Just taking some time out in Sydney to write my update of the start of our trip part 2 - Australia!

We flew into Melbourne last Wednesday and spent our first night at Reena's aunt's house. Her uncle picked us up and on the way back took us via Pin Oak crescent aka RAMSAY STREET - I was so excited just to be in Australia, I tell you this almost killed me! The evening was relaxed, it was was really nice to be in a house again, and we had a lovely homecooked dinner - made me a little homesick to be honest, but it was just what we needed to refresh ourselves. The weather was gorgeous too - but as forecast we woke up on Thursday to rain! The second day of rain since Christmas and it happens on our first full day there, just our luck. We were spending the next two nights in St Kildas, which is like a beach resort about a 20 minute tram ride from the city centre, so we made our way over there (in the rain) and checked in and had a look around. St Kilda's is pretty with a beach, and lots of little shops and bars, very much a place you want to see in the sunshine! That evening went to the Victoria Night Market in Melbourne which was fantastic - live music outside, and inside lots of stalls including a whole strip dedicated to lots of diffferent ethnic cuisine, and wine - so much choice! The stalls were all really cute too and we had a great time looking round them. Also bumped into 2 people we'd met in New Zealand including the girl we did our skydive with, which was funny!

On Thursday we had a mooch around Melbourne city centre and did a bit of shopping, thankfully the rain had stopped and the sun come out (a little!). Then, in the afternoon, Ellie and I went on... THE NEIGHBOURS TOUR!! Anyone who knows me will guess how excited I was - and anyone who hates neighbours will think I'm sad but I loved it. We got taken to "Erinsborough High School" (who knew Erinsborough is an anagram of neighbours - I didnt?!) for some snaps then to the studio where we met Alan Fletcher aka Dr Kennedy - every bit as cool in real life as on tv! Then we went on to Ramsay St for some pics. It's a lot smaller than it seems on tv, got some cool pictures, check out the one where Ellie and I decided to try our hand at a bit of neighbours acting! Our tour guide pointed out places as we drove around where different things were filmed and it seems hilariously low budget, they just use random spots and turn them into the "prison" etc; the airport, hospital and police station are all the same building! The tour was worth it for the pictures especially but it was a shame we couldnt go into the studio / go on the Neighbours night because of the days we were in Melbourne - guess I'll just have to go back for those!

Thursday evening was our last night in Melbourne - bit of a flying visit really - and our last night before Reena flew home. We had a nice dinner together but saying bye felt so odd, and really sad! And then there were three...