Sorry for the lack of contact on here vbut we haven't had access toa computer at Dale's Aunties place. So, we left Dales house in Gosford on Dec 24th, and headed for the hour and half drive to his Aunties house in Sydney. We got there and Janice (his Auntie) was heading to the famous Sydney fish markets so we decided to tag along. It was mega - so many fresh fish, all different kinds. We picked up some tiger prawns and went back to cook them on the barbeque at Janices house for lunch. We then headed to Darling harbour early evening on the Light Rail (Tram) which took about 10 minutes to meet some girls who were in the year above us at University. I forgot my ID though but we managed to blag our way in and it was a giood night. We headed back early(ish) though ready for Christmas Day :)

So Chrsimas had arrived and it really didn't feel like it was Chrsitmas at all!! Aussies don't really celebrate it liek we do. Anyway, we headed to the centre of sydney and met our friends in a place called The Gaff. Here we had the most amazing Chrsitmas dinner - mum much bette rthan yours NOT!!! It was disgusting but we decided as we would be celebrating with all the other backpackers all day we had best eat something that will soak up the alcohol!! It was a wicked atmpsphere though and we met a few Irish people. We took a bus to Bondi Beach as we'd heard it was the place to go, however when we got there it was 80 dollars ot get onto the beach and there were no bars open until later on so we jumped back on a bus and headed back to The Gaff where we stayed for the rest of the night. Had a little sing song on the way home and headed to bed.

Boxing Day found us at the sales that had begun in the centre of town. We looked around the shops for a while but it was really busy so we caught a bus to Circular Key which is where the Opera house is and met with Jo and chuckie again. We had brilliant views of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge so took the opportunity for some snapshots and then headed to The Rocks area. We were really tired though and sow e stopped at the supermarket for some chicken and salad and headed home. Steph cooked for us and we had a night in in front of a film!

On the 27th (Thursday) we headed to Sydneys Aquarium at Darling harbour - we weren't totally impressed, but the sharks were pretty cool. And we saw nemo :) We then jumped on a bus to Bondi Junction to hit the shopping centre, but to be honest there really wasn't much to see.We then headed home and got changed etc... then headed to Chuckie and Jos hostel for some drinks before hitting the beach party at the Gaff. We were very drunk and I may have chundered a little (sorry ma and pa). We then went for food apprantly where according to Jo and Chuckie Loz managed to eat everyones food lol, even people we didn't know. We don't remmeebr though so technically it didn't happen!

Chuckie and jo came round to ours Friday lunchtime, and they decided they wanted to eat lunch at the fish market. i couldn't function, and to b\e totally honest - couldn't stand the talk of food let alone the sight and smell. Not good :( However as teh day went on I felt better and so we jumped on a ferry to Manly BEach and chilled out on the beach there for a while before coming home to cooka nd watch home Alone :) (It can't be Chrsitmas without watching Home Alone)

Saturday we made sandwiches for lunch and sat outside in teh garden/patio area in the blistering heat (had to throw that one in there sorry). We then headed to Circular Quay harbour and sat around in the sun waiting for our cruise time to come. We went on a Sydney Harbour Highlights tour where we saw so much. And took many photos. We then met up with Chuckie and Jo again and headed towards the sky tower. After climbing 250 metres in the elevator we were pretty high up. the views were phenomenol but I couldn't go anywhere near the ege :( it was very scary! Got some amazing views and pics of the whole of Sydney though. we then went for dinner ta darling harbour then headed home for an early night *(this heat and sun really wears you out).

On Sunday (30th) we got up and jumped on abus to Bondi Beach. It was absolutely rammed... sooooooooo many people were ther eit was ridiculous!!! but we found a spot and sunbathed (safely) and also went for a swim!! we were amazed at how powerful the waves are out here though and Loz and I are kinda anxious about learning to surf now. We then came home and cooked for Janice as she returned today after being away for a week.

New Years Eve was here and it was a glorious day. We went to Dalring Harbour around midday and just relaxed there for a few hours. We met up with Rich's friends Phila nd Vickie who were really nice and gave us some tips about Australia... what tos ee and do and what not to do! We then headed back to Janice's house to shower and get ready for the evening. Dale arrived and we walked for about an hour and half to Balmain. We met up with Ian, Russ, Claire and Luke again in the park near the waterfront. We were really close to the Harbour Bridge and saw some amazing fireworks (on video) and it was just out of this world!! We then headed to a club (but not before nearly having afight witha n Aussie... the story goes, He was talking rubbish about England for ages to em so I turned round to him and asked who knocked them out of the Rugby World Cup tis year which he really didnt like and went for me but luckily the boys helped me out) but we found the club where we danced a little then walked home at about 3.30 in the morning.

New years Day saw us leaving Sydney (sniff sniff). We went for some food at a cafe before heading to Manly beach and Palm Beach where Home and Away is filmed (Steph almost fainted haha) We bought Tshirts which you can see on our pictures. It was a gorgeous beach but because of the major cyclone of the coast of Queensland, the massive waves from 100k/hr winds up North are making massive waves down here (they look scary but Loz and I are prepared to battle them this next week when we learnb to surf). We then got back to Dales, ordered an Indian and chilled out infront of a DVD.

So that just about sums up our stay in Sydney. I've probnably missed one or two thing sout but to sum it up... 30 degrees (ish) every day, clear blue skies and fireworks over the Harbour bridge... What more do you want? (other than to be an Aussie)

So, we start our road trip up teh East Coast on Thursday so I will probably update you in Byron bay around the 7th/8th after we've stopped off in several places on the way. Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and new Year. See you all in March :( ... ooops I mean :)

xxxxxxx