Out and about in Melbourne

We have a few weeks before we take off for South America - chance to spend a little time in Melbourne with Sophie. Having flexibility with our time is becoming more appealing all the time. We get to do things we would like to do ... just because we can! Anyone with work commitments will appreciate that statement.

So we're here giving Sophie a bit of a helping hand following her knee reconstruction surgery - but in doing so we also have lots of fun going places, sight-seeing, enjoying getting out and about in Melbourne, dining out, and the odd bit of shopping thrown in.

A highlight had to be .... being in Melbourne for the celebration parade for Cadel Evans. Having followed all the stages of the TDF, this was an event not to miss.

Other highlights have included:

• an enjoyable evening with Milka and Zac's rellies in Geelong.
• shopping at Queen Vic Markets
• a drive out through the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Scars of tragic bushfires are still evident. Fresh trout for tea that night. Thanks Jeff - great day out!!
• a show in the city - Eva - Stories and songs from Eva Cassidy. Great night out - really cold wait at the station for a delayed train due to "unruly passenger".
• visit to Australia Garden, part of Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne. Stage 2 is under development, but Stage 1 is fabulous. http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/australian-garden So many of the native plants in bloom, but loads more ready to burst into bloom in the next few weeks. Definitely worth a visit!!
• a Mystery Tram adventure - a day spent hopping on and off trams, going where ever they took us. Breakfast in Lygon Street, off to Toorak Rd (end of the line for that tram, apparently), down to St Kilda where we spotted a fairy penguin in the rock wall, back to the city via another interesting tram line ..... somewhere around Albert Park. Late lunch in the city - delicious. Back to Young & Jacksons in time to meet Sophie when she finished work. Some people have to work ... apparently. Lucky us!!!

Today is a home day, cold and rainy. But tomorrow will be another adventure day - off to the city with Sophie as she goes to work ..... then another adventure. Life is good!!!