Melbourne again - week 1 - 10.07.17 - 16.07.17

Highlights from week one in Melbourne:

Joaquín showed me his flat, introduced me to his flatmates and took me on a tour of the gym and swimming pool. We had a few evenings in the pool and sauna while I was in Melbourne.

It was Przemek's birthday, we got him a present and cake...which he was so excited about. We then went out for a few drinks to celebrate.

I had a great catch up with Ashleigh for lunch. We went along flinders lane and found a lovely cafe for a light lunch. It turnt into quite a long lunch as we kept talking and talking...It was so nice to catch up.

I took a walk down by St Kilda and then met Kate for a walk along the pier there at sunset. Melbourne as the backdrop on a beautiful sunset was stunning. On the walk down the peir we saw a few penguins coming in for the night.

At the hostel I was sharing a room with 2/3 others, Robert was one of them and he invited me to play some pool one afternoon. It was a close match but he just won as he potted the black ball first we then played a doubles match with some others from the hostel, which we won!

Joaquín and I danced the night away at Latino party. The first one we had arrived at had finished because there was not  enough people so we caught the tram over to another one where it was packed, we enjoyed dancing away together.

I met Kate and Kelly at the Melbourne Museum to go into the bug exhibition but by the time we had queued the only slot the could give us was too late as Kelly had to go back to work. I think it was because of the school holidays. We went for ice cream instead. 

Kelly went off to work so Kate and I went shopping and stumbled upon Finders Keepers Market it was packed with stalls selling cloths, homewear and food. They had live entertainment as well. Kate and I brought a candle but before we did so we had to smell all the candles in the whole market! Afterwards we met up with Kelly and Joaquín for a drink at Heartbreakers, a really cool bar.

Saturday I went to an Afl (Australian Football League). Annoyingly we missed the first quarter because the bank decided to take there time when we went in the morning! Joaquín and I arrived at "The G" (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and got our tickets then headed up to the heavens to find some seats. Kate was already there watching the game with the family. The match was between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorns...I obviously supported the Cats! They were loosing when we got there but it was an interesting game and a close match. 

With the last quarter being the most competitive but in the end the Cats won! After the match we met up with Kate and and went for coffee before heading off to Joaquín's friends BBQ.

Cairns 01.07.17 - 09.07.17 - Part 3

6th July
We wanted to hire a car for the day to visit the waterfalls but because it was the school holidays all cars were booked out! We had a chilled day instead; checked out of the hostel, went to the bank and postoffice and for a stroll around town before heading to a new hostel in Northern beaches (the top of Cairns). Made lunch, played ping pong (I lost...obviously!) and chilled before we headed out into town using the free hostel shuttle to get dinner and then met with Pablo for drinks. Luis (who I also met in Melbourne) landed that evening in Cairns so he came to join us for drinks.

7th July
This was a surprise day for me as I didn't know what Joaquín had planned. Got woken up with breakfast in bed before we had to head out somewhere...we arrived down at the peir. I was left waiting outside while Joaquín sorted something then we sat on a bench for a while before he lead me down the peir and boarded a boat which was taking us to Fitzroy Island. 

I was excited that we were visiting the island but I had no idea of the days adventure. After arriving we collected a snorkel and mask and made camp on a coral beach. 

Joaquín went snorkeling but I found the water quite cold so took me a while to get in. I saw some white fish and Joaquín lost his snorkel...woops! He went and got another one but that let all the water in...it was not his day for snorkels! 

We then went on a glass bottomed boat tour of the reef, we saw about 5 or 6 turtles (one type was a Hawksbill and the other a Green Sea Turtle) and learnt about dying coral. It takes millions of years for the coral to grow but only months for it to die and it is dying at such a quick rate at the moment...it's sad to hear and see! 

Picnic on the beach for lunch then off around the bay in a double kayak, I loved this...I was streeing at the back and gave my arms a good work out. The day has gone by so fast that it was nearly time to hand back our snorkel  and mask in so we tried to go for another snorkel but the rocks and coral were so close to the beach it was hard to swim out...woops, cut my foot on the coral. Handed in the equipment and got my cut looked at. Not the best place or time to get a cut as we wanted to walk to the "Secret Garden". The board said it was a 45 minute return journey...we only had half an hour. So we had to walk quickly (or as quickly as I could go with my cut) it only took us 7 minutes to get there...Australian time! Where did they get 45 minutes from? We made it back for the departing of the boat and headed back to the hostel once back at the peir. Joaquín made a Chilean dish for dinner, it was delicious...I hope he makes it for me again someday. In the evening it was time to meet the boys again for drinks, it was Ricardo's birthday.

