Sydney

Wow - Sydney has been fantastic.

The apartment has stunning views.

We have climbed the bridge - even Mandy came along despite initial concerns - said it was incredible - views are outstanding and we chose excellent weather to make the climb.

Have caught up with lots of old friends (well older than they were). Anne and Katherine (George got on well with Katherine - footy, am dram - even tried to take her to the pokies (slot machines) until someone told them they were not old enough), Lisa, Rob, Tim and Jack, (Jack helped me cook my steak at the Oaks), David and Sally (enjoying life as a house husband), Phil Geraldine Alex and Edward - the lads ate the lion's share of a 1m pizza but us Dad's had to help out at the end. Just met Dougie, Gill and Claudia (plus bump - twins to be) for brunch - went to Billie's in McMahon's Point - fantastic to eat outside on a warm winters day.

Tonight we are off to Footy (AFL style) at the former Olympic Stadium - now known as the ANZ) - should be cultural.

Sunday - plan to walk Bronte to Bondi, bus to Watson Bay for fish & chips overlooking the harbour before walking to South Heads. In the evening we will be seeing Gordon and Meredith.

Singapore

Incredible to think a Colonial Style hotel, Raffles, can survive in this modern city of high rise hotels. Dwarfed by its neighbours but still an incredible tourist attraction.

Singapore is hot & humid but not unbearable. Hawker markets still great fun and food excellent (apart from the dodgy ice desserts with lots of colourings, chocolate souce, crumbs and topped with sweet corn! - Joe & George attracted by the huge portion but not the flavour!)

Now suffering the not sleeping - awake since 3.40 - tired but cannot sleep.

Now the proud owners of a new video camera - smaller than the digital camera and more powerful.

Now raining in Singapore - unusual as not the wet season. If rain abates we will go to Sentosa Monday before flying to Syndey tonight.

Photo is world's highest outdoor pool - 600' - balanced across 3 towers!

We are finally off

Well - it's been a while coming but we are finally ready to go - sister is picking us up shortly and then off to airport.

First to Singapore (hot & humid) then to Sydney (winter warmers) then to Brisbane and beyond (as little as possible).

Initial excitement from going on the new double decker. Should be great - lads have already worked out viewing programme for the first leg.

More to come - if we can work the system on our travels.

Introduction

Hi, We are going downunder for the first time in 17 years - we will update this as we progress.