We arrived in Melbourne to be picked up by Matt (a good friend from Brondesbury CC)and baby Tommy Stein... what a luxury to be picked up at the airport! Soon we were in Melbourne and whisked off down the Great Ocean Road to Suze's parent's house at Lorne. A beautiful spot overlooking the sea. We spent 2 fantastic days just relaxing and sunning ourselves on the beach, swimming in the sea and eating... lovely! On the way back up the coast we visited Bells beach (site of 50 year storm in the film Point Break!), another beautiful drive.

The next 2 days were spent at the Australian Open Tennis, Matt had managed to get us some tickets for centre court and we were very lucky to see Andy Murray, Federer, Jancovic, Roddick, Nalbandien, Serena Williams, Safina and Hewitt. I bought a fantastic hat with a Union Jack (see photos) on it to support Murray, who as ever only acknowledged the Scottish fans! I was fully expecting a lot of stick from our Australian cousins, however I only got abuse from one person... the guy who sold it too me! He told me he had not sold a Union Jack hat for a few years and that I was a very brave, stupid man. Obviously being Australian comes before making a sale. I was undetered! Matt did tell me that I should not wear it to Lords for the Ashes!

We have had a great time in Melbourne we have been treated to a fantastic time at Lorne followed by some amazing tennis and well fed and watered by Matt and Suze along the way. Tomorrow we make the trip to Perth as skiing and home draw closer!

I hope that you are all well, catch up soon. All the best.