M-whY

Back in Melbourne, it was time to get back to work. Last week, I had committed the cardinal sin of traveling. I had planned too far ahead. At the time, I wanted to see the penguins at Phillip Island, supposedly Australia's second largest tourist attraction. (Don't ask me what's the largest, I don't know.) So I booked a tour. But several issues had been nagging me since. First, the cost. AUS$80 did include a chance to see wombats too, but those wombats would be in captivity. I saw a wild one in Tasmania. AUS$80 for just penguins? Not sure if it was worth it.

Also, photography wasn't allowed on the viewing deck. What's the point of going if I couldn't fulfill my shutterbug urges? Lastly, I only had a couple more days left in Melbourne. I really wanted to see a football game.

I made my way to the visitor's center where I booked the tour and asked to cancel. There was a cancellation fee involved, but I got most of my money back. Next, I walked across the city to an internet cafe which I knew had the cheapest rates. After spending an hour updating, checking email, I began researching where I might be able to see some Aussie rules football. There would be a game at Melbourne Cricket Grounds on saturday. Perfect. Tomorrow (friday) I would explore the Great Ocean Road, saturday I would take in a football game, and then sunday head to Adelaide. I jotted down the phone number to buy tickets at and found a payphone.

The line was busy. I waited a minute and tried again. Busy again. What the hell? I double checked my number and tried one last time. Still busy. Maybe the visitor's center could help. They closed at 5:00pm. I had 15 minutes left before they closed. I walked as quickly as I could.

"Can I purchase football tickets here?" I asked the woman at the counter.

"Not here, but at the Arts Center box office." She indicated a building about 500 yards away.

I thanked her and sprinted Amazing Race style to the Arts Center. In retrospect, there probably wasn't a need to hurry. The box office probably didn't close at 5:00pm like the visitor's center did.

"I'd like a ticket to the football game on saturday?"

"Sure, just one?"

"Yeah. What are the cheapest that are left?"

She checked her computer.

"We have AUS$32 seats here," she said, indicating a section on the seating chart, "and AUS$42 seats here," indicating another. Both sections were quite high up.

I hesitated for a moment, then figured, why not?

"Hmm, you only need one ticket? Hold on, I might be able to find you something better." She punched away at the keyboard for a while, then came up with a AUS$32 ticket in a section really close to the playing field.

"I'll take it."

Although I had rushed across the city a couple times, I still hadn't done anything. As I walked along the Yarra River, a woman handed me a brochure.

"Interested in seeing Melbourne's own colony of penguins tonight?"

I flipped through the brochure. AUS$55 included dinner, a cruise down the river, and guaranteed viewing of penguins. The whole trip would take about two hours, meaning I could fit it into my schedule. Plus, photography was allowed. That alone was enough to convince me.

I hopped on the small boat and we were soon sailing down the river. There were only about 20 people on board. Half of them were asian businessmen taking some time off in the evening to do some sightseeing. Everyone was dressed warmly for the ride out on water. Except for me. I hadn't actually planned on doing something like. All I was wearing was a tshirt. I guess spontaneity has its drawbacks.

In 1956, when Melbourne hosted the Olympics, a rock structure was built in the bay. These rocks have become the home to a thriving colony of Little Fairy Penguins. It was dark by the time we got there, but the tour operator pointed out the penguins using a spotlight.

Photography was permitted, but I wondered whether I would be able to get any decent shots. Well, shoot first, ask questions later. Hopefully some will turn out decent. The penguins moved about clumsily while on land, squawking loudly, but we saw a couple jump into the water, where they darted about quite gracefully. Penguins were now on my list of creatures seen in the wild.

We spent half an hour circling the rocks before returning to the city. Back at the hostel, I realized I never paid for my penguin tour. They must've assumed I was one of the asian businessmen and had already paid when I got on. Too late now to go back...

Should I feel guilty?

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!