Paul's journal

I'm on holidays from tomorrow so won't be posting here.

Read about my travels in my Travel Blog.

Regular service will resume in June.

I didn't do as much planning for my holiday as I would have liked as I've spent too much time playing X-Assault instead. I went to Southland and DFO yesterday and got a novel (It's Superman) and a Sudoku puzzle book. Today at Parkmore I got essentials like underwear and socks. It's a week now until I go. It's coming really quick.

I've booked my LA accommodation, in Beverly Hills, so now I'm free to move on to booking more of the fun things rather than were I will lay my head.

I tried to book tickets to see Wicked! on Broadway but it's sold out until June!

I'm looking for a replacement show now. There's things like Mary Poppins. Legally Blonde, and Tarzan that I'd like to see, but I think it would be like when I saw The Lion King and knew basically every line and joke in the book.

I've seen The Producers on stage and at the movies, and movie versions of Chicago and Rent. Hairspray will be at the movies later this year and Spamalot will be on stage here later this year as well.

I'm think Les Mis might be the way to go. It's something I've wanted to see and haven't seen before. Or maybe Avenue Q?

My holiday is half booked. Well all my flights are done and will be paid for tomorrow and now I just have to choose the places I'm going to stay and it will be complete.

I was very happy that when I went to Flight Centre the cute guy I've admired from outside for ages was the one to serve me. I'm sure he gave me a good deal but he could have talked me into pretty much anything with those eyes.

I will be flying out on 7 May and will be away for three weeks with time in LA, Las Vegas, New York, Washington DC and San Francisco.

I've started making my list of places I want to see and things I want to do but I'm sure it will grow and grow.

Woke up about 9am this morning. I had breakfast, the Twists were nice but a bit too sweet, and finished reading Infinite Crisis. Once I was dressed I went up to the street to get the local paper for dad. It was packed with holiday makers all rugged up.

Yesterday's sun had been replaced by overcast skies, cool wind and the threat of rain. The beach was all but deserted. I had planned to sit outside and read but it was not the weather for that. I went down to the Nobbies (frustrated by some slow drivers) to have a look and get some morning tea. I could do the former but the whole complex was closed for redevelopment so there was no food to be had.

I ended up parking at one of the beaches nearby where I had a view of the beach, rocks and surf and read the last third of Alternatives to Sex. I was only going to read for a little bit, and then that became a little bit more and then it was the last twenty pages so I may as well just finish the thing.

I went back to the main street and was going to get some chicken but I couldn't wait 20 minutes. I was starving. I ended up getting a hamburger from a fish and chip shop from a very attractive guy with an accent - guessing dutch.

There was a road sign warning of delays this afternoon due to a classic car event leaving the island. This sped up my plans as I had enough delays yesterday and did not want to get stuck in another one.

I ate at home and then packed everything up and into the car and was on my way by 3:30. The drive was a bit slow getting off the island but back on the mainland it was fine. No rain fell, although it looked like it might, and once I was through Cranbourne the sun was out and shinning. I was home much earlier than I'd expected.

I got a late start on my trip after surfing the Internet for a while. I'd got up too early anyway and wanted to time my drive so I could call into the libraries on the way.

At Narre library I picked up Getting It when I saw it on the new release shelf, as well as parts one and two of Knightfall. At Cranbourne library I thought I wouldn't get anything, that is until I saw the Infinite Crisis hardcover sitting there. I debated whether I should read it or wait since it's on my pull list but I decided since I'd already read Civil War prior to getting that book I could do the same. I also picked up Sanchez's other novel So Hard To Say and a book called A Mind Of It's Own which I'd flicked through at Narre.

I popped Get This on through my mp3 player and continued on my way. The drive was fine until I got past ??? where traffic crawled to an almost stop and continued that way until the Giant Worm. There was roadworks going on in that area (further duplication) but I was really annoyed to see there was no reason for the traffic to stop. The only restriction was a drop to 80 for a segment of road.

Traffic slowed again at San Remo and over the bridge. What's wrong with drivers?! I thought about going straight to get lunch but decided instead to go to the house first and drop my stuff off. I got some lunch at the Subway store and then moved the car and had a look around the main street and the main beach.

The sun was out and the place was packed. There was some nice eye-candy on display particularly on the pier where some of a group of teenagers were jumping off into the water. This helped cement my decision to trim my hair a little. I went to Coles and looked for something for breakfast. I ended up going with K-Time Twists. I also bought a six pack of beers and some of the toothpaste I like but can't find at home.

