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Emma's Travels
Okay so I have arrived safe and sound and jet lag has hit me like a sack of potatoes. I can't believe that it is already day 5, time if flying by so quick.
To quickly brief you: Michelle and James (friends of Shona's that she met in Singapore) collected us from the airport on the Thursday night and we stayed with them for 3 nights in Melbourne. Had a blast, on the Friday we strolled about Melbourne before meeting up with some of their friends and family for dinner and then onto an Aussie Rules football game at the MCG Stadium (N.B this was where the opening and closing ceremony of the Olympic Games took place). Game was superb and I think I am going to be hooked when I come home and frequent Walkabout a lot.
The Saturday we were up pretty early and first stop was to none other than RAMSAY STREET. We were glad to find that we weren't the only sad gits there taking photos and bumped into a couple from New Zealand. Street is so tiny in real life but hopefully the photos will look good.
Then it was onto Healesville Park which has lots of Australian aboriginal native animals such as the playtpus, dingos, tasmanian devils, kuala etc. Shona and I got to pat a kangaroo although I was terrified that it was going to chew my hand off at any minute.
Next stop for the afternoon was a visit to the Chandon vineyard (yes that is as in Moet and Chandon). It was set in the most amazing grounds and would be ideal for a wedding. We had lunch overlooking the vineyards just as the sun was setting and then did some wine tasting. I tell you, if I win the lottery then thats the life I want. Four glasses of different champagne brought to us with a cheese platter while we just sat there drinking and taking in the view. And all for approximately ten pounds - bargain.
We didn't plan much for the evening but some of Michelle's friends from work (James from Edinburgh) wanted to meet us and so they planned drinks at his flat. Flat was gorgeous and I later found out, this is a fact for Karen, that Missy Higgins lives next door. With the wine flowing we somehow ended up at a gay bar called the Greyhound Hotel that puts on drag shoes to rival Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I was literally in awe with my mouth wide open at the lip gloss on the men/women. Show was great though and perfect end to a busy day.
Yesterday was pretty quiet in comparison. Michelle took us shopping to the largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere and Shona and I did well with only buying a padlock for my backpack. Last thing I want to do at this stage is buy things to add even more weight to my rucksack. In the evening we had dinner at Michelle's mum Carol and her partner Graemes house. Really relaxing and nice way to end our first weekend.
Today Shona and I flew up to Cairns first thing. Flight took just over 3 hours and we arrived to find it just over 25 degrees which made a change from cold Melbourne. Walked around the Esplanade, did some shopping and booked some tours to take over the next couple of days. At this moment we've just finished having dinner at an al fresco Asian restaurant facing onto the harvour with one of the girls in our room, called Corrine from Switzerland. It won't be a late night tonight as we're getting picked up from our hostel at 7am tommorrow. Oh its really nice by the way, if anyone wants to do a google search its called GILLIGANS HOTEL AND RESORT, based in Cairns.
Anyhoo falling asleep, hope you are all well
Emma
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