Adopta roo

Stayed in Apollo bay while we explored the Great Ocean Road. No pix unfortunately due to dead camera, Burt take it from us, it’s the place to stay if you fancy a road trip.

On the way we checked out some serious falls. Erskine, which has the biggest “fall” in the area, and triplet, which has a lovely snaking path through impressive rain forests.

The highlight was the animal sanctuary at Jirrahlinga, close to Geelong. They take care of injured kangaroos, koalas, wombats, etc then send them back to the wild if there is any possibility. Bit like House but with more intelligent creatures.

Hit the road

Especially the Great Ocean Road. One of Australia’s highlights. It’s actually over 250 km of beauty that snakes its way through choppy bays, waterfall outlets (as opposed to booze outlets – the drive-in kind).

Stopped on the way to Apollo Bay to watch some koalas chomping at eucalyptus leaves in the trees.

Tempted for an Aussie special? How about a delicious combination of crocodile, kangaroo and emu, all served up on a bread bed, with chips. Love to say I was joking here.

And then Pia’s camera died. Serious trauma. Especially as she just bought a new battery for the old one. Speaking of trauma, down here they call sun tan skin trauma. Maybe white is right after all.
With views like this you could almost become religious

something fishy

If you’re fish phobic like me then the place to go – naturally – is Melbourne Aquarium. It’s a fascinating place, full of Antarctic penguins, strange sawfish, and of course, huge sharks and rays that float past you as you walk underneath and around a plastic dome. This is one of the better unnatural natural attractions.

This is Oz, so you expect 30 degrees plus. Temperature at the moment a freakish 19 degrees, cloudy, windy and positively chilly. Show me the middle way.

Happy new year. And it doesn't get much happier than down here. Bit damp mind you with the rain, but seriously needed it as it was so hot before.

But they know how to do fireworks, with a countdown from the high buildings before everything explodes.

Met prodigal daughter who looks great. (Fathers always say that, but it's true). Had a mega meal in an up market restaurant - and even ate fish.

Off to do the first of the three Rs (Road, Rock, Reef). The Great Ocean Road is just outside Melbourne and heads west for about 300 kilometers. Hunting for accommodation as we write.

Want to meet mates from Sweden or UK? Pop down to Melbourne.

Met Di, Pia’s ex in-law. And a guy called Anders Sjöstedt – a blast from Di’s past who we’ve bumped into through the years. Anders is now in NY and met a new guy, David, featured in the Pikkie.

Place to go for drinks is the Press room. pricey cocktails for beautiful people (and us).

Seriously hot here. 35 degrees, burning sun, and everyone on Saint Kilda beach cultivating cancer. Lovely place mind

Goodbye HK, Gooday Melbourne

Left a bleak, rainy cold HK early morning, and set foot on a Quantas flight full of goodday optimism. Staff great, food enormous. Wine, dine and ice cream even in ape.

Good evening Melbourne. Warm climate, warm friendly people. "Got anything to declare" the border police ask.- We've seen all these fine and throw out programmes on TV, so we start on about chocolates ij HK, trainers we may have tun in, etc. Response? "No dramas mate". Which pretty much sums up the country.

Cold in Kong

We're back. In Hong Kong. And we're freezing.
Don't know why but I thought HK would be in the late 20s mid 30s C. (Round about our age group). But it's 13 C. Brrr.
Came with BA (Always liked them but beginning to understand the real meaning of ABBA (Anything But...). Old plane, no space, entertainment broke and cabin crew that weren't too motivated after the strike threat.

Anyway. HK. What a buzz. Lights everywhere and very placid, friendly people. What I like is that no matter how dark it gets, you never feel threatened. Went on a boat trip to see the lights. There are two ways to do it, an organised trip that costs a bit, or just jump on the ferry to Tsimshatdui (no rice) for 2.30 HK dollars - that's about 25p or 2.30 SEK.

Off to Oz tomorrow. Bring on the warmth