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Published: February 22nd 2011
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When we arrived at Gem and Kieran’s Hilda was cleaned and ready to be picked up. The money had not cleared yet so we were pleased when she fitted in their secure underground car park. We spent the afternoon trying to sort through our stuff, throwing away what wasn't needed and trying (and failing) to fit the rest in our rucksacks - this would take many attempts! In the evening we went to Bryony and James' for dinner and some of Bryony's rather strong cocktails - we were not used to such luxury.
The remainder of our time in Melbourne was spent re-packing our bags, going for dinner and drinks down Ackland street, visiting great city rooftop bars such as Madame Brussels with its tennis theme, Astroturf flooring and staff dressed in tennis outfits and spending time with friends.
On the day before we left we drove into the city to take Hilda to her new owner. It was sad to walk away and leave her. Its was also a good feeling to know that she will be doing the trip all over again and she will probably transport other people on their trips for many years to come
providing they all look after her like we did.
After leaving Hilda we walked to The Eureka Tower and went on the 88th floor observation deck. We could see for miles across the city and found many places we recognised in the distance. They also have something called The Edge on the same floor. It’s a clear box that you stand in and it slides out of the buildings side so you are suspended on a glass floor. Once while visiting Europe we went to a museum which had a glass floor only one story up. We couldn’t even bring ourselves to walk on that, so it took me some time to convince Andy that we should do it. I’m not sure why I wanted to do it so much as I was just as scared in the museum that day.
Finally Andy agreed to come with me “only because you don’t want to go alone” he said “I’m not even going to open my eyes” he added with a petrified look on his face. We paid our money and were handed a pager that would sound when it was our turn. I’m sure had there been a
way for Andy to get rid of the pager he would have done! While we waited we went onto the viewing outside area. The wind was so strong this high up that there were two doors to get outside, with only one opening at a time. We couldn’t stay too long out there it was very cold and windy but it was better than looking through the window from inside.
Finally the pager went off and I dragged Andy to the entrance. We had to put on rather attractive shoe covers to protect the floor. At first you cant see through the floor but you can feel the box moving out from the side of the building. Then one by one the frosted glass floor panels become clear and you are left staring at the ground 285 meters below! It was a very strange feeling that took some getting used to. It was a while before we would let go of the handrail. Once we got used to it we found that if you crouched down and put your nose against the floor it was difficult for your stomach not to flip and your heart not to beat fast.
After all his worrying Andy really enjoyed it and had his eyes open the whole way through - well maybe they were a little closed at the beginning!
On the same evening we went out for Mexican with Gem, Kieran, Danny and Adam and followed this with a visit to the open air cinema on the roof of the Sea Baths. The cinema was good, but it would have been great had it not been so cold. Even with a blanket I shivered the whole way through, although I’m not sure that the ice-cream at the beginning helped much! It was a lovely way to end our time in Australia….. Asia here we come!
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