The Kiwi, the Aussie, and the Canuck

And then there were three. Jamie wasn't able to join us on our trip, something I found out 20 minutes after posting my last blog. We completely understood, as he wasn't intending on going in the first place until we all ended up at Christchurch Idol, aka the local karaoke place, and in a drunken state Jamie said he could come.

I also had to go and take care of my cell phone issues. I'd run out of money on my plan and usually am able to go to any Vodafone to top it up. But in New Zealand, you can't top up an Australian phone, so I ended up getting a NZ SIM card, with a new number. Mum, Uj, I'll email it to you.

Either way, Mike (the Kiwi) met Zoe (the Aussie) and me (the Canuck) at the Base hostel around 10:30am yesterday (Wednesday) and we headed out on the open road. We were really lucky with weather even with the 2.5hour journey through the mountains looming before us. If you look at a map of New Zealand, you can see Greymouth, our destination, on the mid-north, west coast side of the south island, so we literally drove across the entire country in half a day. The mountains usually dictate erratic weather but we left in the bright sunshine, 25 degrees outside, with a good feeling it would stay that way.

Our road trip was amazing. Pumping the tunes, we had flat country for the first 45 minutes and that's just when you start to see the first of the mountains on the horizon. They looked like really defined clouds, but you soon realize that's where you are headed. It's so different from Ontario where the only excuse for a mountain is the escarpment (sorry Milton, but it really can't compare). Suddenly, the hills grow all around you and the car goes from driving on a flat plain to winding on sometimes-precarious roads. Mike knew the best places to stop for pictures, so we'd pull up, be the only car on the road for miles, and score these amazing shots of the landscape.


We made it to the landmark of Arthur's Pass, a town on a road that winds between two very high peaks. It's the only place for miles where you can get food and go pee. It's also one of the only places along the route where you can get cell phone reception! I took a photo of myself in front of the weather camera for Arthur's Pass - you can Google pics but while you won't see me, you'll see the views.

Stopping in Arthur's Pass for a meat pie, I had a steak and cheese one, we sat outside admiring the views but were suddenly weary of unwanted guests. These guests are Keas, birds that are so ruthless for food, they'll jump on the table and steal the food from your hand (or worse)! They are giant, parrot-like birds and are in constant attack mode. Under no circumstances can you feed a Kea. They bothered us for a bit but then went off to look for more generous scavengees.

Shortly out of Arthur's Pass we stopped at a lookout just above a river tucked in deep beneath the mountains. The beautiful red trees amongst the green foliage swept up the hills, giving it a Canadian fall-like feel. The pics speak for themselves.

We arrived in Greymouth at around 4pm and headed south down the coast about 20 minutes to a place called Hokitika, famous for jade stones. We went to a store/manufacturer that sells and carves the jade. Jewelry is quite pricey, but the pieces are gorgeous. I bought a little necklace and so did Zoe.

We then headed north up the coast to Greymouth where Mike's sister and husband live with their two kids. We dropped off our things, said hi to the family, and then headed even farther north. This drive was incredible. It was so scenic and we each thought about how it looked very Hawaiian. It was entirely along the ocean coast, with the water going on for thousands of kms before reaching Australia. The sun was setting along the water and it was a beautiful day, still. We drove to Punakaiki, a coastal lookout famous for its pancake rocks. What a place! It was like traveling back millions of years to these huge rocks that formed gradually over time, creating blowholes for the ocean to spew out of in giant bursts. The rocks stand like pillars coming out of the water and long, dark, flowing seaweed grows out of them at the bottom, floating grimly in the water. Zoe so aptly noted how the seaweed resembled the Harry Potter dementors and we all concurred. I could also compare the seaweed to the dead girl's hair in The Ring - creepy.

We stayed and took photos and enjoyed the sights (and ocean smells) for at least 45 minutes before heading back into Greymouth to grab some food. We ate dinner at a pub called Speight's, named after a New Zealand beer. I had the best garlic-thai shrimp. It was a great dinner. We headed back to Mike's sister's and watched some tv, chatted, and Zoe and I went to bed around midnight as we had to leave early this morning to get back to Christchurch.

