Magnificent Melbourne

Day 7 (Friday 6th March 2015) 

My alarm clock is not the boss of me! Hence, I allowed myself the luxury of a lay in until nearly 8am!!!! Climbing down from the top bunk is always a mammoth effort but particularly so when a newbie has placed a gigantic back pack in my way. Meaning, I have to summon greater energy in order to leap down ninja-style in the room's darkness. 

I'm not here in Oz solely to holiday; ideally I'd like to do some things that frighten me to try and hate them a little less. Booking a Great Ocean Road day tour, was one of those that filled me with trepidation enough that I was reluctant to reserve a place. Yep, I'd been put off by reading up on the internet about the accidents and dangers of the twisty, ocean side road and cliff edges. However, the scenery in the pamphlets was too spectacular for me to pass up on. 

Let me preface this by saying, I am NOT the number 1 fan of shopping but by virtue of the miserable weather, I for once felt compelled to hunt down some bargains. Back home, this act brings me closer to death :( HERE I rather liked wandering around Queen Victoria Market and snapping up several souvenirs. Aside from that, I had a touristy obligation to purchase a gosh darn, didgeridoo (you betcha I didgeriDID... I have used that pun farrrrr too much!!) but how on earth will I fit it in my case?!!

Turns out Melbourne is *MAD* for Malaysian cuisine and yet I went for the Thai choice of green chicken curry on the menu at Coconut House. Now I'm coconuttin' LURVING steamed coconut rice which came with it but personally I'd sooner swallow my own big toe than the profoundly disappointing chicken they served up! 

Aside from the usual eccentrics, the Melbourne locals are the most helpful and friendliest residents I have ever encountered. Everybody is all too willing to assist you and offer aid in any way they are able. A kind Aussie fella stopped and took time out of his day to help me find the object of my affections. He began by searching on his Iphone and then pointing me in that direction but on seeing my puzzlement as I followed and found nothing there, he finally took me to the door. Why are these gentlemen not in England? 

DEAR MORTALS, HANG ON TO YOUR SUN HATS FOR I'M ABOUT TO DROP SOME LIFE CHANGING KNOWLEDGE ON YOU!!! ***Max Brenner Chocolate Bar*** find one near you, lest you are not into all this chocolatey stuff. I swear this place is heaven on earth thanks to the chocolate elves toiling away. Not only is it full of the yummiest desserts that surpass what Willy Wonka himself could have dreamt up but it plays songs by my other love - BUBLE.  (and that is why all the cool kids come here) It's a sugary present for your taste buds. 

My exquisite exploding choc shot (consisting of: melted milk chocolate, popping candy and white choc buttons adorned with gummy bears) was divine and I want ALLLLLLLLLLLLL the chocolate in all their stores to be MINE MINE MINE. The only downside was how difficult this one location was to track down if it hadn't been for my handsome knight in shining armour. Break me off a piece of dark chocolate cos I wish to partake again and again and againnnnnn ;) Fair warning, you will have to work out that much harder to obliterate each and every sweet, sweet calorie you consume on the premises. 

Something else I've noted is how many British place names are used in Australia. Just on the short journey to Brighton beach (no not the UK one!) I passed - Richmond and Windsor; had I stayed on board I'd have got to Hampton and Sandringham too. I guess that is to be expected because of the whole dumping our criminals upon these shores! 

As per, I had been heading in the total opposite track to view the bathing boxes at Denby beach. If it weren't for another gent who steered me onto the right route I'd still be searching now!! I didn't dare wade even a little as the waves were insane in high tide though this didn't deter the para sailers. Sandals falling apart at the seams are not the most advisable footwear when trudging along sandy pathways. 

I think beaches make me chill. Cos despite the sky threatening to rain and my rain coat clinging to my now perspiring skin like a limpet; all I could see was the sun breaking through the clouds and the sea shimmering. I could get quite used to the bohemian Aussie lifestyle. 

Denby beach famed for the colourful bathing boxes, each one brighter and bolder than the last is worth a quick trip for pics. Unless it was a really lovely day, I can't imagine you'd need longer than an hour. For about the 6th time that arvo, I couldn't find my way and had to ask the natives for guidance! Did the doc cut out my orientation gene at birth?!!! Mind you, I didn't go back to the station I disembarked from because cyberspace would have it that Middle beach station is closer from the bathing boxes. I couldn't tell you if this is fact because of getting lost so dreadfully as is my shameful predisposition to do so. 

In the evening, I walked around the Docklands and up to the Melbourne Star (their version of the London Eye) with my new found German buddies - Birte and Feliz. We had fun photo taking and appreciating how beautiful the city really is even when it isn't super sunshiney. It was then that it rained, giving me my initiatory taster of Australian precipitation. Due to my feet aching to the extent that I'd have had to crawl home on all fours, we took the heaven sent City Circle tram back to the hostel doorstep.