Melbourne

Spurred on after watching 30-odd blokes run about for 2 hours at the footie (never did quite work out how many were on the pitch at once), we woke up bright and early the next day and went for a run. Yes. A run. On holiday. Impressive? Not very. I was exhausted in the warm up. Turns out that clambering up volcanoes once a week just doesn't prepare you for running around a park. Still - we survived. And felt better for it. (The resolution to go for a run every other day since, hasn't quite come about.)

Later in the day, we had a good explore around Melbourne (at a more sustainable pace). We made use of the 'Sunday saver' public transport tickets (life after Boycey is a bit sad!), and circumnavigated the Greater Melbourne area - taking in Federation Square, markets by the river, the TALLEST viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere (Geordie - we've found where all of the 1st biggest, widest and longest things are), had lunch at the Queen Victoria Market and then we buzzed out to St Kilda for a stroll along the pier (where we spotted a little blue penguin having a sunday dip). Back into town in the evening for some drinks by the river and a meal in China Town's frighteningly named Kum Den, which I'm pleased to say was a nice family restaurant.

We thoroughly enjoyed Melbourne. Not as spectacular as Sydney, without the 'big landmarks', but it had a really good feel about the place. It was Aussie Mothers Day when we were there and there were lots of families out along the river, enjoying the day. It felt as if they liked being there too.