An interesting thing happened. While quickly checking my email at Mike's sister's place I get a Facebook message from one of the guys who was at the Lord of the Rings tour. Remember how I said I bumped into a group of six people my age? Well I gave the one guy my Facebook info. So, it turns out I got a message from him saying they'd love for me to join then in their van! They said they have one free spot because the British dude is leaving to go home early. But then, I get another message from the Ben guy saying that the British dude is actually sticking around and that they don't have room. Then, I get a third message from Ben saying they figured it out, they can put the luggage on the roof, and that he feels bad for offering a seat to me and taking it away so they are trying to make it work now! Either way, I'm a bit skeptical so will fill you in on that if anything happens.

The drive back to Christchurch was much quicker without all our photo stops, but it was also gloomier with the rain and low clouds. We dropped Zoe off at the airport at noon - we were so sad to see her go! She's been my Christchurch companion this whole time and with such a fluke-y way to meet, and for all we ended up doing, it was so great to meet her and get along so well.

What an amazing road trip we had. Now I can say that I've seen the northwest coast. I've bought my bus ticket to go down to Queenstown already and I leave tomorrow (Thursday) morning. I arrive there at 4:30pm, so it'll be another long day of journeying ahead.

Bye, Christchurch and everybody, I'll really miss it here and remember how amazing it was for the rest of my life. We all made a pact that in 2012, we'd meet each other somewhere for a reunion. While it would be cool to make that spot Greymouth, we decided, for convenience, to make it Vegas.

Ain't no stoppin' us now!

Hi Y'all!

That's such a Southern greeting, but I'm mistaken for being American a lot. Most of the locals say they can decipher between my Canuck accent and an American one, but sometimes I can't even do that myself. I guess it's the 'oot' sound, for 'out', that sets me apart. They also love it when I say 'orange' and 'Carl' haha.

I'm sitting in the Cathedral Square in Christchurch, on a for-hire computer charging $3.00 per hour, which isn't too bad a price. It's nice and quiet here, 9:07am, and today Shrek and Donkey are off on another whirlwind adventure.

After leaving you all off in Middle Earth, I returned back to reality to go and stay at Jamie's place for a few nights, as all the hostels were full (well, Base was and I didn't have time to check others haha). What a great place! He lives only a few blocks from the city centre - us Torontonians could compare it to living at Queen's Quay, about 10 mins from Union - that's NOTHING. We all had a lazy day on Saturday - blogging and watching cricket - then we had the best intentions to go and watch a one man play in the park but didn't end up leaving Jamie's, we just stayed there drinking and listening to music.

The listening to music part was a feat and a half. At that moment, what I wouldn't have given for my five computer speakers and sub-wooooooooooofer from home! We sat around for about 45 minutes figuring out how to achieve ample sound with what we had - and we finally did that with some handy technical work.

Sunday was great. The guys took me to Lyttleton and Sumner to see the sights and the ocean. Everywhere is so hilly! The hills are alive, the hills have eyes, and The Hills are all popping into my mind - but this place is so picturesque. We had lattes at a local cafe and then drove up the mountain to the other side to see the OCEAN. Jamie got a video of me epic-running into the water. I only made it to my ankles, but still, I did it. We had beers on the beach listening to a two-man band, known as Stig, the name of the front runner. Mike had to steal the poster to prove what a nut Stig was. He looked like Santa on holiday and sang lousy covers of songs - all with the gall to charge $10 door cover. Luckily we didn't have to pay, but got to rag on the entertainment instead.

We all then headed to a warehouse store we Canadians would compare to Zellers and each had a hankering to watch Anchorman. Only problem - Jamie doesn't own Anchorman. Thinking we'd have no trouble picking up a copy from the giant store, we set out not knowing our task. It took four of us 45 minutes to comb through at least 5,000 dvds and none of us found what we were looking for. It was hilarious! Settling on pizza and Wedding Crashers for our Sunday entertainment instead, we called it an early night.

On Monday I went for the most amazing run through town and to the Botanic Gardens. It was so splendid being out early and getting a workout, something I've been lagging on. I was completely alone for most of it in the gardens, save for the ducks, and I'd love to go again only we are leaving early this morning for another adventure. Then, yesterday afternoon we watched the Superbowl yesterday (I felt like I actually knew more about NFL than I thought I did!), we went for dinner, and then went to sing Karaoke... again. My rendition of 'Be My Baby' was a keeper, wish I'd recorded it.

So that is where I am now. I had no idea I'd be staying in Christchurch for this long, but I love that I have no obligations (no medical? haha) to go anywhere else. Although I know I have to move along soon so I will keep y'all posted as to where that may be. Either way, think of us on our road trip today (me, Zoe, Jamie and Mike), driving up through the mountains and Arthur's Pass to head West for a fun day of sightseeing wonders.... just another day typical day of my IWA. I don't want this to end.

