31st October – Halloween & Uncle Paul’s B/day
Washing, breakfast and dishes, packed up and gone by 9.30am. Headed to the pool, which was about 100 metres down the road and in for a swim. 20.42 for the km, not bad all things considered. Rod would have liked it, it was probably about 30 degrees. Showered and out of the rec centre just after 10.15 I was on my way to Melbourne. Fairly good run with the traffic, I programmed Millie
to take me past the Chapel St Backpackers before heading into St Kilda, which was where I was spending the night. Stopped to let this guy and his dog cross the road and though he looked familiar – Husey (Dave Huse, from Rove for the less educated)! To early to check into my room – which was apparently a pamper room, giving me a towel, shampoo and conditioner and free glass of champagne from 6-7pm. Score! Moved George around the corner, quick bite to eat and headed for the train station to catch up with Brenden and Pete before they flew home that night. Got off at Flinders St and then spent about an hour trying to work out where the markets they were at happened to be – Brenden’s vague directions weren’t helping much. Found the markets and then the boys. Bit of a catch-up on what we’d seen in the past few weeks before deciding a beer would go down all right. Headed for St Kilda where a pub served $9 and $7 pizzas. Had a couple of jugs before they headed off and I walked back to check in my bags and get ready for the International Rules v Ireland. Down to the bar for 6pm for my free glass and watch the cricket, to find out it was free champers all hour – awesome. So 3 glasses in 45 minutes (ontop of the beer) and I was well and truely tipsy. Didn’t have to wait long for a bus that took us right past the ‘G’. Met Richard and Mike outside gate 3, and found our seats in the new stand – very nice facilities. The game was great, although the players are hard to recognise, and we needed to check the Game guide to get some understanding of the rules. 
Grabbed more beers at half time (and chatted to an Irish bloke who was ready for the biffo to start) and watched the second half, which became very exciting after we worked out how to score goals. Left the game (which we lost by 4 points) and wandered into Fed Square and a cafe/bar for another drink and a pizza. Great service and the pizza was good too. Calling it a night about 11 I wandered over to Flinders St and the longest trip to St Kilda possible, via Caulfield, then back to South Yarra, onto a bus, then a tram, then a walk and arrived just after 12. Exhausted I fell into bed, with the light still on.
Washing, breakfast and dishes, packed up and gone by 9.30am. Headed to the pool, which was about 100 metres down the road and in for a swim. 20.42 for the km, not bad all things considered. Rod would have liked it, it was probably about 30 degrees. Showered and out of the rec centre just after 10.15 I was on my way to Melbourne. Fairly good run with the traffic, I programmed Millie
to take me past the Chapel St Backpackers before heading into St Kilda, which was where I was spending the night. Stopped to let this guy and his dog cross the road and though he looked familiar – Husey (Dave Huse, from Rove for the less educated)! To early to check into my room – which was apparently a pamper room, giving me a towel, shampoo and conditioner and free glass of champagne from 6-7pm. Score! Moved George around the corner, quick bite to eat and headed for the train station to catch up with Brenden and Pete before they flew home that night. Got off at Flinders St and then spent about an hour trying to work out where the markets they were at happened to be – Brenden’s vague directions weren’t helping much. Found the markets and then the boys. Bit of a catch-up on what we’d seen in the past few weeks before deciding a beer would go down all right. Headed for St Kilda where a pub served $9 and $7 pizzas. Had a couple of jugs before they headed off and I walked back to check in my bags and get ready for the International Rules v Ireland. Down to the bar for 6pm for my free glass and watch the cricket, to find out it was free champers all hour – awesome. So 3 glasses in 45 minutes (ontop of the beer) and I was well and truely tipsy. Didn’t have to wait long for a bus that took us right past the ‘G’. Met Richard and Mike outside gate 3, and found our seats in the new stand – very nice facilities. The game was great, although the players are hard to recognise, and we needed to check the Game guide to get some understanding of the rules. 
Grabbed more beers at half time (and chatted to an Irish bloke who was ready for the biffo to start) and watched the second half, which became very exciting after we worked out how to score goals. Left the game (which we lost by 4 points) and wandered into Fed Square and a cafe/bar for another drink and a pizza. Great service and the pizza was good too. Calling it a night about 11 I wandered over to Flinders St and the longest trip to St Kilda possible, via Caulfield, then back to South Yarra, onto a bus, then a tram, then a walk and arrived just after 12. Exhausted I fell into bed, with the light still on.1st November
Woke before my alarm willing myself to get up. Shower and makeup/hair/dress ready for Derby Day, the biggest day of racing during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Downstairs and ready to leave at 8 (which would have been too early) I jumped on the computer and finally was able to update the blog! So all frocked up in the backpackers I attracted a bit of attention, with two guys from Albury coming to chat... and a proposition ‘You married’ ‘Nope’ ‘You got a boyfriend’ ‘Nope’
‘You want one?’ ‘Depends on the offer!’ Decided to pay $6 for breakfast (champers could start early, not a good look to be pissed before lunch) before leaving at 8.45am to Chapel St backpackers, where I was spending the next week. Parking had been my biggest stress leading up to this week, so I was extremely grateful when there were 2 spots across the road in free unlimited parking – awesome! I was set for the week. Too early to check in I got the door code and instructions on what to do if I arrived later than 7pm that night. Walked down to the train station and didn’t have to wait long before we were on our way in, complete with ‘Have a great day at the races’ from an Italian bloke on my way past. Train into Flinders Street, 9.45am. Awesome. Richard and Mike arrived just after 10, having cab problems and we boarded the train, full of frocked up females and suited up guys. It started slowly, but eventually was full to capacity, and with the weather windy and chilly I was very glad I was in the members stand, although I did go for a walk past the ‘common people’ in the afternoon. Champers started at 12 and continued all day. No luck with any bets until the races finished and Mikes horse who was racing in Perth managed a win! Celebs such as Denis Pagan, Mark Readings, Spider Burton, Michael Brennen were just some of the crowd we were mingling with... sort of! No queues for the toilets, champers by the glass, out of the weather – this was the life!!! Headed to dinner with Richard and crew, O’Connels, which was a pub but you wouldn’t have thought so
by the service we got, fantastic. I drank and talked with Hayley, and we left there about 10.30 when the boys hailed me a cab and I got home about 11. Sorted out George and my gear and fell into bed (after finding my key wouldn’t open the room door, luckily a group were up drinking downstairs). Completely crashed..................
