05.31.10

So we are down to the wire. Last night we started to pack our 75 liter back packs. We will be leaving quite a few things behind! We still dont know what we will do with the stuff we arent bringing. For now we will keep them stored at Len and Jennys. We did over pack, but its nice that we are at least able to make a decision on what to bring and what to leave. We come back to Melbourne for the last weekend in November, so we can switch out some clothes then, or maybe just ship everything we want to keep, back home.
Getting the backpack on your shoulders is the hard part, but once its on, it isnt so bad. We didnt compromise on the quality of our bags, so they are well padded and have an excellent harness system. The belts around the waist and chest help keep the bag from pulling down on your shoulders. It is just strange to have this extra weight on your back!
We made our last walk to Epping Plaza where we bought a few last things for the thank you gifts we made for each of the 1st cousinsand of course Zia Antonia. We also grabbed some materials so that we can rig some wheels onto the backpacks. Why carry it on your back if you can pull it like luggage? I am not sure if that is considered cheating in the backpackers manual, but Id like to think its a smart alteration. If they made more backpacks with wheels already on them, we would have bought it, but we couldnt find a good quality pack with wheels, and we didnt want to compromise on all the other important features of a good pack, ya know? Im keeping my fingers crossedJohn is installing them right now. Hopefully it works out!
Luckily, we ended off the night with an incredible dinner at Zias. Ivana is back in town to help look after Zia for the week. She prepared us spaghetti, potatoes and carrots, asparagus omelet, red peppers and peas, sausage and fresh bread. It was delicious. Everyone keeps teasing that its our last proper meal. We have been eating so well that we each have easily put on 5 pounds since we have been here. We dont mind though, we will need the extra nourishment when we start the hardcore traveling. Plus, I love food so you never have to ask me twice to eat!
Other good news is that John is FINALLY on his last pack of cigarettes. YIPPEE!! He says that once we land in Brisbane, we wont buy another pack. This is it for him, and I am SOO excited! I am proud that he stepping up to the challenge to quite. Above and beyond all the health reasons to quite; we simply cant afford it. Its 16 bucks a pack out here! Just way too much. That is our meals for the day, and I am just glad that he is ready to make that sacrifice.
Well this is it Melbourne. Thanks so much for your warm hospitality and friendly faces. We loved spending time with you!