Hiya everyone. Not going to be a very long journal entry this time because we haven't done a great deal since the last journal. We've both been putting some pretty long hours at work so the bank balance isn't looking quite as depressing as it was a few weeks ago. When we're not at work we've filled our days with a combination of sightseeing and window shopping (Gemmas choice).

Unfortunately we haven't been able to avoid the cricket. We've taken a fair bit of stick from the Aussies but I keep pointing out to them that no one in England really cares about cricket anyway. I was far more excited about the news that West Ham beat Man Utd at the weekend, come on the Hammers!!!

Its a shame that we haven't been able to find accommodation in Sydney for New Year but its definitely not worth breaking the bank just to get up there to see some fireworks. As it is we've found an apartment right by the hostel that we're in at the moment so we're moving in there on Boxing Day so we'll have our own place for New Year which should be good. Think we might have a mini house warming party, you're all welcome.

My Geordie mate Alex from uni has just arrived in Melbourne so we had a good night out with him and his mates the other night, for once it was Gemma who was slurring her words and dancing like a nutter but she was drinking at the same pace as a group of big strong lads so we can forgive her for that.

It looks like Christmas Day will be spent down on the beach in St Kilda, there's loads of people we know going down there so it should be good fun, plenty of BBQ's, beer, football and cricket. As usual Gems been mega organised and got me far too many Christmas presents that are all perfectly wrapped and waiting for me and as usual I have been the complete opposite and am yet to buy a present. The problem is that its 35 degrees outside and that's too hot to do Christmas shopping, that's my excuse anyway.

Due to Englands pathetic performance we're hoping that some of the barmy army wont turn up to the Boxing Day test in Melbourne so fingers crossed we might be able to sneak tickets for that one. Would be good to see Warne take his 700th wicket.

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and if we don't speak to you before, a Happy New Year xx