Melbourne, Swampy Blues, and Reunions!

It was nice to be met at the airport in Melbourne by Denny’s friend Bob Maluga. Denny met Bob a few years back while in Thailand. Bob lives in Melbourne and hosted us for a night in his lovely, cozy cottage with the most beautiful garden back yard. He then showed us around for the next three days. 

One of the first stops after settling in was “Two Birds” Brewery. “Two Birds” is owned by two young women who in 2011 decided to brew their own beer and open their own pub.  We enjoyed a couple beers there and then Ollie, another Aussie friend of Denny and Bob’s joined us. It’s been a wonderful reunion for the three of them and we’ve had an insiders look at Melbourne. 

We spent the next couple of days walking along the water and eating at some of the local restaurants that Bob likes. One night we had dumplings and another we had pizza with mashed potatoes and prawns.  Actually we had lots of food we don’t eat regularly at home. 

We went into town and walked through the Victorian Market which is one of Melbourne’s main attractions. There is everything from meat and fish, clothing, rugs and lots of souvenirs. A lot like our swap meets or flea markets. As we were walking back to catch the tram we came across a pub called “The Drunken Poet,” we were too early for a beer but I had to get a picture in front of there. 

Another night he took us to one of his favorite Chinese restaurants called "Tai Wah" and there was a big table of young people in the restaurant who were having a great time, they had such a contagious energy about them. 

One of the girls in the group was taking a lot of pictures. At one point the leader of the group came over to our table and told us they were about to release an album. She asked us if we would be willing to be part of a photo they may use for the cover. We all agreed we couldn't pass up an opportunity like that up. We joined in the fun. The name of the group is “King Puppy and The Carnivore.” We got a picture of them as well. 

They said they play "swampy blues." None of us had ever heard of them,  but I’ll tell you they really did have a lot of life in them. I googled them later, they’re for real.

I don’t know if we’ll ever see that picture they took of all of us or ever hear from them again, but It was a fun night. Bob’s son Jayde joined us too, it's always great being around the young folks, and what a remarkable young man he is. 

Melbourne was our last stay in Australia. The next day we were on our way to New Zealand. 

Australia is Awesome! Do come down under if you can.