Just a short one from Vinny.

Not all of us have throw ourselves into such a heavy employment load as my cohort. I've been taking it rather easier. A few gardening jobs here and there. One weeding for two old Aussie brothers, who started sucking down Emu Bitter or 'the local piss' both days from 8 in the morning and were still going strong when I left at 4, and another job with a friend Pascal for someone who would be best described as a bored housewife, the husband over seas not much to do with her days but to employ backpackers to mow her lawn, arrange the foliage and brush away the cobwebs. We weren't complaining - she took us out for lunch, bought us beer and wine and gave us two steaks for dinner. I'm still not sure how the Lycra bodysuits she insisted on us wearing gave us protection in the garden though!

Two day trips have also been achieved in my two weeks. A trip to the Perth zoo, which I was talked into and was sure I'd hate spending the whole time feeling sorry for the animals, but it was very impressive. Then at the weekend the Red Bull Air Race rolled into to town for the last event of the series. Three hundred thousand people turn out for the fun lining the Swan river at any available view point. It's a great free day and I'd recommend anyone to take a look if you are ever in the vicinity in years to come.

Things I have learnt this week....

1) It is difficult when looking at Australians to not compare them to the TV soap stars of yore. "Quick, Mike, That guy looks like Neighbours very own Hasslehoff, Paul Robinson." Or "That women looks like original blonde haired bog eyed Pippa from Home and Away before she changed completely overnight" or " Its that really tall guy with the upsetting moustache out of Son and Daughters"

2) Its going to be great to be here when we retain The Ashes.


Come on England.