I went back to the newsagents to get some scissors and bought the Men's Exercise mag I saw a week or two back but couldn't find again when I went to buy it. I went back to the house, had a beer and did some reading. Then I did some trimming and the afternoon ticked by quickly.

I went down to the beach late afternoon and the high tide was in. I was surprised by how busy the beach was. I had to walk through some water near the track where the tide met the foreshore. I soaked my feet in the bay for a while and kept walking until I got to the sign I could see in the distance; I was curious as to what it said and found it was about some protected birds breeding in the area.

The walk back which I did mostly back on the road seemed much longer than the walk down and I took a break in the park for a little while. When I got back (which was hard to do with the sun so low and blinding) I rang home and then headed out to get tea.

I put my order in for a pizza and then popped over to Coles to get a recharge for my phone. When I came back the kids messing with the SFII machine had gone and I ended their game and started a new. I was doing fine until I got to Ryu who wiped me out. I didn't have long to wait after that for my tea.

I ate watching Are You Being Served...? John Inman died during the week and it made me want to watch. Mr Humprhries may be camp but he's not made fun of because of it by any other character. I think it's a fairly positive character really in queer tv history.

I half watched the end of A Cinderalla Story, a South Australian C31 gay show hosted by three funny drag queens, The West Wing, and the end of What Women Want. The other half of my mind was focused on reading, Sudoku, and using a mud mask.

I ended up going to bed about 1 o'clock. I managed to get through four beers today which was a lot more than my average of less than 0 a day but I didn't feel the effects that much. I guess I maybe wasn't so upset about being lonely and I was a little unsteady on my feet but I didn't see the appeal of it that I was looking for.

My passport application has been handed in. The interview was nothing of the sort, just a lady at the post office ticking some boxes and checking my documents. The wait is apparently ten days but in the meantime I can start planning for my trip.

I spoke to Drew this afternoon, after all it's a good idea to get a local opinion. He said May would be a good time to go (that or September) and to avoid the middle of the country which I had already planned to.

We had birthday celebrations for Nat but instead of cake she brought in biscuits and doughnuts. The doughnuts were delicious! (I had two) At the end of the day I saw one sitting on the plate in the kitchen. I thought 'mmm' but then 'no I can't I shan't, I mustn't'.

There'll be left over cake tonight from my sister's birthday and I can wait for that instead.

Woke up this morning and the day was grey and it looked like it might rain any minute. I slowly got dressed and had breakfast. I went down the beach again and watched the waves for a little while. I packed up most of my stuff and then went for a bike ride. Didn't venture that far but it wasn't bad riding. I came back and cooled down by reading 'Young Man's Passage' for a while. Then I locked up and headed home.

My first stop was Cape Woolami where I went to check out what was happening. Not much although I did admire the toughness of the guy in only shorts who was body surfing. I stopped at San Remo but the place was packed, so I fired up a Get This podcast and hit the road. A little attempt to rain but it never got very far.

I stopped at Cranbourne, returning my completed books and picking up replacements. Then I continued to Berwick to check my sister's place and then to Fountain Gate. I had lunch then did a little shopping. Replacement foils for my shaver cost as much as a new shaver so I got a new one! I borrowed a book from the library there too and then headed on home.

Got up early and headed on down to Phillip Island. I had my player broadcasting Get This podcasts for company. Stopped in Cranbourne for breakfast at McDonalds and read the paper. Then I continued on and got there mid morning. Dad was up and about. I checked out the beach and helped him get his stuff together.

I went to the main street for lunch and it was packed! So busy! I parked in a car park I'd never seen before and checked out the shops. Finally chose to get some chicken from a shop opposite the beach. I ate on the foreshore (west of the pier) and finished reading Christ the Lord there on the grass. (I got some colour there too!) I went back and then for a walk along the beach towards the point. I took Rainbow High with me and read as I walked along.

Cooled down a bit and went for a drive trying to find a good spot to watch the sunset. A cool wind had picked up, so after checking out a lookout in Vendor I sat in the car finishing Rainbow High. I went to get pizza and the shop was empty. This was odd given how packed the shops had been at lunch time. I was a little late for tea (after 7) but it seemed earlier as it was still light.

The shop had a free SF2 game so I sat playing it while I waited. Family Guy was on the TV, one I'd not seen. I was listening and did get a big laugh from the joke about the 'dump off the expressway'. I ate, way too much really. Next time I stick with a smaller one.

Watched the ABC special on 50 years which was alright, but the tongue in cheek narration was annoying. I read a bit after that, finished a couple of trades, before heading to bed.

