Anything beautiful is worth it

Days 10 and 11 -

Easing up on the sugar is not a practicality on holibubs - this is my deduction. My Backpackers generously issued me a free coupon to exchange at a corner store for a croissant and an uuuuuugoooo hot choco (its mediocrity was not to my exquisite standards). But how can a girl grumble when she didn't have to pay 1 cent for her brek?

Natalia, Ella and I went down to watch the Moomba Parade but were ushered along for sitting in the wrong place for the procession. The significance of this festival all seems so random and without any particular meaning or symbolism. What IS it a celebration of? Cultural diversity? WEIRDNESS? Still it's fun for all the fam and I'm delighting in all the kooky dafties. 

Ungentlemanly bogans pushed in front so we had a cruddy view of the eclectic floats and dancers and we became squished in amidst the hoardes. Rather than start a school yard brawl due to their disrespect, I kept my cool and clapped on as the exuberant cavalcade passed. Admittedly, I was fretting about pickpockets in such a bustling throng, clinging on to my backpack with all my might. Please don't think badly of me, it's just a case of paranoid cautiousness that I cannot shake. 

The Queen of the festival was some Bollywood actress and the King, none other than Shane Warne, the superstar cricketer. He copped our chants of 'WARNEY!!! WARNEY!!!!' as he waved to the gatherers. We grabbed a bite to eat after the crowd dispersed, to satisfy our peckish tummy rumblings. THE CHEEK to rip into my luncheon and find that my 'gourmet' chicken and avocado sarny was avocado-less!! Don't these dogs know NEVER to come between a Rianne and her belly??

To get away from all the craziness of the festivities, I caught the train with Natalia to Upper Fern Tree Gully. The two of us headed into the Dandenong Ranges for the killer jaunt up 1000 steps on the Kokoda memorial trail. I felt very Bear Grylls as it was wild kingdomy, right in the heart of dense bush. But I was not the rock star I would lead you to believe; for on our way up I was afflicted with a red face and a sticky sheen of the unfit! I'm sorry for what I've done to you body; I will personally take it upon myself to get you back into shape if it kills me! :( 

I had to stop at least 10 times along the path (under the guise of photo taking) this really meant I was enabled to catch my breath again. Some CRAY CRAY fitness freaks with the bodies of beanpoles were running up and doing exercises suggested on sign posts at the pit stops. That's NOT my idea of absolute exhilaration; it's gotta be said. I'll let those ding dongs proceed to sprint to the top! 

Traipsing 1.5km UP took it out of me and what's worse, I could sense the intense stares of fellow ramblers feeling bad for me. If all was right in the world, they'd have fallen face-first into a muddy puddle! Forgive me for taking the time to bask in the beauty of the surroundings! The course was up so very high but the trees concealed the incredible views and the dramatic drop down. Some parts were insanely steep but as much as I complain, I didn't want an easy ride. It's not just 1000 steps in a row (as I expected) there were large step-less intervals en route which were misleading us to think we were reaching the top. WE WEREN'T. The 'ordeal' was just starting out. 

We only saw several birds and 1 miniscule spider with black and white spots in the way of wildlife, along the beaten track. It was my first brush with one in its natural habitat and it was not so terrifying really. In light of how infamous Australia is for all its deadly living things populating the continent, you'd think you'd run into MORE. There are probably *TOO* many of the 8 legged beasties; they must be scurrying away from the big, bad humans. 

It's a hiking miracle that I made it to the summit! The way back down was heaps easier and cooler in the shade, so there was no need for stopping. Though I was still sweaty, my legs turned to jelly at the end and the sun was strong again. A marshmallow and chocolate Paddle pop (why are they so SCRUMPTIOUS?) revived me as we departed. 

Back to our colourful establishment to do a spot of laundry and take a nice, soothing shower to stop being a stinky winky! The international representation of nations continues at the hostel, as we got to know our new homies (a Swedish girl, one from the Phillipines and more Germans) with some dorm bonding. It's all too wonderful to friendship people from all walks of life, that ordinarily would not cross your path :) 

A particularly gorgeous, spag bol takeaway was devoured with my Nat as I had a hankering for pasta. I had another early-ish, lazy night.. Oh me, oh my I needed a masseuse to rub my fatigued feet after all that exertion! 

