My first sighting in 8 years of the land "Down Under" - Bondi Beach

Chem and I, reunited after 7 years, enjoy tea on her balcony.

My first view in 8 years of the Sydney harbour coming out of the train tunnel at Circular Quay.

Memories...the first time I took this ferry to Manly was in December '93, over 12 years ago!

Sydney is gorgeous!

Manly Beach, 15 minutes by Jet Cat from Circular Quay.

I don't know what they do to the water in Australia to make it so unbelievably clear.

Romina's house on Queenscliff, where I stayed the first week.

My room with an ocean view!

Romina's lounge, my bedroom is through the curtains.

On arrival I checked the surf from Romina's kitchen. It was up!

The next morning it was flat!

Luckily I found Freshwater, on the other side of the cliff, catching the south swell. I surfed here every morning at sunrise.

Freshwater or "Freshie" to the locals.

Looking back at "Freshie".

The seawater pool at Curl Curl. 12 laps and I was done. It was chilly! There were actually fish inside.

Aussie babes at the seawater pool.

Refreshed after a swim in the seawater pool.

Mandatory, a delicious Aussie latte.

You can never have too many...

Post surf breakfast, "soft" eggs, "thick" toast and vegemite...mmmm.

Back over in Manly, later in the day, there were still some fun ones to be had.

Walking home after a great day's surf. Romina's house was a 15 minute walk along the beach and up on the cliff behind me.

Ten Toes Yoga!

Romina, my gracious hostess.

The sun rose at Byron Bay (Australia's most Easterly point) about 22 minutes ago, before it rose here in Sydney. This is of course 17 hours before it rose in San Francisco!

Checking the surf from the top of the cliff just after sunrise...3 to 4 foot, looks good.

OK I checked surf, I am weaaring my wetsuit...hmmm did I forget anything? Ah yes sunscreen!

Midday at Freshie. It's still working.

The view, looking back at Manly, from the cliff where I was staying.

Romina's house, where I was staying, is tucked just behind these buildings on the cliff behind me.

Unplanned, wearing the same outfit!

The impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge

Romina's parents house, 40 minutes outside Sydney.

Romina's Mum's crazy dog, Chico.

The harbour on a windy day. Romina and I went in on the ferry, to Chinatown in the city.

The Opera House

Happy Birthday Buddha!

Peeking at Romina through the crowds.

The views of Sydney in the afternoon sun are breathtaking.

Romina contemplates her imminent trip to India.

Beancurd soup and Chicken lettuce wraps with the girls at Golden Century in Chinatown.

After a short flight from Sydney up to the Gold Coast, I arrive at The Eddy's home. Rachael and baby Kai model her parents house!

Rachael, Aiden and Kai enjoying giant sarnies at a cafe in Byron Bay.

In the gardens of our Balinese "style" guesthouse.

Our bathroom at the guesthouse.

The kitchen at the guesthouse.

View of our garden.