Well, Hello again to all concerned. It's been a fair old time since our last update and we've been up to a fair few things. Can't remember exactly where my last update finsihed, but anyway, the rain stopped and the sun came out for the second and final days of our stay in Byron Bay. I got myself involved in a 5 a-side footy tournament on the beach on one of the afternoons, bowing out as a losing semi-finalist. We finished on top of our group on goal difference, due largely to a convincing 3-1 in the opening game. A 2-1 win followed to make the last game meaningless, as long as one of the other teams didn't give out a thrashing. Having not been involved much in the first two games, due largely to a Candian girl who, despite being a competent player, must have mistaken the game we were playing for another sport as she refused to pass. I'm pretty sure that evn if i'd made the point of making a written request for possesion, she would have sent me back a polite rejection. Anyway, dropping back into 'the hole' i got a lot more of the ball but we proceded to lose our final game 1-0, conceding a goal after a lengthly 4 seconds of the 7 minute game. Probably some sort of record. Far from being at fault for the defeat, i'm sure my increased precense in the game simply stopped us going down by more goals, yes, that must have been it. Anyway, we bowed out in the next game, going out 6-3, tiredness causing the games to open up later in the tournament, no doubt. It could all have gone so differently had we not had a goal disallowed, which would have made it 2-2, just before half time. Despite using video evidence (the highlights were to be shown in the local backpacker club that eve) the goal was not given. Having seen the footage later on and been feet away from the original incident, it was a horrible decision and it took effect. I could physically see the heads of my dutch team-mates drop. Plus, i was under the impression that goals from goal kicks have been banned since year 6. Ah, well. Anyway, better talk about something other than football. On leavinf Byron, we headed for the delightfully named Coffs Harbour, a few hours south. Our Hostel was alright, very quiet, so we had the run of the TV roon, which was nice, and the meals in the bar downstairs were cheap and tasty. The main highlight though, was the fact that we were never asked for any money, which was very nice of them. With that sort of pricing policy the place will be bustling in no time. Went for a little bike ride in Coffs, as you'll see from the photo's, down to the Harbour. i haven't been on a bike in about 7 years, and i think it was obvious. On leaving Coffs, we headed for Newcastle. No, not the English one! oh, how funny. I laughed and laughed and laughed when writting that just now. Our main motivation for visiting Newcastle, was to go on a tour of the Hunter Valley, the local wine making region. We learnt a few things about wine, though i never normally drink before 11am, unless there's a s***ty club in morecambe to go to that evening. Our other day in Newcastle was spent on the beach. One of the beaches we didn't visit is known as Nobby's beach. Looks like the words Nobby and Newcastle are inseperable, us Villa fans would have done well to note this earlier. Next stop on the journey was Sydney, a 3 hour bus ride from Newcastle, with an unofficial tour gide the whole way, in the form of the bus driver. Now i've got plenty of little snippets of information to bore fellow travellers with, should they try to strike up converasation when i obviously can't be arsed to talk. Have that! Sydney is pretty much as good as you'd hope. The sights are not a let down, as hopefully our pictures will show. The only point of contention i have is that the Opera House is not white! It's a strange creamy, pinky hue. Not what i would have thought. We've been upto plenty while in this cosmopolitan wondrland! We've been up the Sky tower and seen the city from up on high, we've pretty much walked around the whole city, we've been to manly on the ferry, to Bondi Beach, and down to the I-Max cinema at Darling Harbour to mention just a few things. went out for a curry in Glebe last night, before finding a bar in our local Kings Cross area (much like the Kings Cross at home, full of prostitutes and wierdo's, but a good place for a night out) to watch Villa get thumped by Everton, brilliant! Rightyo, i've waxed lyrical long enough for now, think i put far too much emphasis on the footy events! Anyway, keep posting those messages and i'll be bcack on again soon. Rob