Easter in Bendigo

Trip Start Mar 19, 2007
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Trip End Oct 15, 2007


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Monday, April 9, 2007

Ok, so I'm writing this entry a little late, but heaps has gone on since my birthday. In Australia, when you have a holiday- usually it is from Friday to Monday (which is great for aussies and bad for travellers looking for a place in a hostel!) So Friday I took a two hour train ride to the 'country' town of Bendigo.  It's about 100,000 people and just an interesting city you wouldn't normally visit.  I was lucky enough to stay with a fellow named Shane (whom I'd met a week earlier).  Most of the weekend was spent with he and his best mate Michael, although I did get to meet a few of his other aussie friends as well.  I had a fabulous time though and Shane is definitely a true blue aussie (accent and all!). 
So let's see- a quick rundown of all that I did.  My first night, I had my first aussie fish and chips (french fries we call em).  They were greasy, but yummy and something you see alot of here in au.  I saw almost alll there was to see in Bendigo over the course of a weekend bendigo fountain
bendigo fountain
 .  The city centre, lake, shopping malls, easter carnival that was in town, Chinese garden, and botanical park (forgot the real name).  We went and saw two movies at the cinema, one was an american film Shooter, and the other was a really funny british comedy.  We saw Michael's friends band perform, had a real pub meal (yummy fish yet again!). Also saw my first Kmart, ate this yummy cherry coconut chocolate bar that's popular here, and had my first bag of twisties. (This is a weird version of cheetos only with different flavorings. Apparently, kids are brought up on the stuff here).  OH, and yes- I finally tried Vegemite!  Shane made lovely toast with just enough to make it tasty.. so, my suggestion- if any of you want to try vegemite.. DON'T try it alone!! lol.. I watched a footy match on TV (well part of one), ate at Quiznos, and saw this really popular lake which has dwindled down to a pond because of the drought.  Again,  I don't mean to mention it so much, but it is quite a big deal out here :( And if you look at the pictures, you'll see what I mean.  The lake (which is there main source of water in Bendigo) has practically disappeared :(  Anyways, Shane was a wonderful host and I had heaps of fun.  Finally on Monday, we spent the day watching the easter parade (which tons of people come to Bendigo to watch). It boasts the longest chinese dragon in the world.. quite impressive, eh ;)  I saw a buddhist temple, and the building of one that will be the largest (when its complete) in the western world. Finally though, I had to leave Bendigo on Monday and catch the boring train ride home!
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