Cape Town & Hermanus

Well, I arrived early in the morning on the 25th at Cape Town airport. A shuttle dropped me off at the Penthouse on Long Backpackers. The staff aren't very friendly or helpful, but will answer questions if you ask. At least the beds are comfortable there. Felt like new mattresses.

First thing I did was arrange my trip to Hermanus for the next day, for my shark cage dive. Once that was all sorted, I went out for an explore of town. My hostel was right on one of the main streets (called Long st.) and the Greenmarket Square started right across the road. Greenmarket square is a huge flea market that sell lots of clothing, bags/purses, paintings, masks, bone and wood crafts such as figurines, spoons, bowls, etc., flowers and produce. The retailers always ask you to come over and have a look. They start talking about their goods and tell you they'll give you a "good deal" or "special price." I just told them, "thank you, but I'm not buying anything, just looking today." They'd reply with "It's free to look" and smile. Then I'd ask if they were originally from Cape Town and a little about themselves. They were all really friendly, happy to chat and most of the people were from other African countries. They were happy to hear about my home and family as well.

After the market, I walked around the main part of town. Such a lovely city. It sits right under Table Mountain and has Signal Hill and Lion's Head on the side, with the ocean on the other.

Seeing how I ate so much on my flights, I wasn't all that hungry so some fruit and yogurt was enough for dinner. After a refreshing shower, I had an early night.

My shuttle, Baz Bus, picked me up at 7 am. I met a nice Canadian couple that where on their way up the coast and we talked most of the way. We past 4 baboons along the highway, but with the driver going so fast, it was a short lived excitement. I could tell he's driven this route a lot, but he took some of those corners too fast.

Baz Bus dropped me off at Botriver where another shuttle that works for my Hermanus accommodation picked me up.

I checked into Zoete Inval Traveller's Lodge, and the lady was really friendly. She gave me a map and showed me where to go and what things to do. My shark dive was booked for the next day as I wasn't sure what time I'd arrive by. As it was, I got there late morning so I had all day to roam around. I went into the town and looked at the shops, had some lunch and walked along the coast. There was a nice pathway to follow and I went to the man-made pools so you could swim safely in the water. When I got down to the pool though, there were about a dozen dead fish floating around. Weird. Just sea water, no chemicals. But I guess they died from hitting the wall from the waves? Not sure. The water was cool in the pool, but I wasn't going in with all those dead fish. I did see a sea anemone eating one. Couldn't believe it could eat the fish for the size it was! Amazing! Now I see why you're not supposed to stick your finger in there! Lol!

With a light dinner, I chatted to the one other person who was staying at the hostel before going to sleep in my empty dorm room. Loved that! Some quiet time, and no one flicking lights on all through the night :)

I was picked up at 8 am to arrive at Great White Shark Tours in Gansbaai. We had a light breakfast and a briefing of the days events, then on to the boat. It was a comfortable ride out and there was a boat about to come in for the day, so we took over their place and sharks. We went into the cage 8 people at a time. There are two bars we hold on to in the cage, one on the inside of the cage that is under the buoys and one buy your feet to hook onto. When a shark comes, the staff yell "down, down, down" and which direction to look. You take a deep breath and pop your head under the water to watch. Apparently, the sharks don't like the bubbles, so that's why we breath hold.

The crew tossed chum out into the water to attract the great whites. They can't eat chum, as it's just blood and guts, but the smell brings them to investigate. We also had a wooden decoy that was shaped as a baby seal and 1 bait of fish head. The sharks were really attracted to the decoy. One medium sized shark caught it and took a nibble off the fin! I can imagine, if the guy reeling the decoy in isn't fast enough, they'd go through them quickly!

We ended up seeing 5 whites all together, and we all got to go into the cage twice. We had 7mm wetsuits and I found I was getting chilly the second time around. Would be warmer if I was moving around more. The first time I went in, we had a shark come at us fast, head on and when he went to turn his body to avoid the cage his tail whapped it. We were all excited, cheering as we came up to the surface. Lol!

