tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-261450622011-04-22T03:56:55.813+02:00Another expatriate blog ... Off to Switzerland to work and sneak in some travel around EuropeMissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.comBlogger741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-49297355260274680592008-03-23T14:38:00.003+01:002008-03-23T14:45:56.462+01:00

Despite it being the beginning of Spring, it feels like the depths of winter (except the daylight doesn't go away at 4:30pm). It's been cold and snowy (SNOW!!) here for the past couple of weeks. At the moment the snow is coming down hard outside my window. It's really quite incredible, and it means at least two more good skiing adventures.On Good Friday the weather was also schleckt. I had

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-35564842819080896242008-03-14T23:16:00.002+01:002008-03-15T00:02:31.686+01:00

I think I have to admit it now: I can kinda speak German. The new job is going well and I'm listening to German and Swiss German every day. This evening after work I went out for a drink with one of my new workmates and chatted in Hoch Deutsch for about an hour. It's sorta cool.In other news, I've decided that twin-tip skis are awesome. I was able to try some out last weekend and I'm totally

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-18195580042831274492008-03-02T14:18:00.003+01:002008-03-02T14:57:33.002+01:00

The between jobs holiday is almost over and it's back to the working world tomorrow.One of the fun things I got to do in my break was go to London for a few days and catch up with my Aussie friends over there. I didn't plan anything, just went with the flow. Saw a movie, ate food and went to drinks with friends and new friends, went shopping and enjoyed some fish and chips (minus dim sims

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-63579194629196862612008-02-18T22:06:00.004+01:002008-02-18T22:19:58.929+01:00

Today is my first (official) day of holidays. I don't start my new job for another two weeks and it is a sweet feeling!So, rather than sleep for two weeks I want to take care of a bunch of things I've been putting off for the last six months, starting with transferring my Australian driver's licence to a Swiss one. This has become pressing lately as it needs to be done within twelve months of

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-72831085094703351472008-02-13T23:43:00.001+01:002008-02-13T23:43:37.031+01:00

Thank you Mr Rudd.Mr Nelson, you just don't get it, do you?

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-14067083036193980142008-02-13T23:35:00.004+01:002008-02-13T23:42:50.535+01:00

Why skiing in Switzerland is better than in Australia:It's closer to the main towns, waaaay closer; no more 4:30am startsLift passes are cheaperThe views of the mountains are incredible as you ski downYou can rent gear for the season, saving time and moneyThe ski boots are warmerIf you ski for only half the day, and spend the rest on the terrace soaking in the sunshine and the view, you don't

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-53409912344700551502008-02-13T23:33:00.001+01:002008-02-13T23:35:03.162+01:00

On Sunday morning my computer did some funny things so I shut it down. It didn't start up again. After long calls to the Australian support number during the middle of the night the verdict was to take it to an Apple centre.Bad news … no more data. The hard drive is kaputt.The biggest loss are the photos since just before I left Australia until now. Some are on Flickr, some were copies of

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-31699502047408810722008-01-31T22:52:00.000+01:002008-01-31T22:59:06.999+01:00

So, again, it's been a while (understatement) since I last posted.The big news? I quit my job a few days before Christmas. Things were never brilliant and for a long time I really felt that I needed to find something that suited me better. Thankfully I did find something, and in Zürich as well. All the job stuff has been taking up the majority of my headspace for the past several months, and

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-69223253309392423232007-10-07T15:55:00.000+02:002007-10-08T09:55:56.681+02:00

It has been a truly awesome week. After five months I really feel like moving to Zurich was the right thing. Sure, work isn't perfect, but other than that everything pretty much rocks.Birthday week started on Sunday night when Alisa took me out for dinner at Kunsthaus Restaurant where we got to try some tasty and different cuisine.On Thursday I had a lovely lunch with Lucy and after my evening

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-7008717602557564532007-10-04T13:59:00.000+02:002007-10-04T14:00:42.445+02:00

Heute ist mein Geburtstag!Another year gone, but a new and exciting one coming! Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes from both sides of the world. You all rock!

