Arriving back in Sydney on Friday we are hit by the familiar heat wave, although not as intense as when we were here 3 weeks ago. This time we have been kindly invited to forego the B&B and are staying with our good friends John and Caron Palmer in St. Ives, a north shore suburb of Sydney. They live in a lovely home on a quiet, leafy street, with their 3 children, Nick, Chris and Lily Rose.

We arrive fairly late but in time for dinner, which we have with Caron and John at a good local Japanese restaurant, within walking distance. Our contribution of a couple of bottles of NZ wine was useful, as it is common practice for Australian restaurants, particurlarly in the suburbs, to be unlicenced, so BYO is encouraged.

Saturday we head off to the Sydney Antiques Centre, a 200-dealer emporium. Widely varied quality as well as prices. At the upper end, both price and quality were up with what we see in London. No purchases this time as we're conscious of weight allowances and Glenna already said she cannot sacrifice any of her shoes to make room for Georgian silver.

It's Mardi Gras and the parades and festivities in Sydney are legendary. The whole CBD (central business district) is shut down, so we decide to avoid it tonight by going to the theatre away from the centre of town. A small fringe theatre - The Ensemble- in Kimbilli on the North Shore. It was a one-hander starring Australian actress Amanda Muggleton in the world premier of "Just the Ticket". Well, we were in for a treat. It was great fun and full of laughs. John even had a small part, as there was a bit of audience participation and we were in the front row.

Pre-theatre, we dine at a local restaurant- A la Facon de Shimizu - a fusion of French and Japanese. Very good it was. First time I've had lamb cutlets in a miso jus!

Sunday and we're off to drop some 'excess luggage' at the d'Avigdors as Glenna's shopping exploits are causing problems with the airlines' luggage policies. Before we get there we stop off at the Sydney Fish Market for an al fresco lunch on the harbourside. It is an enormous market, bustling with activity, selling all manner of the freshest fish and shellfish—including many creatures we have never heard, such as the Moreton Bay Bug which truly looked prehistoric. It seemed that all of Sydney were there doing their shopping, as the market includes delis and fruit and vegetable stalls as well. The fish is sold both uncooked to take home, as well as cooked in all possible ways, to eat there, outside on picnic tables. A must-see if you're in Sydney.

We return to the Palmers for dinner en famille, which turned out to be a full English Sunday roast. This wasn't done solely for our benefit; they have one every week - the full roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings. Wonderfully delicious. Auld habits die hard. Keep the flag flying, John and Caron.