Train strike today affecting all travel until late afternoon. Alternative options though so took the replacement bus service into the city centre, stopping briefly to view Parliament, then hopping on the tram to St Kilda. Our travel guide recommended Monarch Cakes, 'The finest cake shop in St Kilda' on Acland Street, well known for cake shops and a coffee & cake lovers spot- well worth the stop! We tasted two different cakes- Polish Baked Cheesecake & Chocolate Kooglhaupf- both delicious and living up to the recommendation. Then a walk along past Luna Park and along the boardwalk to the pier. Beautiful views of the city over the marina (see photo) and so peaceful at this time of the year. Unfortunately we didnt see any little penguins but there were cormorants, Australian black swans, guls and ducks all busy in the bay. A quick drink at the beachside bar & restaurant, Republica, then on to the bus stop for South Yarra to catch the train to Springvale and meet up with Wilhelm & Connie Stern, relatives we first met at a family reunion at Scloss Beuggen earlier in the year. We arrived early at the station having allowed extra time for the strike, so decided to explore the area for a bit before meeting them. We bumped into them walking along the first street! We walked and talked whilst wandering around the Asian markets, a feast for your eyes and wonderful array of aromas, colours and textures. I could have stayed all day watching the activities- some Vietnamese men were crowded around some tables playing a game which looked like a mix between chess/draughts- they got very excited. The women were intent on getting the best bargains in the hustle & bustle around us, as the market stalls were nearly closing. The place was buzzing and we were the only Europeans in the place- it was a real unique experience. Wilhelm & Connie treated us to a meal at a Vietnamese restaurant which was absolutely yummy. Then back to their house for a cuppa & cake. Their son, Marty, and wife came round & we looked at and shared photos, enjoying the company very much. The time whizzed by and before we knew it, it was time to leave in order to catch a late train back to Eltham.

Marty kindky drove us to Oakley train station and we made it back just before midnight. Yet another day filled with new experiences and good times to look back upon fondly. Day 6 plan also sounds good- wine tasting in the Yarra valley with the Carr family!