We had lunch and then checked out the fur seals on Dryer Island. The colony can get up to 60,000 fur seals so that's why this is the prime location to see them. They also breach out of the water at certain times of the year (when the baby seals are old enough to start swimming out to deeper waters). I couldn't believe the smell! Did those seals ever stink! Glad we didn't linger too long, I think we were all a little grossed out.

I met 2 nice men from the U.S.A named Scott and Rob. We went in the cage together and agreed to share the good photos and videos with each other.

Once we got back in, Scott and Rob asked me to join them for a dinner the next day, so with a quick reply of where I was staying, I ran to my shuttle for my trip back. What an amazing experience. The sharks were just beautifully built for their purpose as a predator. Can even see the scratches on their body from their fighting and hunting. So cool.

I showered, had dinner then had a quiet evening watching a movie on my laptop.

The next day I walked around the town more and went up Hoy's Koppie hill to see the view. I saw a Dassie along the way, hiding under a rock. Looked like he was smiling at me. Amazingly, they're the closest relative to the elephant. Sure, can't you see the resemblance? Let me know, because I'm still confused, he he.

I waited for my friends to show for dinner, but by 7 pm, I figured they probably forgot where I said I was staying so I walked into town and have a wonderful South African dinner at Annie's Restaurant. I ordered the Bobotie which is a mince pie with seasonings and a egg-based top layer that you dish chutney, coconut and banana on top. Also has seasoned green beans, apricot and rice with possibly saffron? It was yellow. It was delicious. The sweet and salty was a great mix. Then, I watched a bit of a movie the other resident at the hostel was watching before bed.

After my complimentary breakfast, I walked the 5 km to the Botanical Gardens. Of course, with it being summer, not many flowers to see. But it was a nice walk. Then, after a snack, I hiked along the cliff along the town named Klipspringer Trail, Rotary Way. Beautiful day, perfect temperature and no one else along the trail. I went by the grocery store to grab something simple for dinner and headed home for a shower. As I was washing, the receptionist called to me saying my friends were here, so I quickly finished up to see if it was Scott and Rob. And yup, they couldn't remember where it was I was staying and finally figured it out. Not many places in Hermanus that start with 'Z'.

We went out to a snazzy restaurant and they ordered pizza to share and I had a milkshake. It was a lot of fun. Great guys. They were heading off to a safari the next morning before heading to Cape town, and I had my shuttle picking me up to take me there, so we made plans to meet up the next evening.

I lounged around the guest house until my shuttle took me to Cape Town. I decided to stay at the same hostel as before (it had free wifi) and then popped over to the Holiday Inn to visit the boys.

We all went out for dinner, another fancy place (where they insisted they pay, such gentleman) and they showed me pictures of their safari. Another pleasant evening.

We all met up the next day and had an adventurous walk to the ferry terminal at the waterfront (we got lost along the way, then hitched a ride with a nice man who we paid a handsome tip to), and caught the ferry to Robben Island for a tour.

Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela (past president of South Africa) and other political prisoners spent decades imprisoned. Mandela served 27 years (most on Robben island), arrested in 1962 for sabotage and other things in the apartheid era. He was fighting for equal rights of all the people in South Africa and helping to solve poverty. For that, he was sentenced :(

He did hard labour in the lime quarry, and we got to see where he shoveled the dirt There were many who lost their eyesight from the sun's glare and dust.

We also saw his cell that he stayed in. Such a small area. The rations of the food were listed on a board as well, comparing the inmates to the political inmates. Small differences, but the political inmates got more rations.

Funny thing, the prison placed all the politicians together so they wouldn't influence the other inmates and have a rebellion, but that made things more of a benefit for Mandela. He was able to plan strategy and when released in 1990 he could put it into action. Honestly, what did they think politicians would do together... talk about the weather?

He became president in April 1994 which was a step in the reconciliation of black and white South Africans. There... a little history lesson.

After the tour we had lunch down at the waterfront Such a beautiful location with great food and shops. We spent the rest of the day together.

The next day, we went to Table mountain for a hike up Platteklip Gorge Trail. Ugh, more steps. Seems like a lot of hikes nowadays have steps. Scott, in great shape, left Rob and I in his dust while we puttered along, taking photos occasionally.

