So proud of myself. Usually on the day we head home I can't wait and would just prefer to go straight to the airport and sit there till the plane is ready. Our plane was at 4 and with Virgin so they said to be there by 3 and we only got there by 2.30!
So in the morning we checked out and wandered along to the Melbourne Gaol Museum. It is where Ned Kelly ended his days. I haven't really like him since reading The True Story of Ned Kelly and still don't like Peter Carey. I found the death masks fascinating and all the personal stories.
I overheard the guide poking fun at the 'scienvce' of phrenology. My Mum had her head bumps read and still believes that it was right about what career she should pursue. Being able to predict criminality is probably another matter. But I did want to challenge the woman and ask her about all the people who read their stars and think it might be true.
After that we went to the Library and saw an exhibition about shopping in Melbourne. Quite interesting.
Finally we deviated from our Oz food choices and went for a buffet lunch at Mama Someone or others. I ate something that looked like chook's feet - had to use my fingers as there isn't much on chook's feet!! It was all yummy and I enjoyed some good veges which I had been missing.
And so to retrieve our luggage, catch the tram and then the Skybus. The plane was on time and we were back in Adelaide. All good. End of holiday - even if not quite home yet.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Mother's Job Description
A Mother will:
Read every word written by her darlings even the ramblings of a 6 year old proud of the quantity she'd written rather than the quality. Or the long, considered emails of a son who ponders deeply and thoughtfully the meaning of life and reviews books and films with wisdom and grace.
A Mother will;
View with interest every holiday photo taken by her dear ones even though that involves much scenery or cute animals when all she really wants to see are her own folk whom she loves dearly.
It's all part of the Job Description. And did I mention being hugely biased in favour of her own. It's a
Mother thing.
Read every word written by her darlings even the ramblings of a 6 year old proud of the quantity she'd written rather than the quality. Or the long, considered emails of a son who ponders deeply and thoughtfully the meaning of life and reviews books and films with wisdom and grace.
A Mother will;
View with interest every holiday photo taken by her dear ones even though that involves much scenery or cute animals when all she really wants to see are her own folk whom she loves dearly.
It's all part of the Job Description. And did I mention being hugely biased in favour of her own. It's a
Mother thing.
Monday
After a leisurely start we caught the trusty Circle bus and headed for the Aquarium.Quite impressive if you like fish. A bit of a case of 'seen one, seen them all.' But i did enjoy the penguins. It's mating season and there was much courting behaviour which seemed to involved redistributing the smooth round pebbles to various ntsting places. We watched for quite a while.
We wondered home in the afternoon then went out to eat. We'd sussed out Lygon Street and knew where we wanted to go. Fascinating to observe that some places are obviously the popular places - packed out - and others were quiet. We were our usual adventurous selves and ate steak and Caesar Salad!.
We did lash out with a dessert because of its description. Vanilla bean and honey panna cotta with wild berry soup, caramel toffee shard and Persian fairy floss. Tasted pleasant even though the fairy floss on top looked like trolls hair.
We strolled up the rest of the street running the gauntlet of all those touting for business and explaining why we should eat at their place. When I told one guy we had already eaten he suggested i should eat again and save on having breakfast! I assured him I do that way too often!!
We wondered home in the afternoon then went out to eat. We'd sussed out Lygon Street and knew where we wanted to go. Fascinating to observe that some places are obviously the popular places - packed out - and others were quiet. We were our usual adventurous selves and ate steak and Caesar Salad!.
We did lash out with a dessert because of its description. Vanilla bean and honey panna cotta with wild berry soup, caramel toffee shard and Persian fairy floss. Tasted pleasant even though the fairy floss on top looked like trolls hair.
We strolled up the rest of the street running the gauntlet of all those touting for business and explaining why we should eat at their place. When I told one guy we had already eaten he suggested i should eat again and save on having breakfast! I assured him I do that way too often!!
Being a Senior 2
Off to have a haircut. Feeling tired I figured i could catch a bus down Anzac Highway - free with my Seniors Card. Three went by just as i was crossing the road. I walked one stop and saw a bus coming so hailed it, hopped on, flashed my Card (not done this before in SA) and got a green ticket. Only then did I discover it wasn't going to stop till 11A. Quite a walk back to the hairdresser.
But it was worth it. When I regaled Mel with my story she assured me that a Seniors cut it $10 less than the usual price. There was no sign and I would never have asked.
AND I caught the bus back.
But it was worth it. When I regaled Mel with my story she assured me that a Seniors cut it $10 less than the usual price. There was no sign and I would never have asked.
AND I caught the bus back.
Being a Senior
I do have my Seniors card and have enjoyed getting Concession rates for some things. However I have been surprised at people on the City Circle tram jumping up and giving me a seat. Are Melbourne people just very polite or do I look old and in need?
