Buenos Aires. Just like Europe, but warmer in December.
Seriously. Romantic sidewalk cafes, cobbled streets, impressive monuments, stylish people that make your attempt to pretty yourself up futile - no matter what you do you still seem like an extra from Fraggle Rock.
I have not actually managed to do any touristing in my time here. Saw a few movies. Went out for a few drinks here and there. Went out dancing and prancing - which is a big thing, if there ever was a city that lives only by night, this is it. But tomorrow I promise I will start with the tourist gear. But just because you asked nicely.
Oh and my camera is in the panel beaters as of yesterday. Yay!
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Bussy goodness.
Well, as you may be aware, I need to essentially traverse half of this continent in order to make it to Santa Cruz in Bolivia to catch my ride to the Northern half of the globe. So at some stage I going to have to end my crusade south (I mean crusade in a sense totally unrelated from anything war-ry or holy. Just so you know) and turn around.
Well, sad as it may seem, that day has come (´cause I know you have all been following my progress with vivid interest - sighing and screaming at the appropriate moments - wishing there were commercials so you could take bathroom breaks without missing any of the action). Tomorrow I get on a bus to blaze a trail towards Buenos Aires. Which sounds fine, except when you consider that this will take 2 and a half days. Now, I have become accustomed to such wince-inducing travel action in the last 10 months, this is still somewhat of a record.
Accordingly I have stopped in the personality deficient town of Rio Gallegos to go in search of a few good books, a blankie, and maybe even a few good Cosmos or Cleos. Because nothing makes time fly quite like a woman´s magazine directed at mid to late teens. Who doesn´t want to know 15 ways to sizzle in the sack? Not me!
The glacier by the way was very impressive and very icy. A 60 metre wall of solid rising up in front of you really does provoke feelings of awe and wonder. It would have made for quite a few good photos as well, but you already know the situation in that department.
Counting down to the end of South American time now. But Mexico still to come. Doing a bit of a road trip thing with the indubitably lovely Alison Packam. Then Canada to settle down and ...work... again. This is a concept which due to popular opinion, I still vaguely understand.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
Well, sad as it may seem, that day has come (´cause I know you have all been following my progress with vivid interest - sighing and screaming at the appropriate moments - wishing there were commercials so you could take bathroom breaks without missing any of the action). Tomorrow I get on a bus to blaze a trail towards Buenos Aires. Which sounds fine, except when you consider that this will take 2 and a half days. Now, I have become accustomed to such wince-inducing travel action in the last 10 months, this is still somewhat of a record.
Accordingly I have stopped in the personality deficient town of Rio Gallegos to go in search of a few good books, a blankie, and maybe even a few good Cosmos or Cleos. Because nothing makes time fly quite like a woman´s magazine directed at mid to late teens. Who doesn´t want to know 15 ways to sizzle in the sack? Not me!
The glacier by the way was very impressive and very icy. A 60 metre wall of solid rising up in front of you really does provoke feelings of awe and wonder. It would have made for quite a few good photos as well, but you already know the situation in that department.
Counting down to the end of South American time now. But Mexico still to come. Doing a bit of a road trip thing with the indubitably lovely Alison Packam. Then Canada to settle down and ...work... again. This is a concept which due to popular opinion, I still vaguely understand.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
Friday, December 08, 2006
Return to service.
Ok. I admit it. I have been slack. But as my cousin Simon has observed in his usual adroite style - which, praise be, is for the first time not focused on my personal grooming habits- spinning tales of wit and wonder is less fun when you can´t break up the text with the odd image or two. It is all about rhythm, 1 text entry, 2 photos, 1 text entry, 3 photos. Like that. (Which is odd really, as in normal circumstances I have about as much rhythm as Kevin Rudd on acid) .
But the gauntlet has been thrown and I must have my satisfaction. For I am never one to walk away from a challenge, unless it one involving a chicken, 3 tubes of strawberry yoghurt and the entire front line of the Brisbane Broncos. So, my beloved readers, as of this moment, regular transmission has returned.
