Jackson Taylor

Queensday 08

2008-05-03T21:25:00.007+10:00

29/04/2008 - 30/04/2008

Got to celebrate another Queensday in Amsterdam. Was awesome again!! Such a mental party!!

Me full of "Dutch Pride" (or perhaps Heineken)

Day 1.

Festivities kicked off the night before when Dad, Jodi and I attended the Drag Queen Olympics. Quite a laugh indeed.

We were just in time for the "Hand Bag Throwing" contest

Jodie came from Scotland to check out the orange madness. Met up with Mum's friend Linda who was blown away. First time to Amsterdam on Queensday can be a bit overwhelming. It was the first time in 20 years Dad and her had seen each other.

Day 2. Lottie teaching me the Dutch ways whilst sporting our orange mullets.

Jodi chilling in the park with one of 2 rad hats we stumbled upon.

Me with the German Helmet we also found.

Dad, the Last of the Orange Moheakin's!!

Orange antics

Partyin on the canals!! Such a crazy day and so much fun.

Lottie and Jodie disappointed that there cups of Sangria were empty.

But this sign looked mighty promising.

And an awesome sunset to close an awesome day!!!

Random Holland Pix

2008-05-03T21:15:00.004+10:00

A few assorted pix from assorted going ons in the land of clogs!!

How one entertains themselves on those boring train journeys.

A day out in Scheveningen!! (Try and pronounce that!!)

Random artwork by the beach.

Did you just touch my ass???

Celebrating the Lovely Lottie's 23rd b'day!! (or was it 25th?? oops)

And once again another celebration in the name of Lottie. A farewell/graduation/b'day again./anything else you can think of to celebrate!!

Spring time in Holland = FLOWERS!!!!

More spring pix. Thank god winter is KLAAR!!

Newton Faulkner

2008-05-03T21:12:00.003+10:00

Newton Faulkner - Melkweg - 16/04/2008

Lottie and I went to see Newton Faulkner at the Melkweg in Amsterdam. Was absolutely AWESOME!!

Neither of us knew him but were recommended by Lot's friend. He was fantastic and so much fun to see live.

Doing a acoustic cover of Bohemian Rhapsody as his final song.

The dude with the crazy hair is the support act Liam Gerner. He was awesome too and Aussie. Got chatting to him and his friends after the gig. Was a cool night out!!

Duiken In Zeeland (diving in bloody cold Zeeland)

2008-05-03T21:06:00.004+10:00

To celebrate Lottie's 23rd (oops i mean 25th) year of life we went diving in Zeeland (south Holland)

This sign pretty well sums up my life in the not to distant future!!

Lottie trying to look disgruntled after missing our 7am train on a sunday morning!!

Fellow lunatics. Karel and Liselotte!!

Checking the first dive site. "Grevelingen" Blissfully unaware at how cold 5.8 degree water actually is!!

Gearing up!!

Dive site 2 "Scharendijke". Slightly warmer at 6.2 degrees!!

The visibility looked deceivingly good. It was less than a meter!! But so much fun.

Slightly apprehensive about getting in the water for a second time!!

Stoked at surviving 2 freezing but absolutely awesome dives!!

The warming up process begins!!!

Work Pix

2008-05-03T21:02:00.004+10:00

A few more pix from work!!

Me with the ridiculously over sized nail gun.

Dad and our curved wall which is taking longer than the Great Wall of China to build.

My hard hat. Got sick of being called English. Now I get called SKIPPY!!

Dad pointing to my massive blood loss!! Construction can be dangerous at times.

Very dangerous when Danny the giant Dutchman is about!!

Snow @ Easter???

2008-05-03T20:58:00.002+10:00

It snowed at Easter for the first time since 1980 or something. Which was pretty cool!!

Some pix from Vondelpark.

Finally got to do a Snowangel!! Just for you Nat!!

A somewhat sad attempt at a snowman!!

Last Night In Scotland

2008-01-21T04:14:00.001+10:00

As a final night in Scotland we got mighty drunk and had a good old fashion sing along in the kitchen!!

On our way back to Scotland I found out to see the sun during winter you need to be 30,000 feet in the air.

Jeff and a plethora of midnight Indian!!

Shirley! A true Bigger Lass!!

Catching Up With Family

2008-01-21T04:02:00.000+10:00

Headed to the south of England for New Years to see the Taylor Clan again. Is always a laugh!!

My Grandma with her Dutch prezzys we gave her.

Cool old castle thing from back in the day not to far away from where I used to live as a kid.

Ye olde stocks.

This random device is a ducking stool. They used to torture people by dunking them into the freezing cold river.

My crazy cousin Luke enjoying an ice cream on the coldest day of the year!!

The Willem's

Biggar, and Other Assorted Scotland

2008-01-20T02:45:00.001+10:00

Spent Xmas in a wee little village in Scotland called Biggar with Dad Jodi and Sam. Was awesome apart from the freezing weather.

Jodi and I doing a bit of figure sliding on the frozen duck pond.

Dad gettin kinky with the turkey.

Xmas lunch. Eaten on boxing day due to medical reasons.

Sam's Xmas party/ B'day party.

Awesome night!!

Having a wee Scottish jig!!

The Rosslyn Chapel. From the Da Vinci Code. Was really small and a bit lame but cool all the same.

A bit more impressive. The William Wallace monument in Stirling.

Dad with Wallace's actual sword. He was a lot more stoked than the photo shows.

Me and a big sword and a Scotsman!

Edinburgh Castle. After three trips to Edinburgh I finally got there.

My god the canon was freezing.

The candle light procession to start of Hogmanay.

Jodi got us a Ghost tour of Edinburgh for xmas. was awesome. Learned heaps about the dark scarey side of the city.

Faith. Our cool and creepy ghost guide.

Me chillin out in some crypts after the tour.

Weekend In Germany

2008-01-20T02:21:00.001+10:00

Freezing at Work

2008-01-20T02:16:00.000+10:00

Breathtakingly Beautiful Brugge

2007-11-30T05:49:00.001+10:00

Nicola and I took a weekend trip down to Brugge in Belgium. It was awesome and very christmasy!!

One of the squares lit up with xmas lights and "Canteenas" Litlle huts that sell xmas stuff!!

A cool little tent run by gypsy's that sold little seafood delights and cheap alcohol. We ended up regulars!!!

One of the many churches at full moon.

As like much of Europe there isn't a lack of statues.

This one was quite comical.

The cute little streets of Brugge.

Back at the gypsy's tent with a bunch of Sprots. Kinda like sardines.

Lookin a bit unbalanced.

Lots of beautiful little canals and out of the way spots.

If you look to the top of this photo you can see the smallest window in town!!

Sampling the local beer!! Very nice indeed!!

At the chocolate museum.

This is actually made of chocolate???

And so are these!!!!!!

Ice Sculptures

2007-11-30T05:43:00.001+10:00

The Brugge Ice Festival. A random collection of cool ice sculptures in a big tent which is -5 inside!!! FREEZING!!!

A cool wizard

A giant Hedgehog

Some random elves.

Nicola at the exit to a ice cave.

Me inside the cave.

A ice bar. The cups, bar, bottles all ice and all freakin freezing.

The ice cemetery!!

Zwarte Piet

2007-11-29T04:25:00.000+10:00

A quick run down on the random Dutch chrissy beliefs!!!
(pics are dodgy as I was horrendously hungover this day)

Sintaklaas (kind of like santa except he wears a pope hat) arrives in November on a boat from Spain with a horse.

Everyone comes to greet him in the streets to the sound of the oompah Dutch music.

