G'day mate!!

After almost two weeks in Melbourne Ive just about covered every inch on foot!! Our trip started with nearly a week of bad weather, blink and I could've been at home! Rain spoilt the first few days but it didnt dampen the spirits as I would certianly rather be over here than dragging myself off to work in the dark miserable weather!!

Melbourne is a great city, it took me a while to really settle in to the big city life. After leaving New Zealand with its smaller more peaceful cities it was quite a shock to be faced with the high rised buildings and bustling streets! There isnt a quiet moment.

The sports stadiums and the Telstra Dome in perticular have been my favourite haunts. Huge spectacular places that give you goose bumps when you walk out of the tunnel onto the field of play! Awesome! The Telstra with its closed roof on match days makes for a spectical not to be miswsed, be it Aussie Rules, soccer or rugby its a must see!! I imagine it to be unbelieveable to walk out in front of a sell out crowd, that would really fire you up! We headed to see Melbourne Victory (the local soccer team) take on Central Coast Mariners, 1st verses 2nd a crunch match as the Hyundai A-League hots up with each teams fighting for a play off place! 21,455 attended causing a cracking atmosphere (the mariners fans had joined us on a scateboard!) I approached the game with anticipation, both teams were on equal points coming into the game after a string of victories. Id also heard alot of hype about the Australian League being much improved and on its way up... I was left very much disappointed!!! The standard of play was very much like the American MLS, not sure these players deserve the 21,455 support! There must have been at least 15 fouls within the first 20minutes! Some were absolute shockers! But Im not sure it was because the players were "dirty" just that they were rubbish and looked like they'd be late for Christmas too!!! It was however a fantastic experience, my first soccer game under a roof!! The atmosphere was great, the supporters did their bit to insure Melbourne got their Victory! The flags and chants were all very European which was good to see such influences being rubbed off on the game over here. A special occassion.

The weather picked up and led to a fantastic week of exploring the city and surrounding area. The Victorian buildings and history is fascinating. The Yarra River following though the city gives life to The Southbank, a upmarket area full of restaurants, cafes and bars (if you can afford it!) Steve and I were treated by a relative of mine who took us both out for dinner on the southbank. A real treat from our usual noodles follwed by rice pudding! HA! It was a lovely evening making the connections with all the family accompanied with amazing food!! And an invitation to stay for a few days this week! Relaxing times are ahead!

A Neighbours night awaited us on Monday (a must do activity apparently!?) It was a good laugh and a chance to meet the "Stars"!!?? Now Neighbours was a favourite of mine years ago, so I'll have to admitt this was my idea!! Oh my god, it is terrible and embarrassing! Very cheesey and definately all in aid of tourists from the UK!! The amount of english there out weighed the population of Melbourne.. Not quite but you get the picture! It was a good night after an embarrassing start and when "Paul Robinson" got up on stage with his band the party really did begin! HA!! The fact that these people were introduced to us as their character names was a little weird.. ITS NOT REAL!! Although Im sure some people there thought it was.. One women had met "Paul Robinson" 13 times!!??!! She needs locking up!! But a chance to have a few beers and get to know other travellers led the evening to be enjoyable.

Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, what a great day!! It was awesome to see the native animals, some which Ive never seen before! Koalas, Dingos, Wallabies, Kangaroos.. And the mighty EMUs!!! It was a fantastic day for weather, the sun certainly had his hat on! We strolled around the park observing the animals in their natural habitat, it was great!! The Koalas were very cute indeed, sleeping and eating all day! What a life!

The Great Ocean Road.. A must see if in the area. I spent the day on a tour bus (first organised tour Ive done, and it wasnt too bad) We headed of at 7am for a long day on the road not getting back till 9pm. But it was well worth it and Id now recommend spending a couple of days doing the trip. Thats the only problem with organise tours you dont have the freedom to do as you please. Stop where you like for as long as you like.. But then you dont get the commentary of someone who knows the area. You also get the opportunity to talk to the other ttravellers which I like.. Mainly because Im nosey and want to now where they are from.. First stop Slip Point Lighthouse, yes thats the one, where they filmed Round the Twist!!! Awesome! I loved the opportunity to be where such a classic was filmed, Sweet as!!!

The coastal area all along the great ocean road is fabulous! The land formation, the bush, the golden sand, the blue waters!! Unbelieveable!! The Twelve Apostles aer amazing, I could spent hours just walking around the area and looking out to sea! The surfers coast! The whole day was wonderful, I had a great day and would certainly go again...Words cant explain how impressive the scenery is. You have to see it fro yourself!!

That brings me right up to today.. A neighbours tour is on the horizon! HA.. Well I might as well get myself to Ramsey Street while Im here!