Leaving Sydney ...

I am pleased to announce that I succeeded, finally, with my goal to meet a kangaroo in Australia

who gladly was happy to pose for the camera. I am now satisfied that I may leave Australia

with this task accomplished and set my sights ahead for new experiences and the delights of New Zealand.

After Newcastle, my journey took me to Byron Bay which I cannot record with photos because

my camera phone was lost in the sand somewhere on the beach. I have only myself to blame and

can only put it down to being too care free and detached from all forms of reality as I

soaked up the sun on the pleasantly golden beach of Bellongi. Byron Bay is a surfers paradise but

also a very alternative hangout for health-conscious people. It had a hippie vibe about it

without being overly run-down. I thoroughly recommend the Beachhouse youth hostel where

I happily and, by pure coincidence, met somebdy I know from Aikido in Holland, Rens from Rotterdam.

I have to thank Rens for helping me out with getting some money from Holland while I was ordering

a new credit card (aso lost with the camera phone).

Byron Bay is laidened with shops, cafes and restaurants and, unless you live there and work there

I would say it's a good place for a short rest but I would get out before the wallet gets

sucked up by high prices.

Back in Sydney for my last two days of the Australian experience and I enjoyed a relaxing stay at the

Railway Square YHA. Friendly staff, good facilities and good connection to the airport.

I have been practicing Bikram yoga every day for the past four days and my body is now feeling its

effect. As a consequence, except for one time in Byron Bay at the beautiful dojo/buddhist temple,

I didnt practice Aikido since last week when I was at Bill's dojo.

I will be arriving in Auckland to an anniversary Aikido course with the group of

Rosso Fernandez, 6th dan, who is inviting the Japanese Master, Takase, 7th dan. Tomorrow, there will

be a full day of about 6 hours training so I guess I will make up for the lack of Aikido earlier in the week.

Until the next post!