What's going on at Watson's Bay...?

It's been pretty hot here for the last few days, so what better way to overcome the heat than fish and chips and a long walk around Watson's Bay?! Yum, Yum - Deeeeelicious......

Always conscious of the sun damage potential due to the hole in the ozone layer over Oz, we were careful to "slip, slap, slop..." This method means that I so far have absolutely no suntan. We walked all the way from Watson's bay to Nielsen Park - let me assure you this is a pretty long way in 35 degree heat, up hill, with a buggy - but it was absolutely worth it - what beautiful views!

I was especially happy when I realised that I was just round the corner from my new flat! Ocean View Avenue, here I come.....

Australia (lots of vintage cars) Day

There's always something going on here and one of the most exciting "goings on" this week was Australia Day. For those of you that don't know Australia Day, also known as Anniversary Day and Foundation Day, is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, the unfurling of the British flag at Sydney Cove and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia (yes, I've been revising for my citizenship exam)......



There was lots going on, but it seems that the way most people celebrate Australia Day is by looking at vintage cars... lots of vintage cars..... I have no idea what these have to do with "flag unfurling" and "first fleets" and neither did any of the people I asked.....

It was a very enjoyable day, despite the rain (yes, seriously it rained). If I find out about the significance of the cars I'll be sure let you know.....

Working Out at Bondi

As I've got a bit of extra time on my hands, I decided to head down to Bondi for a workout. The resident photographer must have recognised me as Junior Under 12 Gymnastics Champion (West Midlands Region - not a joke), and asked me to strike a pose. This was all I could manage but I thought it was pretty good for my age........

First Week

First week over and I've acheived quite a lot:

• Opened a bank account
• Got a mobile phone
• Found somewhere to live (more about that later)

Unfortunately finding a job doesn't seem to be so easy. I have tried to sell myself as a speech therapist, a babysitter, a PA and an administration assistant. Apparently the credit crunch has also hit Australia and no one is interested. As a result I have been spending a bit of time at the beach........Bridge climbing

Boat spotting......
Practising taking photos of myself with my camera (A skill I will have to become good at I think)

.... And snorkelling.......

Hopefully someone will realise they need my services once Australia Day is over. Until then I'm sure I can find more things to amuse myself.....

Home Made Vanilla Custard

No time to put your feet up when staying with the Whittles! I was immediately put to work making crumble and vanilla custard as part of the "traditional Saturday afternoon BBQ". Luckily I had a little bit of help with the whisking...... thanks Fergus.

Ingredients (serves 4)
1 cup milk
1 cup thickened cream
1 vanilla bean (see note)
4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon cornflour
1/3 cup caster sugar
As a special treat (and reward for making such a lovely pudding), Helen and Fergus took me to Neilsen Park for a quick sunbathe and swim. Helen decided to wear two hats - she told me this is trendy in Australia - "Everyone is doing it"..... I got my first proper look at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House - I can really believe I'm here now. Top temperature - a balmy 27 degrees. The job hunting starts tomorrow......maybe.......

First Stop Valdobbiadene.....Last Stop Rose Bay

This exciting journey begins in Italy with my mum for some skiing and sightseeing - Murano, Venice and the Dolomites.

Good news is.....I'll soon be swapping this tea cosy for my bikini....arrivederci Italia, G'Day Australia!

After a very long sleepless 24 hr flight via Abu Dhabi, in the company of Stephen Fry, I arrived safely in Sydney.

Carrie and Nicola kindly advised me to take some Valerian root on the flight to help me sleep. Not only did they not work......but the sniffer dogs sniffed them out. Apparently herbal remedies are not allowed into Australia.

A couple of hours in Quarantine later, and I was finally released......to a very warm welcome from Team Whittle.