Australia Day Fireworks

We were fortunate enough to see the fireworks being shot of from atop the building and the river. They were intense and long. Amazing

The cars!!

Too many to put them all up!! Just a taste.

Australia Day down Melbourne Way

Well, being here for Australia Day proved to be a ton of fun and I am glad I was in a major city for it. I started the day by watching the flag raising ceremony and then watched the march of the people. Was very entertained by the boys dressed as kangaroos with giant springs on their feet. How they didn't eat pavement is beyond me. The march of the people was cool. It was of different ethnicities and groups and clubs and then everyone joins in at the end. Then went down to the gardens and enjoyed the events set up. Dad and Ryan you would have enjoyed this for it was a parade of old cars. Some were for sale, should I look into it?!? Then Ann Sophia and I went to the Sidney Myers Bowl for an evening concert before the fireworks before making our way back to fed square to catch the tennis on the big screen.

State Library

Melbourne has a beautiful state library. Complete with free wifi which is currently where I am uploading these posts from since the pictures are on my phone. The library even has a a chess room. Like a room
Designed to play chess in. Beautiful art displays. And a room solely for Australian history.

Australian Open

So, since I was in Melbourne during the open, I figured it was only appropriate to go and enjoy the sites and sounds. I bought myself a grounds pass, lathered up the sunscreen and packed the water. Off for a day of adventure. What an amazing experience. Do you know how fast a ball looks when it is Traveling 220km an hour. I do. The event was amazing. I started off just watching a practice match then moved over to watch a game between a woman from Greece and the other from Japan. Even their serves were tipping 180. After that a men's game between Spain and another European country who's name is escaping me right now. Should have taken notes. Then went over to enjoy the fan center and got some give aways from dove. Then back to the courts to enjoy a match between USA's John Isner and Aussie's Ben Mitchell

Docklands and Southbank

On yet another day filled with tourist adventure, I walked around docklands and Southbank. I was able to see the tall ship and street performers. The one street performer was doing a trick that involved being wrapped up in chains and was wise enough to pick ana from Iraq to help wrap him up. He kept saying that it was like this wasn't his first time doing this. The way the man laughed I would agree. Also, I truly don't think the chains could have been tighter. Lots of history along the river. There used to be a set of falls, until they dredged the river so ships could get through. A very good walk indeed notice the 'shark' swimming next to the aquarium. And the bridge modeled after sydney's.

Apollo Bay

So, perhaps not all of you have heard, but was not a huge fan of my hostel in Melbourne. It was a pig sty, in fact, I would consider that insulting to a pig sty. I am sure they are cleaner. There were bed bugs, and non functioning showers and while I quite enjoyed Melbourne, I would not recommend that hostel. Enough said, I have moved onto new and better things. I am currently in Apollo Bay for the weekend on the Great Ocean Road. The hostel is beautiful and Mama Pearce clean. The people are very friendly and the beach is amazing. I went for a lovely walk in the beach today. A picture of a shell I found, next to my foot so you could see how big it was (and admire my flip
Flop ran. Bet no one thought I would get that tanned. Yes, that is with copious amounts of sunscreen.) also, a picture of a sting ray. I didn't touch it. But it was a big realization that I am
On the ocean!!!! Seriously, right there. Also, saw a fish being caught. One with spikes, so you have to be careful taking it off the hook, but quite yummy to eat. I thought he said flinder fish, but maybe flounder?!?

More penguins because they are so cute

More
Penguins because they are so cute. Better pictures, a picture of the volunteer. They are studying the penguins and micro chipping them. A baby. Notice how close I was to one.