May 18, 2008 - May 24, 2008 Archives

A big thanks to the ripping Aussie band Peregrine for letting me use their song 'The Good Ship' for the video. You guys rock! If you like it you should check out their Myspace page. I'm a big fan. http://www.myspace.com/playthings

^{Camel photo taken by GothPhil. 1 August 1990 | Trafalgar Square photo taken by Skuds. 25 May 2007. Thank you!}

Have just been chatting with my house-mate from London. I miss our daily dinner debriefs, and hung over Sunday nights in my trackies watching Medium on the couch hugging my 1 litre bottle of Lucozade. God, I haven't watched any tv since I left London, except for 20 minutes of Summer Heights High on a flight.

Before I went away, all of my friends got themselves on Skype and keep it on at work. There's something pretty cool about being on a camel in Alice Springs and speaking to a friend who is walking past Trafalgar Square in London. (London is still a novelty to me). And even if we don't call or chat in a day, it's kinda nice seeing the little green tick and knowing they are there if I want. That sounds a touch sad I know, but this trip can get pretty lonely!

On the train coming down from my wonderful afternoon with everyone. Just got a chat message from my dad, but missed it because we were out of signal. For some reason that makes me really sad. I can just picture him sitting there wondering why I haven't replied. Miss him so much now.

My cousin (Gregg, we call him Greggalegs, a name that he loves so dearly) and his wife live in Adelaide, so they met me at the airport and showed me around for an hour before the Ghan left. Rode a tram and got a Boost Juice (how I have missed thee) in Glenelg before getting to the train station. It was a bit of a teary goodbye on the platform, eased by the fact that I am meeting Mum and Dad in Greece in 6 weeks time. The Ghan surprisingly much better than the Indian Pacific. They even had a champagne welcome last night before dinner. It's so cool watching the land change colour the further north we get. I write a paragraph, look up and spot the difference. I want to capture it all. But the rocking motion of the train and the glare from the sun is making my eyes fall asleep regardless of how hard the rest of my body tries.

Woke up at 4am brrrrrrrrrrrrr and headed to the airport. Mum, dad and my brother surprised me by flying with me to Adelaide, so we could spend four more hours together! On the flight I caught up on the latest Aussie gossip in Woman's Day and the Sunday Papers. Guy Sebastian got married last night. And Shannon Noll confesses he has a drug problem. Both were the original winners of Australian Idol. The lovely lady sitting next to me - a minister from Adelaide (city of churches) - had actually been to Guy's wedding the night before and gave me the low down on the gorgeous bridesmaid dresses and entertainment. I love it! The Australian accent is the best in the world!

During my fleeting stay, my recently pregnant sister asked me to be God mother! So excited and touched. It's due in October so looks like I will be coming back home for Christmas!

I managed to sneak a night in Sydney by staying on a houseboat on the Hawkesbury with my family. My sister lives in the country in Orange, and came down especially. We got takeaway from my favourite Chinese Restaurant, Konki's at Collaroy Plateau. Their Mongolian Lamb is to die for. The boat was pretty bogan, my brother, sister and I were in the 'kids room' with three bunk beds... Last Christmas mum bought my sister and I the same pyjamas - which mum conveniently brought from home... so we really did look like 5 year olds on a family holiday. After about 3 minutes my brother started snoring so he was kicked out to sleep with my dad, mum took over his bed.

Words cannot express how wonderful it was to go home. I was so touched by all of my family and friends who came to meet me.

I got off the loooooooong train ride at Central and made my way down to Circular Quay. We drove past my old work, feels like a decade ago that I was going there everyday but familiarity is so nice. Did some filming in front of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before getting in a cab to Warringah Mall to sort out some money and meet up with Rowena from Skype to sort out my connection. Cashed up, went down to Manly Beach where I was met by a group of my closest family and friends aboard a bus. My teary dad had his massive esky iced up with free flowing Yellow and Crownies. My friend Katie had made a play list of Aussie songs, including a couple of sentimental numbers. We got off the bus at Dee Why where I was met by even more family and I planted my feet on sand and in the ocean as we walked to Long Reef headland with champas in hand. This is my favourite place in the world I forced myself to stop and enjoy it. Before I moved to London I would get up every morning and walk from Long Reef headland to Dee Why beach and back again. I didn't really do it for fitness as much as I did it for grounding myself. There is something amazing about walking along the shore and feeling the sand under your feet and through your toes and the ocean that goes on forever. After a year away, I got my fix and we boarded the bus further down the coast, where Home and Away is filmed. It's funny how popular that show is in the U.K. A few of my friends have been on it, I've seen Alf at the pub a bit (flaming mongrel) and we kind of pay it out in Sydney, but love it all the same. Such a fantastic day. It left me feeling very loved, charged and emotional.

