The Great Ocean Road

I arrived in Melbourne full of anticipation for the weekend ahead. My friend, Adam, had things all planned out - a trip down the Great Ocean Road on Friday, my first Australian Rules Football game on Saturday and a big night out with friends on Saturday night. Not on the list ---> returning to the home of the terrible Greek dining experience from the last trip to this city. The Greek food of Melbourne promptly redeemed itself as my first meal after getting here was a delicious lamb souvlaki, followed by a martini made from my favorite Australian candy bar, the Violet Crumble! I promise that it tasted better than it looks...well in truth it tasted like a glass of vodka with a candy bar soaking in it, but is that really all that bad?

"Sorry, Adam, I cut your head off in this photo, but that's okay." Comment not well received...



He attempted to get me back



Candy bar infused vodka - breakfast of champions



Friday morning we got up and started our drive down the Great Ocean Road. Adam was an outstanding tour guide and even made sure that I tried my very first meat pie and vanilla slice on this trip. I saw a whale splashing around in the ocean while we were stopped for construction at one point along the road.

Great Ocean Road around Lorne



You'll have to trust me that there's a whale in the distance



I was highly amused by the fact that Australians need to be reminded what side of the road they are supposed to be driving on. And everyone thinks Americans are stupid...ha!



I also spotted a creek that I decided was most likely named after my ancestors - we obviously had to change from von Mueller to von Weller after our great battle with the rogue Smythe family of neighboring Smythe Creek.



Adam also taught me other valuable lessons including what a Bilby is and that Shetland Ponies are public property and can be ridden whenever you should feel like it. The weather held out beautifully and the views were nothing short of breathtaking. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to experience the Great Ocean Road!