Goals to Kick before Blogging can achieve its potential

It's been a while now since I've been able to format my online writing so that it all appears here on BearCave.Biz - I do admit that maintaining a Blogging standard is difficult without setting out some clearly defined objectives.

So busy am I with work and study that its been easier to let go of blogging this year, but its more of a project resource problem than a lack of belief in the value of blogs.

I hope that once I've better tied my online writing activity with achieving my work and study objectives, you'll again have reason to visit this site regularly.

In the meantime, I invite you to click on the "News Collection" link on the top of sidebar to read the latest and archived news being used to support my research. You can also read my latest online articles by clicking on the "Lavartus Prodeo" and "aus.radio.broadcast" links which also appear on top of the sidebar.

The above picture is Ian at the Launceston homeground of his much loved Tasmanian-sponsored Hawks AFL footy club.

From Justin

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 16: San Diego, United States of America



Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 15: Las Vegas to San Diego, United States of America




Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 14: Las Vegas, United States of America




Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 13: Lufthansa Flight from London to Frankfurt to Los Angeles, flying over Greenland, then onwards domestic flight to Las Vegas, United States of America


Mad Mon: Left Hotel early morning took tube to
Heathrow. We were to Catch Lufthansa Flight 4725 departing
mid morning to Frankfurt where we were to transit.

Stood in a long a long time, Finally Ian was checked in but Justin rejected
Flight overbooked. Taken to a supervisor who was a smart “bitch”
said we would be compensated.

We said we had onward connection In Frankfurt. Finally we were checked in (although still had a hassle with getting bags put through) to Los Angeles with
business class to Frankfurt.

Good view of Frankfurt City (Modern Buildings) Had to use monorail to transfer to different terminal.
Caught flight Lufthansa 450 to Los Angeles. Passed over Greenland Justin thought there were ships in the ocean they were actually icebergs.

Passed over Canada Northern USA saw Las Vegas and Lake Mead
finally landing in LA late afternoon.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

10/9/07: (Mon) Took awhile to clear customs in LA We were
photographed and fingerprinted. Also had to take off shoes
to go through security screening. Left the International (Tom
Bradley) walked to terminal one.

Took US Airways Flight to Las Vegas (Evening Flight) Arrived Vegas 9.30pm City Lights
were nice. Met at airport by Justin’s friend from San Francisco -
his name was Kyle - he escorted us to our hotel which was in
the downtown or Freemont Street area.

This place not rundown anymore and is known know as the “Freemont Street Experience”
Kyle took us to near buy “ABC” store to buy drinks etc he then
Stayed with us to around two am.

A nice guy, he left as he had a early flight the next morning.



Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 12: Southampton, United Kingdom



IAN'S DIARY

After what was our fourth breakfeast at this hotel
(not as good as hostels in Germany). Headed by Tube to Waterloo
station. The cost for both of us for a round trip ticket to Southhampton was AUD $126 it was only hour and half train trip. That was a (relatively) cheap day ticket.

Travelled out of London via Clapham junction and Wimbleton. Nice countryside passed Winchester (King Arthur) and to Southhampton Parkway Station. Met by contact Gary who kindly drove us around for the afternoon (Ian’s feet appreciated this).

First Stop was Chilworth Manor and the “Beehive Cottage” which was at the entrance to manor Little cottage that Justin and family use to live in when he was a baby (Justin born in the United Kingdom in 1975).

Next stop was to the waterfront saw what a big Harbour Southhampton has. Tried to imagine where the Titanic might had sailed from. Then we went to a park where there was a memorial to the Titanic especially to those who were killed.

Went to main shopping strip and because of feet finally brought some expensive
Runners from a sports store. Gary next drove us to Portsmouth
had a view from a lookout overlooking the town.

There were a lot of military places on this hill also could see naval base in the distance.

Finally went into the town had a walk(Ian’s feet still bad)
In main shopping strip saw a “Woolworths”also Dehahams and a Marks and Spencer store.

We were then taken back to Gary and his partner’s (Pete) house. Pete arrived from a dog show was a very nice home. Ian rested his feet...at the same time tried to find
out if they were interested in some “fun” (casual encounter) - was declined. Gary saying he was going to work. We were left “wondering” (having been given an earlier impression that they were interested in us).

Pete then drove us to Southhampton General Hospital where Justin
was born. We were then taken to station said goodbye to Pete and
caught a late afternoon train back to London. Had a quiet night at
hotel.



Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 11: London, United Kingdom



IAN'S DIARY

This was to be a big day Ian’s feet were bath both swelling and Blisters. Despite this still headed of on another walking tour this one was to be four hours.

And was free local Englishman was the guide. Started at London bridge along the Thames for a while then up into the streets Visited:Bank of England,Temple,“Jack the Ripper” territory, St Pauls, Australia House, Fleet Street, West end theatres.

A break at this pub which I think the tour guide got a “kick back from Special deal beer and a very ordinary burger five pounds. Then on to Trafagar Square. Nelsons Column. Then went past the mall to Whitehall,downing street and past Churchills war cabinet rooms.

Finally finished up at Westmnister Abbey/Big Ben We slipped away early to avoid tip.

On tube to Harrods feet going crazy Brought Anti-aging cream and
No sugar chocolate.

Had a good look at Harrods. Finally back to Hotel Tried resting as we were going to club later.

Feet bad - finally gave in. Got Justin to take me to emergency room Chelsea Westminister Hospital Charged 10 pounds for Taxi which only
went a couple of blocks.Waited 3 hours to be seen. Tension between Ian and Justin.

