Alrighty then... these blogs are all appearing on one day because the internet is expensive in this hotel, so we now have a dongle! Love that word. Wifi is now here and I can access the internet in my room, rather than paying $2 for 20 mins on the computers in the lobby (always imagining someone is looking over my shoulder).

The orange juice needs some explanation. After arriving I began to sneeze, alot. It was hayfever and it was awful, the worst I have ever experienced. I read in the newpaper today that it was the highest pollen count they have had in ages and that people with asthma were filling the hospitals, however some rain has dampened this down. On wednesday, it was andys turn to feel poorly and he took to bed after we had been out exploring the suburbs in the morning. I won't go into too much detail over andy's illness, but you can imagine...
Then as the hayfever wore off, I have had the pleasure of sneezing due to a massive head cold!

So... even with all these setbacks, we have been busy looking for an apartment and travelling the city (especially by tram as you can see in the photo).

Our Hotel

Down under

Well... It was a very long flight, the first half up to Singapore was ok as it was time to sleep and that was exactly what we did (as best you can in a seated position). There was a short stopover in Singapore, only an hour ish. The next section of the flight was a bit harder, the seats felt less comfortable even though they were the same ones (muscles started to cramp and ache), we should have slept again but the ol' body clock was saying it was time to get up and awake (so many films were watched).
The flight was 20 hours ish, so having left the UK 10pm Sunday and taking into account the time difference, we arrived in Australia, Melbourne at 7am their time. The weather was hot, hot, hot and reached 34 degrees.
We found our hotel, but there were no rooms ready. So we left our luggage and ventured out into the city. We decided on a drink to start, only orange juice *vitamins and minerals* to keep us healthy (this is a joke as you will find out). Decided to find the tourist information and pick their brains and leaflets/maps. Found out about the free bus and tram tours around the city, these were popular with andy and myself as it involved sitting down. 1 and a half hours later and we had seen all the major sights (at least I would have if I hadn't fallen asleep on the bus). At this point we decided that we would have lunch and then go back to the hotel and demand a room as neither of us was capable of doing anything else without sleep.
By 2pm we were asleep tucked up safe and sound in our hotel room. Zzzzzzzzz

Sitting on lawn chairs

At this moment I am not on the lawn chairs... they are in our front room as the sofas have gone. Right now I am in McDonalds, mostly due to needing some lunch, and no longer having anything in the kitchen to make lunch with, but also because we have no internet at home.

The house is pretty empty with only one move day left to go - and still plenty to be stuffed in the suitcases. It's all starting to feel real now - and the enormity of moving to the other side of the world for 2 years is exciting, but a bit unerving now it is so close.

Andy finished his job yesterday and enjoyed his leaving do, Stacey also sneaked out with the science department...Fab time had by all. Big thanks for all the cards and gifts, they are much appreciated.

Well... might not be able to comment again until we are on the otherside of the world, hopefully will be able to take pictures and get them to you asap.