Travelog for: (Playmo)Bill

I have been wandering about, taking in the sights of a typical Australian property. Nik showed me these Eucalyptus (or Gum) trees. These are what koalas live in, and eat the leaves all day long! I picked up a couple of leaves and they have a sharp, distinct smell. Eucalyptus oil from these leaves are used in all kinds of different things - scented oils, soap, dishwashing liquid, laundry liquid, disinfectant, in tissues, shampoo, medicines, and even sweets!

Nik's Red Wattle Bird came to visit me while I was walking around - can you spot him in the Bottle Brush behind me?

Another very Australian sight - telegraph poles. These carry electricity to homes, but Nik says they can come down pretty easily in summer storms, then there can be lengthy blackouts.

Philéas and I welcomed another TV today - Dilbert! Isn't he cute?

(Playmo)Bill - your mission is to help Nik shop for a Father's Day present (as she's left it til the last minute as usual)

This is the Bucketts Way out of Stroud...

On the long, boring Pacific Highway...

Getting air in your tyres isn't easy when you're my size..

Wooow! Look at the size of this hardware store!!! I bet they even carry surfboard wax...

No wax  but some beautiful native plants called Kangaroo Paws...I was a little bit wary but Nik told us they're only named that because that's what they look like - there's none of the real thing!

Nik took us shopping at Stockland Greenhills after we left Bunnings.

(There must be some surfboard wax among these bags somewhere...)

There are warnings everywhere about not transporting horses around New South Wales because of the equine flu. I hope they all get better soon.

I LOVED going over the Hexham Bridge! I wanted to surf in the Hunter River, and Dilbert wanted to swim with me, but Nik wouldn't let us! She's no fun...

Mmm, barbeque...but where's the lamb? We all had a taste of a real Aussie beer. I wonder if I can get this when I'm home in Greece?

Fly the flag! It's not fair that some ethnic groups in Australia protest about people displaying the Australian flag.

Happy Birthday Rama!! Dilbert and I surprised Philéas by making this a joint birthday/farewell. Philéas is leaving to go to my mentor Areir!

I'm now in Sydney - home to the world famous BONDI BEACH!!! I can't wait!! Bec has school holidays coming up in 10days time and she says she'll take me to Bondi. At last - I can go surfing at one of Australia's most famous beaches.

I've spent the day scoping out the sinks in my new abode. They look good for surfing. Bec's got a surprise for me tomorrow she says. Wonder what it is?