wed 7th april T-3

winter is coming - the weather has been much colder and raining all morning so we started packing and a little cleaning up. Sunny 24 now - my US Internet neighbour has been on skpye for past hour talking home so it must be free

We have stunning views from window over harbour and opera House and will send photos when home as I am confined to an Internet backpackers cafe in a narrow booth with a tatty keyboard..

A beautiful white liner arrived this morning in the fog and rain -not what they would expect in Sydney. Next time we will cruise back part of way to Singapore

For the first time this morning we went to Paddy's market and china town and we don't know why we have ignored in the past . Fascinating and all stalls and stores including pharmacist are Chinese - most cannot speak English well .

We did a little shopping for kids and coffee etc and i wanted to but a Tilley hat and some shorts - Aussie style with pockets but could not find .

I received an email with photos from Montreal -It looked a very nice occasion and everyone weathering well and looked well G&A - the first time i had seen all family. You are all dressed for occasion and appreciate we are getting older when i see Anna and Issie now growing into young ladies .

Where was Adam - he isn't usually camera sky! Good job he is not at school here in Sydney as the 6th form kids as tall as Adam dress in shorts,blazer and long socks plus cap with long hair peeping out.

I looked at web page of uni - California is great -Tim has been to Santa Barbara . We have plenty of opportunities to visit California. I assume it is 9 hour flight - can you fly from Ottawa

We have a super exchange House on Lake Tahoe when you visit if you want to add on a short holiday - super on edge to lake plus skiing nearby. Tom is an attorney in Sacramento and is coming to QQ this summer -he owes us 3 weeks at least . You have visitor of a bear at night - no joking

I haven't heard from home as yet -they do not read blog but sent a short email to Phil,Chris and Tim. Back for election tedium - James is going to vote for Gordon!

Pretty much back to reasonable normality so should be able to manage luggage on sat - we are business class with beds which helps - agree BA - no news of strike

Ma is waiting for home to 'see family' -we have had OLH decorated so will be bare as all pictures down . One of joys of this holiday is no mail.

Tomorrow we are going again to Botany Bay and lunch in sea food restaurant overlooking sea - well recommended .

Get Adman to email how he likes uni - has he accepted place or just looking