Here's how I've been keeping in contact on the move. It's a 3 Skypephone which gives me free calls to anyone else on Skype wherever they are in the world.

Metro competition: Found the answer? Visit Metro for your chance to win a 3 Skypephone (UK only we're afraid).

One of the reasons I took this job is that I love that time looking out the window waiting to arrive somewhere. It's that rare in between time time reserved for anticipation and reflection. It's liberating because there is nothing you can do but let go, go with the motion and watch time and places pass you by. You're moving forward, somehow managed to get out of the monotony of where you were to go do something different... Often, for me at least, a big trip comes pretty soon after burn out, so there is usually a lesson that you are about to learn once you get a little bit of distance. There's something reassuring about passing so many cities, houses and people. Makes you realise how small you and your problems really are. And that at the end of the day, none of it really matters.

I often question the real reason why we take so many photos when we go away. I mean, the obvious one is because it is different and you want to remember it... You come all this way to experience something up close and personal and then end up seeing it though something tinier than your hand. How crazy is that? You'd get a better picture from the comfort of your couch or sitting at your computer... This really hit home for me last year when I was on Phi Phi Island, Thailand. The boat pulled into the beautiful Maya Bay. And, like all of my fellow travellers I was waiting with my camera ready to capture the 'paradise moment' - anyone who has been to Phi Phi will know exactly what I am talking about. We pulled in and I had a pretty good shot. Total postcard, albeit soulless. Someone moved in front of my camera so I attempted to readjust my framing but couldn't get it right. Frustrated I gave up and looked up. I was absolutely blown away by the expansive beauty of the place. A beauty so huge and so all sensory that there was no possible way you could even attempt to capture on film. I put my camera down and for one of the first moments, completely and absolutely enjoyed the moment, the breeze, the sun, the limestone cliffs, the turquoise water, the salty smell. An all sensory experience, otherwise lost by snapping away. I vowed to try to experience first and take pics second. It's harder said than done, especially on this trip, where my job is to document! Trying to find a balance in between.
So why do we feel the need to look through a lens? Is it to remember the moment? Or is it to show other people what we have done. If it is the latter, why should it really matter?

I love this. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a serial pacer. I can't help it. I walk way too fast- for no reason at all- especially when I am on the phone... and on this trip, even more so than ever.

Paddle Pop Us kids grew up on these. As a kid, it was the best thing when a new paddle pop came out. Choc Chip, Choc Caramel, Top deck... Bring back Vanilla!

Golden Gaytime With a name like that you can't go wrong. A perfectly constructed ice cream that doesn't drip and tastes so good.

Twisties You can't beat cheese like this. It's got the same sharp taste as Crackabarrel, and yes, you can taste the difference. No matter what country I get them from they just don't taste as good. It's that real salty tang that I long for. In Singapore and Malaysia the cheese flavour is sweet. Gross. I also love how hard they are and how they kind of scrape your throat as they slide down.

This trip is really affecting my body. Legs and arms numb with pins and needles for most of flight from Darwin. Got a 13hr one in a few minutes so hope it's nothing drastic. At this rate I won't be able to walk off the plane, let alone travel across America. So much for perpetual motion.

"I am close to breaking point. In Darwin after 3 days of close to zero reception with loads of posts, pics and films ready to upload. Just sat down with Mac Air and the screen is stuffed. I think that's what's wrong. All I see is thousands of stupid lines. Wish I could swear on this blog. Had to get out of the bloody airport. Pacing around the car park like a freak. My hard drive won't work now either. If I have lost everything I am seriously going to lose it. Have spent so much time editing and filming. Have these feral bite marks all over my arms, too. My body aches. Nose diving big time. It's 1.30am and about to board a 4 hour flight. Not a good day. Feel more disconnected and frustrated than ever."

^{Transcribed from text message by Nomad Ground Control}

Just said goodbye to my boyfriend, family. Pretty emotional. I was a wreck anyway, but being run down, over tired and with the computer problems and everything else that went wrong it sure didn't help. Matt picked me up from the airport and went for a drive in between my flights. He took the day off work to cheer me up. Was so nice to be in the car with him again. It's been ages. It's all the little details that you forget that make it hard to leave. Like, the care bear stickers we stuck on his dash so it looked like they were doing rude things. And the Lilly at The Spot cafe in Glebe remembering my order: Black coffee with a bit of cold water, turkish bread toasted with heaps of vegemite...

