Got the tram to St Kilda, managed to get away with not paying 😏 classic Loz. Joined another walking tour which went to some cool allotments, bit of history (in one ear out the other), had peany butts gelato, saw the pier where you can see little penguins at sunset and then finished in a pub with fish and chips.

Got some more free transport to Brighton beach huts. Some v cool huts in a classy area with crazy houses.

Bussed back to the city and met the rest of the gang for drinky poos and some food.

Strolled round Queen Victoria market, sad that we’d already eaten.

Walked for half an hour to Fitzroy as the guide yesterday had said it was hipster territory. Bit of a wasted walk and got blisters just for a few edgy eateries I wasn’t going to be eating in.

Walked back and wandered through the botanical gardens back to the shrine of Remembrance where we went last night. Went up on the balcony for a cool view of the skyline.

Bought a lil salad and sat in federation square whilst I waited for the new year crew to join me.

Watched them eat expensive pizza then went a chilled in Charlton gardens in the sunshine ☀️

Got the train back to local dudes house where they both made a halloumi curry (paneer unavailable). First home cooked meal of 2019. Trained back to ma hostel. First day of the year complete.

Free make your own pancakes for brek. Cotched about until 10:25 to join the free walking tour of Melbourne.

Saw some cool street art, got what is apparently the worlds best coffee, walked along the river and down some cool food streets 🤤 through the main shopping street and China town. Finished at the old jail where Ned Kelly got hanged, whoever that is.

Getting desperate for new year pals so went with some boring Indian dude from the tour to meet his Melbourne fren and girlfren.

Had a beer in a bar then walked round the whole of Melbourne before ending up back where we started to go for $7.50 all you can eat thaali.

Went to a bar for some drinks before heading to the botanical gardens to watch the fireworks at new year.

Happy new year one and all.

Got some food on the way back to the hostel for my first sleep of 2019.

I’m packing ma bags. I’m leavin’.

Left at about 10am and Ella and Ben were still in bed. Keri tried to wake them up to say goodbye and all I got was a grunt. lol.

Kez drove me to Invers where I got back on the little mini bus to Queenstown airport.

Apparently you have to order a vegetarian meal and apparently I hadn’t so had to have the chicken stir fry and pick the chicken out 😒

6pm made it to Oz. Didn’t think my shoes were muddy so went through nothing to declare and then got taken off somewhere where some dickhead unpacked my whole newly, neatly, tightly packed bag and chucked it about everywhere just so she could wash my shoes which were hanging on the outside. Had to fight with the bag to re pack it all and was left with soaking wet shoes 👍🏼

Finally made it out he airport and onto the skybus into Melbourne city.

Checked into ma hostel for the next five days. Early night for ol Loz.

Another day, another bay. Found a new surf spot, turns out I’ve become a bit of a pro on the shorty. Tanned on the beach for a bit before heading home.

Had a water fight with the neighbours then quickly had to run off as Mr Whippy was cotchin about outside.

Watched Johnny English whilst we ate our whippys.

Off to the neighborinos for a BBQ. Had to bring my own falafel.

One last WiFi sesh at the beachouse.

Drove round to Colac bay for a morning surf. Finally a half deece sesh, actually got up on the short board 🏄‍♀️

Came back for same old. Tan. Mark pointed out my sweat marks on the cushion and left it in the sun to dry out. V embarrassing.

Mark and Keri out for din again so I made din whilst Tess vlogged on my phone.

Bit of WiFi thieving before beds.

Went back to the house in Winton with Tess and Ella so they could cut the grass and feed the animals.

Came back and biked to the horses. All kicked off cos George got sass his mate was leaving the field so Ella could ride him. Stayed firmly outside the electric fence. Major trust issues.

Made it home alive and Marks’ rents came round for din.

They all went out surfing at 9pm, far too cold for ol Loz, I’ll stay cosy in my coat thank you.

Santa found me! Left a lil stocking at the end of my bed 😊

Had pancakes for brek then went surfing. Not the most successful sesh but we had a dolphin fren playing next to us 🐬

Had a cheese toastie for lunch then prez time. Got a box of goodies from G, finally a chocolate orange! Keri got me a Maori greenstone necklace and lots of New Zealand choc, a kiwi bottle opener and a NZ cookbook and calendar.

Had a bit of tan time before climbing round the rocks and then going boogie boarding.

Came in for a few more prezzies and played one of their new games.

Went outside to the swings and played a game with the ball.

Came in and all the fam had arrived for din. A BBQ. Not very Christmassy and not very veggie. I had some falafel patties and salad and ting.

Time to go to the beachouse cafe for my daily WiFi fix.

Christmas over for another year 💔