Our Visit to Dreamworld. Where Dreams 'do' Come True...

We were fortunate enough to not only receive a double pass to Dreamworld from Lyndon's work, but also gain early entry with the pass. Kikimiss deserves a mention here. She sent to me a couple of discounted coupons to use to gain entry, but in the end they were not needed. Thank you heaps though, I really appreciated it!

To get to Dreamworld from Brisbane, it took about an hour by train and bus connection and we were there by 9am (usual entry time is 10am). It was nice to be able to just 'walk-thru' the entry without queuing and walk around the theme park without the crowds. Not that there was anything really open (bar a few rides) but it was nice to be able to take some piccies of Monet without other children in them!! *heehee*

In the weeks leading up to our impending Dreamworld visit, we had told Monet about what was there. She only really wanted to do two things.

1) Meet Dora the Explorer. She lives there, don't you know?...

...and 2) see the Big Brother house. Yes, you read right. See the Big Brother House. Yes, our daughter is not yet 3 and knows about Big Brother. And yes, I am proud of her. (She could name you at least 6 of the house mates names if you asked her - can you see what we watched each evening. Scoff if you will!)

But before the crowds came rushing in, we spent a little time in 'Wiggle World'. It was so bright and colourful and made me smile.

We even got to meet Dorothy the Dinosaur so guess who thinks that Dorothy is pretty fabulous in our household at current? Lyndon and Monet got to ride in 'Dorothy's Teacup Ride' which was pretty funny. I'm not sure who had the most fun. Monet or her father. Or me for that fact as I enjoyed watching them...

Once the crowds arrived at 10am, we went to the Nickelodeon part of the park, where Monet and her dad got to ride on 'Dora's Seaplanes' and I got to go on the Merry-Go-Round with Monet. However, as Monet and I were in line, guess who went by on her golf cart with the driver tooting the horn?

Have you guessed yet?....

...Dora. And she was HUGE! *heehee*

So all Monet could talk about on the Merry-Go-Round was Dora, Dora, Dora. And the first thing we did when we got off the ride, was to go 'exploring' for Dora.

We found her, it seems, just in time. Monet showed Dora her pretty (Dora) dress she had on and her (Dora) zip-up top too. I think Dora was impressed and gave her a huge cuddle which I think seriously made our little one's day.

As we had not had much to eat and we had to hang around the Nickelodeon area to collect our 'professional' photo of Monet with Dora (we were suckers for the $15 a pop piccie), we decided to eat. So Lyndon went off as Monet and I waved goodbye to Dora and he returned with this for Monet...


...which I thought was pretty good, as the container contained some of Monet's favourite food - ham and cheese sandwich, sultanas, yoghurt and a 'special drink', all for $7. He also returned with these for he and I....


...an absolute rip off at around $20, but it was worth it for the laugh I gave when he returned with them.

Our next destination, to keep the little one happy, was to visit the Big Brother House. It was pretty bizarre to see the 'Sunday Night Eviction' stage (so small!) and to step into the house was so strange. It is pretty small, not huge like I imagined. I'm not sure if Monet actually realised where we were but she did recognise the lounge in the house. I'm glad we went there.

We walked around a little more after leaving the House, venturing into other parts and trying to avoid bumping into other people.

We left at midday, after spending 3 hours there. We were tired, a little 'over it' and we had a plane to catch in a few hours time.

I can't imagine going to one of those theme parks, dragging around 3 kids. It must cost some parents a small (or large) fortune. There wasn't a lot of rides that Monet could really go on but it was still worth the effort, time and the dollars. We all enjoyed it and Monet talks about meeting both Dorothy and Dora each day (tells any one who cares to listen) and about going in the Big Brother house.

We got back home safely to Cairns that evening, 10 days ago. It was so nice to be home but it wasn't long before we went on our 'road trip' south to Townsville and Airlie Beach. Stay tuned...

Brisbane...

Brisbane was a nice change to Melbourne's cool winter weather. Monet and I were not only greeted at the airport by clear blue skies and a beaming sun, but also Lyndon. It was nice to be reunited after 12 days away from him. Just ask Monet.

Our hotel was located at South Bank, a great place to stay for any impending visitor. It was close to the city center (walkable, even with child), and had a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. And open spaces. We did have to buy one of those horrible 'umbrella' strollers though (urgh - do you know how much I dislike those things?), but when your child isn't feeling too well (like mine, Monet had a nasty cough and runny nose and I did actually have to take her to a Brisbane Doctor) and you want to do some exploring of a city, which it looks like you'll be moving to within a year, they are okay. Yes, it looks as if we are going to be moving to Brisbane with Lyndon's work. Which is part of the reason why we went to Brisbane, to get a feel for the place. Oh, and Lyndon went to the Bob Dylan concert on the Monday evening, which was the other reason why we went there.

