Clare writes:
So here we are in Sydney at last! Rather unfashionably, we took the bus - a mere 23 hours from Adelaide. We were a bit worried what our accommodation (booked back in August) would be like and have been astonished to find ourselves booked into the most hospitable motel in the city, possibly the world! Anthony and Anna-Maria, the management of the City Crown Motel, not only instantly invited us to join in-house celebrations on Christmas Day, but also invited us to their penthouse apartment with amazing views of the city for the massive new year fireworks at New Year.

We have a little Christmas tree in our room, a few cards that turned up (very welcome-ly) at the Post Restante, and a selection of tasty comestibles. We do not suffer any kind of desperation, no indeed. But for those of you who yearn for a sunkissed yule like outs, envy not, for it is a little bit overcast, and showers forecast.

As for our computer problems, a very tall aussie computer repair man came today (at great expense) to inform us our computer has a problem! All is not repaired. In fact it is much the same, so though we continue to try to communicate with the world beyond (that means you) it is not always easy or successful... and we think of you all in this festive season...

Happy Christmas to all our readers!!