2nd November
6.45 was not a time I wanted to see on my watch. Laid there for a while, played on my phone and eventually fell back asleep – until 10am. Whoo Hoo!!! Up, shower, breakfast, phone call from the folks, blog, toast (lunch!!) and it was 12.30 before I knew it. Off for a walk to the St Kilda Markets, along the beach, up Acland St (which is where all the bakeries, cafes and shops are) and then back past the markets, buying a necklace and bracelet along the way, to add to the hat I’d bought from a store closing down. Caught the tram back, getting off a stop earlier than I should have, which worked out well because I was able to jag an appointment at the beautician (have to be presentable on Cup day). Time to get ready for the Rugby League World Cup Match v England. Caught the tram and then walked from Flinders St to Mick and Rosie’s hotel, and said I’d meet them in the pub downstairs. Well, I nearly walked out again, it was full of Poms! Grabbed a beer and hid in a corner until they turned up, and as we were leaving realised they were the Balmy Army! Followed them (it certainly wasn’t a boring walk) to Southern Cross Station (in the rain mind you – typical Melbourne weather!) where we stopped for dinner at Starbucks.
Mick and Rosie had been sent an extra ticket, so once outside the gate we spent 10 minutes or so trying to get rid of it to no avail, so headed into Telstra Dome to find out seats, with a spare one for the bags. I did a lap of the bottom floor to find a t-shirt in a small enough size but no luck (saved $30 there!) before kick off. It was the best crowd I had been in, very animated and enthusiastic about the match. We started off well, before the Poms seems to come back, and then we absolutely annihilated them, holding them to just one try. Needless to say the Balmy Army weren’t so vocal after half time. Made it outside and Shamus, a friend from Mandurah who Richard had mentioned was also in town, called and we caught up for a chat before I headed with him to friends of his and Amanda’s, in an apartment building in Docklands overlooking the stadium. Wow! Had a beer up there before calling it a night around 11.15, and walked back to Southern Cross where I caught a train and then a tram to Prahran. In bed by 12.
3 November 2008
8.30 – now that’s more like it! Shower, breaky and off for some shopping! Out by 11am to Bridge Rd, shopping central of Melbourne. Start on one side of the road and work your way up and back down the other side. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, although a new dress for the Cup would be nice. Tried a few things on before I walked into this shop – where the sale stuff was marked at $99 (normally something I would see and walk back out again) but there was this gorgeous aqua dress on a mannequin. Having a look to see if there were any others the shop assistant said I could try on that one, which was a 10. Pftt – it’ll never fit I thought. I’ll be dambed, it did, and looked pretty good too. Bit the bullet and bought it – what the hell! A few more shops and I was stopped by this red dress that I loved aswell, a bit cheaper and would look great on Ladies Day. Was on my way out when I saw some black bolero jackets (which I had actually been looking for) and bought one of those too (will go great with the dress). It just went on from there, with shoes, handbag, hat (just a casual one) and all I needed now was a fascinator or hat in silver – and do you think I could find one anywhere? Shamus, Amanda and Ashley arrived and we did part of the other side of the street until I’d done enough and left them too it. Headed back to make sure the outfit was going to work, down to accessories and underwear. All great except the hat that I’d bought yesterday. Bugger. Off to catch up with them in St Kilda, I stopped at a brick-a-brack store just down the road in search of something with feathers/flowers, and found some clips that were perfect - $3.50 (but don’t tell anyone!). Very happy I made my way to St Kilda, where Shamus shouted afternoon tea (apple crumble for me) before walking along Acland St and down to the beach, which was pretty ferrel. Said goodbye as they headed in one direction and me in the other I made another stop in at the brick-a-brack store for some make-up (I seemed to have lost some between St Kilda Backpackers and here). Time to get organised then! Between sorting out the van, make-up, accessories, etc etc it was 7.30pm before I started to think about dinner. Ironed the dress and whipped together some alfredo pasta and vegies with a beer (yes lots of carbs!). Onto the internet, shower to prepare and bed by 11pm – needing some beauty sleep!
4 November – Melbourne Cup Day
Well it’s the first Tuesday in November already! OMG! Early to beat the rush to the showers, which turned out not to be a problem. Back to the kitchen for breaky and two games of patience, of which I got both out – lucky sign? Time for the frock and make-up, still no bathroom problems! Just about ready to go when my phone rang – Scotty!!! Had a good chat before I said I had to go. Down to the train station, one shoe starting to hurt already. Next train was 18 minutes away, so I figured the tram would come quicker, so walked back to the tram stop but the next one didn’t come, so back to the train station. Made it there and met Shamus, Amanda
and Ashley, with Mick and Rosie arriving about 10 minutes later. Queued up to get on the train and made it to Flemington for 11am. Followed them to their seats (snuck past the security), running into Kerry and Scotty on the way! What a fluke. Couple of photos before heading up to Members. Glass of champagne (11.45am) to kick start the day before finding Pip, Richard and Mike. Decided to have a bet on race 4, Jacqueline’s Rouge, because of the name. Talk about exciting, nearly running into 1st place, before a protest between 1st and 3rd was called, potentially elevating my horse to 1st if it was upheld. It wasn’t, but paying $5 for a place it was enough to cover the bet and the glass of champers – and stood in front of Eagles CEO in the queue! More racing, another burger for lunch and more champagne. Then it was down to the race that stops the nation. I had 5 bets on, 2, 10 and 24 for lucky numbers, 17 (Newport – good pub!) and 18 – Profound Beauty, on Rod’s advice. $2.50 each way, $25 in total. I looked at the tickets, if any of them came it they would pay a fair bit of money. Managed to score a good viewpoint, made sure we had full glasses of champers and they were off and racing! No idea where any of the horses were, the crowd didn’t jump up and down in front of me like expected but we had to wait for the numbers to come up to find out the winners – and it was number 10 Viewed!!! Paying $41 for a win and $5 for 
a place I was $130 richer!!!How very exciting. Boys were devastated, their money down the drain. I cashed in my ticket (after taking a photo) and bought a bottle of champers to celebrate! We drank, bet and chatted until Louisa and I went for a walk to The Birdcage, the exclusive area. Saw Carman (Queer Eye) walk past as we mixed it with the finest Melboune had to offer. Walked back, after a photo with Ricki Lee and into the Members Lounge before more drinks and heading back to Fitzroy to the boys apartments. Sat down for a bit and took the shoes off – heaven! Walked down the road to a tapas restaurant where we drank wine and ate some beautiful food before heading back to their hotel and hailing me a cab. Stopped by a couple of kiwis around the corner from the backpackers I headed up for a drink – water only – before I said I had to go to bed. Somehow got my dress off and teeth cleaned and collapsed.