Now the bit I find most hilarious and somewhat racist. He has hundreds of slaves called Zwarte Piet (black Pete) They are everywhere, abseiling of buildings, riding bikes all named Piet.

Hundreds of the little buggers, all white people with face paint running about the streets!! Madness!!!!

Egypt Trip Pt.1 - Chaotic Cairo

2007-11-03T05:20:00.000+10:00

Nicola , Alicia and I spent and fantastic week in the land of the Pharaoh's. Was defiantly one of the best trips of my life so far.

(some facts and recollections may be slightly incorrect as my memory and knowledge of history suck)

The view from the roof bar of our hotel looking out over the chaotic city of Cairo!

The Citadel of Salah al-Din. A cool Mosque built by Muhammad Ali (not the boxer) in the 1700's.

We went for a cruise around the touristy markets of "Khan El-Khalili". A bustling bazaar and tried our luck with haggling.

Whether it was a wrong turn or we just strolled a bit to far but we ended up in the local market away from the tourists which was an experience!!

My trusty thongs took me to Djoser's Saqqara step pyramid. It was the first pyramid ever built and is the oldest structure in the world completely made of stone. I am sure Imhotep (the guy who built it) would be pretty chuffed its still standing.

*Saqqara

*Saqqara - also the name of the beer but spelled Sakara which was near on impossible to buy anywhere.

Inside the crumbling Pyramid of Teti. A narrow shaft that go's down twenty meters to the burial chamber underneath.

The dessert sand! Surprisingly not that hot.

"The Great Pyramid of Khufu"
Freakin massive. 2,300,000 blocks. Weighing an average of 2.5 ton each!!!!! Was the tallest building in the world for over 4000 years!!!! Very impressive.

Haha, very touristy. The 3 Pyramids of Giza.Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.

A chilled out camel waiting to spit at someone.

The Pyramid of Khafre and the Sphinx.

Khafre's pyramid just a bit smaller than old Khufu's but still absolutely mind blowingly big!!

Walking like a you know what!!!!!

Essam, our awesome Egyptian guide teaching us the ways of the apple tobacco "Sheesha Pipe".

Us and Essam.

Heading to Luxor, 10 hours away by train with the feralest toilets on earth!!!

The Chaotic Cairo Cab!! A life changing experience if you survive!!

Egypt Trip Pt.2 - Lovely Luxor

2007-11-03T05:14:00.001+10:00

From Cairo we headed south to the beautiful town of Luxor, where you have to bargain for everything. Even at the supermarket.

Nicola and the Nile!

Our hotel lived up to its name. It was a shocker.

The sign doesn't lie. There were horse and carts everywhere trying to get you to hop in by telling you that you were going in the wrong direction.

On our way to check out Seti's tomb in the "Valley of the Kings". Its a beautiful spot and very hot!!

The Valley

After days of wondering how the hell the ancient Egyptians built such large and complicated buildings i was stoked to stumble upon the answer......... Instant Pyramids and Sphinx concrete bags. Just Add Water!!!!!

Artwork of "Horus" the falcon headed god inside the tombs. Photography isn't allowed inside so I had to be sneaky!!

Al-Deir Al-Bahari Temple. Built for Queen Hatshepsut (who supposedly taped her boobs flat and wore a fake beard when she ruled!!)

The temple was the scene of a terrorist attack in the 90's where gunmen opened fire on tourists from the surrounding cliffs. Which gave it an eerie feeling.

A cool falcon.

Some of the artwork inside the temple.

I think I could of made a good archaeologist. I have the pose down!!

Some hieroglyphs at the Temple of Karnak. Another awesome site that was built over a thousand years by each successive king.

Alicia and I cruising at Karnak.

Nicola at what used to be the site of the "Colossi of Memnon" All that remains are these two 20 meter high statues which used to guard the entrance.

More local markets. The food was covered in flies, the random piece of animal with the tail still on was for sale. You just ask for a piece to be carved off for you!!!

Sunset over the Nile. Very peaceful!!

Dusk at Luxor Temple. Which is in the middle of town.

How many thousands of sunsets this Pharaoh has witnessed is amazing. Makes Australia's white history seem so short!!

The markets of Luxor at prayer time.

Egypt Trip Pt 3 - Ballooning

2007-11-03T05:09:00.000+10:00

We were lucky enough to get to do a sunrise hot air balloon from the west bank of the Nile over the Al-Deir Al-Bahari Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Absolutely awesome!!!!

Hot Air Ballooning! Another thing off the "Jackson's things to do before he dies list"

It's amazing how abrupt the green land from the Nile's water ends and the sandy dry desert starts.

Looking out towards the Valley of the Queens.

An aerial view of the Al-Deir Al-Barhari Temple minus the hoards of tourists that are all still asleep this hour of the morning.

The sun making an appearance.

Looking out towards the Valley of the Kings.

I think this sunset looks very African for some reason. (maybe cause it is in Africa)

The piece of material stopping us from plummeting to our deaths.

A really beautiful way to see a day in. Definitely worth the 4am wake up.

The lasses enjoying the view, the warmth, the tranquility and life in general I think.

Safe and sound on the desert!! A boy and his donkey asking for money about 1 second after touchdown.

Egypt Trip Pt.4 - The Egyptian Locals

2007-11-03T05:04:00.000+10:00

Some of the Locals we came across

These dudes were cruising along the highway at ungodly speeds and just chilling on the back of the ute.

A convoy of young Egyptian ladies.

A Dervish Dancer. It is a form of Islamic dance where they spin around in circles. I hadn't seen such a camp guy since going to a gay club in Amsterdam.

A girl and her donkey.

More highway antics. This guy's making sure he doesn't lose his load of bricks.

Cameling it up at the Pyramids of Giza.

This guy was making alabaster pots.

A local lad.

Donkey seems to be a pretty common mode of transport!!

Some cheerful chaps on their way home from school.

A contrast of traditional clothing and a vodafone shop.

This nice man was making jewelery out of stones. He was really friendly and smiled heaps so we bought a few things.

Not sure what this guy was doing out in the desert at sunrise but he looked cool.

After taking this guys shot he chased us all over the market until we gave him some money for his pic.

Crowded House Amsterdam

2007-11-03T04:12:00.000+10:00

Thanks to Nicola and her Aussie contacts we scored free tix to see Crowded House at the posh Carre' theatre in Amsterdam.

The first "sit down" concert since being in Holland.

Listening to a bit of live Aussie (kiwi) music is a fantastic way to spend a monday night.

They finished with "Better Be Home Soon" which made Nicola and I both a wee bit homesick.

New Job

2007-09-22T22:39:00.001+10:00

After six weeks off over summer I have started a new job in North Amsterdam building a big research lab for Shell. Its a massive job and pretty cool.

I am not overly clever with heights so climbing the scaffolding is always FUN!!

The view from the roof on one of the buildings. Looking out over the North Sea Canal. Cool view but going to be mighty chilly in winter.

Me and the curved suspended wall that we built. Not bad for someone who failed woodwork at school!!

Safety glasses, hardhats and high viz jackets have to be worn at all times. Annoying, yes!! Making us look stupid, YES!!!!!!!

Dad working hard!!!!

Xavier Rudd - Amsterdam

2007-09-22T22:27:00.000+10:00

Dad, Nicola, Nicola's Dad Phil, Lotte and I went to see Xavier Rudd at the Paradiso in Amsterdam on a Wednesday night. The Paradiso is an old church turned into a music venue. It is a beautiful place with awesome sound, that, mixed with a few bevies and the musical brilliance of Xavier it was an awesome night!!!!

The shaggy surfy hippy look!! Not enough of it in Amsterdam!!

He played a good mixture of old and new and even did a Black Sabbath cover!!

It was the 4th or 5th time I have seen him play live and I am still amazed at how good he is. Its hard enough to play 1 instrument let alone about six at once!!

Jeff Martin

2007-09-16T19:58:00.000+10:00

Nicola and I went to see Jeff Martin (from the Tea Party) at the Patronaat in Haarlem the other night!! He was awesome but once again it was a school night and I suffered great amounts of sleep deprivation but it was well worth it!!

The supporting act was pretty cool. From Canada as well. I think they were called Tenth Planet!!

It looked as though the singer was taking advantage of Hollands relaxed laws on drugs!!

Jeff Martin!! He played an accoustic set with a cool bald percussionist who rocked!!

Was a real tiny venue but very cosy and easy to get to the front of the stage!

He played a few Tea Party songs, a couple of his own, a couple of covers and even had a belly dancer for good measure!! A very cool show!!!

A quick vid of Jeff!!

Jodie and Sam's Visit

2007-08-28T15:56:00.000+10:00

After spending close to 2 months touring around Europe Jodie and Sam finished their little adventure by spending a few days in Amsterdam at what is now becoming Nicola & Jackson's B&B!! Was awesome to catch up, hear the stories, see the pix and get inspired to do some more traveling!!

When in Rome.....

The Heineken Museum!!

Nicola introducing my big sis to the local drop!!

Jodie embracing Dutch culture

The weary travelers.

Reunited once again!!

Could of been the Dutch brownies, the arvo beers, the rain or a combination of the 3 that compelled Nicola and Jodie to dress as Muslims for the ride to the restaurant.

Very Dutch Sam!!

Site seeing on the "Fiets"

Chillin on the canal bike while Sam and Jodie do the peddling.

A cool but extremely tiring way to see the city.

Sam at the sex Museum,

Jodie meeting the latest addition to the Taylor family. Yorick!! He looks pretty good in a glasses but I am not sure about the girly ear rings!!

- Lowlands 07 - Walabi World Holland

2007-08-25T00:02:00.000+10:00

Spent last weekend at a three day music festival called "Lowlands" with Nicola and Alicia. Was good fun, good music and I am sure I managed to kill off a few braincells along the way.

Trekking the bijzonder* long distance from the car to the camp grounds.
(*bijzonder Dutch for extraordinarily, particularly)

Tent city and home for the next 3 days!!

Inside the venue bevies in hand.

I like this photo. But I think it might have been during Mika. Which I didn't like!! (sorry Steve I had no rancid Dutch cheese to throw at his head for you but I did want too!!)

The Killers. Not the biggest fan but they rocked. I have a new respect for them now.

I think this is the amount of tickets sold to the festival "59 703"

Nothing like a raw herring sandwich with onions as a midnight snack after a few beers to ensure pleasant breath in the morning.

As warm as the days were it was freakin freazing in the tent at night. After a almost hypothermic sleep broken only from early morning giggles due to all the random snoring going on from the surrounding tents, we still manage a smile!!

After a crap nights sleep, a slight hangover, a breaky that consisted of cold beans, sardines and cheese bread, a few more beers, rock climbing seemed like a pretty good idea!!???? We did make it to the top.

Horse and his mate were there rockin away as well!!

One of our many chilled out moments

Blowing up my free condom also seemed like a good idea.

Our late night reflections

We awoke to find the Weed Fairy (or a drunken/stoned person) had left us a bag of pot, bag of hash, a few smokes and some papers at the front of out tent. Pity we don't smoke it but we did keep the weed for future cooking adventures!!

?????

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Manky festival shoes!!

I think a few people were taking notice of this tshirt

Dammit!!

Another arvo chill out

Nine Inch Nails. They were wicked. Quite easily the best band I had seen there so far. But Tool were yet to play!!

Trent Reznor

After being extremely hypo all afternoon (much to the amusement of Alicia) I was stoked to see the band I had come to see!!!! TOOL

They were awesome!!! As you would expect. Fantastic way to end and awesome weekend!!

Marty's Visit

2007-08-12T19:26:00.002+10:00

Marty (my friend from primary school) came to Amsterdam for 3 nights as part of a Euro trip she is doing before heading back to Aussie after 2 years in London. Was awesome to catch up and talk about old times and new!!

Nicola introducing Marty to the local brew in an attempt to make her feel like a "local"

A Aussie's trip to Amsterdam isn't complete without a trip to The Aussie Bar!!

Or a trip to a coffeeshop to purchase a "brownie"

Tree climbing in Vondelpark.

The girls looking mischievous as they indulge in the local brownies!!

With the effects of the brownies still lingering we took a trip to the Heineken Museum

Full of beer the girls thought it was time to climb on a 3d replication of a famous Rembrandt painting!!

Marty trying on the local footwear!!

Irish Roadtrip!! Pt.1

2007-08-02T20:02:00.000+10:00

Weeeel, Nicola and I spent a week driving around Ireland. It was awesome!!! It is a beautiful country and I highly recommend going there.

Downtown Dublin on the night we arrived. A street called "Temple Bar" where all the pubs are packed, the good old Irish music is pumping and the Guinness is flowing!!

My first proper Irish Guinness.

Nicola's first ever taste of Guinness. She wasn't impressed!!

A local duo cranking out a Pogues cover!!

Trying on the token crappy gifts in the plethora of tourist shops. Much to the dislike of the shop assistants!!

A trip to Dublin isn't complete without a trip to the home of Guinness!! The Guiness Storehouse.

Stoked at a free sample of a rare type of Guinness only available in Ireland!!

Nicola trying the black liquid again just to "be sure to be sure" that it tastes like crap!!

Our little note we left on the notice board thingy on the side of a brewing vat!!

At the top of the brewery is a viewing bar with views of the very industrial city of Dublin. Including the windmill with no blades. Very Irish!!

Killkenny castle. A quick stop off on our way to Cork.

Irish Roadtrip!! Pt.2

2007-08-02T19:58:00.001+10:00

From Dublin we headed to Cork which was probably the least impressive city we visited. But we managed to find a cool bar, have a laugh with the locals, listen to a couple of U2 covers by a local muso called "Seamus" and have a midnight tuna sandwich feast on the footpath!!

Downtown Cork!!

The next day we headed to Blarney Castle. A 15th century castle with a rock that supposedly when kissed will make you never short of words for the rest of your life.

Nicola and I both gave the rock a snog but we were certain the only thing we may get is a cold sore as millions of others have givin it a shot in the last few centuries!!

From Cork we headed to the Dingle Peninsular. After sorting out accommodation in Dingle. Haha what a name. We took a drive to a place called "Slea Head". A cool point on a rugged headland on the Atlantic ocean. I was stoked to see the ocean and waves again. Even if I couldn't surf!!! Living in Holland where everything is artificial and somewhat sterile it was awesome to see natural curves and cliffs. Something you definitely take for granted living in Australia.

Chilling in some old ruins on the cliff side.

Very inspiring coastline.

Freezing water!! Kinda glad I couldn't surf. Nice to get sand in between my toes again though.

Steamed white wine mussels and a pint of Smithwicks to wash down an awesome afternoon.

A beautiful sunset to top it off!!

Summer in Ireland!!!

Irish Roadtrip!! Pt.3

2007-08-02T19:53:00.001+10:00

From Dingle we headed north along the west coast to randomly land in Galway. Which turned out to be a wicked town. Busy as, and awesome nightlife!! We also found out that there are heaps of Aussies in town.

