Wild Horses.

Wild Horses, couldn't drag Mick Jagger away in perhaps one of the most beautiful pop songs ever written. Heck, the Sunday's cover at the end of that Buffy ep is pretty beautiful too.

Well, in hindsight, Wild Horses couldn't drag me away from where I am now. As I look back on 2007, the amusingly self-proclaimed 'year of the melon'. I think about where I am now and how whilst it isn't where I imagined I'd be 12 months back it's still pretty awesome.

See I've learnt a lot this year, from a lot of different people, from Eddie and the rugby boys to my family, to the people I've met on this trip to my fellow comic nerds on CBR, I've learnt something from pretty much every single one of you.

Well, this is where I say thank you. And I mean it. I've been to some funny places this year, physically, emotionally and mentally. Without the love, strength and support of you guys I wouldn't be where I am today.

All I can say, I've learnt a lot about myself in 2007. 2008 is the year I try to make a difference to other people. I'm not sure how yet and I'm sure to make some mistakes along the way. See I remember the 80's He-man and the Masters of the Universe. They had a saying 'we don't say good-bye, we say good journey'. And there's a truth in that and I guess to all of you I hope your journey through 2008 takes you where you want to go. If it doesn't then make the most of what's in front of you, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are people who love you and that's pretty much the most important thing and the best feeling there is.

Peace out, happy new year, enjoy 2008, live it like its your last.

XXXX

Karl

Uluru

I could just right Wow here because it really was wow.

I could come up with something deep and meaningful about how when we're all gone the big red rock will still be there.

I could be moan the tourists and the ridiculous amount of cash I had to shell out.

Instead, I'm just gonna settle on the memories.

Wow.

My farcical Christmas.

So, it's 13:30 here in Sydney, a time when most of the civilised world would be tucking into turkey veges and all the trimmings. Not I for I have just been on one of the most farcical trips of all time.

Yes, Wake Up backpackers thought it would be a good idea to charge a non-refundable $25 for essentially a plate of cold meats and a bus to Bondi beach. Now I wasn't expecting much after last night's equally fucking gash (pardon my language but I'm on a tirade here) boat trip around the harbour. But, I was expecting to be able to drink the BYO booze I'd bought with my own money in the place. Alas no, as apparantly in a minor technical omission, you can't drink ANYWHERE on Bondi on Xmas day and the bacon closed us down. Not that I blame them, they were only doing their job!

So, in the absence of that we had the option of either going on a bus and paying to go to another beach where you could drink. Or go to some wholly undersold rave where oh there's no BYO and pay to enjoy your booze whilst listening to shit house and probably a reasonable amount of reggae.

As is, I'm gonna just Grinch around for the day.

If they don't let me watch Lizzy's speech I'm going medieval though.

Woah, long time no blog.

Apologies for the lack of update for a while folks.

I find myself in the warm wet confines of Sydney. Yup, it's raining. I'm not feeling remotely Christmassy either. Although, we did have a whole day of sunshine yesterday and my farmer tan has migrated towards a wife beater tan!

Oh and I'm running. LOTS. Went for a glorious 1 hour run today round the Botanical Gardens, Opera House, Rocks, up some hills, round Darling Harbour, through Chinatown and home (I also passed at least 12 Tabs but sadly not a single drive in off-licence). It hurt a lot. I don't think I've run for more than an hour since the Great North Run over 7 years ago!!!!!

Oh and I've lost nearly two stone. Many are imploring an early return for rugby tour which I am SERIOUSLY considering.

Hopefully I'll start feeling more Chingy today when I go to Sydney's largest open air carol service. If not, I'll probably just get drunk and phone Jenks, whilst singing Fairy Tale of New York to him - it's something of a tradition.

Leaving NZ

All I can say is this country has been immense. As I enter my final 24 hrs in the country I find myself back in Christchurch and getting ready for some Priscilla (that's chow to the rest of you bar Mike who probably gets the reference)with some of the people I've met on route.

I went to the Antarctic centre today and feel inspired to read about Scott of the Antarctic, so you all know what to buy me for my birthday!

Leaving Queenstown

Okay so I'm well into my last 24 hours in Queenstown and what for me has been the highlight of my trip to New Zealand. This town is awesome. For one thing, it's the home of adventure sports. Okay so all I've done here is my bungy and the slightly crazy luge thing but you really can do anything here.

The nightlife by NZ standards is pretty good too. That for me has been the weird thing about NZ - it's so quiet. But I've enjoyed that.

The scenery here is beautiful - there's a reason why it's pretty much NZ's no1 ski destination in the winter. Although I did find Milford Sound a little disappointing. I don't think that's the kind of thing you're allowed to say in public here!

Oh and Fergburgers. Comfortably the greatest burger I've ever eaten. Take that Americanians.

I've also met some truly amazing people here.

This place has rocked.

Next I'm off to Dunedin where the major purpose of my 2 days is to find a bar showing the Hatton fight, then a little place to chill called Lake Tekapo for 2 days and the Christchurch. After which I'm off to Aus, which I'm really looking forward to now. I'm currently reading Bill Bryson's Down Under book and I'm sorry to admit I like it. Bill Bryson is the kind of man I try to hate but, this is the first book of his I've actually bothered to read and it's pretty good.

Peace out.

Melon

Queenstown

This place is pretty crazy.

I've got my bungy jump booked - why for reasons of male ego I feel compelled to do one which is 3 times higher than the one I looked at yesterday I don't know. It's gonna be stoopid. I'm also probably gonna white water raft and go in a jet boat whilst I'm here. It's comfortably gonna be the most expensive leg of the entire world trip but a big part of me doesn't worry about that!

I went to the infamous "The World" bar last night. Gotta say it was a leeetle disappointing. Just full of drunken english 18 year olds called Tarquin and Henry.