And so to New South Wales

Apparently its not known why this state got its name (that is aaccording to my Australian History research tool...Bill Bryson's 'Down Under' book!).

I departed Melbourne on Thursday 12th April for a 3-day tour to Syndey, taking in Nelson's Promontory, most southerley point of mainland Oz, Lakes Entrance, The Snowy Mountains, Lake Jindabyne, part 1 of Canberra (Im planning to go back at end of April to stay/work for a while with Matt's old uni pastor) and arrived in Sydney Saturday night, the group then went out for a meal and drinks (free beer 10-11pm!). Being the sensible lightweight that I am I left at 11.30pm with the young christian couple in the group!

Tour was fantastic, 25 of us in total including driver, group got on well there was a stron english contingent and some good banter..... I managed to get best beds at both nights of accomodation! Highlights were wake-boarding on lake jindabyne (awesome experience even if you dont actually manage to stand up on the board! ) Also a hair-raising drive along Barry Way which is basically a dirt-track through the mountains at high speed with the very real possibility of plunging over the edge! We spent a few hours in Canberra at the Parliament House....so impressive, and the city centre (I'd been told Canberra is 'dead' by fellow travellers but I liked it).

Day 2 of Sydney I met up with my good friend Anna, whom I met in London last year, she took me round the harbour, got token tourist photos of the Opera House & Harbour Bridge plus so cool to be with an aussie friend for few hours! Later I headed to a South-Eastern suburb of Kingsford where Im staying for a week with Clare, sister of another aussie mate from London! Living with 3 christian girls for a week is a far cry from hostels in Melbourne! Tey even took me to their unichurch and milkshakes after at the campus-flat of Clare's housemates' bf Rod (cool name!). So even though I didnt plan to come to Sydney so soon God is paving the way for my 2 week stay, woohoo!! Money is fast running low though prayers for my survival would be much appreciated (and any contacts I could visist/stay with to save $s too!)

me at the border of Victoria & NSW

a night to remember in Lake Jindabyne!

English guys abroad, add alcohol.....

Now for the touristy Sydney pics....

On an aside, I looked at my diary today and noted it would be Matt's 31st Birthday on 22nd April. My thoughts & prayers are with each of you in Sutton who will find it hard this weekend, I wish I was with you all to gather for a giant hug.