The final push
Trip Start
Nov 28, 2004
1
51
57
Trip End
Jun 11, 2005
Bega,
Australian Capital Territory,
Australia
Monday, February 14, 2005
Valentines day 2005
The morning begins with somebody slamming the phone down. From this, I deduce that an increasingly frustrated Nikki is not talking to me anymore. Seems I have dared to tread where I must not - I have communicated directly with the fat man, by replying to one of his e mails. He is looking for a deal. Never mind that in responding, I have been tactically polite to the stupid fat bastard. Why ? Because he's very rich isn't he, and he won't live for much longer - better we keep him in play. Use him to our advantage. But prior disclosures have seriously messed up her chances of remaining rent-free at his house. Either I return forthwith to jump into the hot seat, or it's adios-ville. It takes a couple of moments reflection to arrive at the decision that I am not going back to Thailand ( the land of smiles ! ) until it suits me. I'm off to Sydney instead, and to hell with it. I've got no business with sugar-daddy and his warped behaviour, nor any compulsion to jet back there on demand like some knight in shining armour.
Freshly uncoupled from my Asian connection, I focus on the joy of the present. Following a wonderful snaking road of hairpin bends down to the Pacific coast. Welcoming the sight of the ocean with glee. I have now driven this old car coast to coast, and what a trip ! The route cuts through deep green forest that stands in curls of ground fog. The air feels heavy with precipitation. Dropping down still further into a small town called Bega, I eat greedily at the KFC. And ship out again, looking for the coastal highway, northbound - towards Sydney.
I stay at a caravan park in Durras near Bateman Bay. Chilling out on a long sandy beach. Allowing my mind to purge itself. To allow more practical ideas to percolate in. Steve is a guy I used to work with in London. He's offered me the use of his apartment in Sydney. While he's away on holiday in his girlfriend's native New Zealand. His little bachelor-pad is conveniently located in the King's Cross district. Which just happens to be where you'll find the well-known ' backpacker's car market ' . The very place I'd planned to sell the car. Second up, is Don. The Canadian explosives expert I hung out with in Koh Pha Ngan. He is also in Sydney and eagerly awaits my arrival. He booms with enthusiasm at the sheer variety of easy cash-in-hand work. " A hundred bucks a day - easy as, brother ! " And he's right. And I'm roaring up the pacific coast highway ready to get involved. First through Ulladulla, and a quick stop for a coffee and a toasted sandwich. I'm practically there.
Next ; Arriving in Sydney
