It's been a while, there's some catching up to do

It's been some time since my last post, but more since the last documentation of events - considering I did Queen's Day and Dublin back-to-back, I should have written them as such. But I've been lazy and committing it all to text has gotten away from me.

So, on the 5th of May, I jetted my way over to Dublin with barely a Country Road bag full of clothes, ready to meet up with Shivs (whom I hadn't seen since I left Sydney the first time in January), Dalts and Tones (missing since the end of last year), Brent (still sorely missed since London) and Rats (and old school friend I hadn't seen in ages). Fumbling around the airport, I managed to make it to O'Connell St and called Brent, who suggested meeting up at the 50m high spike in the centre of the city. Genius idea for a meeting point (though all credibility was lost when I found out the Irish use miles for distance but kilometres per hour for speed... seriously). We met up, said our hellos and wandered off to find our hostel. Brent can take full blame for the shithole that was our accommodation, but I'll get to that later. Dumping our bags, we proceeded to crash in the common room, me recovering from a hang over from work and them from a horror 20 hour bus trip with stops through the night. There was a short walk/reconnaisance, but minds were elsewhere.

It wasn't long before Dalts and Tones arrived and the drinking could commence. We headed to Temple district and got stuck in. Not much more needs to be explained about the night (not that I remember much of it). We headed from bar to bar, sinking pints of Guiness (that I now have a fond affinity with) until I could barely walk. The halftime kebab was my downfall, but after some 'light relief', I was back on my feet and we continued on. Highlights include meeting Brent's Irish mate Ciaran who, having seen some attractive (but not really) girls walking up the street, proceeded to address them in his Irish-accented, Viennese German. Before he could finish his line, the girls had delievered theirs - a hearty 'fook orff'. We fell over laughing quite quickly. The total ban in all bars was a godsend - everyone felt so much 'cleaner' for lack of a better word. But Rats was thinking ahead and persuaded me to buy him some snuff. Racking up lines on our hands in every bar we were in must have looked highly suspicious, but having everyone sneeze straight away perhaps shed some light on our true motivations.

The next morning I awoke early with a killer hangover, so disappeared into the streets to find some Gatorade, panadol and sustenance. Most people had sorted themselves out by 12pm, so we went down to watch the football and start drinking again. This time, I decided that pacing myself was a better option and managed to stay ahead of the pack. A conversation with a 60 year old couple turned interesting when they started lining up our snuff on the table at 4 in the afternoon. Brent was feeling a little worse for wear, but Dalts, Shivs and I kicked on. We met some very strange girls in a random Irish pub, but I can't remember much of the conversation whatsoever. They were ridiculously stupid, but anything more escapes me. We ended up with nowhere to go at the end of the night, though Shivs and Dalts kicked onto the Viper Room where I was too cheap to drop E15 on the cover charge with half an hour til closing.

The next morning was just as seedy, but this time I had been monstered by bed bugs. Disgusting to say the least. More fucking around, but Brent and I were on a tight schedule to get back to work, so we disappeared that arvo for our respective flights.

The next week was quiet, except for some heavy work at 180, but Shivs arrived for a short stay on the 18th (what was a public holiday, but I was in the office anyway). Getting in early in the evening, we dumped the bags and headed to 'Cargo' (a.k.a. Verck). A few beers there and we moved to the 'Sheaf' (a.k.a. Cafe van Zuylen) and drained another pint or two. I was trying to organise a drink with a Dutch friend of mine, so after some text ping pong, contact was established and we decided to walk to the other end of the city to grab another few beers. It's quite a trek from Sheaf (at Spui) to Cafe de Pijp (de Pijp) but we undertook our mission with vigour. I think Shivs appreciated the walk because he was vocal on said Dutch friend's physical appearance.

The next day, we did a bit of exploring (having slept in til the afternoon) and then started drinking at the FA Cup Final. From there, we just moved around the city, from bar to bar, chatting and drinking ourselves into oblivion.

Shivs stayed til Thursday, so did his touristy shit while I was at work. The only other real event of note was watching the Champions League final at my office in our conference room. I was having a beer with my Account Manager (who also gets the Shivs Nod of Approval) and Shivs dropped by, sank some beers with us and watched the game. As it happens, on colleague is a AC Milan fan from his childhood in Italy and displayed many characteristics synonymous with Italian football fans - the reason he was in the office is because he said that he'd do something at a bar that wouldn't guarantee his safety.

Shivs left on Thursday and Tash McCarthy arrived on Saturday. It was great to catch up after having not seen each other for ages, but I have to say, I was very impressed with her drinking ability. A long night of drinking on Saturday and some experimentation with local produce on Sunday made for two fantastic nights.

It's fast approaching midnight (thanks DJ Shadow) so I think I might end it here. A quiet few weeks in store (unless I get to France in 10 days or so), then a trip to London and JBo coming over with a posse - should be great fun...

Queen's Day 2007

It’s been a couple of weeks since the last post, but what a couple of weeks! First Queen’s Day with Tommy G (the biggest national holiday in the Dutch calendar), backed up with a long weekend in Dublin; simply epic.
Friday night, after work, involved work drinks to welcome in the holiday season. Expecting Tom to get there about 9pm or so, I’d duck out, dump his bags and bring him back to festivities before heading out. But I get a call at 6 and he’s missed his flight. Went… (wait for it) to the wrong airport. Only in London, with 4 options, could you go to the wrong airport. No matter – he’d be a little later that night but I’d be several more free beers down at the office. By the time he did arrive, I was well on my way to plastered, having just had a lively discussion about the pros and cons of Xbox vs. PS3 which nearly came to blows (in fact, I don’t really have an opinion on the matter, but stirring him up was way too much fun).
Having found Tom, we dumped his bags and headed out to Spui (pronounced Spow I’ve now learnt) to meet Anno and more of her French friends. Essentially Tom and I got stuck into the beers but the difference between the two parties was noticeable – the extended drinking on my side versus the subdued marijuana-induced coma of the Frogs. In fact, I’m not sure how appreciated my exuberance was. Either way, Tom and I enjoyed ourselves to the wee hours and then stumbled home to crash.
The next morning was consumed with the search for a reasonable café for breakfast (not a meal I’ve been accustomed to in Amsterdam due to my propensity to the snooze button). Wandering the canals for nigh on an hour, we eventually came across something that resembled a café and sat down. From memory, which is thoroughly hazy, and no photographic evidence until much later that night, we chilled in the apartment sinking beers and watching Arnie back to back. Eventually we headed down to a café in De Pijp (the Surry Hills of Damage) that, once we finally found it sans directions, turned out to be a winner. €5 for some of the strongest mojitos I’ve ever had meant that loosening up wasn’t a problem. But our party had other ideas – a house party further into the depths of unknown territory. With more battle communications and some of the best gut-instinct map work you’ve ever seen, we appeared at the front door… just as the decision was made to head to another bar. Essentially a venue too small for the amount of people we had (which ignores that fact that it already had its own thriving contingent of drunk Dutchmen) we were jammed up into one corner. But the alcohol and conversation flowed freely and again, we stumbled home hammered (only this time it was an hour long covert op north – not the most pleasant march home I’ve ever had).
Waking up the next day, we were determined to achieve something, so it was decided Tom and I would head to the Rijksmuseum and, if we had time, the Heineken Experience. After brushing the option of a one and a half hour cut-in at the Anne Frank house (though the offer was most generous), we strolled down to Museumplein where we did a speed-through of the Rijksmuseum, limited to one minor wing for renovations. We then waltzed down Museumplein and up to the Heineken Museum, getting there seconds before it closed. Actually, it HAD closed but I sweet-talked the hot door-bitch into letting us in, haha. What a joke the Heineken Experience is. We burned through it in no time, only waiting to experience being a beer going through the bottling process and at the bars to score our free beers. And to play a drum-kit made of giant beer bottle tops – standard.
It was Sunday night by this stage, ‘Queen’s Night’ – the day before the holiday when everyone just heads out to get blind. The streets were heaving and there were people everywhere. After wandering around, Anno called to see where we were and we ended up in the most rammed street, sneaking beers and talking shit. The night is a blur, but Anno came back to see my apartment with Tom and I and then she and I disappeared back into the streets with a bottle of wine and two glasses to find her crew. Class.
Queen’s Day is simply ridiculous. The canals are flooded with people on both sides who are still drinking from the previous night. There innumerable boats with a driver, a DJ and 40 dancing people busting out their best moves as they meander down the canals. Every 10 metres or so, someone is stroking their narcissistic DJ alter-ego by pushing their speakers and decks out the window for the benefit of dancing revellers below. With plenty of time, Tom and I explored the Vondelpark, full of kids performing and families undertaking the traditional garage style in the park (no one pays tax on Queen’s Day and it has become a tradition to flog your shit). Tom stepped up to the plate with the ‘crush-an-egg-with-a-boule-and-win-a-six-pack’ and scored the beer on throw number 3 (he only mentioned afterwards that he’s actually pretty awesome at boule).
We wandered back through Museumplein, where DJ Tiesto was headlining a massive free concert (we’re talking 2-3 times as big as main stage at Big Day Out) and back to canals. We missed Puck (her friend had taken a glass shrapnel wound to the foot and retired hurt) but we met with Anno and her friends toward the end of the night.
I needed to be up for work the next day and Tom had an early train to Dusseldorf, but it was with GREAT reluctance that we surfaced at 8am the next day. What an epic long weekend!