Tuesday - 

Lunched with 3 kind, handsome fellas in Frankston and had a look around the shopping centre at Bayside. They greeted me warmly and were all very lovely; I had a fun time in their company, gabbing away. I was a bit intimidated at first but they all put me at ease and made me feel so welcome that then I COULDN'T stop this mouth of mine from flapping and probably came across quite cuckoo!!!! I am admittedly a nut ball and it should be illegal for me to speak half the time, so I'm hoping that I wasn't too infuriating. 

They directed me on, still smiling to Frankston beach - which is GLORIOUS. It more than rivals St Kilda in terms of beachly beauty with its turquoise, crystal waters and golden, glimmering sands. I sat feeling peace, love and vivacity all at the same time, soaking up the sun and breathing in life. 

The Friends, Foes and Superheroes beach side exhibition left me amazed at the intricate details and painstaking craftsmanship of the sand sculptures. Disney doodads light up my world as did the uncanny sand likenesses of many of the Disney greats. Had a little Frozen soundtrack sing song very LOUDLY as I lazed on one of the sun loungers :D HAHA, apologies to all who wanted me to shut up but were too polite to say so! 

It was a shame that I couldn't find the Wuxi walk (named to strengthen friendship with Frankston's sister city in China) that I'd wanted to do - meh. *Picture my grumpy face* Thereon I returned to the city and met Kelly, another Brit back at our hostel. We quickly struck up a friendship and I invited her along with me to take a walk and go to the Eureka Tower, smack in the belly of the metropolis. 

The views from the Eureka Skydeck are breathtaking; the height of 297.3 metres less good. At level 88 we set foot upon the Southern Hemisphere's highest vantage point. A fact that made me too nervous to go out on the glass for the Vertigo experience so I handed my free voucher over to Kelly. Curse my cowardly disposition!  The city is 'polluted' with prettiness and it seemed like it was all for only me :) Watching the sun set right before my eyes was so frickin' beautiful! 

Met the United crew and took part in the weekly quiz at Lost and Found again. We DOMINATE at trivia!!! On this occasion, we came a respectable third place which is the position I wanted as I had my eyes on the stupidly delicious Tim Tams!!! DELIGHTEDDDDDD. :) The team kept trying to feed me more and more; administering the word 'no' was futile until I dropped the whole packet on the floor - WHOOPSIES! Being the bold woman that I am, I shared them out with unsuspecting fools!! :D 

Bunking down early was a necessity for waking at the butt crack of dawn on the morrow. That's not nearly as lame as it sounds for I was to embark on a Great Ocean Road day tour the next day. Zzzzzzzzz

Peace out, peaches xxx

Today is all sunshine, spas, smiles and serenity (and a smidgen of almost sunstroke)

Day 9 AND I'M FEELING FINE

Did Australia just get even prettier? I made my way to St Kilda on a gorgeous 26°C day with perfectly blue skies. Starting out with 2 hours unwinding at Sea Baths, taking aromatherapy steams and the luxurious like. Nobody doesn't love the steam; as Joey Essex would say (not that I'm a fan) it's REEM. Largely spent the time leisurely floating around the hydrotherapy spa pool like a slovenly manatee. Bubbling in the jets as they massaged my aching back was blissful. The lane pools were quite deep for a non-confident swimmer such as myself so I didn't stray from my depth in the cooler waters. 

Ahhhhhh my eyes!! These baby blues have seen enough man bum and moobies to give me nightmares for 5 years!!!!!! Why has nobody told them that speedo season is over for them? I could never parade the pool in skimpies as I'm very much not okay in my own skin every day anyway, let alone being in swimwear around any person. What made my self consciousness shoot up several notches was the presence of some supreme hotties hunks doing the rounds too. Hubba hubba ;) And there I was, feeling like a Pig woman and probably will for the rest of my life!

When using the baths, you can exit directly out to the beach so I gaped at the paddle boarders taking a short class; then waded out to the ocean. In which I happened upon and by a whisker dodged being stung by, a jellyfish bobbing along. Couldn't tell whether it was dead or alive but I wasn't sticking around to find out! This was my closest encounter with anything that may have been deadly on my travels. It is lucky that I put my ninja-warrioress-o-logy to effective use. 