Edoras and the Lord of the Rings tour I actually did

I'd booked my hostel for two nights only and when I went to the front desk to ask if they could book me in for a third night, they said unfortunately, we're full. No room at the inn. What to do, what to do, what to do? Got it! Jamie kindly offered me to stay at his parent's apartment right downtown, so that is where I am sitting right now. I am so so so lucky, I couldn't have planned this better. On Thursday night he said of course you can stay over for a few nights and I was relieved I wouldn't have to find another hostel or sleep outside.

But first thing first. I'd actually done it. I actually went into the travel office and booked myself on a day-tour. This wasn't just any day tour. This was the OFFICIAL Lord of the Rings day tour that takes you to where they filmed a large chunk of the second film, The Two Towers. I actually shelled out the $200 for the 9 hour trip, that departed at 9am on Friday morning. I was a little skeptical. Would I be on a bus with complete fanatics, or would this be worth it? So after our night of Karaoke, I woke myself up at 7:30am to pack, check out, and go wait for the tour bus. I was able to store my luggage at Base.

What an excellent morning. It was a bit cloudy when I left the hostel in search of tea and a muffin, but it was warm. I went to the Starbucks on the outer part of the cathedral square in the heart of the city. Mum, I was all set to use my Starbucks card but they didn't accept it. Bummer, I'd have liked to say I used it here. So I bought my venti tea and a blueberry muffin and, armed with my mini backpack and a positive attitude, I set out to meet my little tour bus.

It came around the corner in full force, a 6-wheel, 15-seat bus with the huge letters written on the side: 'Lord of the Rings tours'. I climbed on board in a flash, not keen to have the onlookers associating my face with the cheesy bus. I was met with the faces of my companions for that day, many of whom I anticipated to be on board. There was a cute older couple from Seattle, a group of 3 sexagenarians from Britain, a German girl, and two brothers, one of whom had ginger hair and a minor mental handicap, and the other who was dressed like Neo from the Matrix meets Woody from Toy Story. What a group. I could see I'd fit right in.

One very promising individual was the bus driver named Hammond - a Kiwi version of my Dad, although he had white hair. Dad, I couldn't believe how much this guy reminded me of you!! We had the best bus driver. Not only were we lucky enough to have him take us on the tour (he only works once every two weeks) but he has worked with Peter Jackson on the Lord of the Rings sets doing sound editing, had won 2 Oscars for his work on the 3rd LOTR ROTK and King Kong, and he knew the location inside and out. He also confessed that the other drivers were not associated with the films at all and that he was the only tour director who had this level of connection to them. WOW! He only told us this full story on the way back and he'd only said he'd done sound editing on the films enroute to the location. But, being the movie buff I am, I did manage to corner him during one of our first pee breaks in a town called Staveley and asked about winning an Oscar for the movie. He looked at me like I was onto something but I'd have to wait for the full story later.

Check out these pics below: First is Hammond, on our tour, and the Second is Hammond (far right) winning his Oscar!

We stopped a few times before actually reaching our destination. Where we were going was called Mt. Sunday, although the LOTR fans will know it as 'Edoras' the location where the mighty king Theoden holds court in the land of Rohan, home of the horse lords. I'm laughing out loud writing this. As we approached, we snaked through the giant hills, with huge, high peaks all around. They had no snow at the top, but would have had some at the time of filming. We stopped at various vantage points to take photos (let me just say how unloading and re-loading people, many of whom are less mobile than others, on and off a bus is quite a task.)

Then, when you truly do approach the mountain, the driver puts on the Lord of the Rings theme music over the speakers and the nerds go insane with excitement. I was full of cringe moments, laughing to myself about where I was and how, if anyone in this world besides Sandy, Nick, Rick or Kate were with me, I'd be getting the death stare for me bringing them there.

By this time, the mentally handicapped ginger boy (he was at least 21) was over the moon with excitement. We climb out of the bus for another photo opp and he's running around the group shouting 'This is the best vacation ever!' and yelling 'I'm feeling LOUD!' We haul ass back into the bus and are literally at the helm of this giant landscape. The driver tells us to buckle our seat belts and proceeds to drive through the rockiest, most unstable area I'd ever seen. I thought we'd tip over multiple times and he advised us to watch our heads on the windows as we were tossed around like salad.

Then, he advised we unbuckle our seat belts. Waiting for the universal 'why? you're crazy' he informed us that we'd be crossing through a shallow river and that should we tip over, our escape would be facilitated without the constricting seat belts. We gladly unbuckled them. Finally, our journey was almost complete. Aside from the cheesiness of it all, it was actually quite a feat to think of how the crew filmed in such a location. The small lump of a mountain is actually 600 ft. above sea level. It is nestled onto the valley floor and surrounding it is a wall of even higher peaks, some four times as large, forming a ring around the valley. Famous for reaching winds of up to 180km/hr, we were very lucky with the sunny, warm day. It's truly breathtaking to see it all. It's phenomenal, I've never seen anything like it in my life.

This is the moment when the driver unloads the legitimately real LOTR weapon props used in the movie and hands it to the true fanatics. He gave the ginger boy the axe to wield around like Gimli and we all slightly questioned this decision. I noticed the other passengers fearing for their lives should this kid swing too wildly and chop off someone's appendage. We kept our distances.

We hiked higher and higher, avoiding the cow dung, until we were at the top of the hill, or on the exact location where the great hall was constructed for the movie. Hammond held up photos to show us what it all looked like when it was built. He pointed to different spots where King Theoden pushed Wormtongue out of the hall and down the steps, and where Theoden mourned for his son by the grave.

My all time favourite part of the movie is in Part 3 when the lighting of the beacons occurs and I asked about the peak where it appeared. It's when Aragorn first sees it and comes rushing to tell the Rohan guys that Gondor is calling for aid. This ever-so-detailed question destroyed my skepticism about whether I truly fit in with all the nerds. I did.

At this point, Hammond was about to show us a particular area where a scene was filmed and he asked for a volunteer to help demonstrate. I was hanging back to take some photos when I overheard the scene he was describing, which called for a young blonde girl. I knew exactly what part he wanted to portray but it was only when the ginger-haired guy started shouting for me to come over did I realize I had no other choice. This is the kind of stuff that would happen to me or Kate. Everyone watched as I followed Hammond to the spot on the edge. He told me to look out in the right direction and stand still. There I was, Eowyn, princess of Edoras, and the other tourists snapped away their cameras with me the focus of the recreation!!!!!! See the comparison:


Wwwwwwow!!!!! The funniest thing is that all 12 other people on the bus will have this exact photo on their cameras to take home and show everyone because as I stood there, trying not to LMAO, they were all taking their photos of me. It was quite the moment in my life.

I even got a pic of me holding a sword, which I won't post, it's just too embarassing...

There were a few other people also visiting the LOTR site in their own group. They were my age, also staying at Base, and they'd rented a camper van to go up to Mt. Sunday. It made me feel even more lame knowing that I was with the official tour haha. One of them asked me to get a group shot of everyone and I got talking to them. There were two guys and four girls, one guy from the States, and they all said to look them up when I get to Queenstown. Wow, what are the chances of meeting people THERE.

The rest of the tour included lunch and champagne back at the cabin. While the other nerds sat inside, I brought my food outside to sit quietly overlooking the gorgeous view. It was another unreal 'am I here' moment, ahhh. We all drove back into Christchurch and Mike picked me up and took me to Jamie's where we chilled and had Thai food. So here I am! What an adventurous two days. So amazing, what a great time so far in New Zealand. I love it here and can't wait for more.

Just to close, I want to say, Happy Bday SHPEE!!! Have such a great day and have fun in Whistler. Check out this special birthday message I did for YOU!! love ya xoxoxox

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryOK5wieg6s

Landing in Christchurch and Akaroa

Oh My Gosh!!! OMG, what a life I am leading... is this for real? Hi everyone, this is the next phase of the trip and it's been incredible.

Remember how I said in my last post, 'we'll see where meeting up with Mike leads?' Well, you have no idea! I left off in Melbourne, so picking up from there, I woke up on Wednesday to go and catch my 5:50pm plane to Christchurch. Philip drove me to the train and it was sad to say goodbye to them, as I'd had such a great 3 weeks staying there. I'd wanted to do something for them so I went to a gift shop and bought them a butterfly made from metal - a really cool decoration that I thought would fit into their home perfectly. I would have liked to do more, though. I also picked up wine and dinner for our last supper and we had vino and tacos. What a great time in Melbourne, sigh.

