YHA Metro of Melbourne
Trip Start
Mar 19, 2007
1
11
39
Trip End
Oct 15, 2007
Melbourne,
Australia
Monday, April 2, 2007
Hmm.. well- the YHA. (Youth Hostel of Australia). There are hundreds of them in Australia, some YHA outside of Oz as well. They are well-known for there consistent standard of hygiene :) lol.. Trust me, I've taken a look at some of the other hostels (which many are just dorm rooms on top of a pub), and the YHA is like the hilton comparably! lol.. The rooms are small, BUT- they come complete with linens and a pillow! They are a little more pricey than regular hostels (I've been paying $26 night AU). Since it's Easter holiday here.. everyone is off and travelling the next 4 days.. so the hostel has been packed! Interesting thing is, alot of australians use YHA's to stay in when they travel. You have ur typical backpackers, but u also have a lot of families and travel groups as well. They have good rates for families and groups, so aside from using a public toilet, its actually worth the money you'd save. In fact, I had to check out yesterday at 10am.. but couldnt check back in (to a different room) for 2 hours!! so, I just paid the $2 to put my stuff in a basement locker and took a shower etc while waiting. There is a cafe/eating area open for breakfast and dinner (it costs), a pool table/TV area, and the coolest is this rooftop patio where people have barbeques (and drink alot), or for people like me- I just sit up there reading looking out onto the city.
A walkway of shops!
It's quite beautiful actually. Each floor has a men's/women's restroom and shower area. And a little TV room (with bad reception), and couches and books to read. I had to pay for a membership (Hostelling International Card or YHA for AU residents).. but this will pay itself off in the long haul. :)So, what have I done the last fews days? Well I ran into that crazy scottish man again, and somehow he managed to tag along on my day trip out to St. Kilda beach. It was good company, and I learned quite a few interesting facts about Scottland as well. He was hiring a car to take from here down the great ocean road to Adelaide, and offered to let me tag along for free... BUT, I didn't know if I could handle listening to Scottish jigs the whole 6 days!! Yesterday, I took a free tram into the city, saw a movie in the cinemas, and then managed to walk my way back to the YHA (with the help of a few people of course).. The movies are the same here, EXCEPT, they give u a seat row and number that you are supposed to sit in.. lol.. I didn't of course (silly independent american!), but I've heard that alot of people dont sit in their assigned seat either.
Well, upon my return to the hostel, lo and behold- I ran into the crazy Scottish man again!! Lol.. this time though, he offered to take me out for dinner and wine for my birthday. So yes- when ur a poor and lonely traveller.. free meals just cant be passed up (especially when they are so expensive here!) So we walked to this pizza restaurant and I got my meal for free! :) Afterwards, he wanted to stop into this dodgy hostel pub for a beer.. And so for the next hour I got to find out how Scottish men become very patriotic after a few beers! He sang me their national anthem, some folklore song about the Green Oak tree (that doesnt exist), and proceeded to give me the history on Kilts. So- some things I've learned about Scottish men:
1. Don't call the Kilts Skirts- they're likely to deck ya
2. Scottish men like to drink
3. They have very cool accents
4. If you ever see a Scottish man wearing a kilt- you are suppose to stop and ask him 'Are you a true Scottsman?' If you replies with, 'Would you like to find out for yourself?' Just turn and run!! (Apparently, TRUE scottsman's don't wear anything underneath their kilts!!) lol
Ahhh, the interesting things you learn while travelling!! Well- that's it for now.. Not sure about the news there, but the tsunami that hit the islands northeast of here has been a big deal. No worries, the tsunami didnt hit our shores, but I know it was a concern at least here. Ok- cheers!
Comments
Did you run??
OK Jenny, be honest.
Did you run, or did you stay and look??? -UnD