Wine and Spirits Travel

My two weeks in the Australia state of Victoria were filled with mostly tennis at the Australian Open .  The budget for this trip was tight and last minute cancellation of plans because of Oprah’s trip draining the economy here made it even tighter. I did get to see quite a bit of the city while I was hotel hopping, walking and taking the tram to Melbourne Park for the tennis matches, but I didn’t go to any restaurants or clubs -- with one exception. I had one night out at a Melbourne club, The Long Room , with the press crew from the Australian Open.  It was one of the many perks Tennis Australia provided us with and I am most appreciative.  It was a nice to enjoy a bit of Melbourne nightlife, especially with my follow writers, broadcasters and photographers.  I then got a good night sleep and spent my last day in the city walking around Chinatown and the Greek section of the city, enjoying a Spinach Pie for lunch before heading to the Australian Open for the final match. I

I had mentioned to the Webbers, owners of De Bortoli Wine , that I was interested in going to the Healesville Animal Sanctuary and the next thing I knew Leann was on the phone making arrangements for my visit!  I didn’t mind taking a little wine break to play with some of Australia’s native animals. The Steve and Leanne picked me up first thing in the morning from Chateau Yering .  I had enjoyed my stay there but was excited to see Australia's animals. Along the way they told me about the local produce market, led by apples and cherries, and pointed out some of the 70 local wineries in this area.  We also drove straight through the town of Healesville , full of cafes, small hotels, a brewery, stores and restaurants. At the Healesville Animal Sanctuary, my day was planned and guided by John and John, who are among the 65 staff and 260 volunteer guides at this massive zoo.  Between the two of them they knew everything there was to know about the sanctuary and the animals and bir