http://munkas.blog.co.uk/A LOVLEY BLOG FULL OF INTERESTING FACTS , PICTURES AND ANTICS FROM AROUND THE GLOBEen-UKhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://munkas.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/a7/5dfe872e3cb54c4e3b24113c8d3016_160x200.jpg <p>Hey everyone , been a while since if dropped a wee note on here. i had written a big long blog there but typically as with the shitty way this site is layed out i lost it all.. never worry.<br> So anyways..we're back , yup both me and marty are back in the land of the drink after a fantastic years travels. Suprised everyone at the airport with my return which was lots of fun.<br> went out tues nite to limelight...same as ever..good nite tho really enjoyed it. been great catching up with everyone and hopfully should be able to catch up with loads more on sat at the party<br> anyways i thought id post some of the pics you didnt see.. of me in asia..<br> chat soon or see u on sat<br> Steve</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866796"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/796/866796_ecd2f01bd0_m.jpeg" alt="100_3617" title="100_3617" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866797"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/797/866797_e94d9615ce_m.jpeg" alt="100_3668" title="100_3668" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866798"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/798/866798_60b5528f90_m.jpeg" alt="100_3730" title="100_3730" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866799"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/799/866799_e4678ef93b_m.jpeg" alt="100_3712" title="100_3712" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866800"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/800/866800_627d42609b_m.jpeg" alt="100_3708" title="100_3708" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866801"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/801/866801_4972709351_m.jpeg" alt="100_3671" title="100_3671" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866802"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/802/866802_e1aa510ffe_m.jpeg" alt="100_4017" title="100_4017" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866803"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/803/866803_eb7bae3bcd_m.jpeg" alt="stevegun1" title="stevegun1" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866854"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/854/866854_e57dcad9cc_m.jpeg" alt="100_3902" title="100_3902" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866855"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/855/866855_f0a5f0bc44_m.jpeg" alt="100_3254" title="100_3254" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866856"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/856/866856_9a6424048c_m.jpeg" alt="100_3298" title="100_3298" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866857"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/857/866857_7b21482c23_m.jpeg" alt="100_3312" title="100_3312" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866858"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/858/866858_33e5551785_m.jpeg" alt="100_3315" title="100_3315" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866859"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/859/866859_e005f8f844_m.jpeg" alt="100_4041" title="100_4041" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866860"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/860/866860_c2f67c9b19_m.jpeg" alt="100_4147" title="100_4147" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866861"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/861/866861_f3106e0ab7_m.jpeg" alt="100_4185" title="100_4185" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866892"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/892/866892_b24c6d4554_m.jpeg" alt="100_4226" title="100_4226" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866893"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/893/866893_9a9d8eb20e_m.jpeg" alt="100_4237" title="100_4237" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866894"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/894/866894_064ed40bb7_m.jpeg" alt="100_4238" title="100_4238" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866895"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/895/866895_dd91149320_m.jpeg" alt="100_4298" title="100_4298" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866896"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/896/866896_abd6587d94_m.jpeg" alt="100_4317" title="100_4317" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866897"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/897/866897_b85e508f15_m.jpeg" alt="100_4363" title="100_4363" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866898"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/898/866898_fa7908f07f_m.jpeg" alt="100_4402" title="100_4402" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=866899"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/899/866899_7d95702f84_m.jpeg" alt="100_4311" title="100_4311" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/10/05/back_in_belfast_pass_the_tissues~1190848/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/10/05/back_in_belfast_pass_the_tissues~1190848/Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:18:42 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850220"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/220/850220_6687e0ecfc_m.jpg" alt="100_4227" title="100_4227" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>A Sign from Airport in Taiwan</p> <p>Well Here i am in Tokyo Airport all set to head back to London. Had a great few days in Tokyo. Arrived in on Sunday evening to Narita airport and after a while looking for my hostel including being brought to the wrong one by some random girl! Went out and met Cat, Dougie's friend Andy's Sister (if that makes sense!) Anyway met up with her and Susumu (hope i spelt that correctly) Went to a japanese bar and had some beer, food and then moved onto the Sake. Tastes like water but boy does it give u a hangover!<br> So on the train on the way home i missed my stop for the train transfer so i had to wait on another train, this gave me the opportunity to see a rich japanese businessman collapsed drunk on the floor and out for the count! With his louis vuitton belt and tie, he certainly wasn't short of a few yen. No one on the Train seemed to mind him, in any other part of the world he would have mugged and stripped of everything! Eventually made it to my stop only to find that i had missed the last train. Therefore ended up getting a taxi! Trying to tell a japanese taximan where u want to at 1am ain't no easy thing, especially as he speaks no english and myself no japanese! But through the wonder of pointing and i think probably the fact that i was drunk i ended up safe and well back in the hostel. </p> <p>On Monday went to a local temple and walked around markets for hours, then on Tuesday went to the Imperial gardens were the Emperor lives, couldn't get in to see the palace but did get to see the changing of the guard which was pretty cool. Then went to the Museum of Art and then on to the Tokyo Tower. A good day all in all apart from the fact that i got absolutely drenched and was soaking all day, meaning i know have a nasty cough! Just what i need for coming home.</p> <p>Yesterday i met up with Cat and Susumu again and we went for a drive to a big Buddha in the outskirts of Tokyo. A huge giant bronze buddha from the 13th Century, you could even get inside it! Then went had some more traditional japanese food and said goodbye to cat and susumu after doing some shopping around the 100 yen shop! (Badge u should have seen it, 5 Stories of a dollar store! Can it get any better!)</p> <p>So arrived in airport this morning and i've been told that that the flight is going to be delayed by 2 hours! Yey!</p> <p>SO hope to see everyone soon<br> Take care<br> Marty</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850221"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/221/850221_77a6d54278_m.jpg" alt="100_4232" title="100_4232" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Cat and Susumu in Japanese Bar</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850222"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/222/850222_6f10f7023a_m.jpg" alt="100_4244" title="100_4244" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Me and my mate Rod</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850223"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/223/850223_50b5f61748_m.jpg" alt="100_4273" title="100_4273" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850224"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/224/850224_42b6727dec_m.jpg" alt="100_4282" title="100_4282" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850225"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/225/850225_6c83390840_m.jpg" alt="100_4307" title="100_4307" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850226"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/226/850226_7817e97e40_m.jpg" alt="100_4382" title="100_4382" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>The Changing of the guard at the Imperial Palace</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850227"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/227/850227_ffa5923904_m.jpg" alt="100_4398" title="100_4398" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850228"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/228/850228_e313b2f1f7_m.jpg" alt="100_4401" title="100_4401" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=850229"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/229/850229_aefbf3fd53_m.jpg" alt="100_4414" title="100_4414" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Now u may think your hungry and can eat the beard of jesus or maybe even starving enough to have the sandals of moses, but do you think your hungry enough for these babies straight from the feet of buddha?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/28/last_stop_tokyo~1167323/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/28/last_stop_tokyo~1167323/Thu, 28 Sep 2006 03:28:17 +0200 <p>Hey everyone,<br> Well sorry for not being in contact for the last few days, it seems my lack of contact with the outside world has led some people to believe i was held up with the Coup in Thailand, but glad to say i made it safe and sound out of the country!<br> Arrived back in Thailand from Vietnam on Tuesday afternoon, after nearly not getting on the plane at Hanoi. My bag weighs 22kg so when i checked it in at bangkok there was no problem. When i came to Hanoi airport on Tuesday they told me the bag allowance was 15kg! So cue an episode from that Airport programme with me ranting and raving about how the airline was exploiting travellers! After lots of shouting and arguing i finally persuaded them that it was ok to just put more stuff in my hand luggage, not really any different to the total overall weight but kept them happy so i went along with it!</p> <p>Went to a nice hotel near the airport and chilled for most of the evening, well that was until CNN breaking news came on with the latest rumours of a coup in bangkok, as the hours went on there was talk of the military and tanks on the streets, as i looked outside my hotel balcony i couldn't see a thing! As with 24 Hr news channels everything kept getting worse, and then when all the Tv channels went completely off air to be replaced by pictures of the Thai Royal Family along with sad music i thought i was in real trouble! Couldn't really stay awake much longer so dozed off about 2am with tanks apparently on the street around the city. Awoke early the next morning not knowing what to expect, esp with the main english speaking newspaper just having the words 'Coup' on the front! but need not have worried as i made it to the airport and flew out fine on wednesday morning.<br> Arrived in Hong Kong and didn't do much on Wednesday,saved most of my sightseeing for thursday when i went around the city and up to the Peak where you can see over the whole city.<br> Had a bit of a dodgy stomach as well, so this combined with a lack of funds has meant that anything which doesn't involve walking or public transport has been out and been spending a lot of time chilling in the hostel<br> Tokyo tomorro which should be good, and then fly out to London on Thursday</p> <p>Hope everyones keeping alrite, love the pics steve, didn't realise i was quite soo drunk though!!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=839819"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/819/839819_744fc99d33_m.jpg" alt="100_3745" title="100_3745" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=839821"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/821/839821_6670dffbd4_m.jpg" alt="100_4067" title="100_4067" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=839822"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/822/839822_0f665dd9a0_m.jpg" alt="100_4097" title="100_4097" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=839824"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/824/839824_caf6607862_m.jpg" alt="100_4127" title="100_4127" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=839825"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/825/839825_f576cbd58d_m.jpg" alt="100_4177" title="100_4177" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=839826"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/826/839826_ce0559ceb0_m.jpg" alt="100_4205" title="100_4205" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/23/hong_kong_phooey~1153345/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/23/hong_kong_phooey~1153345/Sat, 23 Sep 2006 15:19:11 +0200 <p>hi everyone. tis steve here.. how can i match up to martys postings??? looks like hes having an excelent time.. </p> <p>im just working away.. move into our house in sydney on 24th wchih is sun i so thatll be fun gettin settled in..hate sleepin out of a hostel and having to work.<br> just posting a few pics this time. not much to write home about right now.. </p> <p>Hoep you are all good and Hope u got out of the Coup in Thailand marty.. seems a bit crazy over there, anyways keep safe and i speak soon</p> <p>MArtys goin away night in Coogee bay hotel</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=836965"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/965/836965_f193584159_m.jpg" alt="107_3154" title="107_3154" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=836966"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/966/836966_b224b437e2_m.jpg" alt="107_3157" title="107_3157" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=836967"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/967/836967_c88bf69da5_m.jpg" alt="107_3158" title="107_3158" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=836968"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/968/836968_cf300aba27_m.jpg" alt="107_3161" title="107_3161" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=836970"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/970/836970_c172771cfb_m.jpg" alt="107_3164" title="107_3164" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Family Meal</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=836963"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/963/836963_8576970d39_m.jpg" alt="105_3139" title="105_3139" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=836964"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/964/836964_980a1ac134_m.jpg" alt="105_3141" title="105_3141" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Picnic at Milsons Point NOrth Sydney last weekend</p> <p>take care</p> <p>STevo</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/21/helloooooo~1147502/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/21/helloooooo~1147502/Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:06:19 +0200 <p>Hey all,<br> Arrived in Vietnam last Friday night after yet another delayed flight, Woke up on Saturday morning to take a walk around the city. I'm based in the Old Quarter, very old part of down based on 36 Streets. Each street has a name signifying what trade is on it. I'm staying on Bat Su Street which means China Bowls. Although this street doesn't sell china bowls anymore there are plenty of streets for tailors, ironmongers etc. Went to Visit the Ho Chi Minh mauseleum on sat, after waiting for what seemed like ages i made my through into the chamber where he lies in State. Very spooky and eerie feeling. Shoved along by the guards which i didn't like but not much i could do!<br> Then went to the Army museum where they have various equipment left over and brough up from the Fall of Saigon in April 1974. Got to go into a huey, very small. I've no idea how the pilots fitted in their seats!</p> <p>On Sunday i booked a trip to Halong Bay, a world heritage listed site which is simply breathtaking. I think one of the James Bond movies has been shot out in the bay too. We sailed around for a few hours and then had some lunch followed by a trip into some caves which were amazing too.</p> <p>Today i just wandered about the city, went to the 'Hanoi Hilton,' the Prison where American POWs like John McCain were held during the war.<br> Now i'm heading to see a water puppet show put on at a local theatre which is supposed to be really good, only paid $1.50 so can't complain if its not!<br> Head back to Bangkok tomoro and then head out to Hong Kong on Wednesday morning.Looking forward to it.</p> <p>Hope everyone is keeping well<br> Marty</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827984"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/984/827984_4207e0f5e2_m.jpg" alt="100_3614" title="100_3614" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827985"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/985/827985_793eb7563c_m.jpg" alt="100_3622" title="100_3622" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827986"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/986/827986_744fc99d33_m.jpg" alt="100_3745" title="100_3745" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827987"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/987/827987_d04d1f8f50_m.jpg" alt="100_3793" title="100_3793" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827988"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/988/827988_b645c7a531_m.jpg" alt="100_3837" title="100_3837" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827989"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/989/827989_7cd9f11f1e_m.jpg" alt="100_3846" title="100_3846" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827990"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/990/827990_7cd9f11f1e_m.jpg" alt="100_3846" title="100_3846" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827991"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/991/827991_7a81a4dcd0_m.jpg" alt="100_3874" title="100_3874" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827992"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/992/827992_6e00d3f9d2_m.jpg" alt="100_3921" title="100_3921" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=827993"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/993/827993_5d592766af_m.jpg" alt="100_3955" title="100_3955" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/18/title~1136901/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/18/title~1136901/Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:44:12 +0200 <p>Well Folks, Marty here reporting from Bangkok. Finally made it late tuesday morning after a marathon journey from Sydney. Arrived in Sydney last Thursday from Brisbane, Very sad to leave Jacqui but it won't be long until i see her again <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Went To our Cousin Paula's house and stayed with her. Steve and Sinead had been living with her for last few weeks. Had an amazing weekend getting to know her and her husband Graeme, and can't thank them enough for what they did for us. Their kids; Jack, Joe and Finn are amazing and hope we can see them all again soon.</p> <p>Left Sydney on Monday afternoon, arrived at airport only to find that i wasn't booked on flight, after lots of confusion and worrying they finally put me on! Then when i had been checked in, my name was called over the PA system! Ran to check in desk only to be told it was another Fisher! Made my way onto plane and all set for take-off when we informed that there was a problem with the engine, taxied back to terminal where 1 hour later we were told there was a problem with the fuel valve! At this point really started worrying! They changed the fuel valve and carried out a test run on it only to find out the new valve was leaking more fuel than the last one! Another one was replaced and after 4 hours of sitting on the runway the plane finally made it into the air! All this and on 9/11 too! Nothing like doing things in halves!</p> <p>Was meant to arrive into Bangkok at 11pm but the delay meant i arrived in at 3am and by time i made my way through customs and taxi to hostel it was 3.30am. Arrived at hostel to find it closed! At this point with hardly any sleep, on my own and in bangkok began to really worry! Nothing else to do but sit outside the hostel until 7am and someone finally woke up and let me in!</p> <p>Went to bed for a few hours kip and got up at 12 and then took a guided tour around in a tuk tuk, a rickshaw type motorbike thing! Very dangerous but good fun! Made my way round some temples and buddhist temples!<br> Today i went to the Bridge over the River Kwai, where the famous Burma-Thai Railway was built, walked over one of the bridges built by the allies, we also took a train ride over another one of the bridges. Quite an amazing site. Then went to local village on the Burma border and went for a trek on back of elephant through the jungle! Have to say it was one of the highlights of the trip so far. Then went up raft up river throught jungle.</p> <p>So absolutely exhausted after the last few days, can't wait for the next two weeks though, Hanoi on Friday so that should be fantastic.</p> <p>Stayed Tuned for more updates,<br> Hope you enjoy the pics, take care</p> <p>Marty</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815584"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/584/815584_e292f0ae4b_m.jpg" alt="100_3466" title="100_3466" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815579"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/579/815579_6d98de2122_m.jpg" alt="100_3356" title="100_3356" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815580"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/580/815580_dd4731637a_m.jpg" alt="100_3358" title="100_3358" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815581"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/581/815581_ea9c6bc8ca_m.jpg" alt="100_3366" title="100_3366" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815582"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/582/815582_b175a4d8fa_m.jpg" alt="100_3416" title="100_3416" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815583"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/583/815583_c6607bed07_m.jpg" alt="100_3421" title="100_3421" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815632"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/632/815632_a6d1e7b5d4_m.jpg" alt="100_3493" title="100_3493" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815634"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/634/815634_d7ccabd2de_m.jpg" alt="100_3200" title="100_3200" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815635"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/635/815635_b6f8b08d39_m.jpg" alt="100_3253" title="100_3253" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815636"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/636/815636_cbd0b49803_m.jpg" alt="100_3260" title="100_3260" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815637"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/637/815637_a2c1bfb252_m.jpg" alt="100_3274" title="100_3274" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815638"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/638/815638_79218e9168_m.jpg" alt="100_3308" title="100_3308" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815639"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/639/815639_c0daab74b4_m.jpg" alt="100_3333" title="100_3333" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815640"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/640/815640_63de43b84b_m.jpg" alt="100_3516" title="100_3516" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=815633"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/633/815633_65ece70c69_m.jpg" alt="Jack and joe 002" title="Jack and joe 002" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Blue Peter Morning with Steve & Sinead with Jack and Joe</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/13/title~1122686/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/13/title~1122686/Wed, 13 Sep 2006 16:12:35 +0200 <p>For my last few days in Brisbane myself and Jacqui decided to rent a car and set off on a little road trip up and down the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales. Collected the little Hyundai Getz on monday morning and travelled down to Byron Bay, an amazing little town which is famous for its music and laid back approach of it residents. Felt like i was in the Carribean again. Stayed there for the night and next morning travelled up the Coast to our next destination of Noosa. On the way we stopped off at Surfers Paradise and took a few pics on the beach but wasn't all that impressed with it. Lots of big ugly buildings making it look like one of those resorts in Costa del Sol or Ibiza. From here we made our way up to Noosa. A picturesque little town favoured by Australia's more affluent people. In fact steve informs me that Richard Branson stayed in the town a few weeks back. This time we didn't spot anyone famous but enjoyed our time on the beach and walking through the park and jungle. </p> <p>Today we woke up and went further on up the coast towards Rainbow Beach (so called because of the colour of the sand) and Frazer Island. Quite an amazing place up around there and some of the most amazing scenery i've seen. On the way back we stopped at an old mining town called Gympie, where i was alarmed at the amount of discount 50p type shops in the town! </p> <p>I forgot to add that while we were away Steve Irwin died up the coast in Port Douglas. We had been to his zoo last week and have to say that we had an amazing time there and everyone i've spoken to hasn't had a bad experience there so OZ is in a bit of a shock at the mo; not quite 'Diana' Standard but getting there. I think there is a pic of me below which Jacqui took the minute i heard!</p> <p>Every Conversation i've had this week regarding him, even with strangers in the street or shops has gone something like this</p> <p>-Bit crazy about what happened to Steve Irwin wasn't it<br> - Yeah wasn't expecting that at all<br> - No, was definately expecting a croc to get him<br> -Yeah definately a croc or shark</p> <p>So head back to Sydney tomorrow for what is the beginning of the end of my trip away. Can't believe its gone so fast, going to be very sad to leave Oz but looking forward to travelling around asia and then seeing everyone again.