On to Sydney After Perth we took a 5.5 hour flight across the country to Sydney. We then drove an hour north to Newcastle to stay with friends.

We were hosted by Annika's cousin Christian and his wife Rosa in Newcastle. On Christmas eve & day we were treated to some great meals from Rosa's fa... This is a version of Pavlova...a traditional Australian desert. The paper crowns come from "crackers" ...another holiday tradition We also tried camping (without the camper van) but weren't successful The trails were not as groomed as in the states and hiking was difficult. Plus...we kept getting attacked by these leeches. There were hundreds of them. Annika's leech scraping stick. Kristine takes a breather? The scenery.... ...and views were spectacular. Hey...only 205 KM to Sydney...lets go! Kristine won't make it to Syndey if she keeps falling down! We didn't end up camping because of the rough trails and the leeches... oh well! The whole crew...Rosa is ready to pop in a couple of weeks! This is Hyde park in downtown Sydney. It leads to the.... ....Sydney Harbor bridge and the ..... Sydney Opera House! ...views of the opera house.... looking east across the harbor local street busker Annika mediates! The harbor at night We had a really fabulous indian dinner with these views behind us You can hire this boat for cruises.... a bit much for our wallets! The famous Bondi beach just east of Sydney We walked from Bondi to Coogee beach and it It was quite windy. I guess it's always windy along this stretch of beach! Along the way we saw this unique public pool! the view from our 67th floor apartment in downtown Syndey!!!! We went to a last minute booking website and saved 500.00 off the regular price! Way cool! There's a jacuzzi behind us The view at night Annika and Kristine toast a successful vacation so far... Keith really does have shorts on....it just looks like he's naked! I had the flu that night....don't I look great? I did manage to shake the fever and was feeling better for our flight to Cairns