The Lord's Lodge

Melbourne is definitely a city I could live in. After calling every number in the book, we found a hostel, the Lord's Lodge, that would let us park the van on the street and pay $10 a night to use the amenities--bathroom, kitchen, TV--good luck indeed. The spot was prime, the neighborhood hip and the hostel a regular UN--folks from Chile, Germany, Scotland, Italy, Japan, England spent each night cooking, drinking, playing cards.

We spent a lazy week there, visiting museums, gardens, and beaches. We reunited with Oded's friend Lisa, who he met traveling in Canada last summer. We spent Friday night dining in St. Kilda, Melbourne's claim to the beach, eating gelato and watching the sunset and the penguins come in. Saturday night found us at a hostel barbecue full of old friends and new, lots of food, sangria, and music. Sunday night we made our way south of the city to meet Oded's father's cousins who served us a never ending meal, straight off the grill.

After a few great days in the Grampians, an amazing drive on the Great Ocean Road, and Melbourne, I am confident that Victoria is the place to be.

To see photos of Melbourne, please click me