Doctor did not seem to think it was too serious and gave me
anti-biotics for infection/cough. Managed to get taxi back to Hotel.

After much heated discussion and Justin asking me to go with him,
At 2am we got a Taxi (24 pounds) to XXL London (near London Bridge towards east end) Was (ultimately) disappointed with club - left after a short time Taxi cost 18 pounds to go back Could not use Tube as it closes down around midnight. Managed to get a few hours rest


Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 10: Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge: Regional England of the United Kingdom



IAN'S DIARY

This was the day for day tour out of London.

We had to get to Victoria Coach Station near Victoria Tube Station.

We were running late had trouble finding coach station then when
We got there confusion as to what (Evans Tour Company) we were
Going on. Finally under way.

Passed by the back of Buckingham Palace and headed out of London Passed by Heathrow then in distance we could see our first Stop “Windsor Castle” - Made our
way through a market to castle entrance only had a couple of hours saw inside state apartments St Georges Chapel had photo taken with one of the guards, a little shopping then off no time to eat.

Headed west for a fair way to Bath Could see Bristol and the hills in Wales in the distance. Had a quick look at Roman Baths water was dirty did have a drink of some filtered water. Bath was beautiful city managed to shop and buy a new flash drive.

Heading out of Bath saw a large “white horse” outlined on a hill
noted that we were at one stage only 30ks from Southhampton.

Arrived at Stonehenge one of the 7 Wonders of the world.

Not allowed to get really close to it as it “crumbling” The roads
Around the site were full of traffic slowing down to look I think
We were in the area called Salisbury Plains. Finally after long day
Headed back to London In the Suburbs passed by Twickenham
Stadium Crossed Thames River(ugly at low tide) a couple of times.

Luckily we were first to be dropped of in Earls Court Outside a Tesco Supermarket which we went into and did some shopping.

That night did some washing and internet café.

Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 9: London, United Kingdom



IAN'S DIARY

Take it easy kind of day. We did some washing at
same time using internet café in Earls Court (Think computer here
might have corrupted my flash drive therefore loosing some photos.

Spent time at Post Office looking at sending packages home. Finally Justin sent two packages home by surface mail which as of writing this had not arrived.

Took Tube to City of London (Bank).

Found Lloyds of London (Insurance) Ian had always wanted to go there and go inside.

Due to security not allowed was only able to
Walk past entrance and have a quick look. Noted unusual design
Of building. Walked past the Bank of England. .

Also on the way Back to Earls Court in Oxford Street Area went to RoB London (the gay adult shop).

That evening met Shiho Sawada a Japanese
Girl Ian use to baby sit in Melbourne twenty years before. This
was in the days that Ian used to work for Japanese Insurance
Company.

Her father was the Melbourne Rep. Went to Filipino
Restaurant food was good. Had a early night.

Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 8: Train from Munich to Frankfurt, Germany & Plane to London, United Kingdom



IAN'S DIARY

After quick breaky took ICE train direct to Frankfurt
Airport. Nice scenery - Passed Stutgart saw Mercedes factory also train station was “a dead end” ie train in and out same direction Crossed Rhine River at Manheim
was was a inland port.

Four Hour Train trip and we arrived at airport Lufthansa flight 4728 to London Heathrow arriving lunchtime. Saw great view London ie Buckingham Palace

LONDON

Kylie, Ian’s neice, was at Heathrow waiting for us
she had flown in from Dublin for the day. We headed for the Airport Tube station knowing that had been industrial action affecting the London Underground Picadilly Line still running.

Purchased a “oyster card” 25 pounds included a trip into London
And would last until we left At station tried to take photos
But security guard told us of. No photos in Tube Station.

Travelled to Earls Court.

Kylie came back later and we headed of on the Tube. First stop was Knightsbridge and Harrods then to Westminister. We crossed
The river and went to “London Eye” Kylie and Justin went up Ian
Declined.

I just sat and rested they took photos I purchased a photo
Taken by the operators of Kylie and Justin.

Afterwards traveled by Tube and ended up at an Australian Pub in Covent Gardens.

Kylie insisted on us having a beer - Really both of us not up to it.
got told of by staff for going out back and “spilling” beer.

Later we returned to Earls Court said goodbye to Kylie and called it a night. (Kylie had to get up early to go to airport)


Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.

Around The World Discovery 2007 - Day 7: Munich, Germany & Salzburg, Austria



IAN'S DIARY:

After another great hostel breakfast made our way
to Dachau again to be there when concentration camp opened.

Saw “Death Ovens” Ian was very moved by this they were as the Americans found them at the end of the war. There were German school children having a tour around as well.

Saw barracks...no real time to look at museum.

Rushed back to Munich just in time to catch train to Salzburg - Weather cold and raining. Passed through Bavarian countryside also passed Berghesgarden. (could
not see remains Hitler’s retreat due to weather).

Crossed border into Austria over large river - could have been the Danuabe. Reached Salzburg station found our way mainly by asking as we went to square where “Sound of Music” tour started.

From There was confusion with toilets there what we thought were mens were actually womens toilets.

Tour took us to places where movie filmed. Learned that movie
Was not actually based on the real story.

For instance where in the last scene the family was escaping over mountains to Switzerland.

These mountains in real terms actually lead to Germany and to where Hitlers retreat was. Anyway saw a couple of houses used in Movie saw rotunda used for “16 going on 17”

Took half hour ride out to Mondsee weather bad Saw area where opening scene filmed ie the hills. Saw church where wedding took place.

Returned to Salzburg end of tour a bit of shopping then due to fact both of us unwell took a early train back to Munich



Justin's Diary and Photos published soon.