Happy New Year 2015!!

       

2015 started off by exploring the Geelong Waterfront.  Geelong has a population of about 180,000 and is just outside the town of Lara where I'm staying. The waterfront area is several kilometres of beach front that has been recently developed and includes a promenade, several wharfs, restaurants, a marina, kids rides, a swimming enclosure and pool, botanical gardens, and all kinds of green space for people to relax or have a picnic.  What a great area to explore!

       

One of the unique features were the 103 bollards that were placed throughout the area depicting the history of Geelong. Everything from Geelong Baths Swimming Club, to early Geelong footballers, the volunteer fire department established in 1854 and the volunteer rifle band who held their first concerts in the Botanical Gardens in 1861. They were so creative I just couldn't stop taking pictures...

                                     

                                     

                                     

                                     

                              

After strolling along the waterfront for a bit we came across a little petting zoo and of course Finley was all smiles while she got to pet the bunnies.

                                     

It was lunch time, so we decided to grab a bite to eat at one of the local fish and chip restaurants. I ordered the calamari and got the largest order I have ever seen. I had no idea calamari was served so big...at first I thought it was chicken fingers!  So much for any thoughts of a lite lunch here...

                        

From here we then decided to take a ride on the "big wheel" where I got a good panoramic view of the waterfront area....lots of excited squeals could be heard as we went round and round.

                                      

After getting off the ferris wheel it started to sprinkle rain...I've soon realized to be prepared for any type of whether in Melbourne; today it was cool and cloudy, became hot and sunny and also rained.  The latter end of the waterfront was much busier with people...it was the swim area and lots of people having family BBQs and lazing around. Love that the swim area was free for everyone.

       

After walking back to the car and arriving at the house we were all tired and needed a rest...I'm starting to get used to having two hour naps in the afternoon!  At about 4pm I woke up to find the sun shining and like any good Canadian headed outside to get my dose of vitamin D.  We eventually had a bit of a swim as well and then a late dinner. 

After dinner I had Finley give her parents a little gift I brought them from PEI.  She LOVES presents so to watch her carry the gift out and give it to them was hilarious...contagious giggles.  I also gave Finley a couple books, so we sat and had a little read...Maritime ABC.

                                  

It's hard to believe my time in Melbourne has almost come to an end.  It has been such a fabulous time catching up with friends and finally meeting their precious little girl. I just hope we don't have to wait another 7 years to see each other again.  

Thanks Sue and John for being such gracious hosts...you made my stay in Melbourne so much more memorable than I could have ever imagined.  I hope to see you back in Canada again soon.  

Until tomorrow...