5 November
Awake and in need of water I felt ok – must still be drunk. Went back to sleep and at 10.30 (that’s not a misprint) I got up to have a shower and make breakfast before it stopped at 11am. Went for a walk down Chapel St towards South Yarra before heading to the South Melbourne Markets. Caught the tram back to the City before getting on the train to Prahran Station. Something to eat and organise some photos before a quick nap (apparently I hadn’t had enough) and to a restaurant with free wireless for dinner – Buddah’s Belly. On a balmy evening it was extremely pleasant drinking red wine, eating stir-fry and chatting away on the net. Back to the backpackers for some tv before heading to bed at 11pm, almost recovered from Cup Day, and ready to do it all again tomorrow!
6 November
Ladies Day – a great marketing ploy to get good attendance numbers to Oaks Day. Today it was the red dress and curls, contrast to the other two days. Aiming for another 10am start at the train station I got a phone call from Richard to say make it 10.30, which turned out to be a blessing because I doubt I would have made 10am. Another two games of patience out at breakfast – was I in for another good day? Walked down to the train station and a guy walked out of a shop just as I was going past... and in the next 3 minutes or so asked for my number! They are good over here I tell you! Train pulled in so I took off – public transport can be a fantastic blessing – and just made it on. At Flinders and bought Richard and Mike roses for their suits while waiting for them. Onto the train relatively quickly compared with Tuesday we arrived (albeit on the other side of the tracks) and headed in a different way to the track. First bets and into the Old Members Stand (which is outside) for the first race, which actually started later today, hence the phone call from Richard. Grub and Tony found us there, all unsuccessful again. Time to take position inside on level four. Race 3 and I had a bet on Lindop, who’d won the Derby Day Race and backed a winner! Whoo Hoo!! Little was I to know that this was the start of a very successful day! A couple of races later and I was still winning, with bets going on jockey’s today, and Williams and Lindop carving up the field. Had a guy, Wayne, who’d been behind me in the collection line come up and start talking, only to find out he was from Perth too. More betting and more winning for me, I decided to go for a walk downstairs for some sandwiches for lunch (it was about 3pm, and drinking champers on an empty stomach whilst wearing high heels is something I’ve done before with disastrous consequences, as most of you would know! Grabbed my plate and took about 5 steps through the crowd for a look when I was stopped by 3 guys and asked for a tip on the next race – number 12 (Lindop) for me, but don’t blame me if it doesn’t come in. Bought me a drink... scotch and coke of all things! I put my traditional bet on ($2.50 each way) and they all splurged $10 each way. Watched the race and.... WINNER!!! Talk about making friends fast. Another drink and a bet on the last with two more winners. So I had 8 collects in total for the day, how very awesome was that! Boys (Joe, Chris and John) invited me out to the Cas later, so we exchanged numbers and I headed back to the boys upstairs, who had assumed position by Barts Bar. Wayne was there with some of the boys too, one of which had won $18000 on the quaddie – guess who was buying drinks there! We chatted for a bit, and when Graham, Richards business partner, came over and started chatting it turned out we all knew him, with Wayne member at Ascot. Small small world! With delays on the train lines we stood drinking for a bit longer before deciding to head off... only to find the trains weren’t running because they’d had to cut the power, so all hell was breaking loose! Scored a maxi taxi (with drivers charging a premium!) and it was one of the craziest drives I’ve ever been on – married couple negotiating buying a house with a real estate agent, two big Aussie blokes in kilts, some mutton dressed up like lamb in the back and two extremely drunk guys in the front, one of whom I’m sure nearly passed out when we finally made it into Melbourne. And all we wanted to know was a cricket score!!! Jumped in another cab to Richmond and the Public House bar, where we drank some more, before grabbing some burgers on Church St and heading home on the tram about midnight.
7 November
Another rest day – although got a phone at 9.30 so that got me up before it got ridiculously late. Shower, breaky and went for a walk to organise some stuff. Decided some exercise was probably a good idea, so headed down the road to the local swimming pool, which was a 50m outdoor pool. Got in and Holey Crap it was chilly, but did warm up after half a lap. Swam along while it started to spit. Did my kilometre and was enjoying it so much I did a few more laps, very relaxing. Finished on 1700m. Walked back (in the rain, luckily I’d packed a brolly), and decided it was time for lunch (about 2.30pm) so headed back to Buddah’s Belly for the best tandouri pizza I think I’ve ever had (their hot chocolate rated pretty well too). Sat and watched the rain and the world go by in the cafe whilst trying to find accommodation in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test- not an easy task! Back packers to get a bit organised for tomorrow and then out to Richmond for another hot chocolate before heading to the Swing Dance class on Church St. Got there just as the class started, and slotted myself in. Talk about different demographics to Swing at home – there were probably 45 students and the majority between 25 and late 30’s. Few extra girls to guys but not many. Class went for an hour before the level 1’s class started, with the social dance starting at 9.30pm. I headed off to find some food down Church St, and when nothing took my fancy headed back to the pub for something there, and got in just after 9pm because they’d stopped serving. Bugger, was looking forward to watching the cricket for a bit too. Went outside and decided the kebab place was as good as any, when two guys from another pub further down stopped at the lights too.... with one hiding under my umbrella (yes, it was still raining). So in the two minutes it took us to cross to the opposite corner I had names and an invite back to the pub for a drink – Melbourne is a single girls dream! Said I was off dancing (although I was very, very tempted) and had my kebab instead. Back to the dance studio at 9.30 and found a vacant chair to plonk my belongings. There would have been about 120 people, with 80% of those under 40 I would imagin – fantastic! Decided to sit and watch for a bit and waited about 3 dances before one of the other students came up. The studio has mirrors all along one wall, and I swear he spent most of his time admiring himself in them! Hadn’t quite sat down when another student came up for a couple of dances. Excellent. Sat down and watched the floor for a few songs, and a couple who were dancing infront that were trying to work out a step, which I happened to know so I helped out. They finished and he looked around for his next dance so I asked him. He, Nathan, was a bit reluctant as he’d seen me in the intermediate class, and I said not to worry (I was pretty rusty!!!) So we had a couple of dances and he grabbed someone else for me to dance with, but said he’d be back later. So I danced for another hour or so with a whole range of people and abilities (some who were exceptionally good, and rather good looking with it!!) and was quite exhausted. At 11pm they changed dj’s and invited up anyone new/first night/birthday. As a couple of the guys now knew I was from Perth I got ushered up there, having no idea what was going on. Turns out you get a whole