Hello all,

We are still soaking up the sights and sounds of Sydney, thankfully most of the big museums are free so we are feeling very cultured and stuff . . . we have also done a lots of walking around the city, its quite compact so no need for trains and busses.

Yesterday we took the ferry out to Mannly Beach (steve insert dodgy joke here . . .) it was beautiful, unfortunately not very sunny so we had sandwiches and watched all the surfers falling over. The ferry journey to Mannly leaves and comes back via Circular Quay where the opera house and bridge can be viewed. Took lots of pickies. didnt spot any sharks in the harbour though, bit disapointing.

Today the Sydney festival starts so we are going over to the park in a bit to have a picnic with thousands of other people and enjoy the music. The entertainment goes on into the night and includes lots of street performers and light shows and more music stages - all for free! cool.

We have decided to stay in Sydney for a few extra days as Canberra is fricking expensive. Luckily a friend we met in Mongolia - Jeanene has offered to put us up and look after us while we visit Canberra. Phew! So we will get there on the 12th. Then onto Melbourne.

So far Australia has been brilliant but brilliantly expensive! looking foreward to the next few weeks.

Ta Ta Mrs P