Kate Visits!

Only two months into our Australian experience, and our first US visitor, Kate, came to see us! What’s the first thing I convince her to do? To visit a park, at night, to see POSSOMS! I have converted from a Northern Virginian suburb girl to full on Melbournian city girl; it was only right that I finally get to see the most popular Australian city dwelling marsupial, Trichosurus vulpecula, or the Common Brushtailed Possum. I had some small reservations, unbeknownst to Corey and Kate, about what these possums really looked like. Anyone who has seen possums in the US knows that they look nothing short of R.O.U.S. – rats of unusual size. My inner animal enthusiast, however, would not let me pass an opportunity to see animals in the wild.

The sky was pitch black as we stepped onto the path leading into Treasury Park. A few lamps illuminated the path, but most of the lawn was covered in darkness. We quickly spotted two…no five!…maybe even twelve cuddly, bushy tailed creatures dotted across the lawn! I slowly approached one, and without any hesitations, he (or maybe it was a she) came towards me in a very curious “do you have food” type of manner. Kate and I got a little nervous as two possums suddenly let out a hiss, and jumped up on one another in what seemed like a territorial defense move.

“It’s okay, rabies doesn’t exist in Australia,” I stated proudly. “But if one of them thinks you’re a tree, and scratch the heck out of you trying to climb up your leg that’s a whole other story!”

We did not get to stay very long in the park to pet a possum (although an Australian co-workers of mine have told me it is quite safe). Sadly, our visit was cut short by Corey’s commitment to a 10:30pm (8:30am US Eastern time) conference call.

Pre-Great Barrier Reef Research

Corey and I finally booked our trip to the Great Barrier Reef! Although our trip is not for another two months, the excitement led us to conduct some research at the Melbourne Aquarium. After all, if I am going to die in the hands (or mouths/stingers) of the world’s deadliest shark/stonefish/cone shell/blue ringed octopus/etc etc, I want to at least get a good look at it to see what I am up against. Although the size and layout of the aquarium barely held a light to the one in Baltimore, Maryland, the exhibits were amongst the most intriguing I have ever seen! It seemed as if every exhibit began with the words “World’s deadliest…” “World’s largest…”

Murray Cod - aggressive & largest freshwater fish. I'll have to admit that it is indeed quite a large fish...but I couldn't keep the thoughts of steamed cod with spring onion from dancing around my head! =)

Stonefish - most venomous in world. The fish is fairly easy to spot in isolation, but we could barely spot in amongst the rocks in the reef display! Note to self: don't swim near any rock formations.

Crabs/Lobsters - largest crustaceans known to man kind. Okay, so the label didn't really say that, but you have to admit they are pretty darn big (and probably also another very tasty meal to be had).

I was also quite impressed by the jellyfish section! The lighting (or lack thereof) created the illusion of chiffon like pieces floating elegantly in the water. However, I was disappointed to find out that neither the box jellyfish nor irukanji jellyfish were on display. I sure do not want to see them in the wild!

One Year Anniversary in Mornington

Corey and I have hit the one year mark! Sadden by the fact that we missed our opportunity at a newly wed’s reality show (although if you go by the Nick/Jessica standards, we’ll be “newly weds” for another two years), we drove an hour and a half to the Peninsula Hot Springs (http://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/) to drown our sorrows away. The pools ranged from ~25 to 35 degree Celsius hot spring pools, and felt fabulous! I highly recommend the experience, but be aware that white swim trunks are very popular for the men in Melbourne…

After a relaxing morning in the hot springs, we checked into the Coral Cottage at the Hilltonia Homestead (

http://www.hilltonia.com.au/) across the street. The cottage was quite cozy, and had beautiful views of the surrounding green hills and ocean in the distance! Notice that the shower has great views both out AND in.