LADY BYRON

Egypt Day 1

All those stories I had heard of people waiting six hours in Cairo airport were perhaps a little exagerated as I swear we were through the whole process in less than half an hour. We met our representative called Hany and we were off. Its funny how easily one forgets what its like to be in a large, third world city; the pollution! the traffic! the noise! the smell! All came flooding back. We stayed at our hotel Aman which was rather like a dive but we had Nile views from our 12th floor room (see photos). There wasn't much to do but eat really and go to bed as the next day was going to be long. However, lucky old us (sarcastic) there happened to be a wedding on the 13th floor Restaurant. In turn, thumping bass of Arabic dance music (strange thought) pulsated through the floor, intermittingly intrerrupted by Egyptian shreiking (a women thing) until the wee hours of the morning. Despite wanting to kill them I couldn't help but also want to go up and join in.

Goodbye Paris Hello Egypt

We are currently waiting for our connecting flight in Dubai. Had grand plans of spending the eight or so hours that we had to wait going to see Dubai city but I haven't slept (stupid flights) and so sleeping seemed a more exciting option. Our last two nights in Paris were great and am very sad to leave. We spent our last night on the Champs Elysee which is the big bouvelard that leads to the Arc de Triomph. At night the whole street is lit with fairy lights and the effect is stunning. Also had some a grat day shopping and managed to get more than a whole new outfit. Amazingly Paris has my size (28) which in Australia is hard to find. Not sure how easily internet access will be in Egypt so this may be our last post until we atleast get back to Dubai in 9-10 days. Hope all is well at home.

Day 15-19 Poitiers

Arrived to Poitiers on Sat to spend the next four or so days with Tim's cousin Andy and his french wife Sophie and their two children Clara (7) and Elise (4). It was nice to see them again as I hadn't seen them in over 3 years! Unfortunately, Andy and Spohie had to work quite a lot but ,managed to spend the time that we did have with them well. Both Sophie and Andy teach English so on Monday Tim and I went to visit Sophie's class so that they could ask questions about Australia. It was great, really good fun and the kids seemed to get a kick out of it too. Now I can say that I have taught English in France and Brazil!! We are now back in Paris again to spend the next few days doing shopping and seeing a few sites etc before we head off to Egypt this Sat (9/12). As such we had to say goodbye to our little Peugeot 207 which is the new model of Tim's car so it was a good road test.

Day II

Recovering slightly from a very big night last night. Went and saw George Micheal perform here in London. I wasn't a fan but thought whilst in London why not. But I must say that I had the best time, a really good show and I knew alot of the songs which was great. It was a massive contrast to the night before when I went and saw Tool which is a heavy/rock band that I loved in my angry teenage years. Was great to see them as they are a great band but realised I've grown out of that music now. So anyway last night was the first time I have actually gone out out in London. We didn't get home until 8:30 which is usually evident of a good night. Still in many ways I am a little dissapointed as most things closed really really early which is unusual for me. Was a Tuesday though so I kinda understand. Head back to Paris tomorrow for a few days before heading down to Poitiers to see Tim's cousin which will be nice. Am looking forward to going back to Paris as it really feels like home. Without offending any certain Brits, I'm not that big a fan of London. Will try and keep up to date as much as is humanly possible. xx

Day 7 - 9

Arrived in the UK no worries at all, I still find going on the chunnel quite a kick as its a train for cars but anyway. We didn't even get close to London but the traffic was still horrendous so I am glad Tim is driving is all I can say. Of course I'm the brilliant accomplice/back-seat driver who tells him where to go and occasionally offers advice on directions. Spent the weekend at 'The Bunker' which is in Suffolk (finally realised that means South Folk) with Tim's friends Fiona & Richard as well as their 3 girls, Lottie (7), Bea (4) and Damarice (4 months). The Bunker was nice but not quite the "bunker" that we had envisaged as we were looking for some round building inserted into the dunes!!! Was nice all the same and still was a bunker of sorts as it housed the men who were stationed at the adjoining radar station in WWII. As such the walls and roof can withstand a bomb blast which could be reassuring in case of WWIII. On the way to London on the Sunday we stopped by and visited Tim's Mum's friends in Bury St Edmonds. Enid and Robin have been friends with Pat (Tim's Mum) for over 60 years and they are the most wonderfully hospitable people. They are 80 and 87 and are sharp as tacks and have great stories to tell. It was a pity that we only could stay for lunch. We will hopefully be back next July for their 60th wedding anniversary!!!! Also to coincide on that same weekend next July, we will be attending Damarice's christening as Tim has been asked to be Godfather, which is great. Anyway new updates soon. xx

Photos

Jim Morrison's Grave & The Lourve Grand Foyer

Paris Day 5

Rue de Montorgueil

Well Paris is wonderful as per usual. It is so nice to have a 'home' away from home. Tim's apartment is great as is the street. Rue de Montorgueil (Montorgueil St) is a pedestrian street with heaps of cafes and restaurants and clothing shops and is in the heart of the gay area. Is literally 5 min walk to The Lourve and Notre Dame!!! The weather has been fine and hasn't been too cold. The city is possibly more beautiful in winter than in summer.

Have been socialising heaps (how unlike us, not!). Quite hilariously, across the street from the apartment we got talking to some other english speakers and they turned out to be fashion designers who are quite famous!!!! Leesa Fogarty??? There was a lot of press about her recently in regard to the fact that she used 'real size' models?? Ring a bell? How funny to meet someone like that by accidentt across the street!!!!

Anyway, off to London and the UK tomorrow. On Monday night, I'm going to go see the band Tool (heavy rock/metal) play with my old school friend Sadhu and then, hilariously in contrast, Tim and i are going to see George Micheal the night after!!!!!

Overseas Trip!!

With three days to go until i finally finish my course, I must say the excitment level is slowly increasing through all the stress of last minute exams and assignments. However, is all superceded by the fact that come Friday night I will jetsetting off to Europe and Egypt with Tim. It shall be a wonderful 5 weeks visiting Paris and France, London and England and most exciting of all...Egypt. I was a bit of an Egypt nut when I was a kid so going there is definately on my list of things to do before I die which hopefully will not be whilst I'm there. I've heard some horror stories but I've got my good luck angels on my side!!!! So keep posted for photo updates as our trip unfolds!!!!

Off With The Fairies!!

Well yes, its been over a month now since I last made an entry. After the success of my showcase and the ensuing stress relief, I think I went into fairy land and honestly have only just began to re-emerge. Thanks heaps to all those lovely and supportive people who made the effort to see Rachael and I play at Manchester Lane. It was a fantastic night with over a hundred people!!!!! The beautiful B.J Fitzpatrick did a wonderful job videoing the performance so there is a DVD now available. So if someone wants to see it, just contact me! In the future I will endeavour to place some audio highlights on this blog too!!!