Hello from (now) Sunny Oz......!

And a very Happy New Year to one and all! I hope you had a good one whatever you did and whereever you were. Let's all hope for a fantastic 2010.

So, after having such a great Xmas it was absolutely fantastic to follow that up with one of my best New Years ever. I was buzzing so much at Hong Kong airport and upon arriving back in Sydney I was on a real high despite only get an hours sleep. It felt great to be back and getting to Dazza's and seeing an oh so friendly face from back home was brilliant, especially since we got straight on Skype and had a chat to Dom, (Mrs Wilson). Nice start to NYE.

Despite buzzing and insisting I did not need any sleep, I did find myself having a couple of hours snooze..... Upon waking up I found myself driving around Coogee Bay and Bondi in Dazza's 'Bluebird' running errands! Was great to be driving made even better when I saw my Lucy, (little sister) and her boyfriend (Tom), walking along Bondi front. I jumped out the car and ran over to give her a big hug. Was great and we headed back to Dazza's to start the festivities. After a fantastic lunch prepared by Nikki and Jenny, (friends of Dazza's), and a few beers we were off to Dazza's girlfriend's (Janine) house for a party. We had so much fun and it was so great being with friends and family. Dazza has got a great life out here with a whole bunch of good friends, (although most of them seem to have gone to the same Uni and they've just copied each other......!). For midnight a few of us headed up to Dudley Page Reserve which is a 30 minute walk North of Bondi up a hill and has amazing views of Sydney, the Harbour and the Fireworks. Was awesome although my hand is not steady enough or nor am I or my camera skilled enough to capture it. We headed back to the party and the rest is fairly vague. A big shout goes out to Jenny for helping me get home, we have no idea how but after a walk, a taxi, a stagger / run around Bondi junction to locate the correct bus, a bus journey and another walk we finally got back. 2 hours! We could of walked it quicker. Thank god for the 2 Ozzie dudes with there cracker snacks.....

Surprising I didn't feel too bad on New Years Day and we started where we had left off. I managed to speak to Kate from back home who was in my flat having a party with everyone. I must say that felt a bit weird and I had a pang of homesick-ness, (probably just related to the fact I hate to miss out). Anyways, I've seen the photos now and it looks like everyone had a good time - the ginger wig was a nice touch, (which reminds me, we had probably the biggest ratio of gingers at the house party in Bondi I've ever experienced - I think there was 6 of us, (including Ben who insisted he was Strawberry Blonde!), although not sure I like the Tuaca bottle being dressed in a Derby shirt.....

New Years Day was Fuzzy Field Day in Domain next to the Botannical Gardens in the City. Was a great festival despite the traumas we had getting in, (eventually made it in around 5pm). They also ran out of various types of booze. What sort of a festival runs out of alcohol. Anyways, was much fun and Krafty, (Crazy.....?!?), Kuts was amazing. He's from Brighton and never heard of him before but he was excellent and did a brilliant remix of Flash Gordon theme, (inspired us to watch Flash Gordon the following day whilst it poured down!). The Festival was made even more special with all the Giant Bats flying around.

We made it to the beach for 30 minutes on 2 January before the heavens opened - the rain put the outdoor cinema to bed so we went to the pub instead......

The last couple of days have been spent catching up with various people met prior to Sydney and spending time with Lucy and Tom. Did the Eastern Beaches walk from Coogee to Bondi today which was amazing, especially as when I walked round the corner and saw Bondi the sun came out in force!

Lucy and I are now chilling out, Tom, Nikki, Jenny etc have all gone home and Dazza and all the ex-pats have gone back to work so we are out of here tomorrow and I can't wait. It's been a whole lot of fun but I've spent a fortune, (it's soooooo expensive - 8 Bucks for a pint!), and have itchy feet and am ready to move on. We have a Campervan for a week so it's a Road Trip down to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. Really looking forward to it.

So, until the next time, I shall bid you all farewell and hoping all are well and being safe.

Cheers!

Matt.

P.S. Tuaca has not left my bag in Sydney - they are so strict over here and you get searched just leaving your front door........

P.P.S. 'Me Bird' has been loving the Ozzie 'guls' out here and also enjoyed a Chinese in China Town.