The G and other stories

Hello All

Finally recovered from the flight over from the UK. We landed in Melbourne at 5.25am after an agonising flight. Only agonising because they didn't change the films when we stopped over in Singapore. As a result (and because I didn't really sleep that much on the plane) I managed to watch "The Untouchables" about 5 times. I also managed to squeeze in "Batman Begins", "Mrs Henderson Presents" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" All good films.

The flight was quite good, we had turkey on the plane which was of a Bernard Matthews quality...anything but boootiful. Not content with stuffing us with turkey substitute we then had a bacon sarnie about 4 hours later before landing at Singapore.

The one hour stopover in Singapore wasn't too bad although I am disappointed that I missed the end of "Miss Teen America" that they were showing at the departure gate. I will now never know who won.....If anyone can post me the result, I would be most grateful.

Back on the flight, more food (better quality this time) and another viewing of "The Untouchables" and then landed at Melbourne. The pre landing highlight was the Steve Irwin information film about not bringing food, wood or bones into Australia. The man is a comedy genius! Apparently he went to a friends wedding and still wore the khaki outfit that he always wears. I can only imagine his clothes collection is a bit like JT's collection of chinos and blue shirts...one for every day of the week!

Landed in Melbourne and was greeted by our friend Glenn, who very kindly picked us up and then treated to us to a BBQ breakfast, it was already very hot at this time. We then all went to the MCG (known as "The G") for the boxing day test match.

The test match was brilliant, sitting in the Southern Stand for the first day with all the nutters wearing wife beater vests. The entertainment for the crowd, aside from the cricket was throwing a beach ball around until the police take it away, the last person who touches the ball were treated to a chant of "You are a wanker" from about 4000000 people. There was one occasion where an inflatable kangaroo was thrown around the crowd and one spectator simulated having sex with it. His punishment for inflatable bestiality was to be removed from the ground...slightly harsh I feel!

The tiredness finally caught up with us both and we had to give up at 7pm to sleep for a couple of hours, up again for an hour and then a full nights sleep to get our body clock adjusted. Job done.

Day 2 (not at the test) was spent exploring around Melbourne to search for some shorts for Matt, who in his hurry to pack managed to pack the smallest shorts in the world. We managed to find him some decent ones in the end! We had a walk around Melbourne to get our bearings and then went back to Sandringham where we are currently staying with Glenn and Beth. They have been lovely hosts, more than generous and have even entrusted us with their keys so we can come and go as we please.

Day 3 at the test as guests of Glenn as he is a cricket coach, this time we were sitting near the members stand, really close to the action. Another ripper day with a high sweat factor.

Day 4 at the test as guests of the MCC, possibly the best day of cricket I have seen ever! Andrew Symons smashing the ball near to where we were sitting, which was a bit frightening.

Out in the evening to Port Melbourne for Robs birthday. Lovely meal at The Pier.

Day 5 (today) at the test, Free entry as the Aussies were stuffing the South Africans. We left before the end to get our immigration labels, so we are officially here!!!

Hopefully going to see the Melbourne fireworks tomorrow for New Year and then who knows what is in store...Penguin Parade or the Great Ocean Road.

Happy New Year everyone. Will post some piccies soon.

xxxx


P.S The Hoff is massive over here! He is going to be on the NYE spectacular on Channel 9....I love this country!!

Starship Enterprise

I am writing this from the comfort of the Enterprise lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4.

After quite an emotional farewell to my family (my legs turned to jelly and my eyes kept watering!) We checked our bags in and made our way to the Enterprise lounge. This was Matts Christmas present for us both and now we are enjoying free wine, snacks and the opportunity to see the Christmas edition of "Strictly Come Dancing" before we have to board the incredibly long flight. Currently Matt is trying to get to play PGA golf on the XBOX but I think some children have beaten us to it.

Not much else to report for the blog, I am feeling a lot better now that we have done the goodbyes. Just to let you all know that we will miss you all loads, make sure that you post lots of comments on the blog and let us know what is happening at home. If any of you have MSN messenger, get logged on and I will get a time when we can log on and chat.

Lots of love to everyone and Merry Christmas. Think of us when you are tucking into the turkey, we've probably landed in Singapore by then and would have played at least 4 games of Monopoly (thanks Reg!!!)

Michelle and Matt xxxxxxxxxxx

The Masked Idiot

The Masked Idiot
Originally uploaded by michellelouise.

I rest my case

Scarey Man

Scarey Man
Originally uploaded by michellelouise.

Matt is a weirdo

Northern Christmas

Writing this on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Lancashire (the last Sunday that we will spend in England for a while!) Eastenders is playing in the background and the boys are in the pub, no doubt drinking their body weight in beer.

We have had such a great time up here, very relaxing, good fun and lots of food. So much food that my trousers are getting very tight and the button fell off when I tried to do them up last night after a particularly delicious roast dinner. We ate, drank and played games into the early hours of the morning. I was REALLY good at pictionary despite my inability to draw even the simplest items.

The evening was topped by the news that Matt had won £500 in the cricket club "100 Club" draw. We got the phonecall late last night and spent the rest of the night listening to Matt singing "I've won 500 pounds" to various tunes that came on the stereo. The cheque was delivered this morning and I am sure that we will be the first in the queue on Monday to put it in the account.

This does mean we have a little bit more money to spend on the trip and it might go someway to pay for all the extreme sporting activities that Matt wants to do. I, on the other hand, am quite happy staying with both feet on the ground watching and taking all the pictures. I just can't wait to get there.

I am now realising that we are going away for a bit and wanted to also say how much I will miss everyone. Particularly my family, I am sure that I will shed a few tears on Saturday and will think about them constantly.

Cheeky Little Monkeys

The first leg of the world tour starts with a trip up to Yorkshire and Lancashire to see the family.

After spending the night in Mirfield and winning the local pub quiz, we have now made our way over to Lancashire to spend some time with my in-laws. Not much to report yet apart from the fact that the Hyndburn Circular bus now costs £1.50 as opposed to the 20pence it used to cost about 15 years ago! Also, Accrington has lots of pound shops (subtitled with "Yes, everything is £1!") Although I was dismayed to see that one of them had closed down and still had a sign saying "75% off all items" for their closing down sale!!!

I am eagerly awaiting the 99p shop!

Welcome

Hoff
Originally uploaded by michellelouise.

Welcome to the Cheesey Travels Blog. We fly out to Melbourne on 24th December for (at least) 6 months of fun and frivolity over the other side of the world.

David "The Hoff" Hasselhoff wholeheartedly welcomes you on behalf of Michelle and Matt to their Blog and hopes that you will enjoy our travels with us from the comfort of your computer screen.