John

"Jimmy.john" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > First work out how long you are going to be in Aust.

I dont know, this depends on my money. Im a poor student ) - im saving
oney, i have enough money i have worked out for filights, stay in hostel
and food for about a month.
Does this sound right
Flight over to SYD from London = £500 (one way)
Cheap accomodation per night = £15
Food per day = £10
Car rental for 20 days = £500
These are just starting amounts to give a rough guess (tell me if im way
off)

If i decide to go later in the year i will have more money as i will be able
to save from may (when i finish college) untill i go.

    > Then work out if you want to see each state or not
Here the cities (towns) i wanna visit
Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, (May be brisbane and townsville)
Getting from city to city will take me through towns, which i also want to
see. Im a country boy (i live in the mountains in wales) so i dont just
want to be in cities all the time, i want to see some of the smalleer towns,
i want to travel the cost and etc.

    > What time of the year are you coming, as we have
    > temperate and tropical regions so they dont match
    > for weather and best season to visit the area.

Ideally, i dont want rain, i get enough of that here! Not too fussed on
snow, would rather sun though - i can cope with heat okish!

    > Then tell us what things you like and dont like and
    > we might just then get some ideas for you on where
    > to go and what to see
I love the coast, i cant swim though (i know...). I like a bit of history,
not too much. I like friendly people, small communities where you feel
welcome, i like the open road, just driving a long a road and then coming
accross somthing i dont expect, stop there and spend the rest of the day
there (so my plans need to be flexable). i want to learn more about the
australians, their beer and food. Being young, a night out or two would be
good too

    > regards
    > Jim
Thanks Jim



One other question, im trying this radio idea, what are the best stations,
all the ones ive come across are all talk, which is ok, but can get to you
after a while. Do they have somthing like Radio 1, somthing that has a mix
of the latest music as well as talk?

Raffi Balmanoukian

in article [email protected], Paul O'Brien at
[email protected] wrote on 3/29/03 3:42 AM:

    > TALK SHOWS!!!!!!
    >
    > They DO reveal a lot about some Australians; but little about real,
    > mainstream Australians!
    >

So many postings on Australian talk shows and nobody has mentioned Macca
yet?

Richard

Raffi Balmanoukian
wrote in
news:BAAB1A93.142FE%[email protected]:

    > in article [email protected], Paul
    > O'Brien at [email protected] wrote on 3/29/03 3:42 AM:
    >
    >> TALK SHOWS!!!!!!
    >>
    >> They DO reveal a lot about some Australians; but little about real,
    >> mainstream Australians!
    >>
    >
    > So many postings on Australian talk shows and nobody has mentioned
    > Macca yet?

Which is what?

Didn't expect such an outburst of wounded dignity by offended Aussies when
I listed a few radio stations :-)

But you know, all you can listen to on this side of the world is radio that
happens to be on the internet. And some of the stuff is quite enjoyable,
except I have to say that the Aussies are in a time warp when it comes to
music. Late night shows tend to play stuff from the 60s and even the 50s.
Wonder if that's true generally?

Richard

"Tony Bailey" wrote in
news:[email protected]:

    > "Richard" wrote in message >
    >> Okay, what do *you* listen to? Tops with the pops?? :-)
    >
    > You might be a little better off better with the ABC!
    > (In fact a hell of a lot better!)
    > (abc.net.au)
    >
    > Jones reflects the great mob of people who really do believe (egged on
    > by those same radio people) that all of the unemployed are 'dole
    > bludgers', refugees are all terrorist scum, aborigines are ALL
    > alcoholics, and that if they dare to walk to the shop or take public
    > transport they'll be murdered in the street - and if they don't lock
    > the door at night they'll be murdered and raped in their beds by 17
    > year old drug taking scum.
    >
    > --
    > Tony Bailey
    > Mercury World Travel
    > Mercury Travel Books
    > [email protected]

You know, when I started listening to internet radio a couple years ago
Radio Australia (ABC) was the first on my list. But after listening for a
while I suddenly realised that it was *really boring!*. A lot of news about
what's happening in the Pacific Region and some native stuff, which is
interesting in its own right, but not all the time.

