Sydney

On the way south down the northern coast of New South Wales, we stopped at the city of Newcastle for a dip at one of its excellent beaches. However the city itself, a very industrial place dominated by its massive port and rail freight sidings, did not tempt us to hang around, and so we drove onwards another 100km or so to Sydney, completing a long day's drive.

We set up camp shortly before dusk at a fantastic camp site within the Lane Cove River National Park - allowing us to stay in the van, within a half hour bus ride of the centre, with all the facilities you could shake a stick at, for $34 a night. Luxury indeed! Beers and supplies procured, we were all set.

We spent about 3 days in Sydney, which was enough for a quick taster, as we'll be back later. We managed the obligatory walks around the Opera House (with view of Harbour Bridge - two birds, one stone) and the CBD (which was less exciting but at least allowed Hannah to buy me a birthday present and allowed me to get the chest X-ray necessary for my working visa application). We also went to the suburb of Manly on the famous Manly Ferry, which has the atmosphere of a neat little town: it's blessed by having beaches facing both the harbour and the ocean, within 10 minutes walk of each other. We even managed to check out a comedy show at the Opera House (part of my parade of birthday presents).

While in Sydney I also managed to visit the Arup office and finally pin down my contacts there about when I might be able to start work and what I might be doing. It transpired that had Arup Sydney got the wheels rolling on the visa application back at the start of the year (i.e. when I started talking to them about opportunities), I could have started work immediately - the working visa will be valid for 4 years, and i'm only planning on staying 6 months! This was slightly frustrating as it has left Hannah and I slightly in limbo as to whether to wait out the 4-6 weeks expected until my visa is granted, or whether to complete our RTW trip via India and then for me to return to Oz.

However inertia is a powerful thing, and so is the attraction of touring Oz in our very own campervan. So we're staying here for the time being. This way, we might even make it into the Outback to Uluru... and beyond! Not sure at present. But stay tuned and you'll find out...

Robin