Linc and Sal's travels

After 32 hours of travelling, we arrived a little dazed in Melbourne. Sleeping pills made the 15 hours from LA to Melbourne go a bit quicker but it was a long trip. Linc warned me he'd get grumpy whilst travelling but didn't live up to his promise - or maybe I just didn't notice as I was passed out, probably snoring at the time!

Greg and Rose were there to collect us (Linc's eldest bro and wife) and take us back to their fantastic new appartment in downtown Melbourne.

After dosing up on caffeine and a hot shower we headed to the dockland for a great lebanese lunch followed by a trip to the 52nd floor of Rose's office to see the sights of the city.

That was topped off with a stop at Suga to see how Rock is made and Max Brenner's chocolaterie for a Suckao (chocolate shot). Greg felt brave and had a hot chocolate with chilli, cinnamon, cayenne & nutmeg - we're awaiting the after-effects!

Then it was back to the appartment to chill before heading out for our next meal!

Day 2 - Sunday

After an early start, a walk in the park and spectacular pannetone french toast courtesy of Greg - Rose, Linc and I headed to see Sue & Geoff's new beach property at Frankston (Linc's Aunt and Uncle). It's going to be spectacular.

After the grand tour we drove out to the winery region and stopped for a great Italian/Greek/Spanish tapas lunch and local wine before returning to the appartment for a BBQ & Pimms!

I have a feeling this trip is going to be a culinary tour of Australia and NZ and I'm not complaining. So far all the meals we've had here way surpass anything we had in USA! There's only so many caesar salads and fried chicken wings anyone can take.

Today is the day, well actually it's Thursday, 25th, we leave Fort Lauderdale (overdue) and head to Oz. We say goodbye to Crosser, now Sea Fever, the motor boat we have worked on for just 4 months. That's her below:

Don't think either of us expected it to be sold so quickly. That was afterall what we were employed for - to help sell the boat, but damn we must have done too good a job.

Anyway, it has been an excellent means to an end. We can now (just) afford to take time out and travel to Oz and NZ at last. And be there for Nat and Brenden's wedding on Waiheke Island at the end of Feb, as well as Jamie and Charlottes the weekend after.

The plan at the mo is to travel to Melbourne to see Linc's eldest bro - Greg and stay for just over a week.

I also hope to see my bro - Tom and his girlfriend Fi - but watch this space. still don't know if our itineries are going to match at all. Sure will make it happen if possible though.

After that we fly to Auckland, see Linc's other bro - Andrew and his 2 kids, Linc's mum and dad and I'm sure a good handful of Linc's old mates. Also squeeze in a show watching Cirque de Soleil, a few days in the South Island and 2 weddings, before returning to Europe.

In Europe I'll get to catch up with my folks, sister and a few good friends before ending our trip in Mallorca and our new house........