breakfast at song-li's

Nic is opposed to writing in the blog tonight. I think it is because he types as fast as my father and I criticize his spelling and grammar. He's too busy watching television, so sorry, you're stuck with me.

Nic had his safety course- and 200 dollars later- he says all it was, was construction worker story sharing time. He has also chosen to not go to the construction job tomorrow for 2 reasons. 1) a hammer that costs 40 dollars at home is 140 here and 2) he is getting used to the whole not working thing. He claims he's going to go to the Carpenter's Union which he just learned about yesterday. He's lucky he has other income or else he'd be back at the hostel alone. We've also decided we're venturing into the stock market world. This should be interesting. I've mapped out my Paying Back Phil & Joan plan- don't hold your breath Mom and Dad... but do trust, a plan is in place.

We were up early today (8 AM) and had plans of going to Nic's buddy's place for breakfast. His buddy is the oriental woman who runs a cafe around the corner- I literally felt like the 3rd wheel the whole time. Either way, as soon as we arrived in the lobby of our building, we were welcomed by the drunken man laying on the floor (photo above). He clearly lived here as he had keys- I was concerned for his health but Nic chose to photograph him. The other photo is the breakfast menu- it reminded me of the days we'd all stay at Cassie's place and then venture to Zoni's for breakfast where we'd normally order toast. You see how expensive toast is here-- $3.50! No cheap Neiler's breakfast here. After 20 dollars and full bellies, Nic promised his new BFF we'd be back next Sunday. Apparently this is our new "thing".

Nic ended up getting home early yesterday- and I didn't go to the market. Annnd- when we went to the cinema it was ridiculously busy, so we decided we would go today.

We went to the market where we bought fruit & veggies and stuff for my niece and nephews. It was HUGE. It has brand names at considerably lower prices- I'm hoping Sue has a baby girl so I can buy her baby uggs. Even though this is the Ugg Boot Mecca with stores on every corner- very few people actually wear them outside of their houses. It appears to be considered a faux pas here.

Our day was punctuated by the man with the ladder (video above) as well as a drunk man on the tram who took a particular interest in Nic's hat. Inception was good and made me terrified of the dream I had last night... not good at all.

Well, we have a skype date with Nic's parents shortly- Greg is famous in the HC right now, tackling issues such as marriage & driver's licenses. I work in St. Kilda tomorrow in grade 4 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon. I am armed with my bribery techniques and hoping for a good day. I don't really know what Nic's plans are- but I assume the laundry will be done, dinner ready and the house clean as well as exhilarating conversation about whatever he spent an insane amount of time researching. I've learned a lot about the opium trade in afganistan-- feel free to email Nic for further inquiries.

Perhaps he'll be able to find the time to blog on Tuesday.