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-31693047757332900712007-09-20T23:07:00.000+02:002007-09-20T23:17:47.129+02:00

I'm still here, even though these posts are getting a bit infrequent(!). In fact, with my upcoming schedule they may remain that way. Here's a quick run down of the recent past anyway and I'll post some photos as soon as I get a chance to sort them.Went to Pizol and did the Five Lakes Hike with Alisa and Maike. Awesooooome.Met Swiss bogans in Aarau with Alisa, Robyn and Reto at SchwingFest 07.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-7964176325866520272007-08-09T23:24:00.000+02:002007-08-10T00:03:24.477+02:00

Most people will think I'm crazy. I think I'm crazy. I've decided to do the Zürisee lake swim (seeschwimmen). It's 1450 metres. That's a long way. It's from one side of the lake (Enge) to the other (Tiefenbrunnen).I had been vaguely thinking about it but a couple of guys in the office had actually decided to do it and I agreed to join them on a whim. We're going to the pub afterwards, which

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-63678250304555572862007-08-05T13:28:00.000+02:002007-08-05T14:38:40.692+02:00

Well it's been a big weekend and I'm recovering out on my balcony on Sunday afternoon. The weather is perfect and if my stomach settles down I might go down to one of the open air Badis which are set up in the lakes and rivers. From what I've seen they can be a bit of a look-at-me affair, but otherwise quite relaxing.But, the weekend... On Friday night I hosted my first little dinner party. I

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-50584345605557858052007-07-22T17:37:00.000+02:002007-07-22T17:45:25.391+02:00

A special package of Aussie goodness arrived in the mail this week. Along with mini Cherry Ripes, Milo and Kit Kats was a little CD case full of Aussie tunes:Memories & Dust by Josh PykeBlack Fingernails and Red Wine by eskimo joeDream Days at the Hotel Existence by Powderfingerwhite moth by Xavier RuddGrand National by The John Butler TrioTwo Shoes by The Cat EmpireThe Hard Road by the Hilltop

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-74808545973968459432007-07-22T17:15:00.000+02:002007-07-22T17:36:26.234+02:00

One of the cool things about my new living arrangement is that my room comes with a balcony; my balcony. I cleaned it up when I moved in and imagined being able to have meals out here, relax with friends and most importantly, happy hour with Mum when she comes. It's a bit of a tradition, especially when the weather is nice, to sit outside with some wine, cheese, crackers and other tasties.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-34122200231615252762007-07-14T19:06:00.000+02:002007-07-16T16:40:52.701+02:00

I'd been thinking about getting a skateboard for a few weeks. Zurich is good for skating, as everything is paved. You see skaters all around town, predominately on slalom boards, which I haven't seen much of in Australia. I thought having a board would be a good way to get around town, whilst still having the option of catching public transport if it starts raining (a regular occurrence here).

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-73045612150835247462007-07-13T11:00:00.000+02:002007-07-13T10:59:51.878+02:00

So I've been missing for about a month. Sorry about that. Thankfully it's because I've been busy, not crying into my cup of tea.I went to Lyon with Damini and her sister, which was a lovely weekend. Despite a couple of hiccups when I first arrived (going along the wrong side of the tracks and stumbling into the local prostitute strip; a stuff up with our booking so that the hotel thought we

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-25744425707388114692007-06-18T22:36:00.000+02:002007-06-18T22:45:20.319+02:00

I'm homesick.I get flashes in my mind of the streets of Melbourne, my favourite cafés, the trees in the Dandenongs or roads I drove down often. Mum's loungeroom, the view at Dad's house, the early morning fog in the Ranges.Hot chocolates. Red wine and friends. Dark bars, small conversations, the black-clad Melburnians. Cosiness. Warm pubs. Hugs. Pottering.And it comes on at the most

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-35843817696929390112007-06-10T23:29:00.000+02:002007-06-10T23:45:55.878+02:00

Today I went walkies up the Uetliberg, which I believe is the name for the mountain on my side of Zurich, although it could just be the name of the top of the mountain, or something else entirely; I'm not a hundred percent sure.Anyway, it was a long walk, about three and a half hours. It only took half an hour to hit the forest and about another half an hour to get to the top of the hill. From

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-58199295722182818922007-06-10T23:09:00.000+02:002007-06-10T23:14:42.339+02:00

I saw the Cat Empire play in Zurich on Monday night. It was awesome. The support act was an absolute disaster but it just made the Cat Empire even better. I danced non-stop for two hours and my legs were wrecked the next day. Even better, I was right at the front, perfect view, slightly off to the side and wasn't being crushed. That would never be possible in Australia. The only bummer was

