Whitsundays, Mackay and Melbourne.

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Well, it feels as if we have loads to tell you but its been such a short amount of time! That rainforest trip we went on was really interesting; the guy running it seemed to know his stuff (latin names and all) and it was pretty cool to do something that wasn't based on water - plus that made it a bit cheaper! We learnt that this one plant, although I can't remember the name, which looked normal and almost like a household plant, was actually poisonous to touch. It affects your nervous system and apparently feels like needles and boiling water combined instantly; also if it stung more than 40% of your body it would kill you. Although, apparently the berries aren't poisonous and taste pretty good - yet we decided to leave that.
And then it was off to Mackay, while waiting for our train we met a man who had just retired and was really quite the character. He talked so much. I know that's coming from me, but literally it was extremely hard to get a word in edgeways - he told us of cruises he'd been on, his alcoholic wife in Fiji, his diabetes, the bugs around Oz, what to do in NZ and his own rendition of 'Brown eyed girl' by Van Morrison - which was surprisingly good. So by the time we actually reached Mackay we were both knackered (also Mut, no I can't pronounce it still) and just ready to fall asleep. Yet here comes the first bad point to our trip - the room wasn't good. From a distance it looked fine; as it was the only hostel in mackay we didn't really have much choice but for the money we paid I expected a lot more. There were bugs everywhere, I commented to Ed that I'm not a fan of ants to which he pointed out they were much too big to be ants - always reassuring. When you opened the door the plastic 'windows' on the roof shook and sounded as if they were about to shatter. Luckily the actual bed was clean and we were only there for one night so it wasn't that big a deal, but I'm sure we'll both pay them back through over exaggerating bad reviews.
Actually, staying in a rubbish place made us realise how lucky we've been so far - everywhere has been amazing and there have been no problems whatsoever (touch wood!). But it was fine because we were off to Melbourne! 😊 We arrived and my first thoughts were - how can I feel my goosebumps through my clothes?! Thats right; it was absolutely bone chatteringly freezing. After the heat and humidity of Asia I was fairly depressed by the sudden realisation of winter. Yet with the proper clothes and hoodies Ed and I were ready to go; we're staying at Base in St Kilda (the first Base hostel of three!) and its awesome - good bar, dorm, people, kitchen and TV room attached, we also did some laundry which seemed a bit of an extravagance but totally worth it.
Today we went into the centre of Melbourne and wow what a city! Chinatown is cool, in the food court you could buy a large plate for about $7 and you can pile on it as much as you can fit on to it - Ed took full advantage of this (as I'm sure you can imagine). I also got overexcited by the Tim Burton exhibition which was incredible! Alice in Wonderland costumes, clay models from the Corpse Bride (sorry, for anyone who doesn't know Burton is an animater and director) and loads of sketches from his youth. It was really interesting and the centre had recreated one of his sketches into a working model, it was like a merry go round with UV lighting and, of course, in true Burton style, was a tad creepy. Tonight we're heading back there to see one of his earlier films, Ed Wood, so we'll let you know what thats like 😊.
Oooh I should also mention that we have splashed out on a big night out for next Tuesday - we're going to see Bill Bailey at the local theatre! That should be really good, and there are a few recommended bars around we might try out - however alcohol is so disgustingly expensive out here we're probably going to stick to Woolworths own brand goon (which is pretty good actually - four litres or so of cheap, cheap wine usually around 10 dollars or less, so can't really complain!).
Anyways basically everything is good here, I'm going to knock out the heels tonight to remind myself what its like to be a reasonable height, and maybe Ed will even put a clean shirt on (he says he has lots of clean shirts, which is now true). Its lovely hearing from all of you so keep it up please! Eastaffs/Williams - hope you guys are having fun and doing lots of crazy stuff. Ann/Paul - we are both very jealous! And the weather will be better where you are too. Lesley: Hows the walking going? Ed's still in one piece and even has a little bit of a tan.

On the subject of picking ups if you mums have a plan thats cool with us (Dad and George, cheers for the offer though)

lots of love xxxxxxxxxx

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Comments

[Mum]

Hi
Yes walking fine thanks, weather not good at moment rainy and windy but did Bastille Day in Battersea Park, which was an experience, nothing like yours though. Thanks for keeping us so update, makes us really feel part of the experience. Glad Ed still in one piece and getting a tan. Glad the shotgun worked, definitely will be there to pick you up even if I have to use a days holiday. Alex doing well and planning a Hamptons look to her lounge in Bham!!!!!! Lots of love to you both. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx