Hello everyone, I hope I find you all well!

It's been quite a while since my last update, and I am now writing it from Sydney, I have been here since August 8th. Now you would not be mistaken in thinking that we made it from Broome to Sydney, via Darwin, Alice Springs and the East Coast in remarkably quick time, no Arthur didn't suddenly develop turbo power, after much deliberation, the decision was made to cut the trip short and head back to Sydney, not before visiting Alice Springs and Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock), as this was the part of the trip we had both been looking forward to the most.

So when I left you last I was combining my time between the pearl boat and the Mango Place. There was only one trip remaining on the boat before we had collected our quota of shell for the year. The final trip was a short one and the last day was brilliant. After completing my Cinderella chores in the morning, Lorry asked if I wanted to go out in Knockers with him and four of the others for a bit of spear fishing. Obviously I leapt at the chance, and after clearing it with the Captain, I was enduring the rather painful 30 minute ride to the fishing spot. Bumpy sea and metal seat equals one very bruised bottom. The lads caught 8 really large fish, and it was my job to open the lid of the ice box when they delivered them, what a useful and necessary part of that fishing trip I was. I also had a go at fishing off the back of the boat, to my delight within 10 minutes I had caught a mackerel and a rock cod, they were both small so I threw them back in. I do hope the mackerel didn't suffer too severe a concussion, you see it was extremely slippery and I dropped it a few times before releasing it back into the wild. That was the end of my career at sea, the following morning we arrived back at Broome port, bid our farewells and I headed back to the farm.

There was only a couple of weeks left at the farm before I had completed my visa work and it would be time to move on. We fit quite a lot into those two weeks; Lisa's parents came to stay for a few days, it was so good to see them, and they got to experience a night at the Mango Place, we'll make backpackers of you yet Mr and Mrs Baughan! Lisa and Mika made a bamboo bar, at the time I referred to the royal 'we' when referring to who built it, but in actual fact my only contribution was making a mosaic sign to hang from the front of it, which, incidentally I was rather proud of, oh and I did have a go with the chain saw. It was very amusing, Julie and Geoff had gone out for the day and Jason had gone into town, so the backpackers were left unsupervised. After receiving full instructions from Jason, the chainsaw came out and Lisa, Mika and myself set about chopping up the farm, something that I felt worthy of being recorded. That evening we sat down and I showed Geoff the video of it, initially he was all smiles, but the further through the recording we got the smile faded to a look of fear, but don't worry, no harm was done, well, maybe a small bit to the lawn - sorry. We had a graduation dinner before we left, I am pleased to announce that Mika achieved the ultimate green spoon award in the cooking club and is now qualified to be co-chief. To mark the occasion she received the usual certificate, but Geoff also made a throne out of an old oil drum, which I spray painted and made seat covers for. At the dinner when Mika wasn't in the room we brought the throne out and on her return made her sit on it. I was delighted with my work and felt that I was suitably embarrassing Mika, but alas, what goes around comes around. Unbeknown to me, Lisa had made a second chiefs throne (taller than Mika's I was pleased to note, there was still a hierarchy), which I had to sit on, and there was a third for Lisa. So there the three of us sat, on our thrones in front of the rest of the Mango Place inhabitants as if we were on stage, then Julie awarded us each with a certificate, marking what we had contributed to the farm, it was the perfect end to a lovely 3 months.

It was once again time to hit the road, and after our sad goodbyes off we went. We actually only got about 100 kms out of Broome that day as by the time we (namely me) finished faffing it was nearly dark. But the old traveling feelings soon came back to us as we sat in our chairs beside Arthur, surrounded by the aroma of the pits, void of light apart from the dim beam coming from our raving lights and the cow staring at us as if at any moment we were going to give it some food, on the contrary, we were thinking which parts of it would make the best steaks. We began making good progress and it really was a beautiful drive through the Kimberly's. Unfortunately we couldn't see all of the delights as the majority of them were off road and we lacked 4WD, however, what we did see was very impressive.

We stopped at a small town called Wyndham where we ventured up to the 5 river view point, the outlook was spectacular. We then went to a place called Lake Argyle, once again breathtaking views. It has made me laugh on a number of occasions when I think back to all those years ago when myself and Stella sat in the back of the car wondering what medication our parents were on to actually enjoy pointing out sights and spots of beauty, it now emerges that I appear to be taking that very same medication! But back to Lake Argyle, there was a wonderful pool located right on the cliff edge over looking the mountains, it was however extremely chilly so I couldn't stay in there too long for fear of losing vital bits of my anatomy to frost bite. The following day we had got some maps of walks we could do and were then going to top it off with a relaxing swim in the lake, what a treat after a days driving. Sounds good, would have been ideal, but didn't happen. All packed up, sat in Arthur, campsite full so a substantial audience, I turn the key and instead of roaring into life just an almost inaudible 'click'. To cut a (very) long story short, 3 hours later, every male on the campsites diagnosis received we find ourselves driving back the way we came to Kununarra in what can only be described as the largest tow truck I've ever seen, with Arthur on the back. Yes, of course Arthur needed a new starter motor, which you may think would be a simple 30 minute job, not however in the Northern Territory, where said new starter motor has to come from Darwin and they can't quite decide what day to fly it in, so in actual fact that 30 minute job took 6 days. I would urge anyone who is coming to Australia and planning to buy a vehicle of questionable reliability to become a member of the premium NRMA, it really has proved to be the best $220 I've spent, and it was greatly appreciated here where I reaped the benefit of $700 towards accommodation, it did soften the blow slightly.