8th July
Leisurely got up for my day and Joaquín had no idea what was going to happen. Breakfast was waffles, Nutella and strawberries before heading off on a long day of walking. I took Joaquín to the Royal Botanical Gardens to explore. We saw a river, some lakes and went through a rainforest walk.

Next we came upon a conservatory with many plants and beautiful butterflies.

I then found a spot for our picnic lunch where we ate cheese and crackers...one of Joaquín's favourites! Finished lunch so was then time for more walking with a hike up part of Mount Whitfield. Many, many steps up to the top with amazing views back over the city and to the airport. Walked back down towards the Northern Beaches to have a look at that area for the sunset then back to the hostel to get ready for dinner out at Nandos.

9th July
Our last day in Cairns was spent packing up, checking out and chilling. First we had a strange breakfast finishing everything off we had left (except the garlic!). Then we took a chilled walk all the way along the sea front from the top of Cairns into the city ending up at the Lagoon. The weather was perfect and many people were out sunbathing, we chilled on the grass and met up with the boys and girls...it went by fast and we were soon saying our goodbyes.

Had lunch before we headed to the airport. It was sad to be leaving Cairns as we had such a great time there and the weather was so, so nice. Caught the flight to Melbourne where it was super cold in comparison; took the SkyBus into the city before I could check into my hostel and get tucked up in bed!

Cairns 01.07.17 - 09.07.17 - Part 2

4th July
Great Barrier Reef trip

Up early and down to the peir to catch our boat out to the reef, it had finally stopped raining so we had a beautiful day with the weather. Upon boarding the boat we had to collect snorkel, mask and fins. Then we were briefed about safety and the day events. It took about 2 hours to reach the first reef, many people got sea sick...I stayed clear of them! 

Norman's reef...we had arrived so we geared up and jumped in the water. It was so much fun seeing all the fish and coral. Joaquín and I hired an underwater camera and had a blast taking photos and videos of us and the fish. 

We also joined another couple for a guided tour around the reef with a marine biologist. She told us lots of facts about the coral and fish. One fact I loved (and remembered) is: Sea cucumbers breath out of their bums so there hole is always open, some fish have decided that in there is a perfect place to make a home! I got to see Nemo (clown fish) but numbers of these have declined in the wild because people come and take them for pets and selling since the movie was made. That is a real shame! After about 2 hours in the water it was time for lunch. Off to another reef called Hastings Reef for some more snorkeling, saw more beautiful fish and took many more photos. 

It was annoying being on quite a big boat with many people, you had to swim quite far to have your own space and not be kicked by people who had never worn flippers before! It was then time to get out and dry off for the journey back to main land; we had some live entertainment all the way back. After arriving back at the hostel we were both soooo tired, after downloading the photos we had a nap but my nap turned into a nights sleep. Joaquín went out with Pablo for pizza.

5th July
Rainforest

Up early again to be picked up by minibus which took us to Freshwater station. We waited here to board the train which took us up to Kuranda, we saw some magnificent scenery and went past a huge waterfall. 

We passed through loads of tunnels, went over many bridges and round lots of bends. 

Before arriving at Kuranda we stopped at Barron Falls, another huge waterfall, for a few minutes.

Monty enjoyed the views from the window.

After arriving we got some lunch and then had a wonder around the markets. Joaquín hadn't tried fudge before so we got some. Eating fudge we did a jungle walk through the rainforest and down by the river before coming up to the skyrail.

Monty enjoyed hanging about in the rainforest!

We jumped on the skyrail and headed over the mountains just above the canopy and heard some lovely bird songs. 

Took a coach back to the hostel and had a chilled evening.

Cairns 01.07.17 - 09.07.17 - Part 1

There is so much to say about Cairns that I have to do it in 3 parts.

