Arrived in Sydney on the Wednesday 9th April 2008. As expected it was another epic journey on the Greyhound with 4 classic films. Is there a Lindsay Lohan film we have not seen?? Rubbish. Rolled in to Wake Up! our hostel and simply hit the sack. Not as young as we once were.......

Up at the crack of mid-day on the Thursday and decided that it would be a chilled one. Cruised out down to the shops for our first glimpse of the city centre. Really nice and really busy. The Devon lads were arriving that day so we knew the evening would not be a quiet one. After not our hardest day at the office we got the glad rags on and hit the town. Met up with the chaps and it was off to the Gaff Bar. The bar was giving away free food and drinks to all who were on the Oz Experience. Despite us lads travelling on the Greyhound we wasn't going to let a minor detail like that stop us, and a few porkies later we were all tucked into Bangers and Mash with some Tooheys to wash it down. Probably our first free thing to date! A quick detour to a hostel (situated next to a Bentley and Roller Garage) for a couple of games it was back to the Gaff. Some serious dancing on the tables and Matt once again showing us how to sing that Killers song as well as the moves to the Macariena (it wasn't a school disco), another great night was under the belt with Luke and Chris rounding off the night in Side Bar. Animals.

Up Friday morning to sort out some AFL tickets and there was only one thing on the agenda. Get some fancy dress gear for the 80's tight and bright night on the Saturday. The whole day pretty much consisted of six lads rooting around in numerous womans shops seeing just how tight an outfit they could get. After some seriously worrying camp stuff had been purchased we were all set for the following evening. A chilled one was planned for that evening so we decided to hit the cinema. After an eye watering session at the ticket counter and popcorn counter (pricey) we settled in to watch 'Before the devil knows your dead'. Pretty good film if not a little random and it was off to bed.

Saturday was a mammoth day. Up bright an early, the sun shining, and it was time for some serious sight seeing. Straight on down to the harbour to see the Opera House. Walked through the market where we purchased some incredible spray paintings of Ayres Rock. Then it was up on the bridge for a steady walk across it. Got some amazing photos, if not a good deal of the same ones! Back to the Harbour for a walk round right up to the Opera House as well as seeing where big Russell Crowe has a place. After that it was a stroll back through the financial district with a little bit more shopping. We are turning into woman. Back to the hostel and waited for the Devon lads to come round for the big game. Off to the Olympic Park (yes where England won the Rugby World Cup - maybe one day Wales) to see the Sydney Swans v West Cost Eagles. All in matching baseball hats we watched the Swans pull the Eagles pants down. We also saw a hell of a knock out from a Sydney Swans meat head. After the game we were off to get our fancy dress on. Now the theme was tight and bright but tight was not the word. No where to hide in these uniforms and we'd have lit up a room with a light off. At this point a couple of challenges emerged. Who was going to cook the other team breakfast and who would have to march it to the other groups hostel for that breakfast. Up first was location where yours truely stepped up and sat these Devon cowboys down. Next up was who was buying and cooking. Unable to think of a decent game it was a toss of a coin that decided it. Team Wet Bandits (i.e. us) were cooking breakfast and getting our wallets out. At least we were on home turf. A seriously funny night followed with more camp poses than we care to mention, mixed in with a lot of dancing. How nobody ripped out their shorts is a wonder. How we even got out of them when we got in is still un-answered.

Sunday we arose and it was time to get our chefs hats on. The chaps had brought the ingredients for a Full English with them, so with Delia directing his two helpers we set to work on creating a masterpiece........ A good hour later, seven different pans on the go at once and running a serious risk of a fire, breakfast was served. Everybody suitably impressed, and full, we needed an idea. It was raining outside so a mention of bowling and our day was set! 2 Ladies from Byron Bay (also from Devon) pulled up and it was off to Darling Harbour. Really nice place with the fanciest bowling bar we have ever seen. In our respective teams we had a lady each and the game was on! Winner to select the dining destination. Team Devon (carried by their Lady - Lucy who was a bloody professional) took the victory however they know if it was lads on lads we would have won - depite Matt leaving his bowling game back at the hostel. After bowling it was off to our suprise dining destination. With a little bit of teasing we finally rolled into the Colnel's house (KFC) and where Luke and Chris tucked into a small Family Feast! Still raining outside we spent the best part of 2 hours hiding out in KFC with some banter. When the rain finally subsided it was back to the hostel for a quiet evening.

Monday morning greeted us with yet more rain. We wanted to hit Bondi Beach and after some disscussion we hit Bondi Junction for yes, more shopping. Then it was back into town for a wonder round. We decided that with only two nights left in Sydney we would make the most of them. A warm up in our hostel room with some ladies and it was downstairs to the Side Bar. A good night was had with some classic antics at the bar.

