Australia 2010

January 22 to 23, Melbourne, Australia

Out at people's house in the suburbs.  Great seeing the people again.  Great to have a nice swim and a few drinks around the pool. 

Received an official Australian hat to wear as gift!

Went to the local jazz festival for a bit, but very quiet, too early as they were just setting up.  Interesting that the wine places had set up but not the food ones!

January 20 to 21, Melbourne, Australia

Not doing much but exploring more of the city area.  Finally received my passport and visa!  Only 3 days late!

January 19, Melbourne, Australia

Off to the Australian Open today.  Great day.  Saw 2 good matches.  Watched a Canadian, Marino, play against a top seeded Italian.  She did not start off great but improved as the match continued and the Canadian put in a very strong performance.  

January 18, Melbourne, Australia

Still in Australia!  Passport/visa did not arrive from Brazil!

Spent the day wandering through parks.  Went to Fitzroy Gardens and the Captain Cook's Cottage.  Small place, 2 levels, and very similar to other places.

Gardens/park was very nice.  Great to have some sun out, after the wind and rain on the Gold Coast.  Queensland still getting lots of rain.

Then walked to Botanical Gardens.  Had to walk by the tennis centre where the Australian Open has started.  Good views. 

Botanical Gardens are huge and very nice.

January 17, Melbourne, Australia

Spent most of the day on phone changing flights as visa for Brazil did not arrive.  Very disappointed as now not going to Tahiti or Easter Island.

January 15 to 16, Melbourne, Australia

Spent 1 1/2 hours sitting in plane while they sorted out a baggage problem.  Not nice, but at least got a free coffee (instant!) out of it!

Arrived back in Melbourne, and off to bbq.  A farewell, sort of, as not sure if going to get away!

Great time.

Then off to Williamstown for a Ghost walk through the old parts of the city.  Great, no ghosts, but did see many older houses and heard some stories about some of the buildings.  3 hours later and no ghosts sighted, the tour finished.  

January 12 to 14, Coraki, Australia

Caught the bus to Ballina.  Wouldn't you know it, the day I leave the weather is beautiful.  Sun shining and the wind not blowing as hard!

Could not leave the TV as it was showing the floods in Brisbane.

Friend met me at the bus stop, actually a shelter on the street.

Next day went for a drive.  Visited Evans Head, Byron Bay, Lismore, Bangalow,.

Next day met up with another woman from Iceland trip.  She met us half way from Tenterfield.  We me half way in Tabulam.  Small country town, 1 store, 1 cafe, 1 pub!

Spent the time having coffee under a tree and catching up on trips and travel.  Looked at photos of Vietnam as they are planning a trip and also reminiscing about Iceland!