After two days on Phillip Island, hanging out with the koalas and the wallabies we are headed back to Melbourne. Unpredictable weather prevented us from camping, but we were able to score two nice studios on the island that kept us dry. The first night we stayed in Cowes in a room only allotted for two guests. When Dave went to return the key on Thursday morning he found the hotel manager sitting behind the front desk in
an orange safety vest. There was no construction on the property. Maybe he loves orange? Maybe he considers hospitality management to be a dangerous job? Who knows. As Dave set the key on the desk, the man peered up at him and scuffled, “Thanks mate, but I notice there’s a discrepancy in your room … I’ll have to charge you an extra twenty dollars.” Apparently that discrepancy was me. Allison Cherrette, “The Discrepancy”. Dave and Lindsay have been referring to me as such ever since. I figure, if nothing else, it will be a great nickname if I ever get casted on Jersey Shore.
On night two we found an awesome little place on the beach. There was a mini kitchen, a beautiful patio, a small garden and gum trees galore. Plus, the cute little islander couple welcomed us with open arms. I got the impression that, to them, I was more than just a little American discrepancy. After settling in our new abode Lindsay and I headed to the koala reserve. There were birds, koalas, wallabies and butterflies everywhere, but Lindsay had her mind focused on another Aussie creature. Poisonous Snakes. She is deathly afraid of them. As we made our way through the reserve on a well maintained path she continued to glance in every direction, scoping out the grasslands. She jumped over twigs, sprinted through thicker areas of brush and screeched as the wind made slithering noises in the grass. I have never been too afraid of wildlife; though, I must admit, by the end of our little hike her paranoia was rubbing off on me.
Just after our koala adventure a huge storm swept through. Hard Rain. Lightening. Thunder. My favorite! We watched the show from the shore before ducking into a local pub for cider and beer. Cider, beer and wine. The only beverages worth ordering in a bar down under. After some discussion, Dave finally explained to me why my drinks were so weak in New Zealand. Apparently it’s regulated. Bartenders, technically, can’t serve mixed drinks with more than 30mL of alcohol in them. 30mL, equivalent to only 3/4 of a shot. 30mL for $8.50. I will gladly enjoy the rest of my time here sans vodka.
When the storm finally passed, we had full intentions of going to the Penguin Parade, where thousands of penguins can be viewed venturing back to the shore after a day of fishing. Phillip Island is famous for this tourist attraction, but after dinner and a few drinks at our beachside studio we decided that an ocean sunset would suffice. There may not have been penguins, but I was far from disappointed. Tonight, upon returning to the house we are going to quickly destinkify ourselves, change out of our beach attire and scoot to the city to meet their friend Lachie for some “bees”, Australian for beers.
Day 9,541. Off to the city we go …
Cherrettie
Forever Paisley 
Express yourself …