Sydney!

Hi all - so sorry I haven't posted since I've been in Australia! I'll have to do a recap quickly for all those interested.

Arrived in Sydney on Thursday 24th April and Angus, Rebecca's (Goldschmidt - cousin) boyfriend picked me up. We then went back to their flat which is in Darling Harbour and has the most amazing views overlooking Circular Quays - which is where the Sydney Opera House and the Bridge are. We ordered pizza and then after a shower I fell into bed and crashed - hadn't really slept on the journey out.

Friday 25th April - Anzac Day

Got up and we went for a swim on the infamous Bondi Beach. It was a little cold and the sun wasn't out much, but really refreshing and a great way to start the day.

Bondi beach wasn't really all I expected it to be - I thought it would be much bigger!

Lucky for me it was a National Holiday - Anzac Day. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. I guess its a bit like our 'Remembrance Day' in November.

After the swim we headed to an area called 'Paddington' for a pub for lunch and to take part in the National day's traditions. They play a game called '2-UP' on Anzac day which was brilliant and one of the best gambling games ever - although I didn't do very well on that front!

You have a square ring where 2 coins or discs labelled with a head or tail are thrown, after you bet either heads or tails, (it has to be both coins on either both heads or both tails). You bet in notes and if you're betting heads you hold the note(s) on your head tapping it shouting the amount you want to bet. You have to find someone else with the same amount and you hold the bet with them - swapping money and then the coins are thrown. Basically its a game of 50-50 and doubling your money, if the odds fall in your favour!

You can just see the people in the picture holding money up and looking for the coins as they'd just been thrown!

Some people had made loads of money, I bet small and lost small and quit before I did any more damage!

We were out all day and all night drinking!

Its been a while, however, I don't think I disgraced myself too much! Went to some places on 'Oxford Street' called 'The Light Brigade' and 'The Paddington Inn'.

Saturday 26th April 2008

Got up and we were all feeling a little delicate! The sun out today and it was gorgeous.

Went down to a local yacht club and had some food and then Rebecca and I went to Circular Quays and caught a ferry across to a place called Watson's Bay. Here are the typical photo's I guess every tourist takes in these areas. Travelling by water is definitely the best way to see some of the beautiful scenery around Sydney.

Watson's Bay - below

Ended up popping into St.Vincent's the Hospital where Rebecca works because I developed a really nasted skin infection/cellulitis/infected lymph nodes in my left armpit!

We got some food and had 'chuck' on the 'barbie' in the evening and just chilled out.

Went to bed early-ish as flight's tomorrow early!