Wominjeka/Welcome - - Guwayu/See You Soon

SM:  Wominjeka means welcome in the language of the aboriginal Wurundjeri people of the Melbourne area. They were the first people to live there.

On May 21st we were off to Melbourne to meet up with the Australia public affairs team for a seminar.  We arrived midday and the seminar didn't start til the next morning so we went to the Healesville Sanctuary outside of town.

We loved seeing koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, platypus, Tasmanian devils, etc. Wallabies might just be my favorite! (No photo - my phone ran out of power at just the wrong time - as usual.)

Didn't see a lot of movement from the koalas that were snuggly (?) nestled into tree limbs.

I had never seen nor heard of an echidna.  Pretty cute little thing!

We NEVER seem to have an umbrella when we need one!

Kangaroos hop on their toes, not their huge feet. Something I'd never observed before.

Public Affairs Seminar began Tues. May 22.  Jim set the tone of the Australia event by wearing his new kangaroo socks made from bamboo - they just make me smile! He's such a larrikin!

This is one amazing group and they are wonderful friends that continually inspire us! Our co-workers in New Zealand, Elder and Sister Pinson, were unable to join us for the seminar. Janet was really not feeling well and they decided they couldn't make the trip. As it turned out, that was an excellent decision. She got worse and ended up in the hospital. It was later determined that she had Dengue fever. Apparently she acquired it in New Caledonia.

The Melbourne Temple is a beautiful, small temple just like the one in Shirley's native Columbia, South Carolina. We really enjoyed being able to attend and being with our Public Affairs friends was an extra bonus.

This sums it up perfectly!

You don't need to look closely to see that Pinsons are photoshopped in. They weren't able to join us because Janet caught Dengue Fever while in New Caledonia. Sure missed them!

For a little diversion the team went in to town and rode on the Melbourne Star (similar to the London Eye). Loved the view, just not the height!

Melbourne Star

Flinders Station - huge train station in the heart of downtown and right across the street from our hotel. We were told that Flinders Station is the busiest train station in the world! Really enjoyed downtown Melbourne and our hotel was right in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District.)

You've heard of the Kookaburra in the Old Gum Tree.  Well, this is a "Gum Tree".  Trunk and branches are very light in color.

Sorry for that Kangaroo whose hide was for sale at the Victoria Market!

Jim  and Rob Lloyd in line at "American Doughnut Kitchen" at the market. It has been in business for almost 70 years, selling jelly-filled doughnuts.

It was fun to wander through the maze of gothic laneways with lots of unique and quirky venues for food, fashion and art.   It is claimed that you can unlock the city's real secrets in these distinctive
streets. These laneways are right in the middle of town and we had a great time, with map in hand, exploring these hidden backstreets. So charming.

The Laneways are a pedestrian walk - filled with quirky little shops and restaurants

One of the arcades located along the laneways.

So colorful and enticing. I can't believe we just kept walking!

Federation Square is home to major cultural attractions, world-class events, tourism experiences and an exceptional array of restaurants, bars and specialty stores. Enjoyed walking through this modern piazza known as the city's meeting place.

Federation Square

Guwayu  - See you again, Melbourne!

Our ward conference was held the last Sunday in May. A feast was held afterwards. Lots of food was brought - some I'd never tried before. The cultural hall is quite small but that didn't seem to interfere with everyone meeting together.  Sure love this multicultural ward we are in that is made up of mostly Tongans and Samoans and some Maori.

May 30th was our anniversary.  It was also the day we both had scheduled dental appointments - unbeknownst to each other.  I guess we'll follow each other just about anywhere!  JM - Although we are so different in a few ways, over the 44 years of our marriage we have grown to be very much alike. I love this woman and am grateful we can share our lives together.

When one or more couples is finishing their mission we all get together for a sendoff.  The Hales and the Harveys will be leaving us.  Oh, how they will be missed!  Both couples were here when we arrived and we have shared much in the last 16 months. But we are happy to welcome the Saunders.  Elder Saunders is the Area Medical Advisor. His wife, Kristy, assists him in a myriad of ways. We will forever remember and be grateful for the incredible friends we have made in NZ.

Guwayu/See You Soon