dance to yourself, with the rest of the audience clapping you on. Fantastic! (that was sarcastic incase you missed it). Nick, who had danced with me earlier came up and asked if I’d like the dance with him (yes, yes, yes I would – great dancer and hot!). Sure. He said it’d be ok, only the good dancers offer to dance with you. No worries. So we dance for about 30 seconds and someone else comes up to cut in, followed by someone else, and someone else.... I must have danced with about 8 or 10 different people in the 5 minutes, so you soon forget about the 100 or so others clapping and watching. It was fantastic, great way for everyone to know that you are new and break the ice a bit. Sat down, I was exhausted, and drank some more water. Had a few more dances and at 11.15 figured it was probably time to head home. Nathan had been very popular so I hadn’t had a chance to come back and ask him, so I changed my shoes and headed out around the edge, where I was stopped by Nathan and asked if I was leaving. So he said I couldn’t go without another dance, and knowing I would leave when I stopped dancing found me someone else to dance with while he had a break and then came back. We danced until just before 12 (I wanted to leave before I turned into a pumpkin) so we said goodbye after giving me some extra places to visit. Waited about 4 minutes for a tram that dropped me back outside the backpackers. Needed a shower (I was hot and stinky) so didn’t make bed until just before 1am
8 November – Emirate Stakes Day
7am and even though I’d not drunk a thing, I felt like I’d been hit by a truck. Seriously, seriously over makeup, frocks and high heels by now! At breakfast at 8am and this electric drill starts up. There had been a heap of renovations at the backpackers, so noise was not unusual, but 8am on a Saturday morning was a bit early we thought. 30 seconds later someone in the kitchen says “There’s a burst main” which we kinda ignored, until we heard the water... so got up to find water gushing everywhere! Long story short, the drilled through the wall, and hole in the pipe, which flooded the bottom floor of the backpackers (luckily the rooms are upstairs) but made for extremely entertaining 10 minutes while the handyman stood there with a bucket I found to catch the water. That crisis over Frock on, problems with my fascinator (which for you blokes who don’t know is the thing the ladies wear in their hair) which had travelled with me since leaving, I went to plan B and the hat I had bought, which mean silver accessories. Everything sorted, but do you think I could find the necklace I’d bought in Parramatta to go with the dress? Not happy Jan. Too bad, time to catch the train. Got there with a few minutes to spare, and just as I was buying my ticket found out there was free travel for race goers, after Thursday’s debacle. Into Flinders St where I didn’t have to wait long for Richard and Mike. On the train, here we go again. We made it before the first race, which didn’t give the boys much time to place their bets, before heading to the old members to watch the race. Caught up with Grub and Tony and headed for the Champagne Bar for the second race, and decided that we really should have some champers while we were there. So much for the late start I was planning! Watched the race on the screens, and Tony says his horses came in third, second and..... first – trifecter! So the champagne then turned into a bottle of Moe and Chandon - $130 bottle!!! Whilst it was sweet because of the victory, I very quietly actually preferred the other stuff we were drinking, but certainly wasn’t going to say that out loud!!! The boys had another bet (and Mike left his tickets behind) and watched the third race. Time to resume position we headed to the fourth floor for some more betting (and drinking). I wasn’t having a good day, but the boys luck had changed and were doing all right. Headed down for some photos
(I’d brought my real camera along today) and mingled with the sparse crowd (compared with the previous 3 days). Having almost run out of money I put what I had on Sunburnt Land for the main race, who came in third, and didn’t pay as much as the bet had cost, but at least I’d had a collect. Back upstairs for a strawberry and marshmellow kebab (when you don’t win on the races, eating and drinking is a good way to go!) and pretend I was interested in the remaining few races (it’s not so much fun when you’ve lost all your betting money!). Ran into Wayne again and had a chat, while they bet on Ascot Races (which they were having more luck with). He headed off with his group and I returned to mine, where we departed and headed for the train. The train stopped at Newmarket, which was a bit bizarre, and a couple of ladies got off, with one not very happy. We had no idea what was going on, and after sitting there for about 15 minutes the police arrived and we finally left, to see another group at the other end of the platform – must have been a cat fight. Got to Southern Cross and a few of us made beelines for the bathrooms before Richard and I caught a cab to South Melbourne and Centro. So the 5 boys and I sat upstairs around this massive square table and ordered from a French waiter. Now not only could he take our orders without having to write them down, I nearly fell out of my chair as he recited the specials of the day... I’m sure I was drooling everywhere. So we had a couple of bottles of white from New Zealand and a couple of bottle of red from Italy and ordered entre and mains. 
The conversation was comical, with some reminiscing from the Tassie boys which resulted in two phone calls to England and Darwin and consultation of the group in the adjoining room, to source the answer to a particular question which was of no importance really. We then moved onto cricket, and for the most part I think I was able to hold my own. The group next door came to say goodbye before they left, and asked if it was a business dinner, to which I said yes, and she hoped they were looking after me, which they were I said. Left the restaurant about 11pm I guess and goodbyes were said before Mike and Richard dropped me at the Casino. I headed in to check things out and stopped at the first bar with a band (and sports!) and danced and sung with the crowd. Wayne had headed on down so we me up and headed to a cafe for a drink and a chat, and left there about 2.30am – where could you do that in Perth? Time for bed (and they were actually closed by now), I think it was about 3.30am when I finally hit the pillow.
9 November
Sunday – day of rest. Breakfast and off for a swim, try and make myself a bit more receptive. Flicked through the sports section of the paper before jumping in, a far more pleasant temperature today with the sun out. Managed 1850 before I got cramp doing breaststroke and called it quits at 1900m. Not the best work, but still work. Walked back, picking up a fruit plate for lunch on my way – yummo! Ate that while I talked to mum and messed around in George, organising some stuff to be sent home. It was an absolutely beautiful spring day, you would have sworn you were in Perth. Went for another walk to get some birthday cards before plonking myself in front of the rugby union and cricket... and drifting off to sleep. Dragged myself to bed for a nap and headed down to the kitchen about 5.30pm for some caffeine (coke zero) and cheese biscuits. BBQ dinner at the backpackers, so chicken and salad was the go, and it was good too! Decided to take advantage of the weather and went for a run to St Kilda and out onto the Pier, where heaps of people were there to take photos of the sunset over the water, which I found rather amusing, as it was not a very nice evening, and the sunset wasn’t much to look at. Back, watch some cricket, shower, internet and an early night.... only about 11pm.
