We have returned . . . (no, not back home, just to Melbourne)

Team JKSJ with Christopher and Adrienne Ellis.

This marks our first point of return in 10 months. We pulled into the lane behind Julian’s Aunt and Uncles village and set up camp again. At least it was a bit warmer on the coast compared to the goldfields with the temp climbing into the low twenties for our four night stay. We were greeted with a beautiful lasagna for dinner and it was wonderful to catch up again. Our first day was spent mostly doing jobs and homework but the boys were treated to a visit just up the road to The Australian Archaeology Institute where their great Aunt and Uncle volunteer each week. Treasures and fascinating technology were displayed proudly, though Sam was most interested in the library cataloguing.

Saturday proved much busier with a drive to Carlton to wander along Lygon St. We all ogled at the amazing array of cakes, pastries, gelato and other goodies at Brunetti Café and then indulged in a few snacky snacks ourselves. Yum!

We spent that afternoon at the Melbourne Museum which turned out to be one of the best we’ve visited on our trip. It had a great layout and lots of interesting exhibits which the boys thoroughly enjoyed.

Rounding out our year of dinosaur experiences.

Yup – enjoyed the 3D volcano film but walking in real lava tubes is cooler!

On the way back to the car we all tried a made in-house ice cream from Brunetti’s. The Amareni (cherry flavoured) love heart was delicious.

On Sunday it was off to St Kilda on the train and tram joined by Christopher and Adrienne. We all walked out to the end of St Kilda Pier enjoying ice creams and rock wall exploring.

Down on the rocks a Rakali (native bush rat) and a penguin were spotted.

On the way across to Ackland St, where Julian caught up with an old work colleague,  the kids and I checked out Luna Park. Being the cruel parent I am I declined to spend $11 per ride per child and advised them they could spend their own money if they wanted a go. Unsurprisingly they also declined, so we all just looked before grabbing some lunch. Yum – sushi for the first time since Broome.  We then entertained ourselves watching a very acrobatic street performer and gazing (followed by grazing) at more cake shops.

More trams and we were soon back in the city centre. With thoughts of checking out the newly revealed Myer Christmas lights we strolled down Bourke St.  I’m guessing Sunday afternoon is probably peak time given the queue went for over 3 blocks! Monday morning would’ve have been a better option.  So instead of waiting 2-3 hours we cut back to the train station through the many lane ways Melbourne is famous for.  They sure do know how to do shopping and food here!  So many interesting shops and cafes along the way before the sedate trip home on the train.

We spent another wonderful evening enjoying Christopher and Adrienne’s hospitality before heading south towards Wilsons Promontory on Monday morning.  Our GPS took us through many suburbs of Melbourne before we finally broke free of the city, at least we feel we have really seen Melbourne this time!