Colin, Abby, and I left with the grocery crew this morning and Wayne dropped us off after the Aldi stop. Ballina Airport was a little bigger than Hiton Head Airport, but still only one gate, one terminal, one snack shop. We got there a little early and there were no check-in staff available so we played some Egyptian Ratscrew before checking in. Then we took our backpacks (the only thing we brought this weekend was a backpack since the airlines we were flying only allowed 10kg of weight and one carry-on item, we packed light). Security went so fast though----again I didn't have to take my shoes off or even remove food or water. My bags were through the x-ray before I was even through--it was really speedy. Our plane was delayed so we waited an additional half hour then boarded. The plane was not full at all so we all got to spread out. The plane ride went really well---I ate the turkey sandwich I packed and then took a nap for the rest of the flight. I woke up during the descent which was very slow--very harsh landing--had to pop my ears for about 20 minutes---the longest descent I have ever experienced.
During the flight we had an interesting passenger---his suitcase weighed too much to begin with so he had to repack in the check-in line while arguing with the desk staff about the weight requirement. Then he was arguing with the flight attendants about the emergency exit (about the diagram being off on the pamphlet) which is where he was seated. Then I guess he started harassing and threatening with another guy across the aisle so the attendants asked him to move back a few rows. He argued a lot but eventually moved and then stood up and spit on the guy he was arguing with. He was only 2 rows in front of me now and I was just appalled. So the flight attendants came back and reprimanded him. They also decided to move him to the front of the plane even though the plane was already descending. He was escorted off the plane once landed by 2 police officers and held behind for charges. This is the most drama I have seen on a plane ever--poor flight attendants--the male attendant did an exceptional job dealing with him though.
Once we landed, we got an airport shuttle to out hostel, Ritz Backpackers. I really liked this hostel---very clean, had a hangout area, kitchen, our room was a double bed which we all shared, and a wardrobe and a couple end stands. The hostel was smaller than most so the staff was very personal and helpful! Once we checked in we decided to find some food and walk around town. It was a bit chillier in Melbourne--everyone I saw was wearing pants and jackets. Unfortunately I only packed shorts and one pair of capris so I sported them all day with a jacket too. We walked down to Chapel Street, passing some trams--there are trams all over Melbourne--the trams go along wires which take-over the the center of the roads and intersections.
Chapel street had tons of shops, restaurants, bizarres, and lots of European looking clothing and shoe shops. We ended up eating at MadMex--Mexican fast-food place like Chipotle back in Chicago. I had Kids Nachitos--basically a taco salad I made it. The chicken was a bit spicy for me but very tasty. I felt like we were back in the U.S. here in Melbourne---lots of traffic, shopping, dining, everyone in jeans in jackets--felt like a fall afternoon in the city. I really liked Melbourne and even a little more-so than Sydney. It was easier to navigate because this city is made up of legitimate blocks which we could easily read on a map and find our way around. After eating we went back to the hostel to hangout for a bit.
We decided that night to go to Base backpackers where the party that night was at which was about a 10-15 min walk. It was a bit chillier now, but Base was neat to see. Tonight was wet t-shirt night and also neon paint night. Everyone had paint all over their faces and bodies--loud music roaring. We received a free vodka and lemonade (which is sprite here) and hung out for about an hour. We were tired from the flight and needed sleep for a full day of walking tomorrow so we went back around 11. We all shared the bed and were out within minutes.
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