Right now, as I type, I am listening to ABC (since I wanted to see if
anything had changed) and there is currently a program called "New
Dimensions", about 'healthy living in mind body and spirit...' and produced
in California, hosted by an American. Nothing against programs hosted by
Americans, we get that all the time here in Canada. But I wanted something
Australian! Typical of the stuff you find on the ABC.

As for Alan Jones, he is a bit self-righteous, I'm not claiming to set him
up as the perfect radio host. I didn't get quite the same right-wing
reaction that you've pointed out, and the point I was trying to make is
that he talks about what Aussies are talking about, with frequent
conversations with politicians, local and federal. I've actually switched
to listening most of the time to Ross and John, on at the same time slot on
3AW, and I do find them amusing. Perth 6PR has some interesting moments as
well (but you'll probably find something to criticise about them too :-)

I think for anyone interested in Australia they should give a few minutes
at least to 2GB and 2UE (Sydney); 6PR (Perth), 4BC in Brisbane and 3AW in
Melbourne, all worth at least a few minutes to get an idea of what's going
on in the country. Not always riveting radio, but where can you find
riveting radion now days?

Richard

Richard

Paul,

I did mention the newspapers, and in fact the first thing I do every
morning is read the online editions of The Age and The Sydney Morning
Herald. And often The Australian as well, a very good online paper. You
could also try news.com.au,

One of the more interesting ways of reading about what Australians are
thinking about is to read their 'bloggers'. This phenomenon has really
caught on and there are many bloggers who write fascinating stuff in
Australia. (A blogger is a self-proclaimed journalist who usually has a
particular point of view to proclaim - often right wing but there are a
number of left wingers and some middle of the roaders). You could start
with crikey.com.au and drivelwarehouse.com. There are dozens more.

BTW bloggers are found all over the world, not just Australia. You do get
an Australian perspective from the Aussie bloggers. I encourage anyone who
hasn't tried it to read the bloggers at least once.

Richard


"Paul O'Brien" wrote in
news:[email protected]:

    > TALK SHOWS!!!!!!
    >
    > They DO reveal a lot about some Australians; but little about real,
    > mainstream Australians!
    >
    > Why not read a few of the Australian newspaper web-sites.
    > The Australian or the Sydney Morning Herald. They'll give you a feel
    > for the country, and help you focus your research.
    >
    > http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/
    >
    > http://www.smh.com.au/
    >
    >
    >
    > Paul
    > Paul O'Brien
    > [email protected]
    > "Richard" wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...

snip

Richard

"John" wrote in
news:[email protected]:

    >
    > "Jimmy.john" wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    >> First work out how long you are going to be in Aust.
    >
    > I dont know, this depends on my money. Im a poor student ) - im
    > saving oney, i have enough money i have worked out for filights, stay
    > in hostel and food for about a month.
    > Does this sound right
    > Flight over to SYD from London = £500 (one way)
    > Cheap accomodation per night = £15
    > Food per day = £10
    > Car rental for 20 days = £500
    > These are just starting amounts to give a rough guess (tell me if im
    > way off)

The accomodations and food might be a little more (? Raffi?) but what
caught my eye was the car rental.

If you're visiting all those cities you mention, why the car? You can
easily get around the larger cities with local transport, can probably
catch a ride from town to town, or hitch hike. And the money you save by
not renting a car can go a long ways for a bit more food and slightly
better lodging :-)

You mention below you like to ride along a road and .... etc. but I think
for this first visit to Australia a car is an expensive luxury.

As for the radio, yes, lots of talk :-) The 'latest music' might be a
problem, Aussies still like the good ol' days when Elvis was king.
Try this link: http://live-radio.net/worldwide.shtml and click on
Australia and check out all the stations. Hopefully you can find one you
like.