Took a stroll across the ocean front to dry off from my dip. I was sporting the wavy, beach chick hair after failing to bring a brush and leaving it wet after swimming. At first I deemed it a bit sexy but bid adieu to any remaining speck of sexiness when seeing my reflection revealed the truth. I now had crazy pulled-through-shrubbery-sideways hair!

Oh poo hoo, lost again!! Could not find my way to Lentils as Anything so had to ask for directions twice but made it in the end. I straight up love this special place because it is run by volunteer dudes and you pay what you feel the meal is worth; leaving the donation in the wish box. The thali platter of: rice, curry, poppadom, salad, lentils and some yummly dressing was tooooo delish for my lips! I expressed appreciation to the sole chef and single waiter for their kindness and left my offering, to help towards their wages and to keep the operation going. The ingratitude of most was evident which is sadder than sad. I didn't see a single other person thank these angels for their tireless efforts the whole duration of my lunch :(

Can you imagine catching a tan in MARCH?! Cos I can't and never will. I have the pigmentation of a vampire, so no matter how long I sat by Luna Park basking in the eternal sunshine beating down upon me - it was never going to kiss my skin. I chillaxed and (figuratively) beat off the squawky, garbage from hell seagulls threatening to bite at my ankles! 

Through the creepy clown's smiley mouth, you enter into the madness of Luna Park. It is ancient as amusement parks go, having been built back in 1912 but it is still real neat to visit. There aren't a great deal of rides and everything is ridiculously overpriced at this circus of fun, so I just perused it all in minutes. I liked watching the scenic railway which is the world's oldest wooden roller coaster; the ride operators rode it standing up! LUNAcy! I fled the insanity seeking frozen treats. 

Rocked up at 7 Apples (artisan gelato) by virtue of being a Rianne, we are required to give the Aussie's version of Italian goodness (which is an IMPOSSIBLE level to match) a whirl. But now I rate the Oz stuff too! WHOA NELLY! My cup of ferrero rocher (with chunky bits inside), raspberry sorbet and coconut with passionfruit was indeed a fruity, passionate affair. I'm in love with the sweet and revitalizing flavours which complemented one another remarkably and I spooned up every last lick :P Legen..wait for it.. DAIRY! :D I could totally live off gelato <3 

On to St Kilda Botanical Gardens, needing to cool down in the shade to avoid sunstroke. Sitting in the breeze, watching old fellas play life size chess is unexpectedly nice. Here, it is a tranquil oasis of greenery and a much needed breather from a week's worth of hustle and bustle of the big city. I'm having such wonderful days and making glittering memories but today is my first of  peaceful 'holiday' relaxment. 

The immense sun is too strong for one of pale complexion and an energy booster was demanded. This came in the zing, zang, BANG tonic of Dieter's delight at Beachcomber cafe - apple, pineapple, ginger and mint juice. Zest is ZE best! Pahhhh, to going easy on the sweet stuff! I can get on the floor, slowly do some press ups and build up a rock, hard tush when I'm at home and not vacationing. 

Sadly, I was far too early to see the penguins burrowing when I walked along the pier as it was not yet approaching dusk. What a pity, I love those tiny fluffy wuffles! I would have happily stayed to view my feathered friends but I scared myself somethin' stupid, convinced that a peckish shark was laying in wait, underneath the decking. And with that, strode briskly back onto 'safer' turf not eager to end up in Jaws' guts! 

Dizziness set in as I stood up on the tram back to the city and my stamina was dwindling. I must have had too prolonged a spell in the harsh, amber rays shooting forth from the sun. I, a bowling pin in its path. Lady Montigue needeth to take it easy, forgetting how she reacts to the ozone's hole!

Chatted with my #105 girls back at United backpackers and microwaved the noodles I'd bought from a convenience store. Not that I could actually operate it as an independent woman; no, no I had to rely on a lad .. (we'll call him Mr Microwave for the sake of this semi-story) to tamper with the buttons in order for it to function. Mr Microwave needn't have bothered after all; it was hands down the worst meal I tucked into from the beginning til end of my trip. I like sesame and soy generally but from these sachets of sludgy gloop it was gross. My tongue will not tolerate revolting slop thus I ate only what it could bear and binned the rest. Red Rock Deli, Honey roasted chicken crisps spared my hunger pangs and are fast becoming my favourite Aussie snack. 

