Ah, it's so good to be down under again! Perth is a delightful city with the range of "seaside" adventures you'd imagine but also rolling vineyards, areas of pine plantations and a proud history of being the first free-settler town in Australia.

I've spent a great week here staying with Mum's friends Valerie and Ian. They have been amazingly kind and taken me on many day trips to the surrounding areas - wine tasting in the Swan Valley (obviously a hit with me!); swimming at Sorrento beach; experiencing life as a convict in Fremantle prison; local 'cultural' events i.e. the ballet school version of Swan Lake (sweet); and many evenings of good food and delicious wine.

Also managed to catch up with Eszter, a Swiss girl I met in Vietnam, and the infamous Henry Morgan... Can I just mention that I went to the WACA on the forth day of the Ashes Series? Thought a few of you may be a little jealous? Obviously our efforts were poor but seeing Warnie and McGrath bowling were highlights. I'm scarily getting really into cricket - sure it must be all that projectile motion getting the geek excited?!

Finished my time here at a carol concert in the park. Strange to have to keep reminding myself that it's nearly Christmas.... Glad the frenzy of Oxford Street can't get to me here! Hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing and family filled Christmas. I'm off to borrow Sarah's! Hope to hear from you soon. S x