I am sitting in a cyber cafe in Cairns by the ocean watching a brilliant sunset. eat your hearts out you working stiffs (hee hee). I just got back from the great barrier reef. I had planned to dive, but… I started taking my malaria medication, which becomes toxic at certain levels under water, and was not allowed to use the tanks. So, I spent the day snorkeling. I was disappointed at first, but I actually got to see just as much and all the colors. Apparently, down under everything is blue…i guess that’s why they call it the deep blue. I got some fantastic photos and bought the video as backup. The water was crystal clear and the giant fish and sea turtles were magnificent. I even saw a shark, which did freak me out a bit. The sights on the boat rivaled those under the water. There were some hot Asians and sizzzzzzling aussie boys to feast on. I was picked up by a couple on their honeymoon and I’m meeting them later tonight for din-din. Don’t get excited Jack…they aren’t my type so i won’t be referring a divorce case your way. Yesterday, i went into the rainforest and saw all the plants and trees and even hugged a couple. We had a bath in a creek and grilled steaks. My time in sydney last week was a blast. Anne & Chip (the couple I’m staying with for those who don’t know them) are still a hoot. We bent a few elbows. Chip and I partied it up with the nancy boys on oxford street. Anne is sooooooo famous here. We get the best treatment when she’s with us…it’s great!!!!!! I’ve seen a couple plays and Chip sings with the australian choir. Anne & I went to see him perform at the sydney opera house. The casino in sydney is somewhat boring. I lost about US$50. I did some tours of the blue mountains and the Kiama blowhole (not as dirty as it sounds just wet). Tomorrow, I plan to go to an american pub and watch the election coverage while sipping a few victoria bitters (beer). Blah blah blah…I’ll keep you informed of my next adventure. Sydney was amazing. the crew informed me that I’d see just as much. well, my time in Australia is coming to an end. Personal Notes: Rob: There are some asian hotties in aussieland. what’s best…none of them speak english. they only smile and bow. Carl: Thanks for the advice…winging it is the only way to travel. Mia: if you can still get the special rates, I’ll come back in January. Allan: I’m so happy to be out of the country. if bush wins, i may not come back. Dick: It was great to see chip on the boards for once. Veta: my sky diving was postponed. I’m going to do it at the end of my trip in New Zealand. Also, look for a big package, but don’t open it. Karen: This place is too much for tv and i did bring too many clothes. next time, just a purse and two outfits (instead of the five i did pack). Jack: This is not the town for you…toooooo many carnivores. Barry, Patrick & Maer: the beer is cheap and so are the boys and boy are they cute!!!!!! Lynn: get a job over here…i’m looking for one between drinks!!!!! Suzan: quit immediately and move here, pass go and collect $200._________________________________________________________________________