Rockhampton So Far

Rockhampton or 'Rocky' to the locals has been my home for well over a week now.

I'm staying with my Dad's sister Caroline and Hannah (20), Clare (18), Alex (15) and Douglas (11) -my gorgeous cousins.

The other couins in the clan are James (23) who lives in Mackay a few hours North of Rocky and Ben (26) lives across the road.



I arrived on Sunday 27th April in the morning after a change in Brisbane. The plane's getting smaller and smaller and more bumpy!

The 'Base'.

After getting settled I started in full swing at Rockhampton's hospital, known as 'The Base' to everyone there, early on Monday morning. I am working with a really lovely team and two outstanding graduate medical students from Oz (I thought they were already qualified for the first few days)!!

Hannah my cousin is a nursing student and on a Paed's rotation and my aunt is a midwife so its weird when I'm working with them and seeing them on the wards.

I'm helping with ward rounds, clinics and assisting in Paed's resuscitations at C-sections.

Its going to be a great refresher for when I start on my first job in Paediatrics in August.

I've seen some really interesting stuff here already, for example, classic HSP - Henoch-Schönlein purpura, childhood cancers, Haemophilia, neonatal problems, etc.
As well as some classic respiratory and skin conditions, childhood behavioural problems, diabetes, etc.

A Weekend of Hockey

My first weekend (May bank holiday - also a public holiday in Oz) we went up to a place called Mackay as Alex and Doug were in a hockey tournament there. It took about 4 hours to get there and this place is considered close! It was really nice to appreciate some of the scenery and get a real feel for Australia.

Met up with James my other cousin and his lovely girlfriend Emma (whose family are from Mackay, but she actually lives in Brisbane).


Between hockey matches we popped to a local beach, the picture opposite (sorry - its on its side) shows 'soldier crabs' which covered the beach and and burried into holes in the sand when you came close.

We also went to the harbour and watched some friends of Caroline's and Emma's Mum doing Dragon Boat racing for Breast Cancer survivors.

Really nice to be out in the sunshine - although I hear that the weather at home is just as nice at the moment!


Some brotherly bonding - How cute!






Miss you all - sorry no more news.

Am out this weekend 'on the town' so maybe more news will be generated then!

Lots of love

Lucy x x x

Sydney!

Hi all - so sorry I haven't posted since I've been in Australia! I'll have to do a recap quickly for all those interested.

Arrived in Sydney on Thursday 24th April and Angus, Rebecca's (Goldschmidt - cousin) boyfriend picked me up. We then went back to their flat which is in Darling Harbour and has the most amazing views overlooking Circular Quays - which is where the Sydney Opera House and the Bridge are. We ordered pizza and then after a shower I fell into bed and crashed - hadn't really slept on the journey out.

Friday 25th April - Anzac Day

Got up and we went for a swim on the infamous Bondi Beach. It was a little cold and the sun wasn't out much, but really refreshing and a great way to start the day.

Bondi beach wasn't really all I expected it to be - I thought it would be much bigger!

Lucky for me it was a National Holiday - Anzac Day. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. I guess its a bit like our 'Remembrance Day' in November.

After the swim we headed to an area called 'Paddington' for a pub for lunch and to take part in the National day's traditions. They play a game called '2-UP' on Anzac day which was brilliant and one of the best gambling games ever - although I didn't do very well on that front!

You have a square ring where 2 coins or discs labelled with a head or tail are thrown, after you bet either heads or tails, (it has to be both coins on either both heads or both tails). You bet in notes and if you're betting heads you hold the note(s) on your head tapping it shouting the amount you want to bet. You have to find someone else with the same amount and you hold the bet with them - swapping money and then the coins are thrown. Basically its a game of 50-50 and doubling your money, if the odds fall in your favour!

You can just see the people in the picture holding money up and looking for the coins as they'd just been thrown!

Some people had made loads of money, I bet small and lost small and quit before I did any more damage!

We were out all day and all night drinking!

Its been a while, however, I don't think I disgraced myself too much! Went to some places on 'Oxford Street' called 'The Light Brigade' and 'The Paddington Inn'.

Saturday 26th April 2008

Got up and we were all feeling a little delicate! The sun out today and it was gorgeous.

Went down to a local yacht club and had some food and then Rebecca and I went to Circular Quays and caught a ferry across to a place called Watson's Bay. Here are the typical photo's I guess every tourist takes in these areas. Travelling by water is definitely the best way to see some of the beautiful scenery around Sydney.

Watson's Bay - below

Ended up popping into St.Vincent's the Hospital where Rebecca works because I developed a really nasted skin infection/cellulitis/infected lymph nodes in my left armpit!

We got some food and had 'chuck' on the 'barbie' in the evening and just chilled out.

Went to bed early-ish as flight's tomorrow early!

What Time Is it?

For all of those you don't know - I passed my medical finals!! Although I still don't believe it....

As I hadn't booked anything 'post-finals', I found myself with some options for another elective with a break& relax built in hopefully.

As some of you know one of my Dad's brother's lives in Singapore and one of his Sister's lives in Australia. So, I am finally doing what I have been saying I was going to do for 8 years and make a very belated journey to the other side of the world! As once I start work, I will probably never get this opportunity again. Thanks Mum and Dad for loaning me the money to enable me to do this!

Well after the hurry of booking, packing and lots of motoring up and down the M6, I find myself at Singapore Airport at what is roughly 2am Wednesday 24th April English time and 8.30am Singapore time.

May be quite delirious as haven't slept for 21 hours! Oh and I have to go and get another flight which is another 8 hours (I think). I've watched lots of films though - all good fun!

Will write again, hopefully when I get to Sydney!

Love to all

lucy x x x