The main street of Galway.

Nicola confused as "Magners" (a popular Irish cider throughout Europe) is actually called "Bulmers" in Ireland.

A rockin' punk/rock band we checked out at a bar called the "King's Head". Turned out to be an awesome night. They did heaps of cool fun covers and the place was pumping.

Outside the pub was almost as busy as inside. Drums and fire twirling and people everywhere!! Galway turned out to be the best town we visited and we hadn't even planned to go there!! STOKED!!

The next day on our way to Donegal we stopped off at Carromore near Sligo. Which boasted to be the largest Stone Age Necropolis in Europe.

Now I will tell you that a "Megalithic Cemetery" sounds a hell of a lot more exciting than it actually is!! If this was the largest one I would really hate to see the smallest!!! We did have a good laugh though. Much to the distaste of the elderly German and Yank tourists!!

One of the many tractors that take up so much space on the bumpy old Irish roads that have insanely fast speed limits for the state of the roads.

After sorting accom in Donegal we headed to Slieve League. A 300m cliff rising out of the Atlantic. Where we sat on the side of the cliff and indulged in some prawn cocktail wrapped in lettuce!!

Another beautiful spot!!

Not to clever with heights but enjoying the sun, sea and nature!!

Irish Roadtrip!! Pt.4

2007-08-02T19:42:00.000+10:00

From Donegal we headed to Northern Ireland and stopped at a place called Derry. The second largest town in Northern Island and home to many political incidents including the "Bloody Sunday" killings.

The entire center of town is surrounded by walls. Built between 1613 and 1618. We took a walk around the walls while we waited for the town to wake up. Nothing seems to happen anywhere on a sunday in Europe.

Nicola sizing up a random torture device on the side of the wall.

Around the Bogside of Derry are the Murals that depict the many political problems that have plagued Northern Ireland. Not wanting to get into the whole Catholic vs. Protestant thing. I just took photos and appreciated the artwork.

After driving past this sign on our way to Portstewart on the North Coast we were amazed to find out you can drive any car on the beach.

"The Giants Causeway" A collection of 38 000 hexagonal basalt columns.

The legend is that a giant, Finn Mcool fancied a female giant on the Scottish island of Staffa and built some stepping stones to the island where there are similar types of stones. Scientists say that they were created by an underground fissure spewing lava out about 60 million years ago. I think the Irish legend is far more romantic!!

The Carrick-a-Rede Island rope bridge.

Another cool set of cliffs on the island where we indulged in another awesome prawn cocktail this time served in a avocado!! Awesome!!

The rope bridge crossing from a distance.

Another awesome sunset back at Portstewart. Getting my fix of coastal sunsets before heading back to cloudy old Amsterdam!!

"Bulmers" has now become "Magners" again from crossing a border!!!

The decision was made to accept the oddness as they taste the same !!

The Murals of Belfast!! The day we were in Belfast the British troops were pulled out of duty. They had been serving in the north scince the 70's. The troubles are pretty much over I think but there is definitely still a strange feeling to the place.

Back in Dublin for our last night and another trip to the Temple Bar area!!

Our road trip was over and the car along with our clothes were well manky!! But it was worth it!!! Was an awesome trip!!

End of Work!!

2007-07-24T16:58:00.001+10:00

A few midday beverages (bevies for you Nicola) to celebrate the start of our summer holidays at a seedy Irish bar in the Red Light district in Amsterdam. With the Lads & Lady!!!!

The lads!! (Kockny Kev, Pete aka the Stem Cell, Gazza and Yours Truely) Knocked off at 11am after a week of absolute bludging!!

Nicola's first Stem Cell embrace. Pete loving the female attention.

Dad stoked that he can hang things from his newly stretched 8mm flesh tunnel.

Dad getting in on the Stem Cell research!!

Nicola and I getting dirty on the dance floor!! Not sure whether it was the beers, the influence of the Red Light District, or the music of the Scissor Sisters (quite possibly all 3) .

Not sure what song was on this time, as Dad and Nicola did a fair bit of singing as the beers flowed freely!!

Kev's protest at dancing, strangely enough, to "I Don't Feel Like Dancing"

Didn't take him long to get over it!!

Dad's crazy eyed Italian barmaid.

This is a good example of the randomness of Amsterdam. A Irish bar, run by Tibetans, in Holland and playing Aussie music. Awesome!!!

Getting as drunk as "GOATS"

Spot the Aussie's!! Good old singlets. The midday session coming to and end!! Not sure of the time!!

Nicola and I decided it was a perfect opportunity to partake in some body modification!!

Nicola having the top of her ear pierced. Once again a good pain threshold. Possibly Heineken influenced.

Not 100% sure about having the orange spike thing in this bag rammed through my lobe. I still have the pain from the last one fresh in my mind!!
Concentrating on looking tough!! Another 4mm flesh tunnel on the other side. I couldn't deal with being uneven.

The finished results!! Klaar!!

Random 777 Activities

2007-07-12T04:48:00.001+10:00

The random 07/07/07 activities started with a morning trip to the markets to buy a squid!! I attacked it, marinaded it (with too many chilli's) cooked it and ate it!! Mmmmmm.

On our way into town we happened upon a house offering free beer!! That's right!!! FREE BEER!! Too good to refuse we entered the establishment, partook in a cold heiny and we realised it was a bands house (the stutters) and it was a Cd launch promo. Wasn't a bad band and we decided to go check them out that night but we were unable to find the venue!!

After our free beers a quick stop off at the piercing studio so I could have a flesh tunnel inserted ever so painfully in my ear!

4mm of steel rammed in and a minute or so later I could still manage a smile.

With my ear throbbing the next stop was the Live Earth Broadcast at a Park in Amsterdam. Enjoying our beers outside the venue. It sounded really cool from out here!!

But inside was a different story. Was a bit lame!! Oh well, cant win em all!!

SciSSor SiSterS

2007-07-08T00:26:00.001+10:00

Another mid-week concert!! This time with a gay twist!!! The Scissor Sisters!!!! Not a huge fan but was an awesome show and a heap of fun. With another hangover to prove it!

Pinkin' it up at home with a couple of bevies to loosen up those dancing muscles.

And a couple more at the show just to be sure!!

Fellow pinkies!!

My contribution!! The insanely pink undies Nicola purchased for me just for this occasion.

More people pinkin' it up!! Amsterdam is definitely one place you can get away with looking like this!!!

Our fellow front rowers!! Love the lady in silver???????

Hard to get a clear photo as the lead singer minces about the stage far too much!! Quite comical!!

Guess who drunk the most!!! (a clue... look at the cups!!)

Another week of rain but we were lucky enough to have a break long enough to be entertained by this overtly homosexual band!!

Enjoying the show!! Was a great night!!!!

Random Going Ons in Holland!!

2007-07-01T04:18:00.001+10:00

A couple of photos from recent visits from parents and the random activities that seem to be a regularity in Holland!!

Had a visit from Nicola's Mum Morven (left) from Tassie! Which was cool!! We went for a bit of a cruise to a few towns around Holland with Gino & Ruth (Nicola's Uncle & Aunty who live in Holland).

After a visit to Volendam a little coastal village we went to Edam to have a look around. It Just happened to be the 650th anniversary of the town. The whole village was dressed up in middle aged clothing. There always seems to be some random thing happening in Holland.

The locals dressed to kill!!

It felt like stepping back in time as the town is old looking enough let alone everyone cruising about like this.

He looks thrilled.

