7 July 2009

Saying my goodbye's to everyone was extremely difficult, but I knew this was the start to a new chapter in my life - the adventure of a lifetime.Unfortunately, things didn't quite run smoothly to start with.My flight leaving Heathrow was delayed by 1.5 hours due to the bad weather, which we spend on the aircraft, on the runway.Once we eventually set off, I was filled with excitement and sadness.I was quite nervous about the unknown, and didn't quite know what to expect.Though I was more focused on trying to make it through this 2 day flight.Fortunately I managed to get a few hours sleep here and there, so by the time I arrived in Melbourne, I didn't feel too bad, and fortunately didn't suffer any jetlag.

8 July 2009

Unfortunately i missed my Mom's bday today, as i was in transit, so happy happy birthday to you my darling mom, you are on my mind constantly!!! I love you with all my heart. xxxxx

9 July 2009

I arrived into Melbourne airport at 6.15am Thursday morning.Dave collected me from the airport, and then it was the drive back to his place - the city looks great - lovely big buildings.

After dropping off my bags, and grabbing yet another meal (had loads of in-flight meals), we set off to St Kilda where I collected my free SIM card, and then walked around St Kilda, and the beach.It was a lovely day.Only 16 degrees, but the sun was out, so it was a warm welcome indeed.

10 July 2009

Today was an early start, as I had a meeting with the bank, to confirm my details, and collect my bank card …… yippee I now have funds!

We then travelled around Melbourne city using the Melbourne City Circle Tram (which is a free Tour service), and the City Tram.I was overwhelmed with how colourful, and modern the city is, along with old buildings in-between.Places viewed included Victoria Harbour (though just passed by), Flinders Street station and Federation Square, which is a fabulous meeting point in Melbourne with its very arty / modern buildings.We then walked along the Yarra River, making our way to The Botanical gardens which was definitely a great site, as well as the Shrine of Remembrance, which burns the Eternal Flame for ALL World War II soldiers.

11 July 2009

Today, I went along with Dave to the AFL - Aussies Rules Football, where Richmond (tigers) vs Carlton (Blues) played.Wow, what a completely different sport (it seems to be a mixture of Rugby and Footie, in other words - anything goes).It was definitely a fun day out, and completely different to the usual England footie.Fans were seated together, so no segregation.It seems to be a family event, as there were loads of kids, with their parents. The only drinks they served were Beer and Bourbon, so needless to guess which I opted for - Bourbon & Coke.

After the footie we made our way to the Bertha Brown bar for drinks and pizza, which was great, as we hit it perfectly …. Happy hour.

We then made our way onto the Irish bar where the drinks were flowing. We landed up staying there all night, after which was a stumble around Melbourne city, trying to find a cab to take us home.Dave kept us entertained singing the 'Give me a home among the Gumtrees' over and over and over again, which needless to say, had everyone in stiches!

It goes like this:

I've been around the world a couple of times, or maybe more,
I've seen the sights, I've had delights on every foreign shore,
but when my mates all ask me the place that I adore,
I tell them right away.

Give me a home among the gum trees,
with lots of plum trees, a sheep or two, a ka-kangaroo.
A clothes line out the back, verandah out the front,
and an old rocking chair.

You can see me in the kitchen cooking up a roast,
or Vegemite on toast, just you and me, a cup of tea.
And later on we'll settle down and mull up on the porch,
and watch the possums play.

Give me a home among the gum trees,
with lots of plum trees, a sheep or two, a ka-kangaroo.
A clothes line out the back, verandah out the front,
and an old rocking chair.

There's a Safeway up the corner, and a Woolys down the street,
a brand new place theyve opened up where they regulate the heat,
but I'd trade them all tomorrow for a simple bush retreat
where the kookaburras call.

Give me a home among the gum trees,
with lots of plum trees, a sheep or two, a ka-kangaroo.
A clothes line out the back, verandah out the front,
and an old rocking chair.

Some people like their houses with fences all around,
others live in mansions, and some beneath the ground.
But Me, I like the bush, you know with rabbits running 'round,
and a pumpkin vine out the back.

Give me a home among the gum trees,
with lots of plum trees, a sheep or two, a ka-kangaroo.
A clothes line out the back, verandah out the front,
and an old rocking chair.

Give me a home among the gum trees,
with lots of plum trees, a sheep or two, a ka-kangaroo.
A clothes line out the back, verandah out the front,
and an old rocking chair.

13 July 2009

Today was a late start to the day, but finally headed into Melbourne City to visit the Melbourne Aquarium.It was absolutely fantastic.I got to see Penguins, Crabs bigger than I have ever seen, as well as Sharks, any many more.There was just so much to see, so it was indeed a good day out, and well worth it.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't all that great today, only 13 degrees, and very overcast.It started to rain just as we were making our way home, which started as a slight drizzle, and then the heavens really opened, and the rain just poured - of course we were on our way to the bus stop at this stage, so got absolutely drenched.As it goes, once we were on the bus, the rain stopped.