"Soaking up the Spanish sun."

Australia 4:54pm

Austria 10:54am

Spain 10:54am

Yesterday was bliss. I spent the whole afternoon till sunset in the sun. I also managed to get a healthy midsummer's glow. Today I will continue this transition from vanilla chocolate to sexual chocolate.

I spent the morning sleeping (literally) having my breakfast at 12pm. I then spent a good couple of hours on the internet chatting with loved ones back home. Lunch was about 4pm then from there on in was the hottest part of the day, this meant baking time. Hayley came round which was lovely, and we spent the time "swinging by the pool" sipping tropical juice out of Maccas "I'm loving it" coffee mugs. It was lovely.

Soaking up the Spanish sun.

"I'm loving it."

"Feria Festival, Cordoba"

Australia 7:06pm

Austria 1:06pm

Spain 1:06pm

The days have been so much better, so much easier. I'm finding it hard to blog everyday though, not as easy as I'd thought. Though I have the whole mornings to myself I still find the time impossible, with all the sleeping and all.

So I spend the mornings alone, then have lunch with my "Spanish" family, I then spend some quality time with the kid's doing as they wish. I then take 1 for English class then they do their homework while I watch the little one, Jacobo. I then take the other one for English class then play some games. I then watch which ever needs minding then usually finish with a movie because by the end of the day I am spent.

The kid's here are seriously bred to be party animals, they want to stay up longer than I do. They do not go to bed till about 11pm on a weeknight, these are 8 year olds we're talking about here. I fall asleep watching them watch television.

The first day was hell, the second day got so much better.

Today is Sunday the 30th of May, a comfortably warm day with a slight breeze. However the yelling inside the house is a tad disturbing. It's unnerving that I cannot understand what's being said.

Yesterday was a fun day indeed. Morning was take care of kiddies time, I cannot even remember what I did with them. But the afternoon was something entirely different. Myself, Hayley, and Brooke decided to go into one of the neighbouring cities Cordoba for the Feria Festival. There was certainly alot of colour. Most ladies were dressed in the traditional dress, it was lovely. The only problem was that the whole day we got ripped off.

The tapas, ripped off. The taxi ripped off. The monkey man, almost ripped off.

The day was so culture enriching, I spent the day with a smile upon my face. The fact that the Heineken beers were only 2 Euro, made the day so much better. The bull ride, well that was something.

Cordoba's Feria.

Me and Canada

Me and UK.

That's a funny 4 Euro.

The bull we rode.

Palma on a midsummer's night.

Today I sit on the porch knowing the day will bring me plenty of sunlight, and hopefully a chocolate brown glow, "swinging by the pool."

Adios.

"Shit time" and not a Joe "Shit time"

Australia 4:39am

Austria 10:41pm

Spain 10:41pm

I missed the fucking flight, yepp you heard me. From Palma to Seville. "Shit time"

Today was the first day for the next 8 weeks. I get home sick here, I don't like that I cry myself to sleep, the change is overwhelming.

I know I can do this, but today was quite tiring. I miss home so much and the tears are running down my face. I can do this I keep telling myself and to just think, only a couple weeks. I love the house and the kids, the family is great but seeing them together makes me want my own so much. I look forward to the day I will fly back home to Austria, to the day I will be hidden from the world by the forest beyond.

Mum I miss you.

Dad I miss you.

Sister I miss you.

I shouldn't dwell on the thought of home, but whenever I let my mind wander it goes there, some where safe and known, some where I can relate. Here I am lost, here I am alone, here I want you.

Today I began to draw, something I have not done in a while.

This morning I woke and blinked through my salt encrusted tears. Shower time was definitely on the agenda. Then I began to look at the house, and really look I did, it is big. Really big, too big for a family of this size. I love everything about it, it's so exotic and mediterranean, I love the sun burnt orange walls and the dark wood fittings. I love the cacti that encircle the house and the palms that line the drive way. I love the forever flowing pool which puts me to sleep and the Spanish speaking Romanian that cooks and cleans, the wireless broadband and the enormous pantry. It really is just lovely.

My belly then told me it was time for breakfast. So I wandered inside to meet another employee. She spoke little to no English which was… Interesting. We played charades for a while till she'd said all she needed. Then I made myself some toast. Once I'd finished I thought I best call back home and let them know, "Yes, I am alive and well". So I called my father, then my Oma. I would so rather be there attempting German, I cannot wait to go home and learn more, become hopefully fluent in the language, it would be lovely.

