There are a few different types of backpackers out there. And I feel that, after the past few days - I need to draw attention to this fact.

Each morning is the same, there is always someone checking out, or rising early to catch a bus/train/boat etc. So each day you are faced with the same inevitable problem - being woken up. Now those of you that know me, will know that I am not a morning person. I am especially not a morning person when I'm woken up by an alarm that is not mine. When it is still dark outside. This is one of life's greatest upsets to me.

Backpackers the world over appear to categorize themselves into 3 distinct groups - let me elaborate. There is 'The nice backpacker', 'The loud backpacker' and 'The 'I want to put your head through a window' backpacker'.

The Nice Backpacker - these you don't really hear move. They've packed their bag the night before to minimize disruption. Sneaking around with only the creaking floorboards letting the world know that they are there. I like these people. I try to be one of these. (I don't always succeed - but I try). Sometimes you sleep right through, this is good.

The Loud Backpacker - take the example above. Now make them hungover, unaware of their surroundings. Add the inability to prevent a door from slamming. Now imagine that they are late, they start swearing - in whatever language comes to mind first. Followed by English - so that you are all aware that they are annoyed. You too are annoyed now, but take solace in the fact that soon, soon they will leave. It's never soon enough. A percussion of zips being opened, closed and opened again ensues. If there is a plastic bag in the room, you can guarantee they are rummaging through it. Twice. You are usually fully awake by the time they eventually crash out the door. But it does end.

Finally; The 'I want to put your head through a window' backpacker'. This usually lasts at least 40 minutes. Take the example above and add a lightswitch. Yes, these people seem to assume that it is perfectly acceptable to turn lights on at 6am. If possible, they will also prop the door to the room open too - so its easier for them to shout to their friends in the next room. These people don't just have 'plastic bags' nope, they are not nearly loud enough - they appear to wrap all their belongings in popping bubble wrap. They work together on their 'zips' symphony - adding Velcro into the mix for percussion. Ah Velcro. It appears the only time they are aware loud is when they are ripping Velcro, so they do it slowly - prolonging the pain. All you need now is to add a ringing mobile phone and a conversation in a loud voice (naturally) and you have the recipe for the worlds most annoying roommate. I had a couple of these this morning. They escaped unscathed - just.

Other than that I'm very happy! In Melbourne at the moment. Met up with some friends-of-friends- of-friends- of-friends for a bbq last night. Lovely. About to go for a walk around the city - yep, Lonely Planet strikes again!

I promise I won't moan at all in my next blog xx