Melbourne to Stratford

Tuesday starts with a little catch-up work before I meet Tim for lunch at Sister of Soul. I order another mushroom latte - surely this place will be more flavoursome than the Matcha Mylkbar version? It is. In fact, there's so much chilli in the spice mix that I'm struggling to get through it because of too much seasoning, the opposite problem. I rate the heat at 7/10, Tim laughs at me and lowers his rating to a 5.

We catch the wrong tram to the art gallery, walk along Southbank, and seriously offend one of the local women who overhears us joking about the tourist trap that this area is. We spend a couple of hours at the Escher exhibition in complete awe at the skill, imagination and patience that this artist possessed. Mostly woodcuts and lithographs, the level of detail, symmetry and accuracy in Escher's work is mind blowing. I haven't left myself much time to get to my next stop and manage to completely lose track of time at the exhibition. Next stop Robyn - sorry for being so late!

It's a quick visit before I head around the corner to Lex and Moshe. It's takeaway pizza tonight and a viewing of the wedding photos, some 16 months after the wedding. Company, food and photos are all lovely, although it's odd reliving such a big occasion after so much time has passed. We're all fading now, so it's back to Zane's for an early night that I again fail to have.

Wednesday begins without event. I'm packed and have triple checked everything to make sure I haven't left anything behind. Off I go to

load up the car - but the gate won't open. The troublesome lock has finally broken and no amount of lifting, pushing or turning is going to help me. Poor Zane is looking at the prospect of leaving work just to let me out. I'm having a quiet giggle at my end - the last time I got locked inside I was in a bathroom and they had to break the door down to rescue me. This is far less stressful, for me anyway. Eventually I throw my bag handle over the top latch of the second gate and pull down - success! Lock the house, get in the car, go. I'm well behind schedule and there's a good 3.5 hour drive ahead of me.

The drive is extended by a food stop in Yarragon. A sweet little town full of arty, crafty stores, I've found a cafe called Foziboggle that offers a huge range of vegan and vegetarian options. Advertised as a sustainable cafe, they also sell organic produce and encourage permaculture. One vegetable pastry and a huge salad later, I'm thanking the waitress for having vegan options. Turns out she's vegan too and we laugh about the amount of gluten free options we've both been offered. I feel so good about this stop that I buy a chocolate-mint slice for the road, which is looking long and hot. I've now realised that I left the delicious home-made relishes from Karina in Zane's fridge. He assures me he'll love them with the respect they deserve, and I'm partly glad he'll enjoy them and partly disappointed that I forgot such a special gift. Bon apatite, my friend.

An impromptu change of plans this morning has taken me to Stratford, which yes, is on the Avon River. They have Shakespeare in the Park here too, of course. Realising that my friend Heather is somewhat on the route home, I've come here for the night. And so glad I did! It's been two years since we caught up in person and it's wonderful to see the girls again. Heather makes falafel wraps, Amy shows me magic tricks, Sarah casts spells with her sparkly new wand, and we talk until late. Sleep is needed, and lots of it.