3 Weeks In

It's been three weeks since my last post and three weeks since I started work at 180. All in all, it's been going very well - or as well as such an intense transition can warrant. Work has initially been pretty quiet, but with a big presentation out of the way, it should now step up into some seriously interesting stuff - very much looking forward to it! The people are pretty cool; a little older and with different 'goals' than someone their first year out of university, but with a desire for alcohol that rivals even the most seasoned advertising agencies. The people have been really helpful and are giving me tips at every turn - certainly making the career change (as much as creative to suit is a career change) a lot easier.

I've managed to secure some lodging as well - a reasonable-sized studio in (what I only discovered later was) one of the nicest areas in the city. Overlooking the Prinsengracht, the outer canal encircling the Centre, it has a pub and, just opening tomorrow, a convenience store right below - pretty convenient no? A 10-15 bike ride to work, it's surrounded by trendy restaurants, galleries and shops. However, while the area closer to the city is nicely formatted into rings and bridges, west of my house is an urban jungle - a mixture of tiny lanes, unmarked cross streets and tiny canals that I can't place. I think some thorough exploring with maps and compasses (perhaps a GPS knowing me) is required to take the most out of the area. But there's plenty of time for that!

Week One had a four day weekend at the end of it, so finding my place in the office and meeting the various divisions took up the majority of my time. By the weekend, I was so stuffed I just needed to crash and further continue my explorations. I managed to go for some quiet work drinks and meet up with Puck, JBo's friend from Amsterdam, who took me out for a catch-up and a brief low-down on living in the city.

Weekend Two had had lunch starting at 12:30pm (standard advertising fare) and resulted in most of the Accounts team feeling rather boozed by 8. I certainly struggled home on the bike ride home but needed to be up early; I had a trip to Paris to meet a friend on exchange. Taking the TGV sounded like a great idea - see the countryside, enjoy moving at near 400km/h overland and end up right in the heart of Paris, the Gare du Nord. However, I didn't think that it would cost more than the equivalent flight that would have only taken an hour, compared to the 5 hours it took on the train. That said, it allowed some much-enjoyed reading (I'm on my fourth Bret Easton Ellis - last one!) and was generally more relaxing. Well, until the Seppos on leave from Iraq started talking about taking fire outside Kabul and dealing IEDs. Interesting conversation but not conducive to relaxing reading.

I met up with Anno in Paris at about 2pm, but caught her at a very bad time - she was still dealing with the effects of the night before. But I must have put her in good spirits because she sank her coffee and perked up right away. We headed out to a local park to meet J-Ho and some of Anno's exchange friends. Being the small world that it is, the first greeting I get is 'Aren't you Will Burroughs - I've seen your photos on Facebook!' - a friend of Alec et al. meant for a lot of interesting conversation and made me feel right at home... very comforting being the first familiar faces since I left! After the park, we headed out to dinner with Anno, her flatmate Kate, James and I (just realised that Will, Kate and James all had dinner together!) at some Lebanese tappas-style place. Initially skeptical, I ate my words (uhhh) and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. We even convinced the still-struggling alcoholics from the previous night that hair of the dog is the key to a successful recovery.

We started bar-hopping and met some of J-Ho's friends who have made the move to live in Paris. A number of bars later, we decided to meet up with the Park People, though we couldn't come to agreement on which was the best watering hole. This led to a compromise - we headed to the Pont des Arts with a case of beer and a couple of cheap bottles of wine. What a fantastic drinking location! 200 people, chilling on the bridge with bongos and firesticks (STANDARD!) but a great atmosphere. Anno and I ended up stumbling home at 6am and I had a classic drunken D&M - one of those nights that you just know are going to live in your memory forever. A tired lunch/breaky the next morning, a wander around the local area, some gelato and a rest in the local park at 28 degrees. A fantastic trip by all accounts.

This week has been a little more busy at work prepping for the preso, but it went well so Friday night drinks were great fun. The weekend has been quiet, apart from an explore to the Vondelpark - the Centennial park equivalent of Amsterdam. A quick ride around did wonders for the constitution (don't you know) and it was great to get some fresh air while seeing parts of the city backpackers don't usually get to. And now it's 8:19, so time to start thinking about dinner - the bane of my life. Perhaps I'll just sink beers and sleep through it. But it's Queen's Day next weekend (the biggest party of the year) and my little Dublin vacation to see the boys the weekend after - can't wait for that!

The end of an era

It's Sunday afternoon and I'm sitting at my (temporary) new local, The Bulldog - don't blame me, it's free wifi if I buy a drink! I've spent the last 4 days traipsing around Amsterdam and tomorrow my life changes with the first full-time job I've ever had. Shock, horror... work.
Having traveled around Europe for the last 2 months, segued by 2 weeks back home to settle my affairs (clever yes?), I'm back with the intention contributing to the Dutch economy. The flight over was well planned, a 5pm departure gave me a long night which meant sleeping wasn't a problem. Landing in A-Dam by about 8am, I sorted out some very dodgy hostel accomodation and began my explorations of the city. Getting bearings, finding the immediate landmarks and a small walking tour, the lure of free wifi inevitably dragged to a coffeeshop for some legalised weed - simply reiterating my disdain for it, haha.
Basic highlights have been Rijksmuseum, and de Pijp, both explored on foot and reminding me that a bicycle is an necessary purchase! But I'm now getting the hang of the Damage and I feel confident in the immediate surrounds of the centre.
My only qualm is the influx of pommy and seppo tourists who are purely here to get stoned. After only a few days here you can tell that the city is so beautiful once you escape the confines of the tourist areas. I'm also starting to get slightly hostile towards backpackers in general. Don't get me wrong, I can see some pluses - you get to meet other young people and it's cheap(ish), but the majority here are just interested in going out and getting stoned. I'm starting to head towards the idea of moving away from tourist-centric places - small places that you won't hear some seppo whinging that a cafe doesn't have American coffee, which is basically either a long black or an espresso! (Well, obviously not quite, but close enough to sate one's caffeine addiction.)
So, I'm stepping off my high horse for the arvo and getting back to satisfying my recent Bret Easton Ellis desires...

