Marvellous Melbourne

Time to pop on those walking shoes, stretch out those muscles and tip back 2-6 cups of coffee. It’s tourist time! My mate David crossed the ditch for a wee holiday in Melbourne. As he says, it wasn’t a proper holiday because it wasn’t of at least 4 weeks. I seem to have been on holidays for, say, 4 months! 

Anyway, naturally we had a jam-packed itinerary. In that we made up our itinerary as we went.  This is also the time I moved in above a pub (which offered discounts for those staying above). Sweet Jesus it was like the weekend every.single. night. Fantabulous.

 

Being outside the central city, we had to learn the train network. To the Melbourne public transport powers, you’re one reason I drink. Thankfully David maxed out duty free purchases on his way through the airport so Mr Daniel’s and I could become reacquainted. And no driving was ever required, because I'm now a public transport master.

We spent the first few days mucking about central Melbourne, including Melbourne’s Southbank and Central neighborhoods. Nothing overly exciting but great views, tourist traps, people watching and lots and lots of walking.

The pocket watch at Melbourne Centrals' shopping center / train station

Tower enclosed by glass dome, at Melbourne Central

Prince's Bridge over the Yarra River

Royal Botanical Gardens (Eureka Tower in background, cute elderly couple on bench)

State Library of Victoria in Melbourne' CBD

 This city is also littered with street performers. Some cooler and better than others. This one did us some hand stands, with a few variables thrown in:

Getting the crowds attention (he's on the stoplight)

Doing a handstand on top of the bricks

Decided to knock the bricks out from under him...

After watching his stunt, we decided to head 88 stories above the solid Earth to the Eureka Skydeck to look out at the sun setting over Melbourne.

 After gaining further confidence with trains, we ventured out of Melbourne’s CBD to explore the suburbs of Frankston and Williamstown (the first settlement of Melbourne). In 1837, Williamstown was named after King William IV when the leaders decided a more appropriate place of settlement was across the harbor, at the mouth of the Yarra river. Thus, Melbourne was born, and named after British Prime Minister Lord Melbourne. Pretty much the only reason to visit is for delicious home made ice cream, and views like this:

Next up was an hour train ride on the Metro from Melbourne’s CBD to explore Frankston, aka “The Gateway to Mornington Peninsula”. Pretty much a happenin’ suburb with a gigantic shopping centre, some artsy stuff and a gorgeous waterfront! Perfect place to relax an afternoon away.

Looks way warmer and pleasant than it actually was

Frankston bridge.

Now that we have warmed up our  muscles and broke in our walking shoes, it’s time to become full blown tourists. Day 1 of this grand endeavor took us to Geelong, an hour long regional train ride. Being at the station by 7.15AM was enough to take the wind outta me already. Thankfully the regional train has cushy, soft seats so I was able to nod off for a majority of the trip

Geelong is the second largest city withn the State of Victoria (remember, Australia has something like 7 or so States just as ‘Murica has 50). This would be like travelling from Minneapolis, MN to Mankato, MN. As we arrived at 8.30am, we were able to get to the waterfront just after sunrise. Sweet as. Had amazing breakfast and coffee (my favourites being eggs Benedict and a cappuccino) next to the water. Then we walked, and walked, and walked even more exploring the shopping centres, wool museum, tourist shops, Botanical gardens, and the entire city waterfront. Finally, we took the bus to the Sphinx, snapped our pictures and returned to the train station to return to Melbourne. Exhausted, fun, and not all that informative.

Geelong Swim area (notice the shark barrier)

"Upside down V" but really State of Victoria bureaucracy offices

Spinx Jr!

Sphinx Jr, up close and personal (there's just a pub inside)

Next up was an organized tour of the Mornington Peninsula, a 90 minute drive from downtown Melbourne. We stopped in the village of Sorrento at the Just Fine Food café for a world famous Vanilla Slice. Sweet Jesus that was a slice of heaven (totally worth the $7.50 too!) Ingredients include an American size portion of custard. Combined with peppermint tea and the warm, cozy atmosphere set all my senses rocking high. Eating that slice provided delicious, orgasmic temporary bliss and I would be ever so happy to repeat such a task (so who’s gonna come visit?!)

Vanilla Slice [Pic taken from Google]

After that short stop over, we continued towards Point Nepean, defining the entrance to Port Phillip from the Bass Strait.  For decades this place used to be an active military base, and was a strategic point and defense area during WWII. Only recently has the military given the land to the Parks Department. It’s still littered with the odd explosive, so it’s best to stick on the pathways. This is also the place where, in 1967, then Prime Minister Harold Holt drowned. Body never recovered. Conspiracy theories galore. It's also home to the Quarantine Barracks, similar to Ellis Island of America where every new immigrant passed through, and those near death sent in to quarantine.

