Merry Christmas!!!

Just thought I'd leave a quick post just to say a massive Merry Christmas to everyone!

Christmas for me is a very family orientated time so trying to celebrate it without my family is a struggle and this is definitely the time when I've felt most home sick. It's taken being away from home at a time like this for me to realise how much my family do mean to me and just how much I really enjoy spending time with them. However, I've just got to remember that all the other Christmas's for the rest of my life will be spent with my family and this may be the only year I spend it on the beach having a BBQ! 

Hope you all have an amazing time spent with loved ones, having a grand old merry time! Eat loads, laugh lots, smile all the time and cherish every moment.

Iona x

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I am a major Christmas fan and once my birthday (in April) is over I start the countdown to Christmas. However, not being home in the freezing cold has made this season a little less festive. Last night my friends and I decided to take a stroll down to the Christmas night market to try get us in the Christmas mood as, due to the beautiful weather we've had, we've just not been feeling Christmassy at all. However, after last night, we're all about Christmas! For a hot and sunny city, Melbourne knows how to do it!

The market was jammed packed with people carrying cups of cocktails or beers and handfulls of delicious foods from all over the world. There was mexican, spanish, macaroons, churro's, crepes, ice-cream, meatballs, potatos on a stick, chinese goodness and so much more that we could barely see due to the crowds!

Classis nativity scene with the 7 dwarfs and eyore!

After leaving the amazing atmosphere of the market behind we decided to take a walk through the city to see what Christmas delights they had to offer and there was many they did! The window displays at Myer store I believe are well known and something people look forward to every year. Even when we walked past at around 10:30pm there was a massive queue full of wide-eyed children, adults, teenagers and all ages in between.

Just after the window display there was 3 fire engines parked in the street. At first we were a bit worried that there had actually been a fire but we were then approached by a rather attractive fireman asking if we wanted a lolly pop!? After taking our lolly we confusingly walked away to be greeted by a light display on the city town building. It literally took my breath away. The whole building was brightly lit up and told a wee story of the elves working in santas grotto. 

After being amazed by the building we took a stroll to get some pictures with a giant Christmas tree and then headed home in a much merrier mood.

It's finally beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Iona x

The whole nativity story written on a massive lite up wall

Learning To Let Go

As the previous post mentioned, we recently moved to a new flat. We've moved from Flemington (North of Melbourne CBD) to St Kilda (South of Melbourne CBD) so it was quite a distance! We have a couple of overlap days where we had both flats so we grabbed to opportunity to spread the actual moving process over a couple of days.

I've never considered myself a hoarder but during the packing time I was finding it extremely hard to leave anything behind. So much so that I couldn't even fit all my stuff in my rucksack and hand-luggage bag even after already taking a full rucksack the day before. The thing I struggled with the most is leaving behind items, such as toiletries, which I knew we would just have to buy again once we'd moved- what would be the point in that?! 

I have realised though that once we get more into the travelling aspect of our journey it's going to be near impossible to carry so many belongings that I'm going to have to learn to separate the needed from the wanted, however, I fear that's going to be easier said that done!!

Iona x

Moving Day

The day has finally come for us to up sticks (is that the saying?) and move out of Flemington and down to St Kilda. As much as we've enjoyed our time in this flat and really liked the flat we just feel that it's a bit out the way and St Kilda has such a good atmosphere. St Kilda is where the beach is and is full of bars, shops, cafes and pubs- what more do you need!?

Our new flat is beautiful. As soon as we all walked in we all fell in love. It's in a brilliant location and has a massive tv. The only down side to the flat is that it is just one bedroom and there is 3 of us moving in. However, in the one bedroom there is two double beds so we shouldn't be too crammed. We'll be in it for about 3 months so don't mind sharing for the fact it'll be cheaper.

This morning I've already managed to pack, however, I have realised that I have somehow managed to nearly double to amount of stuff I own so will have to do 2 trips :s Think I'm going to have to have a bit of a clear out soon as it's going to be hard when we actually get round to travelling around Australia. 

Iona x

Best Day Of My Life

The day before the Neighbours Tour we had booked ourselves on to what is called the "Phillips Island Tour". I have since referred to it only as THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!! It was literally incredible!