Quick recap of the trip thus far

Just managed to get about half an hour free from the stresses of skiing and drinking, so thought I would indulge myself with some internet time (the withdrawals have been horrific).
Leaving on Tuesday, I got to the airport mostly intact, though it was inevitable I would forget something, I always do. This time it was my camera. BUT, it's not as bad as it seems - I'm meeting the family in Europe very soon so hopefully they will bring it for me. But it seems that Aspen will be limited to shots that Alec deems suitable - that's not altogether a bad thing, he did ban the upskirt shots from the 60th birthday.
The flight was as appalling as could be - note to everyone, "don't get excited about United". Shitty small seats, no movie screens to speak off and not even young hot stewardesses (it seems that seniority rules in the LA-Sydney trip - YUCK!). But 14 hours to LA, 2.5 to Denver and 30mins to Aspen wasn't too bad (contrasted to the rest of Alec's family who had a fire over the Pacific, landed in Western Samoa to a drunken police chief who banned their departure, 9 hours on the tarmac and basically 30 hours late for Aspen. Shit eh.
First night out, Alec and I got ourselves settled and headed to the nearest pub for a beer. Turns out, unbeknownst to us, it's the Aspen equivalent of the Sheaf and numerous familiar, friendly (and hammered) faces began to appear. What was supposed to be a quiet dinner turned into a solid night out, ending at about 2 when all the bars closed up shop. Shuffleboard, Buck Hunter and more than a few beers made for a great debut.
And that night out resulted in a sleep-in til 1pm the next day. Still unsure of where Alec's parents were (no phone coverage for them), we bought the necessary ski-gear and headed up for a cheeky lone run to get the ski legs back in. Aspen is awesome - although coming off the depths of Japanese snow makes drawing comparisons trés hard, the blue skies are picture-perfect. And knowing that Europe (the next port of call) hasn't had any snow to speak of, I'm making the most of it.
Day Three was solid. Powering around the main mountain all day, we met up with some of Alec's family friends for a guided tour. This made for a great learning curve, particularly because they'd been skiing for a couple of weeks already and were taking us down some ridiculous shit. Let's just say double black bumps bigger than me on some seriously steep slopes. Both of us were forced to find form (debatable!) quick smart.
Day Four (today) was awesome. Managed to meet up with some mates and their guide for a local's guide to one of the mountains (Snowmass). A solid morning, I'm still waiting for Tom Nolasco to stomp his backflip and then teach me the heli I've promised myself by the end of Aspen (now I'm screwed, I've made it public). This was followed by a move to Highlands and more skiing with family friends. Last run of the day, we found this mogul run under a lift, but that still had a shitload of snow on it. Favourite run of the day by far - shout out to Immy for the tip!
But time is running out for the internet cafe, so I'll end the stories here. I'll do my BEST for photos!!

The Silly Season

It seems this post is a little late, but I thought that seeing as I'm heading overseas very shortly I should dust off the blog like times of old.
Having finished exams in early November, I've finally put five years of university behind me. Exam results locked in and its on to bigger and better things. That involves working at advertising agency The Topia Project as a creative - simply the most fun you can get paid to have. But that is all generalities...
This Christmas has been fantastic. With the knowledge of impending employment slavery, I think it has spurred me to play much harder. Backing up every night (bar one - conveniently the day Paris Hilton was drinking at the local) for seven nights was certainly a record for me. But so many good times and better photos have obviously made it worth it.
This year I took on the responsibility of the New Years gathering - which definitely did not pan out how I expected. A fair amount of preparation led to a fantastic night; a lot of people from all different groups meant that everyone could meet new people. By 1am, the night was getting pretty heavy, but everyone was still having a ball. Unfortunately, conservative neighbours made a call to local PD and the volume was turned down (who makes a call like that on NYE!?) But the night kept on for at least a couple of hours while people struggled to evacuate the east - quite an experience but a rad night nonetheless.
The next morning was pretty painful - up at 8:30 to get the cleaning done, the hangover was certainly making its presence felt. Other than that, it's been pretty quiet. Couple of nights out, including taking a family friend from London (cheers Tommy) to Vegas and oggling the subaquatic dancers. Also back at work for this week before I leave next Tuesday - a shocking call, it was ridiculously hard to go back after 3 weeks of shutdown; how on earth am I going to go back after 2 months?!?

I know I'm a little rusty, and this is being done late at night and in bed, but I need to get back into it for my trip. There should be many more to come soon enough...

Foo Fighters are awesome

Just something to check out if you're bored - the cameraphone is a little lacklustre, but I hope it tells a little of how freaking cool the Foo Fighters are live and acoustic.

God, it was such a good show... at the end, Dave is talking about how much he loves his songs, and he asked if we had one more in us (being the audience). The crowd started yelling out songs for him to play: "Stacked Actors, Aurora" etc... Someone yells 'Evelong' to which he replies "Of course I'm fucking going to play Everlong, just give me two minutes!". I'm pumped.

Just because I'm obsessed...
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The late night

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Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

I'm posting because Adrian has been kind enough to send me some photos that I took with his camera (in the absense of my own) and so I felt that they needed an accompanying post.

Saturday started with some beers at my house - just Juzz, Puck and I. Quality Dave Chappelle viewing and some travellers took us walking for a cab down to the Sheaf. Headed down there for Andy Levine's birthday bevvies. A mixed bag by all accounts, it was good to see some new people and chat to oldies. But we decided to kick on soon enough and grabbed a car load of people up to the Potts Point for the house party. But partying on an empty stomach is always a bad idea (as is rocking up empty-handed) so some Indian Home Diner and longnecks primed the group for action.

The party was in full swing by the time we rocked up and the group was thoroughly mixed. A few people I'd never met before (inlcuding Adrian's mate from Japan that couldn't speak a word of English - yet I some how managed to chat to him for 20mins... hmm..) but also some old faces that aren't on the regular circuit. I had a great time catching up with people and discussing all sorts of crap (including the brilliance of naming a band 'Ten Letters' seeing has it has ten letters!)

After a while, it was time to kick on (not least because the police were getting antsy about noise levels) and we made our way downstairs. Somehow Halpern and Alex McCauly got it into their heads that charging each other was a brilliant idea and, through purely the fault of Puck, we became targets. Manouvure of the week goes to Puck for seeing a monster charge coming, slying stepping out of the way and watching Alex go head first into a Pajero. Brilliant.

We kicked it to Candy's Apartment and were promptly drowned with hardcore trance (woo). But I tore up the d-floor and had some good chats (including getting hit on by an old Ravenswood girl who turned out to be 34 and left in a huff when i called her 'old school'). And who could forget stunning Greta who needed directions from Mansions to Sapphire but who I ended up pouring out my girl problems to. I'm pretty sure she was keen to escape, but she offered sage advice anyway... Good times good times.

The sagas continued and resulted in kebabs and chats outside Oportos til 6am. Coming home with the sun already up and watching joggers is thoroughly depressing. But the night was certainly worth every missed hour of sleep.

Don't forget to check the photos!

Juzz's Band Comp Performance

This is primarily for those of you who couldn't make it to his showing... Enjoy.

Cheeky Youtube experiment

This is to see how posting videos in my blog works:

Splendour '06 - Amazing

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Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

Where to begin (besides the beginning)? What an amazing holiday away. It's been a while since my last attempt at the blog; no doubt those of you who check it daily would have given up hope (haha...). But, never fear, I've returned and am going to try to relate the events of the last week.

