Slightly later than anticipated, as I'm now in NZ, I thought I'd better wrap up my time on Oz with a summary of the last couple of weeks.

As many of you will have seen, I tried my hand (or feet) at surfing with surprising success. As you can see from the picture above, I did manage to hit the big waves. [what do you mean that dude looks nothing like me???]. Yes, I've also had plenty of stick for the "bruised toe" incident, especially as it meant I broke the golden rule of surfing - to look cool at all times. That did not look cool! At least I managed to get up on the board and ride some of the waves.

As Greg mentioned on the message board, we spent my last weeknd in Oz at the Hunter Valley wine region, cycling around vinyards and sampling some great tasting wines for free. Unlike everyone else here, I don't class myself as a wine connoseur at all, but I think the host at one of the vinyards was slightly deluded when she described one wine as smelling "like an old lady's hadbag". Good job it didn't taste like one as well. Stick to drinking it love! The weekend was great - we rented a cottage and were joined by 10 friends. We all got stuck into the tasting and had a right laugh, eating and drinking long into the night.

As it is Autumn in Oz now, I was expecting poorer weather upon my return to Manly, but unseasonably warm weather meant we had great sunshine everyday last week. I made the most of it with my last trip to the beach, as well as hiring a boat and going fishing with Greg's flatmate Steve. 11 fish in 2 hours. Most of them would have fitted into a sardine can though!

My final night in Oz was a meal out with Greg, Leyen and her sisters, which was a fitting end to my stay. I can't believe two months have passed so quickly, but that's probably becasue I've had an amazing time in this amazing country with amazing people. Ok, enough "amazing" stuff. But it's easy to see why so many people want to come and live here, Everyone's lifestyle is geared to being outdoors, and there are endless great activities to do in such beautiful surroundings.

Everyone has been so hospitable whilst I've been in Oz - thanks to Winkie and Lee for a great meal this week and for our trips out! Thanks to Leyen and sisters for enless entertainment! And thanks to Greg for making it the best trip ever, Cheers mate. I owe you one.