All mended we continued our journey, (it was here incidentally where we made the decision to cut the trip short) and our next port of call was Uluru. On the way we stopped at a place called Mataranka where we went for a swim in the thermal pools. We also stopped at a small town called Daly Waters where there was an excellent pub. Inside the walls were completely covered in peoples ID, money of different currencies, signed bras, knickers, shirts and tee shirts, it was all I could do to stop myself whipping my bra off, signing it and hanging it up, but I really did need it. Then we were approximately 100km from Uluru and how the excitement was bubbling inside me. We stopped at a rest area with magnificent views of it in the distance. There was an English couple sleeping there also and we spent the evening sat by the fire discussing the wonders of us all being there and seeing Uluru. The following morning with absolutely no sleep (the evenings had become freezing at this stage) we embarked on the short drive to Uluru national park. We both felt slightly foolish when we saw the real uluru on the horizon, you see a very simple faux pas, but the rock I'd sat in awe of the previous evening and used up all my camera battery on was not actually Uluru, no it was in fact Mount Connor, but I do believe it is a very common mistake. We purchased our ticket, $25 each and it entitles you to enter the national park for 3 days. It was a bit overcast on our first day, so we headed for the neighbouring Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olga's, 'it contains a massive pile of 36 weathered rock domes estimated to be around 500 million years old', my description is lifted straight from the guide. After a 7km walk through them we went to the sunset view point. These formations, like Uluru, change colour at sunrise and sunset, due to the weather not being great it wasn't as dramatic as we'd hoped, but we did get a glimpse of it going bright red for a couple of seconds. The following morning, the alarm was set for 6am so we could see the sunrise at Uluru, once again due to the weather it was a bit of a disappointment. Before we arrived there, we discussed how we were going to climb Uluru, this was however before we learnt of the importance and significance of it to the aboriginal people. You see it is an extremely sacred site and has been for many many years. I liken climbing it to jumping on the altar in the church in my home town just in order to get a good photo, something which I would never dream of doing. When it came down to it we were unable to complete the climb anyway as it was closed due to strong winds, but I do hope, had I had the choice, my conscience would have prevented me from doing so. At the cultural center there is a 'sorry book', within this are letters from previous visitors who have climbed it, and have written letters apologizing to the aboriginal people. Many explained how since doing this, bad things have happened to them, for example, deaths of loved ones, marriage break ups and just generally negative things, and they are superstitious that it is linked to their climb. Other letters were returning part of the rock or sand that they had taken from the site, and once again were believed to bring bad luck. I am so pleased that we included this stop in our journey before heading back to Sydney.

We had only briefly stopped at Alice Springs on the way down so we had a proper look round when we came to it on our way back. We visited the flying doctors museum, which I found to be of great interest. I was expecting Alice Springs to be a small bush town, with one street and a pub with swinging saloon doors, it was quite the opposite and I really liked it. There was only one thing remaining after here and that was to get back to Sydney. The holiday definitely felt like it was over, as for the next 6 days all we did was drive, stay in the free rest areas and eat a bowl of pasta and sauce a day. On the final day we had just 500km to go, a 4.5 hour journey you would think. It had been a while since we had been in NSW and I had forgotten the hill situation, but at an average speed of 30km/hr, Arthur backfiring now and again, all three of us very weary and the estimated 4.5 hours becoming 10 hours, we arrived on the doorstep of Matt and Mia's house.

210 days and 21,677kms later our amazing road trip had come to an end.

So we arrived back in Sydney, shadows of our former selves, and what with living in Arthur for 7 months, smelling quite ripe. Mia is a very brave lady hugging us when we arrived. It was so good to be back in a house again, with electricity and not having to fumble around in the dark by torch light whose batteries were growing weaker with each passing day. I had a funny sensation of de ja vu being in Matt and Mia's house, there were objects that seemed familiar, as if I'd seen similar things in my past. For example, in one room there was a flat base covered with something softer and you sleep on it without having a seatbelt buckle digging into your hips, in another room there was a cleaner version of the pits, but this one had a metal button that when pushed washed everything away. Also in that room, a personal favourite of mine, was a big bowl, when you turned the metal dials it fills up with hot water, you then lie in it and emerge clean, far more effective than baby wipes. In the last room, there is a metal jug, you fill it with water, push a button and hey presto you have boiling water ready for your morning coffee, no need to sit in a windy car park waiting for the 2 ring gas camping stove to work its magic. How I enjoyed these novelties.