Holland is quite possibly one of the only countries where you wouldn't be surprised when a band floats past you down a canal on a boat. Drum kit and all!!

On a recent visit from Dad to inspect the new house (and to keep me company while Nicola is in Italy) we paid a visit to a local piercing shop on our way to have lunch so he could get a flesh tunnel. As most 52 year old fathers surely do!!!???

The finished result.

Whilst sitting back in a wee little Irish pub we were ever so entertained by the local busker. A wrinkly old man in a furry g-string doing gymnastics on a rope. Enough to make a man want to not finish his Shepperd's pie and glass of beer. But somewhat comical.

I am sure rope burn could be an occupational hazard!!

The finishing move!! Thank god we chose this pub and not the one on the other side of the rope. Amsterdam is one crazy random place!! Things like this are a common occurrence.

Weed Comp Update!!

2007-07-01T01:48:00.001+10:00

Just a quick update on our green little intoxicating friends. Out of the 14 we planted 7 have survived and started to actually resemble weed plants!! I have five and Nicola 2!! I win the volume but she most definatly wins the size and leafyness awards.

My 5 on the left and Nicola's 2 monsters on the right. Sunning themselves on the window sill. In full view of the public. Haha Holland is cool!!

Nicola's pushing the 19cm mark

Mine just shy of 16cm with half the leaves!! Whats up with that???

Pearl Jam in the Park

2007-06-30T02:27:00.001+10:00

I am not sure why all concerts I go to in Holland seem to be mid week but Pearl Jam played on Thursday night in a town not too far from Arnhem called Nijmegen. (Also near the German boarder) Which is a nightmare to get home from and led to another 2 hour sleep before rising at 5am to go to work and in Lotte's case the airport to fly to England!! The show though was absolutely fantastically awesome!!! Well worth the loss in slaap!! (dutch for sleep!!)

Customary concert clothing!! Note the piss pole in the back!! They are everywhere in Holland and come in mighty handy after a few beers!!

After wearing my last Pearl Jam shirt to death I am well pleased to have another.

Incubus were one of the support acts. Not the biggest fan but they rocked. (this pic of Brandon is for you Carly!!)

Due to the special arm band area, the general lenghtyness of the Dutch and the limited zoom of my camera this is the best shot I could manage!!

Thank god for big screens!

Stone Gossard starting to show his age!!

I ended up with millions of pics of Eddie!! Not hard to tell he is my Idol!!

Jeff Ament.

Mike Mcreedy doing his trademark "Even Flow" solo!!

Eddie rockin' God he is a legend.

Stoked at the show, the wicked music and the fact that it was the first day all week not to rain!!

Although towards the end the sky looked mighty ominous. But remained dry long enough for them to do a wicked cover of "Rockin' in the free world" as the final encore and us to get home!! AWESOME!!

Weekend Of Pain!!

2007-06-26T04:34:00.000+10:00

Nicola and I took a trip out to Arnhem. A cool town near the boarder to Germany where Alicia lives and we all partook in some body modification and pain!!

The establishment where the damage was done!!

One last tongue poke before a piece of metal is rammed through it!!

Ouch!!

I was very impressed by Nicola's pain threshold.

I forget his Dutch name but it translated to Jeromy. My tattooist measuring me up!!

I am trying not to flinch as he rubs alcohol into my freshly torn up flesh!!

Proudly showing off my bandage!!

"JUST ONE LIFE" A reminder that you only live once and to enjoy yourself, the moment and life and not get bummed out by things that don't matter all that much!!

Alicia went all out and got a new thing called a dermy anchor. A small little T shaped thing they insert under your skin which you screw things onto. Very cool!!

A long a painful looking process. And lots of blood!!!

The finished result. Kinda tempted to get one myself now!!

The Beautiful Girls

2007-06-26T03:57:00.001+10:00

Went to see The Beautiful girls at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. Was a wicked show.

The Beautiful Girls
(For those that don't know who that is or if you do and want to watch a sweet film clip click on the link)

The Beautiful Girls who accompanied me to the concert!! Nicola, Ted, and Liselotte.

The bass player was off his noggin. They told the crowd that they were on a come down from some mushies!! Haha awesome!!! They still managed to rock!!

Was awesome to see some surfer bums and hear the Aussie accent. Have seen far too many guys in pink shirts in Holland and needed some reassurance that I am not the only one who wears baggy jeans, skater shoes and is disgusted by PINK!!!

Having a knackerd lens cover can sometimes pay off with random shots like this.

No smoking laws in Holland. I am guessing more than half wasn't cigarettes.

Another concert and another set of matching T-shirts. If it wasn't for live shows I wouldn't have anything to wear!!

My B'day

2007-06-26T03:45:00.000+10:00

What better way to celebrate turning 26 than some garlic snails!!! Mmmmmmm

It wasn't the taste but the fact that they were about 1000 degrees that Nicola looks somewhat shocked!! They tasted awesome.

About all that was left of another satisfying seafood session and a very happy birthday boy!!

New House

2007-06-26T01:58:00.001+10:00

Our awesomely wicked new house!!

Our first ever turn of the key!!

Being domesticated

Shopping for stuff to go in our new abode gave us a few laughs.

Nicola and I testing out my soon to be new sofa bed.

Heidi the Haai! (haai is dutch for shark) My early b'day prezzy from Nicola, is our new house mascot and an extremely comfy pillow!!

Our window sills to watch the world go by and enjoy a cold beer or cup of coffee on. Awesome!!

What the neighbours see!!

Our post moving in drinks to celebrate!! (Thanks Alicia for helping us!!!)

We somehow ended up in quite possibly the gayest club in Amsterdam and met some dude we named "Ken" who is quite possibly the gayest person in Amsterdam. Was a funny night to top off an awesome day!!

Surfing Shenanigans

2007-06-26T01:38:00.001+10:00

As a reward for putting up with the girls shopping antics we took a trip to Guincho beach so I could go for a surf!!

At a place called Cascais looking for how the hell to get there.

After not surfing for ages I was slightly excited but was soon to be a lot less mobile!!

Only a couple of feet but heaps of fun!! But after landing a bit funny on a floater I managed to slip a disc in my spine which pretty well knacked the remaining holiday for me!!

Waiting for the bus in a crap load of pain. For those who have never had a slipped disc I hope you never do. Quite easily the most painful experience of my life.

On the train home and having some hippy German deep heat kind of cream applied to my back. After a crappy nights sleep which kept Nicola awake due to my excessive moaning in pain we had to go to the Aussie embassy (where we where helped by a Portuguese speaking Aboriginal, not an everyday experience) to find a doctor who spoke English. A hundred Euros later a pain killer shot in my bum and plenty of beer (purely medicinal) I had to fly home the 3 and a bit hours back to Holland. Not the funnest moment in my life by any means!!

A Plethora of Portugal Pics

2007-06-26T00:39:00.001+10:00

At the end of May Nicola, Alicia and I took a trip to Lisbon in Portugal for a long weekend! Turned out to be a awesome (and painful) 3 days!!

Me at the top of a lift to nowhere. Cool view but a strange thing!!

After my first coffee experience I was slightly put off trying any more Portuguese coffee, but with a name like that this cafe was sure to be good. It was, and it supplied me with my caffeine needs for the entire weekend!!

A local busker. His tiny little dog had a cup with a string in his mouth to put the money in. The dog looked incredibly bored!!

The Portuguese don't mind erecting a monument or two!! They are every where!!

One of many squares around Lisbon. Another monument. A lot of them are long, round and some what phallic. I wonder if they may be compensating???

Lots of pigeons and plenty of opportunity to be crapped upon.