Richard


    > If i decide to go later in the year i will have more money as i will
    > be able to save from may (when i finish college) untill i go.
    >
    >> Then work out if you want to see each state or not
    > Here the cities (towns) i wanna visit
    > Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, (May be brisbane and townsville)
    > Getting from city to city will take me through towns, which i also
    > want to see. Im a country boy (i live in the mountains in wales) so i
    > dont just want to be in cities all the time, i want to see some of the
    > smalleer towns, i want to travel the cost and etc.

snip

    > I love the coast, i cant swim though (i know...). I like a bit of
    > history, not too much. I like friendly people, small communities
    > where you feel welcome, i like the open road, just driving a long a
    > road and then coming accross somthing i dont expect, stop there and
    > spend the rest of the day there (so my plans need to be flexable). i
    > want to learn more about the australians, their beer and food. Being
    > young, a night out or two would be good too
    >
    >> regards
    >> Jim
    > Thanks Jim
    >
    >
    >
    > One other question, im trying this radio idea, what are the best
    > stations, all the ones ive come across are all talk, which is ok, but
    > can get to you after a while. Do they have somthing like Radio 1,
    > somthing that has a mix of the latest music as well as talk?
    >
    >
    >

Raffi Balmanoukian

in article [email protected], Richard at
[email protected] wrote on 3/29/03 10:43 AM:

    > "John" wrote in
    > news:[email protected]:
    >
    >>
    >> "Jimmy.john" wrote in message
    >> news:[email protected]...
    >>> First work out how long you are going to be in Aust.
    >>
    >> I dont know, this depends on my money. Im a poor student ) - im
    >> saving oney, i have enough money i have worked out for filights, stay
    >> in hostel and food for about a month.
    >> Does this sound right
    >> Flight over to SYD from London = £500 (one way)
    >> Cheap accomodation per night = £15
    >> Food per day = £10
    >> Car rental for 20 days = £500
    >> These are just starting amounts to give a rough guess (tell me if im
    >> way off)
    >
    > The accomodations and food might be a little more (? Raffi?) but what
    > caught my eye was the car rental.
    >

Hostels are typically AUD$15-$25 for a dorm, depending on when and where;
motels can be rather pricey.

Food - depends - around AUD$25 per day will certainly keep you from starving
but there won't be much left over for beer or restaurants using cloth
napkins. You can get by on as little as $10 if you just stick to golden
arches, or the sky's the limit.

Car rental - $75 a day will get you a pretty decent saloon car with
unlimited mileage, booked in advance, but that's without excess waiver; fuel
of course will depend entirely on how far, and where, you are going. The
most expensive fuel in the country (outback roadhouses) can be as much as
double the cheapest (usually Brisbane city or nearby).

Raffi Balmanoukian

    > As for the radio, yes, lots of talk :-) The 'latest music' might be a
    > problem, Aussies still like the good ol' days when Elvis was king.
    > Try this link: http://live-radio.net/worldwide.shtml and click on
    > Australia and check out all the stations. Hopefully you can find one you
    > like.
    >
    > Richard

The "time warp" is one of the charms....but certainly not universal. In the
cities and regions of any size, there are "top 40" channels like everywhere
else....

Ncurtis

"John" wrote in message news:...
    > Food per day = £10
Should be fine if you self-cater and go easy on the alcohol. Save up a
little for at least one splurge on a good "bushfood" meal--Australia
is perhaps the only country in the world in which you can eat the coat
of arms.

    > Car rental for 20 days = £500
I hope none of those days will be spent in large cities--the car would
be more trouble than it's worth.

    > One other question, im trying this radio idea, what are the best stations,
    > all the ones ive come across are all talk, which is ok, but can get to you
    > after a while. Do they have somthing like Radio 1, somthing that has a mix
    > of the latest music as well as talk?
Can't think of a mixed one, but if you'd like mostly music, try Triple
J.

Nancy

Raffi Balmanoukian

in article [email protected], ncurtis at
[email protected] wrote on 3/29/03 1:51 PM:

    > "John" wrote in message
    > news:...
    >> Food per day = £10
    > Should be fine if you self-cater and go easy on the alcohol. Save up a
    > little for at least one splurge on a good "bushfood" meal--Australia
    > is perhaps the only country in the world in which you can eat the coat
    > of arms.
    >

Nah, Canada's Elk and Beaver (leave that last bit alone!!) can be quite
tasty...not sure what black swan (the animal, not the lager) tastes like
though...

Richard

Raffi Balmanoukian wrote
in news:BAAB700D.14309%[email protected]:

    > in article [email protected], ncurtis at
    > [email protected] wrote on 3/29/03 1:51 PM:
    >
    >> "John" wrote in message
    >> news:...
    >>> Food per day = £10
    >> Should be fine if you self-cater and go easy on the alcohol. Save up a
    >> little for at least one splurge on a good "bushfood" meal--Australia
    >> is perhaps the only country in the world in which you can eat the coat
    >> of arms.
    >>
    >
    > Nah, Canada's Elk and Beaver (leave that last bit alone!!) can be quite
    > tasty...not sure what black swan (the animal, not the lager) tastes like
    > though...

The Beaver of course is a *rodent*, and I for one would pass it up if found
on the menu. As for the swans, I thought they all belonged to the Queen,
just like in the UK??

Ramraideruk

i just checked fares on www.travelselect.com for one way you're looking at
about £320-360(BA) for end of April. I would reccommend spending the extra
$40 and going on BA. they are vey good. Also, I think it would be cheaper
for you to fly around OZ rather than get a car. there's a real fare war
going on between Qantas and Virgin(www.qantas.com.au and virginblue.com.au)
Fares between the two cities should be about $3-40. go on Tuesday and
Wednesday for the cheapest fares.
List of fares:

From To Adult Fare Airline
(LON) - London (SYD) - Kingsford Smith Apt £ 321.00 China Airlines
OF Taiwan
(LON) - London (SYD) - Kingsford Smith Apt £ 322.90 China Airlines
OF Taiwan
(LHR) - London Heathrow Intl (SYD) - Kingsford Smith Apt £ 322.90
China Airlines OF Taiwan
(LHR) - London Heathrow Intl (SYD) - Kingsford Smith Apt £ 338.52
Asiana Airlines
(LHR) - London Heathrow Intl (SYD) - Kingsford Smith Apt £ 338.52
Asiana Airlines
(LHR) - London Heathrow Intl (SYD) - Kingsford Smith Apt £ 338.52
Malaysia Airlines
(LHR) - London Heathrow Intl (SYD) - Kingsford Smith Apt £ 360.40
British Airways

"John" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > "Jimmy.john" wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    > > First work out how long you are going to be in Aust.
    > I dont know, this depends on my money. Im a poor student ) - im saving
    > oney, i have enough money i have worked out for filights, stay in hostel
    > and food for about a month.
    > Does this sound right
    > Flight over to SYD from London = £500 (one way)
    > Cheap accomodation per night = £15
    > Food per day = £10
    > Car rental for 20 days = £500
    > These are just starting amounts to give a rough guess (tell me if im way
    > off)
    > If i decide to go later in the year i will have more money as i will be
able
    > to save from may (when i finish college) untill i go.
    > > Then work out if you want to see each state or not
    > >
    > Here the cities (towns) i wanna visit
    > Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, (May be brisbane and townsville)
    > Getting from city to city will take me through towns, which i also want to
    > see. Im a country boy (i live in the mountains in wales) so i dont just
    > want to be in cities all the time, i want to see some of the smalleer
towns,
    > i want to travel the cost and etc.
    > > What time of the year are you coming, as we have
    > > temperate and tropical regions so they dont match
    > > for weather and best season to visit the area.
    > >
    > Ideally, i dont want rain, i get enough of that here! Not too fussed on
    > snow, would rather sun though - i can cope with heat okish!
    > > Then tell us what things you like and dont like and
    > > we might just then get some ideas for you on where
    > > to go and what to see
    > I love the coast, i cant swim though (i know...). I like a bit of history,
    > not too much. I like friendly people, small communities where you feel
    > welcome, i like the open road, just driving a long a road and then coming
    > accross somthing i dont expect, stop there and spend the rest of the day
    > there (so my plans need to be flexable). i want to learn more about the
    > australians, their beer and food. Being young, a night out or two would
be
    > good too
    > >
    > > regards
    > > Jim
    > >
    > Thanks Jim
    > One other question, im trying this radio idea, what are the best stations,
    > all the ones ive come across are all talk, which is ok, but can get to you
    > after a while. Do they have somthing like Radio 1, somthing that has a
mix
    > of the latest music as well as talk?

