Art, Penguins and Italian...

Art has long been my first love. Studying a fine art degree only strengthened my love and understanding of visual art. There was no doubt in my mind that while in Melbourne I would be visiting the National Gallery of Victoria again. Cohen whiled away three hours without protest which allowed me to explore the the gallery, until the noises of complaint started and he needed a nap at the hotel. Even in three hours I was unable to cover as much of the gallery as I had hoped, but enjoyed everything I saw.

We stopped for dainty sandwiches and a macaroon, wandered wide eyed through the different exhibitions and different floors. Sat on the large black leather seat to admire an artists interpretation of Cleopatra astonishing Marc Antony as she prepared to drop a priceless pearl into vinegar, which she then drank.

"There have been two pearls that were the largest in the whole of history; both were owned by Cleopatra, the last of the Queens of Egypt--they had come down to her through the hands of the Kings of the East....In accordance with previous instructions the servants placed in front of her only a single vessel containing vinegar, the strong rough quality of which can melt pearls. She was at the moment wearing in her ears that remarkable and truly unique work of nature. Antony was full of curiosity to see what in the world she was going to do. She took one earring off and dropped the pearl in the vinegar, and when it was melted swallowed it..." Pliny, Natural History

That night we ate at the loveliest Italian restaurant while a French waitress ensured that Cohen was occupied in his highchair, so that we might eat our amazing meal with the least amount of disturbances.

Our last day in Melbourne we took Cohen to see the Aquarium. We delighted in his joy and fascination as he encountered fish, stingrays, jellyfish and sharks for the first time and like children we enjoyed every minute ourselves. There is something so breathtaking about watching a shark glide over you, or searching for a seahorse that is camouflaged amidst the seaweed. Truly we do learn something new each day, for I learnt that day that day that Australian fresh water eels will live in rivers and billabongs until they are ten years of age, at which point they will travel across land and thousands of kilometers to get to salt water and breed before their death.

Flights, friends and walking...

Taking a baby on his first flight involves some level of nervous anticipation, as I am sure you will agree. In my case it was a matter of : will he cry the whole time, will he wiggle to get off your lap (a technique well and truly mastered), will the cabin pressure hurt his ears and will his flight-phobic father be of much assistance if I need him? With no obvious answers to these questions and a flight of butterflies in my tummy, we checked in ourselves, our bags, one pram and two sets of golf clubs as myself, Cohen, Dave and a friend prepared to fly to Melbourne, Friday the 13th of November.

Although the move to begin weaning Cohen has been proving difficult - eg. if Cohen is tired, teething, uncomfortable in a new environment or hungry, he still wants breast milk, oblivious to the fact that I am trying to cut down the number of feeds he is having a day - it was a joy to be able to feed Cohen to sleep on the planes ascent, knowing that the swallowing action would adjust the pressure in his ears and being relieved that the one screaming baby on the flight was not mine. Daddy was also a help after an alcoholic beverage or five calmed his nerves.

While the boys spent two days at the Masters watching Tiger Woods as he took the trophy and another day playing their own round at Huntingdale, Cohen and I spent our time exploring the City on foot/ in pram. We stopped for the trams, admired the Myer Christmas windows, wandered through the streets and lanes and admired the architecture and the people. We were lucky enough to have spent the day with a lovely friend and her birthday girl, who had moved back to Victoria. We explored the Queen Victoria markets, and talked endlessly while eating in cafes, having lunch in the park, shopping and swapping birthday gifts. It is fantastic to have friends like this, isn't it?

We are home now, flying in last night after being delayed by a storm. Exhausted and hungry we ate and relaxed and left the bags where they where they'd been put after being pulled from the car boot. Thus today, there are bags to be unpacked and clothes to be washed. My calves ache and I am still tired. I think I may hide our travelling bags again for awhile. No matter how wonderful a trip, Dorothy was right, there really is no place like home!

I will post some more photos tomorrow.

Also, blogger is still not publishing the gaps between the paragraphs, any ideas?

EDIT: Thanks Karen! You genius! I have fixed the problem.