We started the day at an animal sanctuary where we got to feed wallaby's and kangaroo's (except the kangaroo's were too hot and stayed in the shade but the wallaby's were more than happy to come eat out our hands). It was also here that one of my life long ambitions came true and I got to cuddle a koala. We then left the sanctuary not thinking that the day could get much better but little did we know it had only just begun!

From the animal sanctuary we then went to visit Churchill Island which was very Western themed and we got to see a blacksmith demonstration, a working dog demonstration, stroke a horse, see some highland cows and attempt to throw a boomerang for the full Australian experience. 

Moving on from Churchill Island we had some time to waste so stopped off at a beautiful beach for about half an hour. This was our first visit to an Australian beach so we were like little kids on Christmas morning and had the biggest smiles on our faces the whole time.

We then got to visit our new best friends (koalas) again at a Koala sanctuary where we walked along tree-top-trails and had a game of eye-spy-a-koala! We also almost got wee'd on by one- it's amazing how much liquid they can store!!

For dinner we stopped off at a place called Nobbies which was set on a cliff which offered beautiful views as we watched the sunset over the water. 

To end what was already an incredible day we then set off to watch penguins ( yes- real life wild penguins in Australia!!!). We waited for a good wee while but eventually little groups of penguins started to emerge from the water. It was amusing to watch a group gather at the waters edge then start to make they way across the beach but then one would get scared and run back to the water and they would then all follow it back only to re-group and try again! As we made our way back to the bus to go home we were literally walking right beside the penguins who were making their way to their burrows. 

The whole day was incredible and full of experiences which I'll never forget. Literally- THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!

Iona x

TGIF

This year there are many things I want to change about myself and one of these things is my health and fitness regime. Just before I left Scotland I was starting to get into a good jogging routine where I went twice a week with a friend from work and once on my own. I really got into it and, dare I say it, actually started to enjoy going jogging. However, I was still working in a cafe and mostly in the bakery where there was many cakes which weren't good enough to be put out in the order so either got eaten or thrown away (and no-one likes to see cake wasted...right!?)

So, a few weeks ago I decided to change my eating habits. Now I only allow myself  "junk food" at the weekend (which starts Friday afternoons obviously) and be healthy during the week. This was a bit of a struggle at the beginning but I have to say I'm starting to enjoy it. It definitely makes me look forward to the weekend even more and makes being healthy easier as I've not completely cut it out of my diet. 

As well as eating better Kirsty and I also do a Youtube workout video in the morning about 3 or 4 times a week. It's so much easier to be motivated to work out when you have a chum there with you and I could really see the positive affects it was having on my body after only a few weeks. We've been a bit naughty the past week and not worked out at all but still didn't eat junk food so we were VERY happy that today was Friday!!

Hopefully by the time I go home I'll have broken out my bad habits and be healthier in mind and body!

Iona x

Neighbours Tour

Ever since I was young it was always a highlight to settle in front of the tv and watched the daily episode of Neighbours. I think it's mostly to blame for my want to come to Australia and it's certainly something I'm missing while being here. (I know it is shown here but it's ahead and being so busy and traveling about I know I won't be able to fully keep up).

So, of course, I've finally fulfilled a dream by coming to Australia so I just HAD to fulfill another dream of mine and go on the Neighbours tour!! It was incredible and such a good day. We got taken to the studio where we got to walk around Luca's garage, Kyle's yard and Grease Monkeys. We even got to sit in the bus stop where everyone goes whenever they're trying to run away. While at the studio we also got to meet one of the cast and we met James who plays Chris. He was such a lovely guy, really down to earth and much better looking in real life!! (Luckily he just plays a gay character but is straight in real life). 

After the excitement of meeting James, and after quite a few photos, we were then taken to actual Ramsey Street!! I've never been so happy to look at houses. My favourite may have been Karl & Susan's house with the very well known archway in the garden with the beautiful flowers. If I was to move anywhere in the world it would 100% be Ramsey Street.

Iona x

Busy Few Days

I cannot express how exhausted I am after the past couple of days and for once it was physically tiring rather than emotionally/mentally.