It had been about 13 years since I had last visited Brisbane. My big sis studied at the university here so I visited a couple of times from Melbourne. I remember it being a quiet, pretty city with great weather. It still is a pretty city with great weather but it isn't so quiet any more. The city was buzzing with activity and there were loads of new shops which were never there all those years ago. There is lots of construction happening (you notice these things when your partner is a foreman) and there is loads of potential for this once young city.

There is now a lot of popular shops which I recognise from my days in Melbourne City. And the Myer in Brisbane is actually really good. (I love a good Myer store!) I even lashed out and bought a fancy nancy tshirt (*shock, horror*).

We visited the lovely Belgian Beer Cafe (which we know and love due to the fact that we were frequent visitors to the one on St.Kilda Road in Melbourne when we resided there) which was a nice time for us to sit back and enjoy what they had on offer. Stella always tastes so much better at these cafes. Nioce.

We went on a big walk from where we were staying to the Storey Bridge and walked across it, all for the fact that Lyndon had been banging on about this particular pub based under the southern end of the bridge. (He had visited Brisbane a couple of months ago with some mates.) The Storey Bridge Hotel was worth the big walk and the beer tasted good and so did the 'pub grub'. We caught a river ferry back to South Bank which was cheap (like $4 or something for the 3 of us) and we got to see the city from a different point of view. (Brisbane City is partially surrounded by the Brisbane River).

Brisbane is now becoming more and more popular with people now moving up from both Melbourne and Sydney, because of the infrastructure and the climate. It is growing into a lovely city with loads to do and places to explore. It is in a good position, with the Sunshine Coast an hours drive north and the Gold Coast, an hours drive south. There are a few negative aspects to the city though - traffic seems to be a big problem (due to the increased population), real estate is going up through to the roof (due to increased population) and the public transport system needs great improvement (or maybe we just had a bad experience). The amount of water in the city's dams is so low so the water restrictions are strongly in force (about to hit Level 6 restrictions I think). But the whole city is creating a new vibe and I think I felt it. The plans I have read about what they plan for the city within the next 20 years sound promising. (Plans to do with public transport, walking/cycling tracks and pedestrian/cyclist bridges, 'greening' the city etc.,)

All up I liked Brisbane. I'm sure somewhere in one of those Brisbane suburbs, there is a place for us. As much as we love our place in Cairns Northern Beaches and just how lucky and fortunate we are to live here, we feel we belong in a city and Brisbane may just be it. And if all else fails, we have our place here. In the tropics. (Where it is 28 degrees today!)

Where Mel was Born...

...Melbourne. (geddit?)

I was born in Melbourne, well, on the outskirts and then grew up a good 140 kilometres away. All I ever wanted to do after secondary school, was move to where I felt I belonged. Melbourne. And I did. I moved back to the country after university to save money so I could travel to the UK, which I did. And when I returned I lived back in the country to save money to return to Melbourne. Which I did. And I never thought I would ever move away again. But I did. And I have no regrets.

Melbourne is a wonderful diverse city, one that is welcoming, even when it is like 9 degrees Celsius, and one that still feels right. But after 18 months away, it feels too busy, too big. And too cold. And I felt so small. I guess that is what living in Cairns does to you. But I still feel as if the city still welcomed me back with open arms.

Melbourne's culture is wonderful and the city skyline is picturesque. I guess that is part of the reason why I love it.


And there is always new places to explore and discover. Like the new(ish) bar nestled under Federation Square which is on the banks of the Yarra.


It felt 'so Melbourne', sitting outside, rugged up, underneath those large gas heaters drinking icy cold beer. And dressed in black. Black is 'very Melbourne', I don't care what anyone else says. And Melbourne is also 'oh-so-fashionable'. I felt a bit daggy sitting with my cardy, skirt, woollen tights and Mary Jane's (all black mind-you, so I was half-way there) and knitted scarf. And Monet too was dressed in fashionable black (long sleeved top, pinafore, leggings) and poncho. Once you leave Melbourne it is easy to reflect on how easy it is to get out of 'the loop'. I'm prattling on aren't I?

I guess the purpose of this post was for me to say that I do still love Melbourne but I can't imagine living back there again. It is a wonderful place to visit, to shop and to drink. It is a great city, one I am still tied to and who knows, maybe we might return one day. But I ain't in no hurry. Not yet...

Hello...

I'm back. And I have so much to tell you. Not only from what we did and where we have been over the last few days, but also about our trip to Melbourne and Brisbane. Yes, we have been busy little bees over the past 22 days and it is actually pretty nice to know that we have no impending trips to do in the weeks or months to follow!!

I will be spending the next few days getting around to visiting you again and blogging about our adventures...

In the meanwhile, I will leave you a little teaser of where we have just returned from....



...the gorgeous Whitheaven Beach in the Whitsundays (my new most favourite place in the world, well, Australia anyway)...

The House I Grew Up In

I must admit it is always nice to go back 'home' to where I grew up and where my parents still reside. But if moving away has taught me anything, it is the fact that home will always be where my parents live at the time, not where abouts they live. Does that make sense?

My parents live in a little town, about an hour and 40 minutes away from Melbourne city. And their garden is huge and has always been a fun place to play in. Especially when you are just about 3. Just ask Monet.

Each morning Monet would help my mother feed the birds, after being wrapped up head to toe against the cool Artic wind! My parents garden is a mecca for native birds and my mum makes sure she keeps them well stocked up with food during the winter months.

There is lots of little garden paths Monet liked to roam, with lots of little things (such as frog statues for example, discarded fishing lines, old riggity gates - you get the picture) to discover. Given half a chance Monet would have played in the garden all day, but the weather wasn't too kind to us, so that was out of the picture. I'm not one for gardening I'm afraid, but I will admit it would be lovely to have a small garden for our child to roam. One day maybe.

Monet ruled the roost (it seemed) at her Grandparents place. She sat in Grandad's chair, she sat on Grandma's Kitchen stool and she got to watch what she wanted on television and my mum would make her ham sandwiches at 10am if requested. Typical eh?

I had use of my dad's car so, we spent quite a bit of time going to Lyndon's parents (who live in another town, about 10 minutes drive away) and to his sister's place, so Monet could play with her only cousins, Jess, Heidi and 'Cousin Liam'. It was nice to be able to do this and Monet seriously loved spending time with her relatives.

Our time in country Victoria was good fun all up. It was nice for me to have time out from regular life and not to be constantly amusing Monet. We live a long way from 'family' and we don't mind because we cope. I might not live anywhere near the house I grew up in, but the most important factor is keeping in touch with family and feeling welcomed where they live.

Thank you to my mum and dad, Lyndon's mum and dad and Lyndon's sister Sarah. Thank you.

BTW, we're off again on a little holiday tomorrow so I won't be back posting until late next week. I apologize in advance if I don't drop by your blog until then. And where are we going, you might ask? Well, you are going to have to wait and see....

We're Back...

..and we're exhausted.

After 12 days away from home, it was so lovely to get back to our apartment last night. Monet spent a good couple of hours going from room to room, pointing things out and showing us all her toys. For her, it must have felt like months we had been away, rather than a fortnight.

We had a great time away all up, visiting family and friends in Victoria and then meeting Lyndon in Brisbane on Sunday, where we stayed for three nights. For everyone we met, for everyone who were welcoming to us and to our friends and family, we thank you.

I have posted here a few photos, giving you loyal readers, a taste of what we saw and did. I'll be posting about our adventures in the next few days.

Until next time, enjoy...

From top to bottom, Monet and my mother in the garden, Melbourne city skyline at night, Boule balls which Monet enjoyed playing with, the Belgian Beer Cafe in Brisbane city and the enterance to Wiggles World at Dreamworld at the Gold Coast...)

Update...

It is nice not having an agenda this afternoon. I feel as if Monet and I have been going 'flat-chat' since last Wednesday. For me to be tapping away on my father's computer and Monet to be lying on her Granddad's big comfortable armchair watching some children's programs is a good thing. Trust me.

Don't get me wrong, we've had a terrific time seeing familiar faces.

Early Sunday afternoon, I drove us down to Melbourne. We stayed at our good friends, who lived literally up the road from where we lived 18 months ago in South Melbourne, so we were in old territory. And it was lovely. But I don't miss it. Not at all in fact.

John and Suzy were very happy to see us and welcomed us into their quaint little townhouse, like it was only yesterday that we lived down the road. John made sure I sampled some of his home made brew (very 'hoppy') and he is becoming quite the expert on brewing his own beer. It was quite nice and it was a pity that Lyndon was not there. (He and John are good mates!)

