Australia

Already getting slack at keeping this up to date - apologies if there is anyone that actually reads this! Anyway, we had a great last few days in Oz.

I (Sally) went to Sydney to see my bro Tom and his girlfriend Fi. Our paths crossed finally - haven't seen Tom for far too long. We packed in almost as much as is humanely possible in 2 days including a trip to the Blue Mountains, the Opera House, the Rocks, Circular Quay and Bondi Beach. We stayed in the Wynard Hotel which ended up being pretty good for a hostel style of place. Right in the middle of town, walking distance to everything.

Meanwhile Linc was left to fend for himself in Melbourne. I heard mention a visit to the 'Green Rhino', and some pretty serious drinking. Whilst the cat's away.....?!

On Sunday I flew back to Melbourne airport where Linc, Greg and Rose arrived with all our baggage for the flight to Auckland. The lady at the queue noticed our excessive number of bags and we explained that we had mariners tickets so had double the normal allowance - in response she kindly announced to everyone that we were 'Seamen' as if we would get special treatment. Made us feel like ar*es!

After 32 hours of travelling, we arrived a little dazed in Melbourne. Sleeping pills made the 15 hours from LA to Melbourne go a bit quicker but it was a long trip. Linc warned me he'd get grumpy whilst travelling but didn't live up to his promise - or maybe I just didn't notice as I was passed out, probably snoring at the time!

Greg and Rose were there to collect us (Linc's eldest bro and wife) and take us back to their fantastic new appartment in downtown Melbourne.

After dosing up on caffeine and a hot shower we headed to the dockland for a great lebanese lunch followed by a trip to the 52nd floor of Rose's office to see the sights of the city.

That was topped off with a stop at Suga to see how Rock is made and Max Brenner's chocolaterie for a Suckao (chocolate shot). Greg felt brave and had a hot chocolate with chilli, cinnamon, cayenne & nutmeg - we're awaiting the after-effects!

Then it was back to the appartment to chill before heading out for our next meal!

Day 2 - Sunday

After an early start, a walk in the park and spectacular pannetone french toast courtesy of Greg - Rose, Linc and I headed to see Sue & Geoff's new beach property at Frankston (Linc's Aunt and Uncle). It's going to be spectacular.

After the grand tour we drove out to the winery region and stopped for a great Italian/Greek/Spanish tapas lunch and local wine before returning to the appartment for a BBQ & Pimms!

I have a feeling this trip is going to be a culinary tour of Australia and NZ and I'm not complaining. So far all the meals we've had here way surpass anything we had in USA! There's only so many caesar salads and fried chicken wings anyone can take.