</p> <p>Enjoy the Pics<br> Take care<br> Marty<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800752"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/752/800752_1d5102992b_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0715" title="PHOT0715" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800753"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/753/800753_ee3824cb30_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0709" title="PHOT0709" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800754"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/754/800754_91e1978b74_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0725" title="PHOT0725" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800755"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/755/800755_bd2cc46103_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0793" title="PHOT0793" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800756"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/756/800756_067657b8e6_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0749" title="PHOT0749" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800757"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/757/800757_96204bba90_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0745" title="PHOT0745" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> A whale just off Cape Byron<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=804162"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/162/804162_0c66e3a31e_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0971" title="PHOT0971" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=804163"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/163/804163_09fb5636bd_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0872" title="PHOT0872" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=804164"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/164/804164_0708ef7ce1_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0930" title="PHOT0930" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800758"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/758/800758_5bfb5ee644_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0765" title="PHOT0765" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>The moment i heard dear old steve had gone to the great Crocoseum in the sky <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800759"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/759/800759_047044c59b_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0868" title="PHOT0868" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800760"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/760/800760_ff9716fd05_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0939" title="PHOT0939" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=800761"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/761/800761_3539f8e5de_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0960" title="PHOT0960" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=804216"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/216/804216_0c66e3a31e_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0971" title="PHOT0971" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=804217"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/217/804217_0708ef7ce1_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0930" title="PHOT0930" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>The car we rented out</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=804218"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/218/804218_a7a582c774_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0694" title="PHOT0694" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>We went to 'Riverfire' last Saturday night, a giant fireworks display on the banks of the river and on the main buildings in the city<br> The highlight of the evening though had to be two F111 fighter jets doing their dump and burn routine in which they dumped their fuel into the afterburner bit and lit up the sky Truely amazing and one of most spectacular sights i've witnessed. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=804219"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/219/804219_4c230070f8_m.jpg" alt="Riverfire 005" title="Riverfire 005" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/06/crikey_rip_steve~1101879/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/06/crikey_rip_steve~1101879/Wed, 06 Sep 2006 13:26:30 +0200 <p>helo<br> am back in the swing of work in sydney again,, borrrring.. working for Caltex. Chevron/Texaco Merger. very exciting work (sarcastic? me? Never.) its alright actually , am setting up customers for their online site. $18 an hour who can complain. Been living with My cousin Paula and Her Husban Graham. Theyre great. been so nice to us. Thank you very much for putting up with us <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> .  Dont know what the plans are right now. we're waiting for emily and niall to get back from their adventures to the centre of Oz. thats next sat so we'll be hopfully gettin somewhere in bondi again soon after that. </p> <p> <br> An old guy in work gave me a lil (i kno ur a temp and u kno the craic) wink which i thought was weird to start with but then i just thought it was funny.<br> They talk about oil and petrol and lube all day (naturally , they work for caltex) but theyre so enthusiastic about it. its crazy.<br>  <br> Crrrrazy office anecdote , BP promo poster featuring a new BP station or building being built  , and theres a drum of Castrol on the site !!!<br>  i mean .how funny is that..!!.. its just is so much fun round here.<br>  <br> you can get up off the ground now if u fell off your seat laughing at that one<br>  <br> one guy here just started declaring that hes never seen a good movie about a chemist<br> Cant say i have either really. The nutty professor was kind of a chemist.<br>  <br> anyways<br>  <br>  more later.<br>  <br> stevo<br>  <br>  <br>   </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/01/hellooo~1087213/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/09/01/hellooo~1087213/Fri, 01 Sep 2006 02:52:01 +0200 <p>Yesterday myself and Jacqui headed off to Australia Zoo about an hours train journey outside Brisbane. For those of you who don't know this is the Steve Irwin Zoo. Its where he grew up and where he now has a huge zoo with all sorts of animals mostly native to Australia. Had a fantastic day and although Steve wasn't there to personally greet us, as he was up saving crocs in the Northern Territory we did get our pic taken beside a giant cut out of him!<br> Heres some pics from the day, Enjoy<br> Marty</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778643"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/643/778643_6f68fca5ab_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 008" title="ZOO 008" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778644"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/644/778644_121d4b213e_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 014" title="ZOO 014" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778645"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/645/778645_3173b01b97_s.jpg" alt="ZOO 020" title="ZOO 020" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778646"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/646/778646_9538731819_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 028" title="ZOO 028" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778665"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/665/778665_26cd503555_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 043" title="ZOO 043" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>One drop of Venom from this little fella can kill 100 men! </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778666"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/666/778666_3d24ad3cf0_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 055" title="ZOO 055" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>I've no idea who this guy is but he looks as if hes wrestled a few crocs in his time and for that he deserves to be on here!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778667"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/667/778667_719068c65f_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 074" title="ZOO 074" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778668"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/668/778668_45480b2521_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 056" title="ZOO 056" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778669"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/669/778669_a00a1a0a14_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 114" title="ZOO 114" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778670"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/670/778670_71db27947f_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 116" title="ZOO 116" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778671"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/671/778671_347a1b3573_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 120" title="ZOO 120" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778688"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/688/778688_97f8bc73ab_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 137" title="ZOO 137" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778689"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/689/778689_278362de2a_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 156" title="ZOO 156" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778690"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/690/778690_313cb279a4_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 162" title="ZOO 162" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778691"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/691/778691_6abdaf116f_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 129" title="ZOO 129" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778692"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/692/778692_36d54236da_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 115" title="ZOO 115" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=778693"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/693/778693_bd2dafc800_m.jpg" alt="ZOO 149" title="ZOO 149" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Theres 3 Koalas in this pic, the mother and two babies!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/27/crikey~1072554/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/27/crikey~1072554/Sun, 27 Aug 2006 04:32:08 +0200 <p>Hey Everyone<br> Hope your all keeping well. Steve has now returned to Sydney since his latest escapades up the coast with sinead, em and niall. So as hes staying until november he has to get a job to pay for his ticket home.<br> I, on the otherhand begin my journey home in just over two weeks time. Hard to believe not least by myself!</p> <p>Anyways my itinary in asia is as follows</p> <p>Bangkok-4 days<br> Hanoi- 4 days<br> Hong kong- 4 days<br> Tokyo - 4 days<br> London - 2 days</p> <p>and then back to good ol Beal Firste, my birthday the week after i get back so trying to organise a shindig in catherines to which is everyone is cordially invited!<br> Anyway here are some pics from the boat on Brisbane River. We also went to the Ballet last week to see Swan Lake. Yeah i know what your all thinking, You did what! But it was really quite impressive the way the whole show was put on. Encore!<br> Take care<br> Marty<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=775506"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/506/775506_b89a35776f_m.jpg" alt="Jo 012" title="Jo 012" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=775507"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/507/775507_d64d39e751_m.jpg" alt="Jo 015" title="Jo 015" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=775508"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/508/775508_bbfe9a6804_m.jpg" alt="Jo 014" title="Jo 014" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=775531"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/531/775531_d1fbbc24e2_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0453" title="PHOT0453" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=775532"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/532/775532_8bb46ee4b6_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0467" title="PHOT0467" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=775533"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/533/775533_28be4ac62e_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0461" title="PHOT0461" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/25/title~1068463/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/25/title~1068463/Fri, 25 Aug 2006 14:04:09 +0200 <p>Good evening. spent the last 2 days at Cape Tribulation. 2 Hours from Cairns and deep in the jungle rainforests of QLD. Really nice beautiful place to do walks and take photos and just look at nice things i guess. Stayed by the beach in a lil resort thing. Logg cabin style accomodation v nice. with authentic rainforest wildlife noises. and an animal that looks like a huge turkey but has a disemboweling claw , always reassuring. </p> <p>Had nice time there. went Jungle Surfing from tree to tree. about 20-30ms above the ground. really good fun. just about managed to get upside down for the last one. Too Easy!!