So here we are in Brisbane, beautiful, barmy, blissful Brisbane.

Its halfway through our trip, we cant believe how long it is since we left Teignmouth and how many fabulous sights weve seen and the superb memories we've captured along the way.

I guess major highlights have been swimming and a bar b que on Christmas day. Walking The Sydney Harbour bridge was memorable, going 'to the races' at Meydan, Dubai will always now be the horse racing yard stick of excellence.

The low moments have been very few, the only one really that comes to mind is that 7 letter word beginning with 'C' We watched with hope in Melbourne for a test to turn around. We had hope in Sydney, with 2 days booked at the S.C.G. and got not even One full day played. But as yesterday was Peters birthday and for 90% of the day a wonderful venue at The Gabba, Brisbane for a O.D.I. with perfect weather and the utter belief of a win. But what happened was totally unbelievable to any Cricket fan. Thank god our 'Trip' slides into its 2nd half without that 'C' word anymore.

Brisbane is brilliant. Its the nicest city imaginable. A lovely river meanders through the centre, very like London, but its a neat, tidy place. Built on a grid system so simple to navigate, public transport is terrific and the 'City hopper' ferry is free! But I guess its greatest plus is its perfect weather 26 - 28 degrees C day and perfectly warm nights where you can sit out, relax and dine under the stars in similar temperatures. Perfect!

So tonight to celebrate Peters birthday properly, I'm taking him out for dinner on a paddle steamer on the Brisbane river. Weve had some lovely days exploring the city but tomorrow we pack our bags once more to head to New Zealand. Christchurch, here we come, more news later, until then, bye 4 now.