Australian Adventure: December 2013

So it's Christmas time around the world, which seems strange given its so hot. It's at this time we have started to look back on the last year.

2013 has been an amazing year for us. January passed in a flash, and the rest of the years pretty much followed suit. To think its mid, almost late, December is ridiculous!

It's been a year in which we've got married, then left jobs, friends, family and animal companions behind to explore Australia! The opportunity to explore a country the size of a continent.

So far we have loved every minute of it. The people, the places, the environment, the culture, and there's so much more to see.

That being said the one disappointment so far has been the work. A combination of our field of expertise and visa type means there are few / if any opportunities we are able to apply for (that we would apply for at home). This may be different in the other places we visit, but thus far has been our experience.

Not too say we haven't enjoyed the variety of work opportunities we have had. It's been very...interesting.

Given whats happened in the last few weeks, months and year, we can honestly say you never know what could happen.

As we start to plan for next year, we really do appreciate the places we've seen, the people we've met, and the experiences we've had in 2013. From last minute wedding preparations, talking universities with the wedding car driver, Chloe saying "I do", Layla's Gangnam Dance, waking up at the Queens looking out at the 'Southsea Sea' a married couple, honeymooning in Tenerife, my final Primary Project events at Chichester, Chloe's last assaults at work, Marmalade joining Team Supreme, deciding to leave (mainly sell) everything to try out Australia, final days at work, final volleyball & 5-a-side nights, saying goodbye to family and friends, getting one plane, not knowing if or when we would return and everything since. It has been amazing!

Here's to 2014.

We hope you are all well and enjoying the holiday period. See you all (in some shape or form) in 2014!

So Melbourne, its definitely not Adelong. There's not a Roo Burger in sight!

As we get closer to christmas we are both missing home. Though we had a reminder of home three weeks ago when Chloe dragged me out of the shop, where I had been happily playing FIFA. Very much like being at home.

After having been here four, maybe five, weeks. We'd only had five days where it had not rained, or been cold enough to require two jumpers. We were constantly told the weather 'is about to change'. It's got better, it's warmer and we see the sun more often. But the rain is still around.

We've since learnt this is the worst summer for decades.

Our hostel accommodation was Good. Actually it was amazing compared to the place next door! On arrival in Melbourne we made our way to King Street Backpackers (before our 7 plus hour coach trip we had decided to book 3 nights at the closest hostel to the coach stop, as we arrived at 11.15pm). Our home for the first 3 nights was a twin room (thanks to a double booking). Which was less visually pleasing than the 6bed we moved into, but I digress. At the weekend the hostel was fully booked (we've since learned that weekends are always booked). So we moved next door to Melbourne Connect. It was horrid. Lets just say I set up a trip advisor account just to moan!

We then booked back into King St. Backpackers on Monday and stayed there for the next four weeks.

We did a few cool things in the first few weeks here, before spending a lot of time job and accommodation hunting.

We visited St. Kilda a few times. Seeing a hiding penguin, and lots of kite surfers. Not to mention getting rained on more than a couple of times. We visited Ethiad Stadium seeing Melbourne Victory vs Brisbane Roar. Once we were inside I realised why I'd gotten a funny look when asking if our seats were blocked view seats. Because, we could sit anywhere in the upper tier, there was no blocked view AND there was a roof! Not the sort of thing a Pompey fan is expecting.

There's been a lot if walking around, a lot! And we've loved it, even if our feet often ask for a rest near Hungery Jacks or a certain pub (meal deals and wifi, need I say more?). We have also visited the Ice-Chill Bar, where we where in minus 14 degrees for over 30 minutes, playing O's & X's, taking photos and having some drinks. Good times!

We've (re)learned that direction is not Chloe's 'best' skill, having twice got on a tram going the wrong way. Though only once did we ride it to the end of the line before confirming, 'yes, we are going the wrong way'.

We've also learned that we haven't packed for this weather as we are wearing both our jumpers in 90% of our Melbourne photos.

We've walked around the stadia nearby, there's Rod Laver Arena (Tennis), AMMI Stadium (Rugby and Football), MCG (Cricket), Something beginning with H (Netball), and another multi purpose stadium / arena. It's amazing that these buildings are all so close to each other. It really gives you a sense of being near everything that's going on.

A few weeks ago we were waiting to visit the Melbourne Music Festival, then Chloe saw a few people with open day bags, never one to miss an open day opportunity, I was straight on the interweb. Then we were off to the Melbourne Cricket Ground with information of a free event.

We could not believe what we saw as we walked in..... People on the field, lots of people. Now I'm not a cricket fan but this was a sight. Admittedly on closer inspection most where playing 'footie' (aka. Aussie Rules), but still amazing stuff. We walked around (the opposite way to the arrows) and sat in the directors box and wondered about on the field, walking passed the pitch long queue to hold a trophy I can only guess is something to do with cricket. We managed to avoid the hundred plus balls flying around, which was fortunate.

More recently Chloe's been working as a fundraiser over the phone and I'm fundraising face to face. Having had a 3 day job a couple of weeks ago selling and promoting toys.

We have now moved into our own accommodation, with our own space and a great rooftop view.

Yesterday (that's right we're almost up to date) we watched Melbourne Victory play Newcastle Jets, unfortunately we lost, however we did get to see Emile Heskey! Then on the way back we walked passed the Ethiad Stadium where Bon Jovi was playing, and there were still $35 tickets available. So in we went, Chloe was bouncing away on her chair singing along within 3 minutes. I told you, there's always something going on.

We are now looking forward to seeing Simone, who is visiting us, over Christmas and New Year. We are planning to do some activities / day trips which will be fun. We are also now planning on moving on to Tasmania in early February, where we will potentially again participate in farm work.

But for now we are enjoying the build up to Christmas and hoping all our family and friends at home are too.

The usual visual display is below.

Mario in the city centre