So it's it's a return to blue skies today as I'm back in Melbourne!
Had a quick look around the small ANZ Banking Museum. Situated in the Gothic-styled ANZ bank the museum provides a brief history of the bank, along with various examples of early banking machines (mainframe consoles, manual adding machines, etc) and many of the piggy banks issued by the bank over time. Quite good for a quick visit as it can be done easily in about 30 minutes, and entry is free.
Next had a wander over to the MCG. First had a tour of the ground; although certain areas were off-limits today due to some state cricket final. They were just finishing the presentations as the tour started in front of a packed crowd of about 10 people (the ground seats around 100,000). The tours are run by volunteers from the MCC's members, so perhaps not as polished as the tour at the Sydney Olympic Stadium, but you still get to see the ground and behind the scenes.
The MCG is also home to the National Sports Museum. You can easily spend a day here, especially if you take the audio tour which is included in the entry fee and stop at every listening point. Sadly, I was a little late arriving so had to rush the MCC part of the museum and missed the interactive part of the museum. I also failed to find the Shane Warne hologram!
Now back in Federation Square abusing the free wifi and enjoying a beer. I forget what it is, but I will find out! Just deciding if I'm brave enough to try the 11%er I spotted on the bar!
Update: 1820
The current beer is Mountain Goat's Organic Steam Beer.
Update: 1840
The 11%er has been ordered. Just waiting for them to change the keg! The beer is an Aussie-brewed Belgian-style beer called Imperious from the Murray's brewery. At AUD14 a not-a-pint glass it'd better be good!
Update: 1845
Actually, that's not bad! It's a bit like the Durham Brewery's "Temptation" insofar as you know it's alcoholic, but it doesn't taste ad strong as you'd expect. You don't get the same sensation as with a similar strengthen wine. Instead it's got quite a full body; you almost feel like you should be eating it. Quite yeasty in flavour, but the finish is fairly floral and hop-ish. I feel a need for dark chocolate with it!
Don't expect any coherent updates till tomorrow!
Update: 2000
Nearly forgot food! Found a place that sounds right up my street... The Meat & Wine Co! Decided to go for the kangaroo fillet, medium rare. Been advised to go for a Pinot for the wine. Big glass, but not that full! Just waiting for the food to arrive. Just noticed the knife... I'm scared! Blade must be a good inch in width and 4 or 5 inches in length. I'm sure it'd be classed as a lethal weapon anywhere else :-/
Update: 2030
Kangaroo + Pinot + garlic bread = something words can't describe without sounding like Homer Simpson! I will find out exactly what the wine was. Back to the hotel now for a coffee and bed now me thinks! Or maybe fond somewhere on the way back for a night-cap!