Monday, January 28, 2013

Happy "Straya" Day

We had a blast celebrating our first "Straya" Day on Saturday. January 26th is the official national day of Australia commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in NSW in 1788.  At that time, Britain claimed sovereignty of the eastern seaboard of the country.

Starting out the day from our home in Hawthorn
We were invited to a local Aussie BBQ to celebrate and to countdown Triple J's hottest 100 hits of the year.  The theme was thrift shop chic in honor of the number one song - Thrift shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.
 Nothing says Aussie like a good 'ol tattoo
Americans embracing our inner Aussie - Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - oi, oi oi!
Giant Jenga - the colors of green and gold for the national emblem - the golden wattle tree


Lots of laughs with this bunch
How can you make Australia Day even better?  Just add a little Killers and Red Hot Chili Peppers to the mix! Take me to the place I love...
These 2 bro bros can't wait for Big Day Out!

Location - Flemington Racecourse where the Melbourne Cup horse race happens each November.
Aussie pride
The Killers rocked it
Standing in line, to see the show tonight...
Red Hot Chili Peppers take the stage...
Our music trifecta is complete - Black Keys, Mumford, and Red Hot Chili Peppers - scratch a music festival off the bucket list mates.  Feeling very proud to be in this great country for almost 9 months and blessed for all the wonderful people we've met along the way.  



Sunday, January 27, 2013

What's on in Torquay & Melbourne


Torquay's  NightJar market is on every Thursday night in January.  Stroll through the grass for designer gifts, local produce, and gourmet food.  A golden coin ($2) gets you in for an evening filled with tasty treats and sounds from emerging musicians.

Fun fact: The NightJar Market gets the name from a local owlet that lives on the land.  Here's a link for more details.


http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=27825

Order up iced chai teas and fair-trade coffee at the Raj Jar Cafe.  Enjoy your drink in their vibrant tent.

Sweet treats
Night time tunes under the twinkle lights and Torquay stars

Take a drive to famous Bells Beach - home of the world's longest running surf competition - Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival


Surprisingly calm seas at Bells

Ahhhh....Who doesn't love long walks on the beach? After a stroll, drive 5 minutes for a cool climate wine tasting at Victorian winery, Bellbrae Estate.




Each wine is named after a local surf break and their bottles are decorated with local surf legends.

When you make your way back to the city, stop for lunch in Richmond at the Royston Hotel for local brews, a surprisingly tasty menu, and great bartenders.



Salmon cake, steak sandwich, and nicoise salad
On Wednesday and Friday only, Richmond's Mountain Goat Brewery opens to the public.  This local brewery has an amazing atmosphere.  Enjoy a beer flight in their warehouse and some friendly Foosball with your mates.








 Bro bros

What's the story behind the name Mountain Goat?  The owners say it is a big hairy animal that is never going to fall over. I guess those mountain goats stay steady on their feet.  Can't say you'll say the same about your best mate after throwing back a few :) Cheers.

Friday, January 25, 2013

America does the Great Ocean Road

We couldn't let the week go by without showing off the     
   Great Ocean Road. Here are a few of my favorite pics from our road trip...


View from Split Point Lighthouse

It has been almost 9 months and I still can't get over the color of the water here.  That Australia blue can't be duplicated....


Stopped for a picnic in Apollo Bay
Twelve Apostles



Loch Ard Gorge

Mac Daddy make ya jump jump
The Arch

Country roads... take me home...

Striking sunset at the end of a beautiful day :)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Torquay Mates

First things first... let's get this guy some Vegemite.  

Can you believe it? He's not a fan of yeast extract.  What a yank.


Ring-a-ling... 


Off to Torquay, a surfside beach town outside Melbourne...

Check out our 70's style surf shack...



Fist pumpin' for the bubbly...



Welcome to the Cozy Corner mates...



Pam's working on her suntan....
View from Point Danger
Loving Torquay heaps.