Tuesday morning we arose with general laughter in the air. We got ourselves together and it was off to the Devon's hostel. After some gauding a bowling rematch was on. Lads only. No excuses and it was for overall Tour bragging rights. All on two games adding up all the points from each team. Names were first to be decided. It was to be Andy 'Peters', Jack 'The Ripper' and Martin 'Luther King' V Luke 'Warm', Matt 'LeBlanc' and Chris 'Akabusi'. It was clear from the start we had our game faces on. Matt had rediscovered his form and led the charge. After game one we were in the lead and bragging rights looked to be on there way. Game two also looked in the bag right from the start at, as at the halfway point the Devon chaps weren't even in sight. However after a Turkey for 'The Ripper' and strikes left right and centre for 'Peters' and 'Luther King', they pulled a ahead and it looked like we had not put the nail in the coffin when we should have. It was all down to the last ball for each man and whoever could hold their nerve was going to win. We'd obviously had our Wheetabix that morning as buckle was not in our Vocab. With two strikes and two half strikes between the three off us tour bragging rights were sealed. Team 1.5 England/Wales had done the job. This also meant the selection of goon for the Devon boys that eveing was all our. A dry red was on it's way. Minging.

That eveing a festival was planned. It was our last night in Sydney, Matin's last night out in OZ and two Ozzy lads we had met on the trek in Thailand were out for the antics. The night started with a 15 person gathering in the hostel with plenty of fun and games. Then it was off downstairs to meet the Ozzy chaps. Really strange to see them but quality. We went in for another quiz (Wet Bandits strike again) and some general banter. Once everbody had convened in the bar the MC for the evening anounced a Karaoke. To everones amazement the room went silent and a spotlight came onto Matin 'Maverick' Fletcher and Matt 'Goose' Hamer. For all those who have seen Topgun then a certain bar scene with 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling' is one that should never be copied or repated. However this didn't stop these pilots, and after an even worse version than the film (with actions) we soon discovered Matt is not the new Tom Jones. Fair play the lads got a jug of beer however Luke and Chris Had to run back to the hostel to change their pants that they had just p****d. After a bit more of a sing song on stage it was off to the Scruffy Murfey's. An absolute brilliant night. Luke and Chris played a sneaky joke on Matt having him chucked out. Matt was protesting his innocence but after the bouncer could no longer keep a straight face he was back in. Matt luckily saw the funny side! As the night was drawing to an end it was time to say some goodbyes. The Ozzy lads were first. It had been great meeting up with them, they were a quality laugh and hopefully we'll meet again when they get themselves to sunny England. Then it was time to say goodbye to Mr Martin Fletcher. This guy has been an absolute legend and combined with his Devon tag team partners have helped make Oz awesome. Nights out have been bloody messy but probably the best we've ever had. Nice one boys. Some big hugs, and we think Matt must have got something in his eye we were off. It'll certainly be a road trip down south to see that lad. Rounded off the evening in Side Bar (we just can't go to bed!). A brief pit stop and it was back to the room. Matt said his goodbyes to 'Angry Kid' (a female German) in his own special way that left us all laughing for many a day. He'll be streaking at a sporting event near you soon.

Wednesday 16th April meant it was time to leave Sydney. Had an absolute amazing time. Seen some awesome stuff and the nights out have been the usual high standard. Rumours have began to churn that the remaining Devon lads will be rolling into Melbourne with us and maybe NZ. More awesome times lay ahead no doubt! For now though it was off to pick up the Camper Van for our marathon journey to Melbourne. After more than a bit of paper work we were. Luke took the wheel for the first stint, Matt co-pilot and Chris at work in the back - asleep. Road trip is not the word after 6 hours, and some questionable spped limits we rolled into Albury to drop off Matt. Luke and Chris, slightly reluctant to let him go for 5 nights instructed Carol and John to take care of their little camper. We want him back in one piece fit and healthy! A tearful goodbye and it was onto Melbourne. Pulled up to a BP garage just outside the city and put the baby camper right amongst the 30 to 40 18 Wheelers trucks in the carpark. To say we looked out of place is an understatment. We looked like a toy. Constucted the double bed in the back and Luke and Chris were in for one hell of a cosy night! 5:30 start in the morning it was off to find the car place. A needle in a hay stack comes to mind and with the worlds worst map and a few illegal U-turns we arrived safe and sound. All that was left was to get ourselves to the airport and get ready to see that big red rock. Alice Springs here we come!