Day 58 - A Tour of the G and Melbourne’s Lights

​It was a real treat this morning to wake up in a house rather than a hotel - and to eat breakfast in my pyjamas! Neil, Curt, and I then headed into the city, as Neil had booked a tour of the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). 

We had a bit of time when we got there, so planned to do a few AdLabs around the ground. We (OK, I…) may have got distracted by England practising in the nets at the ground. I think I was just amazed to find out that they DO practise! Anyway, it was great to see them, and also fun to look at lots of the statues outside the ground too.


It was then time for the tour. Even though quite a few places were out of bounds as they were setting up for the match, there was still a lot to see and to learn about the history of this incredible stadium - the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere. The views around the ground were great, and it was fun to learn about membership to the MCC (just a 27 year wait. That is, unless you play for one of Melbourne’s sports teams for ten years. I am trying to convince Neil to take up rifle shooting or lawn bowls ready for the 2037 Ashes). 


After the tour we had some lunch at the stadium cafe. We then walked to more of the centre of the city in hope of getting a tour of the state parliament, but unfortunately it was full. Instead, I got Curt and Neil geocaching with me - my highlight being finding a 3D printed train container near a station. 


It was then back to the house for a little down time (read - me playing with Kuma, who pleasingly no longer views me as a threat but will allow me to tickle her tummy!) and a scrummy chili con carne dinner.


It has very much been ‘Operation Christmas’ today for Sarah and Chloe in particular. Sarah has been busy with lots of elf duties today - despite understandable jet lag from flying back from the UK - and Chloe has been baking this evening.

Neil, Curtis and I did head out for bit this evening - first for ice-cream at Cold Rock, and then to see some of the CRAZY Christmas lights. One street (Chestnut Avenue - Google it) is famous for its lights and there were literally hundreds of people there looking at them. It was absolutely crazy. The other street we went too was a little bit quieter but some of the lights and decorations were equally impressive. Highlights included an inflatable Santa that is taller than the house, and a house that transmits its own radio station, playing music that the lights are ‘performing’. This is taking Christmas to a new level!


On returning home, Neil, Sarah, and I put the world to rights over a cup of tea - I feel I am a bad influence on the morning larks with these late nights! We all need our rest for the festivities of the coming days. 


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