Sophisticated and slick, edgy and rough, Melbourne was the artistic culture of Australia in our eyes, especially when you have the mighty Sam Bonwick making you such amazing coffee! Where did this boy learn his skills? Yes that's skills Sam, you have one!
So flying in from Brisbane just after lunch we were expecting to be met by great friend Sam Bonwick. Legal resident of Australia, ha, let me see those papers! With an unexpected sand storm brewing across the runway just before landing, our flight was delayed and as we circled in the air for over an hour, by the time we landed, Sam was gone. If only we had a phone, this all could have been prevented. Anyway, several intermittent pay phone calls later and we had managed the seemingly bad directions our guest had given us, turning up at Sam's work, we were well worth our lingering hug.
Hungry and in need of some lunch after such a long flight (2 hours I think), Sam had suggested the pizza place next door with their special of Mexican Nacho Pizza. That pizza was superb, layers and layers of Nacho cheese and chili, ummm. Shame that we could only manage two slices each and that when he recommended we get a large one, we didn't realize Sam meant so we could take some home for him! Shocking.
Rocking up at Palais Bonwick we were warmly welcomed by both Sam's girlfriend Megan and Bill with whom they shared the house. That evening we sat around chatting and as we watched TV and played Wii, it soon became apparent how nice it felt to actually be in house instead of a unfamiliar hostel. What was meant to only be a few nights, eventually turned into a couple of weeks. Their warm hospitality obviously being too good to refuse!
Two weeks in Melbourne was a little daunting at first as for the first time in ages we didn't have to cram in everything somewhere had to offer in just three days. So as we sat back, relaxed and took things slow my mind began to wonder exactly how good I was at Tiger Woods Golf. Not that great to say the least, especially not against Bill who was somewhat of a Pro. Constantly highlighting my inability to nail as many birdies as the game's endorser, Bill took great pride in seeing me struggle. I had only just met the man and already he was taking no pity. Can you guess what filled our time for most of our stay?????
When we actually left the house (it took a few days) we actually saw a lot of stuff in Melbourne. Taking the tram into the cities centre on more than one occasion we managed to browse yet more shops and centres, looking for phone sims and clothes, we found our way to Victoria market and even had time to visit several of the cities historical landmarks as we followed the trail around town. Boring for some, not us.
Federation Square and the Flinders St region had so much on offer we spent a whole day there too. A great exhibition at the Australian Centre for Moving image was accompanied by some great live music and also a couple of other gallery views. Breath taking architecture that forms the heart of Melbourne. Whilst here we also visited a pleathora of Melbourne's other suburbs including Richmond, St.Kilda, Chapel St, Fitzroy, Balaclava and many others.
Known for its sports, Melbourne was full of arena's, stadiums and youngsters learning their trade in the city's many parks. Visiting the massive Etihad Stadium, home of the mighty Melbourne Victory and AFL league final was good. Walking alongside the Rod Laver arena, home of the Melbourne Open Tennis was also a highlight, as was that of the MCG. Decided as not really Jo's thing, I spent pretty much a whole day taking a tour of the stadium, checking out the Sports Museum beneath (Shane Warne 3D was ace) and I even got to watch a fair bit of live cricket, all for $25. Bargain!
For the first time on this trip I also did something active. When Sam suggested we enter a team in an annual Beach Soccer Tournament, I jumped at the chance. Shame we ended up being called Melbourne Palace rather than our preferred name of Flip flops, Thongs and Jandals! To say our results mirrored that of our English league namesake is not far from the truth. One win, one lose, we failed to progress to the next round on goal difference. Although the teams top scorer, yes I know me? we failed to win our losers playoff, eventually being given the wooden spoon. Still a few beers and a barbie later, it was all forgotten!
So onto the first of our two main trips. Trip one, the Penguins. Definitely the best thing we did here. As we waited until dusk at 8.14pm that evening in the dripping rain, the anticipation of seeing these little creatures had me so excited. Dead on cue as the seagulls circled, in washed an army of Penguins. Slowly but surely, some a little hesitant, the penguins waddled upon shore. The cutest thing ever. I just wanted to take one home. Shame some people overstepped the mark and disobeyed rules by touching and taking photos. What twats, Jo and Megan let them know of their fury!
Trip two. The Great Ocean Rd. Hiring a car for the day the four of us, Sam, Megan, Jo and I set out on an epic adventure. Past Torquay, our first stop was the world famous surf scene, Bells Beach. It was not to hard to imagine that a few days extra training in Bali on the surfboard that I could indeed be winning a tournament here. Yeah right! As we carried along the amazing winding road, full of great cliff top views and with a strong sea breeze in the air we took in all the areas beauty. A quick stop in Lorne then onto Apollo Bay. We stopped there for a bit before the 12 Apostles. Not all in tact due to natural causes they were still an impressive sight. A great day out was then concluded with a beer and some much needed fish and chips. The perfect ending to such a journey.
Loving our time in Melbourne, it was sad to leave. We can see why Sam is here rather than the UK, especially with so much to do and see and when the weather is as good as it is here, its hard to turn down.
Crossing the great divide, its New Zealand up next for us.
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