So, the day of my flight I stopped off at the post office to mail home some items I couldn't carry with me to New Zealand - it wasn't too big of a cost, I think it's worth it rather than facing the hassle of bringing books and souvenirs with me. I sent off my items and they should arrive in Waterloo in three weeks. I had the option of doing the 'sea' service, but that would've taken 3 months!! I'd have been jealous of my possessions still on holiday when I return home in March!

It was very easy getting to the airport and I arrived in plenty of time for the plane. I'm certainly an experienced traveler now, heading off with my backpack, my baby pack strapped onto my chest like a real baby carrier, and my new purse. I love the journey, of having to get somewhere on time and make it there on your own. So, once checked in for the flight I bought a few magazines and waited in the cute, quiet Melbourne airport. I was feeling a bit apprehensive, as I tend to feel before heading somewhere new where I don't know anyone. One good thing - I'd met a new tennis friend named Mike from New Zealand and he lives in Christchurch, so he said we could meet up Thursday. Little did I know!!

The plane ride was great. It was awesome watching the sun set in the distance, and the horizon turned so red as the plane made its way into the night time "The daytime of the night" - Jemaine, Flight of the Conchords haha.

We landed and I had no idea what to expect. I hopped onto a shuttle going into the city. Sitting next to me was a girl also traveling alone. We soon struck up a conversation and I found out that she was Zoe, traveling alone in NZ for a week before heading back to study/her job as a Microbiologist. She's from Melbourne, she was on my flight, and she's going to the same hostel as I am, and I later found out that she was staying on my floor! I love traveling!

So, Zoe and I hit it off right away. We checked into Base and went down to the bar - it was packed- for a beer. Then, the craziest thing happened. I noticed this guy in the bar and thought he looked familiar. He looked at me and we both kinda did the 'I know you but don't know you' thing. He came up to me and asked if I was from Toronto, and I said yes, and it turns out he knows Kate (his name is Andrew T. - forget his last name) but he went to high school with Kate and he was at Base in Christchurch. What a coincidence!!

The next morning Zoe and I went for a walk in town. Our hostel was right downtown. Christchurch is the nicest place. It's so quaint, really easy to walk around in, and lots of sights to see all in one central place. It's very clean and well kept. There's a cathedral, which we went into briefly, and we also went to the botanic gardens. We walked in the small market where they were selling jewellry and trinkets when I got a text from Mike. I thought he'd just be sending some details about that night's dinner but he mentioned he had his car and that he and his friend Jamie were going to drive to Akaroa, the coast near this peninsula and that we should come.

We'd just finished saying how amazing it is to hang out with locals, and now we had some locals who wanted to hang with us! Within 5 minutes we were driving in Mike's car, heading for Akaroa, an amazing little village by the water. It was about an hour's drive of beautiful hills and scenery, and so nice to catch up with Mike, who worked with me on the tennis website, and with his friend Jamie, really awesome guy as well.

We stopped for icecream and to take in the scenery, and drove to the coastal village. What a marvelous spot. There is a salt-water bay in the middle of giant hills, with a long pier and shops along the water. We walked down the pier and I was lucky enough to film a movie of the dolphins swimming! Dolphins, in February! Dolphins, at all?! I couldn't believe it. We then went for fish and chips and beer on the beach. All I can say is 'wow'.

That night the four of us went out for beer at a bar called Dux de Lux, a local pub that was hosting a special evening called PechaKucha night, where speakers get to show the audience a series of 20 photos on a PowerPoint, but the catch is the photos can only be up for 20 seconds each. It's really interesting to learn about the Maori culture (pronounced Mau-ree, like Maui). We heard from 10 people, some were funny, some told really interesting stories about what they do. It was such an amazing thing to listen to. I had one of those moments where you're thinking, am I actually here? Am I actually in New Zealand with these strangers who are now friends listening to this? Unreal moments like that are such treats.

If that was amazing to listen to, then what we did next wasn't. We all went out to sing Karaoke at an Asian Karaoke bar! The way they do it here is there are about 7 rooms and you rent out a Karaoke room so you and your group can sing as much as you like. We had a ball belting out our favourite tunes and by the time Zoe and I got back to the hostel, after KFC and 7-11, it was 3am! But what comes next is even crazier... it needs a new post to describe it.

Okay, last Melbourne post

Hi everyone! Turns out I am able to do one more blog post before leaving Melbourne. I head out tomorrow afternoon to fly into Christchurch, landing around 9pm.

