Melbourne

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On the 15th we left Port Campbell and returned to Melbourne via the awe-inspiring Great Ocean Road. The road is so twisty and hugs cliffs for a great part of the way requiring cars to slow to 30 or 40 km/hr for a lot of the journey. Long drive and Helen unwell with upset stomach so she slept a great part of the way occasionally opening one eye when I would "ooh" and aah" over gorgeous ocean scenery.

We had a wonderful visit with Gabrielle and Rob and their energetic sons Tim and James. I had worked with G and R in Japan some 18 years ago. We had lived in the same town where Gabrielle and I taught in the respective Girls and Boys Senior High Schools and Rob taught in a private school. Lots of great times in Japan culminating in the wedding of G and R at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo. I still mist up at the happy faces of Gabrielle and Robert being allowed to marry in the bar of the embassy - the ultimate honour for beer drinking Aussies!!

We had a a fun-filled 3 days in Melbourne and started with great seafood barbie at home of Dave and Margaret who had visited us in Canada 3 years ago with two of their brood, Victoria and Andrew. Lots of laughs, wine and happy memories. On Friday we spent the day bicycling down the Maribyrnong River to Williamstown in the company of Gabe, Rob, David, Margaret and Theo. Must have been some bug going around as 4 of the party had been forced to call in sick but the bike riding, great lunch and tall stories seemed to perk everyone up. Williamstown is a lovely old town which was one of first settlements in the area. Beautiful views along the harbour and seaside homes that begin in the the multiple million dollar range. We chose not to buy as we would miss the snow and ice back home 😊

Leaving Williamstown, we loaded our bikes onto a ferry and went across harbour and up the Yarra River into Melbourne Central Business District. A very hot day so the ladies took a tram back whereas Rob, Dave and I cycled back through Melbourne rush hour up the river bike path only stopping for a short time for barley refreshments to celebrate our ride in the heat and humidity.

Saturday we went to a great downtown market with G and R and the boys. Fresh fish market amazing as were the deli and cheese markets. We picked up cheese, fresh bread and fruit as well as stuffed mushrooms and figs with mascarpone for a decadent picnic lunch when we found a park. Also forced to stock up on hot freshly made donuts coated in sugar and filled with hot jam. The tribulations and bizarre foods one must put up with in foreign lands. Further touring on-foot brought us to the very impressive Victoria War Memorial. Beautiful structure and very informative interpretive centre located underneath. Spent time walking about the old yet magnificent botanical gardens nearby. Giant trees and flowering shrubs provided welcome respite from the hot sun. Another fun day ending with smoked salmon pizza and possibly the best gelato (honey, malt and macadamia nuts) Helen had ever encountered - I spoil that girl!

Sunday the 18th was our bittersweet departure day. Packing is always a chore especially when leaving such wonderful friends. Yet we were also excited as we were flying out to Bali, our first step into Asia where we plan to spend more than 6 months! Thanks very much to Gabrielle and Rob and the boys. We look forward to your visiting us soon.

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Photos

Gabriel "happy girl"
Gabriel laughing at one of the Canadians' witty sallies - just like 18 years ago in Japan.

Douglas Family
Robert, Gabrielle with James and Tim. Good friends and lots of fun in Melbourne.

Old Working Clas Homes
Note the beautiful iron mongery on these homes.

Comments

[Kevan Flood]

Envious
Hello you two! Been reading your blog with great interest. Sounds as if you're having a wonderful time but a bit rushed so far. Bali should take care of that. Read with great interest your description of the Coast Road. I've read about the road for years and often thought about how much fun it would be to do on a motorcycle, sort of like the Pacific Coast Highway. Helen, rolling around doing back flips in the comfort of Business Class on an International flight while the sweat stained peons are boarding!! You could have at least given one of them a chocolate explaining that they kept putting the damn things on your pillow. I hope all continues to go well and that you are both safe and happy. At some point, on some small sunlit island, as the sun goes down, remember to pour out a few drops of wine in honour of the god who inspired you to do this. Cheers Kevan PS Cold and snowy here. No question of whether we'll have a white Christmas.

[Joanne]

No worries
I love your blog, the first one I have ever read. "No worries" is the Aussie phrase I remember hearing following almost any request. I guess you didn't have time for the Melbourne Museum, but "no worries." A cold and snowy winter has us in its grasp. Bali will be paradise. A country that looks to the mountains and not the sea. Joanne

[Donna]

Our first hello
We love reading your journals. It sounds like you are both having a great time in spite of the horrible travel accomodations, being forced to endure great food, great company, great scenery and an abundance of wine. We marvel at your fortitude to keep going ;-). Have a great time and keep writing. The rest of us meagre folk are living through you ;-). I've sent you an e-mail also I hope you have time to read before too long. Love to both of you from the both of us. Tom and Donna