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=761334"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/334/761334_78171c49c0_m.jpg" alt="105_3074" title="105_3074" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=761336"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/336/761336_ad469075c4_m.jpg" alt="105_3082" title="105_3082" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=761337"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/337/761337_9107504b74_m.jpg" alt="105_3096" title="105_3096" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=761343"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/343/761343_cba86d9bef_m.jpg" alt="105_3099" title="105_3099" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=761344"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/344/761344_5f23c3a769_m.jpg" alt="105_3105" title="105_3105" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=761342"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/342/761342_9813645a36_m.jpg" alt="105_3123" title="105_3123" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> CATALOGUE POSE </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/19/cape_tribulation~1051566/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/19/cape_tribulation~1051566/Sat, 19 Aug 2006 11:15:04 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=752315"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/315/752315_3c8a908985_m.jpg" alt="000000101" title="000000101" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>I forgot this pic last time. </p> <p>I love this pic</p> <p>SAndals brochure deal anyone??? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/17/forgot_pic~1046510/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/17/forgot_pic~1046510/Thu, 17 Aug 2006 12:53:09 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754825"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/825/754825_54b13f5d34_m.jpg" alt="PICT0004" title="PICT0004" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754826"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/826/754826_5d5d843019_m.jpg" alt="PICT0380" title="PICT0380" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754817"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/817/754817_2de275ed0d_m.jpg" alt="F1000018" title="F1000018" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754816"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/816/754816_b0c04811d3_m.jpg" alt="F1000017" title="F1000017" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754815"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/815/754815_3f4029e309_m.jpg" alt="F1000007" title="F1000007" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754813"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/813/754813_69dcab974f_m.jpg" alt="F1000001" title="F1000001" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=752323"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/323/752323_c993fba399_m.jpg" alt="00000019" title="00000019" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=752322"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/322/752322_d5b100e696_m.jpg" alt="PICT0485" title="PICT0485" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754819"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/819/754819_29ecfb7ba5_m.jpg" alt="PICT0502" title="PICT0502" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>THIS GUY IS FAMOUS IN OZ<br> HE LOST LOTS OF WEIGHT AND NOW HE PARADES AROUND KISSING BOYS IN NIGHT CLUBS USING HIS 15 MINS OF FAME<br> WE LOVE YOU ARTIE YOU ARE THE BIGGEST LOSER</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754818"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/818/754818_57dfa7bacf_m.jpg" alt="PICT0494" title="PICT0494" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=752321"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/321/752321_caf153efe9_m.jpg" alt="PICT0378" title="PICT0378" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>EXCALIBUR COTTAGE Part II</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=754826"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/826/754826_5d5d843019_m.jpg" alt="PICT0380" title="PICT0380" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>I REALLY THINK IVE MADE SOME IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ORIGINAL</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=752317"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/317/752317_c14383839e_m.jpg" alt="00000032" title="00000032" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=752316"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/316/752316_72ba0e47ed_m.jpg" alt="00000022" title="00000022" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/16/pics_update~1042950/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/16/pics_update~1042950/Wed, 16 Aug 2006 03:07:19 +0200 <p>Right. first off i have to apologise for my lack of updating since the last post. and to thank marty for keepin it goin for the last while.( but what did you do to the layout??? ) thers really no excuse other than im havin a great time travelling up the coast. Never really get a chance to update pics and blog. but here i am now , and ive prepared a long one <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>We're currently , and very near the end of travelling up the Gold and Sunshine coast of Australia. we started off at Coffs Harbour which was a nice little start to the journey , only 8 hours from sydney but still a big enough bus journey. We arrived in there at about 6am and had to wait til about 8am to check in , at which point it was straight to bed for a couple of hours kip. We had punch night that night and met some of the monkeys from the australian rugby squad. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699118"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/118/699118_6a2ad2e76d_m.jpg" alt="PICT0538" title="PICT0538" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> COffs HArbour</p> <p>From Coffs we got a bus at 6am to Surfers Paradise , which as the name suggest is only a paradise for surfers. It came across to me as a tacky cheesy 1980s miami vice kind of timewarp mixed with the kind of arses you find in the likes of Ibiza. We stayed a couple of nights there but nothing spectacular occured in our time in surfers. in a word. it was poo</p> <p>From surfers we went on up to |Brisbane where we met up with Marty and Jacqui again. It was Sineads birthday to to celebrate we went down to the riverside and had the BBQ . I think marty mentioned it before n a post. </p> <p>Next day we went to Dreamworld which is kinda like alton towers or that chessington place . anyways we had an excellent day there , and as marty mentioned the scariest ride i did was holding the Koala. Not really tho . i went on a few of them and got drenched on the log ride. Got pic taken with the Koala too as i mentioned which to me is a a high point. and i enjoyed it <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714880"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/880/714880_9b727ad4ca_m.jpg" alt="PICT0604" title="PICT0604" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>At dreamworld we also apart from teh crazy rides. stroked a kangaroo and tackled a croc</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714878"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/878/714878_a884dc2ffb_m.jpg" alt="PICT0593" title="PICT0593" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Yes alright well that croc aint real but these fookers are. The one on the left is 2 metres long and the other guy is 4 metres and hes got 4 metres left to go!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714881"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/881/714881_d723db10f4_m.jpg" alt="PICT0607" title="PICT0607" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>They had a tiger show at Dreamworld which was pretty impressive , they had these 3 Bengal tigers and the would show us some of their natural behaviours , like making them sit on their back legs , or as they found out by accident that they can jump huge distances to tackle their prey. They were transporting the tigers and one of them spotted an escaped bird from one of the other enclosures and in a flash it had jumped up and taken out the lil birdie. So now they show this in their show. was prety cool</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714879"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/879/714879_480aec9909_m.jpg" alt="PICT0599" title="PICT0599" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714886"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/886/714886_0aaead01ae_m.jpg" alt="PICT0614" title="PICT0614" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714876"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/876/714876_30d08af840_m.jpg" alt="PICT0590" title="PICT0590" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Drenched after the Log ride</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714875"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/875/714875_72e1fdc334_m.jpg" alt="PICT0587" title="PICT0587" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Dreamworld is where Aussie Big brother is filmed. 2 avid fans</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714873"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/873/714873_bc14aa86ae_m.jpg" alt="PICT0583" title="PICT0583" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>This is why i cant come home mum!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=714872"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/872/714872_99553b4c19_m.jpg" alt="PICT0582" title="PICT0582" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699119"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/119/699119_e0c3616c2d_m.jpg" alt="PICT0535" title="PICT0535" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>We left Brisbane on Thursday and went to Noosa. Which has been one of my favourite places so far on the trip around Oz. They have a rainforest National park that exists on the Sand which is pretty rare occurrence. was really chilled out nice little town. liked it alot. </p> <p>From Noosa we headed up to Hervey Bay which is the launcing pad for trips to Fraser Island. We started the evening in |Hervey bay at 3pm the evening before going to fraser. where we recieved a briefing on how to drive the 4x4's and how to avoid nasty situations involving dingoes. That was all lovely and we were put into our groups of about 10-12 people . We had a great group. 7 of us were irish , 2 were SLovenian and the other was English , so it was pretty cool.<br> We bought all the shopping for 10 people for the next 3 days in preparation for the next day.<br> We got up at 530 to pack our 4x4 , once enverything including tents food , cookin stuff was in we were off to the ferry where we took the 45min ferry over to fraser itself. got off and stated exploring the sand tracks and tackling sand dunes. . </p> <p><strong>Interesting Facts on Fraser Island<br> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------</strong></p> <p><em>Scientists believe Fraser Island has developed over a period of approximately 800,000 years. It's sand comes from the tablelands of northern New South Wales, washed into the sea by the big rivers of that area, and strong sea currents carry it north. </p> <p>Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world stretching 123 km long and covering an area of 166,038ha. </p> <p>The dingo population on Fraser is regarded as the purest strain of dingo remaining in eastern Australia.<br> Fraser Island once had flourishing timber and sand mining industries. </p> <p>Fraser has over 40 freshwater lakes and is home to half of the known 'perched' lakes in the world. </p> <p>Fraser Island was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770.<br> There are no paved roads except in the resort areas. </p> <p>There are no domestic dogs and cats allowed onto Fraser Island.<br> There are around 230 species of bird life. </p> <p>Lake Wabby is being reduced in size due to a massive sand blow advancing at the rate of around 3 metres a year. </p> <p>Dingoes were once used by aborigines to flush out game.<br> The Aboriginal name for the island was K'gari which means 'Paradise' . </p> <p>Central station has no trains! It was the central Forestry Department station / centre between 1920 to 1959. </p> <p>Fraser Island was World Heritage Listed in December 1992. </p> <p>The Island was named after Eliza Fraser who was shipwrecked there in 1836.<br> There are 30 sandblows, which are areas of mobile unvegetated sand, along the eastern and northern coast.</p> <p>Fraser Island sits on a huge reservoir of fresh water.<br> Almost the entire island is protected. </p> <p>Sand contains no significant nutrients, yet Fraser is composed almost entirely of vegetation covered sand and boasts towering rainforests. </p> <p>Eli Creek is the largest freshwater creek on the eastern, ocean side of Fraser pouring 120 million litres of fresh water a day into the sea. </p> <p>190 hectare Lake Boomanjin is the largest lake on the island.<br> Lake McKenzie's beach is considered by some to rank amongst the world's top ten beaches. </p> <p>Sandy Cape lighthouse at the northern end of Fraser Island was built in 1870. </p> <p>Indian Head is the most eastern point on Fraser rising 60 metres from the water, and Sandy Cape is the the most northerly point. </em></p> <p>so its a cool place then. </p> <p> We spent half a day at Lake McKenzie which is an amazing sight. 