Hello Melbourne.............

This time last year Cheryl and I planned to travel to Melbourne for the AQC......it didn't happen............but later in the year we decided to book the trip for this year's AQC..Cheryl's sister Amanda (a member of our S&B group) also decided to come along...and did all the bookings  for  flights/accommodation etc.....(and did a great job as well!!)....So it has been booked and paid for for the past few months.......It seemed like such a long time ago that we talked about it.....and this weekend it is happening!  We flew into Melbourne yesterday at lunch time and hit the ground running (or in our case walking!)....I kid you not....I am with the energiser bunny sisters......walking .....walking......walking - everywhere......just as well I wore my "sensible" shoes!  After arriving at the hotel I had to make the big decision.....hmmmmmm.  which pillows for my bed......I went with one of each to be worked out later that night........

Then it was off downstairs to plan the rest of the day...........Hello Melbourne.......

We decided to take in the cultural things that Melbourne has to offer.......first up a visit to the Museum to see the Tutankhamun exhibition - so off we set to walk to the venue.......again.....thank goodness for sensible shoes.........really enjoyed the exhibition which was excellent.........certainly a very interesting historical journey.........

Then it was off to the most recognised venue for a cultural experience....the MCG........to see Collingwood play...(well...Richmond were there too...but it was the 'Pies we I went to see........)

I had to overcome my serious aversion to heights since we were right at the top of the stand.......yikes.....I really struggled with it..and in the end I sort of slid around one of the pillars and into a seat.....which had a balustrade in front of it...so I felt a bit more secure......LOLOL..the things you do!!! After a while the fear subsided and I settled in for the match......it is a wonderful venue.......great atmosphere........it was a brilliant evening.  On the way back to the hotel (walking) we stopped for coffee and cake.....which was fine given there was still a good 10 minute brisk walk from the restaurant to the hotel.......so at least some of the lemon tart was "walked off".......slept like a log last night.......and started with the soft pillow....but ended up going with the firm one!  (it also made me realise I need a new pillow!!)

This morning we walked to breakfast down the road a bit from the hotel...then set off to Spencer Street '"fashion station" for a  browse before going to the AQC......walked most of the way...but caught a tram for the rest......a litle walk through the gardens to get to the venue......

...the Royal Exhibition Building .......

......this is a magnificent old building...and I could have taken some photos to share.....but once I met up with this lady.........that was it........the camera came out for this pic........

(this pic is for you Natalie).......

and this one of Gail's quilt.Berries and Bluebirds.......this version being offered as a BOM by Blue Willow Cottage........

 .....and the lovely Marg Low at the Blue Willow Cottage booth....

.......we walked (and talked) around the booths for the next few hours.......Gail almost made it through then entire day without buying anything....but succumbed in the last few minutes with a purchase of a 30cm piece of repro (blue!) fabric.  I was also very restrained and came home with some patterns and a couple of pieces of wool (for the patterns)......Gail and I were still talking as we parted company at her train station....I walked back to the hotel via Bourke street where I bought a new pair of walking shoes........my old ones are just that...."old".....and with walking with Rose every morning and with a work mate  most lunch times I knew they needed replacing.......(and I have to say I am pleased I have been doing so much "training" for this trip....would never have kept up with the girls otherwise!) Meeting a friend for brunch tomorrow.....haven't seen him since he moved over here earlier in the year ...then off to the airport and home.  It's been a busy weekend...and we have certainly covered some ground!! 

Time I was getting some sleep....I will need to be rested for another big day tomorrow!

'Til next time.......................Lorraine