Day one - 1st July
This was the day I left work, said my goodbyes and headed off on a 2 hour train journey to Sydney. The station is old and has no screens for the train times. I waited and waited ages for the trian; I doubled checked I had the right time, checked the website (that said the train had already left), then I started to panic! But I still just waited and waited, it eventually turned up half an hour late. I arrived in Sydney with 5 bags and met with Susan and Janet to drop a few off before I headed to lunch with Lewis (the Canadian I met in Canberra), it was nice to hear what he had been getting up to in Sydney. It was then time to head to the airport.

Look who I found there!

Joaquín

We had a pleasant flight to Cairns and found our way to the hostel for a good night's rest.

2nd July
After a nice lay in we woke up to rain...we did venture out to the supermarket for some food, grabbed lunch and then in the pouring rain took a walk to the fruit and veg market. On the way there Joaquín slipped and broke his flip-flop (thongs as they like to call them in Australia) so he had to walk bare foot. The market was bustling with many people buying their weekly supplies, towards the end - near closing time sellers were selling cheap...shouting out prices, we got quite a few bargains.

On the way home Joaquín brought some new flip-flops then we watch a programme and cooked up some of our lovely food.

3rd July
It rained and rained all night and all day. We decided to go and see the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film in the cinema. The rain had eased after the film so we walked through the city and to the waterfront and around the peir. Back to the hostel to cook my famous chicken one pot dish! Delicious! This evening we went to check out the night market but on the way there I noticed some birds crossing the road...a car came, they didn't move. I saw a baby chick just frozen still I got a plastic bag to go to pick it up but the parents kept hissing at me.

Eventually the parents moved the other side of the road so I took the opportunity to quickly move the chick to safety. The parents didn't like it and came hissing back but then I looked around a saw an injured chick. A car was coming so I got out the road...phew it missed it! Another 2 cars followed but the chick we not so lucky that time. At least it wasn't in pain anymore and the other birds were out of the road.

The night market was interesting and a lot of massages places, when leaving we got some churros and headed to see Pablo at his hostel to say hi.

Monty's help at work

Monty has been helping around the yard and property during his time here.

First he watched the farrier

Took a ride in the tractor

Helping at competitions

Making the feeds

Mucking out

Gardening

Riding

Unpacking boxes

Keeping warm by the fire

He also made many many friends with the neighbours 

June 2017

Well this was my last month at work and what a busy time this was. On the first of the month we had our Frist frost, it can be just like an English winters morning but the difference here is that it warms up quite a bit during the day. In the sun it can be very warm...if the wind is not blowing!

I have been very busy helping get the property set up. Been looking after the horses as normal plus setting up the tack room, gardening (lots and lots of weeding, planting and racking leaves), cleaning, adding to the burn piles, getting rid of cobwebs, putting up fences, tack cleaning.

We have also been out to Shibumi; which is next door, it has arenas and is a livery yard. I also went to the last competition with Fiorella.

I had a few days off in a row so I went into Canberra. This is the capital of Australia. This is a purposely built city there is not much history behind it. The only story I kept hearing was about the competition they had for the design of the city. You can definitely tell it is a purpose built place, but it is lovely. I took a 2 hour train to the city and first took a walk from the station into the city coming across a huge lake. First I went to Aspen Island this has a bell tower on it and while I was eating my lunch it played tunes. 

I then took a walk over to the national Gallery of Australia. This had some interesting art, I especially liked the Aboriginal art section. 

I then ventured up to Parliament House...I had to have my bags scanned before entering (like at the airport) and they took my padlock off me because in the past they have had protesters chain themselves up inside. I went up onto the roof and saw the huge flag and flag pole then joined a quick tour around the building. This told me abut the building itself, how it was built and a few intreresting facts. After the tour had finished in got to sit in and watch government at work in the Senate and House of Representatives. On leaving the building I collected my padlock and headed off to my hostel for the evening. 

The next day, was so foggy and it put a little spanner in what I wanted to do but first I visited the War Memorial.

I was hoping when I was finished the fog would have cleared. When arriving at the memorial some soldiers were practicing a few rituals they performe on special days. I arrived at the front desk at the same time as a man and the staff throught we were together and asked if they could pop our bags on the same shelf! Well we were given a map and started to wonder into the museumn then someone else asks if we wanted to join the tour about the 2nd world war so we both did. It was a very interesting tour, I didn't realise how much Australia was involved and bombed during that time because at school we only really learn about England and Germany. After the tour had finished the fog had still not cleared so I wondered around the rest of the museum. I kept bumping into the man so we got chatting, he is Lewis from Canada. We walked and talked for the rest of the museum. 

