Margo, I feel like I've been talking to Aussies for so long (through my boyfriend and a few other friends) that the nuances of "piss" are ingrained in me and feel quite natural. It comes out when I even talk to Americans here, which confuses the hell out of 'em. :)

Well, just post here if you can. I will make an effort. It's just hard when it's not just me I have to consider, but the time of my friends as well and what they wanna do.

so what do i say when i have to go to the mens room and relieve myself?

Richard - you say "excuse me, where is the toilet (or the mens)". We don't say bathroom here, you may get shown to somewhere you can have a bath, but there will be no loo!

There are about a billion restaurants in Melbourne (well, OK, maybe only a million) and most are good. We are spoilt for choice, you can get Nepalese, Lebanese, Vietnamese, you name it. Southbank has lots of restaurants, Lygon St is a short tram ride from the city and has loads of good restaurants, mostly Italian but also Thai, Greek etc. Also not far from the city and with lots of restaurants, Fitzroy St, St Kilda, Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Smith St, Collingwood. Just go along, have a look at the menus in the window and pick somewhere. In Lygon St there is also a Borders and a Starbucks if you feel homesick.

Australians don't really have a national type of food, we do have lamingtons, pavlovas, vegemite sandwiches, meat pies, fish'n'chips etc etc but most people eat Italian, Thai, Chinese, whatever. You don't see the burgers and club sandwiches on menus here the way you do in America. We have the fast food places like McDonalds, Hungry Jacks/Burger King etc.

When you first arrive, if you want somewhere close by to eat, wander down Little Bourke St which is Chinatown and try the Shark Fin Inn or anywhere else that looks busy. Yum Cha is served in lots of places for lunch and is good value and quick. Or go down Burke St to Pellegrinos which is Italian and has been there forever. Also Rumbarellas across the road.

To get into the city from Melbourne airport, take a cab or catch the Skybus which will be much cheaper but maybe not so convenient. Lots of info on the Melb airport website.

We tend to drive to the wineries but for tours you could try :
www.austwinetourco.com.au
www.yarravalleywinerytours.com.au
www.winetours.com.au

Have a good trip.
Kay

richard - that's when you're going to "have (or take) a piss".

One other thing that would be useful - the Tourist Info in Melbourne is in a glass structure on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Sts, opposite Flinders St Station. Go in, and DOWNSTAIRS for heaps of good info. I specify downstairs because they desperately need some better signage.
Kay

"have (or take) a piss".

That's as opposed to "taking the piss".

Australia - you'll love it. Most varied language anywhere :)

Here's another one for you Richard, more often used by the older Aussie which includes my husband and reminded of on last night's Roy &HG TV show (2 Aussie blokes who "take the piss" out of just about everything). "A piece of piss" is used to describe some ridiculously easy task.

Or piss-easy, for short...

I love this thread! It's amazing to me that Aussies, Poms & Yanks all speak English, yet at times, each variant of English can sound so utterly foreign!

Many Aussie phrases and sayings are confusing to Americans (steak & kidney, she'll be apples, gaol, on ya, back of bourke, etc. etc.) I'm curious if there are any American phrases that are confusing to Australians?

Well I don't know any confusing American phrases but if you ever come to New Jersey you can barely understand what people are saying with that thick Jersey accent.

Anyway, lets get back to telling me about MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY!

Richardab- well as melbournite I can only say the advice for here is spot on. I agree about the Skybus from the airport but a taxi is Ok if pricey. Kay is spot on for her suggestions and yes she has a point about the info centre at Federation Square - it is DOWNSTAIRS in a small glass building on the corner of Flinders/Swanston st. Don't forget in Melbourne the weather can turn quickly so be prepared. I have t say Sydney wins hands down in the pictureque setting contest and is certainly vibrant (and warmer) so that will make a nice contrast to MEL- but each is unique. What more can we say I think if you take half of the suggestions here you will have a full itinerary. Chhers tommo

I know what it is like for the weather to change, I use to live in San Francisco!

1 week to go!

My Australian blog is ready and set up. As you know I will be blogging live from Australia during my trip. Be sure to check it out starting on Wednesday next week (is that Thursday in Australia?)

http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartaustralia

Travel with me!

Richard, just to make sure, you do have your ETA right? Was the airline able to do it for you when you booked? Otherwise you have to apply for it yourself.

Yes, a week to go for me too. Can't wait!

Yes the airline too care of the ETA for me.

Yup, United is good about doing that (they didn't charge, while some airlines said they had to).

Enjoy your first class ride to Oz!

Who else will be following me?

there are laws about "stalking" in Australia :P

I changed my hotel is Sydney.....

I originally planned staying at the Rydges Jamison at about $136 a night but today tried my final attempt at a Priceline.com bid for a 5 star hotel and I received the Sydney Harbor Marriott for only $113 a night (pre-paid, no refunds). I was actually looking forward to staying at the Rydges Jamison, its get such good reviews but the winning bid at the Marriott saves me about $179. That make a difference and I am sure the Marriott is equally as nice.

I checked Marriotts websight and if I booked this room and paid full price it would have cost $2192 (AUS) or US$1709 ($244 a night) !!