Although I am sad, I'm ok to leave now.

For all that I've been able to speak with friends and colleagues via Skype and other technology on my trip so far, it's not quite the same as having someone with me.

Well, when I get to San Francisco that's exactly what I'll have.
The character in question is one Joel Levinson, and he'll be acting as my guide in Los Angeles, the city he lives in. Things he says he's done:

1] Travelled across America dressed as a giant smoothie

2] Posed naked as a model

3] Sold strudels

4] Taught a course on the history of rock'n'roll

5] Crocheted scarves and afghans

6] Worked as a chauffeur - that's good, cos he's going to be driving me around.

I'm not sure if he's multi-talented or just struggles to hold down a job.

Actually I don't know him at all, but I'm intrigued to meet him. If he rings any bells with anyone out there could they ping me with stories and character assessments?
My thoughts: we'll either get on like a house on fire or be strangling each other within minutes.

I LOVE this city. Met up with Joel, my RV driver, a.k.a smoothie guy. He is absolutely lovely and am really looking forward to the next couple of days. The sun is shining and I had a sleep on the flight. Things couldn't get much better in a Nomad kind of way.

Hot is she. Nancy is absolute luxury compared to the past couple of weeks. Joel is a champion driver. Road Trip. So pumped. Watch out LA we're coming.

This is the second time I have lived May 21.
The first was one of the worst days of my life: broken mac book, numb arms and legs with pins and needles on flight, dirty rash on arm, tinea on toes, 2 hours sleep, sad goodlye to my family and boyfriend, being in my home city but not being able to leave the airport...

The second: Salvaged files, stand in computer, rash free arms, no more tinea, 5 hours sleep, lovely travelling companion, mobile home with bed!, clean clothes, sunny weather.

I was seriously close to breaking point 24 hours ago but now, things are really looking up!

Although I am sad to leave Australia I am loving America!

If you ever wanted to live a day again, then this is the way to do it! It just shows how quickly everything can change. Go May 21!

After flying into San Fran I grabbed the first taxi and headed straight to the Mac store. (The lovely Sarah from the London offie had booked me in a time at the Genius bar). I was served by two Aussie mac blokes (Bobby and Glen) 'Genius's in the making'. They informed me that it was my screen that was broken (thank God). And they don't normally salvage stuff off the computer unless you buy a new one... but us Aussies gotta stick together... so they did a MASSIVE favour in return for me saying how AWESOME the San Fran Apple Store is... Here goes... The San Fran Apple Store is AWESOME! Whether you want lap tops, iPod or some cool programs. The Apple store San Fran has everything you could ever need. It's like a big toy store for grown ups. The staff are so helpful and you can tell they love to be there. San Fran mac store. Once you shop mac you will most definitely be back. OK, that's enough. Seriously, these guys were great and I am the happiest camper in the world knowing that I hardly lost any of my movie files!!!! It just may take some time to get the programs up and running when I get back to London.

Funny how a little bit of kindness can have such a dramatic butterfly effect on the rest of your day.

So we can eat on the move, Joel and I have booked ourselves onto a dinner cruise, thanks for the tip off Sarah. A dress code applies, so, unfortunately, this travellin' girl had to go shoppin'. Damn. What's a girl to do? Talk about a speed shop, after hours of 'just let me look at this one shop', my boyfriend would never believe how fast I managed to pick my self up a new outfit from MNG! And at 89 bucks, a good price too!

Just back from dinner aboard the Californian Horn Blower(!) "A deliciously different experience on the Bay". It was so great to be able to stop for three hours, eat a meal, get to know Joel and see the Bay area. It was so beautiful. Although all I have really seen of it is aboard this ship and the inside of a mac store I seriously love this city. I just can't help but want to break out and sing the intro song from Full House. How does it go again? We've been trying to work it out all night... something like: "Everywhere you go, every doobie do, do, do.... A hand to hold onto..." Does anyone know whatever happened to Stephanie or DJ?

When he is not driving an RV, Joel is a dashing young American rapper with a scary moe.

Metro competition: Found the answer? Visit Metro for your chance to win a 3 Skypephone (UK only we're afraid).

