Hi from Canberra,

Quick update on the last few days in Sydney.

Sunday we went to Bondi beach it was a bit overcast but still pretty nice. Claire wanted to try and top up her tan and visit the market nearby. Well markets in australia are way more expensive than asia so we didn't buy anything. It was also a bit over cast so the beach was a bit chilly.

When we arrived I thought it looked a bit like hastings. All the buildings are very 1970s boxes - not a lot of charachter and the beach was surprisingly busy considering the weather.

It was a nice day and we decided we would come back when the weather was a bit better and see what it was like then.

Monday we did our own walking tour of the rocks and visited the modern art museum of NSW. We used the route in our lonely planet and started at the art gallery which is mostly closed for repairs. However there was one exhibition open that was very interactive. Lots of buttons to push and silly sounds to make. So it was like a giant kids playground, we spent a good hour mucking about in there.

After that we strolled though the rocks looking at the museum about the first settlers and the plan to demolish the area in the 70s to make way for new high rise developments - luckily it was saved by the unions to make sure workers accomidation would always be available - bet there aren't many working class families living there now!

We passed the yha which has an achealogical dig in its basement and the oldest house in australia. Before venturing out onto the bridge to take photos over the harbour (not the full bridge climb - no way I'm going up there!)

Tuesday we took it easy and went to the cinema. Lots of walking had taken it out of Claire so we decided to ride the free bus round town and popped into the local supermarket to buy an awesome fish mix... yum.

Wednesday the weather was scorching and so we went to back to bondi. Its a lot better when its sunny.

Thursday we checked out and got on the bus to Canberra. It took about four hours and we arrived to meet Jeanene at the local irish bar. From there it was a wine and cheese meddly that ended with me passing out after seeing kangaroos at sunset. I don't even remember man handling their cat!?!

Friday we visited the australian art museum and portrait gallery. The art gallery was huge and very interesting. I even new a few of the artists (been hanging around Claire too long).
Afterwards we wandered back across the lake and into town. Its got a very manacured look to the city, reminds me a bit of washington dc. After that we had a quieter night as everyone was a little tired after the previous evening.

Mr P

Ps they have cider here.