Sorry for lack of blogging.

Japan will not get a blog. It is too painful to discuss it now we've left, we may crumble with the memories. Basically it was bloody brilliant, and we're still not quite over it and pine for it from time to time. To sum it up...saki, karaoke, naked onsens, getting lost on mountains and in dark forests, ridiculous drunken exploits, and picking up a third. It is now the Barn, Tass and Ali Escapade. Ali....good luck to you! Many have tried to put up with us for this long, you are now about a month in and are still going strong. Congratulations!

So, now to Australia. Brisbane. Horrible first night, screamed at by hideous Irish boys who poked Helen in her sleep. Do not do this when she is tired and jetlagged and missing Japan. Apart from one great night out in Brisbane involving goon, kangaroo steak, snorting champagne and some lovely new people we did not like this place.

Hervey beach..saw some whales (NOT US before you make that joke Al) and dolphins, went to Fraser Island, experienced a huge thunder and lightening storm. Watched Neighbours and Australian Idol. Lovely stuff.

Mackay..boring.

Airlie Beach. Chav-fest, but we like it. Today, amazing snorkeling in the reef, Whitehaven beach, more sunburn. We have had our first ever argument here. Eleven years of peaceful friendship is OVER. Whilst swimming in the man-made "lagoon" we tried to see who could be more lizard-like in the water. We were crawling on our hands when Sarah paddled out too deeply and Helen did not believe that she was still only using her hands. Helen tried but failed to copy Sarah's movements, became irritable and called her a liar. Sarah insists she was continuing the lizard movement. The issue is unresolved. We really should have better things to do in this country.

Next stop Cairns where we are meeting up with Al...