Dad As regards accommodation, I'd try www.hostelbookers.com. For example there is Lords Lodge Backpackers Hostel at 204 Punt Rd, Prahran with rooms at 13.27 Euros - about 26 Dollars - £10 per night for a private shared room. It's 5 mins from the city centre by train - 90% rating - all mod cons free internet etc and they have a help desk for accommodation, work combivans etc Rooms available from Sunday - so I'd book before long for Tuesday. Also can book direct on www.lordslodge.com.au. There will also be plenty of other backpackers ready and willing to show you the ropes. They will know all the wrinkles, cheap places to eat, accommodation options etc. Ps I used to run around the Botanic Gardens. At night the trees along the edge of the main road to the west used to have possums in and I used to watch them for several minutes on the way back to my accommodation.

Dad Have copied your email minus your messageboard details to Rachel (@aapt.net.au). Hope it's the right email address. I'll confirm with Charles. Mummy has put £10 credit on your UK phone. Don't loose heart. Come Jan/Feb you'll be loving it, probably unencumbered by the boys. Miss you - good photos of you and Kate and you and the boys at Heathrow plus the plane departing. Let us know who you want to have access to this web page. At present we are keeping it schtum except for Kate. Love Dad & Mum