Bugs for brunch

Have a look at this story of a pest controller who got lost in the Outback in WA and survived by gorging on the inhabitants of a termite mound. It's the type of story the news media just love. Can you picture the angle: a bug man who surives an ordeal by eating bugs. Pretty amazing story none-the-less and the was ultimately rescued by a group of Aborigal people. Bugs for brunch anyone?

Camping holidays

It seems as though the news is consistently worrying and everyone seems to be feeling the pinch of the changing financial and economic situation. Everyone is looking for ways to economise and cut back on some essentials. It is not easy for anyone these days. Whereas once upon a time many people would easily book one or more package holidays a year, these days people are looking for different ways in which they can enjoy a fun holiday without it having to cost an arm and a leg.

One way to do just this is to go Camping Europe, and enjoy a great camping holiday. The benefits of a traditional camping holiday are many. You can cook your own meals, which saves on money. And, let’s face it; there is nothing quite like cooking your own meal in the great outdoors. It is fun and the food tastes amazing in the fresh air. You save money on accommodation costs as camping is always much less expensive than staying in a hotel or an apartment. You can choose where to go while you are out on the road and be flexible about where you end up,which is always fun.

But apart from the sensible cost-saving reasons to go camping it is just plain good fun. You get to spend time outdoors, perhaps near a forest or lake and go hiking or cycling. Also, I always found it is much easier to socialise on a campsite as there is generally a nice, friendly atmosphere and people don’t mind having a chat.

It’s a great way to go on holiday and it will save you money.

This is a sponsored post. P

Strange

Still no news on the putative flat, I'm afraid. I'm just hanging in there. Yesterday, my in-laws were visiting which was very strange. It was sociable enough but I found it very difficult as well. It is just so sad to have to accept that my wife and I no longer are a couple. I find it really hurts even though there is no acrimony. What a strange trip it still is..

Barcelona city-break

Europe is really a fascinating part of the world. You can’t beat if for culture and history. There are endless wonders to behold and most every country has something different and equally worthwhile to offer the visiting traveller. Some people rave about Paris, which I love and which is unique in so many ways. Some other people prefer cities such as Vienna or Rome, both of which are simply stunning.

Personally, I love going on European City Breaks as it is so convenient to travel around Europe and take in some of its amazing charm. One of my all time favourite city destinations has to be the Catalan city of Barcelona. This elegant and refined city has it all; stunning architecture, some of the finest cuisine in the world, a beach and a marina. It’s all there in spades.

Just wandering through the old Gothic quarter near the famous boulevard the Rambla is a wonderful experience. Or else admire some of Gaudi’s masterpieces which are dotted around the cities. His cathedral The Sagrada Familia has to be seen to be believed.

And don’t forget to join the locals on a Sunday morning for a stroll around the lovely Parc Guell with its Modernism objets d’art. I love Barcelona as it is such a stylish city. You will find everything that makes life good in this jewel of a city. I would recommend it as a destination for anyone who likes the good things in life. Enjoy!

This is a sponsored post. P

Long Reef, North Sydney on a blustery autumnal day back in 2005. My wife and I were being driven around some of the sights in Sydney by friends. We had fish and chips somewhere near Manly and had a look around Long Reef and North Head. It was a good day out and it was rounded off nicely by a lovely dinner with friends at their beautiful house on the northern shores.

Waiting

I'm still waiting to find out more about that lead on a flat in Balmain. It would be fantastic if it were suitable enough but apparently it's hard for my friend there to pin down the people involved. So, I just have to remain patient and not get my hopes up too high.

Fingers crossed

I'm still waiting to find out more about that flat I mentioned. A friend of mine will be trying to get to see the flat in order to establish whether it would be suitable and I am waiting to hear back from her. Fingers crossed indeed!

