Finally touched down in melbourne on Sunday and headed straight out to meet the our Scottish friends from Thailand and Singapore at the St Kilda festival (big music, booze, food festival with 1000s of people....awesome). Literally as we got off the tram who do we bump int o but Jon, Chris and Marc! So random when there were so many people around. Really nice to see them and also the other guys! A very drunken night!!

The next day jen and I went out with the guys and went up the Rialto tower to see the views of the city then to a bar in the afternoon. When we came to drive back to the hostel their car, the famous 'Gavin' wouldn't start!! Ali's expert knowledge of cars soon revealed to us that they had, in fact, run out of petrol! Muppets! That night I went out with the guys for food and what was meant to be a few drinks. however, due to the fact that all I had eaten that day was 2 sushi rolls (yes, we are back on the sushi diets), the 5 bottles of wine between 3 of us ($100!!!!) didnt go down the best and I ended up hammered once again. Apparently I was very funny.

On Thursday Jen, Freddy (our friend from Cairns) and I went out for lunch on the river boat and then chilled in the botanical gardens which were beautiful. I finally bought another camera (fingers crossed this one will survive), so have updated the photos. Went to the melbourne museum - very cultural - then went out in the evening with Jon, Chris and Marc. The next day they took me out for a road trip in their new purchase - the coolest VW van you have ever seen - to the beach so Jon and Iz could buy surf boards. They have named it 'bruce' - v original! The beach was rubbish compared to most i've seen over here but it was nice to be out of the city for the day. It has been over 40 degrees most of the week which is just unbearable when there is no water around to jump in! Melbourne is such a beautiful and cultural city with so many little cafes and restaurants. The food here is amazing. But definately think Im a Sydney girl!

On Monday Jen and I went to the famous neighbours night which was quality and very drunken. We got to meet Toadie, Ganae and Boyd!! So funny. Plus, Dr karls band played and were actually really good. It was so funny! On our last night in Melbourne we went out with the people who had invited us to stay in their house (family friends of jens). We had such a lovely evening in this cute little Chinese restaurnat which was just crazy. Apparently they have been going there for 20 years. The owner, Win Ho, was such a character and just kept pouring us whisky shots all night (whilst driinking himself also). Such a random crazy night but so much fun. I cant believe how friendly and generous the Aussies are to to people they have never met. It is so nice!

We decided to sack off doing the Great Ocean Road as we are beginning to feel a bit 'tripped out' and booked a flight to Sydney as we couldn't face another overnight Greyhound journey! Melbounre was so much fun and it was great to have so many people there that we already knew. Can't believe we are now half way into our trip. So depressing! Missing you all lots but no offence - I never want to come home! I love Australia and am going to be so sad to leave next week! Hope you are all well! Miss u all millions! keep emailing! xxxxxx