The Kiwi prepares to take on Oz once again

Don't get me wrong: I know exactly what I'm taking, it's just that some of it's in the washing machine and other parts I'm wearing. After six years of dashing about the country for uni and work I finally did a massive spring clean (parents getting a little irritated of all the boxes in the loft), and many of my clothes went off to the charity shops too.

I'll get there. Honest. Preferably in time for a chilled evening in with the folks (plus fish'n'chips for dinner, yummy!).

The last couple of weeks went really quickly, though that might have something to do with my dad's request that Rob and I paint the shed before leaving. Two pairs of idle hands set to work, and a bright blue shed marks our passing! We had a farewell party in London - absolutely fab night...what I remember of it - and then a family BBQ in my home town of Bournemouth (much calmer, though Granny did enjoy the vodka melon).

So...we've said our goodbyes to all but a few key people, but I don't think it's hit me that I won't see them for so long just yet. Tomorrow morning could be messy.

I'm pretty sure that all's sorted though. Yesterday's main task was compiling a mini-photo album of friends and relatives for impending homesickness viewing, plus the all-important tax reclaim - that money is bound to come in handy sometime! There's a list upstairs of tasks remaining too, like returning some truly dodgy earplugs I got from the chemist and photocopying assorted documents, but not enough to have us running round like headless chickens all day, thank God(dess).

I need to visit my gran too: she hasn't been well so I'm a bit paranoid about her health while we're away. I'm also making a last minute will - perhaps morbid, but I'd rather my body didn't get stuck in the Antipodes if anything does happen.

Rob seems pretty content - in fact he's in bed snoring right now, no worries there :) It's going to be interesting, as while we've essentially lived together for a fair while it hasn't been in hostel-style conditions. I have a few friends in Sydney (our current destination), one of whom is keen to share a flat with us if we can find something cheap and decent. The last time he was there, Rob lived in Coogee - either the beach or the Coogee Bay Hotel by the sound of it! - but reckons it wouldn't be the same if we went there, and he's probably right. We shall see.

For the moment I'm happy to daydream of the stopovers: three days in LA, then nine days in Fiji. Bring it on! The only worry there is that Rob's mum has heard of increased assaults in the islands in the run-up to George Speight's trial (he being the leader of last year's attempted coup), though the official word is that all's fine. We'll be keeping tabs on that one though, just in case.

Once in Sydney I aim to get all the admin (Tax File Number, Medicare, blah blah) done as soon as possible, and by some strange fate I even have an interview with a temping agency lined up - according to their London office I can use a computer, so that's good. I only spent the last six years on the things!

I also plan to join the Barmy Army and support the mighty British Lions in the final test match against the Wallabies - got the shirt, just need to find a good pub now! And after that? Do a bit of work, save a bit of dosh, read the LP from cover to cover and figure out all the wonderful places out there for the visiting!

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