It was pointed out to me that it is a long time since our last entry, so here goes with the low down on our time in sydney. I'll try and keep it succinct (is that how you spell that?) so I don't bore you all.

We had a fantastic and warm Christmas with Margaret, Martin and Helen (Krys' family). We did our best to feel Christmassy, including going to a Christmas concert at the opera house and buying mionce pies for Christnmas day. Krys' mum and dad kindly bought us stocklings so we had pressies to open and it all felt much more traditional then- until we went for that typical 'English poeple in Australia' walk along bondi beach on Christmas day. Although it started off raining turned out beautiful. was a strange experience. Missed my family lots as it was my first away from home, but James assures me I wasn't missed at all as there was more chocolate for him given my absense. Had a yummy dinner at M, M and H's hotel before a few or 10 after dinner drinks. Some Japanese tourists asked for photo's of us celebrating (as they're inclined to do!), so we made up a hand sign and told them it's what you do at Christmas, so if you see any Japanese tourists making wierd hand signs at you at christmas we may be to blame.

New Year was also a biggie. Had dinner with Krys' family again, and again finished the meal looking like santa (because of the big belly, not that I'd suddenly grown facial hair). After that we went to a friend of one of Helen's friends Vicky's hotel suite which had amazing views of the bridge for a bit of a party. To watch the firewarks Krys and I walked to a grassy area overlooking the bridge with great views of the fireworks all around the city. They really were spectacular. They spent $4 million on them so I guess they'd want to be! Definitely a new year to remember. We ended up at the casino at 3.30am which wasn't a great idea and got beaten by all the odds, so called it a night.

We've done lots and lots of sightseeing whilst in Sydney. Went to a few amazing beaches north of Sydney, and also Coogee to the south. We also did a trip to the blue mountains with Krys' mum and dad which was fun (but wouldn't translate too well to the journal I don't think so won't bore you. Basically stunning views and waterfalls. We did go on the steepest train in the world though which was pretty impressive. I went to Canberra for a day with Cloughy when he had a meeting there. He warned me there wasn't much there but I felt I should see the capitol- it was, well......quiet! Parliment house was interesting, but really not much else there!

After going to some very trendy bars with people who live in Sydney and feeling out of place as everyone looked preened to perfection and like they weren't having much fun, I found a club that suited me perfectly- fun, cheesy and easy-going. Went there for my birthday with Krys and a few people we've met on our travels and had lots of fun. Krys bought me a ticket to climb the harbour bridge for my birthday. Now, I had really wanted to do it, but am a little nervous about heights, so was unsure. However, couldn't back out once the ticket was bought. We did it a few days ago and it was so good! Not too scary at all and a beautiful day so we had great views of Sydney. Krys alo took me out for dinner at a revolving restaurant at the top of a tower with views of all the night time lights of Sydney. Loved it!

We lived for awhile in our friend Seranie's room whilst she was on holiday, which was in a great location in Darling Harbour. Everything was cool til the last week when her room mate started getting stressed about cleaning. Now, I know I'm not the tidiest person (if fact, other than Laura I'm probably the messiest I know!) - but we were really good! Washed up after every meal and everything and didn't leave the room messy. Anyway, we felt we should move on so spent the last few nights with Helen's friend Vicky, who was really kind and took us to the airport for our flight to New Zealand. You're a star Vicky if we haven't told you already!

Anyway, think that's enough for now even though I'm sure I've left lots out. Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas (it already seems so long ago!) and are having a great start to the new year.

Lots of love,

Toni and Krys x