(St Patrick's Day!)

Another glorious day with gorgeous sunshine and a cloudless sky.

The had day started rather ingloriously, however, when Tom informed us via Skype that we'd left some Travellers Cheques in the hotel safe in Dubai! After half an hour on the phone, we headed for the American Express Exchange [and another half hour to fill out a form with all the information we'd already given over the phone] for replacement cheques. Luckily, the American Express centre was on the way to the Harbour, so we didn't lose too much time as we were planning to catch the ferry to Manly and check out the beach there.

The ferry took half an hour to get round to Manly and, even from the aft of the boat, the views were spectacular. The water was a fabulous blue but a bit chilly when you eventually got into it! I was expecting bath-like temperatures, so the ankle chilling temperature was a bit of a shock. Everyone else said it was 'lovely once you were in', but I've heard that one before! I got as far as waist deep and that was my limit, even though Mike offered to help me get properly immersed! It was enough to cool me off, though, as the sun was really hot.

We chilled for a few hours and had an ice cream before heading back on the ferry to Sydney. We had to hit an internet café so that we could print off check-in documents and book a hire-car for Christchurch and a hotel for later on. The computers were in some Asian language, so we had fun deciphering instructions! Mike and Rose sorted out the form they need so they can apply for Physiotherapy jobs when they get back to England and we sorted out our various bookings, as well.

After a quick shower and a clean up, we headed out for our last meal together. The week with Mike and Rose has just flown by and we've had such a good time with them. They've been really helpful, both in getting around Sydney, as well as getting hotels and cars booked in New Zealand. Rose has suggested Mike should consider being a Travel Agent or a trip organiser as he's so efficient at getting both information and good deals! He gets a little frustrated with us lesser mortals who don't work at his lightening speed, though; we often feel very inadequate! (Sorry, Mike!)

We had a great meal, ate far too much and struggled back to the apartment feeling very full.

We set the alarm for 6am as the taxi was picking us up at 7am and prepared for next leg of our journey.