Melb: new job and new car...

Hi all

I have been in Melbourne now for a couple of months and have been enjoying the nice weather except when it is over 40 degrees and it is impossible to sleep!

I have found a job in the CBD (my favourite shop Cue is literally across the street!) and started before Christmas. I have paid a deposit on the mini I have been talking about all last year. I pick it up on Saturday! YAY!! Now all I need I need is a place to live. Shan and I are looking and have put in a few applications so far so fingers crossed.

I am working for a company that is a part of the Emirates group which is in the hospitality industry. No air miles perks unfortunately. It is really interesting as it has only been in Australia a year so things are still getting off the ground.

Anyway here is a photo of my new car. I will post more photos once I have collected it and through the year I hope we will have many adventures in her. Must come up with a name... any thoughts welcome. perhaps Phoebe (aka Phoebs)...






D x

Christmas in Akaroa

I had my first Christmas at home in NZ for the first time in 6 years. It was a fabulously hot and sunny day in Akaroa where my grandparents live. There was just a small group of us with mum, dad, auntie Catrina, Gary, Simon, Nan and Pappi, I.

Fancy Melbourne dinner with Shan and Mum#2

Shannon, Ann, Laurie, Racquel and I all went out for a fancy dinner at an Italian place to celebrate my new job. We ate like kings and had some fab desserts as you can see below. A great night was had by all.

For those that do not know I have a new job as Business Analyst with Emirates Leisure Retail which is in the hospitality business and I think it is going to be a great company to work for.

Hidden bars of Melbourne

Shan, Anna, Jane, Rackers and I went on a hidden bars of Melbourne tour and it was fab. Anna had been drinking all afternoon so she did well to last the distance. A great time was had by all.
Pubs visited were:
1. Canary Club
2. 1806
3. Campari House
4. Penny Blue
5. Palms at the Carlton

Visit to Sydney

A few weekends ago I headed up to Sydney to visit my brother Simon. We had a great time and headed up to the Central Coast, to Terrigal and Avoca beaches, in a friends V6 Holden Ute. We were like proper Ockers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocker) and it was great!

Melbourne

I have been in Melbourne for a few weeks now and have managed to land a job starting next week.
I have had a few nights out on the town which have been great fun.
Here is a pic of Melbourne at night:














Here is Shan and Mr Darcy of whom I have been staying with.

AFRICA

Before heading home to NZ I spent 18 days in Africa (Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) with Absolute Africa and had a fantastic time.
I trekked to see a small family of gorillas in Rwanda. Known as the Umubano group they are one of the smaller with only 9 members including 1 silverback called Charles. We got really close and had an amazing experience. See these links:
http://rwandaeco-tours.com/umubano-group.html
http://www.lonelyplanetimages.com/images/257021

For a good selection of photos click here:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/dionnejane/Africa?feat=directlink

The pick of the crop: