We are very sorry for the lack of blogs which will occur over the next few days but we can't get the WiFi to work on our devices.

Today we are in Melbourne and we have had a busy time. This morning we went up to the local community multicultural event. It was held on the high street and involved lots of local groups. We heard some Japanese drumming but sadly arrived too late to see it! We did hear the local primary school children singing (took me back a few years!) and I stood as far away as possible from some snakes that you could "pet". Steve and John had their photos taken wearing some silly headware!

North Balwyn Primary School singers

Some chap in a wig with Pharoah

Then we went over to see Anthony's house. Anthony is one  John and Joan's sons and he lives near to them. Since we were last here he has bought a new house and we enjoyed seeing this.

From there we took the tram into Melbourne and after a sushi lunch, we went to the Chinese Museum. There we were able to take part in a Chinese tea ceremony and then looked round the museum. It exhibits the largest parade dragon in the world, which is used for Chinese New Year and other festivities in Melbourne.

Chinese lady preparing green tea

Head of the longest parade dragon in the world

Our final venue was the Melbourne National Art Gallery. We had a quick cup of tea in the member's lounge, as Joan and John are members and then we just had time to go round the Japanese gallery and a quick ride on the golden mirror carousel before closing time.

The forecast for today had said temperatures of low 30s but the day had started rather cool and only by late afternoon did it feel anywhere approaching the predicted high. However it did improve from being very cloudy to sunny and then after we had had dinner we had a thunderstorm! It has rained heavily ever since and is still raining as I write!

You may be wondering why Barack Obama is in today's blog -
well he is actually in our bedroom! Or at least a cardboard cutout is! I think he was brought back from the USA by Graham (Joan and John's other son). We share this room with other interesting features including a baptismal font!