I've only just learned in any detail about the earthquake that wreaked such destruction in Szechuan Province in China on 12th May. It happened only a day or so after I was travelling through Southern Szechuan on the Yangtze.

It's hard to convey my feelings about it. First of all, of course, there is horror at the event itself, at the tens of thousands killed, the hundreds of thousands injured, the millions made homeless.

I think of the people I saw from the boat and train as I traveled through China. Ordinary people, living ordinary lives - just like those killed or hurt in the earthquake. One minute working or playing as they always had, the next in the middle of a terrifyingly powerful and destructive natural phenomenon.

Then there's my own personal situation. I passed through Southern Szechuan only a day before. It's hard to know how to feel about that. Was I lucky to escape? Or unlucky to be anywhere near the area at all? Am I blessed, or did I come very close to being cursed?

Last of all there is the fact that I travelled on, more or less unaware of what had happened so close to me. It reminds me of my interview with the guard on the Indian Pacific, who only found out about 9/11 on 9/14. Except in this case I was much closer to the disaster, and it was even longer before I heard anything much about it.

I now know that the Chinese government made an unprecedented call for help from the international community, that a huge rescue attempt was made and that there is a three-day period of national mourning in China.

But it has taken 8 days, 5 cities and 2 continents for me to find out. Intent on my mission I was ignorant of what is going on in the world. Even those I've spoken to on Skype have said nothing to me - perhaps assuming I know, perhaps unsure of how I would feel about my escape. Or maybe it's just not the sort of thing you talk about on the phone. It's more for chatting about immediate personal stuff than discussing the state of the world

Anyway, given how close it was to where I've been, it does feel pretty immediate and personal to me. So I'd like to make a plea to those who have not yet donated to 'Motivation', or even those generous souls who have, to please, give something to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.uk/quakeappeal.

It's been so nice to have some company! I didn't want to go to bed at first, too excited to have someone to join me on the journey. We spoke of all things from relationships to Judaism to inventions of Ohio to New York pastrami. Anyhow, Joel is a machine. He let me sleep through the night while he drove us to L.A. He then backed up with a full day sight seeing. That's 38 hours on 20 minutes rest. Pretty impressive stuff. He even met me in the mac store with a box of choccies!!!, which, half an hour ago we attempted to crack open but after being in the van all day they were all melted. They were too good to waste, so I did the dip and lick and sampled the best.

Joel seriously doesn't stop talking. He warned me the moment we met... When I am tired, I go quiet and like to retreat into my head and self. Joel just keeps getting louder. By the end of the day we were at polar opposites. Me dozing off in the passenger seat while he rants on about falafels and Southpark. He actually does not stop talking. I even went to bed and woke up to him talking on talk back radio. It's intense. But funny. I'd hate to see this guy's phone bill - if anyone needs free Skype calls it's definitely him! Shot a video which will give you an idea. Will post it in the next couple of days when I can get it off my camera (RIP Mac Book Air).

I learnt two disturbing pieces of news today, one was of a lady getting mugged, the other is that Joel had never been to Disneyland. I will upload some cool videos here again when I get it off my computer, but in the meantime here's some pics.

Just arrived at JFK, waiting for my ride. 3 hours sleep again. So tired. Sick of saying that, I'm annoying myself. There's something messed up about getting less than five on an aeroplane and feeling lucky. I am so delirious I wouldn't be surprised if I start hearing voices and seeing unicorns riding llamas or something like that.

With all the traveling and not a lot of showering, my best friend has been those cosmetic facial wipes - like the ones mums use on babies, only for your face. There's something really satisfying about giving yourself a good old wipe and seeing how much dirt comes off. Like it's some kind of achievement how dirty you got. Or maybe it just feels good to get it all out if you. Admit it, I'm not alone. I have friends who love squeezing out pus and picking scabs for this same reason. It's pretty gross even if you don't think of it.

It's strange how we adapt our personality around different people and situations. Like when I was with Joel, because he was so positive and happy and extroverted I dialed myself down a bit. I even got more self conscious asking strangers to take photos. It's not like I wasn't myself, it's just that I brought different characteristics out a bit, without even thinking. I find myself doing this also in different social groups that I am in. It's kind of like role playing. And sometimes you just act the way people expect you to. Like if someone else is more dominant in the role you usually play, then you dull down that aspect of yourself and bring out another. Not sure why I do it. Wonder if it is to fit in? Or just one of those natural law of energy things. Hmm.