Woohoo!!! Im finally in Oz, a better flight this time from Hong Kong!! We picked up our bags and was met by the IEP rep and taken to Sydney central YHA!! Driving out of the airport, it didnt really hit me that I was actually in Australia (probably a lot to do with jet lag), but Ive been dreaming of this for months and to finally be here is just amazing!!

After checking into our first hostel (im sharing with becci in a 4 bed dorm, with bunk beds!!!!!) we headed for pizza hut, all of us shattered and wanting our beds, but we were told to stay awake for as long as we could, so headed down to sydney harbour/opera house!! Sydney opera house is nothing much to look at close up, but when you look at the view with the bridge in the background, its something special!! That night there was a bbq on the roof of the hostel, where we tried kangaroo burgers (really chewy!) and had a few beers, followed by a trip dopwnstairs to 'Scu Bar' where they have crab racing every monday night!!!

The next few days, were pretty hectic and tiring, orientation at IEP office, RSA course (responsible serving of alcohol), sorting out bank stuff, went over to Bondi to look at an appartment which is available to rent- after a Mcdonalds and a sit on the beach we decided to go for it, we move in on 04/10/07!!!

Most nights we head out for a "quiet one" and end up at the '3 Wise Monkeys" on george street. They usually have a live band upstairs, where we head when we've had a few vodka & cokes, or a schooner of tooheys (smaller than a pint of beer!!) After a stop off at 'Dela France' our favourite place for food- they're coissants, baguettes are brilliant (Dunks Id love a banana and chocolate one I would!!!) we head back home.

On friday 28/09/07 we set off on our wine tasting trip to Hunter Valley, for 2days, after a night out before hand at the 3 wise monkeys!! Most of us slept the whole way, but every now and again Id look out the window, whilst listening to my ipod and think how lucky I am to be here and having such a crackin time!! We arrived at Hunter Valley YHA, where we had the day to ourselves (the first time, since we arrived in Oz I think!!) so we hired bikes and headed out for supplies for the bbq we were having that night!! It was great to get out of the city, the weather was great and we were having a right laugh!!

Next morning we headed onto a bus for the wine tasting, heading to 4 wineries, lindemans being the well known one, the others were boutique (selling only out of the cellar door!). After just one stop, back on the bus the neighbours and home and way theme tune was belted out by us several times, this was a good day!!! Our last winerie, was really picturesque, wedding photos were being taken there, and we got chatting to Diamond- a real life horse whisperer!!!!

Back at the YHA that night we made our own pizzas and just chilled, playing cards and watching tv!! Next morning, again we had free time before our bus back to Sydney, so we headed to a brewery 'just down the road' (ozzie saying!!) for something to eat and brewery tour!! This was sunday, so there were a few locals out for sunday lunch, with a guy playing acoustic guitar and the sun shining!!! That night we headed back to sydney, into a new hostel next door to YHA!!

This coming week, Im looking for jobs and we move into a flat in Bondi on thursday!

So that was my first week in Oz!!! I'll keep you posted on my next adventures!!xx