Some cheerful graffiti.

Some more views from the random lift to nowhere. The foot paths are all really beautifully paved.

A garden in the Belem District. On our way to check out the Padrao dos Descobrimentos. (Another big monument tower thing that we couldn't find even though we were sitting in its shadow!!)

Padrao dos Descobrimentos.

Blowing a freakin gale at the top of the tower. But a nice view all the same!!

Torre de Belem. Another tower!! With a awesome park to lounge around in and soak up a bit of sun!!

Lisbon at Night!!

This is the lift to nowhere!! Looks allot more impressive at night!!

We went to Club Lux! A club partly owned by John Malkovich which is supposed to be frequented by such people as Cameron Diaz. Which doesn't actually start getting clients until 2am!!

Doing a fine impression of a random sign.

Me doing a Pedro (who ever he is??) impression in a cool little coastal village called Cascais.

While I lay in random positions around Lisbon in copious amount of pain Nicola and Alicia checked out a cool castle. I may one day go back and see it for myself!!

Jackson's Culinary Guide to Portugal

2007-05-31T23:05:00.000+10:00

OK, Its very simple!!! When in Portugal stick to the 3 S's

* Sagres *
* Seafood *
* Sangria *

(and lots of them)

A seafood stew thingy with rice. Very nice!!

Much to my horror early one morning in full caffeine addiction mode, I had my first Portuguese coffee. It was not much wider than my finger, black and tasted like liquefied camel poo!! I highly recommend staying well clear of these.

Tiny shells that urinate everywhere. Didn't actually eat these fellas but they are a great source of amusement.

SANGRIA!! A must!!

Seafood Salad. Awesome. Best eaten on a sunny arvo with a ice cold glass of beer!!

Octopus Salad. Probably the only thing better than a seafood salad on a hot day in the sun with a cold beer!!

Seafood Skewer!! Whole baby squids, prawns and other assorted goodies on a stick. Highly recommended.

Some sort of grilled fish. This is what you get when your Portuguese is about as good as your waitresses English. Its not the one you ordered but you are stoked all the same as it tastes freakin fantastic!!

Sardinahs!! Looks terrible but tastes terrific. Avoid eating the brains as they taste slightly peculiar, but the bones eyes and tails are fair game. (best not eaten around those disgusted by fish) SORRY ALICIA!!!!!!

Sagres!! The local brew!!

Good at any time of day!!

Best served in a giant cup!!

Ice cold in the sun!!

Also good served with smint gum!!! To ward off the dreaded beer breath!!

A "SLIGHTLY STOOPID" Thursday Night - 24/05/07

2007-05-31T20:55:00.000+10:00

Went to see Slightly Stoopid with Nicola at a little place called the P60 in Amstelveen near Amsterdam.

Slightly Stoopid
(click link for those who have no idea who the hell that is)

Our pre concert feast on some wicked fresh homemade sushi!! And the customary heinies!!

Our ticket to Stoopidity!!

Act of Stoopidness No.1 - Actually taking notice of this sign!!!

Act of Stoopidness No.2 - Purchasing matching shirts and partaking in the consumption of jager!!

Showing off our newly purchased items of clothing

Act of Stoopidness No.3 - Befriending the merchandise dude and receiving free shots of what is now referred to as the "j word"

Act of Stoopidness No.4 - Indulging in a few too many beertjes in kleine plastic cups on a school night. My head was not to clever when I awoke at 5am to go to work the next day.

Miles (one of the front men of the band)

Slightly Stoopid. They were awesome. Real cruisy funky music.

Miles again!! (I ended up with allot of photos of him thanks to Nicola) Haha

Kyle, the other front man. Was an awesome show from what I remember. The night ended with a blurry old bike ride home and a midnight sushi feast!! AWESOME!!

New House Celebration!!

2007-05-15T04:04:00.000+10:00

In celebration of the rad new flat in Amsterdam that Nicola and I will be moving into in the begining of June. (Which is close to the awesomely big vondelpark) We treated ourselves to a sushi/sashimi feast in a cool little sushi place in Amsterdam.

About to let a slippery piece of Kingfish slide down the back of my throat.

Mmmmmmm!!!

It looks like this bit has legs, but I assure you its radish!

Our Salmon Sahsimi Slug!! You have to love sushi for the fact you get to play with your food!!

Week 1 Weed Update :)

2007-05-15T03:46:00.000+10:00

Week one into our little competition and I have learned heaps about planting and growing things. I am amazed at how quick nature actually is. Nicola has the upper hand as she has been teaching her class at school all about growing plants, and I cant remember a time when I have ever planted anything let alone keep a plant alive!!

Day 2 - Only two days after putting my little seeds in wet cotton wool and putting them in my cupboard (which i had no idea you had to do) I had movement in the camp!! My first sprouts.

Day 5 - My first wee little weed plant. I named him Bob Marley.

Day 7 - Bob's the big one and the rest are called the Wailers. I have been watering daily, they don't get much sun as it is Holland, but I have been playing them heaps of music, a bit of Peter Tosh, Sublime and Slightly Stoopid. It seems to be working!!

* Cannabis Cultivating Competition *

2007-05-07T01:27:00.000+10:00

Nicola and I have started a little comp to see who can grow the best marijuana plant. Even though neither of us really smoke it.

WHY????

1. Its Holland and we can!!
2. It gives us something to do.
3. Fun
4. Did I mention we can. Its totally legal. Awesome!!

Me with our little "weed seeds" (Northern Lights) We just strolled into a smart shop walked past the magic mushies and then spent a few minutes perusing the assortment of seeds they had on offer and getting advice on how to grow them. After a bit of discussion we paid the good fellow his 25 euro's and headed off to our music festival. No drama!!

Will put some pics of the progress of our little green friends in the near future!!!

Bevrijdingspop!!

2007-05-07T00:50:00.000+10:00

This weekend was Bedrijdingsdag which is a celebration of when WW2 ended and Holland became a free nation again. There was a free festival in Haarlem with live music and markets which Nicola and I checked out.

A free concert, and free hats!! Awesome!! Our kinda price!!

My mate Hondza (left) and his mate Tim (right obviously) I wasn't the only one drinking!!

See!! Enjoying a couple of beers in the sun.

Nicola sampling the Dutch culture!!

Midday Market Mischievousness!!

With a belly full of Chinese and beer Nicola was teaching me the shoulder dance!!

Some band??? Didn't really listen to much of the music

Queensday Pt.3

2007-05-03T05:06:00.000+10:00

Queensday Fashion!!

(The funky, fugly and freaky!!)

A man in his platts

Another pair of undies to match the festival.

Nicola's tail which she found amongst the piles of crap for sale. Its purpose is as a leg for her teddy which had a unfortunate accident with a lamp!!! But I did try it on.... a few times!!

A guy who was well pleased with his street sign he had stolen.

??????????

Doing a pretty good Punky Brewster impression.

Think he might be happy to be Dutch!!!

More windmills.....

My handy work on Nicola's hair with a can of hairspray we found amongst the feralness of the Amsterdam streets.

The 80's are over!!

Queensday Pt.2

2007-05-03T03:10:00.000+10:00

Queensday Celebrations

01/04/2007

With a nice set of hangovers we ventured out to begin it all over again!! (Is that us??)

A quick rundown on Queensday.... People put all sorts of crap on the footpath and try to sell it. One armed G.I Joe's, dolls, old clothes and pretty much everything. We even found a kitchen sink. No Joke!!

We had a competition to see who could find the weirdest thing! My find was this book. The guy tried to sell it to me for 1 euro. Tempting but I passed

We even found Michael Jackson!!!

