Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I'll be celebrating the new year a few hours earlier than most people this year being just on the beginning side of the International Dateline here in Sydney. Wanna call and wish me a happy new year? Now you can! I just got a mobile phone here in Australia and incoming calls are free. And you can always text me, too, but I might not be able to write back unless you're in Australia, too. Overseas texts are somewhat expensive. Here's my new number: +61 416 807 682. So from the US you'd dial this: 011 61 416 807 682 (thanks Dad for trying it first). Keep in mind that if you're calling from Texas it's 7 hours earlier in the day here. So if it's 12:00 noon in Dallas it's only 5am here.

So far I've met up with nine CouchSurfers since i've been in Australia. Thanks to Gina and Puckey in Brisbane for the places to stay. You both were great and I had loads of fun. Gina, I hope you're computer isn't "cactus" afterall. Puckey, enjoy your trip! In Nimbin thanks to Doug and Shakti for everything! It was great to meet up with you two and be there when you first met. I hope the new member Neil is having a great trip and isn't working too hard in Stanthorpe right now.

Here in Sydney happy new year cheers go out to Audrey, Jesse, and Bel. Aud put me and Amy up for two nights and showed us a great time on the sunny beaches and Syd nightlife. Jesse met up with us yesterday and was kind enough to treat us to Sydney's best pizza. Bel and her family hosted us last night and tonight to show us how the Aussies do New Year's Eve.

The fun never seems to stop here in wonderful Australia. I'm really having the time of my life and may never leave. I love it here!

Happy new year!!

---

Posted December 30, 2004 05:48 PM @ (GMT - 6)