More change

Maybe you read that headline and thought, fuck me, he's moaning again? Nope. There's been more change on this trip, as we approach the last month, and it's for the better.

Already snuck in the 'F Word,' can you believe it? Kids these days...

Anyway. Welcome back! I hope this week brought you some fun, new lessons and Coffee as good as the ones I've had - because, if so, you must have had a great week. 

Currently I'm sat on a straw-based sofa, draped in old cloth with my laptop in hand, a Litre of Cocobella (Coconut water) next to me, and about 30 ants desperately trying to bite the shit out of me. All of this, no, not in my Sydney sharehouse, but in Byron Bay - I'm back!

So much has happened this week; long road-trips, a big banana, how Rats made me decide to move house, re-discovering my love for lunch sandwiches, a new book, and more...

Oh, and by the way, probably the *BEST* concert I've ever been too. 

Where do I even begin?!

The Byron Bay trip - so far...

This blog comes out on Tuesday, so, I'm not here to tell you how the trip went before it even ended - but my god what I can say is this: the clarity, peace, and relaxation I've felt being here is unmatched. I lived here for 3/4 months, and not once did I feel quite this chilled out. Well, actually, I did once fall asleep on the lounger outside - my poor English skin did not come out of that too well. 2-3 Hours asleep under that blazing Aussie sun, with UV lasering at me. Ouch. That was pretty relaxed, for the most part.

The drive down was quite something, me and a mate of mine - he drove us - on the road for 8 hours. Worlds apart in music taste, for, again, the most part. Managed to sing along to Akon, Michael Jackson, and some other 'pop' based songs, but for me, the real magic was in the Rock n Roll, likes of the Rolling Stones, etc, the occasional word from Malcolm Todd - he's mint - Frank Ocean, Bad Bunny, Jalen Ngonda, The Angels [Aus classic], and more...if you couldn't tell, pretty varied!

Started off the trip with a phone vibrating on my face, several times, before I woke up. "What do you want?" Only to hear "wake the fuck up, you're late." Turns out, I did wake up at 4:30am for a 5am departure. but as my mate didn't pickup the phone, I fell back to sleep - what was supposed to be an extra 45 minutes - 1 hour turned out to be two and a half hours. Maybe I shouldn't have stayed back for drinks at work till 2am, but honestly, who cares? I'm young, in Sydney, going on holiday, with not a long time till I'm home. Sinking a couple of Peroni's, and waking up late, well, it just is what it is. My mate forgave me eventually, and off we went.

A quick stop in Newcastle, no, not that one, the Sydney one, and after that a couple hours to Coffs Harbour - beautiful little place - and a visit to a landmark superior to anything you can imagine. Burj Khalifa? Champ Elysee? Hanging Gardens of Babylon? The Elizabeth Tower? Sod that. Coffs' Big Banana is way cooler. A huge banana, in front of a cafe, right next to the highway, a trihute to the local Banana industry.

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This is where I took a break from writing. Yes, i'm late, but can you blame me? I said I'd release Tuesday, and no full Byron story, but I can't do it. I will say it all now. Last night was awesome; back at Gold Coast United, the first place I ever coached in Australia, what a place. Beaming hot sun, grass far greener than it used to be. After weeks of rain, it looked as though Tallebudgera's sports fields wanted to give me a warm welcome & goodbye, one last time. Even saw some 'old', unexpected faces there. It all came together - I hate to make excuses for being late with these blogs, but seeing the boys I used to coach, the people I once coached with, special moments. Shoutout to Matt, German, the 15's & the 18's, top, top lads. Seeing them again, going back to that clarity, it felt full-circle. An unfinished chapter in a way, I feel like I finally got to say goodbye the right way - after all, the last time I saw most of these guys, and assumed that was the final time, was our then u14's Grand Final loss to Northern Rivers. Northern Rivers. God, I hope the now-u15's smash them this year. To this day, I look back at the league title winners medal, and cannot help but think about how we should have won that Grand Final. 

So yeah, that's that. The last day in Byron. Before the coaching though, a few nice days being tourists - not uncommon for Byron, at least we were somewhat more accustomed to life in 'Aus' compared to some of our, mostly Latino & European friends in Byron. I will say, the football culture they bring to the area, incredible. 

