Well g'day there from sunny Sydney. Happy New Year to you all and hope you had a great Christmas break and got lots of lovely presents!

Getting into the city way of life now as I've been here for nearly 3 weeks. Obviously had to buy some shoes to help me fit in... Ah the joys of coming to a country where I don't feel like Big Foot (or the Hendersons?!). Have had the best time getting re-acquainted with Sarah and we've got up to a few japes in and around this fab town. The first week here saw me quaffing champagne at the opera bar (oddly it's next to the opera house - what an inventive name!), gate crashing Sarah's work Christmas party and travelling down to the Jones Family residence in Camden - luckily very different from the one in murky London town.

Obviously the whole Christmas thing then happened with me "borrowing" Sarah's family to share the time with. Despite the cold (well, ish) weather on Christmas day we filled the time with daft games, opening presents and watching Lara, Sarah's niece, doing mermaid impressions.... hilarious! I was given some top quality stickers to use when I return to the Woods (SHOP!). On Boxing Day the weather finally improved and I spent the day by the pool. Hurray! We probably spent the rest of the week in much the same way as you all did but a lot warmer....

Returning to Sydney to prepare for the approach of Henry "plasterer" Morgan we felt the need to buy some white sheets because togas are an essential part of any quality NYE celebration - and we wanted to look at Henry's legs! New Year's Eve saw us standing on a random train station to get a good view of the fireworks over the harbour bridge. Fabulous! Finished the evening partying into the wee hours and not losing my sheet once. Phew! Obviously needed to spend some time on a beach on New Years day - well, why not - so went to Coogee for a few hours of recovery.

Spent the rest of the time doing touristy sight seeing with a trip to Manly beach on the ferry - stunning views of the city from the harbour; walking in the blue mountains - managed to lose Henry but hey, no-one will notice; cocktails in the 360 degree bar at the top of the Sydney Tower - even more stunning views of the entire city from the sky; and I'll briefly mention the unmentionably poor performance of the Ashes test viewed from the members stand on the final day. Yes, I have been getting a lot of grief about it.... 5 - 0, no way, who on earth would do that badly?!

Apart from that the time has been filled with much frivolity and a need to let my liver recover. Hope all is well with you and that your 2007 is filled with joy, happiness and peace.

Much Love, S x

By the way, stop nagging me.... the photos are now there (only selected few, don't panic!)