Nicki Away

Friday, 04 January 2008

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Well - this is the end!!
Since I'm not really travelling anymore I am ending updates on here.
In future I will do monthly email updates to all my contacts (as well as sendong individual replies if you write to me) and will post any photos on photobucket and do links in the emails!
I am sending an initial email in a moment - if you don't receive one and would like me to include you in my news emails, then drop me a line (aleera21@yahoo.co.uk) and I'll add you to the list!
*Love and hugs to one and all*

Wednesday, 26 December 2007

Location: Port Augusta, Australia

Greetings from Port Augusta.
I have been here since Monday and it's been nice. I am looking forward to getting back to Corey in Adelaide tomorrow though - I've missed him so much!! I'll give him a call again shortly...
We went shooting last weekend again and spent some time with his parents.
He has 3-11pm shifts the next two days but then a couple of days off, though I don't think we have any definite plans so far!
Soon we'll be into 2008!
Hopefully I'll get some work early in the new year...
May not get online quite so much as before now that I am round Corey's most of the time - but will try to pop on at least once a week!
Bye for now!!!

Thursday, 13 December 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Ok, time for an update then, though there's not much exciting to write at present.
I am registered with 3 agencies now, so hopefully can get some work for the new year...
Right now, I like to spend as much time with Corey as I can - once I get some work I won't get to see him quite as much...*sad*
Tuesday night we went out for my birthday, had a nice dinner and saw a film. Last night Sarah, Shane and I ate out to celebrate.
Corey gave me money for my birthday so I used it to buy some straighteners. Sarah started a recipe book for me, as I need to learn to cook for Corey.
A package from home arrived yesterday with some stuff I wanted and the rest will come after new year. The parcel from my sister still hasn't arrived though...
I am having dinner with Corey tomorrow night before he goes on night shift, and then Sarah and I are seeing "Assassins" Saturday night.
On Sunday and Monday I'll be with Corey and we'll do some shooting possibly, some Xmas shopping and go to a BBQ hosted by one of his work colleagues. That will be nice.
He's also off work Thursday so I'll spend time with him then too.
Wednesday I should be lunching with Mike and then Corey is off again at the weekend. I think we will be at Sarah's still on 22nd for a 'baking day' with Kelly coming too - I need to check that with Sarah...
Then it's Xmas. I'll go up with Sarah and Shane to Port Augusta on Xmas Eve and then they'll stay there for a while but I'll catch a bus back on 27th to be with Corey. After that it's New Year's Eve. Corey is working 12-8pm but we'll do something after that!
Bye for now guys!

Monday, 10 December 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Back in Adelaide now! Hooray.
Corey was waiting for me at the airport and it was so great to see him.
Today I must be quick on here as I need to shower then get into town for my interview at another recruitment company.
Then I will spend time with Corey once he finishes work...

First though - a couple of pics from Perth for you...

Tuesday, 04 December 2007

Location: Perth, Australia

Well, I am killing some time here in the internet cafe on William St in Northbridge, Perth.
Soon I'll pop back to the hostel then wander up the road for some food before evening. A guy in my dorm is having birthday drinks tonight. If they start at the hostel I may join them for a bit but I won't go right into the city as I want to be fresh for tomorrow and don't want to have to do the 20 odd min walk back to the hostel on my own at night...

I am not struck with Perth (though I allow that the fact I'd give anything to be back in Adelaide with Corey right now might be colouring things!). Corey had to pretty much drag me onto the plane on Sunday. Now I'm here, I'm just trying to fill the days till Sunday when I can fly back home!

That brings us to the problem - the lack of things to do unless you want to pay for expensive trips! There are only a handful of museum type bits and I've already done half of them! The city is modern and therefore kind of boring unless you want to shop. "Zoom in on my empty wallet."

Yesterday I checked out the city centre and riverside as well as booking a wine tasting trip for tomorrow and a 4WD tour to the Pinnacles on Friday. Today I went to the Mint and did the tour and then ended up in the cinema seeing "Beowulf" - haven't decided how I feel about the film yet...

Saturday I plan to do the museum and gallery and will definitely come online briefly that day too...and will look forward to my flight home the next morning. Thursday is the problem day...I can see myself ending up in the cinema again as things stand...that helps kill a few hours at least...

I will upload a few pics next week when I'm back home in Adelaide but I am not enjoying the trip here on the whole and hope the next few days pass quickly...

Saturday, 01 December 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

December is here then! I am used to seeing the Xmas trees etc now but I still find i a bit weird hearing carols when it's 30oC!

Thursday I did some job hunting and heard back from one agency straight away. I had an assessment with them yesterday morning and Corey dropped me off on his way to work. That went well and they put me on their books though said things were slow at present but usually picked up arund mid January. We'll see...I also applied independantly for 5 admin roles.

Corey will pick me up in 6 hours time then I'll be round at his place till he takes me to the airport tomorrow evening.

Yesterday night I had to kill a white tail while Sarh held Bailey back - life and death stuff here in OZ!!