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-13891329485963992007-06-10T22:48:00.000+02:002007-06-10T23:00:29.923+02:00

Sushi is surprisingly popular here, although it's considered a delicacy, not a cheap lunch. But apparently the smart cookies at the coop (one of the major supermarkets) research unit decided that they could come up with a much easier, cheaper, swiss-version of sushi than the original. I give you the sushi sandwich.I take German classes two nights a week from 18:00 until 20:10. I normally bring

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-15095597552332769932007-06-02T17:59:00.000+02:002007-06-02T18:34:11.775+02:00

Last weekend was a long weekend here in Switzerland, as well as other parts of Europe. Happily, Dale happened to be going through London at the same time so I was able to head to the UK for three days. And boy, it rocked ...Dale met me at the London City Airport, after the flight was delayed for an hour in Zurich. I didn't have a great time in Zurich airport after having a fight with a

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-20554686935558565732007-05-19T23:59:00.000+02:002007-05-20T00:47:28.184+02:00

I got these at the supermarket this afternoon: rice cakes topped with chocolate. They seriously love their chocolate here.I recommend them, despite the fact the chocolate completely negates any nutritional value of the rice cake.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-55499189660658636682007-05-19T21:07:00.000+02:002007-05-19T21:22:34.556+02:00

I was on the phone to Dale tonight who is currently travelling in another part of Switzerland. Besides all the other amazing European things he'd seen (real mountains, big glasses of beer etc.) he expressed his shock at the abundance of water everywhere. I couldn't agree with him more; they just don't stress about water here.The taps don't turn on slowly, but often have high pressure straight

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-28622040092675342162007-05-16T19:07:00.000+02:002007-05-16T20:44:27.278+02:00

It's been a bit of a topsy-turvey week emotion-wise. Homesickness, being a bit under the weather plus a very busy weekend putting together the bits of Ikea furniture that were delivered correctly.interludeShit. The Housemate is moving out in a month. I need to find a new housemate.That was unexpected.Must think now.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-41823012568548944472007-05-05T17:42:00.000+02:002007-05-05T18:00:10.465+02:00

Still sleeping on the floor. Delivery of my mattress has been delayed by a couple of weeks, so the room still looks like a mess. The bed frame has arrived (minus slats) and I have the boxes piled up in the corner. I really want some furniture.Good news is that the weekend I'd booked flights to London is actually a long weekend here! It's costing me a bit extra, but I've managed to change my

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-14228333039450727502007-05-02T22:28:00.000+02:002007-05-02T22:52:54.240+02:00

First day negotiated successfully :)Good choice on wearing a suit though, despite hearing that the business attire was more casual here. I started the day in an introductory session with mostly trading floor and risk types, who were of course all dressed in suits, so I fitted right in. The introductory session was conducted in German, which reduced the usefulness somewhat. Thankfully the HR

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-91171382579208774292007-04-26T22:31:00.000+02:002007-04-26T23:05:49.820+02:00

Have you ever had that experience when you suddenly realise you've got no idea what it is you're eating? That's what happened to me yesterday when I grabbed a foccacia on my way back to the apartment. I sat down to eat the (what I thought) mozzarella, tomato and lettuce sandwich and got about a third of the way through when it occurred to me that the big chunk of mozzarella I'd been munching on

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-512871456804423502007-04-25T11:49:00.000+02:002007-04-25T12:06:34.659+02:00

Okay I haven't posted since I arrive and I apologise to all those who've emailed me asking me to post!As you can imagine I've been pretty busy. Just to summarise:The flight was okay. Annoying kids on the first leg (I've never seen so many children in one section of a plane before; incredible) but otherwise no problems. I was pretty shocked at how empty Zurich airport was and apparently it's

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-90638345016894337932007-04-18T15:37:00.000+02:002007-04-18T15:44:05.806+02:00

The past two weeks have been insane. The last weeks at work were also very stressful. In fact, I think I've been stressed out since New Year's.That all (hopefully) ends tomorrow. Once I'm on the plane there's nothing more that can be done. Any documents, any tasks, anything that I've forgotten will stay as it is.I have spent the last ten days running around from place to place: emptying and

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-9337292072354570922007-04-10T16:43:00.000+02:002007-04-10T17:05:37.017+02:00

