Intro to Melbourne and environs

Three full days and we're getting acclimated to Australia and enjoying the wonderful hospitality of Susan's brother David and his wife Beth.  The weather just before our arrival was VERY hot (>30C), but it has been quite pleasant so far for us, with a few minor showers that have had no effect on our activities.  We have also done well in recovering from jet lag and are now on a regular sleep schedule.
We've spent quite a bit of time so far in the immediate neighborhood before starting the hard core touring.  We've been along Chapel Street (a commercial street within easy walking distance) several times, explored the Prahran Market (similar to a permanent farmer's market fish mongers, butchers, green grocers, delis, etc.) and had breakfast with our nephew Andrew, niece Thea and her boyfriend Tristan.  We had not seen Andrew and Thea since William and Erin's wedding in 2011 and it was great to catch up a bit.

Andrew, Thea and Tristan at restaurant on Chapel St.

On Saturday afternoon, we were introduced to Melbourne public transit and took the train downtown.  Even on a Sat, you don't worry about schedule--simply show up.  Trains run about every 30 min (and trams even more frequently).  We then walked most of the afternoon, wending our way from Fitzroy Gardens to the Docklands area.  Before leaving the park, we visited the "oldest house in Australia."  In fact, it predates the European discovery of Australia since it is the house of Capt. Cook's (discoverer of Australia) parents which was moved from England and reconstructed in Melbourne.  (It is actually somewhat similar stylistically to the stone houses of Cornish miners in Mineral Point.)

Capt Cook house

We then wandered toward the Yarra River, passing by the Melbourne Cricket Grounds and the tennis center where the Australian Open takes place.  The walk towards the city center included the speakers corner (a free speech zone with raised mounds of dirt or stone for dissenters, anarchists, socialists, cranks and kooks to pontificate to their heart's content;

A kook and a crank arguing a fine point

similar to the one in Hyde Park, London, if you have been there), several installations of public art and beautiful views of the Melbourne skyline.

Art along the Yarra with skyline

The skyline is littered with construction cranes perched at the 20- or 30-floor level as new buildings sprout up.  Even on a Sat (albeit New Year's Eve), the city was very much alive and vibrant with young folks, families and geezers like us enjoying the day.  After walking about 3 mi or so (my estimate), we caught the train home and had kabobs off the barbie.
Sunday was a quieter day of rest with teaching colleagues of David invited over for dinner and the afternoon.  One thing that is certainly nice in Australia is the ability to casually listen to and participate in conversations without struggling with language (at least most of the time!).  It was a great afternoon and we finished the day with a hilarious Aussie movie entitled "The Castle."  If you like quirky comedy, it comes highly recommend even though I'm sure I missed many subtleties.
Monday was the start of serious touring.  David and Beth took us to the Healesville Sanctuary about an hour and a half northeast of Melbourne.  It is essentially a zoo, but also does a lot of work rehabbing injured animals and breeding endangered species.  The great thing about this zoo for us was that it was 100% Australian animals.  We didn't quite finish everything, but saw most all of the popular, well-known animals.  (Sampling below)

Knagaroos

Frill-necked lizard

Ibis begging at our picnic table

Koala

Echidna

Tasmanian Devil

Fort Wayne Zoo had a very nice Australian section, but couldn't compare with this--especially the setting amidst 50-m high eucalyptus trees.  One particular highlight was the raptor/parrot presentation, with trained, rehabbed birds that fly around the amphitheater and over the crowd, completely off tether or any constraint.

This gives an idea of how close these birds are,  This one actually touched my hat while flying past.