2 tone clear water. looks like somethin out of a sandels brochure. really sweet. </p> <p>We had a couple of encouters with dingoes along the way. the first night when we were drinkin one came up to the campsite and had a stare at us and was pretty close before he got scared and left.<br> It was like a school camping trip , having to do the survival , pitching tents for 3days etc. but with spectacular views of sharks swiming with turtles and rays and beautiful lakes and sand dunes.</p> <p>Loved it. </p> <p>AFter Fraser we headed back to Hervey bay where we stayed a couple of nights and then left for Airlie beach which is the gate way to the Whitsunday Islands</p> <p>The Whitsunday Islands were originally formed by volcanic action. However, after the last glacial period (30 to 50 000 years ago) the sea level rose, leaving the higher coastal peaks as islands.</p> <p>The Aborigines of the Whitsunday Islands were called the Ngaro and are among the earliest recorded groups in Australia. Often called the 'Island People' their territory expanded north - south along the island chain. They also inhabited the coast of the adjacent mainland. In their occupation as maritime hunters and gatherers, the Ngaro became well known as skilled navigators.</p> <p>In 1770, the Cumberland Islands were discovered by Lieutenant James Cook. On Whit Sunday Lt. Cook sailed through and named the passage between the northern islands, the Whitsunday Passage. Later, once surveyed, the Cumberland Islands were divided into smaller groups - the Whitsunday Group, the Lindeman Group, the Anchor Islands and the Sir James Smith Group.</p> <p>During the mid 1800s the Whitsunday Group were the first to attract the attention of the pioneers of the mainland coast. In the 1880s, grazing leases were granted for the islands. It was not until the 1920s that 'dreamers' built galvanised iron huts for guests. Cruise ship passengers rowed ashore for tropical fruits, tea and scones. The first day trippers from the mainland were the Prosperpine residents. They arrived on the island aboard the weekly mail boat.</p> <p>In 1962, the islands became more accessible when the road from Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour and the jetty were completed.</p> <p> Right now im on Magnetic island of the coast of Townsville. So called by Cpt Cook because of his dodgy compass. Really beautiful island. we rented a small car called a moke to drive about. only $45 for the day between us so pretty cheap. here for the next 2 nights so am just chillin again. </p> <p>Hope you are all well.. i will see you soon</p> <p>love steve</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/12/title~1033216/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/12/title~1033216/Sat, 12 Aug 2006 07:09:44 +0200 <p>Hi all,<br> Steve still hasn't made it near any internet access, so left to me to post some pics. Just been to the Ekka, basically a big Balmoral show, with loads of cows, dogs etc on show. Pretty big deal it seems for the people of Brisbane as next wednesday is a public holiday, but can't complain as i'll have the day off <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> This place is huge and makes Balmoral look like a car boot sale. So many things to do and a huge fairground and circus beside meant it was a really good day out.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744566"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/566/744566_19e3576eba_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0432" title="PHOT0432" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744568"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/568/744568_4823a82712_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0430" title="PHOT0430" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744569"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/569/744569_28fb9694b0_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0435" title="PHOT0435" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744570"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/570/744570_9e85d1c3ce_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0439" title="PHOT0439" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744571"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/571/744571_e7e4ba520a_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0446" title="PHOT0446" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744572"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/572/744572_3af65d816d_m.jpg" alt="PHOT0449" title="PHOT0449" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Last week we went cycling round the city, heres some pics;</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744604"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/604/744604_e30230bb10_m.jpg" alt="SPA50734" title="SPA50734" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744606"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/606/744606_18c6ee681b_m.jpg" alt="SPA50731" title="SPA50731" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744607"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/607/744607_42aaf501cc_m.jpg" alt="SPA50741" title="SPA50741" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744608"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/608/744608_b80940f4d5_m.jpg" alt="SPA50743" title="SPA50743" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744612"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/612/744612_53629ce0f4_m.jpg" alt="SPA50744" title="SPA50744" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744613"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/613/744613_9f050dca96_m.jpg" alt="SPA50746" title="SPA50746" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/11/ekka~1031490/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/08/11/ekka~1031490/Fri, 11 Aug 2006 13:12:06 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=721655"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/655/721655_476a81f884_m.jpg" alt="jacqui 079" title="jacqui 079" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="500" height="375"></a>Hey all, again Its left to marty to write an update on the blog. Steve will probably put this down to the lack of internet wherever he goes but im putting it down to the fact that hes a lazy bugger. </p> <p>It was Sineads birthday last week so big birthday shout out to her <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Steve, sinead, emily and niall arrived up in brisbane last monday, it was also the day of sineads birthday. So we decided to have a bbq in the park. The park is down near the rive and is quite picturesque looking over the lit up city with the skyscrapers etc. So we all tucked into hot dogs, burgers and salad and have to say had a great wee nite. Also had several beers, the weather is here a lot better than it was down in sydney. Prob about 20-25 during the day and about 12-15 at nite, although i think because i've more accostomed to the warmer weather i def think its really cold at nite, god only knows how i'm gonna survive when i get back the warmth of good old belfast. </p> <p>My work is going well, good experience and i'm on flexi time too which means i rack up the hours at the start of the week and can have a wee half day on fridays meaning a long weekend. AJ left the country last week and was sad to see him go, been really good to see someone from home and myself and steve hope that he had a good time. Have started thinking about going home as well in the last week or two, not that i haven't been thinking about it throughout the whole journey. It has only really hit me that i'm leaving oz in about 5 weeks. Suppose i thought it wouldn't come so quickly, the year has flew in. Looking forward to seeing everyone again but on the other hand wish i was going away again, think once you catch the travelling bug it stays with you. Now i just have to plan my next adventure! </p> <p>Steve went to the adventure/theme park last week called dreamworld, i gather he had a good time although it seems he didn't get his moneys worth as he didn't go on all the rides, instead he opted for the much more thrill seeking attraction of getting his pic taken with a koala. It seems that you can hold a koala up here in queensland, not like down in politically correct new south wales where to touch one is illegal, rather up here anything goes and that includes killing kangaroo's as their a pest. Don't know what Steve Irwin would have to say about that, but i intend to ask him as we're hopefully heading up there in the next few weeks to go see come croc's, roo's , wombats and whatever else is australian. Gonna go here, cos its 2130 and i'm out on the balcony and its beginning to get quite cold. </p> <p>Take care and speak soon Marty </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/31/sunny_brisbane~1002295/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/31/sunny_brisbane~1002295/Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:29:10 +0200 <p>Hi everyone from Sunny Brisbane. Well, while Steve has been sunning himself down the coast and living the life up meeting all sorts of monkeys i've arrived in brisbane. </p> <p>Arrived on Monday nite, quite a nice little city. Everything is within walking distance and the pace seems a little more relaxed that the metropolis of sydney. </p> <p>As my financial situation isn't quite up to Steve's i've been forced to look for work straight away and as the luck of the god would have it some work came my way on Wednesday Evening. Applied for a job at approx 14.34, 2 minutes later i had a phonecall from an agency asking could i come in for a chat to register with them and by 17.10 that day i was starting a job the next day.</p> <p>Working for a mine company who are quite big in queensland on big litigation case, so quite excited to be part of that <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> So everything seems to be working out ok, fingers crossed and the job should be there right up until i leave brisbane in mid sept so couldn't ask for anything better. As a wise man (Mr Cathal O'Neill) once said " Good Things Happen to Good People!"</p> <p>Heading to the Lions game tomorro nite so that should be good craic, they're playing the hawthorns. </p> <p>Anyway for now, hope everyone is enjoying the hot weather back home</p> <p><em><strong><br> BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE MR BADGER, HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT NITE <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></strong></em> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/21/happy_birthday_badge~976226/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/21/happy_birthday_badge~976226/Fri, 21 Jul 2006 04:10:41 +0200 <p>HI everyone. Myself sinead emily and niall are travelling up the coast of Australia after a gruelling 5 months slogging away in sydney!<br> We arrived in Coffs harbour after about an 8 hour bus ride from sydney. all went smoothly. we had punch night last night which involved drinking copious amounts of punch and playin drinking games. all good craic. went out after that and got a lil drunk on jack and Jaegger-Bombs. mmmm<br> Happens that the aussie rugby team trains in this area. so in the bar we were at last night Lote Tugiri , George Gregan and George Smith were gettin bit drunk. was pretty cool. NIall got a good photo with George Gregan , i got pic with Lote but he was actin like a monkey. anyway all good</p> <p>just after a all u can eat BBQ so i ate all i could . gona go watch lost now and then 24. ahh the joys of travelling. </p> <p>Heading up to brisbane at some point in the next week to see marty. Sineads Birthday comin up on monday too. WHat am i gona do for her?!?!? </p> <p>anyway hope you are all good , i will talk to y'all soon</p> <p>take care Steve</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699116"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/116/699116_47215561ef_m.jpg" align="" alt="P7190171" title="P7190171" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699117"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/117/699117_f6ca2976bb_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0536" title="PICT0536" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699118"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/118/699118_6a2ad2e76d_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0538" title="PICT0538" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699119"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/119/699119_e0c3616c2d_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0535" title="PICT0535" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699110"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/110/699110_23dc137430_m.jpg" align="" alt="P7190170" title="P7190170" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699109"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/109/699109_ff3906784f_m.jpg" align="" alt="P7190123" title="P7190123" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=699108"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/108/699108_4c7fd49cd3_m.jpg" align="" alt="P7190114" title="P7190114" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/20/title~974172/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/20/title~974172/Thu, 20 Jul 2006 12:03:29 +0200 <p>Heres a pic update from Saturday nite when we met up with AJ, Neesey Paddy, Deborah and Ann-Marie. Very drunken night had by all!