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Published: September 30th 2006
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View of the Twelve Apostles
This was our first stop on the Great Ocean Road. I think some of the apostles have been washed away, but those that are left still offer a stunning sight! Bare with me! I've been back in Canada for a little over a month now, and memories of this last year seem to be fading fast. It's strange but I almost feel like asking, did it really happen? In truth, this travelblog was as much about sharing my adventures with the people at home, as it was for me. As I add this last entry, I look ahead to printing off all my entries and binding them in a book so my memories of my year become something more concrete. And instead of bruising myself with pinching, I can just look at the book whenever I have my doubts...
When we last left the intrepid traveller (a.k.a. me), I was just finishing up my tour of Uluru and the Red Centre. What was about to happen next was something I had planned for over a year. My friend Jaime, who I have known since elementary school, decided to go to teacher's college near Melbourne. When I left for Japan, and even before, I made a promise to Jaime that I would swing by "on my way home" (a roundabout way, sure, but still a way home nonetheless...), and visit. I
(Sorta) Soaking Up the Sun
Pia, Jaime and I in an overcast moment along the Great Ocean Road. think both Jaime and I had our doubts, but when we said goodbye last July, we said, "see you next summer!" I touched down in Melbourne thrilled with the idea of seeing my first friend from home in over a year!
After confusion, and slight panic, trying to reach Jaime via her mobile, I decided to take the bus from the airport into the city centre, and hope that my faithful friend Jaime would be waiting for me (she knew what time my flight was supposed to land, but she didn't know what bus I would be catching). When I arrived at the bus depot, there she was! It honestly felt like I had seen her the week before, and that we were back home, and not in Australia!
Jaime and I had quite a few things planned on our itinerary for the next few days. Unfortunately our time was compressed, as I was leaving to return home on the Tuesday, giving us really only 2 and a half days together, for Jaime to share her new Aussie home with me! Trust me though, we got a lot of sight seeing done over that weekend...
Our Friday
night was an interesting introduction to the city of Melbourne. Jaime lives in a suburb about 45 minutes away from the city centre, and as we were taking a tram into the city for a dinner theatre performance we had tickets to attend, along with Jaime's roommate and friend from home, Pia, we ran into a major traffic jam! All of the cab drivers in the city had gone on strike, and were causing major delays in traffic. We ran to the venue, and made it on time, thankfully! We went to a dinner theatre venue called Dracula's, which involved riding a ghost train into the theatre (very cool!) and watching a cabaret-style performance while we ate. The theatre portion was interesting to say the least, and if you'd like more details, just ask Jaime, Pia, or I...we'd have lots to say about it!
Our Saturday began bright and early as we headed to the Great Ocean Road. Parts of the road hug spectacular, ocean scenery, which includes stunning sights such at the Twelve Apostles, as well as London Bridge, and the Grotto. Our trip was a bit hurried due to time constraints, but we had gorgeous weather, and
Jaime, Pia, and I all agree...
...that the Grotto is our favourite stop. Not only is it beautiful, but when there's no one else around, it's also very peaceful. I was lucky enough to see all of the main highlights.
The next day, we arrived back in Melbourne, and Jaime and I took a tour of the city, where we walked along the Yarra River, and to see the Sunday market. Melbourne is a bustling city, with dottings of quaint cafes, and art in the streets, which gives it a very cosmopolitan feel. It definitely has a different vibe to it than Sydney, but its uniqueness, funkiness, and energy makes it one of Australia's most-loved cities.
On my final day in Melbourne, while Jaime was at school, I slept in, wandered more around the city, and did some souvenir shopping, relishing my last day of vacation. Then, it was off to say goodbye to Jaime, back to the hotel to pack, and get a few hours of sleep before the 5:30 a.m. sounding of my alarm...
...2 flights and 20 hours later, I was finally HOME, in Toronto, being greeted by my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. Quite surreal.
Thank you all for sharing my journey with me. With the permanent itch that is now ever present in the soles of my feet, I assure you
London Bridge Has Fallen Down
Years ago, people used to be able to walk across London Bridge, until it was weather-beaten so much, that piece of it fell down! One day, there will be nothing left of London Bridge at all... this won't be the last of my travels, but it may just be an experience that can never be topped...
...In the words of my lovely, Japanese students,
"minna san ...see you!"
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Jaime
non-member comment
... i miss you...
stacey.. it was definitely surreal to have you here in Melbourne.. but also very comforting for me to have a little piece of home here, even in the short time that we had.. thanks for coming.. it was great to do the GOR again, as the weather was much more enjoyable that second time around... ... i'll fill you in on our speeding ticket another day :) hehe