zoom zoom zoom

goes the familiar advert....

Yes we eventually succumbed to the inevitable and have bought a car. After 3 months of hiring cars every weekend, the decision was made that we should really just buy a car - and with the market the way it is, what better time to buy.

 

One week ago, on a rainy Sunday morning (it has been really rainy recently) we hit the Newcastle car showrooms (well we went to Mazda and Toyota before getting fed up) and test drove a Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. Although the Corolla was quite a nice car, cheaper and with the same spec, the Mazda one the toss.

But the expected "credit" problems then start. I am in a full time permanent job but am not a permanent resident. Brad is only working on a casual basis so probably wouldn't get credit for a car. We spent a couple of hours on Monday going into banks to sound them out. Most were a no straight away and the NAB would consider the finance but the interest rate would be really high. I even applied for a loan from the UK and was approved straight away (but again this would have had problems with exchange rates). Brad's parents even offered to guarantee.

 

I did however want to talk to the dealer as I have had good finance deals in the past. I went along on Wednesday morning to talk about finance - that didn't happen. 2 sales men tried to get me to sign a contract and they were even asking what colour of car I wanted to order. I got stroppy, refused to sign and walked out. Next morning, the garage manager is on the phone trying to make amends. As it turned out, they were able (with a lot of persuasion) to get us finance and as the market is desperate for buyers, secured a pretty good deal on a brand new car.

 

All agreed on Thursday and there was no hanging about - we picked up the car on Saturday morning (We chose red as there was that or grey!)

back to school

I had been putting this off from the day I started work but I knew I would have to go "back to school" and sit my Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. It is a legal requirement in NSW that all persons who work behind a bar have to complete the course. I need to become the licensee for the hotel and needed the certificate before the licensing committee interview me next week.

Having sat the licensee courses in Scotland and England, I was not looking forward to more of the same. But it was worse. I booked my course just as the HSC exams are finishing and every school leaver wants a job in a bar. It was me and 59 eighteen year olds!!

The course was the same old stuff with a few notable exceptions. The trainer blamed Australia's drinking problem on the English (there was no alcohol in the country until Captain Cook arrived in 1788 and used rum as currency). I have been interested to observe the drink driving culture over here. Most of my "classmates" have just passed their driving tests and have to drive on P plates for a number of years. Amongst other restrictions, there is a no tolerance to drink driving. Most seem to accept this but would happily smoke a "bong" (if that is what you do with a bong) before driving to a night club.

I have been surprised at older people drinking and driving though. There are numerous "drive-thru" bottle shops and although illegal, most will provide a long neck bottle of beer, opened and in a paper bag that is then drunk whilst driving! I have been quite horrified at the number of work mates that will have a few beers after work and then drive home! Everyone can also tell you what a standard drink is, how many you can have before driving and how long the alcohol takes to leave your system!

The other main difference is that there is no Weights and Measures Act. Drinks can be served how you like them. Most spirits are 30ml but can be free poured, draught beer is served in Scooner glasses and wine by the glass is wherever the server decided to pour too.

So after 8 hours of being told how to do what i have been doing for a number of years, I sat the exam and walked out with the certificates. (The exam was open book and we could ask for help if needed). Reality is it was $80 for a piece of paper but when I become licensee next week, I feel my staff will need some UK style training...

more visitors....

Last week, my 2nd visitor from the UK arrived. An old school friend, Matthew is currently on a months holiday and is touring the Eastern coast of Australia and "dropped" in for a very short visit to Newcastle. Apart from catching up and showing him the (limited) sights of Newcastle, it was great and also a but strange to hear a Scottish accent. It made me realise how quickly I had become used to hearing the Ozzie accent.

One of the hardest challenges since starting work has been communication with employees, guests and suppliers. When on the 'phone, I am very conscious of my accent and have had to learn to speak a lot slower whilst pronouncing all my words properly. In the office, I need to look at people directly before speaking or they only catch every second word.

Matthews visit did however present an opportunity to spend the weekend in Sydney and we were looked after very well, staying in the Junior Suite at the Novotel overlooking Darling Harbour - the perks of the job are nice all over the World!

The race that stops a nation......

For over a month, I have noticed pubs and hotels advertising hospitality events, fashion shows, free food, package prices and really whatever comes to mind, all leading up to Tuesday 4th November and the annual "Race that stops a nation" - The Melbourne Cup (or should I call it the Emirates Melbourne Cup!)

The sweep stakes started and everybody was asking - "which horse are you backing?" In Victoria, it is a Public Holiday and an unofficial holiday everywhere else. Shops close early and offices shut down all in time for the race.

We watch the pre-race parades through Melbourne whilst the internal sales stats tell me that the Accor Hotels are raking in the money as the demand for rooms has soared (what recession?)

At Ibis Newcastle, a couple of regular guests have arrived early from Canberra in time to watch the race. They eagerly round up all the staff whilst buying a couple of bottles of Champagne for the occasion. We head into the bar where the commentators are eagerly announcing the start of the race. Being Channel 7 though we jump straight to an Ad break and get back just before the race begins. The excitement was building (well that is what I was told) and we spent a long 2 minutes watching a dozen or so horses chase round the track. I was waiting for the jumps as I thought it might add some excitement but no. That was it 2 minutes and it was all over.

Personally, I can live without it and I found the following day for more interesting. I had the TV's on again and was eagerly listening to the American election results. Maybe no champagne this time but this was one race where the results matter a lot more...

hitting the red carpet

This week saw Ibis Newcastle sponsor the hit blockbuster of the 2008 - NEWCASTLE.

I was approached by Icon a month or so ago and in return for a couple of free rooms, we could sponsor the movie. With 10 red carpet passes, VIP tickets, adverts at the start of the film and lots of promo stuff in the cinema.

Reality was not as glamorous - the movie was better than I expected though and we did get a bit of PR.