My eardrum exploded with the light of a thousand suns. I'm now deaf as a stump on one side.

As far as novel experiences go, I can't recommend it.

God in heaven, these are absurd. I love them.

Favourites:

- IWC Schaffhausen, Portugieser Eternal Calendar

- MB&F, HM11 Architect - wtf is this, even?

- Angelus, Instrument de Vitesse - actually just a really nice-looking watch

Yeah, sorry Foveaux. I hadn't realised just how much they don't welcome photographs until I arrived. Many of the locations are sites of cultural practice and a guide on one of the tours made it clear that it would not be respectful to take photographs. In the end it just became easier to leave the phone in my pocket. I felt like I got more of the experience by doing so, as well.

Kata Tjuta in particular was transcendent.

Nearly a week since we flew back from Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Words cannot describe those two locations. It felt like I was on another planet. The Anangu people are not big on people taking photos of sacred spots, so I don't have any to share.

Came down with the flu on my first day back at work. I've been watching the DNC from my couch instead.

Books read:

- Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan. Excellent novel that captures London right now.

- The Mercy of Gods by James S A Corey. Yes, the duo have a new sci fi trilogy. I loved it.

Cheers, Foveaux. I'll take lots of pictures and post some here.

Two days of work remain before I take two weeks off to visit the Whitsundays, followed by Uluru. The partner and I need a break.

Peter Schilling - Major Tom Coming Home

Thawing out and bringing new life to this 11 year old post because I just read Ghost Species by James Bradley, a surprisingly affecting novel about what happens when a billionaire-sponsored team of scientists create a Neanderthal girl in 21st Century when the world is on the edge of a climate crisis. Worth a read.

Far-right candidate to withdraw after Nazi cap picture emerges.