Sydney 7th August

Dave dropped us off at the bus stop to catch the Greyhound bus to Sydney where we were met by Lisa, a friend who we know from the UK.Her partner, James and their two girls are living in the leafy, hilly northern suburbs in Roseville, with some really charming houses.We went to the local marina to have some lunch and much to Stephen's disappointment, it was BYO and as we hadn't BOO, the idea of a crisp dry glass of wine overlooking the marina didn't quite materialise.We went to pick up their youngest daughter Izzy, who had to go to football practice and met up with Charlotte on her way home from school. After living in Australia for a year, Lisa and James are really settled and clearly love just about everything about Sydney.

8th August

Put our tourist hats on again and took the train in to town.We started off at 'The Rocks', which was the original settlement site in Oz and has lots of old buildings and some good markets. Went into the Museum of Contemporary Art and saw some interesting pieces (but also some pretentious video's, that were on a loop of things like a ball bouncing in a white room and someone walking to a bus stop and back!)We had lunch in Circular Quay and took in the good views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the ferries constantly running in and out of the quay.We walked up to the Opera House, which we thought looks far better from a distance, as close up it looks a little dirty and unfinished in places.We walked in to the Botanical Gardens and were nearly tripping over the number of bride and grooms having their photos taken.It's a shame we are here in the winter, as it would look great with the flowers in bloom. We made our way over to the Art Museum of New South Wales, but got there close to closing time, so only managed to see a small part of it.Walked up through China Town to get to Darling Harbour, which is full of bars and restaurants and here we were tripping over the hens and stags (….who would no doubt be having their wedding pictures taken in the Botanical Gardens in the next couple of weeks).It had a good buzz to the area and, after the quietness of Queensland, we enjoyed being out somewhere lively on a Saturday night.

9th August

Our friend Jo (who we met in Dubai) and her fiancé Dave, who are now living in Canberra, came to meet us.We all went to Wooloomooloo (FingerWharf in English) for lunch and yet again sat overlooking the boats in the wharf.This place is less touristy than the other harbours/wharfs etc and no doubt an expensive area to live in.Apparently, Russell Crowe has been spotted there and has an apartment, or at least, so Lisa tells us. Really lovely to see Jo and meet Dave, but a shame the afternoon went so fast before they returned home.We went back to Lisa and James for a dance lesson which was taught by Izzy and videoed by Charlotte.It was us who were puffing and panting whilst Izzy was putting us through our paces.Unfortunately, 'snake hips' Stevo didn't win, while Suz 'Beyonce' Gibson took top points and won a personal dance lesson with Izzy.

Monday 10th

Decided that the clothes we have won't be warm enough for much longer, so we went shopping and Suzanne bought a coat for $39 (£20/240AED) - bargain!Stephen's one was a few dollars more expensive, but then it is a classy pvc-leather-look number! We only need a coat for about the next 6 weeks and as we don't want to be dragging coats around Asia, we won't mind handing them over to a charity shop before we leave Perth.In the evening we offered to cook a good old-fashioned roast dinner. The word 'we' is used loosely, as Stephen carved the meat and made the gravy. (Top gravy admittedly!)

Tuesday 11th

Stephen was up early to go the dentist, as he had chipped his tooth on the freebie pizza we had in ByronBay.It rained heavily all morning (first bit of rain since coming to Oz) so we stayed at home until it stopped. When we eventually got out the door, we went to the Museum of Sydney and then on to the old Hyde Park Barracks. The building has had several uses in the last 200 years, including a barracks, detention centre and civil offices.Now it is a museum, where there are displays and exhibitions of the convict ships and the old prison.Sat in Hyde Park for about 2 minutes as it was too cold and then went into city and were really impressed with the mix of old buildings, including the odd art deco structure.Went to a comedy club in the evening and it was talent night, which meant that there were 10 amateur 'comedians' doing a 5-minute slot. Had a good laugh, as four of them were really funny, but actually they were all quite good.

Wednesday 12th

Had a late start and then went into town and went to North Sydney and then walked across the HarbourBridge (that's across on the pavement and not over the bridge, as us back packers can't afford to spend the $200 to do the guided bridge walk).Walked down to Customs House and sat and read the papers.Found the Turner and Townsend office and met up with some of Stephen's colleagues who have transferred out from their London office.Went to Nelson's bar where they have their own micro-brewery and had a great evening.Just about all of the friends who have relocated here seem to be very happy with their lifestyle and rave about living in Sydney.It is a great city and you have everything on your doorstep.You have the beach, the harbour, a city that's easy to get around, the mountains and the vineyards close by - so it can't be that bad!

Thursday 13th

Had a 6.55am start for our tour out to the Blue Mountains.The first stop was to look at some Aboriginal rock carvings, then to look out over the mountains from the Kings Table. The view was spectacular.We had the perfect weather as the day was so clear.The reason they are called the Blue Mountains is due to a drop of oil that is released from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree, which gives off a blue haze.We had some bush tucker as we ate the nectar from the banksy (?) flower.We went on to Katoomba to see the Three Sisters rock formation and then stopped for lunch in Leura, which a small picturesque town.After lunch, we went down some steep stairs to see the waterfalls at WentworthFalls where again we were rewarded with some great breathtaking views.On the way back up the steps the tour guide showed us the home of a Funnel Web spider - the most venomous spider in the world.We then went on the cable car to the floor of the canyon and walked along the rain forest boardwalk with the guide who was giving us info on the trees, plants and the old mine shaft there.We made our way back up the mountain on the steepest railway in the world - it is almost vertical.Shame we went up, as the ride down must be a lot scarier.We then drove past the scalded trees from the bush fires and saw some Kangaroos and exotic birds.We also went through the Olympic Village and then got the ferry back to town along the ParramattaRiver.We watched the sky turn pink, then red as the sun went down and we passed some exclusive residences overlooking the river.We got home to get dressed up for a night out with Lisa and James. Enjoyed a glass of champagne and then Lisa had managed to wangle the restaurant Bentley to pick us up.Had a great meal in an Italian restaurant and a drink in the exclusive club roof-top pool bar.Not bad for a couple of backpackers!

Friday 14th

Decided to stay this evening in a hotel near the airport as our flight to NZ is at silly o'clock in the morning.The Formula 1 Hotel is bland and soulless and currently being held together by scaffolding!Anyway at least we are only putting our head down for a few hours in this cell.We went back in to town to Circular Quay to meet up with Ruth, another friend previously from Dubai. Although we said we would only stay out for a few drinks, we ended up going over the other side of town to a trendy bar in Paddington to meet Ruth's boyfriend and friends and got home at midnight.Made sure we set all the alarms on phones and watches for 4am!