Well, it begins today... I'm currently waiting for my connection in Sydney, and have already experienced the highs and lows of travel. On the one hour flight up here, we had everyone fuck up their seating so that we all had to move one row forward, I ate the cereal for breakfast (on the plane) and am more than ever convinced that I am lactose intolerant. Good thing I brought the diorrhea tablets, but I didn't think I'd need them so soon after leaving!! And if anyone thinks thats disgusting, get used to it, because by all accounts the thing I will be talking about most over the next three weeks will be the movements of my bowel....

I feel like such a rookie... Everyone else on this Mumbai flight looks either Indian or a seasoned backpacker. I'm the only one in the departure lounge that even closely resembles a year 10 foreign exchange student. And that is no exaggeration - yesterday I got my hair cut 'high-school' short cause god knows I won't be able to afford no hair cut in England!! You'll see photos eventually, but for the time being just be happy with the image you've constructed in your own heads...

Anyway, it still hasn't really sunk in that I'm gone for the year. It feels like I'm gone for three weeks in India then coming home (actually THAT hasn't even sunk in yet, but I'm sure that will come as soon as I land). Thanks to those who turned out this morning, not much was said, but be assured that I felt the love.. The fact that you even came at all was a huge effort (for those who aren't aware, I flew out at 6.30, meaning that we were up around 4am).

My mobile now has roaming (but calls are blocked), so you can sms me anytime on my usual number. Just keep in mind the 4.5 hour time difference. For those who aren't mathematically inclined, that will mean that if its 10am here, its only 5.30am in India. I plan on having it on silent at night, but if I do happen to leave it on one night and I get an sms from one of you bozos at 4 in the morning, God help me I will eat your family..

Anyway, not much else I can really say - I'm only in Sydney for Christ's sake. Hope everyone has a nice day and expect a post from me when I next find a building with working electricity (and preferably made of concrete, Fortz). Oh, and Bharj if I hook up with your cousin, would that make us cousins-in-law?!