I left off writing about the men's final and it didn't disappoint. The last set between Federer and Murray was a roller coaster ride - a tie break that ended 13-11!! What a match! The biggest treat was still yet to come - our web team got to go and stand down on centre court to get a photo taken of us, and I brought my camera along for the ride. It was so surreal standing on centre court where Federe had JUST played, winning the Australian Open. See the first pic in the previous blog post - that's the writing on the ground where Federer stood to accept his trophy. So cool!
(Pic to the right is Hewitt practicing --- haha mmmm, nice! It's an older pic but just wanted to throw it in there for you.)

Sunday evening was also the bigger staff party for all those involved in putting on the Open. It was held in the player cafe, so after taking photos on centre court, a group of us went over to get our 3 free drinks and mingle. When we arrived, we heard that Federer had just been there to the player cafe to say thank you to the staff - d'oh, missed him again, polkaroo!! I didn't stay too long, and got a ride home with Kim, the head of the Web Team.

Yesterday was relaxed. I went for a nice, long run, and came home to do laundry and clean up. That evening, Tom had plans to take the Trengove family clan out for dinner at France Soir, a very exclusive, swanky place downtown. The Williams' sisters apparently love going there and Henri Leconte had been recently during the two week Open. Did anyone see/hear Leconte's commentary? Amazing! He was very funny and down to earth, it was a popular topic here.

So, I drove to the restaurant with Philip and we met Meg there while the others arrived separately. It was me, Philip and Megan, Deborah, Joan, Alan and Tom. What a cute group! I had a steak poivre, which I thought was too spicy, and some apple pie, which I thought was too bitter. The wine was delicious and the atmosphere was great, so I'm not complaing about a free dinner. Tom was very generous to treat all of us.

Then, I had a second party to go to (ha!), the web team part at Post Office Hotel. Tom and Philip drove me and stopped inside for a beer as well. It was so great to see everyone and you could tell we'd all gotten along really well over the tennis. I've added most of the team to Facebook to stay in touch! (Pic above: part of web team crew, celebrating a great two weeks!)

Right now, I am in an internet cafe in Richmond, a neighbourhood right near the tennis, and afterwards I'm going to look around for a gift for the Davey's. I'm also in charge of picking up dinner ingredients - tacos, so nothing too hard to make - and I'll pick up vino for the last night here in Melbourne. So this time, I can safely say I'll be writing to you next from NZ where I already have plans to meet up with new friends (Mike Steere, a tennis friend from Christchurch).

We'll see where that leads but I reckon it will be a lot of fun!!

Media team party at Long Room

Hi Folks!!! Federer is playing Murray in the final as I type this. There is a hush in the media area and the arena outside is packed. I can't believe it's almost all over. Working here at the tennis has been the greatest experience ever. I'm tempted to reapply and come back next year, but then I'd be out of pocket a couple thousand... again. (Pic on left is writing on centre court - I got to go stand there and take pics after! See newer blog post).

I've booked my ticket to New Zealand, leaving next week. It only came to $200 one-way, which I thought was a good deal. It's about a four hour flight, I'm really excited. The best part of this so far has been not knowing what's happening next (to some extent). Being stranded in Sydney with no rooms was one thing I probably wouldn't plan the same way if I were to do it over, but not knowing what's coming and where I'll go is so great.

I'm just a bit tired today, and I'll explain why. I got home at 4:30am yesterday - first time in a while I've been out THAT late. But before that, I went out for lunch with a Canadian girl, Nicole, who I met in Bondi Beach in Sydney who is also traveling solo. She's from Saskatoon and is loving her time here. Nicole and I had beers and potato wedges in Richmond at a place called Wild Oscar's. We chatted about everything - she's heading to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, and then into the Outback - quite the adventure. We have such a great connection, being Canadian but we're also both outgoing and funny.

Then, that night, it was the media party at a club downtown called Long Room. The name speaks for itself - it's a long, basement room with a swanky feel to it. With our media accreditation passes, we were able to by-pass the line, so I couldn't turn that one down. However, I wasn't prepared, so just before Serena and Henin stepped on court I took a short tram ride into the city to buy an outfit for the night. It was hot yesterday - it reached 36 Celsius and was still that hot at 6pm when I made my quick shopping spree into town.

