Like everything, there are pros and cons of the transport systems in this town. This is the technical term for a transport breakdown in Melbourne. The upshot is, we get compensation… well, kind of.

Monthly and longer ticketholders will get compensation from Connex for January for the large number of cancelled and delayed trains.

If you’re feeling affluent and want to improve on the cons, feel free to put your money where your mouth is. Melbourne’s transport companies only get 35% of operating costs recovered from fares. The Public Transport Users Association are awaiting your investment.

The free W-11 tram cruising around the city circle has got to be the best thing since sliced bread. If you’re craving for a momentary return to my favourite spot in India… then look no further – literally – jump on board and close your eyes as you boogie your way down the aisle to the Punjabi beat.

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Failing that, or you happen to be working every Friday night, a vision for your sore eyes: not such a busy street on Vimeo

Okay, I haven’t lost everything. After Japan, and there are dozens of other words we could use to describe that chapter of my life, I find myself starting over. Largely from scratch, partially from residual stuff from the Japan chapter, and some treasures from a former self, but also some new goodies.

Good friends have taken me in, so I now have a home. A giant queen size bed has been loaned to me. It’s the biggest bed I have ever had use of, I get lost in it some mornings.

My insurance claim from the Niseko ski disaster has finally come through. Now I am in a position to get my hands on a hot little digital video camera, I am considering the Canon MV920. I’m still keen to hear about the claim for my busted ski though… Read the rest of this entry »