David Coats

Australia day in Sydney

David — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:16:46 +0000

Over the last few weeks in Sydney the weather has been getting steadily hotter and hotter. Yesterday it was a scorching 36 degrees in the city and even more out west. I’m reliably informed this is because Australia’s national day, Australia Day is tomorrow, and the weather always heats up for the celebrations.

If you’re wondering what it is, there is a good site explaining Australia day here. Australia day is especially important for Sydney, as Sydney cove was where the Brits first raised the flag and proclaimed Australia for the crown, and from then on, where patriotic Australian’s celebrate the birth of their country. Of course, Captain Cook, Captain Arthur Philip and the dutch before them weren’t the

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Happy 2011 from Australia

David — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:40:10 +0000

A big happy new year to everyone! What a year 2010 was! Can 2011 beat it? If it comes close i’ll be very happy.

I haven’t posted in a while – well hardly at all since finishing my trip around North America. That’s mainly because i’ve been too busy getting a job in Australia, sorting out visas, moving here, setting up bank accounts, medicare, broadband, finding a flat and, er working! And if all that wasn’t enough, i’ve of course been having a lot of fun watching England win the Ashes out here. (yey!)

So new year new leaf? I’m not going to make any promises, but I do intend to try to post a little more – especially

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Tips to avoid Delhi Belly

David — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:45:45 +0000

As several Australian athletes discovered last month, India offers a ‘unique’ cultural experience for travellers, with many wonders to uncover. Unfortunately, many a traveller (such as me), unused to a humid climate and local Indian conditions can come down with a relatively bad case of “Delhi Belly” that can really spoil your trip.

All it takes to enjoy your time in India is an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Hopefully these tips will help you to avoid getting sick.

What is Delhi Belly?

The experience of an upset stomach, often accompanied by diarrhoea, is usually a result of a virus or bacteria found in the water. While the locals have become accustomed to their presence and are

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North American adventure

David — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:23:02 +0000

I left Rio about 2 weeks ago and embarked on the final leg of my year long around-the-world adventure in continent number 5 North America. I met up with Tim in Boston in time for some 4th of July madness, and we have since travelled north through the forests of Vermont, entered Canada and French speaking Quebec, partied in the capital Ottawa and are now relaxing by Lake Ontario in a place called Kingston.

The trip has been great so far – so much to talk about, but as is usual with travelling (and to my surprise in US and Canada) the internet hasn’t been great. Many hotels have a net connection but it often costs to use or is

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Fire at Copacabana metro station

David — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:07:50 +0000

At around 8.30 this morning on the way to our Rio volunteering job, Marju and I were treated to a bit of excitement in the form of a fire at Cantagalo Metro station in Copacabana.

Thick brown smoke was pouring up the escalator at the main entrance to Cantagalo on Xavier da Silver. Several dopey Brazilians were still using the escalator, which brought back memories of watching the Kings Cross fire on TV when I was young. Rather pensive to enter the metro at all, Marju and I walked around to the other entrance which is conveniently located opposite a fire station. A gaggle of Rio’s finest were hanging around the entrance, so I went over to do

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