Australian Adventure: Melbourne

Wow,  I didn't think I'd ever be able to adapt back into a routine and this cold winter weather, or maybe it was that I really didn't want to.  After a southern hemisphere summer vacation, we are back in Japan resuming our work, studying and friendships.  I returned invigorated by travel, new experiences and a good dose of vitamin D.  I hope you enjoy a selection of some of my favorite pictures from our trip.  We took a lot.  I did my best to narrow them down but it is still a lot of pictures.  This post will focus on our first week in Melbourne. 

We arrived in Melbourne on Christmas morning.  Kirsten (Kirsten grew up next door to us in Phoenix) and Nick (her fiance) met us at the airport and welcomed us to join them at Nick's parents for Christmas lunch.  The meal began with Christmas "crackers" (a very English tradition).  Each cracker pops open and includes a joke, cheesy prize and a paper crown that we wore through the meal.  It was a wonderful afternoon of happy company, delicious Australian bubbly, wine, and food (almost like being home!)  Kirsten even made my favorite holiday side, green bean casserole.  The meal was followed by Christmas pudding complete by pouring rum on top and lighting it on fire, then served with rum butter.  RICH! After digesting we took advantage of the warm weather by playing a lawn game.  My only regret is that I didn't take any photos of this first day. 

We spent the night at Nick's parents house (in Gelong, outside the city) and planned to drive the "Great Ocean Road" in the morning. 

What an amazing way to begin our trip.  The coastal drive was beautiful and we got to see wild kangaroos, koala and tropical birds.  Kirsten knew all of the hot spots to stop. 

Kangaroos and golfing...Dad you'd love it!

Can you find the koalas?

That evening we got settled at Kirsten and Nick's apartment in St. Kilda, Melbourne. The next day Todd went to a cricket match with Nick. Kirsten and I got mani-pedis and shopped around their neighborhood.  We explored a street lined with boutiques, vintage stores and cafes.  It was fun to see good fashion and indulge in tastes and sights I was missing.  Many of Melbourne's neighborhoods had a NW flavor to them.

One day we explored Melbourne's downtown, art museum and botanical gardens but I preferred the funky character of the neighborhoods that surround downtown.  We also drove to Yarra Valley wine country and tasted lots of yummy Sauvignon Blancs, Shiraz and bubbles at Chandon.  Todd was feeling good after finishing our pours (with one of us driving and one pregnant.)  We also found a cheesery with spectacular goat cheese! 

 

This is Gus,  she enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching larakeets.  If you look closely behind her there is a larakeet.  They had two nice cats and I got in some much needed cat love. 

Our last night in Melbourne was New Year's Eve.  The weather was warm so we had a picnic at a park with Kirsten and Nick's friends.  We snacked on tasty appetizers and salads, drank bubbly, and played bocce ball.  When it got dark we were entertained by huge bats, a daring possum and glow sticks.  The glow sticks became frisbees, jewelry and dancing props.  We welcomed 2012 by blasting "Titanium" and watching Melbourne's fireworks display!  Happy New Year! 

Stay tuned for Sydney!