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.

AIR ASIA is Flying to Melbourne

I am so excited that AIR ASIA is finally flying to Melbourne from Kuala Lumpur. Tickets were on sale beginning yesterday, and I got a one-way ticket to Kuala Lumpur for AUD$255. It's soooo cheap, that I bought it eventhough I have bought a return ticket from MAS just last month. Now I have two tickets to go home. Yeah yeah.

Numdaji Kwei

Zade has been accepted at Numdaji Kwei after being on the waiting list for 4 months. It is a non-profit community based child care centre at RMIT East Campus. Initially I intended to send Zade there next year, but I was told that I might lose the spot if I didn't take it now. The fee is AUD 38 for half a day, AUD 59 for full day and AUD 250for a week. I didn't really want to send Zade there just yet because I think his far too young, but I desperately need to secure the place for next year. So I decided to go ahead and booked for half a day each Monday.

We started with a three day orientation. On the first day Zade and I was shown around the centre and met all the staff. We were introduced to the carers in the babies room where Zade will be placed. Leigh Ann and Rose were very nice and friendly. On the second a day, I stayed with Zade for lunch. I requested halal food for Zade, and there wasn't any problem as they provide halal food for other muslim children there as well. They try to cater for different types of dietery requirements. On the last day, I left Zade for an hour and waited in the staff lounge. The orientation went well.

However, when I left him for his first day, he cried and clinged to me. It was just so heartbreaking. He was still crying on and off when I called an hour later. I left him there for only a few hours. When I came back to pick him up he just cried out for me. I'm really sorry Zade. I hope it will get better in time.


Zade still sleepy


First day of orientation


Numdaji Kwei building


Going in the gate


Numdaji Kwei


Rose and Leigh Ann


Zade after the 1st day on his own at Numdaji Kwei

Alamaro

Neezam and Julie invited us to join them for dinner at Alamaro's in Coburg. The food and ambience there was quite nice. Maybe we'll go there again when Danial comes to visit.


The lasagna was just ok, I've had better.


Seafood steak.


Fettucine Alfredo


My steak diavola was really nice.

Car

After a week of searching I finally got myself a new baby, a 1996 Ford Mondeo. We tried looking at trading post but no luck. Then we tried used car dealers along Plenty Road near Preston. We found a car which suited our budget. After a little bargaining we paid AUD4200 for the car which included RWC, Rego for another 11 months and one year spare part warranty. I think it's a pretty good deal.

University Mews

This is our new home. It's small but quite comfortable. I like the fact that it has security access. For new students coming from overseas, I would highly reccommend this place. I booked from Malaysia, and came straight here from the airport. It's fully furnished which makes life easier. The rent is slightly expensive but I think it's worth it.


Living room


Bedroom


Front entrance


University mews