Warning: last team to arrive may be eliminated.

I got up at 7 after some restless dreams and got dressed. I put the last few things together into my bag and did a triple and quadruple check that I wasn't leaving anything behind. I'd received a letter over night allowing a quick check out but as there was no wait I checked out properly.

Headed down to Museum station and didn't have a long wait for the train. I had to go to the ticket window to buy a ticket as the machine was exact fare only. The incoming trains had a lot of people on them but I guess the double decker longer trains help prevent people standing throughout them. (Then again it was still before 8 and who knows how many got off at Central?)

The trip to the airport was quick and I checked in and some time to fill. I got breakfast at the McDonalds and did some sodoku puzzles. Looked at the shops and then proceeded to the lounge and read some more of Freefall.

I had a window seat on the plane but this was one was packed so no spare seats beside me. I wanted to buy a drink and found it hard to get my wallet out. This will remind me next time to wear travelling pants!

When we landed the flight attendant was hilarious telling us: "Be careful when opening the overhead lockers. Shit happens and we don't want anyone to get hurt"!!!

Off the plane I was met by my dad. It took a while for my luggage to come through. Then it was time to head home, I was close to falling asleep in the car with the sun shinning through.

A detour is a choice between two tasks, each with it's own pros and cons.

I got up early and headed off on the trains into the suburbs. It was a bit cooler in my pants and t-shirt but okay in the sun. I decided to go to Rhodes first as it was closer and hoped I could find Prowl and Skids there. Got there okay only to find the shops didn't open until 10... an hour and a half away. I didn't want to sit around twiddling my thumbs so I headed off to the further away destination. And yes it was much further away. I had to change trains but that worked ok, not a long wait. The trip was long and I listened to music and then a lot of Get This and Colbert Report

I ended up putting a playlist of Get This podcasts and Colbert Report episodes and had it playing for most of the day, other than when I was the museum. It kept me amused although I was only part listening. I've decided that as soon as I get a phone with mp3 ringtones, I am putting the Talkback Mountain music on.

I got off at Campbelltown and then tried to find Macarthur Square. I found a newsagent and looked up a street directory and found I got off at the wrong stop. I couldn't find a taxi rank but did walk past a bus stop with good timing and got a lift to the shopping centre. Trains would have been too long a wait.

At least this shop was open! They had some Tracks in the new packaging, but not the two I wanted. I went straight to the station and a train had just come. I raced down and then sat around for ages. The stations have no 'next train buttons' and this one (and Rhodes too for that matter) had no electronic signs. I asked a guard/driver walking past and he gave me the time. It was enough time to get a kit kat and a can from a vending machine.

I had to change trains at the first stop (the Campbelltown one again) and on the new train I was able to pick up somebody's discarded paper. The Daily Telegraph looks like the Herald Sun but something about the fonts looks more amateurish. The paper made the trip go a little faster.

Back to Rhodes again I went straight to the shop and found they too had neither which was a real let down. The whole morning had been a waste of time. If I had found them though it would have made it worth it. The next train was a while off so I went across the road from the station to a little café and got a hamburger which I ate on the station. It was a beautiful burger and I was quite pleased with it.

I got a daytripper ticket which I should have bought this morning as it would have saved me a bit. Next time I'm spending more straight off.

Caught the train back to Central and made my way to the light rail. This took me to Prymont Bay and the Maritime Museum. I went on the naval vessels which was interesting. A destroyer and a submarine. Both were a bit cramped, the submarine worst of all. It was an interesting to see despite my general anti-war sentiments. The museum was full of school groups and some rowdy kids. There were all over the destroyer bridge but I went back later and got to sit in the main seat. I did hear them shouting down orders from the bridge and I suppressed an urge to answer them.

From there I caught the monorail back to the city. I had another look at the Hobbyco there, just in case. But no. I had a look at HMV with my song list I prepared yesterday but a couple of the key songs weren't on the system so I didn't make my own CD.

I caught the train up to Circular Quay. The MX was out and flicking through it I doubt anything but the front page changes between states! Bought some chips for a snack from McDonalds. Was taken aback by the lady behind me with a pet rosella on her shoulder! I strolled along the quay and sat eating them looking out at the harbour and the bridge. I walked up the Opera House to scope the shows. No performance of Pirates of Penzance today, which was a shame as I would have liked to see it. I might see the Showtunes show if it comes to Melbourne. After doing the stairs and looking around I sat down out of the wind in the sun to rest my feet a bit.

