Ok, I’ve got to start packing, because I’m off in less than two weeks, and there will always be that last minute rush to pick up that one last thing that you’d normal not even remember because it was taken as given. I reckon though if I give it a head-start that last minute thing can show up a bit sooner. Maybe. So maybe you can help me! I’ll list the items here as I remember that I need to pack them, and if you can think of anything that I’ve missed, let me know. I’m going for 10 weeks, so it’s by no means a short trip, and as it’s on the other side of the world in a much more expensive location I’d prefer to have everything first. So! List: ...

Away with the CAPS LOCK Key! Now that it’s pointed out to me, it really is the most useless key on the board.

I’m torn, and you have until Thursday to help me decide which camera to buy. The options are entirely equivalent, except for the following: Sony Cybershot W50 Canon IXUS 60 - Cheaper (by $50) - Sexier (in black) - Better day shots - Better battery life (390 shots vs. 160 shots) - Cheaper memory (SD) - Better night shots - Fancier functions (Colour Highlight, Colour Swap, Stitch Assist) Sample Images Sample Images Specs & Image of Camera Specs & Image of Camera Side-by-side Specs Choices, choices. I’m leaning towards the Sony because of the battery life and better day shots, as for really good night shots you’d need a tripod anyway. Buying the Canon would definitely mean buying a spare battery ($70), because 150 shots or so go fast with digital sightseeting. ...

So I went to the hairdresser-place-thingy on Saturday, and they were too busy. Fair enough. Made an appointment for Sunday, 12 o’clock, nice little free slot in the middle of the day that I figured I could rope in some shopping around. Come Sunday, 12 o’clock, there I was and there was a single chair occupied. I was told that they were running a bit late, and if perhaps I could come back in 20 min to half an hour? Sure, why not. ...

I’ve slowly started to get up & around this city as time goes by, and I’ve found the complexion of the place is different in many unsubtle ways depending on whether you’re a school kid, a tourist or a “suit”. I’m sure there’s other categories, but that’s the ones I’ve been, so that’s how I look at it :) As a kid, you got off at Town Hall because that’s where all the Fun Stuff was. The arcades, the movies, the southern, less serious end of the city, bordering on Chinatown and Darling Harbour. You knew vaguely there was a whole lot more to the city further north, but even Martin Place seemed a long way away. Life is simple - you find the places where you can have fun, and you stick to them with your friends. ...