Thursday 29th March

Hi people, how u all going hope you’re good. Was good to speak to all you Riley’s earlier. Anyway think this is going to be a long one so should start, hope you don’t get too bored but what can I do! Monday had a nice lie in before meeting Suzanne and Tony at circular quay. Today it wasn’t raining and we had an ice cream before going to the opera bar for a glass of wine. Afterwards we went to the opera house for the tour. It was quite interesting but probably would have been more so if hadn’t already been in there. Afterwards it was just getting dark and we went back to the opera bar for a glass of champagne sat next to the water. Today without the rain the opera bar and harbour was looking its wonderful usual self. Paul meanwhile was at home watching the Simpson’s after just coming home from work, not that he was bothered though! Afterwards Suzanne and Tony went for a dinner cruise and went home to pack, to book a hotel and car for our holidays the next day to Melbourne. Our flight on Tuesday wasn’t till 1330 so weren’t rushed, the airport is only 15 mins away so was easy. Arrived in Melbourne in bright blue skies and hot sunshine - very nice. We dropped our bags of at the hotel which in itself was quite nice but the room was a compact dive. Location was really good though, just opposite the Melbourne observation tower. We went there first as with not a cloud in the sky the view was really cool. We then went and had a walk by the Yarra river and had a beer in a bar at the south bank which was very nice. That night we went and had another look at the city t night from the observation tower. We then went for dinner in Lygon street. Its an area in Melbourne famous for its street of restaurants, mostly Italians. Had dinner at a very nice place called Villa romana. Street reminded me of being in the south of France. We then had a walk down the ‘Paris’ end of Collins street. So called as it is lined with trees that at night all light up pink, looked very nice.

Wednesday was Paul’s birthday, I hadn’t got him anything except some golf balls from the opera house and a card. I had intended to but couldn’t find anything. I did get him a little muffin with a march for a candle and sang him happy birthday, what more could he ask for? He also opened the rest of his cards. It was grey skies for most of his birthday and drizzled on and off which isn’t desirable. We went to federation square which is this arty building both in and out., looks very nice outside but inside was a bit arty farty for us. Had lunch outside in the square watching some random show linked to the swimming world championships that were on. We went for a boat trip down the yarra river where you had to duck under the bridges to prevent getting decapitated, it was nice but probably would have been better in the sun or at night. We went on lots of tram trips which is the main mode of public transport and had a drink at hard rock café. Paul thought Melbourne was a bit boring, I thought it was a nice place but just a lot quieter than Sydney, much more arty and cultural. That night we made a quick visit to the huge casino and went t down by the river. At night its really nice, all lit up. We booked to go on a tram restaurant which basically drives round Melbourne for 3 hours from 2030 while you eat a al a carte 5 course meal and drink as much as you want. It was very posh inside, its modelled on the orient express. Food was nice and we had kangaroo for starter. Got quite drunk on champagne and wine and had a very good time. Highlight of the evening was when they announced that Paul was one of 3 celebrating their birthday and brought him pudding with a candle and sang him happy birthday- very funny.

Thursday we were up bright and early to be picked up by the neighbours tour bus. Paul couldn’t come to Melbourne and miss the tour, we were already missing the neighbours night every Monday. On the way to Ramsey street they played Jason Donavan etc and put on old episodes, all very cringable but funny. Everybody on the bus appeared to be English backpackers. We first stopped at Erinsborough high which is actually a real school by a different name. It was then off to Ramsey street, this again is a real street and the residents are paid a fee for the use. It was very strange, just like being in the telly but it’s a lot smaller than it looks. We had our photos taken and with the neighbours street sign while the guide told us gossip. We weren’t aloud in the studio but found out that they also filmed prisoner cell block h there too. The next part was where we got to meet a ’star’, we drove to St Kilda and there to meet us was Dr Karl Kennedy, had photos with him and he signed autographs and gave us gossip. He was actually a really nice down to earth bloke and was a very surreal and funny experience. It was then back to Melbourne to collect our hire car and drive to the Great Ocean road.

That’s the end of our Melbourne experience, will tell you all about the Gt ocean rd when I have time in my busy schedule! Check out our photos, LOVE AND MISS YOU LOADS LAURA AND PAULXXXXXXXXXX