Monet was quite excited on the prospect of caching a tram into the city center, so we did. We ventured in, rugged up against Melbourne's cool winter weather. We went to a new bar which had recently been opened on the Yarra River, just under Federation Square. I have no idea what the bar is called but when I say it was very Melbourne, I mean just that. We sat outside under big black umbrellas with gs heaters pumping warmth onto our faces. We met a few other old friends there (Heidi, Pat, Anna and Trav) which was really nice. But we all missed Lyndon of course but he was there in spirit (and Monet is so much like a mini-Lyndon it's not funny!)

Monet honestly had a terrific time being pampered by everyone else as we sat and downed our glasses of beers (water for Monet of course!) When the gas ran out of the heaters (the bar had about 20-odd of these gas heaters and because they were literally on 'full-bore' they slowly began to run out of gas bottles!), we ventured up to (another) bar in Federation Square. Yes, we enjoy our drink and enjoy the company of one another. And Monet is so 'bar-savvy' there was no complaining or whinging or crying or grumpiness. She was a model-child. Everyone said so. *heehee*

When we finally left the city at 9pm, to return to John and Suzy's, Monet fell asleep in the taxi and never woke until 7:30 the next morning. It is hard work entertaining everyone and being that model child.

Monday morning saw Monet and I bid goodbye you our friends and ventured over to the other side of the city to my girlfriend and her two daughters. I met Kristen through my South Melbourne Mother's Group and her and her husband recently built a home in Point Cook where they now live. It was lovely to see her there, out of the confines of the small apartment they once lived in, in inner city. (My old apartment block was opposite that of hers.) Her daughter, Eden, who is Monet's age greeted us with such excitement it was wonderful to see. Our two little girls are growing up so quickly it was good to see them playing (and eating) together, like they did 18 months ago when we lived close by.

Monet and I drove back to my parents place on Monday afternoon, exhausted. Simply exhausted. It took a big sleep in yesterday and a day of doing nothing to recover from our 'catching-up'.

The next few days will be basically unplanned, popping in to see Lyndon's parents most days but basically spending time here with my parents.

It is bloody hard work having a holiday like this. Trying to divide your time between people who all say "we want to see you!" and having a relaxing holiday is not easy. And being away from Lyndon, whom Monet and I are both missing. Sometimes I have to take a step back and 'enjoy the moment'.

I have taken many photos of our 'holiday' so far and will be sure to post some for you loyal readers next week, when we are back home... But we still have another holiday to be had before then, as we are meeting Lyndon in Brisbane city on Sunday for 4 days, and we're looking forward to that! (And for all you folk not living in Australia, Brisbane is basically halfway between Melbourne and Cairns. A 2-hour plane journey from each city.)

Chilly Toes

Melbourne greeted Monet and I with a chilly 12 degrees and an icy Arctic wind on Wednesday afternoon. And the weather hasn't changed since. It is still cold and icy and currently about 8 degrees Celsius (if that) outside, but that is okay. I wasn't expecting it to be warm and we kinda came prepared.

My mother and Monet have just made a cake together and Monet's Grandad is doing a fine job of putting Monet to sleep in the evening, by reading books to her in front of the fire. Yes, we are having a fine time away from Cairns and it's current 27 degrees and sunshine. But without Lyndon of course, (that's the downside).

We've been busy visiting family members and spent yesterday lunch at Lyndon's parents place (Hi Marianne!) where we tuckered into 'soul-warming' soup and then to Lyndon's sister's place for dinner. (Hi Sarah!) Sarah cooked a delicious dinner of a cauliflower pasta, followed by Lemon Tart. Yum-oh! Do you know how nice it is to have dinner cooked for you? (And lunch too for that matter!) This morning we visited an old work girlfriend of mine (Hi Kate!) so to say that in the 48 hours into landing in Victoria that we've been on our toes is an understatement. But I do enjoy being busy.

This afternoon it is raining, but its nice and cosy in here and socks to wonders to warm the tootsies! (Who would have thought?)

The next few days are pretty busy too with visiting friends to say G'Day to, Lyndon's parents to stay at, an overnight trip to Melbourne (I'm currently in country Victoria, about 1 1/2 hours out of Melbourne) to visit numerous friends and family too. But come Tuesday when I am back at my parents for a few more relaxing and unplanned days, before we head off back to Queensland where the sun is shining and there is no Arctic breeze!!

I'm sitting back this afternoon and relaxing and letting my parents enjoy their one and only grandchild who loves all her grandparents dearly. I have time to sit down and think about, not what to cook for dinner, but what beer I should go and buy and share with my father and enjoy a slice of the freshly baked Vanilla cake made by my mother and my daughter. *Heehee*