chocoholics

Since I was spending the week in Melbourne there were many things that I got to do. On Monday I had the opportunity to go to the centenary of Victorian Women's Suffrage dinner. It was at Parliament. It was absolutely wonderful. I had even read a book about Liberal women so I knew a lot of the history and figures that we were talking about. There were about 180 people there. It was a great experience that I was glad to be a part of.

picture of the centenary of women's suffrage

The rest of the week went by quickly. We had lots of work to do. After work I went and saw Nights in Rodanthe and Quantum of Solace at the theatre. Then on Friday it was Lucs last day so we went out to lunch and then we had cheesecake. Then on Saturday I got up early and went into the city. I had to go and buy some souvenirs at Queen Victoria's Market. It was so cold. It was the coldest November 22 on the record. It rained and hailed pretty hard all day and it was literally freezing. I had three layers of clothes on. Then I walked by this building which has a very unique look to it.

This is the Public Baths, but is now a swimming pool. I have yet to go inside.

This is an alley leading to Collins Street which is completely filled with graffiti. Its actually pretty cool to look at and its even on art shows occasionally.

Then I went on one of the most fun things I've done in Melbourne. Melbourne has a very unique and interesting culture. They really love their cafes, teas, and chocolates. There are so many chocolate stores/cafes around. I went on a chocoholics tour, where we go around to five different chocolate stores and try their chocolates. We started out at Koko Black in the Royal Arcade.

This is the royal arcade where the tour started.

From the window looking into Koko Black. I got to see the bean that chocolate comes from. The chocolate confectioner even came out and talked to us. She comes from Bruge Belgium which is where the premier chocolatiers come from. Then we tried a chocolate that takes three days to make. I wish I had a picture but it was the best things I have ever eaten. It was amazing!

Then we went to Block Arcade to Haigh's Chocolates. We tasted quite a few from this store. At one point the tour leader had us plug our noses for five seconds and then breathe in again. Immediately we could tell a difference between this one and the previous chocolate. This one was orange.Haigh's display window. They had some really cute looking chocolates for christmas. I wish this photo were closer up.


This is from Cacao. We sampled a chocolate from this store that had chili in it. I didn't really like it as much. Look at the color in this chocolate pack. It looks very appetizing.

Then we ended up at Koko Black on Collins Street and ate at the cafe. We had chocolate mousse and a chocolate muffing. Then we got to pick any drink that we wanted.

This is the drink that I picked. I thought what other time in my life am I going to pay $7 for a chocolate drink. It even had ice cream in it, and chocolate shavings on the top. It was very chocolatey but it was fun to get and the presentation was beautiful.

Unfortunately after this, the tour ended. It was a really fun and uniquely Melbourne. I have heard for a long time that I really needed to go on this tour so I finally did it. After this I went to the Melbourne Museum and looked around. Then I caught the bus and went home. I was tending Jamison, my bosses son while they went out.

He was asleep for most of the time that I was there, but we had fun together. I really miss my nieces and nephews, so being with him makes me feel less lonely for them.

Only three more weeks to go before I'm home. I will be going to Perth on Wednesday, so I will have some pictures of beautiful beaches when I get home. Oh and I really hope I don't get terribly sunburned. It will really be fun, to be with my friend Jane on vacation. The last trips that I've been on, I've been by myself. More to come, stay tuned. JK