To go back in time: Sunday, lighthouse walks, food, shopping - probably more than I needed to - before a dinner and earlier night. Monday came by, and my friend met a friend of theirs who they've known for, they say, three years. First time meeting, how brilliant. So, me, Micky, Terri & Jada - yes, that Jada - ventured into Byron. Firstly, a trip to Watego's beach. Fuck, what a place. A small trip from Ocean Shores, where we stay, at most twenty minutes? Parked on this beautiful road, the Oceam view, and a short walk down to the beach. The steps down on wonderful wooden beams, onto an intially-rocky landscape, perfect for sitting down; I can't say rock chairs are the most comfy, but it's only for a few minutes here and there. Sun beaming, lowering as we approach sunset, I didn't fancy a swim, but I dipped my feet, just about my hips, before just having a moment to myself on the beach towel. Sometimes just zoning out, thinking about things, and "being where your feet are" is so important. As I sat there I realised, I'd passed this beach a ton of times. More than I can count. All that time I lived here, not once did I lay on Watego's [Beach], not once did I take i t all in - my mind was just completely elsewhere. For me though, the moment and that thought sums up the trip; full-circle, a moment to reflect, away from the stresses of Rebecca, the house, all of it. Time for me to take in the beautiful place, and enjoy it for what it is, around people I love, but also know my time is currently limited with. You'll know in the moment how special it is, that moment on the beach was one of those.

Monday was awesome - a morning meeting with Mikey. You remember him? We met in Mullum; there he was, I know him by his long hair & flower tattoo - by the way, he got it from the same shop I go to over a decade a go (how crazy). Signing off and sending a huge hand-full of letters, being a dad & business-owner definitely has its moments, but we did eventually get to the Cafe. One of the boys we knew, from coaching, his parents own a cafe in Mullumbimby, just north of Byron Bay. Beautiful. Somehwat rough around the edges, that hippy finish too it, it was lovely. A couple hours, a couple coffee's, a couple breakfasts - it was awesome. Everything from trips to Japan for Mikey, life after leaving coaching, my new life in Sydney, going home, work, all of it. Just like leaving GCU, I didn't want our last memory to be us two coaching a grand-final loss. This was perfect. All good things come to a end, but seeing Mikey made the day so much better. He helped me so much, gave me so many opportunities, support, everything - now imagine that one night in February I didn't meet him? Where would I be? You know if you meet someone, be grateful, they might just change your life, or at least your experience in a chapter of life. That for me is Mikey. 

Well, the day went on, Pizza to top it off, a local beer to wash it down, and my favourite Ice Cream shop, Frankie's, overlooking Main Beach, to end our night. I got it wrong, it's actually Gelato - I think we must have been the only ones there who weren't Italian, but that kind of made me like it more, strangely enough. Because I like Italian culture, or because I'd been binging Sopranos during our mid-day "Siesta," and was now imagining myself in some sort of Mafia-hangout forcing the best Pistacchio Gelato down my throat? Make your own conclusions, but just know, Frankie's is fucking awesome. 

I think I need to let the mafia-hangout rhetoric go; first the local Café, now the Ice Cream parlour? I'm a bowler shirt away from being a full Italian-American gangster delusionist. Yes, that last word is made up too. 

Tuesday, the 'last day', split plans. Me and Mick went for lunch, my favourite little Asian spot, I used to go with Rebecca's mum, bless Hazel, and I always have the same thing: Teriyaki Salmon, and of course, a wonderful fridge-frosted Asahi. In fact, as I was drinking it I though, imagine if these place had super mini-fridges, enough for one, maybe two beer bottles, and as you drank you could drop it into the fridge, keep it cold, and every sip sort of feels like the first? Yeah, I'm sure science doesn't back my idea, you'd need some sort of plug to keep the carbonation, but it would surely make the experience just a percentage more enjoyable, right? Email me, let's make it happen.

Sashimi, Soy sauce, both accompanied the Salmon dish. Tuna & Salmon sashimi, fuck, the best. I think I decided there and then my intention for 2027 is not only a potential return to Australia, but also a couple/few months solo in Asia. Bourdain already gave me the idea and some foundations for how I'd go about it, but this one bite of Sashimi, and sip of cold beer, well, I'm sold. Done deal. Plus, my skills with Chop Sticks has improved ten-fold, so, catch you in Kyoto, I guess?

Damn, a lot of words for one lunch. A mouthful, you could say. Sorry, had to!

The rest of the day was great, I met German - one of Gold Coast United (GCU's) coaches, we drove to Tallebudgera, and in that time, had the best chats. New events, life in Sydney, family, all sorts. German even said he's coming to Sydney in April; would be great to see him. He's awesome, great guy, brilliant coach, lots of respect for him. Typical teenagers, my old u14's didn't crack many smiles, but it was nice to see them again - straight back into it too, a quick warm-up, and we got into training. They look sharp, and with the new additions, should absolutely be winning 'the lot' this season. Some goodbyes, a chat with Matt - my former boss at GCU - and then the u18's session. Matt was mean to leave last season; he loves that team too much, I think. A great session, nice to see most of the boys again. Just being in that moment, mostly observing this time round, was so nice. It was needed; this was the right way to end that chapter. One of the boys' parents dropped me home, and that was that. Done. Gold Coast United, thank you for everything, see you soon...

I came home, and as much as he will hate me mentioning it, Micky was a mess. One of those strong nicotine pouches got him. A bit of time vomiting in the toilet, a quick drink, and was was off. Asleep, as fast as he could. Looked like a rough experience. I made a Prosucitto & Salami baguette sandwich with Basi, Olive Oil spread, Tomatoes, Salt & Pepper - a regular lunch feature this holiday - and watched the Sopranos. I think we both had very different Tuesday nights; in fairness to Mick he'd spent the last few hours on a rooftop in Byron Bay, and had an awesome time, so, it's not all bad really, is it?

Morning time, as usual speaker blasting, "Rock the Casbah" - follow that tune. Proper tune. The Clash, what a band. Anyway, that's that; Byron chapter over, an amazing trip away. No regrets at all. Now, writing this as we drive home (8 hour drive by the way).

I'm moving house, again

Seeing Rats in your 'gaff', it's usually a reason to be pretty pissed. Well, this was the, what must be, twelth time I'd seen the little bastards in my courtyard. No bad words for my landlords, they were excellent, but the rat problem was just not okay. Cooking a meal and hearing them rummaging through the bins? Come on now.

I moaned about it at work, way more than I should. To my luck, and by the way I cannot convey how lucky I am, I was offered the chance to move in with a friend, just outside the city centre.

Now, being in the CBD - City Centre - is so awesome. A beautiful walk every day to work, seeing all the landmarks, Hyde Park, yeah, it's awesome. But the house, rent money, and some other factors, I just needed a change. It was bareable, but the offer was really nice, and I couldn't say no. Pretty soon, in fact it's this Sunday, I'll be moving to Cammeray, north of the Harbour Bridge, for my final six or so weeks. Wow. Another change, yes, but now without the stress of rats, eleven people in one house, and more recently living with no one I know. Now, living with friends as of the weekend, more space, a nice area, only a twenty-five minute bus to the city, can't really go wrong there, can I? 

I did say I couldn't be bothered to move again, but to be with mates, be able to go out more, and be in a really nice place for my last, just under seven weeeks, I think it's the right call. So excited to spend my remaining time with people I have so much love and respect for, plus, I know they will influence me to go out and enjoy myself even more as the time ticks by. 

Since the decision I've looked back and reflected on the situation, how I once just wanted a decent place to live, near-ish to the City, with a couple mates, have money to enjoy wholesome days and partying at night. All of these things I really wanted, regardless of how late in the trip it came, it's here. Now I just have to enjoy it. As they say, some things are worth waiting for, this is absolutely one of them. I'm really, really lucky, beyond grateful.

Plus, now I don't just have to cook for myself, now also for my friends - I enjoy nothing more than that, some good music, a few drinks, and a chat. How long I've waited for that; the last time I did that was with Dec, and back then it was mostly just Chicken & Rice - now imagine Turkish Eggs, Fricaseé, various pasta's, Steak, etc? Can't wait. Roll on Sunday.

A word, again, on the sandwiches

I'm a 'yapper'. It's my skill. However, do not mistake me writing a thousand words about a sandwich as just a "yap". It isn't. This sandwich, the one I mentioned before, was so good. My inspiration was myself and Jim, my manager in my UK Kitchen job at the family pub, and our lunches when in Bergamo, Italy.

Yes, we went out and ate frequently, who wouldn't? You're in Italy ffs. But credit where it is due, Jim, a chef/cook for many years, he makes a mean Italian-inspired lunch. Mediterranean, his speciality for sure. Mozarella, tomatoes, basil, Sea salt, cured Italian meats, and beautiful bread. Yum.

Naturally, when we came to Byron bay, I realised we need to eat well. Not perfomatively, just well. One thing about me is, I'm awful for stocking up on snacks at home. It's a regular ocurrence for there to be just no snacks at all in my house, and for me to be thinking, fuck, what do I do? It usually involves me going to Woolies at 11pm, or, stupidly, cooking up a pasta dish late at night. All I needed to do was buy some crisps, or something, or well at least I thought...