To hide away our hungover faces and dim the bright light we purchased ourselves some aviators!

After a stroll around Amsterdam and its many quirky markets we thought a warm beer, in the sun, by the police, would do our tender heads the world of good!!

No dramas with the cops. They were even having photo's with boozed up people in public. Gotta love Holland!!

There was a big free festival with lots of Dutch dance music and orange!! Lots of Orange!!

This guy may have had one too many!!

Another spot, another party. A few of Alicia and Nicola's friends.

The infamous shoulder dance.

The crowd near the Aussie bar in Rembrandtsplein. Another live act on a stage and a plethora of orange and drinkin!! The Dutch know how to celebrate there national day!!

A flattened fiets. That's what u get when millions of drunken Dutchmen dance all over a bike.

We stumbled across our stage from the night before.

Another Falafel! They are awesome over here and go down so well with a stomach full of amber fluid.

There was so much rubbish and crap all over Amsterdam toward the end of the day. this newspaper article seemed kinda fitting.

Another street party on our way home!!! One hell of a good day out!!!

Queensday Pt.1

2007-05-02T04:06:00.000+10:00

30/4/2007 Koningendag Eve

This weekend was Queensday in Holland which is a big celebration for the Queen. Not sure if its her bday or just an excuse to get smashed and wear orange. But it was frickin' AWESOME!!

We started proceedings in Vondelpark in Amsterdam. (The Dutch pronounce V's as F's so it is pronounced fondle park. Ha ha fondle!!) We had a couple of Heinie's in the crazily warm sun and spent a few hours chilling out and watchin the world jog past!!

While others jogged we had some beers and before long handstands were seeming like a pretty normal thing to be doing!!

Our bikes, which were a great source of amusement as one died, the other needed major repair. Which resulted in hilarious semi drunk doubling through the busy Amsterdam streets. No one was hurt!!

Showered and recovering from a bumpy old ride home we donned our orange. The Dutch colour of choice!! And had a few beverages before heading back in.

Alicia and Nicola not forgetting there Aussie side!!

Another Funny Fiets Fiasco on the way back to town. I was holding a beer in one hand and Nicola's skirt in the other. Trying to stop the wind gusts!!! Not an easy task and extremely painful on ones rear end!!

The streets are completely packed with people!! All pretty wrecked but all really cruisy. There are stages, bars and DJ's everywhere. We strolled around a fair bit and even ended up cruising down the gay street of Amsterdam which was pumping! Lots of oompa loompa Dutch dance music.

Mmmmm. Wine in a water bottle!! No public drinking fines in Holland!!

Our random little side alley stage which we claimed. Drunkiness starting to take hold!!

Flashing our Orange bits!! Was a fantastic night which ended with a wicked falafal in the wee hours of the morn and a ride home on a flat tire across the bumpy streets of Amsterdam.

Failed Flower Foto's

2007-05-02T03:55:00.000+10:00

After weeks of seeing fields of bright colourful flowers and thinking you could get some nice photos. I thought one sunny, hot Saturday to venture into the countryside and take a few snaps....... Apon arriving, I found out the flowers had all been picked!!!!

After an hour of walking in the midday sun and coming across this odd sign which looks to me like a young girl is being chased by a guy with a briefcase??? I found a field with a couple of rows left.

After trespassing onto a farm I got my photos. Not sure if it was all worth it???

Assorted Pics from Clogland

2007-04-27T03:43:00.000+10:00

My celebration corona! It was in honor of surviving my first surf in the North Sea. As sunny and warm as the day looked, the damn water was freezing!

This wig supplied us with a few laughs and an insight into what we would look like if we started smoking to much weed and lost our jobs!!

Where Dad and I work is an old burial ground from the 1500's. Supposedly, The spanish flu killed about a third of Amsterdam's population and they needed a mass burial sight! So 500 years later or so they dig it all up to build flats. Very respectful I think. There are bones and crap all over the place all smashed up and not cared about.

This is one Dad rescued. Yorrick is his name. (Hamlet) I was not overly pleased to be near him, but he is kinda cool!

Bloemen Feest, Haarlem

2007-04-27T01:47:00.000+10:00

Last weekend was the Annual Haarlem flower festival. Basically it was a bunch of random floats covered in flowers. I saw a Halloween, Christmas and other assorted weirdness for this time of year. But the sun was out, they smelt good and I already knew the Dutch were slightly odd, so all wasn't lost. Turned out to be a good day out!!

Nicola and I on a giant pink flower croissant.

Some strange men on stilts that were not too camera shy!!

Random floats made up of thousands of flowers! Kinda pointless but they grow enough, so why not!!

As Dutch as U like!! A Bloemen Molen ( Flower Windmill )

This girl got into the festivities. Floral patterned undies!!

Perfect weather and a free festival meant that the crowds were out in force. Was awesome to walk around in the sun again. I even got a bit sunburnt!

A hideously dressed man drinking a biertje and smoking a smelly old cigar.

A man in his clogs taking a stroll, at the flower festival, by the coffeeshop. Couldn't get more Dutch.

This little band in camp tartan vests came complete with a trombone player with a moustache trimmed to fit around his instrument!!

I am sure the Dutch would be the only race on the earth to have a marching band on bikes!!

Pics Of My Neighbourhood

2007-04-19T04:24:00.000+10:00

Some pics from my hood!!

Now that spring is here things are starting to grow again and not look so depressing.

One of many canals

My little room is above this butcher. It sometimes reeks of meat but is usually ok and a pretty cool place to live.

This is my street. It is in Heemstede, which is supposed to be one of the wealthiest spots in Holland. I fit right in. Haha!!!!!!

Rock Climbing

2007-04-18T03:31:00.000+10:00

After a friday and a saturday night in Amsterdam I decided to go Indoor rock climing with Dad and Horse. Not the best idea but a heap of fun.

Evegeni (aka Horse) a mate from Bulgaria made Dad and I look lame. He climbs in Bulgaria for a hobby and makes it look easy.

Dad and I struggling our way up the wall. Not much style just sweating and swearing!!

Heights, heat and a weekend drinking Heinekin is a bad mix.

Night Out With Nicola

2007-04-18T03:18:00.000+10:00

Went to Amsterdam with Nicola for a few beverages the other night. Started normal and kinda turned pretty random when a big group of people dressed as Zombies cruised passed while we had dinner. Only in Amsterdam.

Met Michael and Anya in the Aussie bar. They were 2 Polish people who were really, really, really happy and cheerful!! (I wonder why??) They invited us to a club with them and we scored VIP entry.

Our VIP bands!! Music was crap techno but was a pretty crazy club.

Not sure if this was a wig or the dudes hair but it sums up what the people in the club were like!!

England Trip

2007-04-13T05:36:00.000+10:00

Jodi, Dad and I caught up in the South of England for a long weekend a few weeks ago. Had a ball. Was good to see the family again.

The flight over was canceled. We had to stay a night in a nice hotel in Amsterdam and fly out the next day.

Jodi and I a little tipsy messing about outside 'Naps' One of the many locals in Highcliffe. I am wearing a wetsuit hood

The Taylors at the Stones. Was pretty damn cold.

Doing my best Stonehenge pose

Salisbury Cathedral. A cool old massive church in Salisbury near Stonehenge.

Looking for Jebus outside the Church

A strange name for a campsite i think?????

Donavon Frankenreiter Concert

2007-03-17T22:04:00.000+10:00

Went to see Donavon Frankeneiter at the Paradiso in Amsterdam with Liselotte on Thursday night. Was FANTASTIC!!!

