Sorry for the abrupt end to the last post, my Internet time ran out pretty rapidly. Anyway, to pick up where I left off, the day after snorkelling I did the customary dolphin tour. The downside being a 5am start, but since there was little else to do in the hotel, I didn't mind. And it made an excuse for an afternoon nap. Took a little fishing boat out with two German girls from the coast of Lovina, where we spent two hours floating about and watching several pods of dolphins that made their way across the sea. It was great seeing them in their natural environment, especially when a few of them started showing off with some fancy jumps and flips. Unfortunately they moved too fast for my clumsy fingers to get any good snaps. After getting back, having breakfast and a little nap, I decided to take a walk to find the nearest Internet cafe. 3km later, I was the hottest I've ever been. Just being able to check my email did not justify the hassle, let alone the walk back.

The next morning I took a bus down to Ubud, in the centre of the island and the heart of Bali's arts and culture. Luckily Mark had got sick of Kuta and joined me in Ubud, so I didn't have to spend another five days without conversation. The following day we hired a driver and spent the morning at the Elephant Caves, Tirta Empul and the Sacred Monkey Forest. The Elephant Caves were tiny and since we didn't have a guide, I still have no real idea as to what the importance of them are. After twenty minutes of aimless wandering, we went to Tirta Empul temple, which was suitably gorgeous. Then we were dropped off at the Monkey Forest, where I realised I am terrified of monkeys. Or at least these ones. It's not an enclosed space so they just come right up to you as you're walking through. After seeing them jumping on other people and trying to bite them, I spent the rest of the time hiding behind Mark.

Mark left for Australia that night, so I spent the next few days just reading and generally relaxing around the hotel. I ended up having dinner at the same place three nights in a row since they had this really good Thai grilled chicken. Felt like a bit of a loser since they did recognise me, but I'd rather that than some more substandard fried rice. The day before leaving Ubud, I booked the morning at a nearby spa, and I think it was the best three hours I ever had in Bali. I had the ritual footbath, followed by a Lomi Lomi 90 minute massage and an aromatherapy seaweed facial. The entire thing was glorious except for the few minutes where she massaged my stomach and pressed so hard I thought I was going to wet myself.

I then had two nights unbooked before heading for Australia, so I took the bus back to Kuta since I'd had my fill of Ubud, and it was good to be back in a familiar area. Luckily the weather was still beautiful so I spent those last days around the pool, before my evening flight on the 30th. The flight was suitably horrendous - six hours where I was unable to sleep and a woman a few rows behind was violently sick for the last three. We were stuck on the plane for another half hour after landing since quarantine had to come look at her before letting her in the country - the Aussies sure are strict. Eventually made it through Immigration after a fairly hefty wait, and I was near the front of the queue to begin with.

Jo, who I met in Cambodia, was there to meet me. It was so nice to be picked up and not have to worry about finding my way around straight away, as per usual. Jo took me back to her house in the Southern Highlands, about an hour south of Sydney. Her home is built on this beautiful bit of land and is absolutely gorgeous. Her parents were really friendly too and it was so nice to feel settled and at home after two months in Asia. Jo made me some crumpets - such a change from rice - and put me to bed while she went off to work. Jo is probably the best host I've ever had, she brought me back a pie and chips for lunch and set up the TV so I could watch films for the rest of the afternoon. That evening, the family put on a BBQ (with Pimms) and Jo's mum, who is a teacher at the International School, brought back a few of her students, these really sweet 15-16 year old boys from Taiwan and Hong Kong, and her teaching assistant Sabrina from China.

After dinner, we sat out on their wrap around veranda and watched the sunset and this constellation that Jo's dad had heard about. I think it was maybe Venus and Jupiter could be seen, above the crescent moon, which made it look like a smiley face in the sky. After apple pie, I was ready for bed and quite possibly the most satisfied I've been in a while. The next day, while Jo was at work, I lounged around watching films and playing with Claud, their poodle. In the afternoon, Jo came home and took me for a drive down Tourist Road, this scenic route across the Southern Highlands and some vineyards. After a roast chicken dinner and some TV that night, I feel like I will be quite happy in Oz for the next five months.

