After recovering from my horrific hangover, the next few days were spent mostly working. The only major event was the day after, Butzy asked if I'd like to join him and some of his old work mates for a game of pool and a drink in Melbourne. Never one to pass up a game of pool, I said hell yes and away we went.

We all met up at a pool hall in Collins Street called Pulo, and Damien introduced me to the group. Being all software developers, we hit it off straight away and were chatting about what everyone does etc. I got talking to a guy called Ben, who had a rather fascinating back story to how he came to be in Melbourne.

He was born in Germany, but after 4 years his family moved to Cardiff in the UK. He grew up there, aquiring the standard Welsh accent in the process, before leaving for London after school. He met a half French half Australian girl there, and ended up marrying her and moving to Australia with her. The upshot was, he was the first guy I have ever met to carry 3 passports.

After spending some time playing pool (and learning the fact that Aussies use the term 'Bigs and Smalls' as apposed to 'Spots and Stripes' for their pool balls), we were all feeling a bit peckish and headed out for some food. Butzy finally suggested the Mitre, known for being the oldest running pub in Melbourne. We walked along and headed in, and sat down for a fantastic meal. Afterwards we said our goodbyes and headed back home, the following day spent working 9-6 before spending the evening talking to the UK office and family.

Today was my 50th day in Australia, and in celebration of that fact - I decided to take the day off from working and visit something. I settled upon Captain Cooks cottage, which was deconstructed brick by brick in 1933 and shipped to Australia from North Yorkshire. I visited the cottage 10 years ago when I was last in Australia, but this time I wanted to absorb not only the cottage, but its surroundings in Fitzroy Gardens. What was intended to be a short walk - ended up being something quite different - as you can see at http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=211501248793682344152.0004ba17b67ffe20da8b5

I set off from my home in South Yarra, checking the weather forecast - it was grey and dull - but sun was predicted so I was not to be deterred. As I always like to find a different route (in order to see new things whilst I'm out here) I headed down to the river on the other side of the train tracks, down Darling St. I emerged on Alexandra Ave, which happend to have a fantastic view up and down the Yarra towards the CBD.

I carried on Alexandra until I hit the Punt Road, which crosses the Yarra river to the south west of Richmond - near Cremorne. Although it was still dull, I could get some amazing photos of the Melbourne skyline, and so was happily snapping away as I crossed the bridge. I headed all the way up the Punt Road to Richmond train station, before turning left towards the MCG.

Although it is green land around the MCG, it is not perticularly interesting, and so my eyes were trained ahead, past the MCG and up towards Fitzroy gardens. It was a good decision not to hang about - Fitzroy Gardens were much more interesting! I entered from the south east corner, and headed straight toward Captain Cooks cottage. Even in the dullness of the day, the flowers in the gardens really lit up the place as I walked past.

I made it round to Captain Cooks cottage, and noticed just how much smaller it felt to me than the first time around. It is well restored and maintained, and looks very tranquil in its garden surroundings. I started snapping away, before headed to the entrance. I did not realise that you had to pay for entry however, and thought better of it - I had been in before and for the size of the place couldn't really justify the cost.

Instead I walked around the gardens for a while - checking out the minature tudor village and the conservatory, before heading across to Treasury Gardens and visiting the old Parliament buildings. I have been in the Parliament building before, but fancied another look. I headed up to the entrance only to be turned away, visiting is only allowed on Friday it would seem.

It was 1pm and I was surprised at how much ground I had covered in only a few hours. I decided I was not ready to give up and go home for the day, so I got my phone out and headed straight to Google Maps. Looking for an unexplored direction, I noticed a patch of green land near Abbotsford, a direction to the north east I had never been close to. Decision made, I started walking.

The walk to the park ended up becoming a walk along the Yarra river after I finally reached it, following a trail only for pedestrians and cyclists. At one point I headed into an area marked with snake signs, but undeterred I headed in. I was rewarded with a fantastic view over Collingwood, Carlton, Fitzroy and further away, the CBD.

Heading back down to the river I decied I would spent the rest of the day walking it, having remembered a friend who said that Melbourne looks completely different when you approach from the river. The walk ended up lasting 5 hours and taxing me 11 miles, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend the same to anyone.

Ian.