I am now in Argentina. I passed thrown a very pretty town called Bariloche which was a bizarre mixture of Switzerland and Isreal. Switzerland in that it was lakes and mountains, chocolates and cheeses, beagles (I kid you not) and buxom lasses with blonde pigtails. Israel, in that 80% of the people (everyone, not just the travellers) were Israelis. Now, they were lovely, it is just that I never considered that Hebrew would be the lingua franca anywhere outside of Israel. Somewhat surprising.
In any case, I found it all a bit touristy and decided to move on. Which brings me to Puerto Madryn, which, to replace the Israels, apparently has a very large Welsh population. What is going on here? I am feeling very twilight zone and fully expect to find a large Tongan community in my next destination. Puerto Madryn is very much more my style. A lazy port town with a national park near by with all manners of wonders. Penguins, whales, sea lions, sea elephants (which are among the ugliest creatures ever, ranking slightly behind hairless cats). I feel very at one with the natural world.
Tomorrow I move down south deeper into Patagonia, to see the largest glacier in the world. I would have gone today, but unbeknownst to me until this morning, today is the day of some saint or other and as such, I could not pick up my laundry. And one of the rules I try to live by is that you should always greet a unfamiliar place in a fresh set of underwear.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
But the gauntlet has been thrown and I must have my satisfaction. For I am never one to walk away from a challenge, unless it one involving a chicken, 3 tubes of strawberry yoghurt and the entire front line of the Brisbane Broncos. So, my beloved readers, as of this moment, regular transmission has returned.
I am now in Argentina. I passed thrown a very pretty town called Bariloche which was a bizarre mixture of Switzerland and Isreal. Switzerland in that it was lakes and mountains, chocolates and cheeses, beagles (I kid you not) and buxom lasses with blonde pigtails. Israel, in that 80% of the people (everyone, not just the travellers) were Israelis. Now, they were lovely, it is just that I never considered that Hebrew would be the lingua franca anywhere outside of Israel. Somewhat surprising.
In any case, I found it all a bit touristy and decided to move on. Which brings me to Puerto Madryn, which, to replace the Israels, apparently has a very large Welsh population. What is going on here? I am feeling very twilight zone and fully expect to find a large Tongan community in my next destination. Puerto Madryn is very much more my style. A lazy port town with a national park near by with all manners of wonders. Penguins, whales, sea lions, sea elephants (which are among the ugliest creatures ever, ranking slightly behind hairless cats). I feel very at one with the natural world.
Tomorrow I move down south deeper into Patagonia, to see the largest glacier in the world. I would have gone today, but unbeknownst to me until this morning, today is the day of some saint or other and as such, I could not pick up my laundry. And one of the rules I try to live by is that you should always greet a unfamiliar place in a fresh set of underwear.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
Friday, December 01, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Island of the Damned... or should that be dumb - Chiloe.
Well, I am on the road ahead, now in the south of Chile, which I have previously visited briefly during my theatre antics. But that was not enough for me, so I am here again, rollacking around the quite lovely island of Chiloe.
And it is quite lovely. Reminds me a lot of the west coast of Ireland, except with less Irish people, and a population with the inability to speak at more than 2 words every 45 seconds. In fact, on first arriving on the Punt over here, I was a bit disallusioned with the whole place. (Although the concept of a punt can still manage to excite me. What is it with boys and unconventional forms of transport,?I could be travelling to Hell itself, but as long as have to take a tricycle to get there, I´m in.) It seemed that there was just not much doing, very basic facilities and everything out of season. It didn´t help that the people around town seemed like they would lose a battle of wits with a stuffed iguana. I was a bit grumpy with it all, really. My sister thinks it is because it is time to go back to work, but surely things are not that drastic!
It turns out that it was just the town that was crap. An bit of advice from someone in the know. Don´t go to Ancud. It is like Ulladulla, but without the Land of Indoor Fun.
