can't nobody hold us down...

oh no, we got to keep on movin!






It's weird I no longer share EVERYTHING, let alone know what these two girls are doing at ALL times. So, they say that everything must come to an end, but it sure was one hell of a ride and we aren't stopping yet. For all of you who said we wouldn't, we did. For all those who believed we could, we love you!

I miss you girls, I will always be here when you need me!
xx

Until next time...
See you soon Aussie!

black out betty

Ory-O's 24th was spent watching the made in Melbourne flick "The Loved Ones" at the Rooftop Cinema. It was a shocking movie (youtube the trailer, instant anxiety attack), and we were slightly over served (can you tell?).

We've unanimously decided that every city building should chuck a projection screen and some lawn chairs on the roof and call it a day.

aussie open

Hands down the most fun at a sporting event ever. Shattered we're going to be on a plane home for the finals!

shark bait

Well I have all my limbs and there was no visit to the decompression chamber- Not a bad way to spend a rainy wednesday if I do say so myself!

My dive buddy and I were the lucky first to jump into the 2.2 million liter shark tank just hours after the release of their new hammerheads. I can't even begin to explain what an amazing experience it was- giant sting rays (they love the feeling of bubbles so they float just above your head), tiger sharks, napping sea turtles, massive grey nurse sharks and of course the hammerheads.

I really have no idea why I haven't invested in an underwater camera yet (the above pictures were taken of me by a friend from outside the tank), but the videos linked below are from the same tank and give a much better idea of what it was like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAaPUvzIOWg&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6ACUiLlB8w&feature=related

fancy footwork

The city-wide fireworks and 105 degree temps made our New Years Eve more like the 4th of July- and we weren't mad about it at all. The rest of the details will forever remain in the bottom of an empty bottle of Tanqueray, but I can assure you a good time was had by all. Ignoring the fact that our beautiful beach apartment had inexplicably turned into a frat house overnight, we had a quick egg sando and were out the door on our way to 'Summadayze'- the legendary aussie music festival. 12 hours of booze and beats- 2011 is going to be a good one!

a not-so-white christmas

4 bottles of bubbly, 3 suitcases, the heaviest plate of homemade cookies known to mankind, a hydrangea bouquet, and a couple of train tickets-we were off to Shepparton for the Holidays with the loveliest Aussie family around. Whether it was chicken and champagne for brekky or the massive afternoon barbies (and more champagne), we were never without food. And we love us some food.

We spent boxing day having a nap in front of the cricket match and attempting to catch a few yabbies- activities we clearly lack the patients for. Thankfully, Godrey saved the day with a tour around the Kiwi fields-nothing quite like the Victoria Bushland.

We hope you missed us as much as we missed you on our first Christmas away from home in 24 years! (we won't mention the 80+ degree weather)

xx

making moves

Melbs has been good to me, but Sydney has my heart. Bondi Beach is the spot, with it's laid back, sweet disposition and the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen! I haven't seen the Mallen clan for years, amazing it took us a trip across the world to reunite for one epic weekend...frisbee on the beach, drunken dance moves, breathtaking coastal walks, stunning graffitti art, and the famous Sydney Opera House.

Ah, some things never change, the 330 to the 303! This weekend went too fast but was a good reminder of what is to come, I don't plan at stopping at all!

Thanks to mum for making it happen!

peace and love-

furry friends.

well after 11 months in the land down under we have finally seen a 'roo that wasn't roadkill or served up rare. absolutely the cutest creatures we've had the chance to cuddle up to-they'll hold your hand right before ripping the bag of feed to shreds, open the gift shop door and have a browse inside, and unsuspectingly wait for you in the loo. koalas could not care less about who's giving them a pat as long as they have a paw full of eucalyptus. patrick the wombat was too lazy to even open his little wombat eyes, and the tassie devils apparently have a bite 10x stronger than a doberman but we would put one in our carry-on no questions asked. if you ever happen to be in victoria, the ballarat wildlife park should be top of your list.

sunshine & shiraz

we've been so busy with all of our visitors lately its hard to narrow things down to a single post. this weeks most notable adventure was to the Yarra Valley and it's 70+ wineries- beating out sangria-filled night markets and boating in the port phillip bay for its place on the blog. We visited a few heavy-hitters including the prestigious Domaine Chandon and De Bortoli, and the equally impressive boutique cellars Millers Dixons Creek Estate and Mandala. no one left empty handed (greg wins 'tourist of the day' award for the case of chandon and the handmade cheese tray he took home). we're planning on writing a thank you card for the massive hangover that followed us back to the city, but we will absolutely be heading back soon. possibly weekly. now it's off to the kitchen to watch jeanne hyde attempt to prepare thanksgiving dinner with an oven thats measured in celsius. pure gold. let the holiday season begin!