London

I've never liked London much. Its big, expensive, dirty and full of people who will go to almost any length to avoid making eye-contact with a stranger. In most places if you accidentally bump into a someone they'll be ready with a smile and a witty comment. A Londoner is more likely to look down and scurry away. My negative attitude was vindicated soon after I arrived. While Walking between pubs in Wimbledon I was accosted by a large group of comically small teenagers who blocked my path and stole my hat. Although the situation was easily defused and I even got my hat back, it still left a sour taste.

Although the atmosphere doesn't inspire me, there is no shortage of fun stuff to see and do. Huge parks to get lost in, more free art galleries and museums than you could possibly visit and shops boasting an excellent range of stripey shirts and funny hats.

This trip I even managed to avoid the cliche of bad English food. This was mostly due to my extremely generous friends who not only offered me places to stay but also fed me delicious home cooked meals.

By spreading myself across the spare rooms of a few different friends I was able to experience the diversity of London. Ryan lives in a impressive and suitably expensive housing development with a great view down over the Themes. Agnese and Will prefer their bright but cosy apartment and the slightly alternative vibe in Stoke-Newington. A vegetarian curry feast at Rasa was a culinary highlight.

Maz and Steve live in Haselmere, about an hour to the South-West, surrounded by fields and forests in a cottage older than every Australian building. I got my quiz-night fix at a local pub although we fell one point short of victory. As punishment I made Maz hike through stinging nettles and fields of potentially deadly cows.

Jo lives in Brixton, which despite it's rough reputation has been transformed into a very cool area - the Reggae capital of London. Our attempts to watch England win at football were quashed both by three piece jazz band who kept standing in front of the screen and by England themselves. Another sunny afternoon we escaped to Brighton Beach and I was particularly inspired by an outdoor wildlife photography exhibition. A word of warning: The bushes just above Brighton Beach are NOT a good place to take a slash. Although I did meet a couple of handsome fellows who also had their pants down, they definitely weren't peeing...

Despite all my grumblings I ended up having a really great time in London. Many thanks to Milton, Mel and everyone else mentioned above for making it so!