I wasn't kidding...

Point Nepean

Our final hoora on the Peninsula included a group effort to complete a few mazes, chocolate tasting, WINE tasting and a 90 minute snooze fest back in to the city. Chilled to the bone, starved (there wasn’t one proper meal that day) and tired from 12 hours of exploring.

Mornington Peninsula tour gang

Who has time to sleep on vacation? We did another organized tour to Phillip Island, so we were up and back at it. After hopping a train barrier and sprinting to the train, we just made it before our tour bus departed.  Our tour guide was pure awesomesauce, and we quite enjoyed our time touching Koalas and feeding wallabies at the wildlife sanctuary (and learning fun facts, too!); exploring Churchill Island Heritage Farm (the first farm in the State of Victoria) and watching the "World Famous" Penguin Parade (quotes were used cuz I had never heard of such a thing until a few weeks ago)!

Touching Koala!

Feeding Wallabies!

 Fun Fact: A Koala mum will regurgitate her food, make here Koala babies eat it so the Koala baby can safely eat the poisonous Eucalyptus plant.

            Fun Fact: Koala’s sleep 18-20 hours per day. After a good feed, all their energy is used in digesting poisonous Eucalyptus. I’m entirely jellies of their sleeping habits.

Tour-mate Jenny learning to crack a whip from Farmer Johnny

Pictures @ the Farm

Scottish cows!

Now, Phillip Island is all about them there penguins. Penguin homes are scattered about the island, and many roads are shut down at sunset so the penguins can safely return to their home after a full day of feeding. It’s sweet as watching the lil balls of blubber waddle there way in for the night, and inspiring how nature so well protects them from the cold [I was freezing my bumbum off!]. 

Look at 'em waddle in!

  Fun Fact: Little Penguins are just that, the tiniest Penguin creature out there

            Fun Fact: When it's time for them to shed their feathers, they eat enough for a few weeks as during this process, they lose their protective oils to guard them against the frigid waters.

Phew. Are you as tired as I? The weekend finally came, and with little energy remaining to visit my local, we hit up the Pancake Parlour (cuz I had me a coupon). For $10.90, I was pretty much fully disappointed in only receiving two pancakes, enough butter to kill me, and cheap maple syrup. Won’t even come back for free. On the plus side, this place has Target!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The final horra of our great Melbourne tour included an evening dinner cruise along the Yarra river in Melbourne’s CBD. Best part: unlimited alcohol for 3 hours. Next best part: the waitress made sure my wine glass was filled to the top (I love her). 

Now it’s BAM, back to reality with brand new spankin’ job commencing 15 July! Woohoo!

Hope your world is still doing fine as.

Cheers

:D

You May Live in Minnesota If...

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From time to time, I do miss home. When these moods hit, I usually get on the Google to find something relating to being at home in good ol’ Minnesota (in addition to looking at throwback pictures). Here’s something I have found online from comedian Jeff Foxworthy. Gives me a good chuckle when I’m missing you Minnesotans:

You may live in Minnesota if...

• You refuse to buy something because it is "too spendy"
• Your local Dairy Queen is closed between November through March
• Someone in the Home Depot stores offers you assistance and they don't even work there
• You have worn shorts and a jacket at the same time
• You have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who has dialed the wrong number
• "Vacation" means going anywhere near a lake
• You measure distance in hours
• You know several people who have hit a deer more than once
• You have switch from 'heat' to 'A/C' and then back again in the same day
•  You can drive 75mph (120kmh) through 2 feet (61cm) of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching
• You install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both doors unlocked
• You design your kids Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit
• The speed limit on the highway is 55mph (89kmh) - you're going 80mph (130kmh) and everyone is passing you
• Driving is better in the winter because potholes are filled
• You know all four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, road construction
• You find 10 degrees (-12c) a "little chilly"
• You think the ketchup is a little "too spicy"
• There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at any given time
• You know a "brat" is something you eat
• You can identify a Southern or Eastern accent
• If you know how to say: Shakopee, Mahtomedi, Cloquet, Edina and Wayzata
 

 

If you understand these jokes you definitely do live, or have lived, in Minnesota! 

Hope you had a good chuckle and happy finally Spring, or maybe just summer now, Minnesota!