I was exhausted every day and the soles of my feet were so sore, that I was snug as a bug in bed by 10.30pm and sound asleep not long after that. Clearly I needed the rest for my body and mind because I COULDN'T wake up until 8.30 the next day. I just don't like wasting a single second on my hols if it can be helped but Grandma's got to get her forty winks or else there's no rising or shining! Off to find more adventures in *MY* Melbs come morning :) 

Smothering all those who take the time to read this with snuggles xx 

Falling in love with koala county

DAY 8, Saturday 7th March 2015 

Dearest chums, in its own crazy way, my world roaming weariness is making me SO happy :) I love it that much I've already forgotten about that darn, dreary part of the planet I descend from! #bigfatsozSouthampton. The one downside that comes to mind is my sinfully, sweet appetite and me looking large as a result of the weight I'm putting on. I could scoff anything resembling pudding or desserty-sounding until I'm SICK! :( While I internally criticised my size, I devoured an apple, powdered sugary slice of calorific pleasure; immediately pretending that never happened. 

THE CLUMSINESS CONTINUES ... Dog my cats! Fat hands only went and spilt damn foundation down her new (albeit cheap Primark) dress but couldn't change as I was out and about. 

No biggie, pero I only spent some of the day hanging out on RAMSAY STREET and ticking one of my lifelong dreams off my bucket list. The Neighbours tour was 1000x more AMAZEBALLS than I thought it could be! Many of the viewers had come over from the UK; yet a few lads had been dragged along by family members or a girlfriend. Standard! We all feel it was a shame that Neighbours Nights are not running right now but I guess they're all too busy celebrating the 30th anniversary this month. Our tour dude Kyle was a real stand up guy and filled us in on all the facts and figures of the show and trust me I quizzed him something rotten :D 

ERINSBOROUGHIAN DID YOU KNOWS...? 

* There have been an astounding 51 deaths on that teeny street plus 40 on screen weddings 

* When filming in the winter months for the summer episodes; the pool is heated and the girls wear heated inserts in their bikinis

* All the home owners of the cheeriest cul-de-sac on planet utopia are paid handsomely enough to cover their mortgages for the inconvenience and nuisance. They are provided with the 40 or so filming dates a year on their court in advance. 

* In exchange, all that is asked is for the curtains to be kept closed, their lawns to be well maintained and any physical changes they wish to be made to the front of their property must be approved with written consent .. in order to fit it into a story line. 

* Because they have to keep the G-rating there are no sex scenes, swearing or material of a mature content. It is laughed at that sex is intimated by kissing and closing a bedroom door. 

It was a 40 minute drive to Pin Oak Court, the world's most famous residential road. No, I don't think I'm weird to be so psyched to be in this beacon of Australian perfection where the sun always shines (often faked by clever lighting). 24 hour security was instated after incidents like a dirty, drunken drongo peeing off the top of what was Harold Bishop's house in the middle of the night, giving the 80 year old man who really lives there a fright. The trespassing toad got a cricket bat beating as served him right!! 

Pretty Ramsay Street def looks bigger and the other way round (to me) on TV; it is itty bitty. We were able to roam free, close up to the 6 properties but without crossing the driveways or trampling their gardens. It was very surreal to be treading on such hallowed ground, that has been part of my life for the best part of 30 years. 

After posing in front of all the Ramsay residences and with the road sign; I wanted to re-enact some of the soap's famous scenes but was let down by my rubbish Aussie accent. I'd used my most nasally voice too! Moreover, of all the crazies who have come to Ramsay Street, I am by far *the* CRAZIEST; supposedly nobody has ever laid across the road while touring.

