Blogs from Essex, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 34

I'm sure we've all experienced that small feeling of panic prior to passing through immigration - I just put it down to momentary paranoia. However, unfortunately for my brother Matt, his momentary paranoia turned into over 72 hours of hell! At 6:00pm on 27 June Matt entered the British immigration hall, happy that his journey from Australia was finally over, but when he told the immigration officer that he was here to get married - it all suddently got very serious. The short version of the story: - Aussies marrying Brits in the UK now need a special visa (as at Mar 2005) - Matt didn't know about this visa, nor did he have one - Threatened with immediate deportation to Canberra for the British Embassy to issue the visa - Got a 48 hour reprieve ... read more

We were up at 8 in the morning as Beck and Kez were doing the ‘Run 4 Life’ in the city. Kez drove in part of the way and then we caught the train. We met up with Kez’s work mates who were doing the run as well. It’s quite warm today, and I’m really struggling with either hay fever, or a cold, or both. The girls left me with their bags, and then I went and met Rory outside the Princess of Wales Hotel. Rory and I followed the girls around for parts of their 5km walk taking photos. Rory got the girls water with 1km to go, and then they ran the rest. Afterwards we went to a pub for drinks and a snack, we didn’t stay too long though as I was struggling ... read more

It was tough getting up in the morning, but surprising school went alright. I got home from school in time to watch the soccer, Australia versus Italy. Poor Beck couldn’t get out of work. Italy looked dangerous until half time, but it was still 0-0. When one of their men was sent off it gave us a great chance, but we couldn’t capitalise. With 3 seconds left a penalty was awarded to Italy for an excellent dive. This was one of many during the game by the Italians. I felt sorry for Lucas Neill who I feel epitomises how Australians play sport; hard, but fair, without any fuss, and of course well. He handled it well though I think. The commentators laid the boots into the Aussies and Hiddink after the game with the advantage of ... read more

Hey gang No exciting photos this time i'm afraid as this is the "i'm home and depressed" blog. Finished up my time in Oz with a few days back with the Farnams and there were many tears at the airport - well mainly mine i was the poor mug going home after all. Flight was delayed a little so i had the fun of exploring Melbourne airport which believe me is not all that exciting. When i eventually did get on the plane i managed to win the seat next to the most annoying passenger on earth. I don't know how the flight attendants didn't throw him out at 32,000 feet without the aid of a parachute. Apart from my annoying little friend the flight wasn't too painful. Although watching Brokeback Mountain was. Do not recommend ... read more

Up early to get milk and bread. Rod was also up early, as Kez and Rod are going camping for a few days. This means that I'm 'batching' it. Work went surprising well. I went to the gym with Matty who also had a big week off, so we hit the steam room. For someone who is 'batching' it I was very quiet, I just cooked dinner and then headed off to bed. 6/6/2006 Beck arrived back today from Croatia. Apparently the weather was a lot better after I left, and they went back for seafood at the same restaurant in Troger. Just what I wanted to hear! Beck even had a bit of sun burn/tan to prove it. 7/6/2006 Beck went back to work today. Kez and Rod arrived back from camping, with Rod having ... read more