On the plane home a nice man offered to help me get my bag down from the overhead locker - and it wasn't even David!
On the plane home a nice man offered to help me get my bag down from the overhead locker - and it wasn't even David!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Touristing
I really am a lousy tourist. I'd rather stay home. But since we're here we've been out and about. But I'm always glad to get back to where we're staying. Make a cuppa, read a book etc
I tried hard to enjoy the Aquarium (glad that my trusty Seniors Card had again helped reduce the price considerably) but after a bit one fish looks like another. We sat and watched the penguins for quite a while. Very interesting but shrieking little kids liked them too.
As we walked across town to get there and then caught the tram back it occurred to me that what really interests me is people. You don't get the same variety in Barmera. I know now that what goes with footless tights is little short shorts. Maybe not for me.
Perhaps people watching explains why I prefer the sociological type displays in museums - how people live or used to and why I like TV such as Talking Heads and Australian Story.
We turned on the TV last night (well we are on holiday!) and apart from a bit of diving at the Commonwealth Games the most fun was watching what turned out to he the video surveillance of the front door of the hotel.
Holidays. You gotta love them!
I tried hard to enjoy the Aquarium (glad that my trusty Seniors Card had again helped reduce the price considerably) but after a bit one fish looks like another. We sat and watched the penguins for quite a while. Very interesting but shrieking little kids liked them too.
As we walked across town to get there and then caught the tram back it occurred to me that what really interests me is people. You don't get the same variety in Barmera. I know now that what goes with footless tights is little short shorts. Maybe not for me.
Perhaps people watching explains why I prefer the sociological type displays in museums - how people live or used to and why I like TV such as Talking Heads and Australian Story.
We turned on the TV last night (well we are on holiday!) and apart from a bit of diving at the Commonwealth Games the most fun was watching what turned out to he the video surveillance of the front door of the hotel.
Holidays. You gotta love them!
Sunday
Another coughing (coffin) night. So we didn't even make it to church at 11. Finally got going and went to the Museum via the City Circle Bus. This one had a real person rather than the commentary and she told us where to get off ie which stop we needed.
I usually love museums but was still short of oomph. Was glad that my seniors card got us free entry. Wandered up to Lygon Street to see all the eateries and found out that the pizza place(Toto's) where David got pizza is supposed to be the first pizzeria in Australia - in the 60s.
We chose to eat Lamb Kebabs which turned out to be what I'd call Yiros but tasty all the same.
Then a much needed nap.
We walked to the city centre for the Wesley Church service at 7. Reminded me of the evening service in Brisbane we went to earlier inthe year. A few faithful folk scattered in a huge historic building with galleries and pipe organ. Maybe I was tired but it really didn't connect. They are eveidently keen to explore ways to be different given the constraints of the building.
When it came time to pass the peace (which i don't much like) I felt the need to sprint up the steps to the guy in the gown at the organ console. He did come down for communion.
The order of service hinted politely that we should sit and listen to the organ music at the end of the service but after a decent interval we snuck out and sought refuge at McDonald's with a coffee.
I usually love museums but was still short of oomph. Was glad that my seniors card got us free entry. Wandered up to Lygon Street to see all the eateries and found out that the pizza place(Toto's) where David got pizza is supposed to be the first pizzeria in Australia - in the 60s.
We chose to eat Lamb Kebabs which turned out to be what I'd call Yiros but tasty all the same.
Then a much needed nap.
We walked to the city centre for the Wesley Church service at 7. Reminded me of the evening service in Brisbane we went to earlier inthe year. A few faithful folk scattered in a huge historic building with galleries and pipe organ. Maybe I was tired but it really didn't connect. They are eveidently keen to explore ways to be different given the constraints of the building.
When it came time to pass the peace (which i don't much like) I felt the need to sprint up the steps to the guy in the gown at the organ console. He did come down for communion.
The order of service hinted politely that we should sit and listen to the organ music at the end of the service but after a decent interval we snuck out and sought refuge at McDonald's with a coffee.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Day 2
The dreaded lurgy kept me coughing for a lot of the night so we had a very slow start after the long day yesterday. Always the dilemma about holidays - whether to rush around and see everything or to relax and take it as it comes.
David go The Australian, I got the notebook and we relaxed. Eventually we tottered out into the day. We walked past the "Baths" again - a really ornate building. Advertising indicated it was a gym but I was sceptical about it being a swimming pool. So in we went and there was indeed a pool with people swimming laps. Posters around the walls told of its history as a place to have a bath and later segregated swimming - not just men and women but the lower classes were kept on the lower floor. I have my bathers with me but think my breathing is a bit compromised at present to think about lap swimming.
