Friday 6th July

We flew to Melbourne and went to my cousin Patty's in Carnegie. She really looked after us, laying on a spread of cheese, biscuits and other nibbles which was a fine welcome after our squashed cheap flight with Virgin Blue.

Saturday 7th July

We catch the train to Geelong and visit with my Great Aunt Norah. It's pouring with rain so we sit in and Patty puts on a slide show of photo's from when she visited Wales 30 years ago. There were images of me with Mum and Dad; photo's of my grandparents, my Nana's sisters and their husbands and all my aunties and uncles. It was really funny to see everyone when they were around my age just now.

In the evening we went out to Irish Murphy's as Norah's husband was irish and she's a member of the Irish society locally. They often go to this pub/restaurant after meetings. Norah is so active - she reminds me of my Nana - she goes and visits people in hospital to keep them company and also visits a place called The Listening Lounge. People go there if they are lonely for a chat. It's a lovely idea.

Sunday 8th July

We say good-bye to Norah and head off to Melbourne where we're given the grand tour with Patty. She takes us up the latest attraction which is the tallest building in Melbourne. We stand on the 83rd floor and admire the view.

Then we walk through the casino and watch the lighting display on the ceiling which is in time to the music playing. It's just lovely. Simon and Patty can't resist a quick flutter on the pokie machines. Then it's back to the airport and we jet off again.

It's been great meeting up with family this far away from home and we part with hopes that they will come to visit me in Sydney before I leave.