2004 Farewells
When people pack up and move to another country, there are many farewells. In my case, this may have been slightly monstered by a strong desire to see as much as possible of my friends and family before leaving. The hectic schedule and drinking in that last month probably contributed to me contracting the chickenpox (ie immune system down). Albeit, I wouldn't change a thing ...
Chinese Dinners
The lads took me out to dinner on the thursday before I left. We went to a Chinese restaurant in Crow's Nest and then had a few drinks at the Crowie.
There used to be a running joke amoung my friends that focused on the amount that Sal & I would frequent Chinese resturants (at least once a week). Why not, Chinese is fantastic (with Mexican, Indian and Thai up there, too)! It was good to sit around, have a beer and a chat with mates - that is pretty much the thing you miss the most when abroad.
[Middle Pic, Left to right] me, Ol in front of Jimmy, Greg, Steve, Bos, Ando, Jonny behind Pointman and Dutch on the very right.
Blackbirds Lunch with Graincorp
I will always remember my last day at GrainCorp. After being there 7 years (remarkable in an industry where positions have an average lifespan of 2-3 years), I built many friendships that I will miss, from mentors to fellow team members. Part of GrainCorp's community, who are a mix of city/country folk with varying ages, our department was full of interesting and fun people with so many different backgrounds [Poms, Pakis, Indian, French, Chinese, French-Chinese, Fijian, South Africans, Kiwis, Korean, Vietnamese, etc. and half the others are we call Mexicans and Canadians ;-) ]. We had a mountain of laughs while accomplishing a fair bit and I hope my future employments have people that I can get along with so easily (Will I get lunch alone from now on? I can't remember how!). I consider myself richer for knowing them and wish good things for their futures.
[Left to right] Kimbo; Manz & I; Gatesy; John TRANTER & Justin; Lynsey.
[Left to right] Stanley & Rakesh; Pierre; Craig & I; Stanley, Rakesh, Lynsey, Gates & Qui, Manz in the middle, me, Craig, John, Stanley, Dicko, Steph, Satendra & Stew.
[Left to right] Qui; me; Dicko & Steph; Rakesh, Kim & I; Craig; John.
Pier 26, The Last Friday
The night of the last work day, we had a few bevies at the Pier 26 bar. I had a final beer with the work boys and then a couple of the guys came in to join us. There were some emotional farewells; Greg & I and then Bos & I hugged far too many more times that is allowed for today's hetro/metrosexuals. Amazingly, Sal also got her drink spiked at the Shellbourne in the wee hours of the morn.. After her responsible 3rd drink, she went from seedy to vegetable in about 10 minutes then was mighty sick the remainder of the night and next morning. Everything sorted out sweet and it was a fun night (although, we should all be a little more careful, happening far too often these days).
[Left to right] Steph, John, me, Craig, Dan (Orgasm?), Gates & Sal; Bos & I; Greg & Julie (took 20 photos of them, yet only 3 with Greg's eyes open!).
[Left to right] Brian & Sal; me; Greg & Julie, Bos & I; Craig trying to get a good look at Steph grabbing John's arse.
[Left to right] Sal, Steph, Jo & Craig (Mr & Mrs Pye); Greg, Bos & I took this shot a dozen times before we got it!
[Left to right] Gates just has to get in the photo with Judith & Dan; Steph, John, Craig and Jo; Blaire & I; Sal & Pointer; Steph & I.
Felt rough the next day, my last day in Aus for a while, and went to Matty and Alex Drake's wedding. Interesting vows, enjoyable speeches and who will forget the butt-naked fairy-dancing davo lads as they escorted the marriage car down the road during it's exit from the reception!
You can email me at tjcrouch@hotmail.com