Sleep, delicious sleep

The Rockridge Cafe for breakfast
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Ok so in my defense - as always happens when I finally go on holidays my body just gives up, surrenders all thoughts towards offensive and defensive action of the immune system and allows little nasties to run rampant all over my gorgeousness. And when I'm sick - I sleep.

So my time in Berkley has been little in the way of daytime exploration. That's not to say HRG is a lazy host. HRG leaves me to my own devices a lot which means I find the opportunity to sleep very hard to resist. Especially when I'm running a fever. No excuse not to go to the pub however, so pubbing we go. For the record the American beers I have sipped - :P yucky. Way too sweet. Not enough bitters. And it has a dirty level of flavour our beers seem to be without. Aussie aussie aussie. But there are other treats out there which are delightful, for example they sell Absinthe here and another beverage... Fre... something or rather which nicely warms the hands and face before planting you on your arse. Yes I know... pubbing probably isn't helping my immune system any but I have been sleeping all day and pubs are the only thing open after 10pm. That and they are filled with 'humouress' people (is that even a word?)! While I carry an overt disdain for most USAians I do find their culture to be quite entertaining, and its surprising how many USAians you will meet who disdain themselves as much as the world does.

And when I'm sick - I sleep.

The Hut for good company and a fire place at winter
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Now USA culture has many aspects which can entertain, both for good and bad reasons. The best and scariest thing about USA culture - the men.

In between naps I have been exploring a little West of HRGs homestead. Telegraph street beckons constantly, with promises of local artistry and silver jewelery. So I went for a hike and immediately regretted not going with an armed escort. Ok, maybe 'armed' would have been a little over zealous, simply an escort would have made me feel a little safer. A single (as in walking alone) white young female in the USA attracts a LOT of attention. While this attention is somewhat flattering; calls of of 'babygirl', 'mamacita', and audible lip smacking from random strangers or groups there of is a tad intimidating when you are in a foreign place.

'Ben and Nicks' on Clermont for good drinking
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USA guys in general are not backwards in coming forwards, they are in no way shy or lack sufficient male gusto to advise a woman of their immediate desire to play about in her pants. That being said however, some are quite gentlemanly about it. A quiet tap on the shoulder and a quick question about 'availability' which confused me, so he broke it down into boyfriend/marriage to which I hastily replied 'yes, that i was very happy'... ah the lies we tell to complete strangers. It makes me wonder, if he had been closer to my age and without the gaudy sweater would the answer have been 'no'? I think I will stay indoors till HRG comes home just in case...