We caught the free Melbourne shuttle bus and did a loop around to get our bearings a bit. The commentary was informative and we hopped off near the South Bank and strolled along the river enjoying a coffee and later a cone at Maccas for David and reading in the sun.
We happened upon a boat cruise so hopped on along with the resident dog for a half hour turn up the river. Fun to watch people at leisure. The beautiful people were starting to emerge by then - in some interesting finery.We headed for the city loop bus to take us back. As often seems to happen our timing was off - too early to take advantage of the eateries on South bank and the Food Court nearer home was closing. I was flagging fast so was happy with my Maccas salad and David headed for Lygon Street and a pizza.
We really are fairly hopeless at being tourists. I just want to be home!!
David go The Australian, I got the notebook and we relaxed. Eventually we tottered out into the day. We walked past the "Baths" again - a really ornate building. Advertising indicated it was a gym but I was sceptical about it being a swimming pool. So in we went and there was indeed a pool with people swimming laps. Posters around the walls told of its history as a place to have a bath and later segregated swimming - not just men and women but the lower classes were kept on the lower floor. I have my bathers with me but think my breathing is a bit compromised at present to think about lap swimming.
We caught the free Melbourne shuttle bus and did a loop around to get our bearings a bit. The commentary was informative and we hopped off near the South Bank and strolled along the river enjoying a coffee and later a cone at Maccas for David and reading in the sun.
We happened upon a boat cruise so hopped on along with the resident dog for a half hour turn up the river. Fun to watch people at leisure. The beautiful people were starting to emerge by then - in some interesting finery.We headed for the city loop bus to take us back. As often seems to happen our timing was off - too early to take advantage of the eateries on South bank and the Food Court nearer home was closing. I was flagging fast so was happy with my Maccas salad and David headed for Lygon Street and a pizza.
We really are fairly hopeless at being tourists. I just want to be home!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Holiday happening
I usually write in my diary when we are away but thought I'd try this.
The day started way too early. Alarm at 5.30 and taxi at 6.20. What with daylight saving starting less than a week ago that seemed very early.
Got the station to hear the announcement that due to a derailment the Overland to Melbourne would not be going.Oops! But they had arragned buses. Which would have been nice if the aim was to get there but really our idea was to enjoy a train journey courtesy of the travel voucher the kids gave me for my 60th.
Still, what could you do? There was plenty of space and we had two good stops on the way.
There was a young Anglo-Indian (?) woman travelling with her 7 month old baby so at stops we gave her a hand with him and he was gorgeous - all big brown eyes.
We arrived as scheduled and caught a free Circle Line bus - quite a rattler. We struggled on with our luggage and some young man immediately stood up for me. Wondered whether to feel honoured or old.
We wandered along after that looking for our hotel and something to eat, not necessarily in that order. I had been coughing insistently all day and felt a tad measly. We ended up eating fish and chips cheap in a noisy pub where we decided we were a good 30 years older than the general demographic.
Headed to the hotel - our room is fresh and clean but I wouldn't want to be as large as a couple of guys on the bus. They simply wouldn't fit! There is a separate bedroom with a clear glass sliding door. Interesting.
After a rough night with the lousy coughing we both slept in. Have put our watches on so no idea what tummy time it is!!
The day started way too early. Alarm at 5.30 and taxi at 6.20. What with daylight saving starting less than a week ago that seemed very early.
Got the station to hear the announcement that due to a derailment the Overland to Melbourne would not be going.Oops! But they had arragned buses. Which would have been nice if the aim was to get there but really our idea was to enjoy a train journey courtesy of the travel voucher the kids gave me for my 60th.
Still, what could you do? There was plenty of space and we had two good stops on the way.
There was a young Anglo-Indian (?) woman travelling with her 7 month old baby so at stops we gave her a hand with him and he was gorgeous - all big brown eyes.
We arrived as scheduled and caught a free Circle Line bus - quite a rattler. We struggled on with our luggage and some young man immediately stood up for me. Wondered whether to feel honoured or old.
We wandered along after that looking for our hotel and something to eat, not necessarily in that order. I had been coughing insistently all day and felt a tad measly. We ended up eating fish and chips cheap in a noisy pub where we decided we were a good 30 years older than the general demographic.
Headed to the hotel - our room is fresh and clean but I wouldn't want to be as large as a couple of guys on the bus. They simply wouldn't fit! There is a separate bedroom with a clear glass sliding door. Interesting.
After a rough night with the lousy coughing we both slept in. Have put our watches on so no idea what tummy time it is!!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Hi
Hi
The whole world is blogging so thought I could too. Do I have something to say? Does it matter. At least there is more scope to discuss stuff than on Facebook.
The whole world is blogging so thought I could too. Do I have something to say? Does it matter. At least there is more scope to discuss stuff than on Facebook.
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