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688718"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/718/688718_33a9f3d1b2_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0491" title="PICT0491" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After a long wait we finally get our hands on some buckfast! It all went downhill from here</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688719"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/719/688719_c70602e16e_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0500" title="PICT0500" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688720"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/720/688720_951bffae90_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0496" title="PICT0496" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688721"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/721/688721_801571f54b_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0498" title="PICT0498" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688722"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/722/688722_efe9f69108_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0494" title="PICT0494" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688723"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/723/688723_7566702964_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0512" title="PICT0512" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688724"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/724/688724_ed38c6ea53_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0526" title="PICT0526" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688725"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/725/688725_89526e4551_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0501" title="PICT0501" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688726"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/726/688726_a7b36e5ae9_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0521" title="PICT0521" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688727"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/727/688727_06eb7ea7f0_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0533" title="PICT0533" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688735"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/735/688735_acbb4ba28e_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0506" title="PICT0506" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=688736"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/736/688736_16c96cc362_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0524" title="PICT0524" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/16/pics_update~962863/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/16/pics_update~962863/Sun, 16 Jul 2006 10:02:29 +0200 <p>The Sydney Opera house:</p> <p><strong>Was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon<br> Was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973<br> Presented, as its first performance, The Australian Opera's production of War and Peace by Prokofiev<br> Cost $AU 102,000,000 to build<br> Conducts 3000 events each year<br> Provides guided tours to 200,000 people each year<br> Has an annual audience of 2 million for its performances<br> Includes 1000 rooms<br> Is 185 metres long and 120 metres wide<br> Has 2194 pre-cast concrete sections as its roof<br> Has roof sections weighing up to 15 tons<br> Has roof sections held together by 350 kms of tensioned steel cable<br> Has over 1 million tiles on the roof Uses 6225 square metres of glass and 645 kilometres of electric cable </p> <p>The Opera House contains the worlds largest organ, which contrary to popular belief has its pipes made not out of copper, but 'special'!! Furthermore it is made in Austria, where as evertone knows all Australia's organs come from. It has 10,300 pipes emanating from it, and whilst we were there this number majestically rose to 10,400! What a day!!</p> <p>This lovely blog has been compiled with the lovely assistance of AJ<br> </strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/13/some_interesting_sydney_opera_house_fact~955652/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/13/some_interesting_sydney_opera_house_fact~955652/Thu, 13 Jul 2006 09:23:45 +0200 <p>The Sydney Opera house:</p> <p><strong>Was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon<br> Was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973<br> Presented, as its first performance, The Australian Opera's production of War and Peace by Prokofiev<br> Cost $AU 102,000,000 to build<br> Conducts 3000 events each year<br> Provides guided tours to 200,000 people each year<br> Has an annual audience of 2 million for its performances<br> Includes 1000 rooms<br> Is 185 metres long and 120 metres wide<br> Has 2194 pre-cast concrete sections as its roof<br> Has roof sections weighing up to 15 tons<br> Has roof sections held together by 350 kms of tensioned steel cable<br> Has over 1 million tiles on the roof Uses 6225 square metres of glass and 645 kilometres of electric cable </p> <p>The Opera House contains the worlds largest organ, which contrary to popular belief has its pipes made not out of copper, but 'special'!! Furthermore it is made in Austria, where as evertone knows all Australia's organs come from. It has 10,300 pipes emanating from it, and whilst we were there this number majestically rose to 10,400! What a day!!</p> <p>This lovely blog has been compiled with the lovely assistance of AJ<br> </strong></p> <p>Yes Jorn Utzon has never been back to Sydney to see the Opera House Completed, in 2003 however relations were again established and since then he has set in place guidelines for any further restoration to the Opera house. Furthermore he has also designed a meeting room in the Opera House called the Utzon Room, his daughter(who married an Australian) designed a tapestry which hangs in the Utzon room and his son is currently working as an resident architect, he still however hasn't returned to Sydney. Hope that keeps u going CJ</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/13/some_interesting_sydney_opera_house_fact~955651/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/13/some_interesting_sydney_opera_house_fact~955651/Thu, 13 Jul 2006 09:23:41 +0200 <p>The Sydney Opera house:</p> <p><strong>Was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon<br> Was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973<br> Presented, as its first performance, The Australian Opera's production of War and Peace by Prokofiev<br> Cost $AU 102,000,000 to build<br> Conducts 3000 events each year<br> Provides guided tours to 200,000 people each year<br> Has an annual audience of 2 million for its performances<br> Includes 1000 rooms<br> Is 185 metres long and 120 metres wide<br> Has 2194 pre-cast concrete sections as its roof<br> Has roof sections weighing up to 15 tons<br> Has roof sections held together by 350 kms of tensioned steel cable<br> Has over 1 million tiles on the roof Uses 6225 square metres of glass and 645 kilometres of electric cable </p> <p>The Opera House contains the worlds largest organ, which contrary to popular belief has its pipes made not out of copper, but 'special'!! Furthermore it is made in Austria, where as evertone knows all Australia's organs come from. It has 10,300 pipes emanating from it, and whilst we were there this number majestically rose to 10,400! What a day!!</p> <p>This lovely blog has been compiled with the lovely assistance of AJ<br> ble </strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/13/some_interesting_sydney_opera_house_fact~955649/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/13/some_interesting_sydney_opera_house_fact~955649/Thu, 13 Jul 2006 09:23:33 +0200 <p>Well as usual steve has been to lazy to get off his ass and write a blog so its been left to myself to try and fill the void between the last entry and the next update when hopefully there should be something more substanial alongside some pictures.</p> <p>Well we both finished work last week and so have been trying to do as little as possible in the way of spending money, this has revolved around going for walks down to bondi, sleeping, watching tv, eating and just jumping on the bus and heading into the city and dandering about to waste a day!<br> Its also involved me going to the library and getting some books out to read, polished off a biography of mussolini inside a week and moved onto dostvoskey's demons, suffice to say that i didn't get past the first 10 pages without screaming and my head hurting. So gave up on that and will prob never return to him again as i've also tried to finish off crime and punishment but god just doesn't seem to want me to finish any off his books! ah well who wants to be smart and all literary anyway.<br> So AJ arrived yesterday morning, we got up at 5.30am and made our way to the airport, arrived about 6.45am and waited at the train gates for about an hour(otherwise we would have to pay 20 dollars to go through the gate) Needless to say security gave us some funny looks weighing us up and down as to whether we were a potential security threat, probably added to this was the fact that steve had been hanging about like this twice before waiting on jenny and linda. Aj Arrived around 8am or so (held up and searched by customs because of his straw hat)and we made our way into the city and showed him his hotel, we then went for some breakfast in scruffy murphys, an irish bar (god i'm gettin sick of them) and then went for a coffee along circular. Quite a good morning all in all.</p> <p>Last weekend we also met up with our cousins noeleen and paula and their families a for great meal( esp the wheaten bread mmmm) Must have been about 3000 kids running about the place and paula showed us her new baby that she'd had the week before, his name was Finn but to me he just looked like any other baby, a baby is a baby right! So that was great to see them again before we head off.</p> <p>Think we're going to have a few beers this weekend (alongside some buckfast! Yey) and then head to brisbane on monday afternoon. Steve, sinead, emily and niall head up the coast on Tuesday and then we're meet up again in brisbane for Sineads birthday the following week. All in all a busy week ahead, esp as we have to clean up the house before leaving it so if anyone fancies the following:<br> 2 boogie boards<br> an iron<br> ironing board<br> a fishing seat<br> a huge sharp tv<br> video player<br> artistic screen</p> <p>drop me a line enclosing the post and packaging and it could be winging its way to you straight from down under! We'll even throw in a free kangaroo</p> <p>Anyway bye for now, hope everyone is keeping well.<br> COngrats to Elaine on her graduation last week, please tell badge to stop socialising with people in the front bar! Otherwise we shall be forced to terminate him</p> <p>Ciao for now<br> Marty</p> <p>P.s To Dear wes,<br> I'm sorry we couldn't post u any buckfast while miss aliza has been away, however i promise that as soon as i return home i will post you over a lovely bottle, then when you come over to ireland we can go on a buckfast bender! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/13/title~955319/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/07/13/title~955319/Thu, 13 Jul 2006 05:27:58 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=650713"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/713/650713_f04fc28a5c_m.jpg" align="" alt="64270" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Hello all,<br> As Steve did such sterling good work on the last blog and even managed a few laughs in it, i thought i would update you with this weeks goings on, which will take all of about three sentences.<br> We're still working away, this however is my last week with Ebsworths and i have decided to head up the coast to brisbane. So i leave on the 17th July and i'm gonna stay up there until mid september and then come home then via the far east and so i'll be back in beautiful belfast at the end of september (just in time for my birthday on the 8th Oct <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0">) Steve, Sinead Emily and Niall are going to go up the coast and backpack around for a bit, i'm skint so as soon as i get to brisbane i'll have to try and find work to keep me going for the 8 or so weeks i'm there.<br> So at the moment its all about saving to head away and we're all really looking forward to moving on again. As great and fantastic as sydney is, its good to head off travelling again and not have to work in the morning.</p> <p>Speaking of working, for the last few weeks we've been watching the world cup which due to the time difference has been played between the ridiculous hours of 11pm and 5am in the morning. Although we haven't been able to watch all the games we've stayed up through the night to watch the Aussies. Everyone over here has become soccer fans, with flags flying from cars and everyone in work chatting away about the merits of ronaldhino and how fat ronaldo has become! Last night the Italy- Oz match was on and i have to add that we were all very disappointed with the result. Australia had the majority of the possession but lacked the killer touch and someone to step forward and score <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> therefore it was left to the dirty i-tai's with totti scoring the penalty. As we made our way to bed after 3am we were quite sad but happy that we'd stayed up to watch the match and be a part of aussie history! </p> <p>AJ arrives in a few weeks, 12th july to be exact so myself and steve are looking forward to seeing him and having a few schooners of tooheys with him and the rest of the people he's with. Will be good to see someone from home and catch up with all the gossip. He's even bringing some buckfast over, so that will keep us occupied for a night or two at least, i'd imagine that after one swig we'll be on our backs as we haven't been drinking anywhere near as much as what we do at home. We'll have to get plenty of practice in as soon as we arrive home to get back to our best.