I recently spent a lovely week in Melbourne, first visiting Kirsten’s god son for his 5th birthday out Sale way and then driving down the Great Ocean Road.

We were lucky enough to stumble upon some locals that seemed less excited to see us as we were to see them.  As with most things, I wondered out loud how they would taste if eaten.  Apparently they’re bad for humans as eucalyptus is poisonous to us, and we’d be very sick – Darwin would be proud of this defensive system.  Koalas 1 – Humans 0

The ‘bird whisperer’ ( Kirsten ) was in fine form for most of the trip – making new colourful friends in Lorne and saving a hapless sparrow like bird from the clutches of a fat cat in Lavers Hill.

A michelin starred meal at the Neuvo 37 restaurant in the Hilton South Wharf completed the trip with style, the Monochrome in Red is highly recommended!

The Three Sisters which live in Katoomba, NSW within the Blue Mountains. Taken during a relaxing weekend that also included eating and painting.

Although busy with tourists it was a beautiful place, gorgeous views and amazing architecture that made it easy to appreciate.

We were surprised as the affordability of accommodation compared to the rest of Europe ( Rome especially ) though, like anywhere else, you could spend a fair amount if you wanted.

We would have spent more time in Greece if we could, the food was amazing and the people extremely friendly – we’ll just have to make that a stop on our next adventure.

The mornings were met with the neighbour making the rounds in her tractor feeding the vines, and hikers leaving the village for a days hike through the rolling hills.

Our thoughts were miles away from work and the trappings of life – which is quite the opposite of now.

We’re settling into our new life in Sydney having found a great little terrace in Annandale to call home with car and cats sorted.  We’ll miss New Zealand but excited to be back in a bigger city.