Long Live the Tripod!!!

Well, unbelievable, we are at the end of Australia and leaving for New Zealand tomorrow (Nov.12)! We are in Melbourne and have once again, overwhelmed ourselves with heaps of activities and sightseeing. We stayed in the St.Kilda district of Melbourne, which is just outside the city center. Our first day we walked down to the beach to soak up some of this ridiculous ‘spring’ weather- aka unreal heat, soaring at a scorching 34 degrees. We also toured up and down some of the streets in St.Kilda notoriously known for great food, cafes, and entertainment. We also discovered we are missing out on 3 things….Seal live in concert, The Australian Masters golf tournament---Tiger Woods and all, and Brittney Spears ( who of which we did not know was playing except that we had an impromptu paparazzi sighting outside of her hotel during one of our walks. Among the massive camera lenses were people chanting ‘Brittney’ ---To Brittany’s disappointment, they weren’t chanting for her!!! Someday though! The next day, was Sunday and we were able to catch the weekly market down at the Esplanade. There were lots of tents displaying a variety of the locals handicrafts. We then found refuge from the sun and ate lunch under a palm tree before hitting the beach once again. I know it really sounds like we have been doing nothing but lie on the beach, but it is absolutely necessary to cool down in the water…the pavement and sand reflects ridiculous amounts of heat! During our first cool down session in the water, it wasn’t long until Briana frantically tried climbing over Brittany and Taya towards shore, squealing not really articulating what was happening….leaving Taya and Brittany confused with their imaginations running wild. You can only imagine the possibilities seem endless in Australia’s open waters. Apparently, once she got onto shorenshe informed us that she had placed her hand on a giant jellyfish right beside us!!! And no, it didn’t sting her.The previous day, we had noticed another one beside us- these ones, apparently, aren’t deadly…just cause a lot of pain. This little scenario reminded us a lot of our stingray encounter in Mission Beach where Briana once again “warned us.” Now to our 3rd day- we took a 14 hour day trip along the Great Ocean Road---which is a great road running along the ocean….imagine that! But seriously, Australian’s are known for naming things as exactly what they are (ie. Squiggly gum tree- gum tree with squggles on it.) This drive was truly breathtaking and impossible to describe. Some of stops included the famous Bell’s Beach where the Ripcurl classic surfing competition is held, London Bridge-which actually collapsed), the 12 Apostles- it’s the only case where it’s not literal as there are 8 rock formations not 12, Koala spotting, and a short 1km walk through the rainforest where massive trees stand. Taya has been waiting for an opportunity to go for a helicopter ride, but prices have been too expensive. She broke down and decided to go over the 12 Apostles- where she was lucky enough to get upgraded from a $70 for 10 min to a $300 for half hour and down to water level ride for free! The next day, which brings us to yesterday- we ventured into the city center meeting our fellow wolf pack member-Megan. We toured the major highlights of Melbourne including Federation Square, Eureka Tower - which is the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere giving us a 360 degree of Melbourne, St.Paul’s Cathedral , and the botanical gardens. We watched the sun set over the city from the tower and then wandered down to the riverside where it is lined with fancy restaurants and romance lingers…gag!!! Along this walk there are many musicans varying from bagpipes, acoustic guitars to electric guitars. We thought wow, what a nice ending to Australia. However…the night wasn’t over…TRAMS!!! Bom, bom, bom!!!! Interesting story,…to make it short…3 trains, Briana crying, Brittany and Taya laughing hysterically at Briana …apparently tram doors close quicker than one would think and DO NOT have a motion sensor on them. Also, that Briana would be extremely upset if, by chance, Brittany got left behind while Taya and Briana rode it out on the train. After this incident, yet another rule….if you get left behind- stay calm…and stay where you are. if you need to cry…puff up, be big….hug a pole if necessary. Pretend that’s what was intended, be confident that the others will soon notice that you are no longer present. Anywho, bringing us to today- laundry and lounging, organizing packs/ transport and planning New Zealand. Prepping ‘The Tripod’ for the addition of 2 more members making us the ‘ The Quin-pod’ They will have to undergo rigorous testing and initiation to prove their loyalty and commitment…good luck Oneil and Mel….LONG LIVE THE TRIPOD!!!

Anyway, here’s goodbye to Australia and a new chapter in New Zealand…it’s been a blast so far with so many memories. 3 crazy ladies…2 countries down…2 more to go….surprised??? We are!!!
Cheers!