Diane's Big Adventure Downunder

Best mate, Diane Mehling, works for Borders Book Store and came to
Melbourne to whip the folks down here into shape. We tried to entertain her,
but I think she entertained us more than we did her. What a lovely house guest!

Brekki on Acland Street in St. Kilda at The Benedykt.

More brekki pictures at I'm Peckish (Aussie for hungry).

At Chinta Blues in St. Kilda, outrageous Malaysian food.
Diane with fellow saxaphonist. The next five pictures are at this fantastic place.

Lady Di and me about to dive in.

Diane and the Speedster primed for gluttony.

Laksa Queen, Dr. Speed

The horrid aftermath of breaking a deadly sin.

One night we went for dessert at Professor Greg Kolt's abode
(Diane covets his house something fierce). The bastard is moving to Kiwi Land.

Diane, Dr. Stephanie Hanrahan, and Professor Kolt
(what a rooter!--in joke for Aussies).

Blackmail material, Diane drinking out of a cat mug at Professor Kolt's.

An evening of Paella at the Matador in Fitzroy. The restaurant is in
the Robert Burns Hotel, sort of a Scottish-Spanish juxtaposition.

Diane's favourite menu at Chichio's on Fitzroy Street in St. Kilda.

Her job done, Diane relaxes with some of the Borders Babes

Now what is Harry Connick, Jr. doing here? Glad you asked.
While Diane was auditing Borders in Melbourne,
Harry was there to sign his new CD. Mark, being a huge fan
since the movie "Memphis Belle" got an autograph.

Harry signing.

After the signing, the whole sick crew went out for Greek food.

What a totally cute couple going Greek. Diane found Cascade Lager
and got religion. One of the best beers in the world from Tasmania.

The girls at the Greek restaurant.

Calamari and Dolmades at the Greek restaurant.
Diane with her Cascade Lager addiction.

Diane at Acland Street Cellars, which has the best collection of
international beers (over 300 different types) in all of Melbourne.
Holding a slab (read "case") of Victoria Bitter, the peoples' beer.

Doing Laundry in St. Kilda before going home (she didn't want to leave, trust me).

One last picture for Lady Di. There are more things in heaven and earth
than are deamt of in Diane's philosophy (but not much).

Calvin takes Diane home to Ohio, or at least to the homepage.