My sneaky getaway

I’m writing this blog immediately after reading an article by Lana Hirschowitz about the perils of Australia’s drinking culture and how much it saddens her.

And I’m feeling a little guilty: most of the photographs I took during my blog break involved alcohol.

My excuse is that I needed shots to populate my work (drinks trade) Instagram feed.

I’m not sure that’s a great excuse.

I was also escaping for a few days with DD.

Also not entirely the best excuse.

But it’s done, it was fun, so I might as well do a show and tell.

Life is a bit full on right now with family and work pressures, so we ran away to Melbourne.

The pressures of real life still crept in a little, but having some one-on-one time was lovely.

I’ve realised I got so caught up in taking photos for my work Instagram that I didn’t take any selfies, so my gallery is a little boring, but each photo fills you in on a bit of our trip, so give them a click.

A thousand apologies to my Melbourne friends I didn’t see. Next time, I promise!

My first visit to the MCG … with a glass of Chandon!

A glass of chardy at the Intercontinental.

I did catch up with one person in Melbourne – my sister-in-law – it’s so lovely we’ve stayed close through everything. We had the most amazing lunch at Gazi and laughed and talked for hours over delicious Greek food and wine.

The amazing ceiling at Gazi is hung with hundreds of terracotta pots.

The beef souvlaki was incredible – with chips in it!

The spit roasted chicken with white beans and walnut sauce was divine.

Loved the roast corn with popcorn and tarama.

DD and I went for a wander at Southbank one night.

A glass of rose at Bellota.

Gorgeous oysters with raspberry granita at a bar called Hercules Morse.

Chardy at Hercules Morse.

I thought DD was taking a photo of his wine but he snapped me as well, thought I’d better include one shot with a person in it!

We had brekkie at Richmond Hill cafe. My choice was betroot cured salmon with fried cauliflower!

DD had a chorizo, pearl cous cous and tomato dish.

We hired bikes and pedalled along the Yarra for an hour.

A farewell glass of champers in the business class lounge.

Song of the day: Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel “Don’t give up”