless kangaroo. I also spotted some emus and when the bus started swerving we were told it was because there were a lot of sunbathing snakes on the road.

Stopped for the night at Camberwell where I watched a pitiful game of pool. When it was my turn I performed badly too. I'll put it down to the heat.

- 27.01.2002 -

Up early, breakfast then off to Cloncurry for lunch. There were treefrogs in the public toilets which were amusing most people. They just had to go and luck. Some of the women pulled the chain and they jumped out. You could hear the screams.

Long drive to Mt.Isa where we walked around for a bit before heading off again. Stopped for the night at the Grand Hotel at Hugenden. Nice place. Very country. We played pool with the locals while listening to Country music and drinking XXXX. Loved the video for 3 Doors down's Krptonite.

- 28.01.2002 -

Cairns, Queensland

Up early again but no driver! He was so wasted he slept in. We stopped for lunch at a picnic spot where an old Ford Falcon was parked up. Its the same model that they used in Mad Max.

Stopped for icecream at the Frosty mango and then continued on oure long journey until we arrived at Cairns. We were dropped off at our hostels. I checked into Caravella 77 on the Esplanade. Its not a bad dorm room with aircon and a view of the sea.

Headed out for a walk and checked my email. Shawn is in town and around the corner. Went to Rattle and Hum on the Esplanade where the bus company was throwing an all-you-can-eat pizza evening for our group.

The mens room deserves some attention here. Basically the urinal is a window to the bar so you are effectively taking a leak in front of everyone. However on their side it appears to be a mirror so they can not see you. Its a tad weird though.

Headed back to my hostel and met a few guys from Norway. Night!

- 29.01.2002 -

Up early and out. Found Shawns hostel but he had a hangover and would see me at noon. Headed into town and the pier and into the aquarium which was not very impressive. No where near as good as the one in Melbourne.

Hooked up with Shawn and grabbed some lunch then had a wander. We are going to do a 5 day PADI diving course starting tomorrow. I managed to get myself a discount. 2 days at the diving centre then 3 days living on a luxury boat over the Great Barrier Reef. Should be fun.

The local cinema has a special on today so we got tickets to JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK so we'll meet up later.

Met Evan (Alabama, USA) back in my dorm and we chatted for a bit. He's doing a tour of the golf courses on the east coast of Oz. His bag is a set of golfclubs with his stuff shoved in its pockets.

Evan and I headed over to the Sports Bar for our free meal. Then I met Shawn and we went to see the movie. Now I know why it was not aired over in the UK he he.

- 30.01.2002 -

CDC 5-Day Scuba Diving course - Day 1

We turned up at the pick up point and paid lots of deposits. I had to pay extra for prescription goggles but I get it back at the end. Then we went to the diving centre where we got a small talk and then a video.

A medical examiner turned up later and we had to have a full medical which cost us each a non-refundable 40 dollars. I figured I'd fail because anyone that knows me knows that my ears are not great because I used ear buds as a kid and damaged them.

Sure enough the doc pokes the thingy in your ears and you have to hold your nose and blow to demostrate an ability to equalize the air pressure in your ears. I pass! I pass my medical so I'm chuffed.

The bad news is that Shawn fails. He had a lung op at 15 and so he gets bounced because of weak lungs. How ironic! I feel bad for him and peaved coz he was to be my diving buddy. Then there were 10 of us.

The next test is to get in the pool and swim 200m then tread water for over 10min until the examiner says stop. Its raining heavy but the pool is at 30C so its ok. I'm glad I've been swimming a lot lately and I passed but one guy could not manage it. Then there were 9.

We were shown how to assemble the scuba gear and how to wear it. We were assigned partners (buddies) and we checked each others gear for safety. Then we got in the pool with everything on, flippers, goggles and snorkle, BCD (boyancy contral device), jacket and tank.

The next few hours were hard and scary. Breathing underwater may sound fun but you must obey the rules! Do not hold your breath or you die. Do not ascend to fast or you can die etc etc. Hmm. Now I know why I had to sign that waiver.

It was pretty scarey and fun at the same time. I've never been so focused in all my life! You have to take your mouthpiece out and exhale slowly (no breath holding remember) and then put it back in. You had to equalize the pressure in your ears as you descend every 0.5meters. The training pool is 4 meters deep. You have to ascend with out air. You must swim without a mask. You must be able to snorkle. You have to learn to understand underwater signals. You have to fill your mask up with water and learn how to empty it while underwater. Plus many other lessons which resulted in a tired group at the end.

Went back to the hostel and then to REEF TEACH for a 2.5 hour talk and demo on the Great Barrier Reef. It was very interesting. You learned what can kill you down there and what is ok to touch. Guess how afraid I am right now?

I went to the Sports Bar afterwards to get my free meal (a deal with the hostel) and I run into Linda and Karen (Holland) two Dutch girls from the Alice Springs to Cairns bus. We chatted for ages until I had to leave at 10:30pm. They said they might see me tomorrow.

Got back to the hostel and went to the common room to study my PADI book and do my homework (2 chapters and 2 quizes). Then bed!

- 31.01.2002 -

CDC 5-Day Scuba Diving course - Day 2

Up early and in time for the bus to the diving centre. A quick video then out to the pool. Put on our gear and got in. Lessons today were taking all gear off except mouthpiece while in the water (and later under) and putting it back on. Removing weight belts and putting back on. Emergency air loss (instructor turned off your air supply), getting emergency air from your buddy's spare hose under water. Skin diving (no scuba) to 4 meters and back on one breath of air (found this hard). Stabalizing your balance underwater (neutral boyancy), emergency rising (controlled ascent) then manually inflate vest while kicking to stay above water etc etc.

Natalie (UK) freaked early on and could not handle it and walked out. Then there were 8.

Trust me when I say this is the most dangerous thing I have undertaken since I suggested to JP that gliding sounded like fun. The risks are huge. If you go to deep the oxygen in your tank becomes toxic and you can die. Go up to fast and you get the BENDS and if not treated fast you can die. Not to mention the fact that if you run out of air you can drown if you panic. Topped off with the fact that we are about to swim in a reef where the animals can kill you if you are not careful.

But don't be worried folks (and especially my family) because I have stated that I will only do what I am comfortable with these next few days on the reef and I fully intend to take it easy.

So tomorrow at 7:30am I go by boat to a luxury 4-star floating boat on the GBR where for 3 days and 2 nights I will be snorkling with the dolphins and diving to dephs of up to 18 meters (if I so decide). Wish me luck guys!

Tonight though I'm doing my laundry, some more PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) homework, updating this web journal and maybe grabbing a late dinner with two dutch girls.

Note: Just proof-read what I've just written above and it sounds bad like I'm risking my life. There are instructors there with you making sure you are ok and you always have the option of saying no if you feel like its not within your abilities or you are too scared and I intend on doing this if I feel unsafe at any point. So dont worry. I will update this web site when I get back in 3 days or phone home so people know I am ok. And hopefully I will be PADI qualified.

David Kei

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