Well I officially can't surf!!! Oh my god I am so glad I didn't book a 2 day trip as what I experienced today very nearly killed me!! I booked a 2 hour lesson on Manly Beach and it was hell. It didn't help that it was apparently perfect conditions for surfing and as we were mixed with others who had surfed before they gave us a 2 minute demonstration as then told us to get in the water - I couldn't even carry my board let alone remember what to do when faced with an actual wave!! So then they took us out into the main surf (no idea of the technical term but the waves were big) instead of the beginners part with smaller waves, so I jumped on and started to paddle having no idea of what I was doing and stacked it straigt away. I then couldn't get back to the others and had waves crashing on me and bashing me about, I had to be collected by the instructor. The next attempt started well and I struggled to my knees before very gracefully stacking it again. On the 3rd go I managed to get to my feet (well my feet were on the board but I didn't make it to standing position before falling off). I then decided I wanted a rest so was sat on my board watching the others when a huge wave came and I rode it all the way sitting down - brilliant fun until I came off and was too bloody exhausted to swim back and had swallowed a weeks intake of salt water, so I sat on the beach and sulked! Had given up when the instructor came and got me and pushed me and my board into the sea (much easier this way) where I had one more attempt (the worst yet!) and then gave up. I had no idea that surfing was so exhausting and that every time you ride (or attempt to) a wave you have to battle to get back to the start again which is a nightmare!! I was so bruised and battered and shattered that it will take me a long time to get back on a board - or even the sea for that matter - waves are pure evil!!!!!! Still haven't decided if I enjoyed the experience, will let you know!

Anyway, have just booked a very early morning flight tomorrow to Melbourne only to discover (I really should do my research) that the Australian Open is on and that everywhere is fully booked. Have managed to book a hostel which having read the reviews I am very scared about entering let alone sleeping in - bed bugs, nasty staff, dirty rooms/bathrooms etc etc - I love being a backpacker!!!! Will keep you regularly updated and amused with what I find there. On a positive note I am meeting up with a uni friend tomorrow night and with my sisters work colleague on Friday which I am really looking forward to. I am also going to book to visit the Neighbours set and hopefully meet Karl Kennedy - bring it on!! Right better go and pack etc xxxx