Sea Change

It's never a good idea to change Captains in the middle of the ocean; but that's just what I've done.
I came down with the flu in Sydney and spent almost two weeks in bed over the holidays. My place in London didn't rent for three months, and, when it did, I had massive plumbing problems just as the new tenant moved in. Now, halfway through my Australia trip, I'm returning to Vietnam for six months starting January 31 2008. Ticket restrictions, flight schedules, visa dates and delays in London have all contributed to these changes.
After July 2008, I will continue my Australia and New Zealand trip since I still have a ticket for that segment. No worries mate!

Australian Journey Begins

G'day Mates. So, where am I going? Haven't a clue. Most likely wherever the Greyhound bus will take me. I'm thinking about heading north to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock and returning via the Gold Coast or Melbourne. I want to see the authentic Australia with Kangaroos, Kuala bears and locals masquerading as crocodile Dundees. If I have to pay $6 for a beer in the Outback to see that, then that's OK.

Manly, Australia

Take a ferry or Jet Cat from Sydney to Manly and join the droves of Sydney siders as they walk down "The Corso". You'll find yourself surrounded by bars, boutiques, restaurants and skate-board riders. A beer in a bar will cost you $6 and an ice-cream cone $5. I chose an Australian rump steak dinner at the Cristal restaurant and it was worth every cent of the $12.90.
For a breathtaking view of the Australian coastline, take a bus from Sydney to Manly. The forty minute ride will cost you $4. Unfortunately, my trip has been marred by a severe case of the flu. Most of the holiday time was spent in bed nursing a Cuba Libre and Vegemite sandwiches. Also, I've had a hard time adjusting to walking upside down. Anyway, I think I'm ready now to start exploring Australia.