Work finished last Thursday. Very weird. I had worked there for over three years and even five days later I still feel like it's my workplace; that I haven't quit. I keep saying to "at work we ..." then catching myself. Right now I'm unemployed. Also weird.The weekend was huge. It started with my end of work drinks on Thursday night, which kicked on till a late hour. On Good Friday the

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-5426034619581876972007-03-24T04:54:00.001+01:002007-03-24T04:54:26.572+01:00

It's raining, It's pouring, The old man is snoring.   Went to bed And hit his head And didn't get up in the morning!   It's been raining here on and off over the past few days.  What a relief.  The drought hasn't broken by any stretch of the imagination, but the sight of damp grass (still yellow) is much better than cracked soil.  The mood has also changed: as soon as the water starts hitting the

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-88759477917900907902007-02-16T02:37:00.000+01:002007-02-16T02:44:36.742+01:00

As many will already know, I'm moving to Switzerland in April. I've got a job in Zürich :) So much for all my French lessons - I've just started German lessons so I can least say "My name is ...", "Please", "Thank you" etc. before I arrive. Apparently, like a lot of European countries, politeness is very highly valued in Switzerland.Given the circumstances, I'll start updating this blog

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-32774979845139352872006-12-10T08:00:00.000+01:002006-12-10T08:35:05.946+01:00

I got my new MacBook! yayayayayayay!This is my first post from the shiny new toy. Very very exciting.Interesting stuff that's happened lately: Biranda06 (aka Ben and Miranda's wedding). A very tasteful wedding out in Sassafrass. Liz, Joe and I had a great time enjoying the free alcohol and catching up with old friends. You can see the photos on flickr.The next weekend I was back in the hills

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-54654744149960415822006-11-12T06:33:00.000+01:002006-11-12T12:44:39.599+01:00

So I've been back in Melbourne for just over a week. The big trip is finished (but not the adventure), time to go back to the real world. This wouldn't be so difficult if I hadn't managed to pick up a cold in my last week in the UK, or another icky virus in Melbourne from an inconsiderate commuter when I was just getting over the first cold (she coughed right at me; cover your mouth people please

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1162325123948867842006-10-31T20:53:00.000+01:002006-11-12T06:29:19.378+01:00

Amsterdam (photos)Just before lunch on Monday (23rd Oct - it's been a while) I arrived in Amsterdam feeling a bit worse for wear. I'd been travelling on three different trains since before 7am. I hadn't thought too much about what I wanted to see in Amsterdam, where I wanted to go and given my fatigued state organising something was a bit of a challenge. So I just wandered around the city,

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1161993547289394352006-10-28T01:52:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:19.168+01:00

Okay, I'm in Derry at the moment. I'm finally on the Shamrocker tour of Northern Ireland with Anna and Rob and at the end of the first day. We've had a rocking time tonight at a traditional Irish pub, helping a local, Gerry, celebrate his fortieth birthday.So an incredibly quick update before I hit the sack: I've just spent the first part of the week in Holland getting various tours from the

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1161548290592932022006-10-22T22:14:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:18.939+01:00

Whilst in Montpellier Maike generously invited me to come and stay with her family in Germany for a weekend to help me fulfil my dream of seeing a top flight football (soccer) match during my trip. We organised the dates and the game from Montpellier (thanks to Toby for getting the tickets) and on Friday afternoon I took a train from Brussels to Ennepetal which is a tiny town I've never heard of

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1161288905993389512006-10-19T21:22:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:18.695+01:00

I've finally found a decent internet cafe and I have had some time to upload some photos: Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich and Brussels. It's been a week since I've had time to get some serious internet time and I'm sorry for all those who have been waiting for news! So here's a quick run down of what I've been up to:GenevaWhen I arrived in Geneva I was a bit taken aback as it wasn't anything like I

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1161084512806449362006-10-17T13:25:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:18.494+01:00

I've been in Switzerland since Thursday now, but it's time to move on to Belgium. Photos and stories will come soon, but as noted by others, travelling with another person cuts down on your internet time!Anyway, it's been great, especially the time in Zurich where I've felt like more of a local visiting a mate than a tourist.Okay I've got to catch a train! More news soon, I promise!

