It’s been more than two months since I embarked on my grand adventure. And since then I’ve met and stayed with two lovely families and explored Canberra and Tasmania. So despite the autumn chill, I made my way back to my home state. But before going back to bebe, I couldn’t resist an invitation from my friends Riley and Kyan. They promised me sightseeing and celebrations around Melbourne and I can’t wait to tell you what I have been up to.

Our first destination in the city was Federation Square. I was told that exciting things always take place here and today was no exception! We saw a unicyclist who also juggled some swords. How clever of him!  A documentary film called “The First Australians” was also being shown on the Square’s giant screen. We were so fascinated by the story, and although parts of it were sad, we learnt how important it is to value and remember our history.

After watching, we had a bit of a rest. I saw a group of fellow birds playing together. They looked a little different from me, so I was a bit shy to go over and make friends. But I was oh so happy when they said hi and asked me to play with them!

We had so much fun playing hide and seek (I think I picked a pretty good spot where I can hide!)  I even pretended to lay this egg! Everyone thought it was such a hoot!

As we continued to explore the city streets, I saw how vibrant the culture and arts scene in Melbourne is. Everywhere we went, we saw masterpieces both old and new.

But what would a day in the city be without good food and wine? After all, Melbourne IS the food capital of Australia. So off we went to a going-away dinner.  Dale and Maria even asked me if I wanted to go home with them!   When the night drew to a close, everyone got sad because we all had to say goodbye to Marianne and Carmela. You see, they are also flying off to their own adventure in Paris! They also said that if I visit the city, I am most welcome to stay with them. Hmmm… I should plan for that!

The days and weeks passed by and before I knew it, winter had officially arrived.  It was almost time for me to head home. And my host family did not want me to fly as it was too cold out.

In keeping with my quest for adventure, they taught me how to use public transport.  Getting around Melbourne even without a car is quite easy!

During the ride, I gave up my seat to allow an elderly lady to sit. I was quite happy to stay perched for the rest of the journey. After all, it is the “p-owl-ite” thing to do.  I am quite excited to return home. I will surely miss Riley and Kyan, but the adventure must go on!

Hello again friends,

From the Nation’s Capital I made the long trek down to Hobart, at the very bottom of the country, to visit my next family and boy, did I have fun!  Not as much sightseeing this time (it was a bit cold, and I don’t really like the rain), but I did get to hang out a lot with my new friends.

Thomas and Stella took me to Auskick, which is the Australian Football League’s introductory program for primary school aged kids to football. Nationwide, there are about 160,000 kids who participate, and here where Thomas and Stella attend there are about 40 of those.

I watched them run around and have fun on a chilly Sunday morning, and learnt a bit about how to pass the ball by handballing.  Not that useful to me, however (no hands and all), but definitely fun to watch!

I got to help take Stella to school one day, and she was very excited to introduce me to her friends and her teacher.  Ollie, Charlie and I had a bit of a play on the playground as we left - that slide was the best!

The children also took me to their grandparents house one weekend, and we went for a walk past the Cadbury factory (mmm, mmm!) and had a bit of a play in the surrounding parkland.  Nanna even took our photo with Freddo Frog!

After a farewell tea party, it’s now time to make my way north again - here the leaves have fallen off the trees, and the mountain overlooking the city will soon be dusted with snow, so they tell me.  Hobart was great, but off to my next adventure I go.

See you again soon,

Owl.

Well, I’ve arrived! I had a long flight from Melbourne to Canberra and my little wings are exhausted! I’ve come all this way to find my host, Baby A, sound asleep. Maybe if I stare at him long enough he’ll wake up? “Come on Baby! We’ve got sightseeing to do!”

Time to get some energy for my big day out. They sure love they’re coffee in the house I’m staying in, so I thought I’d better try some. Think I’ll forget my Owl diet and indulge in a decadent piece of cake.

They tell me Autumn in Canberra is the nicest time of the year, and I think they’re right. Here I am at Lake Burley Griffin on a beautiful blue sky day. Behind me is the Carillion and the offices where a strange, indoor species called “public servants‘ dwell.

I’m a very wise and well read Owl, so think I’ll be right at home at the National Library of Australia.

Could this be one of the politicians that roam freely in Canberra? Cold, made of stone and beady eyed…..must be.

Gee, the other side of the lake is where all the action is. There’s old and new Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon. Maybe those nice people getting their exercise will give me a ride?

I think I’ll just have a little rest before heading to my next adventure. This tree feels just like home.

It’s Anzac Day on Sunday, so I thought I’d pay my respects to the Diggers here at the War memorial.

Canberra sure gets a bad rap from all my owl buddies back home, but I think it’s great. It’s full of history and culture, good food, great coffee (my host family has a café, so I have to say it’s THE BEST coffee), and just as many things to do as in the big cities. And the best part, it only takes 20 minutes to get anywhere and there aren‘t a million other people trying to get there too! I’ll be back, but there’s more of Australia to explore………

Well, well, well here I am at home in a cot safe and sound in bebe’s Melbourne store, but curiousity is getting the better of me and I think it is time for my own personal adventure. They call this a “tram”. As my wings are not too flash it is my chosen mode of transportation. People seem to get-gone alot in trams. Let’s see where it takes me . . .

I’ve arrived ! Now who is this little person peering around the corner? She moves around a lot and she does seem interested in me,  perhaps even a little suspicious (the hands on the hips say it all)

Wow this place has loads of interesting things and has me feeling at home as it’s DwellStudio-ed to the max. I like a mirror that is as big as I like to think I am.

Being an Owl I was hoping to climb up in that tree but it is not like any tree I’ve ever seen before, and there is Little Miss “H” as everyone keeps calling her, she can’t keep her hands of me - she is only human afterall.

I found this map and was hoping it may give a clue as to where I am. Let’s see… I took a left at the far blob and then a sharp right . . .

These folks sure do like their owls. Perhaps its some sort of Appreciation Society, or Owl Homestay.  Watch this space…