10 November
Woke, back to sleep, woke, back to sleep, woke – 9.30am all ready? This is ridiculous!! Time for some washing so ran around for about 15 minutes trying to find the car keys so I could get the washing powder (they’d fallen under the bed). Hung that out and headed off to find a newsagents before heading to the Shrine of Remembrance. With Remembrance Day tomorrow thought it might pay to have a look when it wasn’t packed, which was a good plan. Then off down Albert Rd to find the Sports Medicine Office where I had to go for my sports trainers re-accreditation that night. Walked and walked for ages, then the street changed names, then I walked back..... eventually found it, so was thankful I’d done some investigating. Onto the tram to St Kilda walk for a bit more and was a bit peckish, so decided an Ackland St Bakery would be the go, and grabbed an apple crumble (there was fruit in it!!!). Onto a tram and then another one before getting back to the backpackers at 5pm. Something to eat and a cuppa, quick change and I was on my way again by 5.30pm. Decided on a different station,
but went the wrong way twice and just missed the train. Got to Flinders St, change trains to Southern Cross and to the tram stop, and just missed the tram. Crap! Next one at 6.10pm, would I make 6.30 – unlikely! Must have been my lucky day, and arrived with 5 minutes to spare, and before about 5 other people. Well, this was our lucky day, as the 3 hours I’d been told it would take took just over an hour once we got started and we were all done before 8pm – absolutely awesome! One of the masseurs from the Commonwealth Games was there too! Finished and headed for the tram stop, when one of the guys who I’d had a bit of a chat with, Leigh, drove past and offered me a lift back to Prahran. So instead of a 45ish minute trip I was home in less than 10, and thought I might still stand a chance at seeing the end of the cricket. Unfortunately not, as we were all out, India had won the series. Decided to do some food shopping, so walked down to Coles and left there at 9.20pm – on a Monday night, how cool is that! Back for a quick snack and it was early to bed... about 10.30pm.
11 November – Remembrance Day (and Richard’s Birthday)
Down to the pool for another swim before heading back for breaky and a shower. Then it was off to the Shrine of Remembrance again, but this time for the real deal. Arrived not long after proceedings had started at 10.30am, along with quite a big crowd. It was a really warm day, and I was very thankful I was wearing a hat, because people had turned their programs into fans and newspaper into sailors hats. The cannon going off before the last post made me jump, and the emotion was quite amazing. The navy/army band played lots of Aussie classics, Tie Me Kangaroo Down,
Waltzing Matilda, We Are Australian (yes I knew all of these without anyone singing... my parents really have corrupted me!) plus the National Anthem, which everyone sung (although most dropped out when she sang the second chorus... although I knew the words to that too!). Queen Vic Markets, little Chapel St, Mac Donalds, exhausted tv room, buddahs belly madori and lemonade, bike ride – nope flat tire, trip to beach, nope no tram, scrapbook and tv instead, finishing with Pirates 3!
Woke before my alarm willing myself to get up. Shower and makeup/hair/dress ready for Derby Day, the biggest day of racing during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Downstairs and ready to leave at 8 (which would have been too early) I jumped on the computer and finally was able to update the blog! So all frocked up in the backpackers I attracted a bit of attention, with two guys from Albury coming to chat... and a proposition ‘You married’ ‘Nope’ ‘You got a boyfriend’ ‘Nope’
‘You want one?’ ‘Depends on the offer!’ Decided to pay $6 for breakfast (champers could start early, not a good look to be pissed before lunch) before leaving at 8.45am to Chapel St backpackers, where I was spending the next week. Parking had been my biggest stress leading up to this week, so I was extremely grateful when there were 2 spots across the road in free unlimited parking – awesome! I was set for the week. Too early to check in I got the door code and instructions on what to do if I arrived later than 7pm that night. Walked down to the train station and didn’t have to wait long before we were on our way in, complete with ‘Have a great day at the races’ from an Italian bloke on my way past. Train into Flinders Street, 9.45am. Awesome. Richard and Mike arrived just after 10, having cab problems and we boarded the train, full of frocked up females and suited up guys. It started slowly, but eventually was full to capacity, and with the weather windy and chilly I was very glad I was in the members stand, although I did go for a walk past the ‘common people’ in the afternoon. Champers started at 12 and continued all day. No luck with any bets until the races finished and Mikes horse who was racing in Perth managed a win! Celebs such as Denis Pagan, Mark Readings, Spider Burton, Michael Brennen were just some of the crowd we were mingling with... sort of! No queues for the toilets, champers by the glass, out of the weather – this was the life!!! Headed to dinner with Richard and crew, O’Connels, which was a pub but you wouldn’t have thought so
by the service we got, fantastic. I drank and talked with Hayley, and we left there about 10.30 when the boys hailed me a cab and I got home about 11. Sorted out George and my gear and fell into bed (after finding my key wouldn’t open the room door, luckily a group were up drinking downstairs). Completely crashed..................2nd November
6.45 was not a time I wanted to see on my watch. Laid there for a while, played on my phone and eventually fell back asleep – until 10am. Whoo Hoo!!! Up, shower, breakfast, phone call from the folks, blog, toast (lunch!!) and it was 12.30 before I knew it. Off for a walk to the St Kilda Markets, along the beach, up Acland St (which is where all the bakeries, cafes and shops are) and then back past the markets, buying a necklace and bracelet along the way, to add to the hat I’d bought from a store closing down. Caught the tram back, getting off a stop earlier than I should have, which worked out well because I was able to jag an appointment at the beautician (have to be presentable on Cup day). Time to get ready for the Rugby League World Cup Match v England. Caught the tram and then walked from Flinders St to Mick and Rosie’s hotel, and said I’d meet them in the pub downstairs. Well, I nearly walked out again, it was full of Poms! Grabbed a beer and hid in a corner until they turned up, and as we were leaving realised they were the Balmy Army! Followed them (it certainly wasn’t a boring walk) to Southern Cross Station (in the rain mind you – typical Melbourne weather!) where we stopped for dinner at Starbucks.