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1160679032599135502006-10-12T20:44:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:18.291+01:00

What is it with the French and breakfast? I haven't been able to have toast for three weeks. At the last hostel the automatic hot chocolate machine was only good for bowls, a cup was too small.In Grenoble I personally witnessed French people drinking their morning hot chocolate, tea or coffee out of a bowl and then dipping bread spread with jam and butter in the bowl before eating it. So very

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1160677726829643202006-10-12T19:37:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:17.951+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW! Well I went to Annecy on what could be described as a whim after Jonathan told me it was really beautiful. I had been thinking of going to Lyon but nothing was set in stone. After a worrying start (I had a bit of difficulty finding the hostel and it included lugging my 15kg pack up a very steep hill; then they didn't have dinners as advertised) things quickly improved.I

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1160409827971008202006-10-09T17:43:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:17.722+01:00

I've been in Grenoble since Saturday now, and it's been really good. I'd love to list all the things I've done but I'd need about three hours to write it out, so here are a few highlights: Went to the Museum of the Resistance and DeportationWent to my old church and was remembered by three of the members, with some funny stories coming out. One lady actually thought I was Mum and identified the

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1160144901862535382006-10-06T16:24:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:17.528+01:00

So today is my last in Montpellier. Tomorrow I catch a train (actually two) to Grenoble, which I'm really looking forward to. I've enjoyed my time here but I'm impatient to get on the road again. Definitely the best has been all the new friends I've made. Tonight we're going out for a few drinks as the majority are heading off tomorrow for more travels or back home to work. So, onward

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1160052800228161002006-10-05T14:45:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:17.387+01:00

Well last night's birthday celebrations absolutely rocked. I had a great time! Many thanks to Anita, Olaf, Daniel, Daniel, Maike, Jonathan, Antonella, Mar, Mariét and Andrea for making my day great despite being half a world away from home. I really appreciated it!

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159963933440625812006-10-04T14:11:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:16.923+01:00

Thank you to everyone who has sent me a birthday wish; whether by sms, email, a message, a call or by the blog. It's great that you all remembered!Tonight I'm going out to dinner with some people I've met at the school to have a little celebration. And I hadn't thought of it, but Mum mentioned last night that this will be my third birthday in France. That's pretty cool.Anyway, thinking of all

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159901606932455342006-10-03T20:49:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:16.605+01:00

I've started a collection of dogs in Montpellier. Not only are they everywhere, but this weekend I saw a lot not on a leash (which is apparently illegal), and they are so many of the "dangerous" dogs which you hardly ever see in Australia. You see heaps of beggers with these dogs, they allowed in shopping centres and they shit everywhere. It's no wonder they clean the streets every day here.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159900883240939892006-10-03T20:18:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:16.252+01:00

Today a group of us visited Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert which is a small town about 40kms from Montpellier. Mme V. had strongly recommened it (several times) but what sold it to me was that other people had also said it was good. So we left class a little early to catch the bus out to the village.Shit-town, that's all I have to say about the village we had to change buses at on the journey. On the

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159791791514267522006-10-02T13:59:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:15.857+01:00

So ... French swimming pools. They seem to have a whole set of strange rules and customs which can confuse and bemuse the uninitiated. But let me share my experience at the Montpellier Piscine Olympique last Friday so you'll be prepared when the need arises.Perhaps the most confusing thing was the use of the changing rooms (and other assorted areas) before you actually make it to the pool.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159640871840274592006-09-30T20:21:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:15.579+01:00

I've uploaded a few more photos. Tagged as: Montpellier, Les Baux de Provence and Arles. Next blog post will hopefully describe the very confusing rules around going to the pool in France, which we stumbled through yesterday with many giggles and tellings-off from the French lifeguards.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159450345476290792006-09-28T15:18:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:15.339+01:00

After the real estate business last night I got chatting to Mme V. and I asked her if she had any grand children (three) because of the extra pressies I have after the change of families. I spent the next half an hour or so explaining what a kookaburra is (and trying to imitate their laugh), what a platypus is and the basic rules of Aussie Rules.She also asked me about the Australian coins we

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159449368733757652006-09-28T15:16:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:14.877+01:00

From my journal ...18:26 - Chez V. MontpellierI've just had the most unexpected experience.This evening I went into my room to discover my things had been moved again but this time to new locations and I didn't need to spend ten minutes hunting for my shoes again like last night (they'd been hidden in the built-in-robe which I don't use - I was shocked because I couldn't work out for the life of

