Our first two days in Australia were spent in Melbourne relaxing and recharging from the long flight. These days were up to each individual as to how they would spend them. The general advice for getting over jet lag is to get back into your normal routine as quickly as possible. This meant that certain members of the team spent these two days at vineyards drinking various different wines.
Others spent their time at the local food market exploring all the wonderful foods. Melbourne is known for its food and coffee so there were great examples of different fruits, meats and cheeses on display. Although some local cheeses costing over AUD100/kg meant not too much was bought.
Having spent 20 hours on a plane, many thought walking around would be a good idea. Therefore the most common activity was a general wandering (or bumbling as described by one team member) and exploration of the Melbourne Central Business District and the surrounding areas. Melbourne is a city of contrasting architecture from its art deco houses, historic houses and tall skyscrapers, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
Many of the team explored further afield walking along the Yarra River and heading to the Royal Botanical Gardens, a great example of many non-native plant species. One team member was especially interested in these and perhaps a little perplexed, having consumed almost the entirety of his 5 person sized bag of honey roasted cashew nuts as the plane was landing in Melbourne to ensure he complied with Australia’s tight biosecurity regulations.
Another team favourite was the Shrine of Remembrance and everybody who visited it was struck by its magnificence and grandeur. The sanctuary and crypt are a great solemn tribute to all those fallen servicemen and women. Also on display in the extensive exhibit nestled underneath the shrine is an example of a Queen’s Thirty badge from 1900. This badge was given out to the top 30 shots in the Victoria Rifle Association each year.
What every member experienced was the friendly and curious nature of many people here. Asking about us and what we were doing in Melbourne.
Tomorrow we depart Melbourne and start the Shipwreck Coast Challenge, a competition taking place across four different local ranges. The first round is at Bacchus Marsh.