Baguette, the meats, Basil, salt & pepper, Olive spread, Tomatoes. Man. Unreal. Simple, but so good. I've not made lunch enough, maybe the odd Salad here and there, mostly at home, but this, this was the best one yet. Takes two minutes, lasts five, and fills me up for a good couple of hours. Now if I was doing it 100% right, I'd finish it off with a Peroni, but there was no home-drinking to be seen in Byron - aren't I sensible?! That, or I just couldn't be arsed to go to the bottlo' (alcohol store) - you're safest bet, the latter.

It all cost maybe $20? That was for a few days of lunch too. Not bad going at all. You'd pay double that for lunch for two, before even getting to drinks - the difference? Those guys wear cool uniforms, glaze it in Olive Oil (a masterstroke to be fair), and could describe it far better than I. Either way, a good idea. proper lunch. 

I just wanted to waffle about a sandwich I'm proud of, please, just for a moment, share my joy, maybe make it for yourself. You will not regret it, that's my promise.

 Oh, and one final thing I missed, Mozarella, The "wet stuff" would be better; in a bag with its juices, but the dry grated stuff was all we could get, sadly. If you can get the proper stuff, put on your meat, layer it with the Mozarella, add your Tomatoes & Basil before then seasoning. Now THAT is a sandwich. 

Do it.

Jalen Ngonda, mannnnn

Speaking of my favourite things, while not involving food, this concert, on Tuesday night, was awesome. A week yesterday by the way. Wow, just wow.

Enmore theatre, centred in the quirky suburb of Newtown, Sydney, was, well, fucking freezing. We aren't sure why it was that cold, I mean, I literally cried out for a jumper so badly. Then again, I was with my fellow Brit, Stu, and we just grinded it out. Fine, it's cold, but we're English. We'd wear shorts in the Arctic, right?

My dancing, a simple side-to-side sway probably was my way of hiding the shivering; FREEZING.

Wilson, the opening act, was incredible. I'd never heard of her, nor any of her songs. or even that she was the opener for Jalen Ngonda, but my word whoever selected her, what a great choice. Amy Winehouse-esc, she was excellent. Crowd interaction, insane vocal range, and evidently talented songwriting - the plaudits were so deserved. While I assume everyone was there just for Jalen, they got treated with Wilson, absolutely awesome. She's touring as the main star soon, she says, so I'll definitely keep an eye out - as should you.

Now, onto Jalen. I've seen a few concerts, less than I'd like, but in the lineup is Oasis. My favourites for bloody years. Never, ever, did I think a concert would somewhat match that, but it did.

I discovered Jalen Ngonda maybe four or five years ago? COVID times, all while exploring the motown/blues genre. A sort of pop take on old music, that of Marvin Gaye etc, he's simply excellent. In some moments, he'd stop, the room so quiet you could, and I shit you not, hear a pin drop. No exaggeration, should you have dropped one, I think everyone would have jumped. Everyone awaiting the first stroke of a Piano key, and his famous "OHHHHHHHH" before singing. If you listen you'll know what I mean.

90 Minutes of all his classics, his new single, and also an unreleased song...it was all just amazing. Furthermore, to be spending it with my great pal, Stu, made it all the more better. Afterwards, we waxed lyrical about the concert, just how amazing it was, Stu saw him before in the UK in fact, and we headed to the Magpie. It was a nice little pub, we actually came briefly before the performance, now back again, a couple of beers, chats about life and our shared experience of this beautiful Island, before we parted ways. Those moments spent with good people, enjoying good music, a drink or two - that entire experience, so fucking good.

If he's every touring near you, and chances are he will, try to get tickets standing up, hope it's an intimate venue like Enmore theatre is, pray they crank the thermostat up a bit, and enjoy. What an experience. 

This weeks take-aways

You know I love writing these, and I hate them being late, so excuse me. This was a longer one, I felt I had so much to say; despite speaking to and spending so much time talking with mates, there's always more to say. This blog is the perfect platform for that!

The people really do make the moment. I say it all the time; Byron was once a place I just couldn't enjoy. The people I was with, or more so person, ruined it. Returning with good people, no stress and some plans, made it feel like I was visiting for the first time all over again.

Sometimes the environment isn't actually the issue, it's the people within it - remember that, because this journey, it's taught me that. The hard way, sure, but my understanding of that is so much deeper now, for that, I'm so grateful.

Keep smiling, and don't forget the good people around you.

Have a great week, and see you next Tuesday, lunchtime, Australian Eastern Time.

Jamie x