I am now in Castro, which despite (or maybe because of) being named after a ailing communist dictator, is very nice. Nice market, lovely port, lovely people and a national park near by which has pengers! (Penguins.... d´uh!). All this makes for a much happier Paddy. Which I am sure you are all relieved to know.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
And it is quite lovely. Reminds me a lot of the west coast of Ireland, except with less Irish people, and a population with the inability to speak at more than 2 words every 45 seconds. In fact, on first arriving on the Punt over here, I was a bit disallusioned with the whole place. (Although the concept of a punt can still manage to excite me. What is it with boys and unconventional forms of transport,?I could be travelling to Hell itself, but as long as have to take a tricycle to get there, I´m in.) It seemed that there was just not much doing, very basic facilities and everything out of season. It didn´t help that the people around town seemed like they would lose a battle of wits with a stuffed iguana. I was a bit grumpy with it all, really. My sister thinks it is because it is time to go back to work, but surely things are not that drastic!
It turns out that it was just the town that was crap. An bit of advice from someone in the know. Don´t go to Ancud. It is like Ulladulla, but without the Land of Indoor Fun.
I am now in Castro, which despite (or maybe because of) being named after a ailing communist dictator, is very nice. Nice market, lovely port, lovely people and a national park near by which has pengers! (Penguins.... d´uh!). All this makes for a much happier Paddy. Which I am sure you are all relieved to know.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Suerte.
There are two types of people in the world. There are clueless and misguided types known as Shakira virgins and then... well, then there are people like me.
Yes, my boyhood dream of seeing the Diva in person has, finally, come to pass. (Please note that as it is a proven fact that men mature more slowly than women, I am extending my boyhood to the age of 23. For those of you who knew me last year, I don´t think that this is too much of a stretch)
It was a night to remember. It had everything: belly dancing, fireworks, incredible costuming and a stadium full of screaming devotees. I was all decked out in my bandana, had bought a T shirt or two and even some badges. Perhaps sadly, I let reason prevail, and did not buy a Shakira themed pillow. Just think of all those ´Guess who I am sleeping with?´quips I could have made. I made that sacrifice for you people! For you!!!!
All the hits were played. Not only did we have ´Whenever, Whereever´and ´Hips don´t lie´ but also ´Ojos asi´, ´Si te vas´, ´Ciega Sorda Muda´and (a personal fave) ´Buscando un poco de amor´. By the end of the evening, my throat was more than a bit sore, and poor Lorena was more than embarressed enough for the both of us - given my seeming unwillingness to limit my conduct.
But yes, I a pretty sure that it is an event that will not come to repeat itself within this life-time. And if it was not quite the religious experience that I have made it out to be- it was more than a very big ball of fun - somewhat akin to a gobstopper with a latin feel. And I will continue to be the huge Shakira fan that you all know and love. Well that you all know, at least. Because after all, Shakira really does...
Rock and Roll
Paddy
Yes, my boyhood dream of seeing the Diva in person has, finally, come to pass. (Please note that as it is a proven fact that men mature more slowly than women, I am extending my boyhood to the age of 23. For those of you who knew me last year, I don´t think that this is too much of a stretch)
It was a night to remember. It had everything: belly dancing, fireworks, incredible costuming and a stadium full of screaming devotees. I was all decked out in my bandana, had bought a T shirt or two and even some badges. Perhaps sadly, I let reason prevail, and did not buy a Shakira themed pillow. Just think of all those ´Guess who I am sleeping with?´quips I could have made. I made that sacrifice for you people! For you!!!!
All the hits were played. Not only did we have ´Whenever, Whereever´and ´Hips don´t lie´ but also ´Ojos asi´, ´Si te vas´, ´Ciega Sorda Muda´and (a personal fave) ´Buscando un poco de amor´. By the end of the evening, my throat was more than a bit sore, and poor Lorena was more than embarressed enough for the both of us - given my seeming unwillingness to limit my conduct.