Off to Perth tomorrow for 7 nights and will miss my wonderful boyfriend - but he's said he wants to see lots of photos etc so I'd better do some stuff while I'm there!

Will aim to get online once or twice while away and will get back to Adelaide the afternoon of the 9th.

Tuesday, 27 November 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

I am now back online after my long weekend away with Corey.

Last week I spent some time with him and also had lunch with Mike on the Friday...

Then Saturday morning Corey went to vote (new government here now) and then picked me up. We left Adelaide at 9am to start the drive down to Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast. We had a couple of short stops on the way and got to our motel at 2pm.

That afternoon we went to look at the Blue Lake and local area.

Sunday we got up and drove to see the caves at Naracoorte, which were very interesting, then we headed back to Mount Gambier, stopping at Bool Lagoon and a couple of wineries on the way.

Monday we left at 10am and took the scenic route home, again making a few stops along the way. We got back to Adelaide at 5pm.

I have no real plans so far this week. Shortly I will add some pics from the trip, then I'll go into town for a while where I want to get some pictures printed off. Corey and I are starting a photo album. I also need to catch up writing my journal over the next couple of days.

Then I will continue my job search. I dropped a few CVs in on Friday and have a few more places to try.

Sunday I fly to Perth for 7 nights, though I'm not overly enthused about it and would rather stay here...oh well...it's only a week...then back to Adelaide once again and the last couple of weeks before Xmas!

Saturday, 17 November 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Back from Alice Springs then!
The train back was a bit of a nightmare once again and, like before, I got no sleep. We were also 2 hours late (it was going to be 4 at one point) because of an accident outside Adelaide. Car crossing when the train was coming - two killed. We saw the car as we passed later - worst I've ever seen; no one could have survived that!
But back at last and slowly catching up with sleep!!

Corey and I have been talking and I'm changing my travel plans (aside from going to Amy's wedding) - I am now staying in Adelaide on this visa till August and will look to apply to stay permanently!!!
Wish me luck with that - I am so very happy here with Corey and in this city. I think I found where I belong...

This week I have few major plans. Corey and I will see each other Tuesday and do something and may have lunch with Mike if he's free...Corey then has a long weekend so that will be a great time to do stuff!

Saturday is election day here too!!!

More later on - I have lots to start arranging, stuff to cancel and will need to sort some things and buy more clothes etc as I'm now staying!! Busy times ahead! Not least, I must now seriously look for some suitable work!!

Wednesday, 14 November 2007

Location: Alice Springs, Australia

Greetings from the Northern Territory!
The train journey here was a bit of a nightmare sadly...26 hours and I just couldn't sleep at all; it went so slowly and I was so tired.
I got here, phoned Corey then had a brief wander round the town.
Yesterday morning I was then up at 5am for my day tour to Ayres Rock and the Olgas.
It was a nice trip but I was too tired to fully enjoy it and had a headache. I took some pics though and will share some soon...
They kept us well fed during the day and there was champagne at sunset.
I thought the sunset was a bit of a let down though, I must say...
We nearly hit a cow and a roo on the drive home! That was funny...
I got back to the hostel at 1am this morning and got up at 9am. I called Corey again and have now come into town. Will get lunch soon and have another wander before getting supplies for tomorrow and heading back to the hostel for shower, dinner and sleep!
Tomorrow I can sleep till 9am, check out at 10am then at 11am the hostel people will drive me back to the station for my train home.
I get back to Adelaide around 1:30pm then must bus into the city then back to Hectorville as Corey and Sarah are obviously both working...I will then have around 3 hours to sort myself out, unpack, shower etc before I go round to Corey's for the night.
I have no major plans for next week yet - spend some time with Corey, maybe lunch with Mike if he's free and possibly see a girl from the hostel here as she may have a few days in Adelaide before heading onwards...
Given the hideousness of the train trip here I decided I couldn't face 2 nights on the train to Perth so have changed my plans now. I am still going but only for a week now and flying both ways - so that is 2-9th December...2 weeks back home first before I set off on that short trip...then 2 weeks home again before I go off with Sarah and Shane for a week over Xmas...
Bye for now

Friday, 09 November 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Another quick update then before I go to Alice Springs on Sunday.

Spent some time with Corey the other day. We went shooting again but with his dad this time. None of us did very well on this occasion though.

Tomorrow I will see Corey for a bit in the evening before going to the opera then Sunday I catch the train to Alice.

The journey last a whole day so I'm on the train over night. I then have a few hours in Alice. The next day is a long day trip to Uluru and I have a full day in Alice on Wed. I catch the train back on Thursday, getting into Adelaide on Friday afternoon - Corey and Sarah are both at work then so I'll need to bus back...

Made flapjacks for Corey again yesterday...they went better the second time...when we have a day together and there's time, I'm going to attempt Mississippi Mud Pie!!

That's all for now. I may try to get online once while in Alice - but if not I'll be back this time next week anyhow...

