Melbourne, Victoria

Fr. Dave, Chrissy, Lloyd, Jennine and me after
breakfast at Santucci's. 

Upon leaving Canberra, we took a 9 hour bus to Melbourne, arriving at 11pm. There is honestly nothing better than having someone pick you up when you arrive in a new city. Well, lucky for us, our good friend Lloyd (from Mortdale) was in town and graciously offered to chauffeur us to our accommodation,  which he also set up (he's really good to us, we're super spoiled). We stayed in a girls share house, was kinda weird walking into a stranger's house while they are asleep, as you try to locate your bedroom.

Santucci's Breakfast!

Huh, found my name at TYPO, wonder how that got there...

In the morning we met Lloyd at St. Benedict's parish for mass, it's only a half our walk from the house we were staying at... but 30 minutes is a long time when it's pouring rain and you have no idea where Google maps is attempting to direct you (our phones are PAINFULLY slow, we get to grow a lot in the virtue of patience as we try to cope). Fr. Dave greeted two very wet Canadians as we walked in the door, was so lovely to see such a friendly face after the mornings festivities. Lloyd and his friend (our new housemate), Chrissy, joined us along with Fr. Dave for breakfast at the famous Santucci's cafe for breakfast! So yum. Lloyd ended up showing me around the city a bit while Jennine gallivanted off to the first of many days at the Australian Open. We checked out St. Francis church and the Catholic Disneyland across the street (aka. a catholic bookstore). Considering we were in Melbourne, what else do you do but sit in cafes and sip on chai lattes, whilst educating your friends on some very necessary Canadian geography. 

Djokovic

Me, Rubini and Jennine at Santucci's!

Our other housemate, Rubini, graciously showed us other cool parts of the city and more cafes. My favourite though was watching Gilmore Girls and all our late night heart to hearts. Lots of sleep was sacrificed, but I gained a beautiful, kind and caring friend, which is worth much more. 

On Australia Day, January 26th, I accompanied Jennine to the Australian Open! Getting to experience the vibe was super exciting! We got to watch a couple of our Canadian home boys play in doubles, and watch Djokovic (#1 male tennis player in the world!) practice. Clare, from Canberra, ended up coming down too, so we spent part of the day with her and her friend. It was beautiful, hot and sunny, such a good way to spend Australia day.

Jennine, me, Gen, and Juliette (YMT).

We went to the Disciples of Jesus potluck picnic with Rubini, and met heaps of new people, including the new Youth Mission Team for the parish. Gen, our share group leader at summer school was also there, it was so nice to see a few familiar faces! We also hit up Sofia's diner after Mass  for dinner with a bunch of the young adults in the area. What a beautiful community! I felt so blessed to be a part of it, even just for a short time. The Australian Open Men's Final was going on that evening, so we went to Fed. Square in the city to watch it on the big screen! This was we could listen to all the drunken Scott's chant for Andy Murray. It wasn't quite the competitive game we hoped for, Djokovic won yet another title. 

Leaving Melbourne was bitter sweet, the girls who hosted us were so hospitable and lovely, but even the people I met walking down the street were so friendly... maybe a little too friendly at times... haha. 

Anyways, enjoy the sun! ...or the snow! 

Love and prayers, 

Silken