Item 60: Darwin - More Sunshine!

Location: Darwin, Australia

The coldest winter in the UK for 31 years! I’m getting as much warmth as I can before I head back – Darwin here I come!

In the 33 degree heat, the humidity didn’t hit me as hard as I’d expected when I exited Darwin Airport just after midnight on my four-hour Jetstar flight direct from Melbourne.

It’s the wet season in the Northern Territory. The houses are built to withstand the cyclones and today they appear torrential rain-proof too. The folks ‘down South’ apparently just don’t know what a real storm is! The short down-pour in the morning has decreased the temperature a few degrees, and I’m enjoying being outside by the pool just chillin’ with the geckos in the yard.

This city reminds me of a little country town, homes with corrugated iron roofing; people hanging about in shorts and t-shirts, enjoying life; a local shopping mall that’s been left behind in the 80’s and it’s all viewed with a tinge of red-desert coloured glasses.

This visit is my summer holiday, (except I’ve been warned about visiting the beach because of the crocs and jellyfish). But hey, it's the temperature's in double digit territory and today sunshine is my friend.

Item 60: Darwin? CHECK!

Item 59: Melbourne - Bring on the sunshine (and drinks)!

Location: Melbourne, Australia

A welcome relief from the longest winter of my life in the UK, Melbourne has welcomed me back with days of sunshine!

Whipping out the summer clothes and slip-slop-slapping on the sunscreen before heading out to catch-up with some of my favorite people, there's definitely no place like home.

Degraves Street amongst the office-worker crowds was a reminder of decent lunchtime eating. No mash and fries from the canteen for these locals! A lunchtime walk, some take-away sushi or an eat-in panini is all they need.

The city has also introduced me to some new bars that have popped up since my last visit. The Aviary in Victoria Street had a funky Richmond feel; Siglo Bar with balmy views from the rooftop terrace of Parliament House and St Patricks Catherdral on a Summer's night was Melbourne in a nutshell; and the Riverland (underneath Transport Bar in Federation Square), for an after work drink while watching the rowers along the Yarra, was a reminder of why this is one of my favourite cities in the world.

Melbourne may be renowed as a food capital in the country, but it's selection of bars are well up there as the perfect place to catch up for a drink with old and dear friends.

Item 59: Melbourne? CHECK!

Item 41: Homesick

Location: London

Two weeks ago, I bought my first ever jar of Vegemite. Now don’t get me wrong I, like every other true blue, grew up on the stuff. It’s just that every other time it’s been my Mum buying or my mate, Judes, who gave it to me as a farewell gift before I left Australia.

To go with the Veg, I brought a block of Australian Mature Cheddar. Nothing beats a cheese and Vegemite sandwiche in times of need. Last Friday, I bought a packet of ANZAC biscuits.

Yes folks, I am homesick. It’s the strangest feeling as through all my travels over the years, I have never really missed home.

Am I a product of the real strategy behind British High Commission's work permit scheme? One that forces you to wait and wait and wait for your new visa in your 'home country'. How conniving, as during this time of waiting, a recession is declared in the UK, the job market dries up, the interest rate on your savings drops to below 1 per cent and the winter grows colder and darker.

Meanwhile happy times are had in the Land Down Under as the sun comes out, you’re catching up with friends and family, eating awesome food, going to barbeques, talking of friend’s engagements and weddings and there’s general frivolity all ‘round.

With 2,700 Australians leaving the UK each month, I’m trying my best at the moment to not be one of them. Maybe I'll head out for some home remedies at the Australia Shop today.

Item 41: Homesick? CHECK!

Item 37: Golden Gaytime

Location: Australia

I have a list of ‘Tastes From Home’ to bring back to the UK. Included are the standard Tim Tams, BBQ shapes and Mint Slices. All will fit in the luggage quite easily. My dilemma: how do I transport a box of Golden Gaytime ice-creams on a 24 hour flight back to London? Ice-cream dipped in chocolate and covered in crumbled biscuits went down a treat in the 30 degree weather yesterday. Will they make the distance on the journey back?

Suggestions are most welcome!

Item 37: Golden Gaytime? CHECK!