The First Week Crew

Even Stiller Sunday 9th September.

The crew on that first night turn out to be a mixed bag. The permanent staffer who met me at the airport now known as "Duke". Tall, languid, relaxed and nervous. From South Oz and devastated that the Crows lost this weekend.

A visitor from the A/Gs department, "The Gimp" with a line in insults and a view on life that only an ex AFP, Army and CPA from Melbourne could have. He is here for a week with the possibility of a return at any time in my 3 months.

Another visitor for the week, here to assist the Gimp and do some of his own work for the OCO is "Austin Powers". Austin sits in and listens to everything going on, bemused by the antics of the crowd. When asked he joins in and flashes a great smile. He has a wicked sense of humour.

Two advisors (both from Qld) here to plan some training, for the locals. "Carol Brady". Calls us all love and cares for our welfare. From the Atherton Tablelands. Sort of the land that time forgot. Always asks "have I got time for a ciggie" "Anna Conda" the second of the two, not sure if she gets anything done, but she sure moves around a lot. This excessive movement causes a feeding frenzy. Counts down the minutes to her next meal. They have been here a week and have been out swimming at one of the local beaches.

The guy I came over with "Tweety" for several reasons, yellow thongs and shorts will do for now. Likes a bevvie, well, man cannot live on food alone!

Finally an ex-Pom who has settled in NZ likes sandles with socks, woodworking and numbers "Stats"

Having had a couple of drinks in the hotel bar we head out to the eating establishment of choice for the evening. A Chinese Restaurant called Puppies 1. There are another two Puppies, I am sure we will get to them over the next 3 months. Despite misgivings the food is OK. The 2 squid dishes in particular.

After dinner it is back for a night cap at the hotel. This is where we meet the second permanent staff member "Nemo" she was away all weekend on a diving expedition to the Florida Islands.

Then I head for my cell, crank up the aircon and drag myself under all 13 layers of blankets, mosquitos can be dangerous you know. Work in the morning.