E is now back in Sydney - an airport hotel to be precise - waiting on M returning from Perth. On Sunday we head off for the Snowy Mountains then Canberra. More later.

This blog is a wee bit difficult because M has gone to Perth and E is in Terrigal. M decided to fly over to see Tracy, Hamish and Gary before we left Australia and I took the opportunity to have some time to catch up with the many bits and pieces that need doing before we head off: sorting out flights and accommodation planning our route through Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines forward planning New Zealand and South America sorting out our USA visa ...

Back at Jean's again and just survived the Australian General Election - geeeez! Keven Rudd seems very popular although I cannot help having a sense of deja vu with the UK elections a year ago. However, good luck to them because Howard has been unpopular for such a long time and for many reasons. Can't help wondering what George W Bush will make of his new ally: White House staff: "Mr President, Kevin Rudd, the new Prime Minister of Australia is on the te...

More later

Here for the beer - at the inaptly named, Pub With No Beer. More later.