Welcome to the jungle (or Melbourne Zoo at least)

The terms 'rain', 'cold' and 'wind' cropped up in the forecast for each of the next several days. As such, we bit the bullet and braced ourselves for a day out at the Zoo. All cashed up, we awaited Tram 55 - collapsible stroller in tow. To our chagrin, the user-friendly tram did not take notes, eftpos, or anything else used in modern society. We were miraculously able to scrape together sufficient change to appease the ticketing machine, avoiding the hypothetical wrath of the tram conductor. Settling in for the trip, I contemplated the tram driver. It appears to be the perfect gig for bus drivers who are tired of interacting with the public, or steering for that matter.

We exited the tram / slot machine at the appropriate stop, and made our way to the Zoo entrance. There was a clear run to the ticketing booth (surprise), where the lady wore a faintly apologetic expression (a 'you should have been here yesterday - when there was no wind-burn' look).


A card-carrying pessimist - I was pleasantly surprised at just how enjoyable the day turned out to be. There were sufficient wind-breaks and undercover sections to allow a decent viewing of the entire zoo. We were able to get up close and personal with each of the main exhibits.

The Martin children demonstrating a lesser known component of primate grooming.

Had he a more developed cerebal cortex, this tiger would be cursing the inventor of glass panels.

A lovely stand of Kniphofias, oh and some Giraffes and partially-soaked Martin children.

Before leaving later in the day, we stocked up on about 5 kilograms of gold coins. Aboard the good old Tram 55, we watched knowingly as a rookie tourist couple stared disparingly at the ticket machine. "It doesn't take paper?". Jen was able to provide them with the necessary change - seasoned professional.

After returning to our room, we caught on the news that the temperatures were low indeed, and the winds off the Victorian coast were equivalent to a Category 3 cyclone. Nice. Oh, and throw in a small earthquake. Melbourne, you know how to throw out the welcome mat. Funny thing is - we had a blast.