What a gorgeous view. We had a snack at the top, but the clouds were rolling in fast so we enjoyed what we could before heading to the other side of the mount to the cable car. The clouds misted all down the sides of the mountain making such a mystical appearance. We stayed to watch the sunset before taking the cable car down. It was a very smooth ride too. I was expecting some jerking, but there was none.

We headed home for showers, then had dinner.

The next morning, I popped over to their hotel for breakfast and to say goodbye since they were heading home. Sure will miss them. We became good pals over the last few days and had many laughs. Relationships I hope to keep. They're good people.

After goodbye, I spent the day checking into camera shops to see about replacing my underwater camera. My "adventure" camera bit the dust. I had a water leak and it fried. I figured I'd get the same one... but newer model. In the end, I decided to wait till I got to Tanzania. Might be cheaper...

The next day, I took the local train to Simon's town to see the endangered African penguins. I met a nice English lady named Sam on the train and we went together.

It was about a 20 mins walk to Boulders Beach and there were so many! All sleeping or resting in the sheltered cove. We paid an entrance fee to the beach and we waded into the water and enjoyed the penguins. As nice as it was, we both agreed it was too crowed for the poor birds and didn't stay too long. Many people there had no respect for their space.

We went to a cafe for a snack before heading back to Cape Town. Luckily, the train we got on the way back was much more comfortable. Better seats and less graffiti. Funny how that atmosphere changes your perception of things... makes you feel safer.

We said our goodbyes and I went back home to get ready for my early flight to Zanzibar, Tanzania. Yay, warm beach ahead!

Sydney

Bob met me at Central Station downtown Sydney. We hopped on the train to Macquarie Park area where he lived. Once we arrived, I got to have my own room with a very comfy bed. We both had a small nap, with plans to get up by 11 am so we could swing by his outdoor church BBQ.

Bob has a bed out in his living room where he now sleeps. He likes to be near the door entrance so he can easily get to his neighbors if he needs any assistance. Bob has leukemia and sometimes feels quite ill. In saying that, however, he's up and walking around outside everyday.

It was a Salvation Army church. They were all about love and loving people. It was a good direction, but not my cup of tea. The people were nice though, mostly from the neighborhood. There's a lot of low income, disability and recovering addict residents, as well as ex-convicts who are trying to start over. Made it an interesting place ;)

I was pretty tired from the overnight bus, so it was a quiet day. We did some laundry, socialized and made plans for the following day. We spent the evening watching a movie, then I had an early night.

The next day, we went into town. Caught the train to Milsons point where we got off and walked across the harbour bridge, down the steps to "the Rocks" and then walked along the Quay in Sydney Cove. We checked out the Opera house and Royal Botanical Gardens. We saw many flying foxes, ibis, cockatoos and even a tawny frogmouth (commonly mistaken for an owl). Then, we walked to Mrs. Macquaries Chair (a point in the harbour) and I found some funnelweb spiders along the way. I thought they'd be big, but they're the same size as the ones at home... only venomous.

We had sandwiches for dinner, then stuck around till nightfall to see the city lights. As dusk came, all the cockatoos came to their sleeping tree in the gardens by Farm Cove. They were landing on people, hoping to get food. Very social birds, guess that's why so many people have them as pets. Much better to see them flying free though.

The Harbour looked really nice with the city lights and opera house. It was a nice day, though a long one. We headed back home and slept well.

After all the walking the day before, we took it easy for the next day. Hung around the house, popped over to the mall and watched a movie before bed.

The next day we headed out to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains for a day hike. We started at the 3 Sisters, went down the Giant Stairway (only 861 stairs this time) and followed Federal Pass to Leura Forest where we sat at a picnic table to eat our lunch we packed. We were only half way through when we heard a "hello" from the ground beside the table. There, down on the ground was a sulfur-crested cockatoo waddling toward us. He said hello about 3 times before Bob caved and gave him a bit or bread. Didn't take long for him to go up on the table and start helping himself to lunch as well. Took a big piece of bread that I had to take away after a few nibbles. Looks like this visitor comes often! Even knows how to greet. Wasn't until I gave him a piece of my apple that he flew up into the trees.

After we finished eating, we continued to see Marguerite, Linda and Lila Falls, then up the stairs to Fossil Rock lookout. Such a nice view and great change of pace from being in the city. We headed back home for a quiet evening. Bob was pretty tired as it was a good hike for him, so we decided to take the next day off.

In the late morning, even though Bob wasn't feeling that great, he still wanted to go to town. So, he showed me a second hand bookstore, and left me there so I could venture on my own (I was hoping he'd go home and get some much needed rest). I walked along the main drag, George street, for a while, then went to the interent cafe for an hour before heading back home. I made some vegetable soup for dinner, and made enough for a few meals. Bob needed that as all I saw him eat was bacon, eggs and bread :(

We went over to Manly the next day. Caught the ferry over. It was nice ride through the harbour. What a pretty place. A bit touristy, but sure had some nice beaches. There were a few of them and one was even great for snorkeling. Wish I knew that before we came over. I would have brought my mask and snorkel and gone for a swim! Such clear water. A bit chilly at first, but you get used to it. Then we followed the trail to North Head. We stooped at a pond along the way where we had lunch. Lots of tadpoles and dragonflies. There were many lookouts along the coastal track. Really nice. Bob made another friend on the track, and he joined us the rest of the way. We walked to the military grounds (we saw "the Biggest Loser" being filmed here. The contestants hard at work doing the yoga plank, and the coaches yelling at them), saw the 3rd quarantine cemetery where 241 people were buried and the memorial walk. I saw 2 snakes along the way. Small, thin, browny-grey snakes that moved quickly into the thicket to hide. Never can get a good look at them. Many orb spiders as well. Love their yellow markings on their legs.

Wonderful view at the north head out over the ocean and looking back towards Sydney. We caught the ferry back to the city then headed home to meet up with another couch surfer (who is now Bob's friend) named Miho, from Japan. We socialized for the rest of the evening.

The next day, we all headed to the city to go to Paddy's Market. Bob had a few things to do, so he was meeting us back at home. Miho and I bought some vegetables, looked at a few shops then went to Chinatown where she introduced me to Emperor puffs. They're yummy doughy balls with yellow custard inside served hot. Very good, but fattening. Glad they're small!

Then we went to the Chinese Gardens in the Darling harbour. Man, was it ever busy. I forgot it was Chinese New Year, so many people were visiting. We took our time going round, then went to the bay and walked to Town Hall. Miho left to meet up with a friend and I went to Hyde Park. There was a man who was making all kinds of bubbles to entertain the public. It was cute watching the kids chase them. Then I headed back home and we all met up later in that evening to talk about our daily activities.

We all did our own thing the next day, and I went to Bondi Beach. It's a very popular place to suntan, swim and surf. There was a market going on as well, so I took brief browse through there before finding a nice spot on the beach to relax. I had only a short swim as I had to leave my bag on the beach with my towel and I didn't want it stolen. The beach was pretty crowded.

The water was nice, but I did see 1 blue-bottle jellyfish, so I didn't feel bad about not going back in. I spent the next 2 hours reading my book and people watching before heading back. I planned on making dinner for everyone so had to go to the grocery store before home.

Tacos was the meal, and the entire 1 kg of beef was devoured! I was very surprised, and happy. They liked my cooking! Yay! We had a couple drinks and watched some comedy movies for the rest of the evening.

Today, Miho went to Manly, Bob stayed home and rested and I went into town to get some African currency and take a tour of the opera house.

The tour takes you into some of the halls, and watch historical videos on the Dutch architect, Jorn Utzon. I learned that he won the design competition in 1957 and they started building the foundation in 1959, estimating to take 3 years and cost 7 million (Ha! Pretty optimistic!).

In 1962, he found the "spherical scheme solution" to build the roof shell design so it would be structurally practical. The roof is covered in cream and beige coloured tiles so as not to blind people when the sun shines on it.

1972, finally completed the construction and the opera had its first test run with an orchestra playing in the concert hall. The total cost was 102 million to build. Just a little over estimate, lol.