Yesturday we went on a Phillips Island Tour and we did not expect what we got. We (being myself, Kirsty and Michelle) started the journey feeding wallaby's and cuddling koala's. We also saw Dingo's, owls, kangaroo's and other amazing animals. We then traveled to Churchill Island which was beautiful and here we stroked a horse, saw a working dog demonstration and a black welder demonstration. We then got to have a go at boomerang throwing to complete our Australian experience.

During the day we also visited a koala sanctuary (where we almost got pee'd on), a stunning beach and a place called Nobbies where we had dinner and saw some amazing views. 

To finish what was quite possibly the best day of my life we then went to go witness wild penguins come out of the sea after a day of fishing and cross the beach on their way to their burrows. It was such an amazing experience to see and one which almost doesn't seem real. The penguins were about a meter away from us and were only 30cm tall.

The day was amazing and definitely what we all needed. It was be an experience I will NEVER forget.

We then had another early start this morning when we went on the Neighbours tour. As a major fan of Neighbours I was extremely excited. We got to see a lot of the set, touch the props and even met James, who plays Chris. After some photo's with him and some chat we then got to go onto actual Ramsey street. It was so crazy to be there after spending most of my life watching it on the tv.

I'll be doing some posts with photo's soon so keep your eyes open,

Iona x

Here's a wee sneak peak of some photo's...more to come!

Today's "Missing Factor"

I'm not the type of person to get homesick, in fact, I don't think I ever have been! But I have to admit that everyday there is something I miss from home. Whether it's Irn-bru, proper chocolate, Eastenders, my sisters or just a cuddle with my cat, there will also be something I miss.

Every single day I miss my godsons and cannot wait to get a cuddle off them next year but today my main "missing factor" is my best friend Abi. For those who don't know, Abi and I were born next to each other and only an hour and  half apart. We have known each other all our lives and have been best friends for most  of it (not sure you can have a best friend when you're a baby!?).

Anyway, throughout our lives the longest we've gone without seeing each other was about 4 or 5 months when we first went to uni- Abi to Glasgow and I to Dundee. However, we've always been in constant contact and have the type of friendship that no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other we immediately go back to having our usual banter and act as if we saw each other just the day before.

The reason that I miss her most today is because she has some very exciting career changes at the moment and I really wish I was there with her to hear all about it and support her as much as I could. Although she's been good enough to Whatsapp (online messaging app) me with daily updates (she's usually bad with the whole texting back) I still feel like I'm missing out on all her excitement. 

All I can say is that I'm SO excited for what is coming her way and so proud of everything which she has already achieved. If you ever read this Abi, I love you!!!!

Iona x

Such good friends we show up wearing the same outfit without planning it

Museum

Last Saturday Kirsty and I decided to take a wee break from our job hunts and go out to explore the city a bit more. We also took the opportunity to meet up with a girl who was on the same uni course as my best friend back home. She has also come to Australia for a year so it was really nice to meet someone else in the same shoes as us and give some (hopefully helpful) advice to.

Since the weather wasn't that great (not surprising recently) we decided to stay indoors and explore Melbourne Museum. Coming from Edinburgh I know a good museum when I see one and Melbournes one did not let me down.

It seemed very up-to-date and modern and also had a room full of stuffed animals which is always my favourite (I finally saw a kangaroo and koala! Didn't matter that they didn't move.) The museum seemed brilliant for children as there was so many different interactive activities to do, including a 3D experience of a volcano exploding which had the best 3D glasses ever! 

We all got on really well and even went for a couple of drinks afterwards too. We all got pints of Bulmers, which was on tap, and it cost $10.40 per pint! Night's in from now on I think...at least until we have some income!

Next on our list (other than getting a job) is the Neighbours Tour and the zoo!

Iona x

Chuffed to find a Scottish bit

Watching the dinosaurs come to life

After our volcano experience

Rainy Days

Why is it that on a rainy day everything just seems worse?! The day started well with a bright sky and, although I had to wake up early, a skype chat with my sister which I really enjoyed as it always puts me in a good mood.

Then the rain came. And my body decided it was going to be really tired and give me a great headache to accompany it. This was the start of a down day. 

