Well we've finally arrived in Australia after a few problems getting through customs; we got pulled over as both Carlos and I were caught carrying offensive weapons. Carlos was carrying a knuckle duster and I was carrying a banana, I was lucky not to get a $220 fine instead they let me get away with a written warning although they have kept my details on file incase I try to smuggle in an apple next time!!!!! First stop after we got over the jetlag was Bondi Beach. Had a great time, the weather was really hot considering it is winter over here, were going to go surfing but didn't want to show up the locals with our skills. Next day we went into Sydney and did the general tourist thing, had a walk round Sydney Harbour and over to the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, from there we went onto the Botanical Gardens where we saw hundreds of bats in the trees in the middle of the day. The build up to the World Cup here in Sydney is surprising. We have heard hardly anything about the Australian football team and a lot of the buses have St Georges Crosses on the side of them along with huge lettering saying " Come On England". It's interesting to note that none of the buses are supporting their National team. Went out the other night in Sydney for a pre birthday/parents last night dinner. Had an amazing view of the Opera House as we were right on the edge of the Harbour with it looking stunning all lit up. They completely embarrassed me as they bought out my chocolate ice cream complete with sparklers and accompanied by all the staff singing Happy Birthday!!!!! Have booked our tickets to Thailand, we leave the 13th June and aren't due back until the 17th December, can hardly wait. Went to get our Visas today so all that's left is to plan our route. Had an amazing birthday. Carlos got me a trip around Sydney Harbour on a Harley Davidson, always wanted to go on a bike and what a bike and place to do it, travelling over the Harbour Bridge at speed is just mind-blowing!!! After that we went to the Zoo where we saw loads of animals such as the Komono Dragon, this is the largest lizard in the world which snacks on deer & even small children!!.... and of course the Koala Bear, check out the pics for the others. After the Zoo we caught the ferry back and had a few glasses of wine overlooking the Harbour. In the evening we went to a traditional Lebanese Restaurant, complete with Belly Dancers, the male one could really shake his butt, thankfully they moved out of our room before they started dancing with the swords. Had a fab time, the food was amazing plus we got free deserts and strawberry Hubbly Bubbly, as it was my birthday. At the weekend we went down to the South Coast to a party at a place called St George's Basin. We were made to feel very welcome; they even let us watch the England match!! Well it's our last night here so I'll sign off now and will be in touch when we arrive in Thailand. Hope you are all keeping well. Love Emma & Carlos xxxx