It’s the smell, the fragrance of a new continent that you catch first. For Australia it’s a resiny, smoky, flowery background -- sun-burned eucalyptus -- at least in Victoria in springtime. Jump in a cab, speed along freeways, with that “holy shit we’re actually here” feeling (and a touch of angst about driving on the left) then we’re on the street with a pile of luggage - the adventure begins. We are to meet our host at the university. Melbourne means love at first sight. The Victorians called it Melbourne the magnificent and they got it right Blad’s old school and climbing/caving chum (who he hadn’t seen for near fifty years) Took us to a quick lunch then wisked us off on a walking tour of the city core. So excited, free of jet lag, with
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