I'm a positive person and genuinely enjoy the rain most of the time but today, the miserable weather just made miserable factors in my life seem much bigger and get on top of me. Don't get me wrong, I've not been crying by myself or sitting in a dark corner in a ball waiting for the day to end. I've just been overwhelmed with the realization that my money is fast running out and I'm yet to hear back from any employers. Also the fact of trying to work out where we're going to live is constantly on my mind. 

Due to having no money, it's hard to go do "fun stuff" as every cent I spend I feel guilty for (which for a shopaholic is a new emotion to go along with the shopping experience). This then results in me feeling like I'm not making the most of my time here. However, still working on staying positive, even though it's starting to get harder and harder to do. 

I'm sorry this was such a wingey post and was very negative (not something I usually enjoy sharing) but this blog is going to be extremely honest and will share all the ups and downs. But without the lows, the highs wouldn't be so great!...Right?!

Iona x

View from our blacony

Stressful Few Days

So as I have mentioned I came to Australia with two friends. Although it was just Kirsty and I who flew out together and saw Dubai our friend Ellie left Scotland a week after us and arrived in Melbourne a few days after we did. 

Once we were altogether we worked on finding a place to live and getting jobs. We found a beautiful flat in a lovely area and moved in about a week after Ellie's arrival. Shortly after moving in Ellie managed to get a job and we all settled in to the Melbourne way of things.

However, a couple of days ago Ellie approached Kirsty and I and told us she was heading back to the UK. She had previously mentioned it may be a possibility so we had prepared ourselves to hear it. But what we hadn't prepared for was the thought of having to find somewhere else to live. 

Although the flat we're in is a very good rent rate it's just not something which Kirsty and I can afford on our own and so the best thing is to either look for flatmates (with a lack of job comes a lack of friends) or look for a new place to live. 

So, with no job and possibly no home, it has definitely not been the best few days. The other morning I woke up and, for the first time since being here, thought to myself  "why did we bother?!" It felt much more hassle that it so far has been worth. However, we are determined to stay positive, learn from the experience and move on. We're only going to be here once so Kirsty and I won't let anything get us down! We remembered how lucky we are to be able to travel to the other side of the world and have reassured ourselves that we will grab this opportunity with both hands and get everything we can out of the year. (But we will obviously miss Ellie being with us).

Iona x

5 Weeks In...

As previously mentioned we have already been here for 5 weeks. So, what have we been up to?

Honestly, not actually that much. Don't get me wrong, we've been doing stuff every day but a lot of it was searching for somewhere to live, flat viewings, moving in, setting up a bank account, filling out other forms, looking around the new area, getting to terms with the city centre and a whole lot of time spent looking for a job (so far I'm still waiting to hear back from everyone- and I've applied for a lot of places!!!).

We have done a couple of touristy things which include Melbourne Aquarium and Museum but they definitely deserve their own posts!

Here are a few snaps of our time spent so far...

Iona x

Took us 4 weeks but we finally found some Irn-Bru!

Inside a shopping mall

Had some beautiful sunshine...but also some days with rain and even hail

What to do on a rainy day?! Bake!!

Inside another mall

Our Days in Dubai

So usually when you fly to Australia you have to change planes in Dubai. Kirsty and I were doing this part of the journey together and thought that since we'd be passing through we might as well spend a few days there and explore another new place in the world.

After a pretty bad flight (due to the fact it was a night flight and neither of us could sleep) we arrived in the early hours in Dubai. We immediately sped off to our very lovely hotel, in a "Lady Taxi" which was pink, and got into bed. 

Throughout the 4 days which we spent there we visited the main malls in Dubai, managed to understand their metro system, visited the worlds largest fish tank and saw the Burj Kalifa. 

Dubai is a beautiful country and everyone there seemed very welcoming and friendly. I would love to go back there one day and go with a lot more money and baggage allowance as the shopping was AMAZING!

Iona x

World's biggest fish tank in Dubai Mall

The Burj Kalifa- so tall I couldn't fit it in one photo

Fountain show infront of the Burj Kalifa- stunning!

Not our hotel but it looked good anyway!