Diva.

(Sunday, 2 November. This entry is a bit out of date, as we are now in Bangkok, but I can't be bothered to edit it, so will post it and crack on with Part Two ...)

Caz and Hoady met us off the 'plane and within 20 minutes we were in the supermarket stocking a shopping trolley up for the week.

It was very special to see them again. They haven't changed a bit, but now seem very grown up in their fab pad, a designer's dream home, which we are currently besmirching with our traveller tat.

Maroubra

They have thrown open their wardrobe doors to us and donated some much-needed colour to our Autumn/Winter collections.

So far we have seen quite a bit of Sydney - their 'hood, an excellent Indian restaurant, the local working mens' club, complete with Saturday Night Divas Rihanna, Gloria Gaynor, Gina G, Madonna and Tina Turner, also featuring a grab-a-granny dancefloor section.

Ladies in the house.

Potential granny-grabbing target, background

To Maroubra and Malabar beaches for some paddle board action. Me, doing watersports, just imagine! It was great, and we'll try to fit another session in soon.

Kim and I have wandered around the zoo, the botanical gardens and the harbour, played with Cady the cat, discovered Super Mario Karts and watched Wolf Creek 2 and the Lego Movie. This place is serious fun.

The Design Museum.

On Friday, we are off to the Blue Mountains as C&H take a well-deserved break from work in their Sapphire & Steel-style home office.

On Saturday, Kim and I take to the water for a sailing course which the Hoads have presented us with... watch this space.

On Sunday, we are off for three days on a boat called Roger. Watch THIS space...

All in all, we are having the best time with the best of friends.  Thailand is paling into insignificance at the thought of giving up so much luxury, hospitality, the Mac I'm currently typing on, and unlimited TimTams...