</p> <p>Have to say congrats to AJ and Tracy on their finals results and have a great graduation day. </p> <p>Thats about it at the moment, i don't think we have anymore pics for now but as soon as we do we'll be putting them up.<br> Hope everyone is keeping well and enjoying the summer, we'd also like to see some more comments, We know people are viewing the site so just a quick comment would be much appreicated</p> <p>Anyway take care<br> Marty </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/06/27/the_italian_job~914544/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/06/27/the_italian_job~914544/Tue, 27 Jun 2006 07:28:38 +0200 <p>hi everyone. ive been pretty quiet on blogging recently. My job right now is turning into ground hog job. It was initially meant to be for 4 weeks. ive been here about 10 now. its very monotonus and boring work. i stare out the same window at the same buildings. ive learned 3 things from working in australia.</p> <p>People do actually return mail to sender. </p> <p>People cannot , cannot fil out application forms properly ,</p> <p>and there are some crazy fuckers out there who want to be incharge of trains. </p> <p>Its like they got that train set as a xmas present and the dream of some day driving or signalling that train never diminished. i pray everytime i get on a train. sydney is cold right now. wet this morning. kinda depressing. i guess you cant have everything , well for now. we're migrating up the coast for a while to brisbane/cairns direction. where its gona be frickin hot again. i like it just in the middle. just nice shorts and tshirt weather. The world Cup is going strong. so i hear. its so annoying that the matches are at 11pm 2am and 5am which means that generally your hearing the scores on the radio or tv in the mornin. lose a lil of the tension and excitment that way. i think i will be watchin the socceroos game 2moro morning tho. get up at 5am andstay up and go to work. should be fun. itll be really shit if they get knocked out at this stage.<br> Went to Jacqui O's house on Saturday night for their leaving do. Was a bit messy . v drunk on Colonel Quikimarts Kentucky Bourbon. But fun for all the family. </p> <p>Want to wish Laura P all the best in NY. you'll do a great job and maybe we'll see you if we go through JFK any time soon. </p> <p>Hi to mum and dad , Michael and Catherine. Be home soon ;O)</p> <p>my brain is melted at work. </p> <p>LEAVE COMMENTS</p> <p>STEVE</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=636625"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/625/636625_12d7d77b49_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0480" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=636610"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/610/636610_6ccddc5223_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0459" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><strong><em>Your always happy in a Poncho!</em>( Even Steve can manage a smile!) At the Sydney Swans game there was torrential rain for the whole match so steve and myself had to purchase these very attractive rain ponchos to ward off pneumonia. Swans ended up losing by two points. Got the tickets for free from a fella at work, have two more for another game wohoo!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=636609"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/609/636609_e6626f4c17_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0458" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=636626"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/626/636626_d063b4af0e_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0481" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=636613"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/613/636613_ebb7b6944c_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0468" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=636611"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/611/636611_ce62adfdc9_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0461" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=638691"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/691/638691_064405e20b_m.jpg" align="" alt="639141550a1150853554b799404596l" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><strong>Went to the Olympic Park where the 2000 Olympics where held and rented bikes for the day, topped of with a picnic. Very nice day</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=638693"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/693/638693_1f44940ad8_m.jpg" align="" alt="639141550a1150853949b37289426l" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=638944"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/944/638944_3f1e20263d_m.jpg" align="" alt="639141550a1150891329b422965800l" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><strong>Surry Hills Music Festival. Ahh nothing beats buying a cheap bottle of Bourbon at 11am and finishing it off by early afternoon. Some good music on show, especially a band called Extended Family.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=638945"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/945/638945_2b4829b186_m.jpg" align="" alt="639141550a1150892297b950427217l" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=638946"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/946/638946_1f9bfab948_m.jpg" align="" alt="639141550a1150895974b502207516l" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><strong>Me and 'Yer Man' from Neighbours,also met Boyd will get pics of that momentous meeting up soon. Also met Toadie again (Yawn!)</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=638947"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/947/638947_1f95dd9622_m.jpg" align="" alt="639141550a1150896378b790037080l" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><strong>Marty on the horsey things that go round and round at a fun park. Went on a ride where we went upside down and stayed there for a minute, was quite an experience, all my change fell out of my pocket, hope it didn't hit anyone!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=643491"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/491/643491_fbb898ee1f_m.jpg" align="" alt="PHOT0297" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Me and Boyd</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/06/22/pic_update~901153/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/06/22/pic_update~901153/Thu, 22 Jun 2006 00:39:34 +0200 <p> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=612797"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/797/612797_0664f5bf89_m.jpg" align="" alt="fifawcup-glow" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Well its friday evening and i'm in work, only 55 mins to go. Wohoo! Its a long weekend this week so we have monday off, why is that i hear you say. Well its all because of the Queens Birthday. Never thought i'd say this , but thanks mam for having a birthday so i can have a bloody day off and have a lie in on monday morning!<br> Heading to luna park this evening, its a theme park with rollercoasters etc, not really the theme park man but its 20 dollars for unlimited rides plus you get a free beer so can't be all that bad. Hopefully will get some pics from it too. Tomorrow nite heading to see some Aussie rules with the Sydney Swans playing St Kilda who come from outside Melbourne. Should be a good game, got the tickets free off a bloke who comes into work to pick up old printer and photocopy toners, Got talking to him and found out hes a steward so he offered me some tickets cos i'm irish <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> Theres a jazz festival on sunday too in darling harbour along with fireworks so i think we're gonna go to that too. </p> <p>By now Laura should be getting ready to head off to the big apple. Even though we haven't seen you in nearly nine months we're still gonna miss you laura. My advice as i've already left on Bebo is to Marry some rich yank and settle down over there and buy a big apartment so that we can come stay. Such a good plan i think. Hope you have a good time and enjoy every minute just like we're doing down under.</p> <p>I also hear that badge got into a little mishap with the police <img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"> Orange halls are not for relieving urself on mr bradshaw and members of the PSNI look very dimly on such matters. </p> <p>Went to the casino last week (again) This time though managed to spend no money at all. Was going to play some poker with finish guy Yana but it was 100 dollars to join a table so we gave that a miss. That nite also went to a spanish niteclub. Was just like being in Central America again, oh how i shed a tear!<br> Dame mas gasoline, dame mas gasolina.</p> <p>Talking of which Aliza is heading off to Puerto Rico in search of Daddee Yankee so hope her mission finds some sucess and she can settle down and become Mama Yankee. Also have to say a big Happy Belated Birthday to Wes, Hope you had a good one man <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>anyway thats about it for the moment.<br> Hopefully will have some more pics up soon.<br> Hope everyones enjoying the weather back home while we freeze in the rain over here, sods bloody law wouldn't ya know it!</p> <p>Anyway be good everyone and take care<br> Marty </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/06/09/costa_rica_for_the_world_cup~864702/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/06/09/costa_rica_for_the_world_cup~864702/Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:21:40 +0200 <p> Hello Everyone. </p> <p>Hope you are all keeping well. i just returned from Hunter Valley where i spent the last couple days. Had an excellent time. Went to various vineyards and winerys and sampled the local vino. Got quite tipsy by the end of the day and had a lovely woodfired pizza loaded with everything that was on offer. had beer and gathered round the fire. It was pretty cold during the night. </p> <p>on the friday we went cycling into town and got stuff then came back to go fly our plane!! Best thing ive ever done i think. v weird experience. the pilot takes u up to the start of the runway , asks you to release the throttle and pull up whn u feel its right( yea right!) but it was all cool. took off and took here round to the left then right. then he took over and did a bit of mad uppey downey stuff which was cool then he said "take over for a while" (ok.. bit scared) so i did and it was v cool flying about seeing all the vineyards and the hostel. flew round for a bit then he suggests taking it into land. so i go right and right more and we line up for the runway and take in throttle and reduce airspeed and slowly come into land where he took over and guided us onto tarmac . love it.</p> <p>On the Saturday we went horsey riding through some vineyards and over hills for a couple hours. Never been on a horse before so it was pretty intense.<br> Once i was on Percy he was a lovely lovely horse. my arse was quite sore by the end tho.</p> <p>REally cool weekend relaxing and exciting and good to get away from sydney for a while. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0">. </p> <p>anyways. gona go now. back to work on monday <img src="/img/smilies/icon_surprised.gif" alt=":o" class="middle" border="0">(<br> take care all</p> <p>steve</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594351"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/351/594351_b51bb8f740_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0347" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594352"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/352/594352_0f93837f35_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0358" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594353"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/353/594353_5663888453_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0346" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594354"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/354/594354_7eb4d22f0e_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0360" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594355"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/355/594355_edda77e0e6_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0373" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594356"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/356/594356_8d5690805a_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0375" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594358"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/358/594358_895758d216_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0376" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594359"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/359/594359_5a1267bd65_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0450" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594360"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/360/594360_97bf8dc3ff_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0445" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594361"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/361/594361_9f982d9e03_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0419" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594362"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/362/594362_1759eed263_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0394" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594363"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/363/594363_090a04bd0f_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0404" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594343"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/343/594343_b346b14d6c_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0402" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594344"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/344/594344_c80f4aaaa4_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0385" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594345"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/345/594345_dcbdd2fe83_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0386" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=594347"><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/img/video.gif" align="" alt="UP