We arrived in Melbourne in 1 May and Peter, in particular, has been very busy since. He has been meeting up with some business colleagues in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney as well as spending many hours sitting at the computer.

As for me, my time was mainly spent socialising!

We had a lovely evening with a large group of Melbourne friends, many of whom had travelled to our home in Mt Maunganui in March. We always enjoy time together and can easily fill in the time chatting, eating and drinking. Next get together that we can attend will be in November.

We have enjoyed staying in our home away from home in Wheelers Hill. Our friends, Jocelyn and Greg, were home until Tuesday, 5th and then they headed off with their caravan heading initially to Port Macquarie and then north and west from there and will be away about four months. We stayed on in their home until today.

To make us feel that we were definitely in Melbourne we took the train into the city. I had been hopeful of seeing the handmade poppies display in Federation Square however they had been removed. Instead we enjoyed the street theatre before heading to a cafe near the Art Centre for lunch. Sunday afternoon in that part of town is always busy. There were lots of people enjoying the winter sunshine and activities along Southbank.

After getting our "dose" of the city, and catching a tram we headed back out on the train. I felt we were really in Melbourne.

Over the next week between business and medical appointments we spent time with friends and family. I was able to attend Mia's swimming squad session and also a special Mother's Day breakfast with Sandra and Mia at Mia's school. Peter and I also braved the wintry conditions in Frankston to watch Mia play soccer. She is certainly a busy young lady.

In the short space of eleven days, and around Peter's two trips away from Melbourne, we enjoyed three dinners and evenings with Sandra, Richard, Jordan (along with Gen), Connor and Mia. They have many commitments and it was so good to be able to share this time together.

Now it is time for the next stage in our 2015 travels. On a cold wintry morning we completed our final pack up and headed to the airport. As we drove towards the airport the temperature signage said it was 9 degrees Celsius and it was 10.30 am! Must be time to leave.

With check-in smoothly completed, we boarded our flight to Hong Kong. Good bye Melbourne - see you in November.