Ridin the newest train route in the southern hemisphere

The Mandurah to Perth Railway line opened a few days before Christmas 2007 so Im pretty sure its the newest so far. There was great excitement everywhere, the long awaited train had finally arrived. It was a bit like the Berlin Wall, there was lots of discussion, then one day'poof'' it was gone. The new railway line has been discussed over and over, there were so many delays we wondered would it ever happen at all. Then just as we had begun to believe it was all a myth, suddenly 'poof' the line was opened.
Early one morning Jamie and I drove to the Mandurah station and caught the train, There were a few little hiccups, for example we were unable to pay for car parking as the machine was broken. Neither could we purchase a railway ticket, the ticket machine was down.

At last the moment arrived when we stepped aboard the train. I was amazed to notice that our new trains had already been targeted with graffiti. Still, it was an exciting time, sitting on the train and admiring the view. There was only one serious mishap when an elderly couple had to alight at their designated station. The doors opened and the wife alighted, however they shut instantly and the husband was left on the train. He was distraught but I hope buoyed by the assitance he received from the other passengers. One person offered their mobile phone, except he was unable to use it. A passenger produced a map to show him how far it was to the next station where he could alight and go back and join his wife.

When the time came for him to get off the train, half the passengers in his carriage jumped up ready to assist him and make sure he left the train. Finally the drama was over and hopefully the man was able to find his wife again.

Sleep my lovely, sleep

It appears that sleep walking has become so prevalent in the UK that staff in hotels are being trained in how to deal with the problem.
It follows an increase in the number of guests found wandering around in the night with no clothes on. A study by Travelodge found there had been more than 400 cases in the past year, almost all involving men.
Sleep experts blame stress, alcohol abuse and lack of sleep for the disorder.
The research, conducted in 310 Travelodge hotels, found sleepwalkers wandered all over the building.
A number had walked into the reception area asking for a newspaper or saying they wanted to check out.
Travelodge said it was sending notes to its staff on how to deal with the problem.
The advice includes keeping a supply of towels in reception to help preserve a guest's dignity.

Given the fact that the hotel door generally slams shut when you leave it, there is no way back inside without the key which I expect a sleep walker wouldn't have taken with him. So the best solution is probably to go to Reception and get help.

I wonder, do sleep walkers really walk with their hands outstretched in front of them? If not, how do you know they are sleep walkers?

Mistake or Mis text

Cell phones are a great invention, I love sending and receiving text messages. Sometimes however, things can go slightly awry. I have two Helens in my address book, Helen F. and Helen M. I thought Helen F had been deleted so I rushed off a text message to Helen M while I was on holidays. Here is how the conversation went.

Me. Hi Helen, having a grt hol. in Melbourne.
H. Hi I dont no u. But glad u r having a good time.
Me But arent you Helen M
H No sorry m8
Me I have u in my address book. R u from Perth
H No Sorry
Undeterred I determined to soldier on, (message) on.

Me This is Glen here. Who r u?
H Oh Glen, u dag (lol)

It was then I realized I was messaging Helen F and not Helen M. So although it was the wrong Helen it was kinda the right Helen and it all turned out well.

There is a message to be learned here, I'm sure of it
Glenni

Another Trip

Only two more sleeps until Jamie and I wend our way across Australia to Melbourne. I'm wondering why we are going to a snow covered state and leaving Perth where it was 23 degrees celcius today. Jamie keeps reminding me that Victoria is a place of culture, theatre and excellent shopping outlets. And since there is never ever snow near Perth it is a good opportunity to go. So we are going.
The whole point of this blog really is to say that I wont be online for a week or two, but please keep coming back. I don't you want you to miss anything :0)
Glenni