8. The Near Death Experience

Well, to those who still need reminding, I am in New Zealand, NOT australia... I can see how you get confused though there are sutble differeneces, one is the size of a continent, the other slightly larger that the UK. One can take defeats graciously at the rugby, one can not! In fact I'm in the same place (Queenstown) that I was last time i sent a mail... I've settled in now, giving up my bar job, and now working full time at the hostel I clean at (now with reception work as well).

My only danger lies in getting drunk and saying things like "my country owns your country" "Get your stars from around my flag" "I think the All Blacks did well to get to the semi finals ... South Africa should have had you" "No I'm not going for (NZ) residency, its nice here, but not that nice"

As you may have already guessed, I have said these things and many more on more than one occasion with varying effect!

2. All change in the caravan

I live in a caravan attached to the outside of our hostel. My old flat mate, jude (who is from Newport Pagnell (read as 10 miles from my house)) has now left and is living in Wellington (and shall be sorely missed. )

Monkey man, tim (a friend from Uni) has taken up position in her bed and as you might expect the caravan is begining to smell of mens stale bodily fluids in a very short space of time!

3. Why i hate backpackers... Its my job

My job envolves sitting on my arse, checking in backpackers or frantically cleaning up after them! It comes with my afternoons off, which is ideal for skiing and snowboarding (see later). It also has perks, such as free internet, free accomodation (in a caravan though) and free 'activities' (read as ways kiwis have devised of nearly killing yourself in the way of fun for $100-300 a pop, without insurance).

In a word I shall get free bungi jumps, jet boat trips etc etc in the name of being able then to sell them to the often loaded, backpackers i check in!

4. Dressed to get bladdered

We had a themed 'industry ' party at a local 'club'... it was themed as a wild west bordello so being a little different we dressed up as giant cactus.. photos to follow on my site shortly!

5. Cycle touring NZ .. me!

The plans are really coming to head now.. Am about to buy a bike and then kit it out with panniers (side bags..) Though I'm not taking off until Spring (september here)... I'm gonna get into training! Expect a man of iron when i return having cycled a country that is larger than the UK!

6. Queenstown, with karlos nearly in sight!

So i now have a seasons ski pass, have found my fav. bars and a job I love.. happy as! Oh and a nut case ex, who claims she has leukemia.. another story!

7. The Near Death Experience

Attached is a photo of the Winnies crew (my old bar job!) All clutching the 'near death experience shots' A two shot-combo I invented with the other staff,

A) The Flat Liner : - White Sambuca, generous layer of tabasco sauce, Tequila B) The Defibrulator : - Black Sambuca, Tabasco and Chartreues (70% proof liqour)... Together they are the 'Near Death Experience!'

steve-o- x

Karlos - So when do you hit Queenstown

Brum - thanks for the drunken, sober txt

Rita - my number is 0211850590 call me when you get here!

Everyone else.. take care