>In Australia every man and his dog owns a beemer. They're nothing special. They have only badge value and those who buy them are chasing status value. Very sad really.

Getting my nations mixed up now. That should have read, in Ireland every man and his dog owns a beemer. In australia every man and his dog owns a holden =) I want to bring one to Ireland.

I recently read a newspaper article, which I think was in Travel section of Australian Weekend newspaper which reflected beemer's figures. No source was given and it didn't differentiate as to destination or type of traveller, ie business, tourism, destination, or those returning home for a visit. Perhaps many of those passport holders were only travelling to nearby Fiji or Bali.

But Australians and New Zealanders are traditionally long distance overseas travellers, even back in the 60's when for most it was a 5 week sea voyage to England. Why else was Earl's Court, London, known as "Kangaroo Valley", or though it should have been "Kangaroo and Kiwi Valley".

Any word on the frequent flyer seats, richardab?