Goodbye Australia. It's been great!

Another morning of lying in bed watching the lorikeets climbing round on the gum tree inches from the bedroom window. What a treat!

Breakfast at the best cafe in town. Definitely the best one in Balmain. Charlotte's. G went to yoga and met us there, along with half the class and teachers apparently.

G went home to get organised for her birthday bash this afternoon while we had a walk down to the waterfront, a whole new bit that's been tidied up with walkways and looks across the water to the bridge. Rather a good spot to watch the New Year fireworks! Decided definitely that Balmain's the spot, not Noosa, if we win the lottery!

Back round to the doggie park, where we spent a happy half hour, watching the antics of all the dogs charging around having fun together, stealing each other's balls (that doesn't sound right...). A schnauzer puppy reminded us of Henry. I could spend all day there. They are so entertaining.

Toby roused himself from bed after a late night celebrating his soccer win. We were first in the queue to check in, so anxious were we to make sure we were on the flight.

What is it about airports? Vast acreages of perfume and alcohol, and no place to get away from the tinny screechy Muzak!!! iPod to the rescue- ?MY choice of music (Admiral Fallow, Paul Buchanan, Noah and the Whale).

JR being a Gold Emirates member, is allowed in the Lounge with free nuts, drinks, and all sorts of goodies unknown to a mere economy traveller. Muzak-free too. I was NOT allowed. Rules is rules! I will make up for it in Dubai, where I AM allowed in this hallowed space.

So I'm sitting with my paper cup of coffee, finishing off the bag of crisps in my case, and doing today's blip, which is of Rufus, G's dog. He's 12 years old and is quite a character. He used to be quite naughty, running off when out for walks, but in his mature years he's quite sensible, although definitely rules the roost. He's lost his youthful good looks, and no longer skips up and down the stairs, but if he thinks a walk is in the offing, he's like a puppy.

It was so nice to have another unscheduled visit to Sydney, although it really wasn't at the time. It's definitely my favourite city.

Roll on Dubai and Business Class!