When we left the fog had cleared and I could then take the hike up to Ainslie lookout to see the city. Lewis joined me so we took a steep walk up the road to the top. The views were spectacular. 

Monty enjoyed this part of the day

We then found a better path that took us back into the city where we grabbed a snack then it was time for me to catch my trian. Lewis drove me there and when I arrive in get a knock on the door by the guard...saying are you catching the train to Sydney, I replied yes and he was like you better be quick it's leaving in 2 minutes and I was like no I've got 10 mins haven't I...no I didn't I had got the departing time wrong in my head! Lucky I arrived when I did...caught the train back to Bundanoon.

So the 21st of June is the longest day in the UK but the shortest day in Australia.

Near the end of the month Demarkus came back...he had been at a trainers yard for a while, he is still up for sale! It was nice to see him again before I left.

In my last week Virginia, Pete and I went down to Glow Worm Glen. With tourches at the ready we all headed down this path, it went down and down and down...when were we going to reach the cave? It was very dark but eventually we reached the bottom, turned off the tourches and saw a magnificent site. Hundreds and hundreds of glow worms lit up the sides of the rocks. It was so amazing to see, I could of stayed there for hours looking at them but it was time to walk up and up and up the path now!

Animals I have seen this month are;
Foxes
Rabbits
Kangaroos
A bat
Wombats

Rosellas

I had such an amazing time working with Virginia and Pete. I learnt many things about Australia and more things about horses. It was sad to say goodbye but I needed to continue my journey. I wished them both the best of luck with there new adventures in their new home and headed off on the train to Sydney to board another flight.

May 2017

Well May consisted of my adventures in Melbourne, Alice Springs, Uluru and on the Great Ocean Road; have a look at my previous posts for those adventures.

On returning from Melbourne and making my way back to work. I get picked up from the train station and taken to the next door neighbours, Bruce and Jill's. This is where I spent 2 weeks in their flat with the horses in the stables.

I settle in. On the first day back I had to go back to the old property to do the normal morning routine and start to pack up the last of the bits and make up all the feeds for the next few weeks then in the afternoon take the horses over to their new temporary home.

It was then the last day at the old property and to get it ready for the next owners I helped clean, take down some electric fencing and put up the border fence. I think everything was then ready for the handover.

Jill and Bruce have a dog called Molly and a daycare dog called Cody.

Most days I spent the time doing the usual jobs; riding, mucking out, feeding, paddock poo pick up, clean tack and we had a competition.

On my days off I have been into Sydney and visited the Reserve Bank of Australia museum (all about the currency in Australia through its short history). I met up with Carly (a friend I made at Sangam, India) and we spent an evening walking around Sydney, we saw a lot of light insterlations all over Sydney.  It was so amazing to see the city lit up in lights; the Opera House was awesome. 

We also grabbed some glow in the dark food, danced under umbrellas, played hopscotch and watched an astonishing thunderstorm over the city.

 The next day we met up and after a bit of shopping we took a tour around the Hyde Park Barracks museum. It was very interesting to hear how the place has changed and what it has been used for over the years.

Monty enjoyed the tour too but decided to sit in the hammock for a rest.

It was then time for the big move. I finished packing up my things, got the horses ready and loaded then we were off on a 2 and a half hour drive down to the new property. We moved from a 10 acer to a 100 acer property. It was a lovely drive watching the landscape change it became more hilly and dence with trees. We arrived in the dark...unloaded the horses and left the rest for the morning. The house was full we had some guests that were doing some work at the house, Greg and Ross. So I had to sleep in another room for a few nights before I could unpacked and settle into the permanent one.

First day at the new property. ..so many things to be getting on with. Firstly I did the normal morning routine but the paddocks were not ready yet so the horses had to chill in their stables and yards for the day, while we sorted things out and unpacked things. The previous owners came over for some time and I showed the horses to the kids. 

In the evening we all went out to the local pub for a meal and to watch the State of Origin game (an Australian game similar to rugby). The match is a game played between Queensland and New South Wales, it's best of 3 and this was the first match and NSW won.