Found a flat!

Found a flat this morning in St Kilda - click here to see it on the map. The flat is only available on the 7th March but the landlord had a smaller one we can use until then in the same block so we're moving in this afternoon! It seems to be a real job to get a flat here so we're pretty delighted. With the Grand Prix coming up in two weeks time and the world swimming championships are coming straight after that accommodation is becoming really scarce.

We've gotten a ticket to the Grand Prix, which is also out at St Kilda so really looking forwards to that.

Not been doing that much else lately - concentrating on the flat hunt! Our first hostel - Victoria Hall- was pretty dirty and we thought it had bed bugs so we moved out of there yesterday into "The City Centre Budget Hotel" on Little Collins St, would highly recommend it!

Went to the Queen Victoria Market on Thursday, which is a huge market in sheds not far from the centre. It has a lot of the normal tourist trash but it was really good for fresh food, meat etc.

Went to Fitzroy Gardens on Saturday, it was a very nice day so just sat in the park and didn't spend any money! Noticed my Camcorder Screen was cracked though so then had to get in touch with the insurance as it can't be used without the screen - thankfully it's covered. Went to Broadmeadows shopping Centre on Sunday and the Melbourne Museum yesterday which was really good.

Will try and get some photos up shortly, of the new flat etc! And I'll post my address when I know it!

Early departure from Merrigum!

Well, we're back in Melbourne now. Left Merrigum, and the fruit picking, yesterday. It was far too hot for us - we worked well from about 7am till 12 and got about 5 buckets a day but couldn't do much work in the afternoon because of the heat - around 35/36 degrees. This meant the money was hardly even enough to cover our costs so we thought best get out and look for some shop/office work in Melbourne. It was an experience and I've put some photos up on my flickr page!




When we were there we got trips to Shepparton, Echuca, and Kyabram. It was a pretty amazing area, the land was just flat as anything. The roads were straight as far as the eye could see. There was a very bad drought there so the grass was in very poor shape - all the cattle were skin and bones. Pears still seemed to be in ok condition! Echuca was a very touristy town, loads of paddle boats and old blacksmiths, woodturners etc.

At the moment we are staying in a Hostel in Melbourne. Planning to look for a flat once we get our bearings. Been on the trams yesterday, they are pretty good and cheap.

Merrigum!

Made it to Merrigum on Tuesday, with a one night stopover in Melbourne. Melbourne looked like a nice city so will probably go there once we're finished here. Got the train out via Shepparton which was a typical Australian town - dusty roads and flat as anything.

Staying in a Wig-Wam type thing in Merrigum. It was a bit of a worry last night as the lightning was very close and there is trees all around it! It is just a little village with a shop and a post office. Started fruit picking on Wednesday. Its very hard work for little money but a good experience none the less. Its very warm here - 33 degrees today and warmer yesterday, so it isn't ideal conditions! Filled 5 buckets today, all three of us working together. People keep saying you get better so we'll see!

Possibly going to Echuca on Sunday, which has a jazz festival on, and the employers are putting on a free bus!

Not much other news and this internet is expensive so I best go!

On the move

Just been down to the Rocks Market - lots of nice souvenirs but all very expensive! Seen most of the main sights now in Sydney and money is going down fast so we've gotten a Fruit Picking job in "Merrigum", Victoria (Near Melbourne). Starting on Wednesday so that will be an experience. The weather forecast says to expect a high of 34 degrees on Thursday!

Flying down to Melbourne on Monday, still waiting for our Tax Number but the Bank Account has been sorted.

Went to Palm Beach (Summer Bay in Home and Away) on Wednesday. Bus out there took about an hour and 45 minutes and wasn't really worth seeing but did get a photo of the surf club!

Did the Bondi - Coogee Walk on Thursday, which was good as it wasn't too hot a day. Got a few photos uploaded on Flickr with it.

Yesterday we went to Manly beach, which is a pretty nice place - lots of surfers on the go.

Not sure whether I will be able to get on the internet when we're out at the fruit picking as we are staying in a little village, but if I can I will be updating this!

Latest News

I've put a few more photos up on flickr - mainly of Bondi Beach and the Opera House.

Getting on fine, moved to the new hostel which is going fine - it doesn't have airconditioning so it gets quite hot at night but its good to have our own room. Got a Bank Account opened and have applied for a Tax Number so we can get job hunting.

Got on some of the Sydney Ferries at the weekend (Public Transport - just like buses to some of the islands in the bay.) They were good - good views of the city and got to a few beaches. Went to the Maritime Museum on Sunday which was also pretty good.

Went up the Sydney Skytower yesterday - gave really good views across Sydney as it was a nice day. Weathers been pretty consistantly hot which seems to be doing wonders for my Eczema!

Got a few more sights to see here, then we are thinking about moving out into the country and trying out some fruit picking as finding a flat in Sydney seems to be hellish at this time of year.

Times up so must go!