Curry in Melbourne

After Sydney we moved on to Melbourne. We were coming to Melbourne mainly to watch the first round of the formula 1 Grand Prix. However, we also had the opportuinity to catch up with Alison's relatives, our friends Aileen and Ronan from New Zealand and Ronan's sister (Ursula) and brother in law (Tony) and their 2 boys (Niall and Jack). So as you can imagine we were really looking forward to Melbourne.

We had also had an idea, to have a curry delivered from Akbars in Leeds to Melbourne so that we could enjoy it with our friends. Akbars were very enthusiastic about this idea, especially as we set it up with Guiness World Records as a potential world record for the longest take away delivery. Unfortunately, it didn't arrive so we had fish and chips instead. However, we haven't given up and Akbars may yet deliver and Tony and Ursula can enjoy it.

All of the above (F1, curry from Akbars), was very exciting, but not as much as finding out that Maureen (Alison's relative in Melbourne) was getting married the day after we left. Hopefully we'll get a photo from the wedding and post it on another blog. Maureen - hope it all went well please send a picture soon.

As a small aside, we travelled from Sydney to Melbourne on an overnight train, definately not recommended.



Melbourne has a strange but interesting mix of architecture. This is an arts centre in the middle of town. There was also live music in the square and a nice bar where we met some friendly locals.

We stayed our first couple of nights with Maureen (Alison's dads cousin). Thanks Maureen. In the picture, left to right, Garry, Maureen, Ann, Geraldine and Brian. Alison says they haven't changed a bit in sixteen years since her last visit!

Alongside Melbourne's strange, but interesting architecture, they also have some strange but interesting sculptures. This is an upside down cow in a tree. Good hey.

One of the support races for the formula 1 is this thing called "Aussie Cars". For those of you that remember Legends and Garry's attempts to race one, may be interested in the above. It's a Legend that has been slightly modified (chasis bracing and discs all round) so that it has some grip. They run on slick tyres and put on a good show of fast close racing. Garry's thinking about a come back but Alison reckons it's a mid life thing.

This was another close encounter with a kangaroo! Not seen this kind of wildlife at the track before.

Ronan and the boys very kindly made us a sign to put up at the track. Did anyone see it on the telly? We were in between the last two corners.

Guess who at the track?

This was Button leading Vettel. Sorry about the quality of these very important Grand Prix pictures, but someone who shall remain nameless forgot the camera, so he had to run approximately 2 miles round Melbourne to buy a disposable camera. Anyway back to the racing, does anyone know the final result yet, as it has changed three times since we saw the race?

Rumour has it that in order to cut costs, teams will no longer be required to turn up at the track and the stewards will decide who gets what points.

With no zoom on the camera, it is a little difficult to make out the Who on stage after the race had finished. Great concert with all the old favourites. A fab inspiration for any of us who do not want to grow old gracefully.

As a warm up for the 2 mile run mentioned above, the person who forgot the camera did a 1.2 km swim in the morning. This was inspired by Jamesons and Ursula over dinner the previous evening. Pictured left to right is Damien, Garry, David (?) and Ursula. Ursula is a pretty awesome swimmer. She was fourth in her class and first out of the above elite team.

Nutrition has always been an important aspect of training, Garry is seen in training above - enjoying a pie sandwich.

This is Captain Cook's house, moved brick by brick from Yorkshire to Melbourne, probably the oldest building in Melbourne.

Still no picture of Aileen and Ronan. It was great to catch up with them, when they were not working. We had a lovely day out with them on Philip Island. Look forward to the next time.

We have now moved on to Indonesia, specifically Bali and Lombok, having a great time. Another blog will follow.

Bye for now

Alison and Garry