Hello again. . . . . Well, I am still in Sydney, the sun is shining and I am chilling out after Melbourne. I haven't really done much since being back here, but I am happy just relaxing and spending some time with Xanthe. She has to work in the day, so I just head down to Coogee beach or the city and just read and yeah, chill. . . . . I am doing lots of cooking again, which is great fun and very much appreciated by Xanthe!

We have been out a few times, once to see 2 of her friends in a Karaoke competition. Now, that's not as bad as it sounds. . . Well, not quite as bad. . . . . They had got through to the finals, so you would hope that the people in the finals could sing. . . . ? Well, obviously some of them were clearly nervous on the day (That's me being kind), but most could actually sing. . . . some of the stuff was not to my taste but still, it was a good night. . . . . Needless to say the girls didn't get a place, but it's the taking part that counts - Well done girlies! The guy who won, might I add, did deserve to win as his first song was Sweet transvestite from the 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' and yes, he dressed up for the part (very funny).

We also met up with Claire and Nick again. . . . . On Saturday, we took the endless bus journey (2 hours) up to Palm beach (supposedly where they film Home and Away - Yippee!). We arranged to meet the guys there and after a hike up to the Lighthouse we found Claire and Nick well on there way to getting merry. . . . . . A few beers had been drunk and half a bottle of wine. . . . . Needless to say we helped them finish the rest and had a very nice afternoon catching up and eating cheese and biscuits.

The afternoon soon disappeared, so after watching the sun vanish we decided to head back to Dee Wye (where Claire and Nick live) to have a few beers and get some food. . . . They had been recommended a nice Thai place!

So, we jumped back on the bus and Claire said "Don't worry about paying, I'll pop you on my card pass". Ok, coolio, we thought and jumped on. . . . . about 30 minutes later the bus got ambushed by loads of inspectors. . . . . ! Now you know what's coming don't you? Well, as cool as you like, Claire offers up the ticket and says, I have punched it 4 times for all of us. . . . . "Well" the guys says. . . . . . "The ticket isn't valid for all 4 of you for the distance you are traveling". Hhmmmmm. . . . . . " So, if I am to follow the letter of the law, I should fine your friends here for not having a ticket". Now then. . . . . You may remember me saying before that Claire (bless her) can talk for England. . . . . ? Well, I think she must have confused the poor old sod that much by talking, then offering another ticket that she uses for the city and rambled some more. . . . . Well, the guy disappeared, then came back and said he had punched the other ticket for us. . . . . He went on to say that Claire must be so confused that he will let us off theis time, but said to ask the driver in future if unsure. . . . . ! Claire was obviously a little embarrassed as the bus was full of people heading into the city. . . . . I just sat there and laughed and Xanthe never said a word. . . . Being an Australian, her accent would have gave her away and well, who knows what would have happened. . . . . ?!

So, after the crazy bus journey back, we headed to the pub for a few pints. . . . . I had Guinness for a change! We sat there and chatted for an hour or so then headed to the restaurant. . . . . The food was great, claire was drunk. . . . It was a great day and night. . . . . So much so that I decided to stay for another week as they invited us out again on Saturday to go away with them whale watching up the coast. . . . .Should be fun. . . . ?! We got home late that night and I watched most of the FA cup final, before getting very sleepy and bored of it. . . . !

The rest of the week has been pretty chilled, more of the same really! We are due to go out on Wednesday night to see the 'State of Origin' rugby game. . . . A big Queensland vs NSW clash. . . . . ! Followed by on Thursday, Pirates of the Caribbean 3. . . . Can't wait to see that!

So, just a quickie for now. . . . . . Goodbye from sunny Sydney!