Paul's Parents and the Botanics

So here's a few more pictures of stuff, since I finally got my camera out a few times. This weekend, Paul and I went to visit his parents out in the countryside east of Melbourne. They were lovely people, with a lovely house heated by a wood stove, and they look after Paul's ex-cat, Mulder.

Something which has been impressing me - how easy and common it seems to be to grow lemons (and other citrus fruit) in your back garden!



Paul, Sarah and I went to town this afternoon on the train, intending to see the new Tim Burton exhibition which has just opened. It took us a while to get in because there was a replacement bus for part of the way, which meant that it was getting later in the afternoon by the time we arrived at the exhibition. There was such a long queue that we decided to go at some other time. Instead, we just took a walk around the Botanic Gardens, then strolled back to Flinders Street Station while it was getting dark. You might notice it is scarf-weather (according to the Australians at least). Here's photos.







Apart from a hairdryer and slippers, there's one more thing which I forgot to pack: Tunnock's Caramel wafers. They can be bought here, apparently, but for $3 per bar. I should have imported as many as I was allowed to, because certain people (nearly everyone I talk to) would be keen to get their hands on some.

I've arrived!

Hi all,

I'm in Melbourne! Finally. It took a while to get here, because it's kinda far away. I won't go into details about the flight. Apart from to say it's never a good idea to watch 'Titanic' during heavy turbulence. I got a bit scared.

But anyway, I landed at 4.45am Melbourne time and Paul was waiting there for me (I had told him he'd better be).

My first sight of the Melbourne roads.



They like their cars here - they have to I guess because it's kinda big. There is public transport, which isn't extensive but it does the job.

Paul and I went exploring around town and he took me to St Kilda (Paul's camera, hence image quality):





For the past few days I have been looking (so far unsuccessfully) for a job. It's actually probably been a good way of getting to know the city and talking to people. In general, they're all friendly and relaxed. Although they keep talking about tax for some reason. It's the end of the financial year and you can't fail to notice.

And there's parrots grazing by the side of the road, and lemon trees with lemons on them all around the place. That's cool.

We're going off east (I think) to visit Paul's parents tomorrow, which should be good. I'll take my camera so there'll be a more illustrated post next time.

Bye.

Ready to go!

This is yet another 'Helen Goes to...' blog: my destination is Melbourne, in the land of the kangaroos and sunshine (except for now because it's winter). I leave in a few days - no job arranged yet, so that's something I'm going to have to sort out when I land. Fortunately, there will be a handsome ginger man waiting for me at the airport (Paul).

I'll be blogging every week or so (or every time something exciting happens) so keep checking in.

Is there anything I've forgotten to prepare for my trip? Aaargh maybe. If you think of anything then let me know.