A few lovely weeks later in Sydney......

Welcome to the latest installment of this rather 'comprehensive', (McMahon, 2008) blog.

We are feeling a lot more settled and have a much better grasp of the place. So much to do and so little time! We had to say goodbye to Carol which was a sad day! But rumour has it that she is having a lovely time on her teaching course, which is great news! There have been many parties and nights out since my last blog. It would appear the that Sydney folk like a good drink and who are we to argue?!

We now have Kate with us. Kate from Congleton. If you have ever met her you will know that she is, for the most part, mad as a hatter! Has been great to see her and she has contributed much to our recent adventures! We have spent many days around the Harbour and walked across the bridge to North Sydney, which takes longer than you think it would. Over on the other side we paid a visit to Luna Park which is a great little old fashioned fun fair with amazing views. A grand day out.

We were lucky to catch the end of a huge Arts festival on Cockatoo Island, which is a short ferry ride across the harbour. Quite a strange place, a bit unsettling but very interesting. It was a beautiful day and we decided we would like to camp on the island if we find the time. It reminds me of some sort of military camp and there is an old prison amongst lots of other warehouse type buildings. Liked it lots.

Then we found........BOX! We were having a fun time at a night club in the Kings Cross area one night when Box appeared as if from nowhere. She was just over middle-aged and wore a very colourful top with orange and yellow. She quickly befriended us, (I think it was that way around), before innocently causing all kinds of upset and eventually being man handled out of the club for attempting to light up several times. I will never forget her cheeky grin. I think everyone should live life as fully as she does. Hilarious. Ask the others. Lucy, you would have become life long friends with her! We didn't catch her real name, but she kept making a box shape and mumbled something inaudible eveytime we asked her. Box... As good a name as any.

It was very random but really good to meet up with Vicky and Stephanie, who I have known for years! Nice to know that they are having a great time living and working in Sydney. We will meet up again soon for another night of carnage. Gavin, Ivana, Elias and co have been great. They all like to socialise lots and we have the pictures to prove it. A particular favourite was Gavin's 'Royal Affair' party. Matt and I took the fancy dress invitation a bit too seriously. Matt went as a Union Jack and I went as a bottle of Gordons Dry Gin. Nobody really got it, as the Gordons in Oz is contained in clear bottles with yellow labels. My face was green. I think I upset a few people but tried my best to explain. Needless to say, the green facepaint had to come off eventually as I was fed up explaining how a bottle of Gordons looks (if purchased in England). Can't win 'em all!

I tend to forget so many things we have done, but it's all been amazing and we are now planning trips into the Blue Mountains and I am toying with the idea of going to the Gold Coast for a weekend. We really like where we are living and have discovered 'Little Italy' only a short walk away. The place is littered with great little restaurants, bars and people wandering around playing Accordion type instruments etc..... We have had some fantastic weather and some not so good. The good days are very good and the picnics have started. The wildlife in Sydney love a good picnic. We were lying in the sun last week as a gang of very strange looking birds kindly polished off the rest of our salad for us. We didn't want it anyway. They must have really liked the dressing or something.

Lots of love

x