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159287827771383072006-09-26T18:23:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:14.561+01:00

The most difficult and amusing thing to do (in my opinion) in a second language is explain a medical problem to a pharmacist. I've had to do it twice on this trip and once when I was in New Caledonia and it's always a learning experience.Soon after my 9€ lunch I was feeling very very ill. I think this was a combination of a stomach bug from the past day or two (maybe a hang over from a couple

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159284458433407532006-09-26T17:17:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:14.397+01:00

I've bought an abonnement (subscription) to a local internet café and it's fantastic. For the relatively low cost of 10€ for 10 hours I've got broadband access to the internet and the computers are better here with USB ports, windows explorer etc. The only thing I'm struggling with are the French keyboards. They are just different enough to stop me from typing quickly.Anyway, thanks to the

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159278520843849632006-09-26T15:48:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:14.155+01:00

Last night things went better at the place that I'm staying. I had a chat to Mme V. (my host) and she was easier to get along with. This could have been due to the alcohol I smelt on her breath, but I'll take what I can get.In the spirit of our improved relations (or maybe just my perception of them) I decided to give breakfast at chez V. a go this morning. Mme V. herself was not around but

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159188027193147502006-09-25T14:40:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:13.900+01:00

So ... my host family is not a family.  My host has a great apartment in Montpellier, not far from the centre of town, in fact I would still say she is in the centre of town.  However, it's not a family I'm just lodging.  She has two rooms which she lets to the school and the local tourist association.  I get the feeling I might not be welcome to move out of my bedroom and into the common area. 

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1159096851761344502006-09-24T13:20:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:13.626+01:00

Paris has been awesome.  I can't even claim to have scratched the surface and I'm looking forward to visiting again.  At the moment though I don't know if I could live here.  Maybe if I saw a few more quartiers.  I've been trying to stay away from the touristy areas but it's pretty difficult when I am a tourist myself!  I'll post some photos when I get to a computer that has a USB drive.   I

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1158949847302328442006-09-22T20:30:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:13.322+01:00

My host family has changed.  It was a young couple with a couple of kids but now it's an older lady who lives on her own.  That sort of sucks because I brought all these gifts for young children and I was really looking forward to giving them.   I hope this lady is cool but there's no email address so I'm guessing she doesn't have a computer.  That'll be a let down after the free internet here.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1158949522322379302006-09-22T20:25:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:13.066+01:00

An extract from my journal:21:44 - Chez Ginette Restaurant, MontmartreI feel like I've stepped into a movie set.  It's not "just like the movies" but there are many things that look like that.  I'm sitting at a restaurant waiting for dinner.  My body clock is still screwy but I'm working on it.  What heightens the feeling of a movie or a play is that I feel like I'm playing a part.  I've spent

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1158828530185351022006-09-21T10:48:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:12.746+01:00

So I managed to make it to France.  I'm sitting in the common area of the hostel that I'm staying at and it's full of people speaking in English.  So far my attempts at French have been met with English replies.  And all the service people have been great (it's only been a few hours so I should reserve judgement - perhaps they were sympathetic to my lost backpacker look).   I'm loving this

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1158720813456917032006-09-20T04:48:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:12.439+01:00

Okay, this is a little geeky I admit. I'm at Melbourne airport waiting for my flight, which predictably is another hour and a half away. The place is deserted! Which is kind of good because it means I have no trouble getting an internet connection.I've been feeling pretty nervous about this whole trip the last few days. The comments I'm getting are "I'm so jealous!" "I can't believe you're

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1158239381201592822006-09-14T14:57:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:12.121+01:00

I am so much happier than I was three days ago.On Monday night I did my final practice exam for the Sun Certified Java Programmer exam. I got bang on the pass mark. This was worrying, not in the least because as I'd been doing the exam I was thinking I am going to cane this thing, if the real exam is as easy as this I'm going to get 100%! Imagine my surprise then when my result was 59.7%. I

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1157704049679026722006-09-08T10:27:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:11.839+01:00

What's the best thing about telecommuting?  The music.   I can listen to music on my speakers instead of via earphones.  I can sing out loud.  I can dance around my temporary office in the kitchen.  Basically uninhibited dorkiness.   I tried to treat today like a normal work day.  Get up, dress (no telecommuting in pyjamas for me), turn on computer, one hour for lunch etc.  I haven't worked from

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1157609243410127572006-09-07T07:30:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:11.520+01:00

I'd had grand intentions of writing long and interesting posts about my two warm up trips last month, but alas it didn't happen. In the absence of those posts let me provide a brief summary:Warm up trip #1: SydneyMy awesome host Ryan took me on a bit of a culinary tour around Sydney and the Hunter Valley, with a night in Shoal Bay thrown in for good measure. Top event: dinner at Libertine in

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1154348727757836882006-07-31T13:57:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:11.190+01:00

I've finally entered the Flickr world.You can check out my account and my photos from Sydney. Details about "warm up trip #1" to come soon!

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1153016902910357552006-07-16T03:52:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:10.157+01:00

So, the results are back for my DELF A2 exam - and I passed!Written:Comprehension: 24.0/25Composition: 19.5/25Oral:Comprehension: 21.0/25Composition: 19.0/25Total:83.50/100It shouldn't really be surprising that the higher marks were for the written section, or that comprehension is easier than composition. I'd be surprised if that's not the situation for most people. It's often easier to

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1150466453655075122006-06-16T15:32:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:09.921+01:00

Unless you've been living in a cave for the past week, you'll have noticed that the World Cup has started. And if you're an Australian fan you'll have celebrated your first every victory in the World Cup finals (and what a game!). I've been staying up most nights and watching at least the first game of the evening, which starts at 11pm and ends at around 1am. If the World Cup has taught me

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1149336608892944662006-06-04T03:27:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:09.593+01:00

The Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) and Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF) are the official French language proficiency qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education. At the school where I study they run the exams 2 to 3 times a year.Basically, there are six levels of proficiency (DELF A1 - B2, DALF C1 - C2). Each exam is marked by the folks in Paris, no

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1149333000573865782006-06-03T12:57:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:09.329+01:00

Ingredients:4 x lamb rissoles bought at the butcher on a whim3 x desire potatoes left in the fridge from Wednesday dinner2 x granny smith apples bought from fruiter on a whimplus found in the cupboard and fridge:basilbasil pestoparmesan cheesebrown sugarice creambutterrice bubblesResults:Main meal was two lamb rissoles each on a bed of basil and parmesan mash, with sauce from rissoles drizzled on

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1149328228109442392006-06-03T11:06:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:09.078+01:00

Earlier in the year, soon after I purchased my plane tickets, I put a Mont Latitude Jacket on lay-by at Bogong. (If you haven't yet noticed, I'm a fan of Mont gear and have been ever since Anna introduced me to the brand.)Anyway, I decided on purchasing an outer-shell jacket rather than a soft-shell because I figured it'd be useful in different climates. If it's cold, I can just wear more warm

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1149325447884084302006-06-02T14:03:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:08.846+01:00

I'm now a British citizen. Yay!I'm one of those lucky people who has a family connection with one or more countries in the European Union (in this case the United Kingdom and The Netherlands). I'm a few years too old to qualify for a Dutch passport, but as my father was born in Northern Ireland it's not a problem.Obviously, the coolest thing is that with my passport I'll be able to work in the EU

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1145692290841977742006-04-25T14:22:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:08.608+01:00

I have a very cool travel pack, the Mont Astro. I bought it last year for my trip to Vietnam, whilst thinking ahead to this trip. What I particularly like about this pack (besides the fact that the harness is super comfortable and comes in women's sizes) is its versatility. Besides the main pack, it also comes with a day pack which has a 25L capacity. In addition, one side of the clam shell

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1145085264632889462006-04-15T09:14:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:08.118+01:00

Kathmandu is having an Easter sale until Sunday 23th April. Time to stock up on some more thermals (3 for 1 on new season's stock) given their prices are only reasonable during a sale.

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26145062.post-1145077011382548792006-04-15T06:56:00.000+02:002006-11-12T06:29:07.749+01:00

Well, another travel blog. A little early perhaps - I'm not leaving for another five months. But as family and friends will tell you I can't contain my excitement. (I'm guessing they're sick of it already; imagine what'll be like when I get back!)Anyway, it is exciting. I'm off to Europe to practise my French, see where I lived as a child (Grenoble), see where my father was born (Belfast), see

MissShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768491530907442938noreply@blogger.com5