It is now a world heritage site and has many concerts, recordings, ballets, plays, operas and other events as a daily occurrence. The concert hall was really neat. Even the chairs are designed to absorb the same amount of sound as a person so you always have great acoustics, no matter how busy. There are dishes that come down from the ceiling above the stage as well so the orchestra can hear each other without it going to the viewers. Pretty neat!

After that, I headed home to have dinner with Bob and Miho as it's our last evening together. I head off to the airport tomorrow for my long flight to Cape Town, South Africa. But I am excited!

Blackheath & Melbourne

The train didn't take too long to get to Blackheath, in the Blue Mountains. About 2.5 hours. And it was fairly inexpensive. Which was a surprise! Given that e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g is expensive here in Australia.

I was staying at the Blackheath Caravan Park for 2 nights. My plan was to unwind and relax for the rest of the evening and plan my hiking the next day. The cost was actually A$37/night, but they gave me a spot that wasn't actually a vehicle/tent site, just a patch of grass near the reception building so they charged me A$20/night instead. For that, I was grateful. Such a nice family that ran the park. There were free BBQs and nice well kept bathrooms as well. A park was right across the street, so it was a nice quiet location. Many cockatoos and kookaburras as well. I set up my tent, unpacked my bag and was in bliss for the rest of the night!

In the morning, I walked to the Blue Mountains National Park office 2 km down the road to get some information. I needed to know what hikes to do. There was a lovely one starting right by the parks office that went to Blue Gum Forest down in the valley. So, that was the plan. I got 2 maps, filled out a trip intention form and got an emergency beacon. Now, I just need stove fuel and food.

Off to the train stop to go to Katoomba. Just a 10 min ride and I arrived. Katoomba is a very touristy town, but it's one of the larger ones in the Blue Mountains. None of the 4 outdoor stores had fuel however. I lucked out when I went to the hardware store and found some there. The owner actually had an open bottle of her own, and since I only needed 250 mls max, she gave me some of hers and charged me $2.50. What a sweet lady!

I went back to Paddy Pallin outdoor store to get some dehydrated food. Then the grocery store for some fruit, veg and buns. All set! I had some time to kill, so I walked down to Echo point to see the 3 sisters. It was a beautiful view. The 3 sisters are just 3 pillars beside one another along the canyon wall of the Jamison valley. But, still picturesque.

There was a small building nearby that had some shops, and a gallery inside that I went browsing into. There was an Aboriginal Centre downstairs called Koomurri. Free performances! I went in and watched a few dances and listened to the singing and didgeridoo being played. It was nice. I looked at the art in the gallery then headed back to the train to head home.

Had to get my packing all sorted on what to take with me for my 3 day trek. I put whatever I wasn't taking with me in the reception office as offered and had a hot shower. I wasn't sure if the river in the valley would be warm, so I figured, a shower was in order.

I set out at 9 am and started the Govetts Leap track. It was a very steep staircase made of rock going down the canyon wall. Many trickles of water along the way as well, making it very slippery. I had a few breaks as my legs were trembling so severely from all the weight of my backpack (about 15 kg). There is somewhere around 2,000 steps down into the valley. What a relief when I got to the bottom! There was a nice waterfall, so I took my bag off and had a snack. It felt like I was levitating without my pack! Crazy.

I found a crayfish in the waterhole. Hard not to miss really, they're a bright red-orange colour.

After a couple stretches, I crossed the brook and started along the Rodriguez Pass track to Junction Rock, which is about 4 km. There, I had a small lunch and enjoyed the scenery. The trail followed the water the whole way (had to cross the river 4 times) and I was surprised how warm it was. Would be able to swim in it no problem.

I continued to Acacia Flat which is where I set up camp for the next 2 nights (another 4 km). Now this was bush walking. Couldn't even see the trail there was so much overgrowth. I heard someone coming towards me at one point, and he was talking to his friends saying, "how do you know this is even the path?" And I answered him "Because you pass other people along the way." He wasn't expecting to see anyone and I startled him a bit, I think. It was funny. He laughed and said, "Good answer!" and let me by.

I was the first person to arrive, so I had my pick of the place. I chose a spot where a stump was nearby to use as a table and a log for sitting. It was fabulous. By early evening, 9 more people arrived for the night. I was surprised to see so many.

