Well it has been over a month since the last post and so much has happened since then and I hope the lack of size of this blog is made up with the photos that you may have seen.
I did finally get to see Koala's, actually saw a fair few, but I will say I did have to go on a tour and we did goto a Koala park so I did cheet a little. I also got to stoke a Kangaroo and a few wallabies which was great fun, they are very soft. It was then on to see the Little Penguins (yes that is actually there name) which was fun to see these tiny penguins try to run up the beach and some would fall over - sorry no photos as we were not allowed due to the lights, but the council are allowed to errect gaint flood lights for the toursist!!
Well it was back to Sydney to meet Claire. We met on the steps of the Opera house and it was lovely yo see her again, and it did feel like a bit of home had come over to visit. We then planned the next month, as this was what I had left in Oz. We actually planned quite a busy month as there was a fair bit I had not done the first time through. One thing we did do lots of was walking. Here are just some of the things we have done.
- Went to Manly (a suburb of Sydney) hired bikes and rode up to a few viewing spots. Went for a walk which lasted about 22km, but we did have a lovely picnic with beer. Discovered that the seagulls don't like Haribo. Drank beer from Litre tankards. A bit too much in one go. Had an awesome hot Chocolate from a company called Max Brenner
- We did all the Museums/galleries/art shows/gardens as possible, to the point of being cultured out. Some of the art we saw was just weird and the artiest are not on this planet. Who decides to paint a canvas black and call it blue!!
- I had a go at cooking apple and potatoe rosties for the first time. They were not bad but not sure if Delia's recipe takes into account the different types of ingredients in Oz. Claire made an awesome bread and butter pudding and Normandy pork.
- We have walked around Sydney City centre and have learnt about the history of the place.
- Went to the Sydney Sky Tower for dinner. What an amazing experience. The buffet was has got to have been the best I have ever had - really I am not joking. of course we had the view of sydney by night, but the food. Oh My God. the chocolate mud cake was immense. The courses: Salad+sea food (had my first oyster), curry, BBQ and veg, meat (kangaroo etc), pudding. We had to walk very slowly home, rolling would have been easier.
- Went to the Opera House to see a show that used circus skills. Lots of jumping, bending, throwing each other and close up skills.
- Running was a big part of the last month. We went at least twice a week as it was sunny for most of the time.
- Football - yes thats right, we went to see the opening match and then to see England play USA, had to get up at 3am to watch it, but it was worth it - apart from drawing. it was a great atmosphere.
- Wine tasting. We went to the Hunter Valley which is the main wine growing place in New South Wales. We drank a lot of wine that day, and most of it very tasty, especially the reds and fortified wines. We could have spent a fortune on wine, we only spent a small fortune!! The view from the hostel was awesome. Came face to face with a large snake (at least 2m) we changed direction. Only later did we find out it was non-venomous.
- The Blue Mountains. This was an awesome experience. The views were spectacular. We did the usual tourist places Three Sisters etc, but also went to another place not seen much. Found a great antique warehouse - if only I have lots of money, oh and a house!!
- We have eaten and drank very well, especially $10 steaks. But thanks shouls also go to Claire's Aunt and Uncle (Jan and Chris) and June.
- Rugby. We saw England win against Australiain the ANZ stadium the same Johnny won the 2003 world cup for us. They played really well and we did get to Johnny putting it over the posts as well. The English crowd was buzzing, lots of chanting and singing - the Ozzies were rubbish

What I do need to say that I have been converted. Claire encouraged me to try egss, something I have been avoiding most of my life. I will of course eat them in things, just not a boiled egg/fried etc, but I have been eating them for the last 4 weeks and I have not looked back. Thank you for letting me see the light.
Tonight we are off to go Ice Skating which should be lovely. I leave Oz on Sunday for NZ. Claire stays in Sydney to work. Claire thank you for a great month it was amazing. Good luck with your trip and your work.
It may be a while til the next blog as I will be zooming around NZ for the next 6 weeks.
Take care everyone.