IN THE SKY" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <strong>CLICK TO VIEW<br> ME FLYING A PLANE</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/06/04/hunter_valley~852350/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/06/04/hunter_valley~852350/Sun, 04 Jun 2006 04:32:50 +0200 <p>Steves Birthday in The Orient Bar in The Rocks Sydney</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581105"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/105/581105_9d68488739_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0303" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581106"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/106/581106_50c6f93f43_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0275" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581104"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/104/581104_807e22a7d5_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0302" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581103"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/103/581103_afb4453954_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0282" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581102"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/102/581102_b39059898f_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0286" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581101"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/101/581101_03030565d9_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0285" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581095"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/095/581095_0ee6cc2d05_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0266" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581094"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/094/581094_b81fe09991_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0250" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581093"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/093/581093_f39d1f54be_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0240" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581092"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/092/581092_dddb284206_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0212" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581091"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/091/581091_d1fbc55866_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0208" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581090"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/090/581090_6f5d5a98a6_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0204" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581082"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/082/581082_ffb681a3b7_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0217" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581081"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/081/581081_8213cab1eb_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0220" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581080"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/080/581080_5343022dac_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0234" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581079"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/079/581079_a1d89b385d_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0277" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581078"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/078/581078_91844646b4_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0287" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>hi all, been asked to write a blog by steve as his last few attempts haven't been quite up to standard. Trying to think of what we've been upto and hmmm i'm still thinking.<br> Last week we said goodbye to Jenni, sineads friend who's been staying with us for a few weeks. Quite sad to see her go as the past few weeks have flew in with her around, she was originally meant to come with us but because of work commitments couldn't come in the end. So we went out for a few beers last wednesday nite to see her off. Had quite a good nite.<br> Also went to the Olmypic park where the games were held in 2000. Its a big site on the outskirts of the city, about 20 mins on the train. The centrepiece is the Olympic (Telstra) Stadium which is huge. So rented out some bikes and cycled round the site for a few hours. Quite a nice trail rounded off by yummy picnic.<br> On Saturday i went to the Surry Hills Music festival, which was a free event in big park with lots of different bands and stalls. So at about 10.30 made my way to the Bottle Shop( Off Licence) and purchased Kentuckys finest bourbon, Had that polished off by about 3pm and then had some of the girls wine, bought a silly hat and by 7pm i was slightly the worse for wear. So went and got fish and chips and sat in another park, which we found out was the local rapist park and where all the druggies hang out so swiftly made our way home from that. </p> <p>On sunday i picked up my cousin davids' car from his place and went for a drive round the coast up to watsons bay and around there as that was the only place i was confident i knew where i was going. Had really good day along there and then left jacqui off and picked up steve sinead linda and sharon and we went to the cock and bull(god i hate irish bars and culchies, it seems that to fit in u have to be wearing your county jersey) But they do do lovely cabbage and bacon apparently. This was proven by the fact that steve licked his plate clean (although he does this on most occasions)</p> <p>And thats the gossip right up until this present time when i'm in work. have an interview for another law firm in few hours so shall see how that goes. have been offered another 4 weeks here but the other place is more money.<br> Steves birthday this week. Im heading to the State of Origin game on Wednesday at the Olympic stadium. Its a rugby league match made up of all the best players from different clubs, kinda like an all stars game. Its huge here so expecting 60,000 crowd for the game. Should be good.<br> Should also be heading to Blues gig on Friday. Dave hole is the guitarist playing and apparently hes very good. Think we're going to go out on sat nite for steve birthday so pics from that and everything else we've been upto shall be posted as soon as we have opportunity to get them uploaded.<br> Until then, hope everyone is keeping well, and beginning to enjoy the warm weather back home while it begins to get slowly colder here <img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"><br> Adios </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/05/22/title~818775/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/05/22/title~818775/Mon, 22 May 2006 06:16:51 +0200 <p>HELO , its been a while since last update , i thought it was a lovelty update last time tho. Nothing much really happening. workin again in Sydney for telecommunications company. Will get up the coast some time this year i promise. HAppy Birthday to me Mum for last sunday. hope u like your present. Sinead em lida and jenni where at ramsey st in Melbourne at the weekend. they all stole lemons off lynnes tree , terrible. they had great time down there apparently. il try and put pics on. </p> <p>Its Me Bday next thursday (25th) so u all still have time to send me a bday card <img src="/img/smilies/icon_surprised.gif" alt=":o" class="middle" border="0">)</p> <p>Jenni goin home 2moro so headin out 2nite for some funz...</p> <p>BARCA FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (not smelly arsehole 'n all) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/good_morning_good_evening_and_good_night~805691/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/good_morning_good_evening_and_good_night~805691/Wed, 17 May 2006 05:43:23 +0200 <p>G'day everyone (i've now taken to answering the phone and greeting people with a g'day, whether this a sad and pathetic attempt to fit in with the criminal australian population remains to seen)</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517281"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/281/517281_61bf73e12f_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0173" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517282"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/282/517282_522f873047_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0172" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517283"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/283/517283_70c5baa90c_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0165" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517284"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/284/517284_d69cf0c7ae_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0168" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517285"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/285/517285_47ac3d1aed_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0164" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517286"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/286/517286_992e3ec975_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0160" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>G'day everyone (i've now taken to answering the phone and greeting people with a g'day, whether this a sad and pathetic attempt to fit in with the criminal australian population remains to seen)</p> <p>But anyway its the day after the night before. I hear you asking what was the night before?<br> Well quite simply and i think i can speak on everyones behalf, it was the most amazing night of my adult and child life so far............. We went to Neighbours night in the city, where we met Toadie, Lovely Step and Alf from Home and Away. We managed to get our pics taken with them all and chat with them for a bit. Really was a good nite and then there was a quiz and then lots of drunken dancing and falling about. All in all i'm sure u'll agree a truely wonderful and magical night. Will be something to tell the kids and grandkids in years to come! Also went to the casino on sat night (well sunday morning) and won absoutely nothing. This may be due to the fact that i only put one dollar into the 1 cent machines but nonetheless the thrill and adrenalin were still there as if i was playing with $10000! One of the girls Joanne put 10 dollars on lucky number 4 and managed to win 200 dollars!(lucky B*%@h) They went back to Jacqui's and then in a drunken state went to meet Steve, Sinead and Jenny who were meeting Linda off the plane from Belfast. Then went for breakfast(still in a drunken State) and had some lovely food while sitting on looking over bondi beach, then went to bed and collapsed into a corner but couldn't sleep for long as i was sooooo excited at goin to the neighbours nite!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517307"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/307/517307_6aa272d2cc_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0048" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517308"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/308/517308_611de3790a_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0167" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517309"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/309/517309_e71c5e7f37_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0174" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517310"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/310/517310_996e21d18e_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0176" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517311"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/311/517311_6f804d4e5f_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0161" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=517312"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/312/517312_5e3d6a7c34_m.jpg" align="" alt="PICT0178" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Apparently the biggest Fan in the world of neighbours. yes even bigger fan than you badge.</p> <p>Until then be good everyone<br> Marty </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/05/01/oh_what_a_night~767579/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://munkas.blog.co.uk/2006/05/01/oh_what_a_night~767579/Mon, 01 May 2006 04:48:10 +0200