There were 2 outhouses and 2 paths that went to the river so you could wash up and get water for drinking or cooking. Really great spot. So nice to have a water source nearby. I had dinner and read a bit before bed. Cloudy night, but dry and warm.

After breakfast, I went on a small day walk to the Blue Gum Forest. Luckily, it wasn't far. My muscles were so stiff and sore from the stairs the day before, I really couldn't go too far. Just 2 km. I thought if I warmed them up it would get better... but not this day. Just needed to stretch and rest them.

Many Rosellas were flying around the Blue Gums. Beautiful birds, red and blue.

Of course, kookaburras, cockatoos, wren and a few others were around as well.

What makes the Blue Mountains so neat is the one million hectares of national park dominated by eucalypt forest, plus when looking at the landscape, it emits a blue colour from the way the light hits the atmosphere. Spectacular!

I hung out by the river, playing in the water and reading for the rest of the day before having dinner and watching the birds go to bed for the night. It was a lovely clear sky that evening. A bit cooler, but nice to see the stars. Lots of possums wandering around at night. Wished them a happy new year, but didn't see much of anything else :( I was hoping to see a wombat, but, nope.

On my last day, my muscles were doing a bit better, (albeit still sore) and I headed back to Junction Rock. There, I had a small break chatting with 2 German men, then continued south along Govetts Gorge to the Grand Canyon (a nice brisk 12 km, lol). I bumped into a nice man on a day walk from Sydney named Danny, and we walked the rest of the way to the Govetts Leap car park together. We talked about the national park (he'd been hiking it the last 10 years), his family, my travels and Vegemite. Lol, Aussies love that stuff. It's a yeast spread that tastes extremely salty and malty. Not my cup of tea. He had a Vegemite sandwich for lunch, and I had my veg and fruit. I really enjoyed our hike. We passed Beachamp Falls and soon arrived at the canyon. We took our packs off and walked through it to the dead end before starting the long ascent to the top. He told me I chose the right direction along the trek, because the steps on this side weren't as steep. Thank Goodness!

And he was right. It was much easier. By the time I reached the top of the canyon, my muscle aches were finally more balanced out :)

He offered me a ride back to my campsite, which I happily accepted. Such a nice person! We said goodnight and he headed home.

It was late by the time we got out. The park office and camp reception office was closed, but they knew I would be arriving so I just set myself up in the same spot as before. A shower was desperately needed. In I went, had a small dinner and then went to bed. I was out like a light! Slept so well that night.

I planned to walk to the parks office in the morning to drop off the beacon, but after I checked in with reception, 2 police officers came looking for me. They wanted to check to make sure I made it back ok since the parks office didn't see me the day before (they did close at 4:30 pm, kinda early). I was able to give them the beacon, and thanked them for following up. So nice to see that the trip intention forms are actually monitored. I talked to the parks office anyways, so they'd know the beacon was delivered and that I was ok. Nice to be looked after! It can be scary when hiking multiday trips alone in a foreign country. I was impressed, and pleased.

I stayed another night so I could get some washing done and rest up before the trip to Melbourne.

The next morning, I caught the train to Sydney Central Station and booked the last sector of my Greyhound ticket to Melbourne. The bus left at 8 pm so I has 5 hours to kill. I spent 2 on my laptop organizing photos and had a dinner and the remainder of the time having coffee.

I was on the street, outside the station, just wondering what to do, when a man in his late 50's said "you just knocked me with your backpack." I turned around to apologize and and with a sly smile he replied "now you knocked that guy, best to sit somewhere, hmm?" And with that, he offered to buy me a cup of coffee. He was staying at a hostel right across the street so I thought, why not? I have 3 hours to spare. He mentioned he just wanted to stop by the gun shop first, then we'd head there. When I stopped dead in my tracks looking at him like 'you're joking right?' he laughed and said not to worry. Just want to pick up a hat. I thought that was the weirdest place to buy one, but when he went in, I saw why. Lots of hunting hats where you could put sticks and leaves in, great for camouflage while birdwatching. Lol. So that was how I met Bob, from Sydney. We chatted till my bus was departing, and he helped me carry my belongings there. We exchanged contacts, and he said that he couch surfs so I'm more that welcome to stay at his place if I came back to Sydney. I might just take him up on that offer. He was a really nice man, and I felt comfortable around him, so why not? Would help the bank account. It's at least A$30/night for hostels in the city. He said, to look him up on the couch surfing website to read reviews, and let him now if I was interested and hugged goodbye.

