We flew Virgin Blue (if I was an air hostess I'd want their outfits, not orange Easyjet) and arrived in Melbourne on 18th February. We were booked into the Nunnery - it's a fabulous old building with lots of pictures of Jesus, a large 'Boticelli' and the Holy Bible everywhere. Though Charlotte got her ipod nicked a few days later so not holier than thou. And before you cry 'why are you husband hunting in a convent!' (cousin Fi) but there are boys allowed.
We are a stones throw from Brunswick Street which holds lots of funky boutiques, great bars and the Veggie Cafe. Charlotte's converted me I swear. This place is fabulous, the dishes are huge and so cheap! I met a girl from Edinburgh who worked there. She didn't sound very Scottish but she's now my new best friend. We've pretty much visited that place ona daily basis ever since. If you ever make it over here, you must go. Who needs pig?
We only stayed in Melbourne for a couple of nights however before we picked up Roxy the silver Hyundai and set off along the Great Ocean Road. Armed with three CDs we bought on the cheap - the Greatest Ever Power Ballads (Foreigner and Bonnie Tyler naturally), an 80s CD and of course, Take That's Greatest Hits. We wrapped scarves round our heads and took the obligatory Thelma and Louise snapshot too. Stopped off at a few places along the way including the Twelve Apostles. Not convinced there were twelve. Total tourist trap but fun all the same. We stayed on Saturday night at the grimmest pub in the world. I was too scared to go out of our room and we were kept awake by two drunks discussing life until the early hours right outside our window. The following night we stayed in the best place ever though, in a tiny harbour village called Robe. Lakeside Manor built in the late 1800s with a listed grand bookcase and huge kitchen. It was so quiet so we pretty much had the run of the place. It was great because the drive from Warnambool towards Adelaide is very boring. We played countless games of 'I'm thinking of a person' and started on guessing the colour of the next car to pass. Trouble is by the time a car eventually passes it's been so long you've forgotten what colour you picked. Pointless. You can never tire of Take That's Greatest.
Arrived in Willunga, just past MacLaren Vale, on Monday afternoon to stay with Mike and Tina, friends of Charlotte's parents. MacLaren Vale is filled with wineries. Grape heaven! The house we stayed was fantastic, with a swimming pool, tennis court and large trampoline. The two kids were great too. We felt like Paris and Nicole - expect more polite. Had our first Aussie barbie that night.
We found a beach nearby, part of which was nude, the other part I suspected to be gay. So didn't hang around for long. Also walked about 10km in search of a glass of wine and an olive but most of the cellar doors were shut. They have one by Willunga High School that's only open until 4pm - must be for the teachers eh Mum?!
Drove into Adelaide on our third day along the one-way expressway which closes at midday and opens to allow everyone coming the other way to use it for the rest of the day! Botanic Gardens were beautiful but it was so hot!
Our drive from Adelaide to Melbourne was quite dull. We stayed over in the Grampians which were beautiful and I wished we'd had more time there. Wild kangaroos roamed around and one even guarded our door during the night which was pretty terrifying when Charlotte got up to go to the loo. There were a bunch of elderly women staying there, one of which got pretty pissed on wine and started firing all sorts of questions at us. Bit relieved to get up at 6am and drive back. The sunrise was stunning.
Reading: Spencer and Tracy a memoir
Listening to: Aforementioned CDs
Missing: Tescos, oatcakes, crunchy nut cornflakes
Loving: banana oat slices, driving and the glorious sunshine!
Kathryn
