Part One: Melbourne:

The trip didnt entirely get off to a great start, in fact it was about as disastrous as it comes with us missing not one, but TWO flights out of HK to begin our whirlwind tour of the land down under. Arriving at the airport with bags packed and full of excitement the bubble was burst when we discovered that Loser Linda from the Terrible Travel agents had forgotten entirely to book a ticket for me. (I know, I know, we should have checked but you assume that the travel agent is clever enough to have these things under control). At great cost and stress a new ticket was purchased for the morning. In order to alleviate the disappointment and grrr factor, a bottle of red was opened and drank - foreseeing no problems at all with the upcoming 9.20am flight to catch.

Should have known better and set more alarms (believed 4 would be sufficient) but stupidly decided to go to bed at 4.30am to have a 'quick lie down' before traipsing back to the airport once more. And yes, of course... woke up to the sinking realisation that the flight was going to take off without us again.

Yet again rescheduled we eventually set off on the next overnight flight through the skies.... I am taking this chance to publically declare how utterly crappy the Cathay Pacific seats are. They have eliminated the lie back feature of the chair, replacing it instead with a drop down slouchy forward hammock type affair in rubbish non comfortable materials = destination sleepy town an impossibility !!

Finally touched down early morn, grabbed a cab into town centre, refueled with a delicious brekkie on the infamous shopping destination, Chapel St.
Before zooming back to the airport to continue the jet set adventure.



Part Two: Tasmania, Hobart:

Very initial reaction to this part of the world was that I had accidentally flown to the highlands. It had a distinctive Scotland-esque feel with the mountains and cool breezy crystal clear coastlines, dotted with lush green vegetation and delightful properties bursting with individual character. Here we explored the Salamander market, drooled over vintage Jags, and caught up with friends - who fed us a mightily delicious hearty meal of lamb chops accompanied by laughter and vinyl musical treats.





Sunday morning in Hobart marked the delightful return of bread to my life with the arrival of Easter Sunday signaling the end of lent - I stuffed myself silly with toast and club sandwiches before taking off into the sunset once more.



Part Three: Sydney - Avalon:

The promise of staying at a friends 'fabulous pad on the waterfront' did not disappoint, in fact it amazed! A beautiful, 'makes you gasp at the view' home with splendid sea views was our final destination.
We had one of the most delightful dinners at a fab restaurant with all the ingredients of a perfect evening, stunning views, fine wines, mouth watering foods, great company, and famous waiters - ours included Johnny Depp and Daniel Craig (rumours circulated that these were in fact Aussie locals that only coincidentally looked like the Hollywood stars but I feel that this was just a cover to keep the pesky fans out).
The tick sheet included jetty jumping, beach tours, local snacks, and a bit of traditional culture in the form of a Aussie BBQ (despite the impending rain) - and I even got to 'throw another shrimp on the barbie' :)

The day of departure the gods of luck finally took pity and shined a magic wand of happiness upon us, blessing us with the most fantabulous sunshine. The difference it made to an already 'Im so jealous I could be sick' view was outstanding.






Beaming smile plastered on my face we headed out for a mini boat adventure, followed by a surf and sand snooze. I actually wimped out of the surf early in to the training session, since I was on a big boy board and not feeling entirely confident following reports of shark attacks in the area. Once I had spotted a school of jumping fish - aka bait ball for hungry big scary things - I excused myself for a beach rinse out.

SnT however, was lucky enough to be approached by a pod of dolphins swimming past in search of said fish supper shortly after my departure. I saw them jumping through the water from a safe distance onshore. Badge for the Queen of the Wimpzoids is awarded to moi - not sure had I still been out there whether it would be fascinating and mystical or heart attack inducing.






Sidenote, just around the corner from where we were staying is an area named 'Bennets' !


So back to the big HK with my appetite whet with some Aussie sights & delights.

Lots of love to One and All
From the weary traveller,
Tx