My bus was an overnighter so I didn't arrive till 8 am. Again, I was able to sleep, so I was able to stay up and do activities for the day.

After checking into my hostel, Hotel Discovery, I went for a meander along the Yarra River to the sport Precinct, and then up to Fitzroy Gardens. I was just pulling out my book, sitting by a pond when a lady named Susie came up and started to talk to me. Next thing you know, I made a new friend. She had a seminar in the evening and asked if I wanted to join. I thought, why not? I had nothing else to do. So, we exchanged numbers and I planned to meet her at her hotel for 6:30 pm.

It was about changing your beliefs to better yourself and overcome illusions of limitation you set up for yourself. It was... interesting. You know, the power of the mind and all that. It went on pretty late, I stayed to chat afterwards so I didn't get back to my hostel till after 10 pm.

When I got there, one of the girls in my 8 bed dorm was singing loudly to herself on her bed, listening to music on her laptop, then rolling over giggling to herself. It was weird. I asked the girl below me if she was like this all night, but she said "she's been like this all day! She was crying and yelling earlier. Seems happy now. I was going to ask her to keep it down, but she doesn't seem stable. Security told me to let them now if we have any problems." Wow, so something must have happened earlier if security said something. I got ready for bed thinking, 'it's late, I'm sure she'll settle down.' But when I was about to climb into bed, She had her bottle of wine and was not going to stop anytime soon. Seeing how 2 others were already trying to sleep, I decided to go to reception. I asked who I talk to about a disturbance in my room and the security right away asked if I was in room 217. Yes, I was. "What is she doing now?" Lol, I told them, and at the mention that she was drinking, they brightened. They had a legitimate reason to evict her. No drinking in the rooms are tolerated. So, she had to leave. Craziness! The rest of the night was uneventful, yay.

I spent the next 2 days, exploring the city, with all it's neat shops, alleys and artsy eateries and walking the botanical gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. Nice view of the city from the latter.

Then, Saturday morning I checked out and Gordon (my 3rd cousin) picked me up. He had his 2 boys Lauchlin (7 yrs) and Brodie (5 yrs) with him. Yay, get to meet them! New family. We stopped by his house, near Brighten, so I could drop my belongings off and see his wife, Michelle. Then, we were off to his cricket game. His dad, Douglas (my 2nd cousin) met us there. Which was good, I still didn't understand the game. Finally, I now get it. Between Doug, Gordon, Lauchy and Brodie, I finally understand. And it's nothing like baseball!

Doug took me for a scenic drive to see Bayside and we caught up on family. I was so happy to be with family! I have a wonderful one and love them all dearly.

Once back at the game, Michelle arrived with the kids, and the boys had a little cricket game of their own. When, the game was over, Doug went home and the rest of us went back to the house for a take out Chinese dinner and social time in the backyard. I met Brett, the neighbour and his german shepherd, Memphis. It reminded me of that TV sitcom "Home Improvement," Brett stood on a ladder so he could see over the fence to talk with us. Funny. Very nice guy, loved the kids, and they loved him!

I played with the boys a bit, playing basketball and even jumped on the trampoline. I was giggling just like I was a kid again. Too fun! But exhausting. They have so much energy.

After the kids went to bed, it didn't take long for the adults. I was really excited about my own room and big bed. It was heaven. I slept like a baby. Slept in late too. Got woken up in the morning by Brodie giving me a gentle shake asking "you getting up now?" Lol, kids. So, without further delay, I got up, got ready for the day, packed my belongings and had breakfast. After we relaxed a bit, we all headed over to Doug and Allison's place in Edithvale.

