On Friday, Mike, Matt and I left on an early flight down to Melbourne. Once we had checked in we wandered around the streets - I had forgotten how nice the city is - we grabbed a spot of food. Chinatown was the scene for lunch - very good Yum Cha! After a while taking in the sights, we met Nathan who arrived after having to work that morning.Ben arrived from Tasmania later that night, just in time for a very good meal at the restaurant opposite Jamie Oliver's Fifteen - we originally had wanted to go there, but this place was excellent! The boys even organised a chocolate fondant with a candle. Afterwards we went out and had a few drinks, but we didn't stay up too late because the next day we were going on...
A wine tour! The day started with breakfast on Degraves st, which is renowned for the breakfasts, being between Flinders St station and the city. Afterwards it was straight onto the private mini-bus out to the Yarra valley. First stop was Yering Station, which I had never heard of before but was excellent mid-priced wine. The deli was popular too :)For lunch, we headed to TarraWarra. First was the tasting, of course, and then a wine of our selection to go with the excellent meal. The surrounds of the winery were very picturesque and it was a great place to have a break. Next was the large De Bertoli winery, for a quick stop. They had an impressive range, and their own cheeses. Last stop was the Chandon winery for a stop of bubbles before the drive back. An excellent but very long day - we were all a bit knackered afterwards!
Once we were back in town and refreshed, Ben's partner Siobhan joined us for dinner, which was great. I think we all ate too much again, but that's what one does on holidays (or I do, anyway :) ). As midnight - and my birthday - approached, we went up to a top-floor jazz bar overlooking the river for a few drinks.
The next day Ben and Siobhan left early and the other boys went shopping while I went and played as many computer games as I could handle at Game On, an exhibit of computer games. They had everything from Pong and Pac Man in the original upright machines, to the latest consoles. The boys joined me later on and we went for lunch before making our way to the airport.
It was a very full weekend and a great way of seeing in the big three zero. Thanks for helping me see it in guys!
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