Australia - Sydney

We arrived in Sydney and both imediately realised what everyone had meant when they said that you are either 'Sydney or Melbourne'. From the laid back atmosphere of Mel, Sydney suddenly seemed like being back in London/New York etc, right down to the beeping horns and slightly oppressive humidity. Having got everywhere we'd wanted to, so far with no problems, we got lost! Finally at the dorm we went for a quick bite to eat and bed.

Things were much better in the morning and we had our usual brunch and walked through the Botanical gardens. All I can say is 'bats', and all Lisa would say is 'spiders'. Lots and lots and lots of both, all quite large, although the bats were a lot noisier! All was forgotten with our first view of the Opera House and Bridge. I hope the photos come out! We walked down to see the Opera House close up. I hadn't realsied it is a large and small building, and quite symmetrical close to.

That afternoon we went to Bondi Beach. We walked along the beach amongst the surfers and children out for a swim after school. Only I got wet whilst posing for a photo in the sea though! Ice creams and back to change at the hostel. That night, as it was Lisa's last, we went up to the top of the Sky tower. It is a viewing tower in the centre, with a revolving restaurant. Incredible views, but a very sad Lisa to be leaving.

The next day L left - and I was alone again. This time it was me a little sad. Having company for so long it was odd to be on my own. I walked across the city and took the Manly ferry out to - funnily enough Manly! Best views of the harbour I could have wished for ( and a great chocolate milkshake on the north shore awaited me!). I tried to get to the post office in time to post some books etc home, but missed it! Everyone is genuinely helpful and nice out here, so everyone I asked tried to help me. I bought boxes from a book shop, who weighed them for me! Then put them together whilst sheltering in McD's with duct tape - the heavens had truely opened, adn I was geared up for 30 degrees! Torrential rain, the first I'd seen in weeks! I then met Chi and Lucia for dinner. We only over-lapped in Sydney for a day - but it was great to see a friendly face and chat about travels. He seems as pleased to be floating around the world as me. Although he is based in Sydney for a while and is being constructive and talking about getting a job. None of that rubbish for me! I had to get to NZ, which is where i am now.

My 7th country in just over 5 weeks!