The casa of the hunkiest police man on TV, who I love love love

Later on we were taken to Nunawading Studios and guided round the outdoor sets, but not a damn one of the interiors as Kyle doesn't have keys to grant us access. I had hoped he'd cheekily have snuck us in!! I'm still kinda cut up that the producers also don't need a short, British extra :( *wah wah wah I'm-such-a-loser wah wah wah*

A blast was had snapping tons of pics throughout Lassiters Complex (Harolds Store, Police station, hotel, The Waterhole and Rebecci Law firm, the community centre), at the bus stop, Dial a Kyle, Fitzgerald Motors, Grease Monkeys, antique store, Sonya's nursery, the lake and pavilion where Kate was shot, hospital, uni campus, history wall mural and men's shed. The entire exteriors are all so close together with a roof overhead, that we rarely see on screen. Every single area of the studios is utilised to minimise filming offsite; including Steph's motor cycle accident where she ran down Ringo, killing him in cold blood. We walked along this tiny stretch of road right by the offices of studio building where this was recorded. The camera angles are technically brilliant to make everything appear larger. 

EEEEKKKK of epic proportions - At Priya's commemorative tree, this is where I was what we refer to as a BIG mouth! I was slating the acting of that character when lo and behold her FRIEND on our tour group, revealed her connection to her. *Wanted the floor to swallow me whole* JK kidding, Menik Gooneratne! I guess she was ashamed of her stint on the show as her fave moment had been the final filming day when her character DIED. 

:) HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY NEIGHBOURS :) The magic is still there and long may it abide. Huzzah!!! Go book a tour right now but only if you don't mind being enchanted by the fictional district of Erinsborough. You'll love every second, for how can anyone feel glum somewhere so fun? 

Thank you TV for bringing Carolyn into my life :) Who'da thunk our very, very not so secret 'shame' of Neighbours loving, would lead to such an amazing friendship? (We met up several times throughout my Rianneymoon for days out - more on that when I get to it) 

Onto the Sea life, being upfront with you Melbourne aquarium is quite small save for the scary as all heck 6 metre salt water crocodile! You can stand directly over his beasty bod on a glass floor; this still haunts my thoughts. Maybe Pinjarra's a really nice croc for all anyone knows; it's seems unfair that you get a bad rap for and having razor sharp incisors and being a predator. That being said, it would be totally stupid and INSANE to approach one or invade its lair. 

THE BITS I DID LIKE - Touching starfish, the submarine walk through mini sharks and smiley faced stingrays and the penguin frenzy at feeding time which was funny to behold. They're crazy for the fish and poop every 17 seconds (Jimmy Fallon EWWW!) as they eat too many for their petite frames. 

Trammed to Shrine of Remembrance - it was very moving to be in the peaceful ANZAC memorial vicinity; especially as we all stood still for the daily lowering the flags ceremony as the bugle sounded. The historical stuff generally isn't my 'thing' but it was powerful and humbling, to take time to remember those who bravely gave their lives. 

At night, I went with some of the #105 girlos Cris, Birte and Felice to Moomba festival along the Yarra River. There was a vibrant atmosphere among heaps of peeps and rainbow, electrified fair rides. I don't really know the origins or significance of Australia's largest community festival but guess it's a celebration of all things Moomba. Moomba  crassly means 'up your butthole!' but the official translation has been declared to be 'let's get together and have fun.' 

SHOCK AT SUNDOWN - We were all spooked by an unconscious girl we came across, sprawled out on the grass and frantic that she was dead. She was young, on her own and not moving. I can't even tell you of the dark terror that came coursing through my veins.. An ambulance was called and a crowd gathered, all too concerned for her to move. Someone was quick to perform CPR and save her life before our very eyes; we were relieved that she came round but did so in a confused, erratic and freaked out manner. Her body convulsed and her eyes bugged out so either she had epilepsy or I HATE saying this because it's a judgment.. or she had taken drugs :( Hopefully she was okay after the paramedics took her away... we were left shaken up so I can't begin to imagine how she must have been feeling :( 

After collecting ourselves, we waited on the riverbanks to watch the water ski jump contest. The evening ended with a beautiful, sparkilised fireworks display either side of us as we stood oohing and awwing, on the bridge over COLOURED water. I was not troubled by my phobia as I was soaking up the poignant moment; for it was *then* that I fell in immense love with gorgeULOUS Melbourne. My life here could be too perfect; I knew it would steal my heart <3