Melbourne

Set off to meet Debbie and Loren in Federation Square for lunch. They used to live in Sabden and I didn't realise it was as long ago as 11 years. We had a lovely lunch catching up with the years. Loren drove us down to St Kilda afterwards which is on the bay. Art Deco buildings and a coffee on the boardwalk, more chatty chat and the day is almost gone! You haven't changed a bit girls. Thanks. Met up with Ulrike and Olympia for a last evening dinner which we had down by the river. There was a band playing and the food and wine were good. Will miss you guys. Last day now and I went to the Rod Laver arena for a tour of the Australian Open home of tennis. Very interesting but doesn't look anything like it does in January. Used for concerts during the year and the court is boarded over and the roof closed. Lots of building works going on too. A long walk to the Shrine of Remembrance. It is so peaceful. Set on the ground with a tall pointed ceiling above with a glass point. It is designed so that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the sun will shine through this glass and on the word "Love" on the inscription. Very special. Another long walk back to the city and hopped on the tram to go round the centre. Was too busy to see much so hopped off around Chinatown. Had very strange late lunch. Ended up with lots of dim sum - yum! More walking and I was tired. No hotel as I checked out this morning so I will just have to go off to the airport early. To quote Billy Connelly when he finished travelling Route 66 - "glad it's over but sad it's over too". Total journey was around 10,000 kms and 4000 of those were in a tiny minibus. Goodbye Australia, no worries! Flight not until 00:45 hrs. Going to be a long night.
Ps Happy Birthday to Stuart. Another year older. xx