Originally Posted by knifeandfork

Australians. They're like people from Liverpool, aren't they? They expect, no, demand you to like them solely on the basis of where they're from.

I find the relentless good bloke-ism of the Australians a little wearing. This is a problem for me, as a good 80% of my family are now Australian passport holders. And my first girlfriend, a woman who to this day I refer to by her full name, LucytheonlygirlI'veeverlovedandwhathaveIgotnow,mem ories?, was from Glen Iris in Melbourne. They're also too good at sport and outdoor stuff.

But, Dear Christ, they really do need to get over the novelty of free booze in Airline lounges. I write this from the F OW lounge at LAX. I'm in the nose back to LHR tonight on the 268. Possibly on account of the strike unuasualness, the 269 was 115 minutes late getting in. Idiot that I am, I've always give my UK mobile number to BA for any messages re: delays. Which I never check when I'm in the US, because I just carry my US mobile most days.

So I missed the call from Special Services saying it was delayed (this must be something they do for F pax, because I'm not a Prem or a Famous)

I roll in at 7.20pm, two hours ahead. The F lounge is crawling, crawling with Aussies getting involved with the open bar. Some of them are hanging from the light fittings. The Qantas 12, 94 and 108 services don't leave for h o u r s. I can only conclude that, as a nation, they have decided to get here early and tie one on. For free.

So. Dear The Australians. Cut it out. Best wishes, Britain.

A free drink or two is nice. But not that nice.

And while youre at it, feet off the sofa, say thank you to the staff, that sort of thing.