I rode the tram to Flinders St. and walked up five blocks to the shopping area. Melbourne is famous for its little shopping districts and for the best stores. I went to 'Cotton On', what Melburnians call the cheap version of Zara. I bought a pair of black heels and two skirts, one black and one purple, so I'd have options. I made it back to the tennis in good time and was lucky to walk in when I did because a girl who works at the media desk, Kate, was also just arriving. She mentioned that she and a group of girls were going to the Heineken tent to watch the match and invited me along.

If I could describe a perfect night, it would be last night. The air was very warm but there was a light, cool breeze. The moon was at its fullest and largest in years (thanks for the article on that UJ, very interesting), and it was a Saturday night women's final match in Australia - can it get any better? I made my way over to the 'Oval' which is a little outside centre here at the tennis with shops, activities, and of course a beer and wine tent complete with two giant big screens. I met the girls and we watched the women's match. There was a noticeable favour for Justine but Serena beat her - all the while we were all remarking on how Serena can possibly play tennis with such big... hmmm, whats the word.... 'bbbbbandages on her legs' hahaha. Well, you know what I mean. But honestly, she's a powerhouse and I'm not a big fan of her.

Either way, we stayed til the end, then Kate and I made our way to her apartment, which is right near the tennis and the downtown area, and we changed into our bar clothes. Her place is amazing! We waited for our friend Malin and then all walked to the bar.

Melbourne is so much fun at night. There's a very carefree vibe, but you know people are still in for a serious night of dancing and drinking. We made it to the bar and bypassed all the people in the line, flashing our media badges like we were Federer himself, and strolled inside. The music was loud, typical hip hop and club music, and it was really good and varied throughout the night. What's more is the Australian Open had arranged for the media folks to have a private area so we went behind another velvet rope (sorta) to sit up behind the bar and chill with our own kind, or 'Journos' as they're called.

It was nearing midnight when the rest of them showed up - they'd been waiting for the Nestor match to end. The six of us girls danced, drank ($9 glasses of wine) and mingled, and before we knew it, the lights were coming on and it was 3am, closing time. We were herded outta there like cows and everyone flooded out onto the streets, confused as to where to go next. We all walked to a place called 1806 where I stayed for 10 minutes and then took a cab home. It was a fabulous night!!

Tonight there is another media party here and tomorrow the web team is going to a bar called the Post Office Hotel for a wrap up party. Then I'm outta here.

I thought about how many nights I've gone without having some booze and couldn't remember the last night I was drink-free (whoops!). I also can't remember the last day I haven't gotten sun. The way of life down here is so relaxed. I'm also picking up a lot of the lingo here. People say 'I reckon' instead of 'I think', they say 'heaps' instead of 'a lot', and they say 'flat out' when they mean 'really busy'. I've said 'good on you' many times and I like it! Good on me!

So, I may not be able to blog until I get to New Zealand, but when I do, you can guarantee some stories. Until then, (I'll do a little acceptance speech here) I'm so happy with everything in Melbourne and I'm sad my time is ending here. It's been a GREAT run and I'll really miss the people, the tennis and the many friend/shopping/drinking/tennis celebrity adventures. Adieu!

Funny/minor observations while tramming

For over two weeks now, I've been taking the same tram along the same route to the tennis and back every day. For two weeks, I've passed the same church and always noticed a banner strung across it reading: 'Jesus: the only way to God'. However, for the past two weeks, a tree's been covering part of the banner, so I've been reading it as if it said: 'Jesus, the only way to Go." Today I realized it and had a good chuckle to myself. It's times like these I wish I had Kate or someone with me to appreciate the humour. Ahh, the ups and downs of travelling alone.

There is also a tram-card payment system here called the My Ki, pronounced My Key, where riders put their cards up to a small machine, installed in every tram, and it reads it. Many people here complain about it as it often doesn't work. I've almost been tempted to suggest to name it the 'Quick Ki' (say it fast), and I think it would take a bit of the pressure off a machine that sometimes doesn't work but is fun to watch people trying to use. It sure would apply to the often frustrated patrons jamming and pulling out their keys multiple times before it actually works.

There's a store called Dimmey's and I can't stand the name. It just reminds me of that guys' name in the Exorcist so every time the tram goes past I try to avoid looking at it. It's not just a store, it's a giant building that takes up an entire block of the city and the name is written all over it at least 30 times! It's kinda funny, I don't know what it is, but I'll sit on the opposite side of the tram so I don't look over.

That is all.