Sandridge Beach in Port Melbourne... from this calm little beach we walked west towards the Webb Dock East container terminal. The giant blue cranes are operated by Victoria International Container Terminal Ltd (often  called VICT)., Australia's first fully automated container terminal.

From this track we were able to get up close to the cranes and watch the trucks coming and going with containers...quite amazing how quickly it was all happening. At the end of the track is the Sandridge Lookout.

...amazing views across Port Philip Bay...

...and beautiful views of the city on this lovely sunny day...

Walking back to the car....

Pete, Monty and I enjoyed the walk and the sunshine ....

This evening, Pete and I attended the Australian Ballet's production of Romeo and Juliet at the Regent Theatre on Collins Street.

The theatre is awesome...it is an historic former picture palace built in 1929. It was closed in 1970 and then restored and reopened in 1996 as a live theatre on Collins Street. 

....above the stage....

Orchestra Victoria played Prokofiev's wonderful music for the ballet Romeo and Juliet...they played beautifully...

The ballet itself was captivating, the dancing superb and the costumes extraordinary. I pinched these few photos from the internet...

It was an outstanding production, probably the most enjoyable live theatre I've ever seen. 

We caught the train to town and the return home,,,,nice and warm in the trains...The "RISING" sign rising above the clocks at Flinders Street Station is for RISING, Melbourne's major winter arts, music, and performance festival.

 

A street in the suburb, Seddon...loved the trees...

...and the quaint houses...

We met Margaret for brunch at this amazing Turkish cafe, Advieh.....great food and friendly staff.

We had a short walk afterwards ...

Pete and I enjoyed catching up with Margaret and are so pleased that she is feeling more at home in Melbourne.

 

Jeremy and Paul came over for dinner this evening...great to have so much time together and catch up on all their news. Monty enjoyed their company too...

 

Today was Jeremy's birthday....we met him for brunch at one of his local cafes ....South of Johnson, on Oxford street in Collingwood. Absolutely fabulous cafe, warm and cosy inside and delicious food. 

We all had a wonderful evening at Julie Restaurant in Abbotsford Convent ....again sensational food ...Pete and I have been there before and we were once again so impressed with the food and the service. So nice for us to be together for Jeremy's birthday.

 

A little chill in the air but no rain...off on a walk with Monty...

Walking in Newport Lakes Reserve which is only a 5 minute walk from Chris and Michelle's....absolutely beautiful parkland...there is a large area where dogs are not allowed (even if they are on a lead). Pete and I hope to explore that area on another day.

 

Pete and I arrived in Melbourne today, we will be staying for a couple of weeks. We are keeping Juno and Monty company while Chris and Michelle are in London. Juno has become very friendly and affectionate since we saw her last.

Monty is always pleased to see us...such a happy dog.

 

8am at City Beach this morning...winter is wonderful, no crowds....

I feel so lucky to have these lovely ladies as friends ...we all love the beach, the walk and then the swim    (which is sometimes just a frolic in the wash of the big waves).