But yes, I a pretty sure that it is an event that will not come to repeat itself within this life-time. And if it was not quite the religious experience that I have made it out to be- it was more than a very big ball of fun - somewhat akin to a gobstopper with a latin feel. And I will continue to be the huge Shakira fan that you all know and love. Well that you all know, at least. Because after all, Shakira really does...
Rock and Roll
Paddy
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Counting down...
Well as I may have mentioned in my previous entry I am now back in Santiago. Site of my forthcoming date with destiny in the form of that dimuniutive Columbian/French/Lebanese/Pakastini-for-all-I-know nymphette Shakira. And I am ready.
I am currently in the midst of creating my ´Shakira, I want to have your babies´banner and have already run out of glitter. But yes, that will that particular event of the century will happen next Wednesday evening.
Aside from that, it feels pretty good to be back in Santiago. I like the city, despite its flaws, and there are a lot of good people around who I am lucky enough to call friend. I am staying with the lovely Sergio and shared a wonderful family birthday party with the equally lovely Lorena. It was good to be in a family environment again, with a few kids running around the place and a very tasty lasagne and potato pie.
Might visit a few musuems in the next few days, and I am off to the theatre tonight. But aside from that, I am very much enjoying wandering round a city that almost feels like home.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy.
I am currently in the midst of creating my ´Shakira, I want to have your babies´banner and have already run out of glitter. But yes, that will that particular event of the century will happen next Wednesday evening.
Aside from that, it feels pretty good to be back in Santiago. I like the city, despite its flaws, and there are a lot of good people around who I am lucky enough to call friend. I am staying with the lovely Sergio and shared a wonderful family birthday party with the equally lovely Lorena. It was good to be in a family environment again, with a few kids running around the place and a very tasty lasagne and potato pie.
Might visit a few musuems in the next few days, and I am off to the theatre tonight. But aside from that, I am very much enjoying wandering round a city that almost feels like home.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Full Circle.
Well, it has been a little while since my last entry, and I have moved a fair way, physically, mentally and of course spiritually. As I write this missive, it is midnight Saturday and I am in the very leafy Argentine border town of Mendonza.
Hold on, I hear you all say, Paddy, did you say Saturday night? Why are you not out on the town, touring the local hotspots, wowing the local women and generally being the well dressed stud that we all know you to be?
Well, I would like to think of some excuse, but the truth is I am just tired. Came down on a bus today, from the equally lovely town of Salta in the north of Argentina. This place is lovely but should be famous for nothing other than its empanadas! Oh dear god, these things are incredible, it is like there is a party in your mouth and the Queen has just slapped Elvis with a smoked trout, while the Beatles are facing off with the the editorial team from Press Gang in a match of Curling. Suffice to say, the empanananananadas are truly fantastic, but I think the best thing is that they know how to do cheese here. Bolivia and Peru were lovely but their dairy products on the whole, were tasteless, soft and came in tins.
The meat is equally as incredible, and it does not seem to be uncommon here to order a whole cow delivered to your table. It really is quite juicy, tender and all round tasty. Truth is the food is the thing that has impressed me most about Argentina. Not that Peru and Bolivia were bad, just that, they were not... great Here in Argentina it is just a different world of quality and quantity. I love it, it makes me happy, it gives me faith in... stuff. Argentina feels just like Europe except that everything is pleasently cheap. (I have the economic crisis of the late 90's to thank for that, so maybe I should be a bit more sensitive)
But yes, I have, at some time in this blog entry, attempt to make the title relevant to the babble within it. You see, the thing is, tomorrow, I go back to Santiago Chile, where this journey began. And I must say that I am quite looking forward to it. Aside from the obvious excitement of the Shakira concert, it will be nice to catch up with old friends. I also get to attend a birthday party in the next few days which is always fun.
