Our World Cup qualifying campaign is now truly underway, as a group we have been talking about arriving here in Chengdu for several months now and late Wednesday night the time finally arrived.

Towards the end of our week at the Gold Coast, you could sense the common feeling amongst the group, a case of the old 'Itchy Feet'.We just wanted to board the plan bound for China, the destination which will soon decide our fete for next years FIFA Women's World Cup.

Highlights of the week whilst staying in Surfers Paradise- welcoming H, Gilly, Walshy and DeVanna back from there overseas bases. Straight away their presence boosts the intensity of the sessions, creating a certain aura about the team, a powerful influence they have.

If you were to ask KK a highlight...there would be no hesitation in her response. STEPHANIE GILMORE made an appearance, she came along to one of our sessions and had a kick, we all had photos and presented her with a guernsey #1 fan :-)

The following morning was an early rise, the keen surfers amongst our ranks had organised to surf with the one and only- We had to meet Steph at 6am. Aivi, Loz Alleway, KK, Meeksy, and Cramer all had a crack and i...as the self nominated photographer also jumped on board- forgive the pun as i DID NOT surf, hailing from Wagga Wagga i'm still not so confident with the whole wave thing...

We were spoilt with an extravagant meal down at the Mariner, Sak's restaurant. It was a lovely way to wrap up the week, but also the opportunity to be together as a team and enjoy each others company away from the pitch...

The trip to Chengdu-

We flew out of Brisbane at 11pm Tuesday night, we had a 13 hour stop-over in Hong Kong. It sounds like a serious amount of time however we were able to catch up on some sleep in the Airport Hotel, broken up by a gym/pool session and lunch (we ate Crocodile tail- interesting!!!)

Before we knew it, we were boarding our next flight to China.

Having reminisced with the girls about Chengdu, sweet sweet memories surrounding the draw we managed to cling on to against Canada at the 2007 FIFA WC. Progressing into the Quarter Finals against Brazil. The girls who were present have all enjoyed the reflection, hopefully we will be able to re-create a similar feeling for all involved in cementing a position in this years ASIAN CUP and better still...next years World Cup.

First game for us next Wednesday...less than a week away, nerves are settling in...the teams are all arriving...

Stay tuned...