Raffi Balmanoukian

in article [email protected], Richard at
[email protected] wrote on 3/29/03 3:55 PM:


    >> Nah, Canada's Elk and Beaver (leave that last bit alone!!) can be quite
    >> tasty...not sure what black swan (the animal, not the lager) tastes like
    >> though...
    >
    > The Beaver of course is a *rodent*, and I for one would pass it up if found
    > on the menu. As for the swans, I thought they all belonged to the Queen,
    > just like in the UK??
    >


And the convict mates all hate the place,
they long for mother England;
But what in the hell has she got, I declare,
The chimneys are a smokin',
they're smelly and a chokin'
And the dukes own every bunny rabbit there....

Beaver's a little stringy (leave THAT alone!!) but quite good in a stew. I
have an uncle who's an avid trapper....

come to think of it, it is a little like Kangaroo...texture's quite
different though.

Richard

Raffi Balmanoukian
wrote in
news:BAAB9190.14322%[email protected]:

    > in article [email protected], Richard at
    > [email protected] wrote on 3/29/03 3:55 PM:
    >
    >
    >>> Nah, Canada's Elk and Beaver (leave that last bit alone!!) can be
    >>> quite tasty...not sure what black swan (the animal, not the lager)
    >>> tastes like though...
    >>
    >> The Beaver of course is a *rodent*, and I for one would pass it up if
    >> found on the menu. As for the swans, I thought they all belonged to
    >> the Queen, just like in the UK??
    >>
    >
    >
    > And the convict mates all hate the place,
    > they long for mother England;
    > But what in the hell has she got, I declare,
    > The chimneys are a smokin',
    > they're smelly and a chokin'
    > And the dukes own every bunny rabbit there....
    >
    > Beaver's a little stringy (leave THAT alone!!) but quite good in a
    > stew. I have an uncle who's an avid trapper....

Still selling them to the French? :-)

    > come to think of it, it is a little like Kangaroo...texture's quite
    > different though.

Whaddaya expect, with a diet full of fibre?? I think they're bloody pests,
actually. At least our national symbol doesn't have any military
aspirations (like some I could mention...)

Raffi Balmanoukian

\
    >> Beaver's a little stringy (leave THAT alone!!) but quite good in a
    >> stew. I have an uncle who's an avid trapper....
    >
    > Still selling them to the French? :-)

He is French....a separatist at that. Naturally, he married an anglo from
Nova Scotia. Go reckon.


    >
    >> come to think of it, it is a little like Kangaroo...texture's quite
    >> different though.
    >
    > Whaddaya expect, with a diet full of fibre?? I think they're bloody pests,
    > actually. At least our national symbol doesn't have any military
    > aspirations (like some I could mention...)
    >

Mayhaps, but they're bloody tasty (roo, I mean)....if I set off in the bush
early enough in the morning, I had tea taken care of by 0700, courtesy of my
front bumper 8-).