Mick and Rosie had been sent an extra ticket, so once outside the gate we spent 10 minutes or so trying to get rid of it to no avail, so headed into Telstra Dome to find out seats, with a spare one for the bags. I did a lap of the bottom floor to find a t-shirt in a small enough size but no luck (saved $30 there!) before kick off. It was the best crowd I had been in, very animated and enthusiastic about the match. We started off well, before the Poms seems to come back, and then we absolutely annihilated them, holding them to just one try. Needless to say the Balmy Army weren’t so vocal after half time. Made it outside and Shamus, a friend from Mandurah who Richard had mentioned was also in town, called and we caught up for a chat before I headed with him to friends of his and Amanda’s, in an apartment building in Docklands overlooking the stadium. Wow! Had a beer up there before calling it a night around 11.15, and walked back to Southern Cross where I caught a train and then a tram to Prahran. In bed by 12.3 November 2008
8.30 – now that’s more like it! Shower, breaky and off for some shopping! Out by 11am to Bridge Rd, shopping central of Melbourne. Start on one side of the road and work your way up and back down the other side. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, although a new dress for the Cup would be nice. Tried a few things on before I walked into this shop – where the sale stuff was marked at $99 (normally something I would see and walk back out again) but there was this gorgeous aqua dress on a mannequin. Having a look to see if there were any others the shop assistant said I could try on that one, which was a 10. Pftt – it’ll never fit I thought. I’ll be dambed, it did, and looked pretty good too. Bit the bullet and bought it – what the hell! A few more shops and I was stopped by this red dress that I loved aswell, a bit cheaper and would look great on Ladies Day. Was on my way out when I saw some black bolero jackets (which I had actually been looking for) and bought one of those too (will go great with the dress). It just went on from there, with shoes, handbag, hat (just a casual one) and all I needed now was a fascinator or hat in silver – and do you think I could find one anywhere? Shamus, Amanda and Ashley arrived and we did part of the other side of the street until I’d done enough and left them too it. Headed back to make sure the outfit was going to work, down to accessories and underwear. All great except the hat that I’d bought yesterday. Bugger. Off to catch up with them in St Kilda, I stopped at a brick-a-brack store just down the road in search of something with feathers/flowers, and found some clips that were perfect - $3.50 (but don’t tell anyone!). Very happy I made my way to St Kilda, where Shamus shouted afternoon tea (apple crumble for me) before walking along Acland St and down to the beach, which was pretty ferrel. Said goodbye as they headed in one direction and me in the other I made another stop in at the brick-a-brack store for some make-up (I seemed to have lost some between St Kilda Backpackers and here). Time to get organised then! Between sorting out the van, make-up, accessories, etc etc it was 7.30pm before I started to think about dinner. Ironed the dress and whipped together some alfredo pasta and vegies with a beer (yes lots of carbs!). Onto the internet, shower to prepare and bed by 11pm – needing some beauty sleep!
4 November – Melbourne Cup Day
Well it’s the first Tuesday in November already! OMG! Early to beat the rush to the showers, which turned out not to be a problem. Back to the kitchen for breaky and two games of patience, of which I got both out – lucky sign? Time for the frock and make-up, still no bathroom problems! Just about ready to go when my phone rang – Scotty!!! Had a good chat before I said I had to go. Down to the train station, one shoe starting to hurt already. Next train was 18 minutes away, so I figured the tram would come quicker, so walked back to the tram stop but the next one didn’t come, so back to the train station. Made it there and met Shamus, Amanda
and Ashley, with Mick and Rosie arriving about 10 minutes later. Queued up to get on the train and made it to Flemington for 11am. Followed them to their seats (snuck past the security), running into Kerry and Scotty on the way! What a fluke. Couple of photos before heading up to Members. Glass of champagne (11.45am) to kick start the day before finding Pip, Richard and Mike. Decided to have a bet on race 4, Jacqueline’s Rouge, because of the name. Talk about exciting, nearly running into 1st place, before a protest between 1st and 3rd was called, potentially elevating my horse to 1st if it was upheld. It wasn’t, but paying $5 for a place it was enough to cover the bet and the glass of champers – and stood in front of Eagles CEO in the queue! More racing, another burger for lunch and more champagne. Then it was down to the race that stops the nation. I had 5 bets on, 2, 10 and 24 for lucky numbers, 17 (Newport – good pub!) and 18 – Profound Beauty, on Rod’s advice. $2.50 each way, $25 in total. I looked at the tickets, if any of them came it they would pay a fair bit of money. Managed to score a good viewpoint, made sure we had full glasses of champers and they were off and racing! No idea where any of the horses were, the crowd didn’t jump up and down in front of me like expected but we had to wait for the numbers to come up to find out the winners – and it was number 10 Viewed!!! Paying $41 for a win and $5 for 
a place I was $130 richer!!!How very exciting. Boys were devastated, their money down the drain. I cashed in my ticket (after taking a photo) and bought a bottle of champers to celebrate! We drank, bet and chatted until Louisa and I went for a walk to The Birdcage, the exclusive area. Saw Carman (Queer Eye) walk past as we mixed it with the finest Melboune had to offer. Walked back, after a photo with Ricki Lee and into the Members Lounge before more drinks and heading back to Fitzroy to the boys apartments. Sat down for a bit and took the shoes off – heaven! Walked down the road to a tapas restaurant where we drank wine and ate some beautiful food before heading back to their hotel and hailing me a cab. Stopped by a couple of kiwis around the corner from the backpackers I headed up for a drink – water only – before I said I had to go to bed. Somehow got my dress off and teeth cleaned and collapsed.5 November
Awake and in need of water I felt ok – must still be drunk. Went back to sleep and at 10.30 (that’s not a misprint) I got up to have a shower and make breakfast before it stopped at 11am. Went for a walk down Chapel St towards South Yarra before heading to the South Melbourne Markets. Caught the tram back to the City before getting on the train to Prahran Station. Something to eat and organise some photos before a quick nap (apparently I hadn’t had enough) and to a restaurant with free wireless for dinner – Buddah’s Belly. On a balmy evening it was extremely pleasant drinking red wine, eating stir-fry and chatting away on the net. Back to the backpackers for some tv before heading to bed at 11pm, almost recovered from Cup Day, and ready to do it all again tomorrow!
6 November
Ladies Day – a great marketing ploy to get good attendance numbers to Oaks Day. Today it was the red dress and curls, contrast to the other two days. Aiming for another 10am start at the train station I got a phone call from Richard to say make it 10.30, which turned out to be a blessing because I doubt I would have made 10am. Another two games of patience out at breakfast – was I in for another good day? Walked down to the train station and a guy walked out of a shop just as I was going past... and in the next 3 minutes or so asked for my number! They are good over here I tell you! Train pulled in so I took off – public transport can be a fantastic blessing – and just made it on. At Flinders and bought Richard and Mike roses for their suits while waiting for them. Onto the train relatively quickly compared with Tuesday we arrived (albeit on the other side of the tracks) and headed in a different way to the track. First bets and into the Old Members Stand (which is outside) for the first race, which actually started later today, hence the phone call from Richard. Grub and Tony found us there, all unsuccessful again. Time to take position inside on level four. Race 3 and I had a bet on Lindop, who’d won the Derby Day Race and backed a winner! Whoo Hoo!! Little was I to know that this was the start of a very successful day! A couple of races later and I was still winning, with bets going on jockey’s today, and Williams and Lindop carving up the field. Had a guy, Wayne, who’d been behind me in the collection line come up and start talking, only to find out he was from Perth too. More betting and more winning for me, I decided to go for a walk downstairs for some sandwiches for lunch (it was about 3pm, and drinking champers on an empty stomach whilst wearing high heels is something I’ve done before with disastrous consequences, as most of you would know! Grabbed my plate and took about 5 steps through the crowd for a look when I was stopped by 3 guys and asked for a tip on the next race – number 12 (Lindop) for me, but don’t blame me if it doesn’t come in. Bought me a drink... scotch and coke of all things! I put my traditional bet on ($2.50 each way) and they all splurged $10 each way. Watched the race and.... WINNER!!! Talk about making friends fast. Another drink and a bet on the last with two more winners. So I had 8 collects in total for the day, how very awesome was that! Boys (Joe, Chris and John) invited me out to the Cas later, so we exchanged numbers and I headed back to the boys upstairs, who had assumed position by Barts Bar. Wayne was there with some of the boys too, one of which had won $18000 on the quaddie – guess who was buying drinks there! We chatted for a bit, and when Graham, Richards business partner, came over and started chatting it turned out we all knew him, with Wayne member at Ascot. Small small world! With delays on the train lines we stood drinking for a bit longer before deciding to head off... only to find the trains weren’t running because they’d had to cut the power, so all hell was breaking loose! Scored a maxi taxi (with drivers charging a premium!) and it was one of the craziest drives I’ve ever been on – married couple negotiating buying a house with a real estate agent, two big Aussie blokes in kilts, some mutton dressed up like lamb in the back and two extremely drunk guys in the front, one of whom I’m sure nearly passed out when we finally made it into Melbourne. And all we wanted to know was a cricket score!!! Jumped in another cab to Richmond and the Public House bar, where we drank some more, before grabbing some burgers on Church St and heading home on the tram about midnight.
