Melbourne - Week One

[Michele Monro]

It would seem I’ve brought the weather with me, it’s an amazing 30 degrees and I’m loving the heat on my body. Diane and Graham have made me feel so at home, any fears I had have dispelled. They are so easy going and poor Diane is getting in a flap because I don’t eat more than once a day. One the first day Diane and I walked over to Waterstone Café, which is within their complex, overlooking Sanctuary Lake. We had a lovely time and I met several of her friends. Very like England, the country is terribly anti-smoking, a guy who worked at the café extolled the virtues of smoking pot and gave me the number of his brother, who suffers from Crone’s disease and the weed helps him control the pain. It is interesting that my doctor has always told me that if I was able to get hold of some, he highly recommends the practice in my circumstances but I have never explored the option being slightly scared of what I might be given. I have often been told that there are several variations and a lot of people sell what is known as skunk, which is not good so I have stayed away. What amazed me is that it was talked about so openly. You live and learn.

I spent several days trying to catch up with all my mail, blogs and bills. Not having a constant internet stream from the ship and because of the high costs, I left a lot of things until I got to land but I was feeling that it might have not have been the wisest of moves, having nearly 900 emails to catch up with. I also have the final notes for the new album to submit. Richard and I have worked long and hard in making the final choices for ‘Matt Uncovered: The Rarer Monro’ and it looks to be a stellar addition to any collection. It is certainly a worthy follow up to its counterpart released in 2006 and I am only miffed that you will see a copy before me as it is due in the shops on 4th June.

Being able to sit outside and work in the evening is wonderful and makes me realize how much I miss living in the States. Living in England is certainly not good for my health and definitely my mobility suffers. That is one thing I’ve loved since leaving and no stairs –bliss.

My cousin Gary rang and he and his wife Zeiga have invited me over to Mornington for a barbeque on the 31st but I can’t accept anything at the moment as I’m waiting to hear from Titan’s Australian contact to see whether he’s managed to book me any radio shows or the like. It is so typical of Titan, they have known about this trip for the last six months and I expected them to organize something ahead of time. Silly me.

My new teeth implants have been amazing and I’ve not only managed to eat everything again but I can taste it all too. A few nights before getting off Arcadia, they seem to have seated further down on the posts resulting in the fact that I am trouble taking them out. I think maybe the rubbers have expanded in the heat so I need to find something other than a pen to hook into the holed so I can get them out each night. There’s always a problem. I’ve been looking everywhere for some sort of tool that will fit into the side holes but I’ve had no luck. I’ve even been to several of the local dentists but it appears they are not up on implant surgery over here so I have had to ring Saj in England and ask him to send the tool express post. It will be interesting as to how long it takes

I’ve made contact with Craig Newell, who is the photographer I’ve booked a tour with up the Great Ocean Road. He’s agreed to pick me up from the house so that is brilliant, as I don’t want to put Graham out all the time by asking for lifts. I had to ask him to take me to an electrical shop as the adaptors I’ve brought out from England don’t actually fit in the sockets here, so be warned. Without them I am stuffed because I can’t use either of my cameras, the mobile phone or any of my other gadgets that need charging. I was able to pick up an international phone card so that makes things easier as the last thing I want to do is run up a large bill on Graham’s phone.

I’m not impressed as I woke up this morning to find it raining, actually rain is not the word for it, it seems to be a continuous deluge of water. Graham and I start each morning off in competition. He photocopies the paper’s crossword and it’s a race to see who finishes first. He won today… but not for long… as I noticed some of his answers were wrong. Oh how I laughed at his crest-fallen face, same time tomorrow for the re-match.

Diane and I went to the lakeside eatery again but this time to meet her three friends, Mavis, Pauline and Lyla. They meet every Thursday for lunch there and every Friday night for dinner, although on that occasion the men are allowed to come. After lunch we all went to the mall shopping, that seems to be another weekly event but I’ve had a word with myself and I am not allowed to buy one single thing and that is that.

I spoke to Andrew Easton today from Alpa Books and he has got me an interview with ABC Brisbane but unfortunately I can’t do it on the Friday as I have made plans. He was sent the itinerary months ago so I’m not sure why he booked it on a day I couldn’t do. I have asked him to rebook it but he has said it would probably be easier if the radio station contacts me directly. It would seem Mt Easton isn’t that interested in helping out. Why are people such a let down, he’s know I was coming for several months and here I am days into my trip and not one thing has been arranged. Even the book signing I had in the diary for Alice Springs seems to be in jeopardy now as it falls on Easter Monday. He must have known that when he booked it unless he has a totally different diary from everyone else in the world!!

Talking of radio, Alex Lewczuk has made contact and we have organized a live link up with Siren 107.3FM on Thursday morning. It’s the first time I’ve been on the morning show so might grab a few new fans.

