Introduction

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

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.

Singapore Sleepover

Singapore has definitely changed -

Singapore Sleepover

Great flight - some sleep but A380 is good fun and Singapore Airlines crew very good.

Singapore has certainly changed -

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!

Sydney

Well what a few days - arrival was greeted by blue skies - shorts ok. Very tired as no sleep on plane - fortunately we could get straight into room so got some shut eye for a few hours.

Walked from Mcmahons point to North Sydney for some provisions - back to apartment - back to N Sydney to get bus to Oaks to meet Anne (+Katherine) and Lisa (+Rob, Tim and Jack). After 17 years pub has had a refurb but is essentially the same. Anne and Lisa have not changed. George loved talking to Katherine about football and drama + tried to lead her to the pokies room (slot machines) - soon got sent out!

Sleeping very mixed - up at 3.45am local time today - struggling tonight. Got pictures of a great sunrise and a cruise ship going under the bridge - Mandy not impressed by heh - great pictures.

Weds and Thurs have both been wet but did manage to walk round the Opera House and Botanic Gardens today.

Met former colleague who moved to Sydney last August - enjoying being a house husband!

Tomorrow we plan to do the bridge climb, catch the ferry to Manly and then meet some friends for dinner - we met them in Tasmania when they were on honeymoon but they live in burbs of Sydney.