I then received a phone call, from the au pairs down the road, a Canadian and the other from the UK. Both speaking Spanish of course (damn them and their advantage) they were both really nice, and I am happy to have met them, but I don't think I'll be going out for a while, no, not until I feel a bit better about myself. I bid them farewell then realised that I had a date on fb chat with Gabbi, we spoke for a long and I revealed a secret, well not really a secret, I just admitted to something I realised I'd felt. She was thrilled with the news of course, practically buzzing. She then told me how her week's been and I replied with the news of mine. The time was nearing 2pm when the children would be arriving, so I thought I better make myself look busy and asked the maid whether I could help with anything, she instructed me to juice the oranges, so that was my task until Cecilia came home and whisked me away with her speech about her day. I am the 15th au pair of this family, so the children are so used to change and became accustom to me very quickly. I spent the afternoon building space ships out of lego, watching sponge bob, reading and writing and minding Jacobo the little one. He was a bit of a hand full constantly running all over the place, but I think that's just because I have never actually baby sat before, I guess this is what I get for lying, but I don't think they've caught my bluff. I'm pretty sure they trust me with the children and I think I am pretty good at it, I just let them do as they wish and pretend. So once that was all over I was able to chill and just watch Lion King with the little one until dinner, I then was able to do as I please, which is hide away in my bedroom and write this to you.

I am showered and refreshed and think that I should maybe sleep and see what the morrow brings. I know I shall be going to the supermarket to purchase a few products with Nuria the mother. I also know what I am able to expect of the daily routine. But I hope I will get better at this, I hope I will feel more at home.

Every night I pray, I pray for him to watch over me and make the pain go away.

"Spain here I come"

Australia 4:53

Austria 10:53 am

I'm sitting here at an airport excited to board and finally able make my flight to Spain for some sexy, sexy men. I spoke to the family last night and they are so very excited to see me, this makes me excited, but leaving makes me sad, because I would have liked to stay home a while longer with family and friends. My short time here was really alot of fun, but I know that it's not the end because I'll be back in a while only 2 short months and I can be the party animal I was born to be.

I am so grateful for this experience, and I promise to cherish every moment.

I'm sitting on a blue chair beside this beautiful Spanish girl, I stare at a primary school who's just made their way through the big glass doors to study and observe the plane's and ports. I am happy.

"Tuesday the 25th of May 2010"

Australia 6:50pm

Austria 12:50pm

I'm sorry for neglecting you Mr. Blog. I've just been so busy. With family, with friends, with myself.

Today I've been packing preparing for Spain.

Yesterday I was with family, by the Danube for lunch.

Tomorrow I'll be in another country, something entirely different, yet again.

This morning I awoke to the chore of having to do some washing, I am forever neglecting that chore and end up with such a large pile of dirty clothes. Then I started to pack, I was able to turn my 31kg into 20kg.

I sit here now watching German TV of course I understand practically nothing at all.

"An absolutely derish night piller dancing"

Australia 10:51pm

Austria 4:51pm

So alot of good happened last night. Too much good. I love that everyone buys me drink. I love that everyone buys me food. I love that everyone talks to me.

So here are some photographs...

So many more were taken, but I thought I'd stick to the basics.

Today not much was done. I slept off the pain then woke up to the comforting food of roast chicken. Then I went to a friend's for some time on the internet and talking to loved one's back home. I loved telling my stories of the night's happenings, I wished them there every second.

I'm not too sure what I'm doing tonight, I was going to go to the beer fest yet again, but I really do not know. It depends on whether the bus holds a seat for me toosh, but the odds are against me tonight. Maybe a nice night spent with the friend is all I will be capable tonight.

Sincerely yours

Langing

"Gabrielle Hall"

Australia 10:35pm

Austria 4:35pm

"Skyping Gabbi right now."

Last night was good. Well what I remember. But the text messages revealed that I miss Gabbi...ALOT.

The nights happenings...

I went there last night, I am going tonight, and tomorrow night I will also be there.

Australia 5:29pm

Austria 11:30am

"Do you know what I hate? That my family is all over the world. I cannot be with one without missing the other."

Australia 12:11am

Austria 6:11pm

I sit here knowing that everyone's gone oinking tonight. That's right, all the peeps minus the juvies have gone to the "Swinging Pig". I wish I was there so very much, I really do, but instead I am here on the otherside of the world. On the other hand, I shall be re-entering the King's castle once again, soon. To write an email, because here in my home I have no internet.

