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3 photos lurking on the camera, first up the view from Chez Benton, my second home in Oz… and then a pic of Sydney Museum… wow.. thrilling eh?

**updated**
and the first thing I saw in Sydney, a Waggamama mini… hmmm waggamama’s…

While I’m on the subject, THANKS to Benton for the primary Oz residence, collecting me from the airport and everything… thanks to Andy n Emma for the few days of chill time in their lovely (rustic bucket flush toilet included) “unit”.. thanksto Gemma, Paul and Lara for showing me a good time in Melbourne… shouts to Neil + Lucy, Felix, Kate, Lauren and all other cool peeps I’ve met out here.

I’m starting to feel a disconnection with Bomo… and whilst I’ll miss the weather, random animals, “how ya going?”s and the yummy choc/mint biscuits (think viscounts, without the wrapper and more minty), I’m looking forward to my return leg.

So what’ve you lot all been up to???

First up though, a trip to the bush/outback this weekend and then Thailand for 5 days, finally booked a hotel… well, i’m still waiting for my confirmation, but, cross fingers its all sorted…

Pics from yesterdays trip to the zoo to follow… took quite a lot so taking time to upload

              

The barracks, Hyde park… hyde park with an Ibis! (that ones for Mr M)

The Art Gallery of NSW, plenty of cool art… old, new and indigenous. cool giant match sculpture outside with view across to the CBD skyline - Mrs Macqueries chair, with views to…

Sydney harbour bridge and some weird pointy building…

The botanical gardens, including a rare pine that is 90 millions years old and they thought was extinct until about 50 years ago. (Wollemi pine)

Fruit bats loitering, lower botanical gardens and… one of the judges for Australian Idol planning the final at SOH this saturday!! haha

              

In the beast on our way to hunter valley - Arrival drinks on our balcony - Andy, after a glass or two… trying to eat grapes gracefully…

a stick insect (3 inches ish) - the “other guest”… who not everyone welcomed

Off for a day of wine tasting, First stops Rosemount Estate + Lindemanns, the brokeback mountains… what the sign says really! Beer tasting (for variety) at the Bluetongue Brewery

The main tasting session (and lesson in wine) at Pepper Tree Wines… hic…

Sunday (post swim and breakfast) views on our way down through hunter valley, across the great dividing range, a pub lunch in the middle of the bush and the view from near hunters ferry.

Back in Sydney now, no more wine for a week… probably…

              

the view from Andy + Emma’s unit - there is a sea glimpse just below the cliffs in distance!

Freshwater Beach (Freshies)
Curl Curl Beach (Curlys)
Views across to Manly

The tidal swimming pool at Freshie
Mr Crab (and friend)
Umbrella useage down under

Off to the Hunter Valley for some wine tasting now, woooooooooo! Next entry probably monday, have a great weekend y’all especially Carla - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

              

Taking a few days chillin at Andy n Emma’s lovely little unit (flats are called units here, weird eh?).

Nice to take some time to chill, plan and read… take a wander to Curl Curl and Freshwater Beaches when I feel like it and work on “plan A”.

A couple of pics for you..

Andy n Emma @ Curl Curl
Sunset over the unit
Lucy, Neeeeeil and I

              

Sydney in the distance from a cool fish n chip shop and Bondi beach at night.

A night in Melbourne’s southbank… a casino… the giant flame display… a giant donut!… and the dodgy coloured 3 dollar dacquiris!

My kind hosts (later on in the casino evening) - Gemma, Mark and Lara - THANK YOU! - their Beautiful home the next morning.

A night out in Melbourne, Ellen + Sarah, Dave, Gemma + Lauren

“Can I just get some Chips?” -

Downtown (cool architecture - very random mix of “old” n new) - including the ball bearing factory they left inside a brand new shopping centre.. odd but cool

The great ocean road, Plymouth, Surf City, Bell’s Beach

A close encounter with the rare Echidna - the only mammal other than the Platypus that lays eggs!