Pope in Oz

Been following the news of the Pope’s visit to Sydney, with much interest. Apparently, the New South Wales government introduced a few new laws making it illegal to 'annoy' the pilgrims in any way. Seems a bit unnecessary to me. If you're willing to fly to the other side of the world to join in World Youth Day you are probably not that shaken by some annoying protester against something or other.

A tabloid had a big headline in which they called the Pope 'Benny', which just makes me cringe. It's so incredibly informal and irreverent but quite matey and chummy at the same time. Makes me wonder what I'm going to make of the Aussie spirit once I'm there..

Flat

Just heard from a friend that an acquaintance will be leaving his flat in Balmain round about the time I am moving to Sydney. This could be very interesting in theory. I will have to hope that I am lucky. My friend is going to make enquiries and I will keep you posted. The flat's location is in-between my friend's place and the local pub. Could be worse..

More bound for Oz

Heard last night that two good friends of mine, he English and she an Aussie, are moving to South Australia in January. It looks as though there will be plenty of people I know around the place once I am settled down in Sydney. It will be good to keep in touch with them over there. Funny sort of thing life. You never know what's around the corner. Really..

Titles

It ocurred to me the other day that the title of this blog will soon be slightly obsolete. There are just a few months until I make the move and once I am there I will no longer be 'Bound for Oz'. What shall I do. I do want to continue penning down my impressions of living in Australia and let you know how I'm getting on. Perhaps I'll just keep the title or change the title but leave the URL intact. We'll see. 'She'll be right.'

Kakadu

One of the things that I want to see once I get settled in Australia is Kakadu National Park up in the Northern Territory. I imagine it to be a stunning natural environment and one that makes a lasting impression. It would be good to have a guide show me around or join some sort of tour as long as it's not too touristy. I can't wait to explore this vast and fascinating country.

Tips and suggestions

If anyone out there has any useful tips or suggestions for a newly single man moving to Australia then by all means leave a comment and I will respond to it. Although I was of course born in Australia I grew up in Holland and have lived the last eight years in the U.K. so to all intents and purposes you can to some extent compare my situation to someone migrating from England to Oz. And as there are multitudes of Brits moving Down Under every year some might have a useful tip or two for me. So, leave a comment if you want to share your experiences with me.

Packing

I need to start packing some of my belongings for the big trip. I won't be taking any items of furniture or other big things. I will be having my books and DVDs posted once I get settled somewhere more or less permanently. Luckily, my ex-partner will be staying on in the house so there is no hurry to divide things up or anything.

It will just be me, my large suitcase and my brand-new laptop arriving at Sydney Airport in Octover. Deo Volente, of course, but that goes without saying..

Shark in lake

An slightly puzzling article in the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday about a fisherman who found a Great White shark in a lake as he tried to empy his nets. The article does not mention how a great white got into the lake in the first place. Did someone empy their fishbowl containing the shark into the lake? Apparently, details of the story are scarce as the fisherman involved 'is an elderly man who has a distrust of the media'. Perhaps he prefers the shark to the media hyenas and ghouls. Can't blame him, really..

Jobs

Heard back from a job application last week and it was a no go. I am not too bothered by it as it was a job with the police institute and although it was located in Manly I was not that keen, really. But it's all good experience and it will prepare me for when I arrive in Sydney and will have to start job hunting for real.

I thought to myself this week that perhaps I will look for something else than just jobs as a library assistant. After a number of years of working in both public and university libraries I really wouldn't mind a complete change. Something that takes me outdoors, for instance, could be just what's called for. Ideas are fomenting as I speak...

Holland

Just got back from visiting my Dutch family and friends in that funny miniscule country. It was good to catch up with my siblings and prepare for the big move later in the year. Luckily, it won't be the last time I see them before I set off to Oz as I will be hopping across the Channel one more time in a few weeks' time.

Everyone seemed very supportive regarding my plans to relocate to sunny Sydney and it's good to know they understand my motives. After all, it's a long way to go and none of us know what the future holds, do we?

Should have brought back some cheese..