So, the first few days in Sydney! They have been quite busy and i cant belive its Tuesday already! The first day i was obviously a bit homesick abnd lonely, but im sure everyone feels like that at some point! I made an effort to speak to people and have now made about 7 or 8 friends. There is a girl called Katie from Reading (spooky!) who I hang around with most of the time as we seem quite similar and want to do the same things.

Last night we went to a free wine and buffet-all we needed was a stamp on our hands! The hostels round here have tons of offers and activities going on, and we have a massive book of discount and freebie vouchers to use before Friday-phew!! The hostels are a big weirder than i expected. I have been staying at one for 2 nights whicvh has communal bathrooms and kithcens etc, which i expected but it is a bit of a free for all with timings etc! I am staying at a different one tonight-have just checked in there and it looks decent-got a big TV, internet and enm-suites! (im prob making it out to be more glamourous than it is!!)

We have just booked a tour into the Blue mountains on Thursday-was the equivalent of 30quid for a full day including lunch and transport which isnt bad. Tomorrow i think we are going to Bondi beach as it is supposed to be sunny, then in the evening we are climbing the Harbour bridge!! Friday i think we will go up the observation tower in the city to get a 360 view of the city. Apparently we get to go up there cheap because of all these discounts! Really should sit and go through them to make sure we are making the most of it! Have made a few friends at the hostel over the last few days so will hopefully keep in touch with them even though i will be moving around.

When Katie foirst came here (same day as me) she didnt have a clue what she wanted to do with herself for a year in Oz, so i told her what my plans were and now she is coming on the same East Coast Tour as me! She seems happy that she has plans now and someone to talk to-as am i!

Yesterday we spent the whole day walking over the bridge, walking up to the opera house, looking round the shops, quick ferry across the river etc-was good!

I am off to the post officed in a minute before we have the BBQ later (also free!). I am going to send home some bits and bobs that i dont need anymore-my suitcase seems to get miraculously heavier with every plane journey i make so i figured i should send some back! Not sure how much it will be but its for my peace of mind more than anything.

Money wise i expect Sydney could be quite expensive if you didnt have any vouchers etc, but there are so many backpackers here-its a bit like Uni in the sense that you have to make new friends and there are always offers going on. Weather wise it hasnt been the best-im in trousers and long sleeves at the mo, but tomorrow is a picture of a sun! yay!

Im sure ive forgotten tons of stuff to tell you, but dont worry I will update again later on! Love to you all! By the way thanks for all the message board comments, its really nice to hear from you all and keep in touch. xxxxx