David I can't believe they starred out b*****ed. What a bunch of b*****s.

David Thanks for enlivening a night spent typing three thousand words on how the Scott Report into Arms to Iraq changed public administration in the UK. Tell me again why you're coming back? I'm b*****ed if I know why I did....

Peter Really good photo-me booths you have over there; very convincing jungle backdrops. Hi-tech stuff. Matt and technology have always got on well together. On that note: Ron Barr is a broken man. Destitute. Saw him falling out of Satchwell's the other night, wearing an Anaheim shirt. Always guessed where his sympathies lay in that David-Goliath battle. Supporter of the underdog, is Ron Barr. Now, he is that underdog, with no EA Sports shows to present. I could just make out the faint, slurred murmur..."Yake...is...on...a...hot....streeaaak"...before the police showed up.

Peter Ahoy-hoy, there! This is just brilliant. Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you, but after 'waiting' about seven months to email Matt in the first place, I thought another ten days' wait wouldn't kill you. I sincerely hope it hasn't. Anyway, Nikki! How I have missed thee. Just as Ryan Giggs was never quite the same player after he cut his hair off in about 1993 (cf Samson), so musical gigs have lost some of their magic since your and Matt's departure. I mean, I've missed you both in lots of other ways too, of course, but that's the most concrete example I can think of right now ("now" being 5.49pm on a Friday and in the office). Hope you're still smiling, anyway. And I hope to see that smile soon. Matt: I gather you have been in touch with Arthur. Good that the old Working Party is still working. Good. Lovely. Some great writing on here, by the way. Top stuff. I guess you'll be back quite soon; get in touch when you can. I'm sure everyone's saying that. Love and best wishes, Peter xxx

Chris & Helen Clarke Hi Nic & Matt! Glad to here your both ok. I can bearly believe I am writing this email, as we have been without the internet now since 31st August! I am writing this to you from our new home! I am really glad your having a good time, make the most of it as its dull and miserable back here. You do realise as you and your mum and dad are both in tropical climates that you will have a really nice tan for christmas and chris and I are just going to look pale and ill!!! Enjoy the time you have left, but cant wait to see you both again when you get back and show you round the house and spend some quality time together over christmas. Take care and see you soon. Lots of love Chris and Helen XxXxX

Kim Hi Nikki! Thanks for your recent email, was lovely to hear from you. Just to say hope you enjoy your last month away in Costa Rica! Have loved reading all about your travels, so looking forward to hearing the last few installments. Have fun! X

mum and dad Will wave to you from Mexico !!

Veronika Welcome to Costa Rica! Hope you guys enjoy your stay in The Switzerland of Central America. Thank you very much for joining both Dave and me for our wedding. You've made it this far Matt and Nikki: I think you guys have reached a life time goal (for may of us) and have gone beyond. Everything is possible! Good luck on your publication. I am sure you will succeed! Pura Vida! Veronika

James All that talk of Vegas and soaking up the sun in Venice Beach hasn't made me at all envious as I settle down to my Monday morning at work. May the good times continue!

James Hi, Hope you two are enjoying touring the States now. Isn't it about time you gave us an update on what you've been up to or aren't there any internet cafes in the Grand Canyon?

Mom+Dad OK, own up, which one of you two keep finding the most dangerous stunts to do, to worry the parents the most? In every place you go you manage to have a death defying ride, jump, swim, dive, swing and live to tell the tail thank goodness. Are you going snorkelling with great whites or sliding down a larva tube next? Me and your mom have gone white with worry! Be carefull. Mom+Dad

Jo Hi there Glad your having a fantastic time. Just a quick update - much to my relief, passed my driving test last week and am now ready to move in with my bro in Ealing this weekend and start the new job on Monday, eek. Keep enjoying yourselves and see you at Christmas! Love Jo

James Just been looking at the pics from the canyon swing. Nutters! The shotover jet's about as adventurous as I got. Good on you though!

David Napoleon Bonaparte!! Louis XVI!! Victor Hugo!! Pierre Curie!! Serge Gainsbourg!! Brigitte Bardot!! Jaques Chirac, can you hear me?! Jaques Chirac!! Your boys took a hell of a beating!! Your boys took a heeeeell of a beating!!

Mom+Dad omygod!! Thank goodness you have both survived the jump. Don't know how you could be so brave. Dad says your pics are getting even better. You could be a photographer when you come back!! Take care and be careful!!