Ha, I never worry about fashion, if I like it, I wear it. But nah, there just wasn't much chioce other day. We're trying again tomo. We're in Christchurch but we're heading to Kaikoura in a few days. We've got that Kiwi Experience pass from STA but we regret getting it and its really cheap to rent a car so we're considering ditching that pass and driving ourselves around for 8 weeks. We bought the Lord of the Rings guidebook so we'll need a car at some point to see those things. We've got a pretty clear idea of what we wana do and it doesn't involve sitting on busloads of hungover teenagers every few days! Bloody STA!

Enjoy Vietnam you two and take some good photos! I'm a little jealous but doesn't really count that I'm here, just would love to see Vietnam.

Where in NZ?! What is your plan for there? You're not still worrying about fashion are you?! You should be a filthy dishevelled traveller by now!

We are off to Vietnam on THursday so enjoy NZ and I will catch up when we get back.

Mike, we're in New Zealand now. It's cold! Though we're really excited, looks like such an awesome place to be. There's so much to do, the hostel is great, people are super friendly the exchange rate is better and the food is cheaper than oz, and we got all that in less than 2 days! Also got to see United win the league on a 50 inch TV in hostel last night. All good. Went to the Warehouse today, bit of a tk-maxx but it wasn't the best selection at the minute! Good hats and gloves but not much else which is a shame cos the prices would've helped! Ah well!

Hopefully that will save you a bit, there are loads of other cheap shops as well as the big department store i mentioned.

Surfers was exactly as you described it. We went to the water park and it rained all day! We stayed at a placed called the Sleeping Inn but it was the same sort of set up as you mentioned. The only night out we had there was when Australia beat Japan 3-1 in the World Cup (two goals from Super Tim Cahill!) so the atmosphere was amazing. Without that I imagined it would a bit like a Spanish package resort.... the other night we sat in and watched a movie in the large screen at the pool in our hostel. Now I am depressing myself in work! Two weeks in Vietnam from next Thursday should help with that!

When do you reach NZ? I loved it there, hope you enjoy it too!

That's good advice man, ta. We bought a pair of jeans and a hoody each but that was more for evening in Sydney, cold enough here when the sun disappears! So yeah, we'll hold fire on coats etc!

The place in Surfer's was called Surfer's Paradise Backpacker's Resort. Terrible staff but fantastic rooms so it was all good. Did you like Surfers? We were really disappointed!

Sam - We still have the better deal it seems, it'll be all snow not rain and we can have serious fun in that! I'm sure you'll still manage to sneak a few of those legendary bbqs in when theres a single ray of sunshine in amongst the summer showers though! Hopefully one around the 10th of August haha!

We're off to see a play in the Sydney Opera House now! I know, get us! Hope it's good, we know nothing about it or the theatre generally for that matter!!

Sounds like you stayed where we stayed in Surfers! Nice spot when you have it to yourself! I guess the plans to get to Melbourne have been shelved then?

May I offer some advice..... I would wait until you get to NZ to buy warm clothes, unless you find some bargains in OZ... there are loads of cheap shops in NZ, we picked up scarves and gloves for NZ$5 each, Katie got thermal pyjamas for not much more, fleeces and the like are cheap too..... big department store called The Warehouse, bitlike Dunnes so not high in the fashion stakes.... apparently it is 'where everyone gets a bargain'!! They love their slogans.............

Yep our summer is shaping up very nicely. Torrential rain/hail on Saturday morning forced the golf course to be closed after 6 holes. I might take up water polo as it would probably be drier - certainly warmer!! Sunny the last few days though. Probably this is our summer now.

Enjoy the rest of Oz and we will speak you you when you get to Nz.

Take care. xx Sam/Dad

Julie, football manager is an addiction beyond explanation or comprehension. It's the most powerful drug in the world and I had it ripped uncerimoniously away from me. But I'm coping...

Guys sorry for the lack of an entry, we've had yet more computer issues but we'll hopefully get something on in next few days. Though Sydney is awesome and we haven't stopped since we got here so don't hold your breath!

Hey guys aww those new photos are amazing, as usual its raining here nothing new there. Loving the dolphin, cant believe how clear the water is, think id want to be swimming all the time (the the shaaarks would put me off). think were heading out for a night out tonight to mchughs cant wait a we cheeky peach snapps and lemonade would go down a treat. Chris with all the amazing places youve visited i cant believe your actually missing champ man seriously it has too strong a grip on you guys!

Hope youd a fab bday claire! i look forward to the surfing installment (ooo harry potter is out soon!!)

Ever jealous jxx

JUST ANOTHER AVERAGE SEASON!!!!!!!

ITALY...ITALY...

We're the famous Man United and we're going to Italy!

Believe!

UNITED!

Hi guys, thank you all for your kind birthday messages, its lovely to hear from you all so far from home. We are in Surfers Paradise at the minute and Chris treated me to a day of fun at a water park. i had an awesome birthday. Love yas xx