Donavon, looks like a bum but has my dream life. Travelling the world surfing and playing music. I am so jealous.

Both tired but enjoying the show

He sung "It Dont Matter" as his final encore and hopped into the crowd and walked around then crowd surfed back to the stage and passed the mic to the audience to sing, Was awesome...!!!!

Work

2007-03-17T21:54:00.000+10:00

Have started working with dad in Amsterdam. Its good fun! Always having a laugh!!

The early morning drive to Amsterdam. Usually blurry and caffene filled.
Quite possably the uggliest safety glasses in the world.

The site.
Jackson the Carpenter!!

Pics

2007-03-17T21:32:00.000+10:00

Caught up with Heath and his friend Nicola in Amsterdam just before Heath headed back to Aussie! We found our way into an Aussie pub for a bit of reminissing.

A dutch beach. Was my first Dutch sunset. Very beautiful. Was good to see the sun and the ocean again! It had rained all week.

Some Random Pics

2007-03-10T19:45:00.000+10:00

An assortment of weird things I have stummbled across

This is beer for dogs. It was in the window of a pet store?????

A severed dolls head hanging in a window. Creepy but cool.

The Jesus action figure. Complete with sandals. Just what every kid wishes for!!!

Jodi's Birthday Visit

2007-03-10T19:38:00.000+10:00

Had a visit from Jodi for her 28th Birthday. Was cool to catch up again.

Dad's famous stew again. One of Jodi's B'day requests.
Me and my canon.
Jodi and I had a poke around Lieden and found some fortress thing built in the 1100's.
Posing in our Dutch hats.

Mmmmm Sushi!!

2007-03-10T19:31:00.000+10:00

After months of withdrawel symptoms from not having eaten any sushi, my friend Liselotte and I made a sushi feast! Fresh tuna (tonijn) and salmon (zalm). Lekker! (Dutch for Tasty!!!)

The lovely Liselotte about to attack the salmon!

My first attempt at sashimi!

More Holland Pics

2007-02-12T19:36:00.000+10:00

A Baby Dump??

It did finally snow.

Zandfort. The local beach. Freezing cold and no waves. But was nice to be back near the ocean

For the weed smokers out there. One of these badboys will set you back about 3 euros. And its legal. You just stroll into a coffeshop and buy it over the counter. Pity I dont smoke.

A nice town i like called Leiden. Its a university town with lots of young people but cool old buildings and bridges and of course.... Windmills!

Amsterdam

2007-01-14T21:43:00.000+10:00

?? AMSTERDAM ??

This oversized clog reeks!!

The crooked old Amsterdam houses

One of 2 Doors cafe's. Full of cool old Doors stuff. And weed!!

The Sex Museum!!

Not to sure about this chair.

The crazy side of Amsterdam

One of the many places you can buy magic mushies, weed, hash, or herbal pills.

A Stoned Alien

Holland

2007-01-12T23:49:00.000+10:00

Arrived in Holland on the 27.12.06. Good to see Dad again. Have had a few fun nights and have been eating like a King!!

Being hassled by the cops on the way home. Dad even got to wear his hat.

My Dad's awesome stew. Hahaha Jodi!!

New Years!! The Dutch are mad with their fireworks. They blew up every explosive thing they could get their hands on for hours. It was like a war zone. Had a quite night in Haarlem, fireworks, a few drinks and to too bad a hangover the next day.

About to chow down on some "smoked eel". Known as Paling. Tastes awesome but looks dodgy. Have also eaten raw hearing and horse. Mmmmmm

XMAS 06

2007-01-12T23:42:00.000+10:00

Xmas With The Taylors

Jodi, Sam and I spent Xmas with the Taylor family in Highcliffe in the South of England. It wasn't a white xmas but it was nice to spend it with family. I even got a xmas eve surf in. Freezing but fun.

Xmas dinner.

Aunty Shelly with her chrissy apron.

U.K Road Trip

2007-01-05T22:25:00.000+10:00

Road Trip With Nat - 15.12.06 - 21.12.06

Some highlights from our trip.

Had an awesome week road trippin with Nat a friend from Aussie. She flew into London and we headed to "the North"

Bamburgh Castle was cool. It was just south of the Scottish border. Right on the North Sea. Sooooooo cold!!

The Angel of the North

We stayed in a small fishing town called Arbroath. On the east side of Scotland. It had a cool old Abby from the 1100's which we checked out and not a bad night life either.

Arbroath Abby. (Whats left of it anyway) The English had a tendancy to blow up and smash stuff!!

A local by the name of Jimmy!! He showed us the nightlife and lead us astray!! After a few to many we got lost in town and then went sliding on the icy footpaths!! Good times....???

Got to play with snow for the first time in about 12 years!! Was so stoked. Nat had never seen it. We took a wrong turn over the Highlands on our way to Inverness but the scenery was beautiful and the snow made up for the extra driving.

So Mature!!
Loch Ness is awesome!! Such a beautiful spot. But pretty chilly!!

My quick dip in the Loch! So damned cold it was crazy!! It was 2 degrees in the sun and the puddles on the road were ice. But it had to be done. Didn't find Nessie though.

The Loch. Starting to get foggy and spooky.

Urquhart Castle which is on the Loch. Has been blown to bits by heaps of people over time so this is what remains.!

Ended our trip in London. It was so foggy. Heaps of flights were cancelled and all sorts of drama but it made every thing look old and spooky!

Glasgow Pics

2006-12-15T06:04:00.000+10:00

Have said goodbye to Glasgow for about a month. Am meeting my friend Nat in London to do a road trip. Then off to Dorest for Xmas, then Amsterdam for New Years! The weather has been the worst in about 30 years. It has rained every day scince November. Awesome !!

Actually talented grafitti!

St Georges Square. In full Xmas cheer.

Carousel and Ice skating. Very festive.

Science Centre

2006-11-27T00:29:00.000+10:00

Went to the Glasgow Science Centre with Jodie. It was nerdy but cool. Had a good laugh. Went to the Planetarium! We thought it sounded really exciting but it was quite lame!!

This machine shows what you will look like when you get old!! Scarey!!

Predator eye view of me and squid!

Night Out

2006-11-27T00:26:00.000+10:00

A massive night out!! Good times. We were all so stoked to find free postcards of Kim Jong Il.

Jeff. Well pleased with his postcard!!

Oh soooo drunk!!

Assorted Scotland Pics

2006-11-27T00:23:00.000+10:00

Public transport. So boring! But you can drink!!

My bedroom!!

The Gallery of Modern Art - Glasgow

Every thursday Jodie and I go to a bar after work, have dinner, a couple of drinks and join the quiz. We have come last both times!! We scored some crap magazines as a boobie prize!!

My oppy suit!! Off to my first day in hell!!!

Museum!

2006-11-27T00:20:00.000+10:00

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery annd Museum

Went to the museum with Jodie. Very touristy but was quite interesting. Heeps of cool stuff like severed mummy heads and Knights.

William Wallace. Looks nothing like Mel Gibson??

These cool heads were hanging from the roof. There were heeps of them all with different expressions.

This is what happens to your head when you get hit by a big scottish sword.

Scotland

2006-11-27T00:09:00.000+10:00

Off to merry olde Scotland!!

Mmmm inflight Heinies!

Haggis neeps and tatties. Had to try it and to be honest it is quite disgusting. Tastes like a 4 month old meat pie thats been left in a fridge and reheated. But its got pork lung, snout, guts and all sorts of other suprises so I wasn't expecting much!!