All the best,
:D

Ditch Crossings.

 

You sure do enter New Zealand quite often – Customs Officer

*stamps passport – visitor visa valid for 3 months*

Thanks – Me

*continues on to claim luggage*

For those who still have yet to catch on, the Tasman Sea in this part of the world is also known as the Ditch (like America and the Brits call the Atlantic Ocean the Pond).  Anyway, I crossed the ditch to return to Auckland for 10 days to sort some business. [I love how that sounds.] I’m also sincerely sorry for those Kiwi mates of mine who never saw or heard from me during this time – believe me, I wanted to but I had to sort out my business.

I caught a red eye Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Auckland. For those curious on the airline, I would not recommend it. My knees were in the seat in front of me and because it is a heavy discount airliner, you know the type of clientele attracted. After arriving in Auckland at 5.15am on Saturday, they made us walk down on to the tarmac to bus it to a terminal entrance and then walk for an eternity to reach customs  - all to supposedly save a dollar on my flights.

Great thing my good mate David was ready at the airport to pick me up. Since there was a wide-shouldered man next to me on the overnight flight, I ended up getting maybe 1 hour of sleep. I was very tired. Unfortunately hostel check-ins are not until 2pm. I had over 8 hours I needed to keep myself awake – top 5 lifetime challenge.

Suffering through some breakfast and drinking coffee like water, I crashed at 3pm. After all, I spent nearly a year in this city so what else was there really to see? I was right. After 3 days in Auckland all I did was sort my business, see Olympus has Fallen [B rating], send mum her Mother’s Day card [you never, ever forget Mom's day no matter where in the world you are], and spent my remaining Kiwi dollars. Boring as. What’s opposite of boring as? Well, a road trip to Tongariro National Park AND Taupo!! 

So that’s what my mate David and I did: booked ourselves a hostel in National Park Village and Taupo for the remainder of my time in Kiwi land.

Driving down to Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is home to a few active volcanoes, the latest eruptions occurring sometime last year. Thankfully, nothing of such nature occurred during my brief visit. This place is also home to the famous Tongariro National Park, and has even been featured in the Minnesota Star Tribune travel.  You can do most of the track, but there are certain portions closed off from last year’s eruption. Unfortunately, weather conditions didn’t permit David and I from doing the 6-8 hour trek (plus, we were drastically underprepared for the cold weather). Instead we opted for the charilift and having a coffee at New Zealand’s highest café. 

David and I going up via chairlift

2 chairlifts later and I made it to 2020metres (6,627ft)

Having a coffee at the highest cafe in New Zealand

Unfortunately, what comes up must go down....yikes

After freezing our bums off and returning down below the cloud deck, we did a few of the shorter treks (we’re talking 45 min return, MAX, treks). These included:

1. Mounds Walk – nobody knows for certain how large mounds were formed at the foot of the mountain!

          

            You also get to see school children that are so bored they do this:

                       

3. Tawhai Falls Walk – beautiful waterfall set back from the main drag!

             

4. Ridge Walking Track- offered great views of the park!

             

After mucking about the Village (believe me, this was a village) we drove on over to Taupo to muck about town and visit the prawn park [Ma, we should have gone done this when you visited!] Did you know that prawn live approximately 2 years and lay millions of eggs. They also get smart so catching the more mature, larger ones was a bit of a task.

 

David was ecstatic to try his luck at some Prawn fishing! (But who the heck dressed him?)

Prawn being farmed.

Largest catch of the day! (But the bugger jumped outta the bucket later on)

Look what I'm about to boil up...YUM!

Since Taupo is also a very big tourist attraction, we just had to muck about town and whatnot:

Taupo Saturday Morning market

Mischief Rose at Taupo Rose Garden

Sweetwaters Rose at Taupo Rose Garden

Of course all road trips have to come to an end, so on our way back to Auckland we stopped by Hamilton Gardens to stretch our legs (it’s 3 ½ hours from Taupo, mate!).

Leg Stretching.

Hamilton Gardens

And unfortunately I must catch a 7.30am return flight to Melbourne in order to, ya know, start earning some Aussie dollars.

Cheers for now!

:D

PS my intent was to get to the airport by 5.30 with the free shuttle in order to check in and have some relaxing time with a solid coffee. Alarm thus set for 4.20am (just to be sure). Woke up at 5.20am! It was like Home Alone 1 and 2 (and thankfully I did pack the night before). And yes, I did catch my flight ON TIME (but had NO relaxing time for coffee).