The Melbourne Grand Prix

This weekend it was the start of the 2008 Formula 1 Season. Rachel and myself headed down to meet up with Stu and catch some of the action.

We flew into Avalon airport which is basically in Geelong not Melbourne, but Stu came to pick us up in his mean machine and we were soon having a guided tour of the streets of Melbourne in the dark. Then it was off out to grab a few beers and plan our day at Albert Park.

Melbourne was hot. Very hot. The mercury had been pushing 40 degrees C for a few days down here and today was fairly similar. We had tickets for the qualifying day. It also had V8 super car racing, and some other racing and shows including stunt motorbikes, classic car racing and aerial displays. We found a suitable spot and kicked back to watch the action. The noise of racing cars zooming round the track is pretty loud. The noise of an F1 car gunning round at full pelt is something else. High pitched, ear shattering noise. Ear plugs were definitely required.

There was actually very little drama. I thought the lack of traction control would throw in a few fun and games. Kimi suffered a fuel problem which put him down the grid and Lewis was pressured by the BMW's but all went to plan and Lewis got his pole.

Mark Webber being chased by some crappy driver called Lewis...

The F1 cars were very very cool. But i have to say, perhaps the coolest thing was the display put on by the F18 Hornets of the RAAF. Truly, truly phenomenal machines. Saying that though, seeing the F1 cars heading into the corners at breakneck speed is awesome. It really is lost on TV. To fully appreciate it, and I guess to see why the drivers earn the big bucks, you have to see it live and in the flesh. It's just incredible.

Anyway, after a day in the sun it was off to find a bar and to sip some cold beers. They actually serve pints in Melbourne which is nice. Schooners are the order of the day in Sydney, grrrr. The bar we went to was on the river opposite Flinders Street Station (the old orange building you see lots of photos of). They had a pretty cool folky acoustic band playing so it was nice to chill out and relax. Then it was back to Stu's house, grab a shower and head out for some food.

Rachel wasn't feeling to good (too much beer in the sun I think) so she headed home early and me and Stu headed into town to meet up with his housemates for a few more beers. We ended up in a very random bar on a roof top. It was decked out like a quaint little cottage garden with AstroTurf grass throughout and garden chairs. Very odd. But cool. Then it was back towards Stu's house, stopping at a bar or two en route.

Sunday we headed into town and got the free tourist tram round the CBD. A quick stop at the markets, which were dead, and we headed to St Kilda for a beer and to watch the race. It was hot. Very hot. The most noticeable thing was the fact that the wind was also hot. Pretty gross. But it was at least a dry heat, not the mugginess you get in Sydney.

Weeeeeeeeeell Done!!! Rach and Stu looking, errrr, hot???

It was a fab weekend. Melbourne is an amazing city. And although we were only there briefly, it was a brilliant time. Definitely having a return trip sometime and DEFINITELY going back to see the F1. Awesome. Truly awesome.

The House

So we have moved into the new house last Monday. Its a 2 bedroom, second floor flat in Edgecliff. Wooden floors throughout, a tasteful (???) bathroom and a bling kitchen with stainless steel gas appliances. Heaven. It also has a super sunny balcony out the front with glimpses of the city skyline.

After a couple of trips to Ikea and other furniture outlets, as well as begging and scrounging furniture of friends and work mates we are well on the way to getting back to something of a normal life.

There have been a couple of dramas though. Being locked out TWICE, and the electrics being a little dodgy. Oh and there is also the ongoing battle with the former landlord. Hopefully this will all be resolved soon enough and the idiot will get his just deserves I am sure.