Newbies in town

How time flies, it only feels like it’s been a couple of days since our last update as opposed to a month. We’ve been to the beaches quite a few times now and just relaxed in the sun, it's been nice just chilling. There was also a notable horse race called the Melbourne Cup. This thing is so big that it’s a public holiday, for a horse race! Everyone in the street got together and there was a sweepstake, and it was all over in just over two minutes. Rach’s horse nearly won, leading for most of the race, but was piped at the post, whilst Alex’s valiantly struggled to the penultimate position.

Getting to know our various neighbours at some other street parties, it’s been interesting chatting to them and there’s one in particular, Jim who is an absolute living legend. However there aren’t many backpackers around or many people our own age so after a brief look around we came across an amazing website that advertises an event called the newcomers meeting held the second Thursday of every month in Melbourne. It labels itself as the opportunity to meet new people in a new environment; both in social and professional capacities. We thought we’d give it a go and see what the craic was.

So yesterday we headed into town to meet at the rendezvous point, the hotel Rendezvous. Within seconds of arriving a very enthusiastic lady had slapped name tags on our chests and deposited us with different groups to mingle. If we had any idea how wrong we were going to be about backpackers we may have given the event second thoughts. We are glad we went however as we both had a good time and it was nice chatting to some new people.

It was a very mixed group with people from all over the world, all with a variety of reasons for being in Melbourne. Alex ended up speaking with a banker, a religious salesman and a Chinese/American amongst others. Rach experienced two Swedish sisters (yay!) who moved over to be with their boyfriends (boo!) and a Melbourne lawyer who’d stumbled in by mistake. We would highly recommend this event even if it’s not your usual backpackers meet. At the end there was the option to sign up to meet with other group members again which we’ve done so let’s see what happens there.

Rex’s Rules of the Road

• Australians are crazy, a holiday for a horse race! Still it’s a day off work.

• If you want to do Melbourne on the cheap check out this website (free-things-to-do-melbourne.com) and don’t forget to say thanks to Russell.

• If you’re wanting to meet new people the newcomers meet might be good for you but be warned it’s a little upmarket and not your usual waifs and backpacking strays, some people even wore suits!