We arrived back in Melbourne feeling very tired! We had a chilled afternoon watching films in the hostel cinema room and eating junk. The following morning we were up early to do the Neighbours set tour. We made our way to Flinders Street where we hopped on the Neighbours mini-bus. As we drove to the set locations we were told loads of Neighbours facts inbetween watching old episodes. The show has broken numerous tv records and Kylie and Jasons wedding was watched by more UK viewers than Princess Di's funeral. We were shown the episode of Toadies marriage to Dee which seemed like ages ago but when watching it we were able to remember more than we first thought. Neighbours is filmed four months ahead of broadcast in Australia, and the UK is only another four months behind that. Kenya - or somewhere in Africa is about 13 years behind!! We first pulled into the school where Erinsborough high was once filmed. From the outside it didnt look overly familiar, but around the back we recognised the ramps and walk ways. Before each scene you would always see a school sign. Since the introduction of child protection laws, they no longer film at the school. Parents wanted compensation and collecting permission signatures was too much hassle. They now use the outside studio of a building that they found at the studios. Our mini-bus then drove into 'Ramsey Street'. I was immediately shocked at how small it was. It was a small cul-de-sac consisting of six houses. While filming on the street residents cars are swapped with characters cars. Additionally, house numbers are changed. On TV the driveways, the street and the distance between each house seems so much larger. We took the sign and posed infront of the Kennedys and the house of trousers (and all the others). The street also had a 24/7 security guard as drunks used to spin their cars and mooney from Harold roof. They only film on the street once a week and those who live in the houses are asked to close their curtains. Each resident is also given compensation. Back gardens are also used. Any changes to houses have to be discussed with the crew - well only major noticable changes - and can often be incorporated into the script. New drive ways have been put in but most viewers don't notice and don't care. We were also told that anyone driving off of Ramsey Street always turns right as the real road sign is on the right. We were then taken to the studios where we could see where all the outdoor scenes were filmed. We sadly werent allowed into the indoor sets. The outdoor set was pretty small but everything was crammed in. One side had the garage where Steph works, All the batteries are emptied so she can carry them about. Declans car was parked up there. Next door was the new car lot and opposite that was the bus stop which everyone uses. Around the corner, past all the make-up vans and mobile green rooms etc were the allotments full of plastic veggies. Behind the allotment was the new student hangout, the area for bands when its not shot on location. There was a new police station and wanted posters are often of crew members. Lassiters hotel was all new, We saw Charlies bar, Harolds cafe and the lawyers door. All the buildings are in one square with benches in the middle. Behind the square is the lake with a new bridge. When we were there we saw a red carpet and chairs were all laid out for a wedding. It was awesome to see all the sets but it did kind of ruin the illusion. We then drove to meet a character near Luna Park. It was Janae - who was a complete bogan in it years ago. She'd dyed her hair and lost weight. She was so unlike her character. On Monday morning we went to the MCG. Si was in his element and I went along as photographer. The MCG holds about 98,500 people. The place was massive and we were given a tour of the stadium by an old chap who was a member. There were loads of art displays, especially around the swanky members area. We saw changing rooms, the different stands, the corporate and media boxes and the members seating. I loved the area with with bars and leather couches. In some of our photos you may spot an odd coloured seat amongst others. This seat shows the highest point that a cricket ball has been batted to in the stadium. We also went outside and had an awesome view of the city. It also has the best cricket library. After a tour of the stadium we went to the national sports museum. There were endless facts about all the sporting champions. There was also an area showing all the different Olympic tourches and countried where it had been held. We watched a hollogram of Shayne Warne before we went into the best bit - the interactive zone! We messed about on the interactive football, cricket, netball, AFL and reaction games. It was awesome and a good workout! That night we went out on the Neighbours night in St Kilda's Elephant and Wheelbarrow pub. Out came Dr Karl, Steve Parker and Irish Connor. They were asked questions before doing a brief meet and greet session. Alan Fletcher, or Fletch as we call him, only spent a few special moments with us before they left to get ready for their musical performances. Paul Robinson came on stage and sang with Karls band. He wasnt the best singer but it was so much fun. Then Fletch came and played with his band - the Waiting Room. We had such a good night. He was singing all ther student anthems and playing his tambourine. We spent the next day shopping for some warm clothes for New Zealand. In the evening we went to a local pub quiz held by radio presenters and met up with a good friend we had made during our trip from Cairns to Brisbane. It was really good to see her again. We then spent our last morning trying to update the blog as much as we could before we caught out flight to Christchurch.