Well hello,

It's been a while I know but good things come to those who wait.

The Short version:

I'm in York at the moment, I have been here since I left Thailand in February. I am working in a Travel Inn at the moment but will probably be moving jobs soon. Living with one of the chefs from work, Just saving money for Spain and Kate's wedding in June/July.

The Long version:

So Leaving Thailand was a bit of an ordeal. After finally dragging myself way from Pai and spending a day in Chaing Mai with Bodil I spent 5 days in Bangkok making sure I was ready to go and seeing people off. It was nice because there were lots of people I had met along the way doing the same thing mixed with Teva arriving. I was supposed to be seeing him for a few days but had the times wrong on my ticket (stupid 24 hour clocks and dates. Lucky I checked.) So basically I spent 5 days in Bangkok getting drunk and putting people in Mini-vans to the Airport. A special award goes to Maurice who was supposed to go to Australia but didn't get a visa in time so had to go to London.

So after seeing many people off it was my turn. Luckily all the extra crap I bought managed to fin into my bag, then it was in to a mini-van and off to the airport.

The flight wasn't too bad other than the guy who thought that the armrest was all his to go to sleep on. Now this would not bother me normally but when it's got the controls to your little t.v thingie on it, this becomes a problem. He kept turning up the volume. It's alright though, I got to poke him when the food came round.

Now, having been to England before I was prepared for all that could happen. I was wearing all my warm clothes (a rather odd feeling after so long wearing shorts, t-shirt and sandals). However, I was not ready for snow! By the time I got to customs I was shaking un-controlably, not a good look when you are trying to get into a country. I had just been in Thailand though.... (drinking beer with ice cubes in it and joking about how cold it would be in England, oh the Irony)

So it was on to the tube (which decided to stop with it's doors open for 10 min, did they not realize it was cold.....). Got off at Kings Cross and bought a ticket to York. Why York you ask, well that is the question I get asked a lot over here (well that and where about in Australia are you from?). York just sounded like nice little place and after spending all my money in Thailand I had to choose quickly. Also my friend Anine lives just outside York and it's not too far to get to places from here (Edinburgh to see my sister and the friends I still have there) it's also small so you can walk around it easily.

I arrived in York and it had finished snowing up here, but it was still baltic. The first thing to do was get hold of Anine who I was going to meet up with. Now, anyone who knows the joy of taking directions from Anine will know what fun I was in for. I was saved though by not being able to get hold of her. So I did the old trick of going to a bookstore and using their guide books for reference.

Found a hostel, dropped my bags and went for a walk. I did eventually get hold of Anine and we had a coffee. (for those who know her, she is good, still living at home and trying to find a job. She has just been given an exhibition in Thirsk which is on at the moment and has just lined up another to follow it which is very exciting for her. Go Ani, Go)

I got a job after 3 days. (living on your credit cards in the UK is not a fun experience) It's in a place called Premier Travel Inn. I work split shifts that start at 6.30 / 7 am till 11ish then back at 5 or 6pm till 10 or 11. I have just done about 100 hours in the last 9 days. I will be leaving that job soon I think. Nice people though.

I am currently living with one of the Chefs from work and his family. They are lovely, I am staying in their box room which suits me fine. There are 4 of us in the house; Dee, his wife Marina and their 12 year old son Artish. They have an amazing dvd collection and an Xbox. Artish kicks my arse at all the games but I try and that's the important part.

I bought a bike to get to and from work (about a 15 min cycle) It's red and I haven't decided on a name yet.

I haven't seen many of the sights in York (they ll cost about £5 to get in) but Anine have been doing little day trips. Our first was to Asgarth falls which is in the Yorkshire Dales (the Dales are cool it's like traveling back in time). Asgarth falls is where they shot the scene in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves where Robin Meets the Merry Men for the first time and fights with Little John. I enjoyed it a lot. Sadly the use of the word "falls" I think was a bit of a lie. They were more like "Trips"

After the "trips" we went back top Thirlby (where Anine lives) and went to the pub.

The other trip we went on was the other day and we went to Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay and Scarbrough.

Sadly, We didn't see Dracula, we couldn't work out what the bay had to do with Robin hood and we got to Scarbrough far too late for the Fair. They were all very cool places to visit though. We went to the Abbey in Whitby and then for a walk around the town, then to R.H. Bay where we ate fish and chips on the Beach then, after walking back up the hill of death, we went to Scarbrough for pint.

So that pretty much brings you all up to speed with where I am at now. I have no solid plans for the future other then Kate's Wedding in June/july and some traveling with the Whanau.

Till next time

C