Next I decided to jump on a ferry for a bit of a trip around the harbour. I took a short ferry (about three or four stops) that went past Kirribilli House. It was getting a bit dark and cool by now but while I was down this end I strolled around the Rocks. I checked out various menus but couldn't find a parma anywhere.

I caught the train again and looked for the Hard Rock Cafe, couldn't find it, and checked out the pubs on Oxford Street. Again no menus were of interest to me. A lot of places to get a drink, many full of gay men, but not much food. I ended up at a hamburger place and got a nice burger. I should have read the menu first as my burger was a plain burger. That, or I should have looked and put some of my salad into the burger.

I jumped on a bus to get me closer to my hotel. I went online at the Everywhere Internet store to use up some credit. Then I went via the hotel room to get a jumper and proceeded to Darling Harbour. After getting my ticket I sat and watched people go by and reflected a little.

I saw the Wild Safari 3D and had a choc top in very familiar looking Village packaging! I went back to the Internet venue and finished off my credit. Chatted to Single Guy again but online this time and then pushed it a bit far with a text message. I went back to my room, packed, had a bath for some relief.

Saw a bit of a show that was intriguing me about a future president as a kid. It was an American drama on channel two but I want to look it up to find out more. And then it was time to turn the light out.

A roadblock is a task that only one team member can perform.

Very hot today, and I noticed it more because I was walking around a lot and outside a lot more than I was yesterday. I got up around 9ish, very slowly. I texted Scott about catching up but he wanted to catch up out of the city for lunch and I didn't want to go that far.

I walked up Pitt Street, checking out another comic shop. This one had trades out of their wrappers which is different. I checked out lots of shops. JB had GameBoy SPs which I was tempted to buy (but if something goes wrong it's a long way back). The HobbyCo shop had alternators, Sunstreaker, Prime, Rollbar, Ricochet, Meister. No Prowl or Skids though.

I made my way to Circular Quay getting a stale tasting donut from a 7-11. I texted SingleGuy about catching up and got a call back. I caught the train to Kings Cross to meet him. That area is very dodgy but after a bit of a walk it turned much nicer (and a bit more like Melbourne) as it became Potts Point. We had a brunch which was very nice. He was a nice guy too, the resemblance to Spence was throwing me a little.

He showed me Elisabeth House and then he had a prior arrangement to get to so we parted. I had a quick look at a small market that was on then got out of the area. Back to the mall area again I checked out HMV and found Rent on sale for $15! (Another when I get back to Melbourne buy). They also had those make your own CD kiosks. A guy was using the one that was working but I figured I could come back tomorrow during the day when it would be quieter.

I bought Sunstreaker, looked at the big International bookstore and then caught the monorail back to the hotel. Had to wait for the second monorail train to arrive to get on. I dropped stuff off at the room and headed down to Darling Harbour. This proved harder to get to then I thought it would. I went via the Sydney Entertainment Centre where there was basketball on (I think). I got a frozen coke, saw a kid carrying around his Alt Sideswipe, and had a quick look at Paddy's Market.

There was a Brazilian festival on in the Harbour, very noisy, lots of alcohol. I sat watching the sunset and puzzling out a sodoku puzzle and resting my legs. I looked at the various restaurant menus but none were grabbing me. I had a look at the (now closed) Maritime Museum and thought about going back tomorrow and checking out the navy vessels.

There's little time to muck around on the streets in Sydney. When the flashing stop walking light stops flashing the lights turn green! There's barely any grace time. And it also seems that if no one presses the button the walk signal doesn't appear. No wonder people just cross wherever. I was quickly catching on and jaywalking must more than I ever would in Melbourne. I thought the Look left, Look right signs were pretty silly but there's so many one way streets (and major ones not just the Little streets we have) its easy to forget which way the cars would be coming from.

I ended up eating at a Kebab/Chicken place opposite the cinemas, and then went and saw Book of Revelation. I felt a bit of homesickness seeing my city on the big screen. I rang home afterwards and then went down the block to the Everywhere Internet place. It's a pretty good setup, nice fast computers, username payment system, clean. I did a bit of research on shows on (like I saw the Boy From Oz poster today and though maybe it's still on? Sadly no) and other things I might do tomorrow, including checking the other HobbyCo shops for the other Alternators.

I went back to the room and tried to plan out tomorrow's actions. I got caught up watching The Apprentice and I might keep watching it. Poor Brent getting picked on by the bitchy Stacy. Then I found on the CNN station The Daily Show global edition several days early than SBS show it.

