I've finally arrived in Darwin and it's boiling hot. I'm not so much Dorothy in Oz but the witch, because when I walk down the street "I'm melting, i'm melting"! Seriously though its bloody roasting, more so than California and you need lots of water and lots of bug spray. So far i've held a gorgeous baby joey called Banjo, been to Lichfield National Park and swam in gorgeous waterfall called Florence Falls. Also been to Kakadu National Park and le...

We visited the medieval city of Bruges today, primarily to visit the Ice Palace attraction. The Ice Palace holds a collection of sculptures made from, yes you guessed it, ice; based on different themes, stories and art. My favourite sculptures were the ones based on the world of Harry Potter. They built a schoolroom out of the ice, complete with Harry, Dumbledore and Hedwig. Funnily enough, Hagrid was missing - not enough ice perhaps for a giant?! There were scen...

We head to Valkenburg today to see the famed Christmas caves and do some Crimbo shopping. It costs about 3.75 euros for adults and 2 for kids. The entrance to the caves is gorgeous, in a tiny 'village' with a huge nativity scene and Father Christmas and Rudolph with their sleigh on top of the huts. Surrounding huts sell bratwursts and hot chocolate, perfect winter fuel. The caves are quite stunning, huge height and width which you could easily get lost i...

Well I should be in Australia now, but I am in Europe instead - long story, don't ask (really don't ask) and I'm going to Belgium and Holland to visit family and see what the Christmas markets have to offer. Tonight we visit Mons to see the winter wonderland created around the Grand Place including market and ice skating rink. Beautifully decorated with traditional Christmas scenes and huge fairy tale characters brought to life from bushes. Lovely little ...

Well I have finally arrived in Australia and so far I love it! I feel very comfortable here, like it's 'natural' for me to be here and I don't feel like a tourist. I possibly don't look like one either as I have now been asked for directions (from Aussies) twice and was able to give them. Sydney is so easy to navigate, it would be very hard to get lost. The people are friendly and approachable and it's a very chilled, relaxed environment; no rushing about/stres...