I'll be honest. I wasn't really expecting to like Australia that much. New Zealand was where I really wanted to visit. Australia was sort of on the way and Frankie was here so it would be silly not to have come. But I thought I probably wouldn't like it that much - too harsh and hot. And Aussies are a bit in your face aren't they? Not to mention the wildlife who's only purpose in life was to try and kill me. And Aussie beer!

Well I was wrong. Australia is a wonderful place and Aussies are really likeable and relaxed people (though not as laid-back as Kiwis it has to be said). Sydney is as cosmopolitan and vibrant as any Western city and has a far better location than just about anywhere else I can think off. Adelaide is a great place to spend a couple of days and has one of the best art galleries I've been to. The Outback; yes it's hot and it's harsh but it's also beautiful and fascinating. And the Great Barrier Reef fully justifies its status as one of the natural wonders of the world. Furthermore nothing tried to kill me and Aussie beer turns out to be surprisingly good (they export all the bad stuff to the UK).

So from a position of take it or leave it before I came, I'm leaving thinking I want to come back again. Now when do England next tour Australia?