Farewell to Australia

This morning we packed up our stuff, checked out of the Nunnery, and tried to enjoy a few more things in Melbourne. We headed to the Melbourne Museum to see some Victoria history and some aboriginal culture. Afterwards, Kelly went shopping for that last-minute memento.

We will now endure the 10.5 hour overnight flight to Hawaii. We are looking forward to it, but can't believe that over five weeks have passed and that we are already going to be back in the USA.

Which reminds us of an interesting story from last night. We enjoyed a great meal at an African restaurant, the first for both of us. Then we went to the Rob Roy, a small bar that attracts local bands. We were there for two bands, the first of which was OK (especially with a gifted violin player) and sang "At least we're not in the USA." The second was a heavy metal band whose lead singer screamed nonsensically while the two electric guitars, drums, trombone, oboe and accordian players rocked on. No kidding. It was all we could do not to leave behind our second jug of beer.

Which is another segway. Every place in Australia seems to have a different system and language for disbursing beer. During our three weeks here, we have ordered pints, pitchers, jugs, mugs and schooners of beer, as well as just pointed alot. We have drank Aussie beer the entire time. And we are amazed that Vegemite, a concentrated yeast extract that is found throughout the country, is actually made from the leftovers of beer-making. It is horrible!

We are really going to miss Australia.