greg Hi Jess, I ate some grapes today so I'm glad you're having as much fun as me. Do they have grapes in Australia? Or do they call them something weird like 'swizzle beans'?

Mum Well Jess. I could hardly read the blog through the tears of laughter after seeing the accompanying picture! I am not going to put into words what the balloon hat looks like!!!!!!!! Congratulations on the job. What a record - never having been to an interview where you weren't offered the job. That is quite an achievement. The apartment sounds fabulous. Can't wait to see it. So glad you are spending time with all your international friends so haven't got too much time to miss us. Love you loads xxxx

Phil Benton I'm interested to hear more about these grapes Greg, I haven't eaten anything that exotic in months. Great news on the job Jess! I never considered working whilst travelling but cool to stay in Sydney for longer. Great city. Check out Manly beach if you haven't already, it's a must! And do the bridge climb - expensive but totally worth it at night!! xx

Chris Blackler Hi Jess, Well if ever there were a sign that you are having a GREAT TIME in Oz then it 's your last blog. So great a time that you are even picking up the lingo. It will be G'Day next. And we are so thrilled that you have decided to stay on to make the most of your visa. There is nothing better than actually working in a place to get the real feel of it. Also it will give you time to experience the Australian seasons. Uncle Dave and I are already preparing mentally for skyping you on Christmas Day whilst you are having Christmas dinner on Bondi Beach. We are delighted to hear about the apartment and the JOB. How good is that ? You will be a wow with their customers that's for sure. Great news about the gym nearby your place. Hope you got our email about skyping us some time but I'm sure what with your work and grog there are not enough hours when we are all awake at the same time. Oh yes, and guess what; it is raining here, although we did have a spectacular weekend last week with a heatwave over 3 whole days. I took the cubs to camp and it was boiling and we had a fab time and whilst I was doing that Uncle Dave was enjoying the peace and quiet at home to get in the garden and sunbathe. It has helped his eczema and he looks a lot better. Back to normal now it is a Bank Holiday. I have a few days off work so it will be nice to catch up on my sleep. Can't get out in the garden - it is too wet. ! We look forward to seeing lots more photos, particularly of the view from your apartment and also the apartment itself and just you. The balloon hat - well - we are still trying to get to grips with that ! Keep on blogging ! we so look forward to hearing all about this exciting life you have right now. Lots of love from Auntie Chris and Uncle Dave xx

Chris Blackler Jess - Auntie Chris again. Just a quick word - Cannot believe how long your hair is - it has really grown. It looks gorgeous. Love the plait. xx

reginafilange Jeez Greg, why you gotta take the shine away from my blog by bragging about your swizzle bean eating?! Mum... Your eyes are not deceiving you, the hat looks exactly of what it is! Thanks Phil! I'm not gonna lie... I probably won't do the bridge climb as I don't love heights. But I sure plan to walk across the bridge at some point lol. Thanks Aunty Chris and Uncle Dave! Glad you had a nice wkend away with the cubs, and I shall add more photos when I can. I did get your email and I promise to reply and arrange a time ASAP. What with the interview apartment hunting I've been a little tied up in my free time, but should settle down now. Thanks aunty Chris, it's in desperate need of a cut, but it really has grown! Lots of love to you all xxxx

Pat Ibbetson Hi Jess, no comment on the hat but you look great. Glad you are still enjoying life down under. Love A.Pat

Pat Ibbetson Just heard you have moved. Good luck. Love A.Pat x

Dad Great news Jess! I am particularly excited about you visiting an island with "nothing but toilets on". Doesn't it even have any trees? I am trying very hard to imagine an island populated entirely by latrines. Must be exciting place to visit. Perhaps you can chew your swizzle beans there? That aside, sounds like you're having a brilliant time. Although the questionable headgear might suggest too many swizzle beans. Glad to hear you have obtained the betterer job - and the apartment. So much great stuff all at the same time. Very glad for you. Miss you lots! Dadxxx

wendy Hey pops glad you got job Jess must be my amazing reference that swung it! Glad you are having a fab time. I can't believe how brave you are. See you in the summer love pips xx