Beth's Oz Adventure

These were 'the fish' a series of 72 big metal fish sculptures that went up the Yarra River in Melbourne, one for each commonwealth country. Looked quite spectacular at night when all lit up - pics are a bit blurry but you get the idea!

That's about it from Melbourne. I leave tomorrow, heading up the coast towards Sydney....

How about these for the ultimate sandcastles! Came across them on St Kilda beach.

Prince Edward just walked through my office! Complete with film crew so look out for me on the news!!

One more day to go!

Celebrated my birthday with a visit to Healesville Sanctuary, one of the best wildlife parks in Oz. All Oz wildlife was there including platypus, tazmanian devils, wombats, dingoes, emus, and my favourite - the pelicans! Was obviously gutted to discover when I got there that I was not allowed to take my bugle in!! yes only in Oz would bugles be specifically excluded from entering a wildlife park!

One of the highlights was the birds of prey show and they've got a new animal hospital centre where you can see operations, post mortems & intensive care unit where they had 2 orphaned baby possums, v v cute!!

Have survived my first week at the Commonwealth Games a.k.a Melbourne psychiatric hotline... yes we get a range of enquiries including one from someone claiming to be catering for one of the teams wanting to find out where they could purchase some bulls testicles!! So get to speak to some interesting characters to say the least! One week down, one week to go!

Finally made it to the beach! Pics are of Brighton Beach just south of Melbourne.

Yes have rejoined the rat race and am now working for the Commonwealth Games! Am based at the hub of the action in the HQ and I get to answer telephone enquiries from the lovely general public. With only 4 days to go until the start of the games I would definately describe it as a calm and unpressured working environment, obviously made even easier by my extensive knowledge of Melbourne's road network!!

Yesterday I also got to see the dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremony at Melbourne Cricket Ground! Was pretty spectacular to watch and involved a flying tram, a giant inflatable koala and lots of flags!! Don't tell anyone though as it's top secret!!....