Tom:

Hi all. I'm flying solo with this blog, so sorry about that. Just thought I'd say a few words about this vibrant, exciting, frankly awesome city that is Sydney. Here goes:

Take a relatively small British city that can be scaled North to South/East to West on foot in 4-5 hours, say Newcastle or Cardiff - or possibly even Glasgow. Then add strong elements of London, such as small, overcrowded, but strangely cosy bars, and rather cool markets with a global interest. Then throw in the relatively good weather (except in winter) and some aboriginal place names, such as Woolloomooloo - and some great buildings (do I really have to mention the Opera House or the Harbour Bridge), and what you get is Sydney.

Seriously, it's like every inch of the place has been immaculately thought through. Every skyscraper is tempered with huge parks with weird and wonderful wildlife. Every tourist attraction can be viewed from or with another, creating stellar photographing opportunities. Honestly I'm actually trying to work out how to wangle a working life for myself out here, it's that great.

Don't worry, we will be back in Blighty in June, despite the bombshell Nil's about to drop....

Nil:

Just wanted to say one thing.. mum and dad, I'm really sorry, but I think I'm going to emmigrate here!