Today I did not do much at all. I think the most exciting thing I did today was flick through multiple photo albums, old ones containing my mother and her friends, I then moved onto my baby photographs followed by one's of family. The tears started to fall, and they would not stop. They just kept on falling and my heart kept on aching, my mind kept on hurting. It hit me, I am alone, I miss them all so, so, so very much. I wish to see them all. Right now, right then.

I cannot wait to skype someone yet again, today with George was pure bliss.

I have no photographs today, just writing. For that is all I felt.

"The King"

Wednesday the 19th of May 2010

Australia 3:26pm

Austria 9:26am

I love it when the sun shines so brightly after a gloomy nights' rest.

Today I received my proposed flights to spain. I am so excited. But right now I am just trying to figure out how I am going to get to Paris. I'm thinking of asking the family if I can finish on Saturday the 1st then will get a train to Seville where I'll catch a flight. Then on the 5th return back to Seville and Pamla, just in time to go with them to Malaga where I will board my flight back home. I hope they will agree, but first I will google how much everything would cost me and also speak to Justine. I too must ask the family but I think I will do this once I'm there after they grow to love me then I'll spring it on them. It would be so lovely to see the city and eat a croissant below the Eiffel tower. It would be so lovely to see dear Justine.

Photograph taken Tuesday the 17th of May 2010

========================================

Proposed flights..

AB 3726 am 26.05. Linz Palma 11.55 14.05

AB 7912 am 26.05. Palma Seville 15.00 16.30

AB 7989 am 06.08. Malaga Palma 17.15 18.45

AB 3727 am 06.08. Palma Linz 20.45 22.40

Preis: Euro 450, 76

========================================

I am just so grateful my parents will be paying for this flight, this means more moolah for me to spend on what I wish, like a trip to Paris for the weekend.

I just worked out what I would make in the 9 weeks I am there, a mere 630. I made this in just 2 weeks work back home.

I'm excited to go exploring later on, but My Uncle Eddy will be coming over about lunchtime my Tanty said, so I must wait till after lunch to go out into the sunshine, sweet sunshine.

Australia 4:19pm

Austria 10:19am

Yes I did just make a blueberry and apple strudel. Ok so I had some help. A lot of help.

I can't wait to eat it, but it's too early to put into the oven, so I must wait.

Australia 5:01pm

Austria 11:01am

The smell of strudel wafts through the house, it's intoxicating.

I finally got around to putting clothes on. The sun has made me so happy I've decided to do the "Floral" today. I also managed to put 4 holes into my stockings, without even leaving the house, oh how lovely.

Australia 6:27pm

Austria 12:27pm

Finally lunch time came round and I got to eat that strudel. Another thing I love about this place, they eat DESSERT for lunch. My lips are a very bright purple right now, everyone's were I did have a bit of a giggle about it. i think it could

possibly sleep time right now. A nice short nap sounds perfect about now. So until awake from my slumber.

Australia 10:07pm

Austria 4:07pm

Ok, a nap was a bad choice. I managed to sleep all the way through till 3:00pm. Oops. My Tanty had woken me up explaining that we were leaving in an hour to Gunther who was going to be driving me home. I'd thought he would be picking me up from the apartment, again I had translated wrong. So I had to be up and out of bed to leave, soon. I was packed and ready and even managed to fit in a small meal. On my way out I was greeted by some mail men, some very good looking mail men indeed.

I'm not too sure whether the buses are actually free but I am pretty sure that I haven't paid for one yet. Hopefully I'm not committing some horrible crime. I will have to ask my friend once I return home once more.

The sun's gone away again and the outdoors was once again too cold. I had to change into something much more appropriate for the weather.

Military Jacket, CHECK!

I also found out all I have to do to get close enough to the city to walk is get on the bus 27 I then stay on it until I see some familiar landmarks then get off and start my walk, probably a long one but better than getting lost within the city. I do not mind catching the buses here, the driver's wear suits and they have televisions, they're clean and big so everyone has a seat, no graffiti can be seen and not much rubbish is disposed of within. The roads are tight however, and I cannot look out the window because I'm afraid we'll hit something sitting a bit too close to the road.

So I'm sitting here now looking at this tiny car with only 2 seats and no boot. I'm sitting here now looking outside and watching the rain fall. I'm sitting here now missing each and everyone of you, everyone all.

Australia 3:10am

Austria 9:10pm

Just got back from the King's house, I repeat, I just got back from the King's house.