When we arrived, Allison had a wonderful lunch ready for us. She even baked fresh bread, apple pie and chocolate cake! Now that's a way to have repeat visitors! Lovely food like that. I ate till I was about to burst. So much nicer than backpacker food. I was spoiled. I love family!!

Michelle had errands to run, so she had to take off. But Gordon stuck around for the afternoon. The boys and I went to the beach nearby. There were little beach huts in all sorts of colours and guess how much they go for? $200,000!! They were nothing more than a brightly coloured shed! Unreal!

The little ones were learning to swim, and the waves were a decent size so we all had a swim. They did very well. Loved to duck under the wave each time it came by. The water was chilly at first, but then ok. Kind of like the big cool swimming pool back at home. Much warmer than our Pacific!

Once back at the house, Gordon took off and the boys stayed for sleep over for the next 2 nights like me. We had spaghetti for dinner and more dessert! Jello and ice cream too! Soon after, the kids went to bed, and Doug Allison and I read in the living room till bed. Great day!

After breakfast the next day (and a game of catch with the boys), we drove out to Arthur's seat to see the view of the bay and wander around, then continued to Portsea for picnic lunch. The boys had fun chasing and running from the waves, trying not to get wet (but to no avail). The rip was too strong for swimming, but it was fun watching the kids. Then we headed home. It was a lovely drive.

We went to the park where we played a game of cricket. Brodie isn't too much into sports, so Allison timed him running across the field to see how fast he could go. We all had a great time. Pizza for dinner, and then I showed the boys my underwater diving videos. They had endless questions about sharks! It was really fun teaching them about those magnificent beasts. Oh, snakes too. Lauchy had a big interest in them. Brodie loves animals too, but his attention span only lasts so long. Still just 5, so you know how it is.

The next day, Doug had a game of golf in the morning, so Allison took the boys to the park so I could use the computer. I booked a tour to see the Great Ocean Road the next day and then met them at the park. Different one than the night before, near the wetlands and golf course.

We went back for lunch, and Doug came home not long after. After a little quiet time, we drove back to Gordon and Michelle's to drop off the boys, had a small visit, then I said my goodbyes. Lauchy even shed a few tears at my departing. He's a sensitive guy. I had to leave quickly so I wouldn't start!

Allison and Doug drove me back to my hostel. So sad to leave, but I was so glad they had time to fit me in their busy schedule. It meant a lot to me. Wish the planet wasn't so big sometimes! Could visit more. Sorry no photos of family, I'm not putting them up due to request :)

I checked into the same room as before, had a shower then read before going to bed. I had a cold now and wanted to save my energy for my tour the next morning. One thing I like about this hostel, great bathrooms! Very big and there's 2, just for girls!

I got picked up from my accommadation at 7:15 am and started my full day tour with Wildlife Tours to the Great Ocean Road. We had a couple lookout spots for photo opps at Bells beach (famous for surfing) and Memorial arch, and enjoyed the townships we passed through until we reached Kennett River. Here we spent some time looking for wild koalas and feeding the wild King Parrots and Rosellas. I saw 2 koalas and many birds. They were gorgeous! Pretty bold as well, even landed on some people to eat the birdseed.

Then we went to Apollo Bay for our lunch at Illuka. It was very good! We drove to Otway's Rainforest for a walk along the boardwalk at Mait's Rest. Nice temperate rainforest.

Following that was the 12 Apostles, Loch and Gorge and the London Bridge. We had lots of time to walk the foot paths to different viewpoints. Even learned about the famous shipwreck, the Loch Ard, at the Loch and Gorge. After, we headed for the long drive back to the city. Didn't get back until 8:30 pm. Off to bed I went!

The last 2 days were pretty quiet. Mostly just resting to get over my cold. I did get a chance to meet up with Patricia, one of my old coworkers from Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital back in Victoria, BC. She was locuming here and there and is now living in Melbourne. We had coffee and a nice 2-3 hour visit.

Today I'm hanging out at the hostel until I leave for my bus. I'm catching the Firefly coach to Sydney at 7 pm. It's overnight and Bob's going to meet me at the station at 7 in the morning. I took him up on that offer! After being in such a big hostel, I'm happy to stay at a quieter place!