I sit here at the internet cafe across the road from Melbourne’s busiest train station. I open my wallet and smile as I see $30 left (just enough for the shuttle to the airport + a coffee) I have always had the idea that I wanted to live my life to the full, and jumping on a plane with a guitar & small bag of belongings – not knowing what to expect is something that makes me feel alive.

The band are busy rehearsing and I have some interviews to follow up, incl meetings with TEAR fund  as soon as I land.

My guitar will get some new strings while Im at the airport so I always love the tone of Elixir strings when theyre brand new.

Last week I had an experience that has shaped my thinking of late (esp as I begin this tour)

I was playing at an event, when I bumped into Austrailian Idol winner Stan Walker. We began chatting about home and life etc, and I realised I had just missed my tram to the city.. so spending all my CD sales money.. jumped into the closest cab..left the cab running and missed the last train 1:06 am

I then discovered my phone was dead, so I was alone in the city with guitar, no warm clothes and next train 5:30 am.

Warmth and shelter.. first on the priority list and somewhere safe.. Macdonalds 24 hrs (Ronald you beauty)

It was such a good idea as all the homeless ppl in Melbourne were there also. I had some interesting chats, had a homeless guy show me his juggling routine, I played a few tunes and they sang along (one guy lit up something illegal) and was removed by security. I had no cash on me (thanks to the taxi) and a Chinese man (living on the street), divided his cold grand angus burger in 2 & offered it to me.

For an evening I was homeless, and it was a releif to come home at 7:30 am and have a shower! But imagine not having a place to call home? Imagine having to sleep with the noise of the city? every night..no shower..

I felt so average the next day, but thankful for the experience.

Ok time to change those guitar strings.. looking fwd to flying to my NZ  home..