townsville2

Mon 29.10 - Michelle and I wandered around town centre. Kirsty called to say she was coming back at lunch time from the dive course, but was heading back out to Magnetic Island in the evening to do her Advanced course. And this from a girl who hated water and fish a few months ago!!

That evening Caroline Murphy rang and Claire and her had a good long gossip!

Tues 30.10 - Michelle and I went to town centre and met Michelles friend, Scott (a Canadian). I scanned more photos on to website (click here to see them). Had a beer on the Strand and relaxed for the evening.

Wed 31.10 - Scott, Michelle and I drove to the top of Castle Hill. (A lot easier than walking). There are fantastic views from all angles, but especially out to Magnetic Island. Michelle and Scott went to Reef HQ and I lay by the Rock Pool and got a little burnt. I'm still trying to lose the farmer tan!

Thurs 01.11 - Michelle and Scott left for Magnetic Island at 10.30am.

Fri 02.11 - Scott and Michelle got back from Magnetic Island about 3pm. Scott made his Chicken Sandwich Special and then we went for a drink on the Strand, right by the sea. There was a night market on the Strand also. Then headed to Molly Malones, Michelle refused entry so on to Flynn's we went. Scott introduced me to Canadian Club whiskey. I introduced him to Bushmills. There is No comparison. Bushmills is better by a long shot. Chatted to fella from East Belfast that might be able to get me work.

Sat 03.11 - We all had a lie in and then Scott drove us all to the Billabong Sanctuary. Its a wildlife park with all sorts there. The difference here is that you get the opportunity to hold some of the animals. First of all we got the chance to hold a koala. They are so cute and also very lazy. Then we got to hold a 5 year old croc. That was a little weird. The skin feels alot softer than you would imagine. By the way, its mouth was sealed with an elastic band! I then held a python around my neck. Pythons do not have a venom, so I felt ok about it, but Claire stayed well away from the snake and come to think of it she didnt get to close to the croc either!

Scott had a video camera and videoed bits of the day so that we could send them home.

Mon 05.11 - Kirsty came back from Magnetic Island, as an Advanced diver. I got call about interview from Sales job. Kirsty caught bus to Airlie Beach at 2pm. Claire got AIB Credit Card in post today. We thought it had got lost. Kev and Kyla (that we met in Darwin) rang to say that they would be in Townville. Invited them to stay here.

Tues 06.11 - Bought shoes, a tie and trousers for interview and it lasted 30 seconds. Start tomorrow with 2 days training. Telesales, should be fun!!!! Supervisor, Paul, invited me into hotel dining area to have a free buffet lunch and watch the Melbourne Cup on the big screen. Got to meet the people I'll be working with. Look like a fun crowd.

Walked to the transit centre at 3pm to meet Kev and Kyla off the bus. Caught taxi back to flat. Taxi Driver was irish. I asked him where abouts. He said Co Galway. I said where in Galway and he said " Ah, ye got me now, I'm actually from Cong, Co Mayo". STRANGE!!

Wed 07.11 - Did half day training whilst Kev and Kyla went to Billabong Sanctuary. Went to Rock Pool for the afternoon ,filled in diary and then went for a dip. Kev cooked Rogan Josh. It was absolutely lovely. Played Chess for the evening. Kyla beat me twice, but Kev helped her.

Thurs 08.11 - More training. Kev and Kyla caught bus to Brisbane.

Fri 09.11 - More training. Went to pub with Claires' work colleagues. Nice bunch. Went to Mollys for one afterwards.

Sat 10.11 - Mum rang to tell me that Dad had won 1000 pounds in the Park Football Club draw. That really is great news.

Mon 12.11 - Thur 22.11 - We both worked and didn't go out much, apart from going down to the Rock Pool.

Fri 23.11 - Went into town and booked ferry to Magenetic Island, Open water dive course and campsite at Geoff's Place.

Sun 25.11 - Packed rucksacks up and tidied flat. Off to Magnetic Island tomorrow!!!!!