Hi Everybody.....

Today is very wet so we have taken refuge in a internet cafe.

Our first week in Australia has been amazing. Until now the weather has been really good seeing as though its going into winter. It has been between 22-24degrees with not a cloud in the sky. Just like it should be over there in England, when the weather aint pants.

Sydney is very expensive so we have been trying to conserve our money by doing free or cheap excursions. Monday we went to Manly by ferry. It is like another world there, everyone is so laid back without a care in the world. Every street is lined with coffee shops and surf shops. We stopped off at the beach for a sit in the sun and watch the surfers wipeout (I think its probably harder than it looks). After we got bored with that we went on the Manly nature walk, we picked up a pamphlet with a map on and headed off up the cliffs. The walk took us around the national park which takes in the old barracks, armouries and the north fort from the war, aswell as the stunning views out to sea and the Sydney skline. This walk seemed to go on and on and on. Maybe it was the heat or that we kept going off the beaten track. I dunno. We eventually ended up back in the town centre, were Lauren bought a cool surf hoodie that she hasn't taken off since.

Tuesday we decided we needed a day of rest seeing as though we had walked about 4000 miles the day before in Manly. So we headed for the Royal botanical gardens for a chill out day and relax. When we got there we took in all the trees and plants that they had collected from around the world and came across a wishing tree. You have to walk around it 6 times, 3 forwards and 3 backwards for your wish to come true. So we did this... Looked like idiots and are still waiting our wishes. What a jip!!! We walked down to the Mrs Maquires point where all the iconic pictures are taken with the opera house in the forefront and bridge in the background took a bucket load of pics ourselves, (must have looked chinese snapping away) Then we took up a nice spot in the park and proceeded to spend the afternoon sunbathing. Bliss!!!

Wednesday we went for a walk to darling harbour. Sat in that park with a very nice and very strong coffee and skanked the free internet for an hour or so to check emails and facebook. . From there we walked down to 'The Rocks' where they used to send the convicts inthe 1800's when they were naughty boys and girls in the uk. Here you can find the oldest pub in Sydney and the oldest house. There is also an interesting markets where you can pick up trinkets and things like that. Above the rocks is the Sydney harbour bridge, so we decided to go for the climb. After getting lost again, (I really dont know how) we arrived at the enterance to find out it was closed, figure that!!! closes at 4 and it was 3.30. Bloody lazy Aussies. We'll do it another time.. maybe when the weather is better. But we got the view in off the bridge which was nice.

After a week of pasta, noodles, rice and tuna/chicken sandwiches we decided we wanted something homely. Off to the supermarket for Potatoes and sausages, and an epic portion of bangers and mash were had.It was delicious

All the Germans in our dorm have left us now. Leaving only a couple of us left. I think its Laurens smelly feet driving them out. Can't complain to much though as we have loads more room for it.

We fly up to Cairns next week, this is where we will buy our campervan and the real journey will start. We will most likely start to work here and pick up random jobs as we drive down the east coast.

We love it here and are having a great time. The laid back atmosphere of the Aussies is hard to beat. Just need the rain to die out and the sunshine to come back.

Love to you all.

Davie & Lauren