I'm in Sydney, half way through my trip. So far I've met three guys who were very nice, done a lot of walking, and a little bit of shopping. I have a lot more to say about my trip but not the time at the moment to do it. Updates soon!

Teams must figure out how to get to the next yellow and red route
marker following clues they find in sealed envelopes. Teams must drive to Tullamarine airport and catch a flight Sydney

Dropped off the car at the airport and used the self sign in which was pretty easy. I wasn't there too early so it wasn't a long wait. I was annoyed by the person in front of me on the plane reclining back. It's kind of rude. I didn't have anyone directly next to me; it looked like two rows of single travellers with empty middle seats.

Arriving in Sydney the plane was a bit bumpy but not too bad. All were intrigued when the stewardess asked the front half to remain seated for room for the paramedics. I made my way to the station after picking up my bag and was taken by surprise by the See Something Say Something signage.

I checked my bag into the hotel taking with me just my phone, wallet and mp3 player. I looked at a nearby comic shop which had stuff on sale but most stuff wasn't marked clearly and I bought nothing. I had lunch at Hungry Jacks and then headed down to OTCA 2006.

The turnout for OTCA was a bit smaller than Griffin had hoped, and actually a little smaller than I thought it would be too I must admit. Griffin kind of remembered me, Dirge did, Goktimus as well. I passed on a complimentary TF video but accepted the three pack of comics for my entry fee. I'd missed the trivia which was a shame.

Griffin's collection was very impressive. Almost too much to take in. There were are couple of people selling stuff. One of these sellers (Sky Shadow? Writer of Best First?) was selling his whole collection, but I couldn't take my eyes of him. He was beautiful and thin and effeminate enough for my gaydar to be blaring. He was with a friend who I pegged as his boyfriend until two women turned up (but I gather it was the second guy's girlfriend and the sister of one of them).

I got to put a face to some of the board's names. Played a bit of the PS2 game which I still suck at. I watched some Attactik. Some general toy discussions. Griffin, Dirge and Goktimus did a collection tour. Not a lot of new info for me but it was interesting. Dirge invited me to a dinner so I hung around. I got to help the guy pack up, transforming some of the toys down to pack better. I was very hesitant and stuck to ones I knew or who were easy to transform (like the Throttlebots!)

Dinner was a tough deliberation and it ended up being Griffin, Dirge, Me, Goktimus and a guy named Jimmy who had come down with Griffin from Brisbane. We headed to Sussex St food court, the last three in Goktimus' car. This gave me some insight into straight boy conversation, and another chance to come out. We were joined by Griffin and Dirge, as well as Pete and his son (over from WA) and ate various meals from around the food court. Discussion topics were oddly a little depressing.

Jimmy was keen to go out but the others weren't so keen. He was staying at Dirge's which was out of town. I said I was thinking of going out but to the gay clubs. This wasn't exactly what he wanted (quite overt earlier about checking out 'scenary') but I told him there would be women at the gay clubs. He someone asked himself to stay in my twin room and I found myself being unable to say no. I was finding myself attracted to this guy and wanted to spend more time with him.

Goktimus went off to Karaoke and Pete and his son off as well, the rest of us went and got some gelato. We laughed at the collection of spoons Jimmy managed to collect trying to decide which flavour he wanted. We headed to my hotel, collecting another fan that had been at the show. When Jimmy and I walked up to reception the receptionist gave us a sorry we're full (and I suspect there was an assumption being made there too) but I explained I'd checked in earlier but not got my card. Knowing the room did have separate beds, the others left.

I unpacked, asked my Sydney contacts for some tips on places to go with a straight mate and awaited to hear from Jimmy. When I did it was him saying he'd only just made it back to Dirge's place (around quarter to eleven) and it was probably too late now. He would have liked to have gone out with me (in a straight guy/gay guy way that is) but it wasn't going to happen. I decided this was a bit of a relief as I wasn't sure where it would have gone and I was nervous about going to the clubs too.

I went out though, down to the cinemas around the corner. The 11pm session of Talladega Nights was about to start so I went to that. It was the same cinema (or same layout) as the one I saw Dreamcatcher in and again I had to sit near the front for the sort of scale I'm used to.

After the movie I went for another walk checking out the scenery for myself but not going to any of the places tonight. I got back and ended up watching the late night repeat of The Daily Show Global Edition before going to sleep.

I've got some advice on where to go in Sydney, including a beach visited by gay men, and a whole heap of clubs and bars. There's two possible coffee dates. It should be an interested weekend.