It seems that my luck isn't in a the moment - my trip to the Great Barrier Reef wasn't cancelled but it was very traumatic.

We left dry land around 8 a.m. about 100 mixed (ages, gender and crew) landlubbers all bound for a day promised to be one for the memory banks. Once out of the calm of the harbour some people started to turn a lovely shade of green and without much ago chucked for the next hour and a half - lovely smell. I was one of the fortunate ones that didn't actually see breakfast again but did feel decidedly like up-chucking.

Once at the Great Barrier Reef ( really didn't think it was that far out - thought you could see it from land) the sea was very choppy and the skipper had to drop anchor just short of the reef. I got immediately in the water thinking it would sort my head out - it was just like getting into bath water - 23 degrees - lovely. Unfortunately I tried to swim to the reef but even with a noodle - life saving aid - I could make enough progress to actually get there and see anything. One of the staff took my camera and swam out but she couldn't see anything either - was going to pass her pics off as my own.

The customers who had booked on the Scuba trip had an absolutely wonderful day - they could get below the swell and saw some of the most amazing fish and coral they'd ever seen. One of the Scuba guys was from Horwich - you just can't completely get away from Bolton can you - he's been in Oz since November and was staying until this November - wow.

On the way back more chucking but the more hardy of them started drinking when they'd done their dives so was quite a lively boat when we docked back at Cairns.

Loving Cairns - it feels like a real holiday place - I've got a lovely hotel and realise the difference now between the hostels I've been staying in what it feels like to have a little bit of luxury. Don't think I'll be experience any luxury in Borneo - still there are others things to compensate.

Went for my hair trimmed and coloured this morning and the lady who owned the salon was a complete nutter - we had such a laugh I've taken pics of her and the staff. Bianca, the owner, gave me a book that she says I must read and then pass it on to all the ladies that I know - so get your reading glasses ladies - she says it a must. It's called "Who moved my cheese" - I'm not joking.

Love and speak when I get to Singapore - leaving OZ tomorrow Thursday and will be quite sorry to leave even though I found it quite difficult at the start. Would most definitely recommend it to anyone.