Well we made it to Sydney but after the fiasco of the Chinese visa in Canberra our first port of call was the Chinese embassy in Sydney. This time we did not even make it through the front door before being told we need to go to London or Edinburgh if we want a visa for China. Putting it behind us we changed our flights, canceled our trip and tried to forget about it; after all we are in Sydney.

Unbeknown to us it was world youth day in Sydney and there were thousands of pilgrims walking about singing, praying and taking up all the cheap hostel beds. Still we found a place on George St that was loud and dirty. First we had a fantastic day at the Blue Mountains, spectacular scenery and the steepest railway in the world. We then had a day at the beaches which included both Bondi and Manly. The Manly Ferry being a particular highlight as it was sailing the harbour for about 2 GBP.

The next day Drew and Laura arrived and we found a strange little hotel in Kings Cross by the name of Mclay lodge. Nothing strange about the hotel but the man on the front desk had a unique personality. First night we found a cheap steak and chips at Club Swan. Laura eating a steak as big as her without any help, much to the disappointment of both Drew and myself.

Next day we walked through the botanic gardens from Kings Cross for great views of the Opera house and bridge before meeting up with the Wallace's for a night out in Kings Cross. Special guest we had Laura Howard who had just arrived for a 6 month exchange to Sydney art school from Glasgow. Well being the ultimate frugalers both the loves and Wallace's brought a box of Goon to the party. Goon is a backpacker name for a box of wine. Apparently it is the aboriginal name for pillow? Whatever it is it is 4 liters of wine for $10 AUS.

Would love to tell you about the night out but all I remember is, throwing some dice, downing some Goon from a mug and waking up in the morning with a furry tongue. Good night apparently.Next day we headed to Olympic park. I almost drowned in the pool suffering from the worst headache ever. Must have been something I ate. Other highlight was the bmx park when we realised we were not as brave as we once were. Still a bbq dinner at Darling harbour made us all feel better.

Before we caught the bus to Byron Bay we all waited patiently to get up the Sydney Tower for panoramic views. Just as we were making progress a priest and 14 pilgrims from Italy decided to jump the queue. After a few choice words which will limit my own chances of making it through the big pearly gates we finally made it to the top for great views. Next stop Byron Bay and warmer weather hopefully.