Right - the pics are not up yet for the the Victoria part of my trip. I tried twice, and both times, the comps crashed on me, so I guess 3rd times the charm hey! This first entry covers my first week back in Oz after my 5 or 6 weeks in the UK. Actually, I want to see in regard to that, a big, big thank you to those of you who came up for my mom's cremation, and to my friends who were great company for me throughout the ordeal, in the UK, and around the world. Your cards, emails, phone calls and offers of a drink were thoughtful, appreciated and not forgotten.

So, within the context of recent events, my time in Melbourne was kinda up and down. Ultimately however, friends already in Melbourne, and some new ones made helped me have a good time there. Now, whilst I was not impressed by Sydney - I refer you to earlier journal entries, the same is not true of Melbourne. Melbourne has a stronger sense of culture and substance, but still maintains a sleek, modern surface to it. The museums are excellent, the architecture engaging, the people laid back and friendly, and the atmosphere is akin to long summer afternoons sipping coffee on a street somwhere, or in a park.

I was staying in St Kilda, a suburb in the south, which a really cool place, with losts of bars, restaurants, bars, beaches, a few more bars, and then about a gazillion Irish.... this is where they all end up when they come to Oz! Anyways, spent some time just chilling out on the beach, of walking around the city. Did a tour of the MCG, and it is a truly awesome sporting venue, and it must be cool to be there for the boxing day test match! Also found time to go up to the 54 story Melbourne Observation tower, just as the sun was setting, which gave us excellent views over the whole of the city.