7 November
Another rest day – although got a phone at 9.30 so that got me up before it got ridiculously late. Shower, breaky and went for a walk to organise some stuff. Decided some exercise was probably a good idea, so headed down the road to the local swimming pool, which was a 50m outdoor pool. Got in and Holey Crap it was chilly, but did warm up after half a lap. Swam along while it started to spit. Did my kilometre and was enjoying it so much I did a few more laps, very relaxing. Finished on 1700m. Walked back (in the rain, luckily I’d packed a brolly), and decided it was time for lunch (about 2.30pm) so headed back to Buddah’s Belly for the best tandouri pizza I think I’ve ever had (their hot chocolate rated pretty well too). Sat and watched the rain and the world go by in the cafe whilst trying to find accommodation in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test- not an easy task! Back packers to get a bit organised for tomorrow and then out to Richmond for another hot chocolate before heading to the Swing Dance class on Church St. Got there just as the class started, and slotted myself in. Talk about different demographics to Swing at home – there were probably 45 students and the majority between 25 and late 30’s. Few extra girls to guys but not many. Class went for an hour before the level 1’s class started, with the social dance starting at 9.30pm. I headed off to find some food down Church St, and when nothing took my fancy headed back to the pub for something there, and got in just after 9pm because they’d stopped serving. Bugger, was looking forward to watching the cricket for a bit too. Went outside and decided the kebab place was as good as any, when two guys from another pub further down stopped at the lights too.... with one hiding under my umbrella (yes, it was still raining). So in the two minutes it took us to cross to the opposite corner I had names and an invite back to the pub for a drink – Melbourne is a single girls dream! Said I was off dancing (although I was very, very tempted) and had my kebab instead. Back to the dance studio at 9.30 and found a vacant chair to plonk my belongings. There would have been about 120 people, with 80% of those under 40 I would imagin – fantastic! Decided to sit and watch for a bit and waited about 3 dances before one of the other students came up. The studio has mirrors all along one wall, and I swear he spent most of his time admiring himself in them! Hadn’t quite sat down when another student came up for a couple of dances. Excellent. Sat down and watched the floor for a few songs, and a couple who were dancing infront that were trying to work out a step, which I happened to know so I helped out. They finished and he looked around for his next dance so I asked him. He, Nathan, was a bit reluctant as he’d seen me in the intermediate class, and I said not to worry (I was pretty rusty!!!) So we had a couple of dances and he grabbed someone else for me to dance with, but said he’d be back later. So I danced for another hour or so with a whole range of people and abilities (some who were exceptionally good, and rather good looking with it!!) and was quite exhausted. At 11pm they changed dj’s and invited up anyone new/first night/birthday. As a couple of the guys now knew I was from Perth I got ushered up there, having no idea what was going on. Turns out you get a whole dance to yourself, with the rest of the audience clapping you on. Fantastic! (that was sarcastic incase you missed it). Nick, who had danced with me earlier came up and asked if I’d like the dance with him (yes, yes, yes I would – great dancer and hot!). Sure. He said it’d be ok, only the good dancers offer to dance with you. No worries. So we dance for about 30 seconds and someone else comes up to cut in, followed by someone else, and someone else.... I must have danced with about 8 or 10 different people in the 5 minutes, so you soon forget about the 100 or so others clapping and watching. It was fantastic, great way for everyone to know that you are new and break the ice a bit. Sat down, I was exhausted, and drank some more water. Had a few more dances and at 11.15 figured it was probably time to head home. Nathan had been very popular so I hadn’t had a chance to come back and ask him, so I changed my shoes and headed out around the edge, where I was stopped by Nathan and asked if I was leaving. So he said I couldn’t go without another dance, and knowing I would leave when I stopped dancing found me someone else to dance with while he had a break and then came back. We danced until just before 12 (I wanted to leave before I turned into a pumpkin) so we said goodbye after giving me some extra places to visit. Waited about 4 minutes for a tram that dropped me back outside the backpackers. Needed a shower (I was hot and stinky) so didn’t make bed until just before 1am
8 November – Emirate Stakes Day
7am and even though I’d not drunk a thing, I felt like I’d been hit by a truck. Seriously, seriously over makeup, frocks and high heels by now! At breakfast at 8am and this electric drill starts up. There had been a heap of renovations at the backpackers, so noise was not unusual, but 8am on a Saturday morning was a bit early we thought. 30 seconds later someone in the kitchen says “There’s a burst main” which we kinda ignored, until we heard the water... so got up to find water gushing everywhere! Long story short, the drilled through the wall, and hole in the pipe, which flooded the bottom floor of the backpackers (luckily the rooms are upstairs) but made for extremely entertaining 10 minutes while the handyman stood there with a bucket I found to catch the water. That crisis over Frock on, problems with my fascinator (which for you blokes who don’t know is the thing the ladies wear in their hair) which had travelled with me since leaving, I went to plan B and the hat I had bought, which mean silver accessories. Everything sorted, but do you think I could find the necklace I’d bought in Parramatta to go with the dress? Not happy Jan. Too bad, time to catch the train. Got there with a few minutes to spare, and just as I was buying my ticket found out there was free travel for race goers, after Thursday’s debacle. Into Flinders St where I didn’t have to wait long for Richard and Mike. On the train, here we go again. We made it before the first race, which didn’t give the boys much time to place their bets, before heading to the old members to watch the race. Caught up with Grub and Tony and headed for the Champagne Bar for the second race, and decided that we really should have some champers while we were there. So much for the late start I was planning! Watched the race on the screens, and Tony says his horses came in third, second and..... first – trifecter! So the champagne then turned into a bottle of Moe and Chandon - $130 bottle!!! Whilst it was sweet because of the victory, I very quietly actually preferred the other stuff we were drinking, but certainly wasn’t going to say that out loud!!! The boys had another bet (and Mike left his tickets behind) and watched the third race. Time to resume position we headed to the fourth floor for some more betting (and drinking). I wasn’t having a good day, but the boys luck had changed and were doing all right. Headed down for some photos
(I’d brought my real camera along today) and mingled with the sparse crowd (compared with the previous 3 days). Having almost run out of money I put what I had on Sunburnt Land for the main race, who came in third, and didn’t pay as much as the bet had cost, but at least I’d had a collect. Back upstairs for a strawberry and marshmellow kebab (when you don’t win on the races, eating and drinking is a good way to go!) and pretend I was interested in the remaining few races (it’s not so much fun when you’ve lost all your betting money!). Ran into Wayne again and had a chat, while they bet on Ascot Races (which they were having more luck with). He headed off with his group and I returned to mine, where we departed and headed for the train. The train stopped at Newmarket, which was a bit bizarre, and a couple of ladies got off, with one not very happy. We had no idea what was going on, and after sitting there for about 15 minutes the police arrived and we finally left, to see another group at the other end of the platform – must have been a cat fight. Got to Southern Cross and a few of us made beelines for the bathrooms before Richard and I caught a cab to South Melbourne and Centro. So the 5 boys and I sat upstairs around this massive square table and ordered from a French waiter. Now not only could he take our orders without having to write them down, I nearly fell out of my chair as he recited the specials of the day... I’m sure I was drooling everywhere. So we had a couple of bottles of white from New Zealand and a couple of bottle of red from Italy and ordered entre and mains. 