Monday, 05 November 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Greetings one and all...
Long time no write...I've been doing stuff, but not much to share here...
In summary though - have spent a lot of time with Corey, around his work shifts. Went to a Halloween party at his youngest brother's house, went ice skating (I suck), went window shopping, rented dvds and went shooting again. Just spending time together, having fun...
I won't see him till Thursday now though as he has work...then on Saturday night I am at the opera and on Sunday I go to Alice Springs for 6 days...
Will write about that on my return from there!! Will post some new pics then too!!
Can't believe we are now into November - and soon it will be Xmas and the New Year!!
Today I will probably just wander to Glynde and get some supplies for the next few days...then I'll go into town tomorrow or Wed for a bit...
Thursday I think we are going shooting again and Corey's dad will come too this time. Corey says my targets are quite good - better than my attempt at ice skating anyhow...I had to hang onto his arm the whole time!! *lol*
Oh well - bye for now everyone...

Wednesday, 24 October 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Another quickie from me before "Chasers" comes on TV.
I've not written my journal the last two days either since I've been out the house, but that will have to wait till tomorrow.
Corey gave me a call Monday night and went out with him for drinks with one of his brother and friend.
The next morning we set off for Victor Harbour. Sadly the weather was cold and windy and Granite Island was closed but it was still a lovely drive and we stopped in a few other places, heading back...
This morning we went into Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. We had lunch there then visted a chocolate factory and Kangeroo Creek before coming home.
Tomorrow night I am going to the greyhound racing with him and his folks.
I'm hoping to catch up with Mike for lunch soon and will hopefully see Corey at the weekend too.
Other than that I have no major plans for this next week...will see what happens...
Some photos from the day trips are here on the site now...

Monday, 22 October 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Just a quick line before I get ready to go into town...
First off there are now pics and two videos up from yesterday when Corey took me out shooting at his club.
That was really fun and he said we might go again - I have my target sheets from this time to take home!
We then went briefly to his parent's place before heading back to his house where he cooked me dinner and we spent a nice evening together.
Today I am on my own and will just pick up a few bits in town, then tomorrow and Wednesday Corey is still off work and will drive me to some places.
Will write more on that in the coming days!

Thursday, 18 October 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

A quick line then from me...a few things happening here.
Had lunch with Mike the other day, which was good. He's hoping to finally have a night free to do something soon.
On my way into town to meet him a guy sat next to me on the bus. We started chatting and I saw he had a shooting magazine so asked about the range here, as I have been thinking of having a go.
He said it would be expensive but invited me to shoot with him one day as he went often and it wouldn't cost me then...
He then said he and a few friends were going to a jazz club in the city that night and asked if I wanted to join them.
So he picked me up at 7:30pm and I spent the night with him and had a really wonderful time.
He said he'll take me shooting on Sunday and he has some days off work next week so we may be able to go on a day trip together then too, which would be nice.
His name's Corey and he only lives a few streets down from me...
Wednesday morning I then had my hair trimmed and today I popped into town for a few hours.
I will probably do the same tomorrow but am toying with the idea of going to the cinema late afternoon too as there is a French film showing. We'll see...
Saturday evening Sarah and I are at the concert - that should be good.
I'm really looking forward to Sunday though and it still seems a way off yet...

Monday, 15 October 2007

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Back from our weekend trip into the Flinders Ranges then!
We set off Friday eve for the drive to Quorn. We arrived at Shane's parent's place and met them then ate some soup before heading to bed.
The next day we got up early and Sarah, Kelly and I drove to Wilpena Pound while Shane stayed behind with Bailey.
We did one of the bush walks there and I was happy to have my Coober Pedy hat as there were lots of flies and bugs around. We spotted some emus, lizards and kangeroos and then we drove back.
Kelly and I watched some films and Shane and Sarah's friends came round and they played darts.
The Sunday we met up with Sarah's family and drove to Warren Gorge where Philip caught a lizard and I got to hold him.
We got a flat tyre though, so had to stop and change that!!
Mid afternoon we started the drive back to Adelaide via Port Augusta.
I am still rather tired after Coober Pedy and then Flinders but had a good sleep last night that helped.
Today I am staying in to catch up with my journal etc then tomorrow I will head into town. I am waiting to hear if I will have lunch with Mike this week at some point then Saturday evening, Sarah and I are at the ASO concert.
Other than that I have no definite plans till the opera on 10th November and then I go to Alice Springs on 11th November! There are a few bits I'd still like to do around the town though and I will try to do some writing on my new novel.
There may be the chance to do something with Sarah during the day some weekends too....we'll see...and I hope to see Mike, but he seems really busy right now...
I have been getting lots of reading done these past few weeks too, which is nice.
Oh and all my travel and accomodation for NZ is now booked too - but I will tell the itinerary for that nearer the time...
I added a handful of pics from the weekend on here just now...
The weather seems to be warming up here and there was even a bush fire in the hills behind us when we got home yesterday.
Oh well, more later on...