Hi folks, and it was off to Melbourne today. Early to bed last night, like most people in the hostel, only early to rise for me as I had to catch a shuttle to the airport at 7am. Have just got back to Russell’s cousins place and it is now 11pm. Sorry again for the late entry.
The flight down was my first with Virgin and I’m quite impressed with their outfit. The plane was delayed by 20 minutes but we still managed to land in Melbourne at our normal time. Not sure if that means they flew a little faster but they definitely turned the plane around very very quickly.
Once I got into Melbourne I quickly caught up with Russell and Philip. Russell had flown in a few days prior while Phil had only arrived shortly before myself. We caught the shuttle into the city and then took a train to the suburb Russell’s cousin lives, who is very generously putting us up for a couple of days.
We quickly got changed into shorts for the impending heat, 29′C today, and then took off back into the city, this time taking a bus. Melbourne is a fantastic city, so diverse! We made our way from Lygon St to Federation Square where we hoped to catch some tennis (Australian Open) on the big screen TV they had.
Unfortunately it wasn’t on yet so we made our way back into the city for some lunch. One of the first things you notice in Melbourne are the trams. What a great way to get around the city in, we haven’t been for a ride just yet but hopefully tomorrow we will. Melbourne’s tram network was built by George Duncan who had just previously set up the Dunedin trams in the early 1880s.
We went to the Casino building and played some ten pin bowling. Russ and Phil both decisively beat me, but who’s counting 
We came back to Federation Square and watched Aussie Lleyton Hewitt steal a match from the Spanish Rafael Nadal. As you could imagine this brought much delight to the local crowd. From there we continued to explore the city until near dark. We then decided to take the train home and here I am posting this article.
It has been a long warm day and tomorrow is set to be even warmer at 35′C. My laptop is really heating me up so I really need to put it down. Will hopefully write a more timely post tomorrow, thanks for the continued interest 
Cheers for now.
Comments
There are 2 responses to Introducing Melbourne
Tuesday, 25th January 2005 7:00 pm
All sounds pretty cool. Regarding yesterdays threatening sounding comments from John snr – don’t worry, I will look out for you:-) You are safe!…………(Don’t forget the duty free stuff for YOUR liquor cupboard – lol) Absolutely wonderful weather here too – average of 24 degrees but nights a bit warm at 18 degrees:-( Not really complaining though – good to have a summer.
Tuesday, 25th January 2005 7:11 pm
Yo John
Time for that talk.
My advise is Don’t give up your day job you make a better I.T.Tech than a piss head.
30 degees in our lounge at the moment, very comfortable.
Do try the trams Sarah and I enjoyed the HongKong trams they rumble along and up stairs at the front with the window down you get cool breezes and good views.
Keep charging and try not to Yodel or(heres a bit more advise) if you do, don’t get guilty and post it.lol
John