Getting ready on Wednesday was a hurried journey, getting everything ready for Garvo and I to follow Brent and Tawna up the coast. At the last minute, Alec decided that he needed a holiday and joined us for the cruise. We pulled out through Sydney traffic and drove for about an hour and half or so before calling in for the first Maccas stop at "F3 Northbound McDonalds" (all class). The beginning of the abuse hurled at locals began while we were still in greater Sydney, which is never a good sign, but full marks go to Will for allowing Garvo and Al to sit in the back watching DVDs on his latop, while he drove 4 hours straight! But, having reached a place that none of us could pronounce (and being the only beemer for about 120 kms - yuck!), we changed over and proceeded to Coffs Harbour for the night. The motel was reasonable enough, but there was a distinct lack of restaurants that did not fall into the fast food category. After driving for ages, including some improptu off-roading, we found a nice Indian restuarant and snapped up some much-needed food then. After, we snuck down to the local, only to find the Wallabies celebrating one of their players' birthday. Lote, Jeremy Paul, George Gregan, Matt Giteau and Mark Gerrard were all there. Very cool. After Garvo nearly started a small biff with Jeremy Paul, we decided to head home and get ready for the remainder of the drive north lined up for the next day.

We set off nice and early with a freshly charged laptop/DVD player and cruised north with no dilemas. We picked up Dalts and Tones in Ballina and found Shivs and AP when we arrived in Lennox Head (where we were staying). To our surprise, the houses were fantastic. Huge, great layout with nice balconies, perfect for Circle of Death, poker and Dickhead. After Garvo and I finished a shop for our house (Danny and Meals, Alec and Garvo and me - with Bec & Sandon and Brad to come later), we sat and began drinking. Parallel imported cases of Becks for $40 meant a shitload of beers and good times. Checking my Flickr account will show you how many beers we drank in 2 nights, between about 5 guys. Not a bad effort. The only real debacle was losing Circle of Death and having to skull a coffee plunger with 3/4 beer, 1/4 red wine (a soft skull by most accounts). But the night was enjoyable and we still had plenty left to do.

The next day, Garvo, Brent and I headed off fishing, but we lasted almost no time - incliment weather and boredom set in, so we headed back. Much cards and footy passing gave way to a trip to Nimbin. We drove for almost an hour to get there, but it was a freaky place. Everyone was stoned as, people were lighting up in the street and dealing openly. One of our party (not mentioning any names, DEALER) purchased some weed, but it we actually got a fair bit more than we were expecting - a solid bargain. We headed home and got stuck back into the beers and pot. Another very interesting night, and the first night represented in the photos I have.

The next day, Alec took me on a date for breakfast and we just lounged around until about 1pm. Then we all tried to get into gear to head to Byron and generally were in a massive shambles. Just as we were about to get on the bus, Shivs decided to check if I had the tickets. Which I didn't. So a mad dash and a change of plans meant that driving was in order.

After all the buggering around, we arrived at the festival. First port of call was Youthgroup, then Death Cab for Cutie, Mos Def, TV on the Radio, rest (with Something for Kate in the background), Grinspoon and DJ Shadow. All were fantastic, but TV on the Radio were outstanding live and Shadow was brilliant. I was so happy that I got to see him, and although the others thought he was a little too intense, I was pumped up. Grinspoon were also surprisingly tight, playing a lot of singles - meaning that we could all sing along.

Sunday was always going to be the bigger day. Better prepared and definitely no driving stood me in good stead for a massive night. Seeing as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah had pulled out, no one had to be there til 4 to see Snow Patrol, but Shivs and I had been tussling who was in the country and could fill the ???? spot (a blank set at 3pm). At the merest hint that it could be Arctic Monkeys, we decided it was definitely worth heading in for. As it turned out, it was someone a lot more exciting. The Vines had made a comeback (since the lead singer was diagnosed with Asbergers Syndromw, i.e. autism, he wasn't supposed to play live). That was pretty wicked, seeing as the Vines could have headlined the entire festival. Snow Patrol, a bit of You Am I, Jose Gonzales (though SO many people were there, we could barely hear and couldn't get in), Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a bit of Wolfmother...

Then Alec decided that we should try and meet his mate who is part of Bang Gang. While we thought we would be able to chill of the side of the stage, we got to stand with the DJs, in front of 8,000 people, dancing and acting like idiots. Necking vodka from one of their bottles (possibly laced with some coke or acid - we both started feeling a little weird later) we had an awesome time, then got to sit in the best position for Scissor Sisters. We then headed back for Brian Wilson, who had about 15,000 people doing the twist to Surfing USA. A long walk home, involving Dalts trying to steal a police cruiser and the best kebab ever, we managed to hijack a bus to take us back to Lennox.

The next two days were spent driving home, stopping for the night in Port Macquarie, where a power failure meant that one of my DVDs got stuck in the player. All in all, an amazing trip and definitely one that (hopefully) will be replicated in later years!

How times have changed!

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Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

So it's been 10 days since I posted and I can barely remember any of the things that have happened. Let me just recap events as they come to mind. Last Saturday was a nice quiet dinner in Surry Hills with Jess, Lis, Drew and Pat. Slight issues locating the correct restuarant that we all wanted to go to, but we did find a nice new bar "Dome Bar" which kinda made up for it. Got home by 10:30pm after a couple of bottles of wine and was happy to leave it at that. However, Kate, Mo and Siena had different ideas. Literally dragged to their car, we were off to Havana bar (which James describes as even too young for him) and some weird times. Then to Hampton Court, some random pool and off to Alec's for some late night poker. Kate wasn't feeling well and needed a cab, requiring some flexible truths to a cabby to get him to go Woollahra, Kings Cross, Bellevue Hill and back to Five Dock in 20 mins before his shift ended.
On the Sunday I headed out west (well, edge of the inner west, to be correct) to 'Auto Salon' annual motor show. Not like your regular motor shows, this specialises in customised cars. Lamborghini Gallardo with the number plate IMBRKE ("I'm Broke"), 20" wheels on small hatches and "GLFKRT" ("Golf Kart") on a green VW were all highlights. If you click on the above photo, it will (eventually) take you to my photos.
Uni is standard (though inclement weather kept me to only have an hour on Thursday - well, that and the purchase of my new Xbox 360) and have been stealing cheeky beers almost every night. But the real fun began on Thursday.
It was early on Thursday arvo that we headed to the Enmore for our 'Crate Digger' tickets to see De La Soul. Special merchandise, a couple of free drinks but the kicker was the opportunity to meet the band. Except that they never showed up. Rumours of their arrogance when it comes to these things is legendary, so it was a little optimistic to expect... but still. The support acts weren't anything that noteworthy and so we spent most of the time from 6 til 11 chilling with beers/coffee (depending on preference) and generally hanging out. The guys kicked off about half an hour late but were pretty good when they got started. Knew by sound most of their music, but the set up was shit and all you could hear was the bass and the vocals, meaning I could recognise very little. Juzz offered a lift (via Summer Hill and Wynard) in the rain, which resulted in a number of break downs from his '73 Holden Torana - good times indeed.
Friday involved very little, with the exception of some hardcore Xboxing (new verb) and then meeting up with old UNO people for a couple of beverages. Pub crawling our way through Surry Hills, we ended up and some dicey bar in Strawberry Hills near Central, from where I offered to walk Eli back to Crown St. From there we went to Starbucks (closed) so had to walk to the bottom of Oxford St to get another coffee. Then, we walked all the way back to the other end of Oxford St to get in cabs. I dropped by the Elephant and Wheelbarrow to meet up with Alec etc, but they had moved on and it was getting time for home.
Saturday was Sarah Willmott's 21st and I was planning a quiet one, so I forced myself to drive. Somehow that didn't play out too well and managed to get roped into driving to the Coutrhouse (read: diciest bar on Oxford St), following the hire bus taking the party. I pulled alongside to shout abuse at Dalts and Brent as we drove past, only to see a flash of skin (looking suspiciously like a scrotum) and then Brent's dick hanging out the window. Luckily I decided to put up my window because my car suddenly got a showering! The only remaining highlight was watching the 3 o'clock Chartreuse shots and the subsequent three-man instant spew (inevitable really).
Last night was the kicker. I was exhausted all day (not helped by my first climb in 2 weeks knackering my arms) but pumped myself up for Kanye at 7. We got there and the queue was stretching around the entire venue and out onto the next street, so no time for pre-gig bevvies. Finally got in, the place was packed and really struggled to get a good position. For most of the time, I could barely see, but it barely mattered. By far the best hip hop concert ever, he had a 12 piece strings section to back him up and just played all his best songs. He sprained his ankle at one point, so he said that to make up for his lack of bouncing around, he'd play extra songs. Massive string solos, playing his favourite songs from the old school, Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve with a rap track over the top, stringed version of Diamonds are Forever... it was unbelievable. I sung myself hoarse (regretting that now) but was so wired after. The photo above is from Touch the Sky, the last song he played in his encore and the best song on his new album. The crowd was so pumped for it, wicked...

Post-law drinks...

Yesterday was a little above the ordinary so I thought that I should actually put the blog to work and document something. Pounded through 5 hours of Uni, including 2 hours of surrealist Spanish cinema (which completely did my head in) and coming to the opinion (again!) that I hate first years.
However, I had to jump out of class early to rush to the Conservatorium to hear Condolezza Rice speak to university students from all over Sydney. That was a little interesting, seeing as all the other people I was there with had come from work and were wearing suits, and I was chilling in patchy jeans and a t-shirt. Secret Service were certainly giving me an eye-balling to make sure I wasn't a 'Socialist Alliance' plant, ready to disrupt proceedings! (luckily for me, they were sitting elsewhere and were promptly removed upon cheering 'The blood of Iraqi children is on your hands').
From City to Bondi Junction for lunch with JD and Hels, then home and rushing to get ready (so I forgot my camera!) to meet Bradders at the White Horse for hourly priced cocktails (i.e. $4 at 4pm, $5 at 5pm...) That left us a little worse for wear and so he headed home and I trudged down to the law party in the rocks. By the time I'd got there (and left and come back to buy Jess some smokes!) the party was raging. Chilled out with a number of people that I hadn't seen in ages and turned into a great night. Fair few beers later, all chilled by about 1.30 and we headed home.
NOW, the real problem arose when I got out the front of my house to find that I didn't have my keys. Ok, so I decided I would climb the wall, no dramas. I took off my boots because they're not at all conducive to climbing. That necessitated removing my jeans as well, so I didn't rip them. I was a little drunk, and considering that I didn't have any pants, I thought I would ditch the shirt as well. As I was climbing over the wall, who would drive past but.... the police; on routine patrol. A very short conversation with Will in his underpants presenting his ID and trying to explain that he lived here was followed by me scampering up the stairs.
At the moment, we have 4 Canadian billets staying with us from a rugby tour James is dealing with. As I get into my room (having sneaked around the outside of the house to make sure that I don't wake them) I find one has sleptwalked his way into one of the chairs in front of my TV. Very very strange.

Absolutely nothing happening...

Amelia and me
Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

Well.. I have nothing to add at all. Nothing has happened since my last post. I've been dying for uni to start, if only to give me something to do. First year Sociology and a Film & History course - resulting in 5 hours of classes a week, three days off (my days at uni are the equivalent of weekends) and absolutely no friends left on campus. It is time to venture out and meet new people (though they will almost be the same age as James!).

Been getting into the alternative sports still... added to rock climbing (that is slightly on hiatus while J-Bob finishes his med exams) is squash. A couple of rackets for my birthday has meant a number of games and, though I'm still truly a beginner, I feel like I'm definitely a champion in the making.

I feel that I should add some pics from what's been happening, but sad to say that I don't have many. The latest ones off my phone are from a drunken poker night at Alec's. Standard.

Will try to get more interesting things happening so that I have a reason to post... (because THAT'S the motivation in my life to do things!)

Actually, I've found that if you are really keen, you link RSS feed this blog and get a little update telling you when I've posted. I already have RSS feeds for sites like the Sydney Morning Herald etc, but if you're desperate to be the first to get my posts, the link is here:

http://atestofwill.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Tribal man

Tribal man
Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

This week has been just running down the clock until Uni starts. Not long to go now. Monday brought the final game for the season, with a resounding victory over a solid team (who just happened to be missing 2 people, and had no reserves).
Thursday night turned out a little strange. Starting with Juzz's cameo trival hosting, we annihilated the field, coming a solid second and taking home a case of Coopers. Except that we didn't take it home, we took it to the cricket oval at USNW. Kroch, Poz, J-Bob, Puck and I sat down to consumer our beverages. Suddenly, out of the shadows, people began to appear. In about 20 minutes, we had managed to accumulate a group of about 15 people. Surprisingly, a couple of the random 2nd year guys had 'heard' of JD, so we were forced to spread some rumours about his threesome activities...
We then headed into the party, where much alcohol and free tattooing gave way Poz and I getting gangster tears sprayed onto our cheeks. This proved to be a slight problem for Poz when a group of 50 (or so he says) students began harassing him and were ready to knock him out. Soft as...
Friday night was a night out for my birthday - I had organised a night at the White Horse in Surry Hills and jammed out a couple of emails to some friends. Turned out to be a good night; fair few drinks, good company and a great location meant that fun was had by all. We then moved on to the Courthouse at 12, where Dalts laced me up with doubles of Chartreuse and everyone got hammered. Of the 6 people who stayed til the end, all were feeling very sketchy the next morning.
Saturday was pretty chilled, but I headed over to Alec's to give him some cigars and to bum around. Chilling with a couple of beers with Al and Garvo was nice and relaxing! Then I picked up Pat and drove over to one of his friend's places in Point Piper. Gideon was hosting a mild BBQ, and while I was blatantly the odd man out, I met some interesting people and had a good time. Then back to Al's for more poker, Hennessey XO and Cohiba Esplondidos... good times.

James over the railing at Talib Kweli

James over the railing at TK
Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

Just whiling away the last couple of weeks of holidays, enjoying the fact that I'm not doing anything of import..
Last Sunday was spent at the SCG, watching the mighty Aussies decimate (yes JD, reduce by a factor of 10) the Sri Lankans - HUGE scores, numerous beers, good times. After the cricket, I headed to the Opera Bar to meet Evan and Monty - both back from travels to the Americas (South and North respectively). Indecision plagued the outcome, but it was good to talk to everyone...
Touch football was a draw, my rock-climbing skills are steadily increasing but the week has been generally quiet.

The Beach Road has become the new haunt for a Wednesday night, though it started innocent enough. A charity advance screening of 'Lord of War', followed by quiet beers downstairs in the garden (til moved on), more beers in the lounge (til moved on), a mammoth round of 4 player Buck Hunter (til moved on) and then upstairs to the d-floor. We met some of J-Bob's school friends, absent from his radar for the last 5 years. JD, never to miss an opportunity, pushed past everyone (with a magnificent display of cock-blocking) to have a crack which, to EVERYONE's surprise, actually yielded some results.

Thursday was my birthday and required minimal drinks at the Sheaf for an hour or two. Friday involved dinner and drinks in Newtown with a small, but delightful, group... A couple more drinks, a swing on the d-floor, the loss of my car keys and I called it a night.

The attached photo relates to Saturday - the 2006 Good Vibrations festival. I worked like a dog selling untold amounts of water, but I managed to get to see a little bit of Talib Kweli - only to find James right at the font. That is him, on someone's shoulders, reaching for the heavens. TK was phenomenal and really got the crowd moving... and while most were disappointed with James Brown's efforts, he was pretty amazing for someone over 100!! (well, almost).

Sunday brought the major semi-final for the A-League comp. Sydney FC vs. Adelaide, watching the game with Pete and two other poms meant that numerous beers were consumed - and I for one was struggling to keep up. Suffice it to say that I think I broke a couple of toes and was in bed by 10:00pm. Good times...

Weekly check-in...

It seems as though I'm now only able to contribute once a week - not that that is any indication of business on my part. Nothing has really been happening over the last week; in fact, it's been pretty quiet. Our first victory in our touch comp of the season was sweet, indoor rock climbing has become a (minor) passion and is getting somewhat addictive. Also played squash with Alec and Pete two days in row at the end of this week, which proved to be quite the challenge. At least, it left me feeling very sore (well, that's my excuse for my laclustre performance.

Xania, an old friend from Melbourne, came up to Sydney and needed a guide for a couple of days - as always, happy to oblige. Thursday involved a couple of beers at the Sheaf, followed by a trek into the rocks and back to Victoria Room at the Cross. The fact that she was staying with some friends of mine (though none of them had actually met, purely by coincidence) was pretty amazing! In turn, I managed to meet some new people as well, though it was a little random. But a good time was certainly had.
Friday produced dinner at Nove (Woolloomooloo), drinks at the Tilbury (where we bumped into Ollie Birch (randomly) and then off to see Juzz's gig at Mascot. THEN, back to Fringe for a couple of beverages, but an early night was called in when everyone decided they couldn't be stuffed.

Yesterday was spent watching Pete play Sevens at Warriewood, Neilson Park volleyball until well after dark, and then beers, rugby and poker at Alec's. Enjoyment at every turn...

A long Saturday night...

Juzz, Hels, JD and I
Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

Nothing much has been happening event-wise since the BDO - I've been slogging through my pretty shitty AWARD application though I'm not too confident at this point.

However, Friday night was a bit of a rager. Marcus dragged me to the soccer (read: football) which turned out to be a fantastic game. Drizzle marred proceedings somewhat, but Sydney had quite the nail-biter against Adelaide. On the way home, he decided that he wanted to trek to the city to scout out some potential he had his eye on. Turns out we arrived at the Retro Hotel, jamming out some of the best the 80s and early 90s could throw at us. Unfortunately, Marcus was ultimately unsuccessful (the girl managed to pull her two best friends instead - one guy, one girl) but when Juzz, Brad and JD arrived, the party lifted again. Hitting on photographers, building enormous glow bracelet/necklace chains, lying to get into bars (having lost ALL my memberships when they fell out of my wallet!) and being forced to finish at the Slip Inn. Tiring of that, we returned to my house and Juzz, Brad and I had a spontaneous D&M til 4...

Last night was also strange. Starting quite late, at about 10, we headed to Happy Daze (only Juzz can't fucking spell and we were told Happy Days - hence Bobyn and I in indentical jeans and leather jackets; we looked so straight on Oxford St in matching outfits!!) Couple of beverages and some damage on the dance floor, and I decided to move on to the Paddington Inn to meet up with Alec etc. More cheeky drinks and we were moving onto the Cross - Shivs, Scott and I decided that walking was in order but we found a keg to carry with us. I am the world's strongest man, carrying the keg above my head for the entire Cutler Walkway...
Just ended the night at Hampton, sat and drank til 5am... Highlight goes to Garvo, mashed off his brain, slowly carrying a whole tray of beers back (at 4:30am), only to celebrate this achievement by dropping them all... a very broken man indeed.

Big Day Out, 2006

2ManyDJs 1
Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

I've been relaxing nicely for the last week - making the most of my newfound calling as a man of leisure. Tennis has been played, and I went from undefeated champion (7-6, 6-4, 6-2) on Monday to 2-6, 0-6 devasted loser at the hands of Pete. Of course, conditions were not at all favourable and I was still nursing some niggling injuries from the previous match (well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it).

Wednesday night involved seeing Juzz and Josh play at the New Market and then off to the Eastern. However, impending public holiday and ENORMOUS queues meant for some membership handing on - the result being the confiscation of Juzz' membership and the need to move on greener pastures (i.e. Cargo). And then the fun began.
JD is an animal - picked up two randoms, started some conversation, had me 'wingman' the 'uglier' one (his words and he owes me BIG time) while pulling the other. Against my back. Slightly uncomfortable. However, then she disappeared on him. 'I've never kissed someone who didn't like me before... weird' was his only comment...

Yesterday was Australia Day - headed over to Tor M's house for a BBQ and some beverages and then out to Big Day Out. Circumstances, the multitudes and just running out of luck meant that I couldn't get to meet up with Brad or Kroch. Despite this slow start, I managed to get reasonably close to the Mars Volta who were intense... 45 mins without stopping once - just an onslaught of their prog-rock/jazz fusion. Pretty incredible. Then over to Common, who was wicked and finally to 2ManyDJs - best dance set I've ever heard... 14,400 square metre pavillion, huge screens, wicked light show and some awesome tunes. They are my favourite DJs, hailling from Belgium, and they would drop some classics (Primal Scream - Get Your Rocks Off, Rapture, Prodigy, Kaiser Chiefs) right in the middle of their hard house set. Superb!

The Boys

The Boys 2
Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

'Ahhh.. it seems my nipple is showing'

Pool party...

Not much happening in Sydney since I returned from Queensland. I had to come back early (so Thursday instead of Sunday) for the AWARD school Open Day (an advertising course that I am HOPING to get into, though it's nigh on impossible!) but that finished earlier than expected. This gave me the opportunity to head over the Eastern Members party; quite a sight! Free alcohol and food meant that the place was heaving, though the usual demographic of 17 year old girls was thinner than usual. I did still hear a guy ask a girl in the bathroom queue where she worked, to hear the reply of 'oh, I'm studying..'. Quick to jump in, he asks 'what'? She flatly states 'the HSC'... oh, the antics of the Eastern.
Place DIED after the free alcohol ended (literally quartering in about 10 mins) and so we decided to hit the Cross. Ended up in Hugo's, comparing sleazy stories (though one, who will remain nameless, had slightly more intense stories than the rest.

Saturday was trying to be a quiet one, but ended up heading over the Alec's for a couple of beverages. Then got a message that Strace was starting his residency at Le Panic and that we should all bask in his glory. Ended up at the Cross til 3, and the highlight was Shivs' favourite kebab man moving next to Empire. "Hey Sexy-Boy", yelled from across the street, followed by a hug and kebabs for all.

Yesterday was the pool party, with a few people sinking a few beverages. Good times were had by MOST, though I think JD is a little miffed at his missed effort. Sank WAY too many beers, jammed some awesome tunes, enjoyed the 33 degrees pool and generally had fun. Will try to include photos...

Back from Nooooooooosa

I have left Noosa this morning with the first day of rain, only to land back in Sydney to more intense rain. Woo.

Having gotten back from Niseko almost 2 weeks ago, I spent the first week catching up with people and doing bugger all. Good times. On Sunday 15th, flew up to Maroochydore and from there to our trusty room in Seahaven (been coming almost 25 years with only 1 or 2 omissions). Happy days in the sun, out in the surf and burning through my Chrissie books.

Highlights definitely go to jetskiing through the mouth of the Noosa river and into the surf. Reasonable swell and 70km/h top speeds make for massive jumps, HUGE stacks and general lunacy. Hitting the waves for about half an hour, it was time to come in. As I followed the guide, I blipped the throttle off one wave to flatten my landing (we were moving with the waves meaning a 3 foot drop over the broken wave wash). However, did not see the next smaller wave right in front of me and ended up submerging me and the jet ski about half a metre below the surface. Needless to say, looked like an extra from Waterworld and was very impressed with myself.

Otherwise nothing else to report, and waiting for drinks on Saturday at mine. Hopefully I can get a couple of photos to post.

Slopestyle family in Niseko

Slopestyle family in Niseko
Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

Just a belated shot... this is from our last day on the slopes.. Dad, Mum, Me, James and Pete. That you can see us (i.e. there isn't a blizzard between the camera and us) is a miracle in itself.

Bored out of my brain

So we've arrived in Tokyo airport after two hours in a car and an hour flight. But we've got 5 hours to kill before we can board. AND, because Mum and Dad are flying Business and have a QANTAS membership, we can usually get three kids into the lounge. But the staff at the door did not feel that bending the rules was a good idea, so Pete, James and I are taking it in turns to hit the lounge. Feels like at you're at a bar and need to fish around for girls just to get let in... not happy.

Last night was an absolute bender, getting headspins just from thinking about it again. Went to another lodge on the other side of town to meet up with some of Mum's QLD mates, and got absolutely lined up by 'Belly', one of the guys Mum went travelling with after school. Beer after beer, with no dinner, ended in some crazy stories and dancing, but I certainly paid for it. Minus 15 degrees required a run home across the town, followed by a couple of hours in the toilet at home. Passed out and woke up sprawled against one of the walls. Have been feeling like shit ever since - simply living on a Neurophen cocktail til I get home and can re-adjust.

Anyway, times up, Pete's next in. Peace out peeps...

More snow...

It has snowed every single day I've been here. That's extrordinary.

Yesterday was skiing as normal, but today was out of control. We did a course called "The White Room", where you learn about avalache survival, how to use a homing beacon and how to ski some of the most outrageous powder in the universe. Not exaggerating (which wouldn't be like me at all), the snow would flip over your head as you turn. Shoulder deep in some places, bottomless powder - it was just like in those skiing videos. I swear, I'll never ski snow this good again, just utterly amazing. You have to take all the lifts to the top, then take off your skis and walk to the summit, where we got blue skies for the first time since we arrived. The view was astounding. Best skiing, best snow ever. So pumped (as you can probably tell).

Last day skiing tomorrow and then I head back, so should be back on Sunday morning. I hope someone's prepared the parade and the stippers. (Male and fat Juzz, my favourite...)

Peace out OGs...

It just doesn't stop snowing...

Just a quickie because internet is an expensive luxury in the mountains.

Has been snowing non-stop here, but this has been affecting visibility. So while Day 1 was awesome, Day 2 was a little hairy as we couldn't see much at all. Sticking to the trees bred some vision but hidden branches under the snow meant for some hilarious stacks seemingly from nowhere.

Day 3 (today) was HEAPS better. Someone nicked my ski pass out of my jacket in the drying room (a season one worth about $400) but managed to get it cancelled and another issued. While this was a massive effort, when I finally got to the mountain, it was worth it. Constant snow, but with some decent visibility, meant the powder was out of control. Snow flying over the face and hitting some near vertical slopes that you would have to jump turn, resulting a 2 metre fall before landing in the snow and sinking another metre or more. Just incredible. Will try and take the camera out tomorrow and get some shots that I probably won't be able to Flickr, but they'll be up when I get back fo sheezy.

Only other thing was last night's dinner. "Hank's" is literally Hank's house, where he has Mr. Miyagi's identical twin (only with a beard) cooking sausages and Herring over the fireplace. So good, especially when the Gin Rummy tournament with Pete and James had been taking a very competitive edge, requiring the consumption of numerous beers to calm the nerves. Suffice to say, a Burroughs decathalon has been set in motion, with each member vowing to smash the others at their preferred sport. Boule practise is set for as soon as I get home!!

Nothing much to report, THOUGH, I notice JD (the mad advocate of the abusive comment) has not followed through with NYE report. Which makes me think that the waitress got the better of him. Bradders, find out and make him and Juzz report back to me!! Haha... They may get personal email attacks to guarantee some honesty.

Peace and love peoples...

P.S. Got a message from 0416 282 676, wanting a DJ for Sat night. Don't have that number on my new phone, so tell them I can't reply from Japan and that Adrian Bright MAY be interested (but for free, I doubt it). Also, let me know who it is.

From the slopes of Niseko...

Having been dragged out of the Tokyo Apple store, it's taken me this long to find more internet access. I am now chilling in this little Japanese cafe, but they don't have broadband up in the mountains, so this is taking me ages.
Now I'm just going to quickly burn through the last couple of days and I'm inserting the preamble now that if there are any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors (unless glaringly obvious ones), they are the result of the freaky Japanese keyboards.

On the day after Boxing Day, did not do much.. shopping and packing, jammed some beach volleyball up at Neilson (formidible UMJ decimated [yes, reduced by 10 JD you gimp] the lowly competition of Marcus and Yank) and then headed to Hannah's farewell at the Dolphin in Surry Pills. P.S., for a place that looked utterly shit from the outside with wall-to-wall pokies, it has a mad interior, nicely priced beverages and some smashable cocktails. Well worth a repeat visit. Then met up with Jess for a late night coffee and bed.

28th - just got ready to leave on the 10pm flight. Nothing amazing at all.

Flew into Tokyo airport at 6am, and hit up the bus into the main part of town. We were lucky enough to be staying in the Grand Hyatt at Rappongi Hills - a huge shopping complex - which meant that there were more tourists than elsewhere and a reasonably central location.
After settling in, we headed out for a walk to Shibuya, a main shopping district. However, Pete and I were a little optimistic in our map-scale reading and the walk ended up taking a solid hour, in 5 degrees, under a motorway. Not to be shaken from out path, we marched on and were treated to the main square of Shibuya in full force. It seems that Tokyo is on holidays and most people head back to their villages etc for the four days over the New Year, so it was surprisingly empty compared to my expectations. But we saw some of the hectic fashion that I had been looking forward to and there were numerous sneaky pictures taken of the family in an attempt to catch them on film.
Lunch was provided by this dingy hole in the wall, where I had pork and SALT sauce. Ordering blind off the menu turned into a massive fluke because we all enjoyed the meal. Well, kinda. It was certainly not the traditional Japanese food you get in Sydney. AND, before you blow up, Italian food tastes the same in Sydney and Rome, so it's not ridiculous to assmume the same from other cultures.
From Shibuya, a short train ride up to Harajuku (though how we managed this on the hectic train lines is a mystery - Brad must agree that if you can't read Kanji, it's a nightmare. A walk down the main streets of Harajuku provided some amazing sights, with foot-high hair, a couple dressed in 19th century children's outfits and all kinds of punk attire seemingly the norm.
By this stage, the afternoon was coming along, so we headed back to the hotel. Having not really slept on the flight, most of the family had been up for 34 hours non-stop and an early night was called. However, Em and I had been struggling to meet up (no contact between Australian mobiles and Japanese ones) and when I got back to the room, there was a message to meet out the front of the Hyatt at 9pm. A daunting task to kick on, but I thought it would be cool to go get a drink in Tokyo with a friend.
Having waited outside for a cool half hour (and cool means -2deg), she FINALLY arrived and we walked around the local suburbs, catching up on all the goss. But we couldn't find an open bar (even the one with the metre-wide disco ball only had 2 people) so we settle on the Hyatt one for a very 'Lost in Translation' moment (footnote: I can only guess because I haven't seen the movie, shock horror). She left at 11:50 because the trains stop at 12, though I think she got on the wrong line and I'm not really sure whether she got back ok or not!

30th was spent at the Ginza district, which is the main shopping area with all the ridiculous stores etc. A short wander brought up the Sony Store, 6 levels of concepts and new technology. Not as impressive as I would have thought (though you all know my theory regarding Sony's inability to innovate) but the Aibo robodogs were awesome. Dad was able to make one sit, and the reactions were awesome. We then headed over to a vertical pinball parlour, which was insane. The noise deafening and we hadn't the slightest clue how the game worked though we saw some massive payouts. Just massive sensory overload.
We then headed to the Apple Store, from where I made my last post. Nothing massively new, but four levels was impressive enough. We then hit up another hole in the wall where absolutely no English was spoken and that was an experience. We still don't know what we got - it was totally unrecognisable. I didn't mind it, but general consensus was disaster. We then hit up one of the major temples in the area where Brad stayed (but I can't remember the name). Interesting, though the markets definitely detracted from the significance. And another monster walk home.

