An Autumn Morning at Fitzroy Gardens

Since it was Good Friday, we decided to go to the city knowing that it's going to be deserted. We drove to Preston and went on the train to Fitzroy Garden near the Jolimont Station. Zade was very excited to ride the train again. He was full of energy, and as soon as we got to the garden he ran and ran especially when he saw birds flying low wit the hope of catching one. It was such a beautiful autumn morning. The garden was quiet and peaceful that we were able to relax and enjoy its beauty.

Werribee Zoo

Despite the gloomy skies, Aileen and I decided to take the kids to Werribee Open Zoo. It took us about half an hour to get there and by the time we arrived it was already 10.30 am. I bought an adult ticket which costs AUD 23.60 but I didn't have to buy one for Zade as admission is free for kids under 4. The ticket price was not too bad as it includes the safari tour which lasted for almost an hour. The zoo has a huge ground but not too many animals. Too bad we couldn't get to see them up close. However, Zade and Keanne had a wonderful time, and the adults did too.


Zade and Keanne having fun


Zade waiting for the bus


The safari bus


With the walking zebra


The real deal


Giraffes


Camel


Lazy hippo


Cheeky meerkat


Sleeping lions


Zade on the trail


In Africa, most human deaths by animals are caused by hippos!

Story Time at Mill Park Library

Mill Park library is about 10 minutes drive from Unimews and about 2 minutes from my camous. The building is just off Plenty Road, and it's pretty hard to miss as it has a fantastic architecture - not what you would expect of a community library. It's quite huge considering it's only meant to serve the local community but I could find more titles at the RMIT library. The one special thing about this library is that it stocks a lot of good books for children and it has a wonderful children's program. Every Friday morning (except during school holidays) the Mill Park library runs story time for babies and kids under 4 years old.

Zade and I have enjoyed going there where there's a lady who sings, dances and reads stories to the children. Each session starts with the "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" song and continues with other songs and nursery rhymes. Children and parents are encouraged to sing and dance along. Then a few stories will be read with much fanfare. Then more singing and dancing, with "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" ending the session.

After story time, Zade usually will go and get a few books to take home with him. Before leaving we usually have a little picnic on the bench outside the library. This is really important, or else Zade will not settle down for the car ride back home. This has been our Friday mornings routine which I really look forward to each week.

Westfield Kids and Paddington Bear

Today Zade joined the Westfield Kids Club. It offers many privileges such as discounts to stores at Westfield and invitations to children's events. One such event is the story time with Paddington Bear which was on today at Westfield Plenty Valley, which is the nearest Westfield in Bundoora. Zade enjoyed the story time, especially when Paddington Bear sang and danced. Good fun.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

I had a chance to visit the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in Dandenong today. The trip was organized by some Malaysian students from La Trobe University which was joined by more than 40 Malasyians altogether. We all met at Barnes Way Apt parking lot around 9.15 am but it was almost a quarter to ten when everyone finally arrived and we started our journey. It took about 1 and half hours to get there. The drive there wasn't so bad, but trying to keep up with almost ten cars was a nightmare. I was glad when we finally arrived at the tulip farm. Here are some pics among the tulips. Too bad not all we're in bloom since it was still early in the season.


Pretty blooms.


Among red tulips.


Sea of pink tulips.


Zade n Qis.

Since we we're fasting, we decided not to join the others to Emerald Lake. By the time we left, I was already exhausted. Driving home took almost three hours. We got lost a few times and had to stop and asked for directions twice. I was so happy when we finally got back on Plenty Road. Home sweet home!

Bundoora Park

The weather has finally turn spring-like, so I thought it would be a good time to take Zade to the park. The Bundoora Park is stone's throw away from my apartment, so getting there wasn't a problem. There's a wildlife reserve and an animal farm, which we decided to spend the day at. The entrance fee was $7.50 and it cost us another $2.50 for a ride around the reserve on a tractor, which I thought was not too bad.


The old tractor, so glad that we didn't have to go on this.

After being in Australia for 6 months, I finally got a chance to see a Kangaroo up close. There were hopping around in groups. I'm so glad that I was in the tractor, which by the way was caged up. There were other animals there, but I'm not sure what they are, I'll find out the next time I go. Anyway it was awesome to see all the animals up close. However I did think the ride was a bit too short.


In the tractor.


See the roos hopping in the background.

Next we took a walk around the animal farm. There were chickens, geese and ducks. Most of the animals roam free which was really nerve wrecking for me. Zade found this exciting. He has never been this close to farm animals before. There were also sheeps, goats, and llamas. Oh there's also a pig. After waliking around, we took a break and feed the little ones. We sat at one of the many picnic tables around. As soon as we started taking the food out, the ducks and geese came around with hope of getting some food. So they end up getting the crumbs off Zade's sandwiches. I'm sure some were covered with cheese, those lucky animals!


Goat.


Llama.


Zade's trying to get the chicken.

Then the most exciting part of the day, we were given bottles to feed the little sheep. They were really hungry. As soon as they saw us with the bottles, they made a beeline. And by the way, one of the little sheep was wearing a jumper. Can you imagine? It was adorable. All in all, not only Zade, but all of us had a great afternoon.


The little sheep in the jumper.


Among the sheeps.