So as I was walking up the stairs to my front door the King's mother told me to visit, how could I resist? So when I was in I made myself a feast and managed to make a right mess of everything I touched. I then made the most of being home alone. So it was nearing half six and I thought I better be on my way, hoping I would not be interrupting their dinner. I was there till late, 9:00pm. Checking all of my connections. Tomorrow I promised myself I would post this blog, so tomorrow I must awake and make the phone call so I may post this for everyone to see.

Moon, it was so lovely talking to you tonight, I miss you so very much and wish you could be with me here. every moment. Have fun at work tomorrow and with Sam Friday and take care Saturday getting drunk.

Goodnight Mr. Jake my Mac.

"Within the streets of outer Linz"

Tuesday the 18th of May 2010

Australia 6:33pm

Austria 12:33pm

Today is a new day, one I almost slept through awaking at 12.00pm. Today as promised we shall drive to the top of that great hill and visit that great church. The building outshines, noticeable from way down in the dock. In an hours time Great Uncle Eddy shall chauffeur us to the top. I am excited but so annoyed the battery on my camera is dying, the one on my phone too is diminishing. I think there's something wrong with it, a malfunction. My Tanty has told me it is quite chilly outside and I am not looking forward to the shock of the howling wind I can witness from my bedroom window. I am not built for the cold, no, definitely not.

A strong wind day.

So it's been an hour since I've awoken and I've already managed to have 2 meals. Some bread, butter and cheese for breakfast, and I've just finished a small portion of spaghetti with green salad. I am so much more than just satisfied. I am so incredibly full. I really want to get myself to some internet so I can post this blog and check up on my emails. My dear friend Gabbi, has sent me through her songs for the day, on my request to stay in touch with the good taste. I was able to check one from my phone, but the other will not open.

Australia 12:46am

Austria 6:46pm

Today was pleasant. We were met by Great Uncle Eddy and his lovely wife. We drove up that great hill to see that great church. I could not believe the weather, 9 degrees and rain! I certainly did freeze. We walked through a delightful stone alley way to a little castle, a castle with many little elves, dwarves and other mystical creatures within. They then brought me to the look out. To perceive the city from such an unclear vision was different. The city was almost in complete cloud cover. The weather was definitely not in my favour today. I then climbed the few stairs to the top where the church sat. It was magnificent, both in and out. The garden, the building itself, the paintings within, the golden idols, the wooden, carved church pews, the wrought iron sculptures which held the cherry red candles, everything. We then walked out to the rose garden, I would have loved to venture within, but it was in repair so no one was allowed inside. But it's ok, because I'll be back in the summer. So we walked into the translation which was so very charming, with the green hedges lining the track and lamps to light the way. We then needed some where to hide from the cold so we went into schlosse a restaurant where I ordered the "heis liebe", which loosely translated means "Hot love", A hot raspberry sauce with vanilla ice cream, cream and wafer sicks. It was "Derish". While my Tanty finished her beer I watched out the window and let my mind wander, their words a hum in background almost nothing at all. It was then time to leave so I bid the great hill and the great church farewell. I was then invited back to their house where we ate some more and I just sat by the window dreaming. One bad thing about this place, everyone continues to feed me even when I've asked for none. Eat and sleep. My Tanty and myself then made our way home, and here I sit writing to you.

The hidden castle

The castle within

The view of the city Linz

The church above

The church within

The restaurant within

I wish to visit my Uncle Arnold in the city centre. It would be lovely to stay there, with my 2 young cousins. One I have not seen yet. But Celene has not yet called and it's getting late. Maybe I will not get to see them till August. It just seems like such a long time. I do not wish to wait so long. But I guess I have no choice.

Australia 4:35am

Austria 10:35pm

I just realised, It's been a month since my 18th Birthday. Geez that was one crazy night.

I got a call from my Uncle A. tonight, saying that he will drop off the papers for my flight. I then have to read through them and decide on which one I would like to take. It's a bit annoying going, I feel as if I've just settled myself and now I must uproot, and be thrown back into the deep end, "Oh, wow, lovely."

Tomorrow I can see is going to be one unproductive day. I have nothing to do but eat, sleep and write. It's funny because that's exactly what my Tanty said, "Tomorrow all you'll be able to do is eat, sleep and write on your laptop." But I think I'm going to go for a walk and get myself lost within the streets of outer Linz.

Till the morrow. Adios.