MelBIN and the Race that stops the Nation

I've spent the last week in Melbourne. Stephanie and I went down to see friends and watch the Derby Day Races. This year marked the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Cup, also know as the "Race that stops a Nation". The Aussies take horse racing so seriously that the state of Victoria has an official day off on the Tuesday of the Melbourne Cup race! This year a horse called Americain won....coincidence?! Unfortunately, Stephanie and I only bet once on Darby Day on Race 7 Horse 9...but lost :-(

The races were quite the event. 100,000 people were in attendance, everyone dressed to impress, ladies wearing their racewear best---hats and fascinators included. Unfortunately, the photos from the last week and half have been erased due to the poor judgement of a guy who went to take our photo...at least we got a free dinner out of it :-) Tip ladies: If it rains on race day (which inevitably it will--b/c let's face it, it's Melbourne)...bring a HUGE umbrella. It's a great way to make friends :-) Fortunately, Stephanie and I were in the Member's Enclosure and were safe from the rain--but got the pleasure of meeting a number of interesting characters on our walk back to the train station.

Here is another tip for Melbourne: Bring a JUMPER, JACKET, SCARF and most importantly--an UMBRELLA...It rains quite often in this city.

Case in point--we were NOT prepared

Despite the weather we had a good time...caught up with old friends that I met in Greece years ago travelling (no photo unfortunately from our lovely dinner at a Spanish tapas place in St. Kilda). We also took a drive down the Great Ocean Road (spectacular views but not recommended for those prone to motion sickness)...and saw koalas in their natural habitat...

Our wonderful hosts Nigel and Amy & Joseph....Thank you so much for your hospitality.

You all were so kind!