It does mean however, that the Sth American stage of this epic journey is fast drawing to its close. While I am sure that Mexico and Canada will be equally exciting, it does fill me with asense of sadness. But hey, there is still just on two months to enjoy the spacious surrounds of this, the other great Southern Continent. So stayed tuned, as I keep on peddling.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
Hold on, I hear you all say, Paddy, did you say Saturday night? Why are you not out on the town, touring the local hotspots, wowing the local women and generally being the well dressed stud that we all know you to be?
Well, I would like to think of some excuse, but the truth is I am just tired. Came down on a bus today, from the equally lovely town of Salta in the north of Argentina. This place is lovely but should be famous for nothing other than its empanadas! Oh dear god, these things are incredible, it is like there is a party in your mouth and the Queen has just slapped Elvis with a smoked trout, while the Beatles are facing off with the the editorial team from Press Gang in a match of Curling. Suffice to say, the empanananananadas are truly fantastic, but I think the best thing is that they know how to do cheese here. Bolivia and Peru were lovely but their dairy products on the whole, were tasteless, soft and came in tins.
The meat is equally as incredible, and it does not seem to be uncommon here to order a whole cow delivered to your table. It really is quite juicy, tender and all round tasty. Truth is the food is the thing that has impressed me most about Argentina. Not that Peru and Bolivia were bad, just that, they were not... great Here in Argentina it is just a different world of quality and quantity. I love it, it makes me happy, it gives me faith in... stuff. Argentina feels just like Europe except that everything is pleasently cheap. (I have the economic crisis of the late 90's to thank for that, so maybe I should be a bit more sensitive)
But yes, I have, at some time in this blog entry, attempt to make the title relevant to the babble within it. You see, the thing is, tomorrow, I go back to Santiago Chile, where this journey began. And I must say that I am quite looking forward to it. Aside from the obvious excitement of the Shakira concert, it will be nice to catch up with old friends. I also get to attend a birthday party in the next few days which is always fun.
It does mean however, that the Sth American stage of this epic journey is fast drawing to its close. While I am sure that Mexico and Canada will be equally exciting, it does fill me with asense of sadness. But hey, there is still just on two months to enjoy the spacious surrounds of this, the other great Southern Continent. So stayed tuned, as I keep on peddling.
Rock and Roll.
Paddy
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saturday, November 04, 2006
I need some SUSTENANCE
Good Morning to one and all.
Now that some of us are starting to enter the oh so lovely world of corporate work, I feel that there is something that I should draw your attention to. Because you know, that while law/accounting/marketing/public relations can be a riot, sometimes the best part of day is LUNCH.
With this in mind I would like to plug a great idea that my eldest sister Annie has turned into reality. It is called SUSTENANCE. Basically it is a service that allows you to have your lunch costs packaged into your salary. Using an exemption in the FRINGE BENEFIT TAX rules - your employer can supply Salary sacrificed Delivered Lunches at a very substantial saving. And the food is really good too! Trust me, I have had many an opportunity to test the wares in the development process, and everything is very tasty.
So have a look at the following sites for more information.
Sustenance Delivered
Review of Sustenance by CSI Renumeration (Look at pg 2 of the Spring Newsletter 2006.
And bug your employer to get SUSTENANCE into your workplace.
Rock and Roll
Paddy
Now that some of us are starting to enter the oh so lovely world of corporate work, I feel that there is something that I should draw your attention to. Because you know, that while law/accounting/marketing/public relations can be a riot, sometimes the best part of day is LUNCH.
With this in mind I would like to plug a great idea that my eldest sister Annie has turned into reality. It is called SUSTENANCE. Basically it is a service that allows you to have your lunch costs packaged into your salary. Using an exemption in the FRINGE BENEFIT TAX rules - your employer can supply Salary sacrificed Delivered Lunches at a very substantial saving. And the food is really good too! Trust me, I have had many an opportunity to test the wares in the development process, and everything is very tasty.
So have a look at the following sites for more information.
Sustenance Delivered
Review of Sustenance by CSI Renumeration (Look at pg 2 of the Spring Newsletter 2006.
And bug your employer to get SUSTENANCE into your workplace.
Rock and Roll
Paddy
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