Day 19 - Melbourne and Geelong

October 22nd, 2013

A second night in a train and it was no better for me than the first - in fact this was worse. The bunk was hard and there was a lack of air flow in the room. This train rattled, rocked, squealed and squeaked as much as the Sunlander but, in addition, it swayed as if we were in a small boat in very rough seas. The only time it was a smooth and quieter ride was when it slowed town on approach to stop. Our conductor (or is she called a steward or a porter?) explained that the rough ride is because they can't get the rails right and that the NSW trains are very old. She also commented that the privately owned rail lines that travel across the country from coast to coast are very comfortable. Tina was very happy to hear that as she is planning a train trip from Perth to Sydney in a year or two.

We were served breakfast in bed at 6:30 AM and we arrived at Melbourne's Southern Cross Station at 7:25AM. A bit of a rush!

We found a locker to stow our bags and off we went to explore early morning downtown Melbourne. The city is preparing itself for the Melbourne Cup in a couple of weeks - a very big deal for the entire country and a holiday in Melbourne - schools even close for the day! We observed some interesting architecture, did a bit of browsing, stopped for a coffee and managed to fit in shopping, as well. We took note of a few places and events we want to explore when we return to Melbourne later this week. 

Late morning we retrieved our bags and caught a commuter train to Geelong - just an hour south. Gail picked us up at the train station and took us to the beautiful home she shares with her husband, Harry. 

Their house was built in 1872 and has been kept in immaculate condition with gorgeous renovations and additions. It has stained glass windows and very high ceilings - 16' and some even higher - all trimmed with beautiful hand-crafted, intricately designed plaster crown mouldings. Harry has done, and continues to do, much of the work on this house himself. The first two owners of this home were merchants but since then, all 9 subsequent owners have been doctors!

We had lunch with Gail and Harry before Tina and I slipped away to our luxurious bedrooms for a nap in an attempt to make up for some of the sleep we lost on last night's train journey. When we emerged, their daughter Nichole and 3 granddaughters, Ellie, Ruby and Olivia were here to meet us. We all headed out to a pub for dinner where we were joined by another daughter, Jane, her husband Adam and their 2 daughters, Mia and Sophie. It was a lovely evening for Tina and I surrounded by a wonderful family.

                                

Back home we enjoyed a good visit with Gail and Harry who are avid travellers. We also enjoyed seeing photos of their most recent European holiday.