Taking a break back in Melbourne!

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Having seen the sights of Sydney, I decided to brave the 13 hour bus journey back down to Melbourne. Luckily enough I had two seats to myself, and after purchasing an inflatable travel pillow, I was able to lie down and, well, sleep! We stopped in the capital- Canberra for lunch on the way, and I was shocked at how tiny it was. I swear that Oprington has more hustle and bustle than the capital of Australia! Anyway, not much to report from the bus journey so I'll move on!

I was met at the bus station by Mick's poppa (grandfather) who took me back to the appartment in Port Melbourne. He very kindly said I could stay despite Mick being in hopsital (again), only this time he wasn't injured, merely advancing medical science by agreeing to be a human guinea pig! So for the first few days of being back in Melbourne I had to entertain myself and spend a fair bit of time at the hospital with Mick, but then an old friend arrived on the scene and provided a welcomed distraction to my mundane week! A friend of mine, Russ, who left to go travelling for a year about 2 years ago, actually didn't make it home due to a job offer too good to refuse in Melbourne! Only realising he was in the city when I was away we arranged to meet up when I was back. Russ suggested that he'd take extended lunch breaks during the week and take me to lunch in some of his favourite spots in the city. It was so nice to talk to someone about home! About people we both know, about nights out we remember. One evening I'd planned to go the the Melbourne Show as one of my favourite artists, Pete Murray, was playing a set. I had a spare ticket and offered it to Russ. So on the Friday night I met Russ at the Stock Exchange. He took me up to the 15th floor where we mingled with the ANZ crew (My old bosses at the recruitment firm would have LOVED that!), with free wine, free food and a great view of the city. We recruited a kiwi girl "Stiph" - actually Steph but with her acent it sounds like the former! Steph popped another free bottle of wine into her bag and we headed to the show. Ah, it was such a great night, fantastic atmosphere, great company and only 50metres away from the man himself! It was surreal being on the other side of the world with a friend from home. We both took a moment and stood back to take it all in! Definitely a "moment"!

At the weekend Micks little sister came to stay in Melbourne so spent a couple of days with her. When Mick came out of hospital, we went to the Melbourne show with her so that she could go on the rides and I could hold a little lamb and goat! I took Hannah to Federation Square too so that we could watch the Australian Idol concert for free! That was a good afternoon. Mick and I also celbrated our 6 months together that week. He took me out for a really nice meal on the Southbank followed by some bowling in the casino!

The weather here has really picked up recently-summer is on the way! It was Grand Finals weekend this weekend, which is a MAJOR celebration for the Aussies! To celebrate, Mick decided we should have a 2 day party (low key) on the roof! So yesterday and today we set up the stereo system, cranked up the Barbie in true aussie style and bathed in the sun...inbetween watching the footie of course! It's been a fun weekend actually.

Tomorrow is my last day in Melbourne before my next mini adventure! I'm flying to Adelaide on Tuesday and picking up a week long tour through Kings Canyon, Ayres Rock and ending in Alice Springs (obviously stopping at other locations along the way). I then take the Ghan train back to Adelaide and fly back here to Melbourne!.... Deep Breaths Amy!

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Comments

[Juicy Lucy (remember me?!)]

ah Amy just taking a quick look at your blog in between doing my essays (haha ye right!) your piccies are wicked mate! i hope youre still having a blast, lap up that sunny weather girl coz its bloody freezing back here! see you soon! xxx