The plan now was to stay and work in Sydney for a couple of months before venturing on to New Zealand and discovering the magic that lies there. One thing I've learnt since being away from home is that my plans rarely become reality, yes once again its changed. You see I decided to find myself a nice little temping number, where I could answer the phone, file my nails and pass the days away with idle girly chatter with my colleague who would undoubtedly be called Candice and would wear far too much makeup. In order to realise my dream I had to send my CV out to all the agencies. A couple of hours after completing this task I received a phone call from a lady who works at Michael Page International asking me to go in for an interview the following day. It transpires that they required someone to work internally to train the new recruitment consultants across Asia Pacific on the database used within the company. A second interview and phone presentation later it appears I had become a 'technical trainer'. Why should this change my plans I hear you ask, well, I had to sign a 6 month contract and it was far too good an opportunity to pass up. I have been in this job role 5 weeks now and am thoroughly enjoying it. The people there are extremely friendly and there is just the right balance of having enough work to do whilst preventing me experiencing any form of stress. So there you have it, I am now a backpacker executive, and was delighted when my business cards arrived the other day. I am slightly unsure of who I will give these to as all of my training is done over the phone, I can maybe send some home and use the remaining as coasters. In my lunch hours I have begun yoga classes, I do believe I misunderstood the concept of yoga previously, you see I envisaged myself popping along to class, lying on a mat and having a power nap for 50 minutes whilst thinking happy thoughts. What it actually entails is contorting my body into as many unnatural positions whilst breathing hard. I was quite alarmed in class one day as the girl next to me was breathing so hard I really did believe she was going to sneeze eight times, and I'm slightly unsure of how I would have reacted to that. You see whilst everyone else is breathing deeply in order to find their inner core, my own breathing resembles more of a hyperventilation. But, practice makes perfect and I'm sure they didn't forget the core when they made me; it's just a matter of locating it.

Another venture, that I haven't started yet, but am extremely excited about, is a modern jazz dance class on Saturday mornings. I do acknowledge that I will have to reduce my alcohol intake on a Friday night in order to enjoy this, as a half intoxicated Lydia leaping around a dance studio in a leotard thinking she'd just stepped off the west end really would be a questionable experience. At the end of the classes there is a production, and what with being a classically trained ballerina I don't think I'm being too ambitious hoping for a substantial role in this.

So far everything is going well in Sydney, I had quite an extensive to do list, and have worked my way through it bar one large item. I am feeling slightly unsettled only due to the fact that I am yet to find somewhere permanent to live, but fingers crossed that will be resolved tomorrow. Lisa and I have decided to rent a 2 bedroom flat together, yes, amazingly we don't feel the need to go our separate ways and never speak to each other again. It is a different system to renting here, instead of booking an appointment to view a property, you have to attend open inspections and if you're interested submit an application, unfortunately there is a lot of competition for these places and we have not as yet been successful. We applied for another 3 on Saturday and we will hear the decision on Monday, so please, anything that's possible to cross, please cross it.

There is a feeling I have at the moment that I am unable to ignore; it is that of anticipation and excitement. I really do believe that I am in for a rather amazing summer in this wonderful city, and although I am working I intend to make the absolute most of it. Another reason for me being excited is that Linda and Jason are moving to Sydney on Tuesday and I will have my buddies here with me, can't wait!

I have a few people to thank in this edition. Firstly, thank you Matt and Mia, you took Lisa and myself in when we returned from our travels and had nowhere to go. A couple of backpackers are not the ideal house guests, but you have made us feel nothing but welcome. The good news is hopefully we'll get one of those flats tomorrow; the bad news is that it is just around the corner from your house. I will never forget the kindness and generosity you have shown and I hope that one day I will be able to repay you. Also, congratulations, yes Matt and Mia are expecting their first mini Patoulios on January 11th!

Secondly, thank you Lisa. Thank you for quitting your job back in January and deciding to come along with me on what can only be described as the most interesting, challenging, eye opening and unhygienic 7 months of my life. I had initially planned to do the trip alone, but it was so much more fun having a companion to share the experiences. Also, thank you for not attempting physical harm to me when I asked you to push Arthur up the hill after he conked out, knowing you were suffering from an atrocious hangover.

And finally, thank you Arthur. Thank you for transporting Lisa and myself safely around this vast country. Admittedly it wasn't all plain sailing, but at least when you did refuse to start it was always in a place where we had access to a phone. Thank you for enduring me sweating copious amounts on you (although that was your fault for not having air conditioning), the smell of unwashed Lisa and I, me swearing at you, kicking you and hitting you with the deck chair in rare fits of rage, and thank you for making it back to Sydney, you did me proud. Well done old van, I really do love you.

Well that's a good bye from me, and once again lots of love to you all. I would like to add congratulations to the newly wed Mr and Mrs Baker, another uni wedding I've missed, I hope you had a great day and honeymoon.

Until next time. x