Bondi. 7am.

Was down at Bondi this morning taking some photos. Ran into Uge again. He's the guy who runs Aquabumps. Talk about a life. Hangs out at the beach every morning. Takes a few photos. Posts them on his site. And then seems to be off on a surfing trip around the world every few months. And I thought I had it good...

Charles Stuart - Wildlife Photographer

Someone asked a passing question about the angry crabs. That wasn't code. And I wasn't kidding. While I'm at it, thought I'd add another shot of a beastie that wouldn't be much fun when angry. Both friends I made in Mexico.

Party at my place!

For any friends from overseas who may be visiting in the coming months, as a little extra sweetener I just thought I'd inform you that I'm having a little shindig whilst I'm in Oz. Or two. So pencil dates in.

November 16: Sydney

November 22: Melbourne.

(Sounds like I'm on tour doesn't it. Which, I suppose, I am).

Still finalising djs etc., but should be good.

Oh, and any new-found friends from out and about - see you there.

I'll have a couple of bottles of the secret elixir put aside for you all.

Went to the ARIAs last night.

Thought I'd take a front row (or table) seat and see if the Aussies were giving us Scots (or Glaswegians, more specifically) a run for our money in terms of taking the music world by storm.

Now I could go through an indepth account of the evening (Silverchair were pretty amazing).

But, for me, one thing stood out. Or four.

Now everyone's got their boy bands and I'm not bagging that. (Shame they have to exist but it's a fact of life). But doing an album of Motown covers? And then trying - being the operative word - to perform them live. Bad enough. BUT. And here's the big one. Playing them to a room full of musicians who - you'd think - have all had a listen to the original Motown stuff in their time.

(Here's a hint: the ones with the Motown label on them are by people who can sing.)

Now it may be the best selling album. But I'm guessing the people buying it aren't pulling a Motown record off the turntable and putting the boys on to see how they compare. BECAUSE THEY DON'T!

Anyway. Enough from me. Apart from that an interesting night.

Thanks for the tickets Michael.

Sorry. I could get started about their dance moves now. But I'll spare you.

Now that was a whirlwind visit.

I get a call from Pierce (a very old mate) very early Saturday morning. Seems he's having a wee shindig just south of Cancun (yes, the one in Mexico). Not only does he insist I'm there, but has made all the arrangements. So before you know it, I'm on the plane. Didn't even have time to leave the Melbourne digs in any reasonable order (apologies to Dana).

So I arrive in Playa del Carmen. Staying at a lovely place right on the beach, Basico. Old water tanks as pools on the roof. A polaroid camera chained to my bed. Apparently the same in all the rooms. Not posting any of those shots here, however. (Not that i had any, of course, But some of the other guests...).



Spent a bit of time at the beach club (don't let anyone tell you that the OC hasn't influenced anyone in Mexico). And I'm pretty sure I saw Fidel chilling. Don't believe the reports about any illness.

Anyway, the party that night's at Deseo (same guy who owns the hotel - and a new found friend of Pierce's). On the roof of an old cinema. All nineteenth century furniture with a Mexican outdoor twist. Quite a nice idea, really. Might see if I could use the same idea at some of the parties I'm hosting here (I'm writing this back in Melbourne).

Good party. The night of the angry crabs. But talk about a flying visit. Will have to get back there soon.


Now I'd best get ready to go out tonight.

Whooosh! Off to Mexico.

Long story. Short notice. See you on the other side.

Although you can't tell from the last post...

...I've found my way down to Melbourne. Got down on Tuesday. Everyone in Sydney told me to expect a big country town, although with slightly better dressed locals, but I must say it kind of agrees with me.

Been out to get a bit of culture at the art gallery. I didn't realise there were any Australian painters but they've got rooms full of them. (Only joking! - it was actually very nice). The weather's been a little more pleasant as well.

One thing I must say - and I do have a bit of an interest in it - magic bar scene. May have been a bit tragic of me to hit the sights by myself on a school night, but made some very nice acquaintances amongst the local mixologists. Some evidence of such, you will find below.

What do these three gents all have in common?

Christ, kid, you're a weirdo...

I've been here a while now so I decided to immerse myself in all things Australian, and thought perhaps a good way would be to watch a few Australian films.

Stuff 'Crocodile Dundee'. I thought I'd go a little more weird, so, at a mate's suggestion, got out Bad Boy Bubby and The Proposition.

Whoooah! Bubby is genius.

And I've always liked Nick Cave. The Proposition is amazing. I knew it must have been hard coming out here as a convict (bloody English know how to treal a fella). The way they did the whole 'how grubby you'd be living in colonial times' really was eye-opening. And the unculture/cultured thing. Very interesting film.

I've been told to watch Puberty Blues next.

Out and about

Here's a few blokes Morgan and I met out on the weekend. Good laugh. If any of you boys back home are watching, may I suggest you transport yourselves down under in the month of November. Melbourne Cup approaching. And I'm thinking of holding a little bash of my own, so best you do.

A classic bit of Scottish and Australian culture

R.I.P. Bon

Thursday night out

Ramblings on Old Sydney Town.

So I've been in Oz for, oh, two weeks now.

Yes hello to everyone back home (speaking of which, hello to everyone in France as well. Good game, yes?). Kicking myself I wasn't there. But, can't complain. (Spent a fair bit of time and Bondi until i got blown away Sunday afternoon. By wind, I mean).



I've caught up with Morgan again (we met her in Milan a few years ago, remember?). She's been showing me a right old time. (There she is, above, with a lovely fellow we met at The Arthouse, and, below, with yours truly). It's been quite a laugh. Some choice bars down here (no offence, Glasgow!).



Out again tonight. Cheers, lads.

Sorry to harp on about this, but...

...did you see the football the other night? That's our best victory since the Battle of Hastings.

Gary Caldwell Scores!!!!!!!!!

Scotland 1 - France 0.
How good is that?

Thanks to the old man...

for organising the wheels.



Nice surprise. Quality.

Suffering from finals fever.

Back in the city. Sydney that is. Perth wins in Melbourne and then Brisbane wins in Sydney. Very odd. A bit like our English friends with the football (round variety) I suppose. Kind of.

Good laugh though. Hello to anyone who visits here after the Party at Palmie. I'd endeavour to upload a few snaps but lost the camera in transit. If anyone finds it, let me know.

And to anyone back home, although Summer hasn't kicked in fully, it's still better weather down here so...