The following day I had an afternoon flight to Adelaide, so Jo dropped me at Mittagong train station, where I made my way back to Sydney airport. Arrived in Adelaide in the evening, and after having a sit down and unpacking, I went for a wander. Walked for about twenty minutes and couldn't find one thing that was open. Turns out I was about 200 yards away from finding a main street, but I had no idea so ended up having to have just a Twix for dinner. Definitely not as satisfying as the roast chicken. Next day, I went for a wander around Adelaide. In daylight, things are much easier to find and the wonderful thing about Adelaide is that pretty much everything is in walking distance, even for me. Went to the Central Market for a wander, perhaps the nicest smelling place on earth and had a coffee and some lemon curd cake. Then I walked up past the town hall, saw a few churches, what Adelaide is renowned for apparently, Haigh's Chocolate Factory and ended up on Rundell mall, the high street of the city. Since the weather was a bit chilly, spent the afternoon browsing before grabbing some dinner and having an early night.

The following day, two girls from St Martin, in the Carribean, had hired a car and were off to do the Great Ocean Road drive up to Melbourne. That day, they had planned to drive up to the Barossa Valley, the famous wine-making region, and very kindly invited me along. We drove through several gorgeous creeks before stopping at The World's Biggest Rocking Horse, which was interesting to say the least. They also had a sanctuary there, so got to get up close and personal with my first kangaroo. And tens of peacocks. Saw my second kangaroo dead in the road that day - not such a pleasant experience.

Drove up to the Cherry Patch where we got the most amazing fresh cherries, and then went to the Whispering Wall. We weren't sure what it was at first, but turned out to be amazing. It's this beautiful dam with a creek one side, and bush the other. At each end of the concrete bridge, there are two railings, a very sizeable distance from each other. But amazingly, when people are at either end and they talk or even whisper, you can hear them clear as day from the other side, like they're standing right behind you. Something to do with acoustics, but it amazed me nonetheless. We then drove into the Barossa Valley, beautiful as to be expected, at stopped at three vineyards for tastings - Jacob's Creek, Wolf Blass and Penfold's. I'm not really much of a wine buff but I learnt some interesting stuff, none of which I can recall, and just had a really fun day with Fleur and Sunne. They dropped me back off at the hostel on their way down to the Fleurieu Peninsula, so I spent that evening at the cinema. Found a lovely little arthouse one in the East End, near Rundle Mall, and watched Australia. Had no idea what it was about when I arrived, but spent most of it in tears. Had no idea it was going to be sad so felt very drained when I left.

My last day in Adelaide I spent in North Terrace, in the South Australia Museum and Art Gallery. Took another walk down Rundle Mall to replenish my supply of tank tops, and spent yet another evening at the cinema. Some might say overkill, but I'd seen this French film advertised that looked good and didn;t know where else I'd be able to find it. It was called The Grocer's Son and was suprisingly heartwarming and funny - I didn't know the French had it in them. Tried to get an early night since my flight to Melbourne was at 6am, requiring a 4am start, but you know how it is, and only managed to get three hours after tossing and turning for ages.

Survived the early start, and arrived in Melbourne this morning. After settling in at my hostel, I spent the morning wandering through Queen Victoria market, steadily working my way through a massive bag of cherries. And then on the recommendation of this nice guy who works at the hostel, I walked through Carlton Park to Brunswick Road, this fanastic little boho street with loads of cafes and boutiques. It was a generally lovely way to spend a lazy Sunday, and from what I can see, I am definitely going to enjoy this week in Melbourne. Especially since the weather is substantially nicer than Adelaide. Have picked up lots of ideas for things to do and am going to get some plans together tomorrow. Will hopefully meet up with Nicole, who I met in Thailand, which will be lovely.

Yet again, I am pressed for Internet time, but I hope that wasn't too vague. Am very glad to be in Australia, which almost feels familiar. It's very safe, very clean and the people are as helpful and friendly as the Americans - but far more sincere. Goign to enjoy my week in Melbourne before moving onto Sydney where I finally get to see Mum and Bill, which I can't wait for. Doesn't really feel like Christmas is on its way when you're in shorts and a vest, but may feel more festive with family here.

Anyway, will update when I've gotten to grips with Melbourne.

Love as always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx