Well this is it, my last day in Oz (for the time being at least) and I'm pretty upset to be leaving here because as I guess you all know I have had the best time in the country, met some great people and seen some of the most astounding sights - actually I'm devestated... Well I've had a great last few days in Sydney. On Thursday I met Jerene (who I'm going to be doing a bit of NZ with) and we did the wonderful 10k Manly Scenic Walk to Spit Bridge and it was well worth the worn rubber on my trekking trainers - great views, good weather, nice beaches to stop at and a pub at the end. Friday I just lazed around Manly beach for the day and then I was meeting Helen to spend the weekend with her. That night we got drunk in a place called Piedmont so on Saturday as we (and especially Helen) could hardly even remember our names we just chilled out on Bronte beach where Helen proceeded to snore and left me thinking "well the girl's been here a while she's obviously ok sleeping on the beach"... that night the Aloe Vera was out in force for Helen (sorry H but you looked so peaceful). Anyway, we were going to go to this punch party (yes I too was assuming that's the punch drink and not the fist kind) on Coogee Beach but in the end we had the best night in watching movies and doing girlie talk and I tell you what for a backpacker a night in lying on the sofa wearing your jim-jams and watching Blue Crush (a soppy surfing movie) and Jaws was heaven. So Sunday we both woke up full of the morning joy and did what girls together to best - went shopping (I needed warm clothes for NZ and more sunglasses). Then I left early pm and proceeded to my posh hotel in Circular Quays but met Helen about 6ish for the cinema followed by a bottle of wine at the famous (but well touristy) Opera Bar when suddenly the heavens opened and Sydney suddenly resembled a river. Running back to my hotel I got soaked so I thought oh well I'm wet anyway and there's a swimming pool on the roof with views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, so why not.... I tell you what, this was just a great weekend and Helen, thanks for having me and doing just normal stuff (you know I loved it). Today I'm going to be a real tourist and visit the Opera House, and Botanical Gardens etc. and then this pm I'm going to chill at the pool (that's if it stops raining) and then just get myself ready for my flight early tomorrow. Well that's it for now, for the time being I'll no longer be putting on my thongs and grabbing the esky to go bushwalking or escaping to the outback, instead you'll find me putting on my jandals, grabbing the chillie bin to go tramping in the wopwops... are you ready for this? See you in NZ boys and girls xxx