Friday brought more rain and it certainly wasn’t what I’d hoped for, especially as I am going on an open air outing. Thankfully, just before leaving at 10.00am it had stooped although it was quite cold outside. Regardless I headed off to Werribee Zoo, I was really looking forward to this as I had booked it some three months ago and I have to say it was slightly disappointing. On entering the zoo, I followed the colourful totem poles to the Safari Station for my pre-booked ‘Open Safari Adventure’. There were ten of us and off we set in our open-topped range rover. I have to say the animals we did see were wonderful and we came face to face with a family of giraffe, zebra, rhino, antelope and lions on the guided adventure across the savannah but have you noticed the deliberate mistake? None of these animals are native to Australia! Now call me old-fashioned but I’d booked this so I could have an experience with koala bears, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, well you get the picture. After the safari I sat down for a cold libation and was approached by the zoo’s manager. She wanted to have a chat and was concerned this wasn’t the experience I’d hoped for. More importantly I’d booked a slumber night in a luxury tented camp with several behind-the-scene animal encounters but it would seem it isn’t really geared up to people with a disability and it didn’t have any lights wired in yet. I was worried I’d fall and for each segment of the evening there were long walks involved, one a 60-minute trail. The manager kindly offered me my money back and I grabbed at the opportunity especially as I could tell there was another heavy storm coming in. I was already cold but I knew it would have gotten a lot colder later; it just wasn’t worth being miserable all night especially as I wasn’t to have an encounter with an Australian species of animal. A lucky escape me thinks.

I have spoken to Max several times on Skype, which is wonderful and he is packing up for the Easter holidays. He is going home on Saturday and it will be easier to get hold of him at home them worrying about what time his lectures are etc. This is the time it is going to be the hardest for me knowing Max is home whereas before, even if I had been there, he’d have been at university but now I know he is at home for a whole month.


Saturday saw me at the hairdressers and at ‘Nailsland’; the place is unbelievable, full of young good-looking oriental staff who operate a conveyor belt system within their small shop. It was packed but people were moved from one area to the next with well oiled precision. I was in and out within thirty minutes and all for the princely sum of $10.00.

Organised transport in Melbourne started in 1869 when the Melbourne Omnibus Company was formed. Three years later the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company replaced it, with a scheme to construct tramways in the city and suburbs. The company ran the first cable tram in Richmond in 1885 and it was used right up to the abandonment of the cable tram system in 1940 when the route was converted to omnibus operation thereafter. Fifteen years later, an electric tramway system was adopted.

In 1891 there were 41 miles of cable lines, today, Melbourne is home to one of the world’s largest tram networks with an impressive 155 miles of double track, carrying over 500 trams through the city and Melbourne’s suburbs. The Colonial Tramcar Company Pty Ltd was formed in 1981. Each of the trams underwent extensive re-building and furnishing to ready them for a first-class dining experience. Special permits and licensing were obtained, and the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant officially commenced operation in August 1983.

Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience but stepping bard this special fleet of historical trams is very special. These glossy burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining.

Because of the Grand prix our meeting place had been changed to the corner of Wellington Parade and Simpson Street at 5.15pm. Graham, Diane and I were greeted by our hostess and our smiling maitre d’ who escorted us to our table and at exactly 5.45pm we left reality behind gliding through the city streets and on to South Melbourne, St Kilda, Prahran and Malvern while enjoying fine cuisine and drinking the best of Australian wines. The atmosphere is cozy, the service friendly and the décor as inviting as the colonial period these trans reflect. Since their inception in 1983, the restaurants have been a star attraction and a tourist symbol for the city. I’d wanted to take Diane and Graham somewhere they’d not been before and this was perfect and I’m only glad that I booked months ago because he was packed.

Silver service staff had laid out the tables to perfection on crisp white linen and to ensure a smooth ride while dining sturdy stabilizers have been fitted so that not even a glass trembles as the trams glide along. The food itself is prepared on the tram, which considering the limited space is a marvel. One way glass windows have been installed se we could enjoy the passing scenery without curious gazes to distract us. The trams feature all the modern conveniences you’d expect from a first-class eatery and includes burgundy carpet underfoot and seats covered in plush velvet, beautiful brass fittings very like the luxurious Pullman style European trains of the past. The trams are air-conditioned for total comfort and piped music helps to create the unique mood, especially after Diane insisted they play Matt Monro – and they did, I couldn’t believe it.

Once you’ve experienced this unique outing you can understand why the restaurant is the recipient of four National Tourism Awards and nine Victorian Tourism Awards. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city that is looking for some out of the ordinary.

Well week one has flown by and the following days have much to look forward to. Until next time, take care.

[Marian]

Just caught with all the updates and as usual enjoyed reading all about your adventures Michele. Good you have met with your relatives and you all are having a great time. The dining experience on the fabulous trams sounds especially special, and how wonderful that they played Matt Monro!

[karl]

It's great reading your adventures Michele especially when I have experience some of the things you just have. I did the dinner tram six years ago and iti was most enjoyable, I even had a Scottish female chef!!!! You do have to book up well in advance as it is so popular. I also agree the tram system is amazing.

Did you manage to get in touch with Douggie?

[mariana44]

Really good to catch up with you againMichele--I have been missing your regular reports-but lots to catch up on now.

[john]

Thanks for keeping us all updated Michele. Plenty to read about today.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Have just finished reading the news and updates. Now this would make a book.
Enjoyed reading the adventures and seeing the video clips too. Thanks Nichele. !!!

[Christine Hampshire]

Just catching up with it all Michele, it all sounds fabulous and the dining
on the trams sounds just so magical and Matt in the background just superb.
Chris

[Sandra]

Another superb blog from Michele and don't miss her first 'live' interview from Melbourne on Siren
107.3 F.M.
Go to the show website and Alex Lewczuk.Then click on listen to interviews.
Micheles is dated 15th March.You will have to go to previous entries to find it.

[maureen & harry]

We have been catching up with your last few reports and again they make compulsive reading. Thank you so much for all the info you give and as others before us have said it's like being there with you.

Looking forward to reading more about your travels.