On NYE, we had a very early start to get the monorail to the airport, but of course we forgot our ski boots and the rush to get there on time was intense. Hour long flight, followed by a 2 hour drive to the snow.
Our place is reasonably nice, though I don't think anyone has ever stayed there before. Got settled in, and just chillaxed around for the arvo.
Mum had made a booking at some random Japanese/Italian fusion food to make sure that we had something to do. But was done by 11 and was asleep for midnight - not really cut because had never planned for a massive night. Though I received a couple of drunken messages so I'm hoping that everyone in Sydney had a blinder.

Today, got up for first lift at 8 and oh my god. The snow is knee deep everywhere and it just snows all the time. It took a couple of runs to find my ski legs again, but these are the best conditions I've ever skiied. The goal of the holiday was to do movie turns with the powder hitting you in the face and we achieved that by 11am! Constantly off-piste, the visibility ranges from sketchy to wonderful when the clouds open and you can see everything. I'm really looking forward to the next week!

More importantly, I want to here about people's NYE's. Comment on this post with your stories because I have none of my own. Also, I can receive messages, but can't reply because there is no Vodafone here, only DoCoMo (the local provider and not synced with Aus). Will try to email as best I can, but with only dialup, the blog will be the source of my info. But I want to know what's happening domestically, so JAM ME COMMENT AND GIMME THE INFO.

In Tokyo's Apple Store...

Ok, so at the moment, I've stolen away up to the fifth floor of the Tokyo Apple store and have hijacked a iMac to get this message out... kinda. They actually have free internet, so not quite as clandestine...

But if I thought the Spanish keyboards were complicated, every key has has about 4 different letters, characters, symbols and it is driving me insane. Took me five minutes to find the apostrophe (for personal reference, its shift 7).

Because this is taken me so long, I've now run out of time. So will have to post again when I'm at a proper internet cafe.

Post-Christmas Recovery

At 7pm on Boxing Day, I'm only now starting to feel a little better. But it has been a good couple of days, so it was certainly worth the effort.

Woken at 8:30am for 'stocking' presents, supplemented with tea and Panettone and then zipping off to the family service at St. Marks. James has come up with an adaptation from 'beach points' (namely dishing out points for inappropriate beach activities such as wearing jeans, high heels or underpants). 'Church points' are delivered to those who undertake inappropriate actions in the Lord's house - wearing sunglasses, being drunk (therefore getting up to act in the nativity with 3 year olds) and clapping! Something to make the time pass a little quicker when one is stuck behind a pylon and cannot see a thing!

During breakfast, Dad was trying to tell James and Pete that not everyone just drinks beer and that I would drink two beers and then move to vodka, cocktails etc... but they only heard that I could only drink 2 beers. So the challenge was issued that I couldn't drink 10 beers through lunch, which I then had to disprove and which was the beginning of the end. Birches, Lopez’s, Harpers and the Ashes for drinks, and then just the family for lunch - about 27 people at one point.

Finished with some drinks by the pool and by 8:30pm made the move over to Brent's with Sarah, Pete and James. More drinking and merriment, and was good fun. Circle of Esky was a great way to round out the long weekend!

Four hours sleep and then up to lie hung over in the sun. Obviously started reading James' Christmas present books before my own and managed to smash about 10 chapters before I had to head to JD's. Nice view, looking over the harbour to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Couple of devastating caipiranhas, a very hot/flirtatious waitress and delicious food – not a bad way to recover from a massive night.

Then just chillaxing throughout the afternoon, watching the cricket and sleeping on the grass in the sun. How good are holidays?

Merry Yuletide

The pressure is still apparent to feed the Blog beast daily, and so I continue to post. Friday was spent relaxing by the pool and finishing with the Christmas shopping.

Juzz and Josh had a gig in Mascot (read: sticks), playing requests from friends and family. This had obviously prompted everyone to come up with the most challenging songs that two guitars could possibly attempt. Highlight of the night was unequivocally Kanye’s ‘Gold Digger’, though I have to say that Broken Wings holds a place very close to my heart.

After the gig, a quick trip with JD and Puck to the Loft for a quiet ale, which moved downstairs to Bungalow to meet Jess, Geeth, Tara, Sap etc. The itinerary seemed to be following a Particular Person (curious, the same initials as Pablo Picasso, hint hint) throughout the city, though contact was never made (on an aside, Puck is soft, haha).

From Bunglow 8 to Dragonfly for more drinks with Adrian and Oli to Westfield for some 2am shopping. Surprising how many people are there, and worse how many people we knew! David D and Paulo, Scotty Dogg and his mate and even bumping into Alec and Katie with the novel idea of Shopping and Shotting – 20mins shopping, followed by 2 shots of tequila. Repeat. Not surprisingly, by 2am they were looking slightly worse for wear!

Having been promised that we’d be gone by 2, by 2:30 we were still waiting and the idea of crashing some random’s house party (who none of us knew) at 3 no longer appealed (funny that). Still waiting to hear how it went, but am sure that considering the competition that Picasso was facing, someone must have come out on top. This will be confirmed after the holiday season.

Christmas lunch tomorrow with 27 people (!) and then only two days until Japan. Am pumped up for no sleep in Tokyo and great snow. Again, more information to come shortly.

Alas, ‘Rome’ and bed call…

Beating JD...

I told him that I could last more than 2 days with the constant posting, so the challenge continues.

Spent the day at work, hassled the gay Westfield carpark people, went Christmas shopping. Bought CDs, even though I've completely run out of money. That said, DangerDoom (DJ Dangermouse and MF Doom) is a wicked stocking filler and something everyone should own - especially if you love the cartoon network, some killer samples. Document 3 is hot too, though not as many recognisable tracks as the other 2, so will have to give that a pound out.

Saw Nick Z's new car today, a massive '73 Holden Torana (named the Mashed Banana, or Banana for short) - no FM, no left mirror but all spirit. That car will surprise us all, I guarantee it.

Anyway, this post should be sufficient to satisfy JD and I'm going to get back to Rome (... the TV show, obviously).

Brad - get the forum up you gimp. If needs be, get JD's undernet skills to cut them off.

Work is classic - colleague has proven that she is officially an alcoholic, consuming more alcohol that 99% of Americans (men included). While its obviously somewhat skewed (I'm at the 91.5 percentile), the top 1% is hardcore by anyone's standards. You can't be 100% unless you drink more than anyone in the States, that that would be a mission. An expedition even.

My segways are crap and the non-linear order is purely a result of my ADHD and not a Parkerian attempt at postmodern delinearisation of the chronological narrative.

Wow. Time for bed.

Ok, so you can see that because this is my third post in less that a day, I am feeling the blog thing... but the case is that I have 21 years of shit to get off my chest, so after 2 more paragraphs, I'll have nothing.
How long can I do daily updates? And I have to be careful not to abuse UNO or I'll be on my arse.. that's the rule with blogs isn't it? But that just wouldn't happen... (covering myself massively aren't I).

Drinks down at Bungalow 8 tonight and met up with the suits, led by Song. Interesting people... haha. Highlight was mashed J-Lum trying to convince me that she was running naked through Pitt St Mall last week with a sign saying 'Bush Sux'. A marvellous day for the gay community, but I'm not sure I can believe that one. Anyone with corroborating evidence should let me know.... or just email me the photos and I'll post them. U'd all hate me...

And along with the Blog, I'm also obsessed with Brad's forum, http://s13.invisionfree.com/Domus_Musae - quite amusing. I think I will be feeding my obsession with internet junk via this avenue, on all my unsuspecting friends.
Hmm... not sure how many days I will post in a row - still giving myself a week, but we'll see.

Kate and Me

Kate and Me
Originally uploaded by WilliamJBurroughs.

The miracles of technology. Now I can add photos from Flickr to my blog. One step closer to uploading my soul digital...

The first post...

This is my test attempt. I have bowed to peer pressure and now will attempt to document my life online. I give myself a week.
It just seems as though everywhere you look, the online social scene is taking hold - so more important than expressing my inner-most emotions and hardships, I don't want to be uncool.

Test over.