Like everything, there are pros and cons of the transport systems in this town. This is the technical term for a transport breakdown in Melbourne. The upshot is, we get compensation… well, kind of.

Monthly and longer ticketholders will get compensation from Connex for January for the large number of cancelled and delayed trains.

If you’re feeling affluent and want to improve on the cons, feel free to put your money where your mouth is. Melbourne’s transport companies only get 35% of operating costs recovered from fares. The Public Transport Users Association are awaiting your investment.

The free W-11 tram cruising around the city circle has got to be the best thing since sliced bread. If you’re craving for a momentary return to my favourite spot in India… then look no further - literally - jump on board and close your eyes as you boogie your way down the aisle to the Punjabi beat.
Failing that, or you happen to be working every Friday night, a vision for your sore eyes: not such a busy street on Vimeo

Today I spent my afternoon with Yasue, cruisin’ around various cityside venues, checking out their potential for her wedding later this year. It just goes to show, you don’t have to live within 500 metres to explore a new area. At least we didn’t end up like the cow from Hey diddle diddle.

To all my international friends, take a leaf out of the flickr blog on The Australian Lesson. It’s not just about roo steak!

I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Australians in the wild before, but next time you do, just remember these 4 simple rules:

1. Keep us outside, preferably near the beach
2. Cook us something on a barbecue
3. Talk about sport, and
4. Give us a beer

It’s really very simple, and I can guarantee you will get bonus points if you also feed us lamingtons or fairy bread.

Happy Australia Day!

A Toblerone at The Atrium where the view is best from the loo. Followed by meeting up with Christie, Craig and Liz. I hadn’t seen Craig since climbing days in Squamish! After the fireworks display, we stuffed ourselves at the Blue Train Café and chatted until the last train took me home.

If like Jack Burton, danger is your middle name, then try some of these world famous most dangerous roads. On the other hand if you want a more laid back Australian pace, then rent a car and drive our famous Great Ocean Road.

A word of warning for all tourists thinking December is summer and it should be bikini weather 24/7 - sometimes you will need more warm dry clothing. And another thing, apparently the windscreen wipers and indicators are on the other side of the steering wheel in England. The question is though: Why? Answer: I’m not sure, but it certainly has been amusing during both today’s trip and yesterday when we were visiting Phillip Island.


to see the penguins on Vimeo

Using the tourists in town as a good excuse, I can’t recall whether I have or haven’t ever experienced this amazing journey myself. With Hong, Kate, Gill and myself cruising in the rental, we soon joined up with Boyun, Chi-he, Orapin and Chris.

First stop was the Erskine Falls, a lovely little spot just 8 kilometres off the main road. Beware: You’ll need more than the best Korean shoes to escape the disturbed trees.

The morning’s weather was shite. However it did improve as the day wore on. I had the B52s in my head as we cruised down the highway. Down on the beach front there’s nothing to do but jump! The random pick of sites I thoroughly recommend include:

• the Lace Curtains
• Cape Patton Lookout
• The Razorback
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Of course, the Twelve Apostles

No longer is it embarrassing to have my friends from overseas proclaim they have completed several laps of the Great Ocean Road when I couldn’t tell if I’d been or not. Whatever you do, make the opportunity. Don’t miss Australia’s world famous Great Ocean Road.