American-Australian relations - July 3, 2006

I spent my last full final day wandering the streets of Melbourne where I met up with Hutchy to buy a couple souvenirs. Being something of a local music connoisseur, Hutchy and I went to pick up CDs of bands I wouldn't be able to locate at home. Three CDs later we headed for dim sum in Chinatown. It was a great way to end my time with him.

Later that evening, the American Consulate hosted an event for ex-pats, Australian officials and special guests. My friend Bob's uncle is the Consul General and so I was invited to attend as Bob's guest.

After we finished the event, Navin, a Fulbright scholar at the event, as well as Steve and Andy joined Bob and me to head to my favorite dumpling spot. We enjoyed the steamed dumplings and soups before saying our goodbyes.

Steve drove me to Aidan's house, my refuge in my final days in Australia. He also took me to the airport the next morning, after a quick stop at Kim's house to leave behind useful things for her that I could not and did not want to take home with me.

Steve waited with me at the airport and we talked as I waited for McD's to switch the menu from brekkie to lunch so I could have a cheeseburger - a necessary food item after our long evening and before starting my long journey home... I only had a couple dollar coins left, so I couldn't afford much, but I had enough to get the burger. It's sad now to think back that McD's was my last meal in Aussie... too bad it wasn't a kangaroo burger.