Melbourne 3rd December 2003

All things must end someday. It's time for us to go home. We were leaving Betty, David, Darren, Krisandra, Molly, Abby, Jessie and all the wonderful people we had met in Melbourne, Australia.

The trip had been fruitful and enjoyable. We wondered when will we be coming to Melbourne again.

We will like to take this chance to express our heartful thanks to Auntie Betty and Uncle David and The Stranger Family for making us feel so at home and welcomed in Melbourne.

Well it is time to go back now....

Singapore! Here we come!!

Melbourne 2nd December 2003

Betty and David White, our family away from home. They had been the family's friend since before Brenda was born. Both in their early 80's, they are strong, loving and friendly. They have never failed to make us feel at home when we are staying with them. They used to have a farm of their own in the outskirts of Melbourne, in the region of Foster. But ever since they grew old, they decide that they were not able to cope with the everyday work of maintaining a farm. Thus they sold their farm, and moved to live with their youngest daughter, Krisandra, in Ringwood.

We were warmly welcomed in Ringwood by Darren and Krisandra, together with Molly and Abby, of course not missing out, Jessie, our ever-so-friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

We had the typical Summer Australia BBQ on the patio and enjoyed the summer breeze with a cup of hot chocolate. Chatting about family located over the globe and when our next visit will be. It was indeed a pleasant and heart-warming time spent with our Family-Away-From-Home.

Melbourne 1st December 2003

We were heading to Phillips Island to see the penguins today. But the cute little penguins will only emerge in the evening. So we had the whole day to explore the rest of the Island.

We passed by this wonderful pier (Forgot the name), where there were loads of people fishing along the pier. Wish that Brenda's Dad was here. He would enjoy chatting with these people and telling them about his conquest. Really hope that one day we can bring him here for a trip.

We were brought to a Sanctuary, where all the Australia's cutie pies are found. I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Aussie's heavyweight, The Wombat. The keeper woke her up from the sweet dreams, so she was a little grumpy (As you can see in the picture). She was awfully heavy and studious, but suprising quiet. Maybe haven't woke up completely from her slumber.

The koalas were all sleeping (As usual) when we arrived at the Koala Research Sanctuary. We were allowed to go in to the park and search for these wonderful marsupials high up on the trees.

We did not managed to hug a real one, fearing they will scratch our eyes out. But we did manage to come by the world's largest Koala and hug her/him all we want.

Melbourne 29th November 2003

After 2 weeks of separation, I'm finally in Melbourne. It's been a hard & long 7 hours plane ride, especially with my long legs. Upon arriving, with no idea about how to get to my Darling, I boarded a cab, thinking that I will be seeing her in another 15 mins. BUT...after reaching the city centre, the cabbie turned around and asked me, "Hey mate, do you know which turn to take?" It was the shock of my life, as this is my 1st time in Melbourne as well.

With no choice, I decided to alight and find my own way on foot.

After about 30mins of turning and searching, I saw 'Paramount Service Apartment' in front of me!

"YIPPI! " It's a miracle, I thought. I am able to see my Darling in a couple of minutes.

Melbourne 15th November 2003

Me at Changi Airport Departure Hall. Brenda was waiting to board the plane for her study trip in Melbourne at RMIT University. This was the 1st time we will be separated between 2 continents. Although I'm trying my best to be happy, but deep down in my heart, I'm feeling sad. I'm worried that she may not take good care of herself when she is in Melbourne.. But not to worry, it's just for 2 weeks, and I will be going to Melbourne to see her.