Gday people,Have been a bit slack on the journal front lately, been too busy with visitors, well now they have all gone so back to my duties! This is for the last 3 weeks so will try not to make it too long!Well on 15th may, my friend Julie came (worked with her at A&E Maidstone). She came on Tuesday evening and went home Monday, we partied harder than I had done for years. Wednesday we had a walk around the lovely circular quay and Darling harbour, rode the monorail and went shopping in the Queen Victoria mall. That night we had dinner in at Circular quay before going to the wonderful opera bar. We then went on to a bar in George street called The establishment where we were bought champagne, very posh! Got in that night at 0330 which was mild compared to the rest! Thursday took Julie to Bondi for lunch before doing the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, reminded me of doing it with Mam and dad as she too moaned about the steps and hills, still we had a good time as nobody could dislike the views. That night went for dinner at La Spiaggia in Coogee before going to a bar that I had never been to called cushion, very cool trendy place, had a couple of cocktails, one of which was , complete with salt and was disgusting! Went from there to the Coogee bay hotel which is like going from one world to another, not the most upmarket place! Despite this it was fun, Julie pulled some bloke in the Oz army rugby team, I was talking (harmlessly) to his friend and was all quite amusing, got home from there at 0500! Friday afternoon, after a couple of hours sleep, went to botanical gardens to see the bats and cool cockatoos, one of which tried to eat Julie! Walked round to Circular quay just in time for sunset at the opera bar, you never see the sunset from there put the harbour at twilight is the best. Friday night started off well, had lunch at The Spot (local) then went to Coogee but had far too much wine and fell out over us both being too drunk- still we didn't get in till 0400!

Saturday we went to Coogee beach after watching the Oz army rugby team vs the English army rugby team, England thrashed them but was good spectating, Paul was not impressed though! Paul meanwhile went to Hornsby where we later met him at his cousin Karen's daughter Emma's 18th birthday party. There were obviously lots of 18yr olds but had a really good time. Paul picked his mum and dad up from the airport and brought them to the party. Paul had hired his dad a gorilla outfit to surprise people in, think Emma thought it was her stripper! For those of you that don't know, Paul's dads sister Mag is married to Paul's mums brother John who lives here. They have been here 25yrs and Pete and Mary have never been over so is quite a big deal. They were obviously very tired as only stopped in Singapore 30mins but everyone including us were very excited to see them. Julie and I left at midnight to get train to Darling harbour, didn't want to go as were having a really good time but needed a darling harbour night out. Shouldn't have felt too torn about leaving as Paul and others left soon after to watch the FA cup final at Stu's. Had a really good time and left at 0400-kicking out time for where we were. Sunday Julie and I went to the Rocks market where she bought loads and I bought only a beaded cute ring each for megs and Gines. We then went for a walk across the bridge and up the pylon lookout. That night went back to Coogee for dinner before going to a dodgy shoes stick to the carpet bar in the city. Didn't hang around there for long and went to the notorious kings cross which is also the red light district but also has some good bars. It was alright but not hugely busy, probably due to being a Sunday night but didn't mind as had enough of going out and it was 0300 anyway! Monday was also back to work for me, Julie flew back to Adelaide, both had a really good time but both needed rest and healthy living! Sunday for Paul was spent having barbie breakie at Bobbin head, followed by watching Alex play rugby and then a family barbie.

Paul stayed round there on Sunday night (folks were staying at Mag's). Monday he, parents and Mag and John all went to a reptile/wildlife park, all really enjoyed it and where they had lunch they were surrounded by roos that you could touch. Paul also nearly gave Mag a heart attack by crawling over her hand with his fingers whilst she was looking at huge spiders! Paul went to work for the rest of the week and so did I, except for Wednesday I went out with Mag, John and parents. We had a drive through all the beaches, had a drink near Botany then had lunch at Doyle's at Watson's bay. Stopped off at all the beaches and think Mary and even Pete were very impressed. Met Paul at home and all had some of cold rocks amazing ice cream.

Friday evening Paul and I got train to Stuarts and stayed the night, Pete and Mary got back from the blue mountains on Saturday. Sat am, got up at crack of dawn to watch Jake play football as Paul is number one wanted spectator, boys both love him. Saturday night all of us went out for a meal- a lovely Chinese, I of course did not eat it and had chicken and veg which looked much better! Sunday me, Paul, Pete, Stu, Jake and Aden went to watch pirates of the Caribbean which was very good, that night we had a barbie at Karen's before Paul dropped me off at work to start my 4 night shifts. He actually stayed up there for all my nights so I was abandoned! He went to work every day though, including a day in the national park but didn't see one roo!

Thursday he got the train down with his mum and dad and did the Bondi to Coogee walk whilst I was sleeping, quite impressive as Pete hates walking (unless its on a golf course). They even saw some whales blowing the water in the air and then saw their tails, they hurried round to a better view point but they had gone. Thursday night the four of us went to Circular quay to see the harbour in its night time glory followed by dinner at a posh seafood restaurant in Darling harbour called Jordan's with amazing views. Friday the four of us went to Circular quay where for Pete's sake we all had our photos taken with the resident didgeridoo playing aborigines. We then went on a lunch harbour catamaran cruise. It was the first day of winter but the weather was amazing. Had a seafood buffet, oysters, crab the lot but best bit was sitting out on the deck taking in the views, we all loved it especially Mary. Got off at Darling harbour and rode the monorail (Paul fell asleep/rested his eyes) to Paddy's market where we bought a few bargains. We then went to Botanical gardens where birdman Pete loved the cockatoos. Retrod the usual tourist trail round to the opera bar for twilight.

Went home to get our stuff before getting the train to Stuarts for the weekend. Saturday me, Stu and Paul went to watch Aden play football whilst Pete and Mary watched Jordan. Went shopping then Stuart made everybody dinner-spag bol, not quite my fave! Wasn't going to be the odd one out though so ate a good helping, Paul was very proud! Actually my eating habits have improved slightly since being away although will never be eating indian/chinese etc. Sunday Paul and everyone went to watch Alex play rugby while Vanessa and I both stayed home and washed our hair! Had a barbie that night with everyone for Pete and Mary's last night. We got train home as Paul was working Monday, was quite sad as will be our last contact from home till we get back.

Anyway thats it, hope Jen, Claire and Darren all had good birthdays despite our absence and Pete and Mary you aren't too jet lagged. Lorraine and Lucy, happy nesting! cant wait for the arrivals, thinking about you both constantly.

My night shift is nearly over, thank god, LOVE AND MISS YOU LOADS LAURA AND PAULXXXX

PS NEW PLANS SO FAR

last work shift 19th July

leave flat 20th July

fly Brisbane 30th July