The conversation was comical, with some reminiscing from the Tassie boys which resulted in two phone calls to England and Darwin and consultation of the group in the adjoining room, to source the answer to a particular question which was of no importance really. We then moved onto cricket, and for the most part I think I was able to hold my own. The group next door came to say goodbye before they left, and asked if it was a business dinner, to which I said yes, and she hoped they were looking after me, which they were I said. Left the restaurant about 11pm I guess and goodbyes were said before Mike and Richard dropped me at the Casino. I headed in to check things out and stopped at the first bar with a band (and sports!) and danced and sung with the crowd. Wayne had headed on down so we me up and headed to a cafe for a drink and a chat, and left there about 2.30am – where could you do that in Perth? Time for bed (and they were actually closed by now), I think it was about 3.30am when I finally hit the pillow.9 November
Sunday – day of rest. Breakfast and off for a swim, try and make myself a bit more receptive. Flicked through the sports section of the paper before jumping in, a far more pleasant temperature today with the sun out. Managed 1850 before I got cramp doing breaststroke and called it quits at 1900m. Not the best work, but still work. Walked back, picking up a fruit plate for lunch on my way – yummo! Ate that while I talked to mum and messed around in George, organising some stuff to be sent home. It was an absolutely beautiful spring day, you would have sworn you were in Perth. Went for another walk to get some birthday cards before plonking myself in front of the rugby union and cricket... and drifting off to sleep. Dragged myself to bed for a nap and headed down to the kitchen about 5.30pm for some caffeine (coke zero) and cheese biscuits. BBQ dinner at the backpackers, so chicken and salad was the go, and it was good too! Decided to take advantage of the weather and went for a run to St Kilda and out onto the Pier, where heaps of people were there to take photos of the sunset over the water, which I found rather amusing, as it was not a very nice evening, and the sunset wasn’t much to look at. Back, watch some cricket, shower, internet and an early night.... only about 11pm.
10 November
Woke, back to sleep, woke, back to sleep, woke – 9.30am all ready? This is ridiculous!! Time for some washing so ran around for about 15 minutes trying to find the car keys so I could get the washing powder (they’d fallen under the bed). Hung that out and headed off to find a newsagents before heading to the Shrine of Remembrance. With Remembrance Day tomorrow thought it might pay to have a look when it wasn’t packed, which was a good plan. Then off down Albert Rd to find the Sports Medicine Office where I had to go for my sports trainers re-accreditation that night. Walked and walked for ages, then the street changed names, then I walked back..... eventually found it, so was thankful I’d done some investigating. Onto the tram to St Kilda walk for a bit more and was a bit peckish, so decided an Ackland St Bakery would be the go, and grabbed an apple crumble (there was fruit in it!!!). Onto a tram and then another one before getting back to the backpackers at 5pm. Something to eat and a cuppa, quick change and I was on my way again by 5.30pm. Decided on a different station,
but went the wrong way twice and just missed the train. Got to Flinders St, change trains to Southern Cross and to the tram stop, and just missed the tram. Crap! Next one at 6.10pm, would I make 6.30 – unlikely! Must have been my lucky day, and arrived with 5 minutes to spare, and before about 5 other people. Well, this was our lucky day, as the 3 hours I’d been told it would take took just over an hour once we got started and we were all done before 8pm – absolutely awesome! One of the masseurs from the Commonwealth Games was there too! Finished and headed for the tram stop, when one of the guys who I’d had a bit of a chat with, Leigh, drove past and offered me a lift back to Prahran. So instead of a 45ish minute trip I was home in less than 10, and thought I might still stand a chance at seeing the end of the cricket. Unfortunately not, as we were all out, India had won the series. Decided to do some food shopping, so walked down to Coles and left there at 9.20pm – on a Monday night, how cool is that! Back for a quick snack and it was early to bed... about 10.30pm.11 November – Remembrance Day (and Richard’s Birthday)
Down to the pool for another swim before heading back for breaky and a shower. Then it was off to the Shrine of Remembrance again, but this time for the real deal. Arrived not long after proceedings had started at 10.30am, along with quite a big crowd. It was a really warm day, and I was very thankful I was wearing a hat, because people had turned their programs into fans and newspaper into sailors hats. The cannon going off before the last post made me jump, and the emotion was quite amazing. The navy/army band played lots of Aussie classics, Tie Me Kangaroo Down,
Waltzing Matilda, We Are Australian (yes I knew all of these without anyone singing... my parents really have corrupted me!) plus the National Anthem, which everyone sung (although most dropped out when she sang the second chorus... although I knew the words to that too!). Queen Vic Markets, little Chapel St, Mac Donalds, exhausted tv room, buddahs belly madori and lemonade, bike ride – nope flat tire, trip to beach, nope no tram, scrapbook and tv instead, finishing with Pirates 3!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment