Trixie sank her head back against the soft seat, trying to ignore the popping in her ears as she enjoyed the swooping feeling of the plane’s descent. Beside her, she could feel Honey almost bouncing with excitement.

"I can’t believe it…we will be in Australia." Honey had not stopped smiling. And she still looked as fresh as a daisy, despite the 20 plus hour trip. Really when you think of it, it all seemed like a whirl. After the drug bust, the departure on the private plane from Burbank airport, three hour stop over in Hawaii, changing to a larger commercial flight, and now, here they were. They were closely approaching Melbourne now, and Trixie enjoyed looking out her window at the land below. Long roads stretched out, surrounded by green paddocks. She saw a river meandering through some hills, and wondered what grazing animals were the speckled dots below.

Trixie closed her eyes, and listen to the conversations of her friends around her.

"We have to go to a football match. I’ve heard it’s one of the most exciting games."

"Uggh. Sport. I would really like to see some museums and art galleries. Aboriginal Art is fascinating."

"Just lead me to some food. I’m starving."

"You’re always starving Mart. I hope to see some of the Australian bush. Apparently it’s quite unique."

Trixie never got to hear Mart’s comments, as the plane suddenly dropped, and Trixie felt a thud as the wheels touched the tarmac. They were on Australian soil at last!

 

Impatiently, Trixie waited behind the seemingly never-ending line of people waiting in customs.

"So, we all have nothing to declare, is that right?" Jim asked the other six. They all nodded. "Okay, hopefully this won’t take too long."

Eventually, it was their turn to speak to the customs official. "What is your reason for visiting Australia?"

"Just a holiday, Sir" answered Mart.

"How long will you be here for?"

"Ten days."

"Do you have anything to declare?"

"No, Sir" answered both Jim and Brian in unison. The Official, cast a weary eye over all seven of them. Trixie felt herself go defensive. Why is he looking at us like that? We’re just a bunch of kids. What does he think, we’re smuggling drugs? I think we’ve had enough of that. He looked at Trixie for what felt like the longest time, then spoke.

"Go through the red doors. Have your luggage ready for inspection please."

Fourteen shoulders sagged simultaneously. The Bob Whites carried their luggage through the red doors, and waited in what turned out to be a short line. A friendly looking woman called them over, and motioned for them to put their luggage on the bench in front of her. The first bag opened was Brian’s. Trixie could see her brother’s jaw clench as the woman rummaged through his bag. Finding nothing, she pushed it along, and motioned for the next bag. Jim opened it for her. As the process continued, Trixie leaned over to Honey.

"I don’t know why they are making us do this."

"Neither do I. But we’re fine, we’ve done nothing wrong. Don’t worry."

A stern voice interrupted Trixie and Honey’s conversation. "You say you have nothing to declare? Can you explain this please?" In shock, the seven Bob-Whites

stared at the brown paper parcel the officer held in her right hand. They looked at each other and shrugged shoulders.

Two more officials joined the group, and grabbed the rest of the luggage. Diana cringed as the male officer rummaged through her underwear. Finding nothing, he pushed it aside, and opened Dan’s. It did not take him long to find another brown paper parcel. A thorough search of Trixie And Honey’s luggage found nothing. The original officer ripped off the paper. Trixie did not know how to read the twisted smile on her face. Another officer did the same. His expression too, was unreadable.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the woman spoke. "Okay kids. We have strict quarantine laws here in Australia. We ask you to declare things like this for a reason. They are not necessarily illegal, but a declaration must be made. You have failed to make that declaration, unfortunately incurring a fine of up to $1000.

"But we never-"

"It’s not-"

"That’s-"

A babble of voices all cried their innocence. The official held up both her hands palm out, asking for silence. Brian spoke quietly, but with confidence.

"I’m sorry, but we never saw these packages before. They are not ours." He’s really nervous thought Trixie. She knew her brother well enough to know.

"Well, we have all heard that before." Brian looked at the others. Trixie realised how futile it sounded, even if it was true.

She tried to explain. "Look, we’ve just arrived from the United States, where we aided the FBI in solving a drug case. Please feel free to call Agents Lee and Adams." Trixie found her purse amongst some souvenirs she had picked up in LA. Flipping through the cards, she pulled one out and handed it to the official, whose name, she read, was Jean.

Jean raised her eyebrows. Trixie smirked inwardly, knowing that they would get out of this. Anyway, aren’t we allowed one free phone call?

Jean walked over to another official, showed him the card, and walked out the room.

"Pack your bags up, and wait please. This should be sorted out soon enough." Trixie groaned as she re-packed the suitcase. "And to think I struggled to pack this the first time."

"Is that all you can think about? Packing? Who knows what we could be facing here in Australia if this doesn’t get sorted out." Mart responded angrily.

"Take it easy, Mart," said Brian, trying calm his brother down. Trixie smiled at him gratefully, and continued to pack quietly beside Honey, whilst Dan and Di also repacked.

When she was finished, Trixie hoisted herself onto an unused counter. She quickly jumped off after another official frowned at her. Gee, doesn’t anyone smile here? Checking her watch, she noted that an hour had already passed since they had alighted from the plane. "One", the person who was meeting them, was going to be very worried.

"It’s okay kids." Jean walked back to them, the original smile returning to her face. Seven sets shoulders relaxed, and the collective sigh of relief could have blown out a thousand birthday candles. "The Agents back in the United States confirmed that you knew nothing about the packages. They slipped them in your bags, as a surprise, and as a joke. " She looked around at them all. "They also told me of your involvement in the capture of some drug dealers. Very impressive. You are all free to go. I am sorry your stay in Australia started so badly. I can only hope that the rest of your trip doesn’t follow the same path."

Trixie returned the smile. "Thank you. You were only doing your job. I don’t know if I would have believed us either." She was just relieved to have it all over. "Come on guys, let’s go." The others followed her out the double doors that led to the waiting Australians.

"All that fuss over a couple of boxes of chocolates," she muttered under her breath.

Outside the double-doors, Trixie and the Bob-Whites found themselves face to face with two young men, about their age. The tall dark-haired guy introduced himself as Neil. "Welcome to Australia. I’m guessing you had a bit of trouble with customs. What did they get you for?"

"Chocolates" grinned Jim. Now that it was over, Trixie knew that he could joke about it.

"No way! How tight is that?" asked the other guy, named Peter. Peter was the cousin of one of Mr Wheeler’s business associates. He and Neil would be showing them around.

"Anyway, you’re booked in at the Australia Hotel, in Collins Street" Neil said. " Right in the city. We thought we’d give you a chance to have a rest, and then we’ll take you out to a fabulous Italian restaurant in Lygon Street for tea this evening."

"Tea? In the evening?" asked Mart.

"Dinner" grinned Neil. "You’ll have to get used to Australian slang, known as ‘Strine’. We’ll help you along the way. Now, we both drove here, so we’ll take you to your hotel." The Bob-Whites walked out the lobby, and exited the airport. After being used to Summer, the cool Winter air was a shock.

"Hope you folks brought some warm clothes. It’s Winter here, and while Melbourne doesn’t cop any snow, it can get quite chilly."

"We did remember to bring a few sweaters and jeans and jackets" smiled Honey.

Peter smiled back, and the seven Americans followed their guides through the carpark, their first taste of Australia.

 

Lygon Street - Brian

"Come on Mart! Let’s go, I’m starving," Brian said, throwing a pair of socks at his younger brother who was busily rummaging through his suitcase. Brian couldn’t help but smile at this unusual role reversal. If eating was on the immediate agenda, it was usually Mart who was ready first.

"Yes, yes, dear brother," he replied. "My sartorial ensemble is complete, I just need to locate….Ha! I’ve found it" he cried, triumphantly waving a small blue Melbourne Travel Guide in the air.

"One really ought, if at all possible, to be well informed of the places one travels to," he said in his best posh accent. "Besides," he finished with a grin, "I’m really keen to start exploring".

Smiling, Brian gave him a playful punch and herded him out of the room into the hall where Jim and Dan were waiting. I really admire Mart and his unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He is always the first of the Bob-Whites to do some research and get the facts.

"Lygon Street here we come" Dan cried.

 

You said it!

The boys met up with Trixie, Honey and Di in the foyer of the hotel. All of the Bob-Whites were rugged up in coats and scarves. Diana even had mauve gloves and a hat that matched her coat.

Neil and Peter came to meet them as planned. Neil took one look at Diana and laughed. "Hey Diana, it isn’t THAT cold here. It is about 13 degrees outside which is about 60 Fahrenheit, isn’t it?

"Actually, it is 55.4 to be precise" Mart said authoritatively. "The formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit is to multiply by 9, divide by 5 and then add 32. If , conversely, you wish to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, you must subtract 32, multiply by 5 and then divide by 9…."

 

"OK, OK Mart" Jim said laughing. "We get the picture! And Di, Neil is probably right, you won’t need the hat and gloves".

Di, blushing furiously, took off her hat and gloves and left them at the reception desk. Neil, seeing her embarrassment, was quick to reassure her. "Hey don’t get me wrong Diana, you looked great and that colour really suits you. It’s just that you may get a little hot".

 

I like this guy. He was sure quick to ask us out for dinner. And he has Di wrapped around his little finger!

Brian glanced over at Mart who was busy flipping through the pages of his book. This could be interesting….

The young people headed out into the cool night laughing and talking. Brian fell into step with Trixie and Honey.

"Isn’t it just wonderful Brian" Trixie said, eyes shining. "I can’t believe we’re all really in Australia!"

"Oh Trixie I know" Honey said before Brian could open his mouth to reply. "It’s just perfectly perfect – especially since all of that dreadful FBI business is over once and for all and we can just relax and have fun".

"I agree Honey". It sure is perfect" Brian said. Some food would be good though……geez I’m beginning to sound just like Mart!!

The group strolled up Collins Street to catch a yellow and green tram – a Melbourne icon in itself – up to Lygon Street. Collins Street was lovely at night, with lots of fairy lights in the trees and lovely old buildings.

This is really neat. And Neil was right, it doesn’t really feel too cold at all.

Brian looked around and noticed that Di and Dan had fallen behind the others and were looking into one of the shop windows along Collins Street. Dan was trying to hurry Di along which he finally managed to do when Peter called out to say their tram was approaching.

The two Bob-whites broke into a run, laughing as they just managed to scramble on board before the doors closed.

"Honey! There is the most divine purple, fur lined coat back in that shop!" Di exclaimed. "We absolutely must go back tomorrow!"

Brian smiled to himself at Di’s enthusiasm. Funny how she only thought to tell Honey and not Trixie too…..Brian glanced over to where Trixie sat with Jim, looking out of the window and pointing out different things as they rode along in the tram, completely unaware of the discussion between her friends. Brian put up a hand to smother a grin.

"Hey Di", Peter said. "I get the impression that you like shopping and your favourite colour is purple!"

"Guilty as charged" Di grinned.

"Well, you will just have to hit the real shopping hot spot in Melbourne - Chapel Street in South Yarra. There’s a shop there called "Colour me Purple!"

Di’s eyes grew so wide and her expression of incredulity and sheer delight caused the whole group to burst out laughing.

The tram ride didn’t take long and the group soon stepped off into Lygon Street.

Neil and Peter suggested that they all eat at their favourite Italian restaurant, Café Italia. All of the Bob-Whites were very surprised to see the long stretch of Italian restaurants. Brian voiced his surprise to Neil but it was Mart who replied.

"We are currently in the suburb of Carlton, my dear brother, which has a considerable Italian population. Since the 1950’s Lygon Street has been famous for the quality and quantity of Italian cuisine provided by the many Italian migrants. According to my trusty travel guide, it is one of the most cosmopolitan streets in Melbourne".

"Mart’s right", Neil said as the group were seated at a large table. "The pizza here is sensational, and the gnocchi are homemade. But gang", he said leaning in close and dropping his voice, "don’t order dessert - I think we should go to Brunetti’s for coffee and cake. It’s just around the corner, and mate, is it unbelievable!"

These guys are really proud of their town and they are so enthusiastic about showing us around Brian thought.

"On behalf of all the Bob-Whites" Brian said, "I’d like to thank you for all of this. It is so great to go out and see Melbourne with you both".

The other Bob-Whites added their agreement and toasted the two embarrassed Australians.

"No worries, gang" Peter said. "We’re having a great time doing it. We just need to teach you how to say "Melbourne". It’s pronounced ‘Melben’, not Melboorne, and the emphasis is on the first syllable, not the second".

Everyone laughed as the Bob-Whites tried to alter their accents. Mart was actually rather good and managed it quite well.

"Hey" Neil added when they’d stopped laughing, "you guys need to see some of the country as well. Melbourne is great, but there are some fabulous places to visit within an hours drive".

"Yeah", Peter said, "We should take you somewhere for a day trip. How about to Hanging Rock? That’s one of my favourite places".

"Wow! Mart breathed. "Hanging Rock! There’s a section on it in my travel guide".

"Yes Trixie said, clapping her hands. "I read "Picnic at Hanging Rock" a few years ago. It was great….those schoolgirls who just vanished…it was so mysterious…"

This was met by a chorus of groans from the Bob-Whites. Neil and Peter looked confused and asked what was wrong.

Here we go, Brian thought. How do we begin to try and explain…..

Jim took charge and quickly and concisely told the three Australian’s about the Bob-Whites, particularly Trixie’s, penchant for attracting and solving mysteries.

The Australians were impressed. "What kind of mysteries? They demanded, looking eagerly around the group.

The rest of the meal was spent with the Bob-Whites telling the three amazed locals of some of the many adventures that the group had shared. They continued the stories at Brunetti’s, where the deserts truly were amazing. Only Mart managed to try more than one type of cake. He was still going strong long after the others had pushed back their plates, full to overflowing.

"Mart", Trixie groaned, "how on earth do you fit it all in?"

"Yeah" Neil agreed, watching in bemused astonishment as Mart scooped up another spoonful. "Have you got two hollow legs, or something".

"It’s not his legs that are hollow…"Trixie remarked dryly, and everyone laughed.

Brian looked at his watch. It was almost midnight. We should get going…sounds like we have a big day ahead of us.

"Come on gang. Let’s go. We should get some sleep. In less than twelve hours we’ll all have climbed Hanging Rock…."

That is if none of us disappear…….

 

Hanging Rock - Diana

The next day dawned bright and clear. Diana was the first of the girls to wake and slip quietly into the bathroom to have the first shower. This suited Di as she tended to spend longer on her appearance in the morning than the other girls. It seems to take Trixie about five minutes to get showered and dressed! And she always manages to look so fresh and healthy…

With a sigh, Diana stepped into the shower.

Half an hour later the three girls were almost ready. Diana was brushing her hair in front of the mirror, thinking about the day ahead.

"Hey Trix", she said, "Tell us a little bit more about "Picnic at Hanging Rock". What happened to those school girls"?

"Well, it is only fiction, so don’t get too worried Di," Trixie said with a smile. Then, frowning she tried to remember the details of the story.

"It is set in 1900, on Valentines Day. A group of schoolgirls and their teacher travel to Hanging Rock for a picnic. It is all very mysterious and atmospheric. Some of the girls disappear, but you never find out why or what happens to them…..I hope that we experience the same kind of spooky, slightly menacing atmosphere when we get there!".

Di suppressed a shudder. I certainly don’t!

The boys were waiting in the lobby when the girls headed down for breakfast. The plans were to have a quick breakfast, then meet Neil and Peter out the front. The hotel had a minibus that made day-trips to Hanging Rock. Brian had spoken to the hotel staff and arranged for the Australians to be allowed to travel on the bus as well.

Shortly after 9.00am they left. It was a fun trip, lasting about 80 minutes. The group laughed and joked together, and enjoyed the changing scenery as they left the city behind. Neil told the Bob-Whites about the time when he and his friends had camped overnight at Hanging Rock.

"It was so great!" he breathed. "Really spooky, with all the trees and the wind whistling through the rocks…..I tell you, if you aren’t used to camping in the Australian bush, you might really let your imagination run away with you!"

"Hey, come on Neil" Jim said with a laugh. "We happen to have some pretty spooky woods in our area too. Just ask Trixie and Honey".

"And me!" Di said with some indignation. And aiming a playful punch at Jim, she turned to Neil and Peter and told them of the time she had almost fallen over the cliff in the Game Preserve in Sleepyside. I hope that doesn’t happen again in a hurry…I think I’ll stick really close to Neil…..

The bus soon pulled up at the entrance to Hanging Rock park. The Bob-Whites all strained their necks to look at the huge rock formation.

"Wow" Mart exclaimed. "That is sensational"

"My thoughts exactly Martin. Let’s go gang!" Jim cried, leaping out of the bus as soon as it had reached a standstill.

They all began the long trek up to the top of the rocks. There was a winding path and occasionally some steps carved into the rocks to help them reach the top.

Peter noticed that the Bob-Whites easily kept pace with the locals.

"Hey, you guys are fit!" he commented. "What do you do to keep in shape?"

"Riding mostly," Di said.

"And swimming in Summer," Honey called.

"Skiing, sledding and skating in Winter," Jim added.

"And SOME of us spend a great deal of time tending to the vegetable garden," Trixie finished.

"And of course, there IS all of that mystery solving…"Jim added, eyes twinkling.

The group worked there way up the winding track, admiring the huge rocks and the deep crevasses. It was certainly a dramatic formation. Some of the rocks were enormous, and they were piled up everywhere, as if an enormous giant had thrown them there in a jumble.

There were many places to stop and take in the breathtaking views as they worked there way up.

"Have we actually achieved the summit yet?" Di asked, with a confused frown. "I keep thinking that we’re at the top and then I look and see a higher point".

"There isn’t really an actual summit. I guess we could try and climb on top of one of those huge boulders and see if we can get any higher. But, that is what I like about Hanging Rock – it’s such a shambles!" Peter laughed.

"I heartily concur, " Mart said. "Perhaps Enormous Hanging Rocks would be more apt?"

"Well, I can certainly imagine those girls just wandering off and disappearing," Trixie said softly. "There are so many pathways and tracks through the rocks. So many places to hide, and there is certainly a menacing sort of atmosphere…."

Di gave a shudder. Trixie’s right. I can hear Dan and Jim’s voices clearly, they must be nearby but I can’t see them at all…it really is spooky up here…and what if one of these rocks toppled over…..It really is the most unusual place…I can really feel some sort of presence……

"Are you OK, Di?" Neil asked, suddenly appearing next to her. She gave a little jump. Gee, I am on edge!

"Yes thanks Neil" she laughed. "I think I’m just letting the atmosphere get to me. Trix has been telling us about that book and the missing school girls, and now I’m a little on the jumpy side!"

"Come and sit on this rock – I’ll help you up. The view is great, and when you’re up off the ground it isn’t as spooky as wandering around down here."

Di smiled gratefully and took Neil’s hand. What a fabulous guy!…and what gorgeous eyes……and yet he doesn’t seem to be affected at all up here…I guess it is because he has been here before.

The other Bob-Whites soon joined them and the group sat, huddled together, taking in the view and soaking up the atmosphere. Trixie and Diana remained silent whilst the others chatted and pointed out different features in the landscape. The wind soon picked up and by general consensus, they began the long climb down.

Trixie and Di were the last to reach the bus. Before boarding, and unnoticed by the rest of the laughing group, they both turned to look up at the rocks once more. The afternoon light was fading and the rock formation was shrouded in a gloomy, dull light.

"It really is a special place, isn’t it Di?" Trixie whispered.

"Yes," Di said slowly, reaching for Trixie’s hand. "I feel drawn to it, and at the same time repelled and frightened…"

"Me too".

"Trix, have you got a copy of Picnic at Hanging Rock at home? I’d like to read it………"

 

 

The Letter – Mart

 

Dear Moms, Dad and Bobby,

Greetings and salutations from the Southern Hemisphere. Or, to use the vernacular, "G’day". As the designated scribe for this particular piece of Belden correspondence. I wish to inform you all of our progress "down under".

Beatrix wishes particularly to convey to you her feelings of excitement and elation, evident from her ceaseless agitations, at being here, despite the fact that she is missing you all.

My esteemed brother, similarly, sends his fondest regards and his firm assurances of our collective wellbeing (a feat he, unlike my aforementioned sister, manages without continual interruptions and fidgeting).

The Southern leg of our journey has proved to be most stimulating and diverting. I have done some extensive reading on Melbourne - allow me to inform you of some facts.

The population is approximately 3.5 million, coming from a variety of backgrounds. A census in 1991 found that six percent of the population was from Britain or Ireland, three percent were Italian, and almost two percent Yugoslavian and Greek. Only sixty-eight percent of the city was Australian bors.

Immigration was high in the years after World War II. The Australian Government encouraged it because they felt it would help national defence. Between 1947-1971 there was 56.3 net overseas migration to Melbourne. A majority of these immigrants were Jewish and survivors of the holocaust and other refugees from Greece, Italy, Yugoslavia, Turkey and Poland.

As a result, Melbourne is a very diverse city. This diversity is reflected in many ways, most spectacularly, in the variety of restaurants! Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Turkish – you name it! We have all experienced the delights of an exquisite Italian meal with our new Aussie friends, Neil and Peter, and we hope to partake of some of the other exotic cuisine before our departure.

It is quite difficult to describe typically "Australian" cuisine. Steak appears to be a popular dish, and we have seen kangaroo on various menus (none of the Bob-Whites have been sufficiently daring to taste it). Apparently consuming a "meat pie and sauce at the footy" is a typically Australian thing to do ("Footy" meaning Australian Rules Football and "sauce" meaning ketchup). That is where we are headed for this evening’s entertainment, and I do believe I may just partake of a "pie".

Well, my dear parents and youngest sibling, I will sign off now. It is almost time to depart for the football. Or, to use some Australian rhyming slang, it is high time we "hit the frog and toad" (hit the road).

We will forward an update of our progress. We miss you all! Our fellow esteemed Bob-Whites wish to send their most cordial greetings to you and their respective families.

That’s all for the present.

"Hoo Roo". (Goodbye)

love Mart, Brian and Trixie.

 

The Football – Dan

"How – many – more –steps –to – go?" panted Mart. "This is worse than climbing Hanging Rock!" Dan smirked, he knew Mart prided himself on his fitness. But it was getting difficult.

"One more set now. Don’t worry, you can relax your poor tired legs" laughed Neil.

"It’s not–pant – that there’s – pant – a lot, but they’re-"

"Steep" grumbled Di. In an aside, she muttered to Dan. "Tell me why we’re here again? Football? It’s not like we can’t catch a game of soccer back home."

"Di, this is Australian Rules Football. Totally different to soccer, which, by the way, they also call "soccer" here," he replied. Was he the only one excited about the prospect of a real Australian "footy" match. Ever since he watched a game last year on ESPN, he wanted to see a game. He was not going to let the grumbling of his friends take away from this experience. Besides, he knew that once the match started they would all enjoy it.

There was a collective sigh of relief as their climb ended and they reached the highest level of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, known throughout the sporting world as the MCG, and affectionately by Melbournians as The "G". Neil and Peter led them down into the seating area. They managed to find nine seats all in a row and sat themselves down.

"What? Has the game started already?" asked Trixie indignantly.

"No, that’s the reserves. The seconds, the twos, the magoos. That’s rhyming slang for twos. They are the remainder of the team of players. A bit like the minor leagues I guess. Most of them are part of the 42 players on each clubs list. The rest come from the Under 18’s competition," explained Neil.

"So, how does this game work?" asked Jim. The Bob Whites watched with looks of total confusion on their faces as they tried to make sense of the actions of the 36 men on the field below them. What they couldn’t see on the ground, they watched on one of the two large scoreboards. It still didn’t help them understand any better.

Neil took a deep breath. "See those goal posts?" The Bob Whites looked at one of the two sets of posts he pointed to. There were two taller sticks, with a small one on either side of them. They were each about ten yards apart. "If you kick the ball through the big posts in the middle, it’s a goal, and it’s worth six points. Any other way the ball goes through, or if it goes through a tall and short post, it is a behind, worth one point."

Peter continued. "There are four quarters of twenty minutes playing time. Usually the quarters end up going for about 30 minutes, after the clock gets stopped for out of bounds, goals, marks, you know." Dan shook his head. He didn’t.

"If you catch the ball when a player has kicked it, and if it hasn’t bounced or been touched by someone else, it’s called a mark, and you have the right to stop and kick it without being tackled."

Ten minutes later, Brian, Di and Jim still looked confused. Trixie had caught on quickly, having watched the reserves play while the game was being explained. Surprisingly, Honey had also managed to keep up, as had Mart. Dan watched the expressions on their face as they tried to grasp the concepts. He understood it a lot better himself now.

The siren blew, signalling the end of the reserves match. Players shook hands on the field, and the crowd cheered and clapped. As the players walked off the field, there was a buzz of anticipation in the crowd, as two sets of supporters walked on the field carrying long poles. Dan watched as they unrolled the posts, revealing the large crepe paper banners. From his height in the stands, and with the darkening night sky, he found it difficult to read what was printed.

"Girls, go to the toilet now if you need to. There are always long lines coming out of the ladies’ toilets at the quarter time breaks." Peter advised. The girls looked at each other and nodded their heads. The six guys turned sideways in their seats to allow the girls to pass. Not much room here between these seats, thought Dan.

A roar broke out through the crowd as two teams filed onto the ground. The banners went up, and Dan read the dark blue banner. It was congratulating a player on 200 games. Neil and Peter stood up and began clapping and cheering madly. The remaining Bob Whites also stood up, and politely clapped as well. This looked like the team to support, mused Dan. They were soon joined by Trixie, Di and Honey, who, hearing the screams and cheers, hurried back thinking they may have missed something exciting. After the two teams theme songs were played (to which Neil and Peter joined in enthusiastically), all nine sat down. There was almost a hush as the teams formed their own huddle.

"So, which team are we rooting for?" asked Trixie. Neil and Peter looked at each other their mouths twitching. "We barrack for Carlton, the team with the navy blue jumper. We loathe Collingwood, the black and white stripy team. They are our arch enemy."

"And Trixie, we don’t ‘root’ for teams here," and Neil bent over and whispered into Trixie’s ear. Trixie blushed, and whispered to Honey, who giggled and passed on the message to Brian. He smiled, whispering in Jim’s ear. Jim grinned as he informed Mart, bypassing Peter who was sitting between them. Dan laughed as Mart told him that "root" was Australian slang for having sex. It’s going to be a long time before I talk about rooting for the Mets.

"Man, look at those muscles! Trixie, Honey, check out the Carlton player with number 15 on his back. Look at those arms. Wow." Di’s tongue was nearly hanging out of her mouth. She had totally missed the explanation, ogling the players instead.

"Check out number 43" sighed Honey. "Do the players get any better?" she grabbed the programme book, called The Football Record, out of Brian’s hands as she looked down the list of names until she found the one she was looking for. "Anthony Kouta…Ko…what is his name?"

Neil rolled his eyes. "Anthony Koutoufides. He is our star player, and very popular among the ladies because of his, and I quote my sister here, ’hot spunky body’."

"And girls, check out the shorts these guys wear. Wow, what great butts some of them have." Dan looked up in shock, as even Trixie joined in.

"I bet they’re not sorry they came now," muttered Mart quietly to Dan. He grinned. Yep, enough here for everyone to enjoy something. At that moment the siren blew, and the players lined up in position ready to start.

What followed was probably the most confusing, exciting half hour Dan ever experienced, not including being involved in any of Trixie’s mysteries, of course. It was impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere at the ground. He wondered how it was possible to run AND bounce a ball that shape. It was quarter time, and Carlton and Collingwood were level.

"So, how you guys going? Keeping up?" Peter asked. Neil was having an animated chat with the fellow next to him.

"Just", answered Trixie.

"Sort of," answered Brian. "But I don’t care, it’s a great game." The others nodded and murmured their agreement. Peter beamed, obviously happy that his overseas friends enjoyed the game he was passionate about.

"Well, we’ve still got a long way to go" said Neil, having finished his intense conversation. "The Maggies are not giving in without a fight. Collingwood are called the Magpies, because of the black and white colours," he explained to Di, answering her confused look. Tensions are running high already. Strap yourselves in, it could get ugly."

The game re-commenced. The umpire bounced the ball high, and the players pushed and shoved to get themselves in the best positions. Dan watched as the player Honey had admired, "Kouta", picked the ball off the ground with one hand, and burst through a pack of opposition players. He weaved his way around other players, bouncing the ball as he did so. He finished off with a long kick to the goal square. Dan held his breath as a young wiry Carlton player defied gravity by jumping his own body height, using his teammate as a stepladder, to mark the ball in the goal square. As he kicked the ball through the goals, Dan stood up and added his voice to the roar that engulfed half the crowd. Beside him, he could hear Mart cheering loudly and clapping. The game continued, with some bursts of play that left Dan breathless.

At half time, Neil, Peter, Dan and Mart joined the long lines of people at the refreshment stands. Mart was determined to try his pie with sauce. He also picked up a bucket of hot chips, which Dan thought looked just like fries, but a lot thicker. I think I’ll try a pie myself though. I’ve got to eat one thing really Australian here that doesn’t come from kangaroo. Their arms filled with pies, hot dogs and cokes for the others, the four guys paid for their food, and then walked back to their seats, squeezing past the people in their row before they could finally sit down and off load the food. Dan unwrapped the pie from its plastic covering, and covered it with ketchup. No, when in Melbourne… sauce. As he bit into it, the hot meat almost burnt his tongue. But geez, it was good. He looked over at Mart sitting next to him, and could tell by the look on his face that he was enjoying his pie as well.

By the last quarter, Carlton had run away with the game, leading by 30 points. As the final siren sounded, the crowd roared yet again. The Carlton theme song played over the loud speaker, and thousands of fans stood, proudly holding their blue and white scarves high in the air as they joined in.

Neil and Peter sat back down in their seats. "There’s no point trying to leave straight away. If we wait ten minutes, we can just breeze out." Neil pointed to the throng of people waiting at the exits.

"That’s cool." Replied Brian. "We’re in no hurry."

"What are your plans now?" asked Peter.

"We have nothing planned" responded Jim.

"What about the Casino?" Neil asked Peter. He turned to the others. "The Crown Casino is a huge entertainment complex. It’s about a forty-minute walk, or we can take taxis. But it’s pretty good."

Jim and Brian looked at each other. They nodded. "How about it guys?"

Di yawned and stretched. "Yep. I need to wake up." Trixie and Honey looked at her sympathetically. Although they had enjoyed the game, they knew that Di didn’t like sports. And good bodies could only keep anyone interested for so long. "What about you two?"

"Sounds good" Trixie said.

"Same here" replied Honey.

Dan looked at Mart. "Well, we have no choice. But I’m happy to go."

"The interrogative statement arises, by which means shall we transport ourselves to the gambling house?"

"Taxi-"

"Walk-" .

- called six American voices simultaneously, dividing themselves evenly between the two options. The Australians shrugged their shoulders. "We’re not fussed."

Dan suddenly became aware that sixteen eyes studied him. He looked up. The sky was clear. He wished for a blade of grass to throw in the air, to test the wind direction as the players did in the match. He shivered as a cold breeze hit him.

"Taxi."

 

Crown Casino – Jim

Jim coughed as he wove his way through the crowded gaming room, trying hard not to lose sight of Peter in front if him. Behind him, he could feel Trixie holding on to his jacket so as not to lose him. He had never such a crowd here in Melbourne. Except for the line to the ladies bathroom at the football. And the bar at half time. As he passed through the room, he looked at the signs above each table. How could people spend so much money? I mean, how many chips has that man on one bet, at that $20 table?

Neil and Peter had told the Bob Whites how things had changed since the introduction if gambling in the state of Victoria. "But it’s not the casino that hurts people. Sure you have your high rollers, and lots of people come here every now and then to have a bit of a go", Neil had explained, "but it’s the pokies, you know, slot machines, you find at almost every pub now that is ruining people’s lives." Looking at the money being thrown around, Jim wasn’t quite sure.

Eventually they left the gaming room, and found themselves in part of the entertainment complex. Here there was a cinema, a sports bar, and a couple of restaurants.

"Let’s have a bite to eat. The All Star Sports Café is fantastic." Neil turned to Dan. "The sports memorabilia is amazing. A lot of it is Australian cricket and football stuff, but none the less, it is very impressive. "

"We have one in New York as well. It’s pretty good," replied Dan. He looked at the others. "What do you think?"

They all nodded, and made their way to the entrance. Fortunately, their wait was quite short, and presently they were seated at a booth. Jim looked around the café. It was a round circular room, with booths on a level slightly higher than the centre floor below it, with more tables and chairs. On one wall, a giant screen showed what Jim recognised as a cricket match. He listened as Peter turned to Neil. "Check it out. We’re 2 for 287. Langer made 103. And Mark Waugh’s nearly reached his ton."

They continued their discussion, much to the amusement of their guests. Australian’s are really obsessed with sport, thought Jim.

"I hope you don’t think all we do is think about sport", said Peter. "Neil and I are quite fanatical, but not all Australians are."

"Melbourne is considered the sporting capital of Australia," explained Neil. The biggest Australian sporting events are held here. The AFL Grand Final, The Australian Grand Prix, we even have a public holiday for the Melbourne Cup, a horse race!"

"Isn’t the tennis, the Australian Open held here as well?" asked Jim.

"Yep, at Melbourne Park. But all this sport must be boring you guys. We’ll stop."

Jim noticed with a wry smile that they still occasionally turned their heads to get an update of the cricket score.

A waitress approached them and took their order. As they chatted about what they had seen and enjoyed so far in Melbourne, their conversation was interrupted a couple of times by someone yelling, "got him, yes, you’re out!" at a nearby table, followed by cheering. At which point, Neil and Peter would turn their heads to see the latest result, and then resume their conversation with the Bob Whites.

Twenty minutes later, having eaten their meals of burgers, chips, and more meat pies for Mart, the nine walked around the café, looking at the memorabilia. Most of it meant nothing to the Americans, not understanding the significance of Sir Donald Bradman’s cricket bat, with which he scored many of his centuries as the worlds greatest cricket player. They still appreciated its value as they listen to the explanations from their guides.

"Let’s go an play the pokies. Maybe we can win a little to spend tomorrow in Chapel Street."

"Neil, what a great idea!" exclaimed Diana. Jim could see she was quite bored with all this sport, and never understood why people took it so seriously. Playing was one thing, it kept one’s body in good shape, but watching? Not for her.

"Yeah, it sounds great." The others added their own comments to the suggestion, and Neil and Peter led them out of the café back into the entertainment complex. They took a long leisurely stroll, looking in at the designer shop windows: Versace, Prada, Jim lost count. Many a time Honey and Diana had to be prised away from the window as they stared at the lovely but very expensive fashions.

They entered the gaming area, and made their way to the machines. "Okay, five cent machines here. They’re the best if you’re not seriously trying to win money and don’t want to lose too much."

"This is fine," replied Jim, and they made their way to the cashier, where their brightly coloured Australian notes were converted into a cup of gold $1 coins. Jim liked the Australian money. The notes were made of a polymer plastic, and each denomination was a different colour…starting with the light purple five dollar note to the green $100 dollar note. It’s almost like Monopoly money, but much better. It’s real. Our money all looks the same. But what Jim liked best were the coins, from the silver five cent piece to the gold $2 coin. Most of the coins had Australian animals on one side, and of course, the Queen on the other.

 

They scattered, looking for a machine to play. Trixie and Honey spotted one instantly, and wasted no time pouring their money into the slot. Diana walked over to the ten cent section, followed by Neil, who wanted to make sure she didn’t get lost in the crowd. Yeah, right thought Jim, as he sank into a chair at a machine.

He put all his coins in the slot, and began idly pressing the options on the screen to play nine lines at one credit per line. At this rate he only lost 45 cents every time he pressed the "play" button. Moments later, the lights on his machine began flashing madly. The "Hallelujah" tune that had been mechanically played as people won some money started in full force, as everyone turned to look at the lucky winner. The numbers on his screen rapidly increased, until they stopped, and read "Lucky Prize."

Jim smiled. He grinned. He looked around for his friends. Mart and Dan came running over and slapped him on the back.

"Woo hoo."

"Well done, man."

Jim’s smiled grew wider, as he was approached by a casino official, carrying a clipboard. She congratulated him. "Well done. You have won a lucky spot prize. Four tickets for a mystery flight for three days and two nights, to be taken anytime within the next month." She smiled as she closed the folder.

Jim’s heart sank, and the smile faded. Only four tickets. And there were seven of them, not to mention Neil and Peter. And what the heck was a "mystery flight" anyway?

"Is there a problem?" asked the official.

"Um, yes. I am visiting here from the United States, with six of my friends. I don’t think I could accept the prize as three of us would be left behind. Also, I don’t quite know what a mystery flight is." Jim cheered slightly as the other Bob Whites, Peter and Neil approached, excitement and jubilation over their faces.

"Hmm." The lady frowned. "Follow me."

They did. All nine of them until she motioned for them to stop. She walked over to an older gentleman and spoke quietly to him, gesturing to the group. He looked over at them, smiled, and continued the quiet conversation. Eventually, they parted, and the woman returned. "My manager has said that you can have seven tickets. He would hate for you to be split up as you have already come this far. Now if you" she looked directly at Jim, "Follow me, there are some forms to fill in. You should be back with your friends soon."

 

Jim left the office, and almost sprinted back to the group. "How cool is this? We ring up QANTAS and book a day, turn up at the airport that morning, and we get told THEN where we are flying. Or, we can ring up the night before just so we can take the right clothes along. Up until that time, we don’t know. So, we get to see another Australian city for free! We could go anywhere"

The others whooped and cheered. This trip was getting better and better.

"Well, this calls for a celebration. I vote we go and have a drink," and Neil led the excited group to a nearby bar. Fortunately, there were few people seated at the small tables, and with some manoeuvring of chairs, the Bob Whites plus two were seated around a small table.

"Ok, our shout. What’ll it be?" asked Peter.

"Coke please," answered Trixie.

"Orange Juice."

"Make that another coke thanks."

"Three."

"No chance of getting a root beer here is there?"

Peter and Neil looked at each other, and interrupted before the rest could get their orders in. "Come on guys, you just won tickets to who knows where, it’s a free trip, let’s have a proper drink to celebrate." Neil turned to Mart.

"What’ll it be, mate, beer? Carlton Cold is pretty good if you want to try Aussie beer. Otherwise I’m sure they have American beer here as well."

"We can’t drink. We’re underage," explained Trixie. Peter looked confused. "But I thought you were all at least 18. Aren’t you 20?" he asked Jim.

Jim nodded his reply.

"So what’s the problem? Drinking age here is 18. You guys are all legal. So don’t worry. Just as long as you have ID, and you all do, then you’re fine."

"Great," exclaimed Mart. "I think I will try that Carlton Cold after all."

"Make that two," added Dan.

Jim frowned. "Hang on, even though we’re legal here, I still don’t think we should be drinking. I don’t think our parents will approve."

"Jim, why can’t we? If we have to abide by their stupid quarantine laws, sorry guys," Trixie interrupted, looking at Peter and Neil, who shook their heads showing no offense was taken, "I think we should be able to enjoy these ones."

"Besides, it’s only one drink. We’re not going to get drunk," Honey added.

Jim looked at Brian. "What do you think?"

"Why not? It’s legal here. And if we were sensible, I don’t think they would mind."

"Okay, then it’s a deal. So that’s three Carlton Cold’s, Crown?" Neil asked Peter, who nodded, "and girls?"

They looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. "What do you suggest?"

"I know what we can get them. Brian?" asked Peter.

"Um, whatever Mart’s having. A Carlton Cold I think."

They all looked at Jim. He grinned. I’ll have a Fosters." The rest of the group cheered, as Neil and Peter made their way to the bar. They were served immediately and returned a couple of minutes later with two bottles of beer each, which they gave to the four American guys. They went back to the bar. Jim watched with interest as Peter picked up a cocktail shaker and three shot glasses. Neil collected another two beers.

"Okay girls, this is called an Illusion." He poured the green contents of the shaker into the little glasses. "I’m going to count to three as the you all have to scull the shot as quickly as you can."

Trixie, Honey and Di looked at each other with nervous grins, as Peter handed them their glass. On the count of three they emptied their glasses.

"Wow, that was divine."

"What’s the word you guys use? Grouse."

"Mmm, more please!"

"Girls, careful," warned Jim.

"Don’t worry mate, there’s about six shots in the shaker, and two shots won’t do them any harm." Neil explained.

Diana raised her glass. "Here’s to Neil, Peter, Crown Casino, and Melbourne."

Jim raised his beer. "Amen."

 

On the Road – Honey

 

Honey looked out the window as the scenery wooshed by. Finally, she was used to travelling on the left side of the road, and had gotten over the fear that they were going to hit another car and cause a "stack". They had been on the road for half an hour, and were just hitting the outskirts of Melbourne.

Where had the days gone? They seemed to disappear as quickly as the trees on the side of the road as the car sped past. This was their seventh day in Australia, and they were on their way to Ballarat.

Honey closed her eyes as she remembered the conversation that led to the invitation.

"How would you like to spend four days in Ballarat, famed for its historic goldfields?" Diana had come bursting into the hotel room where the other Bob-Whites had been sitting.

"What?"

"Where?"

"Grouse!"

"How?"

"When?"

"GOLD!"

Everyone crowded around Diana as she caught her breath. She had run up the stairs from the hotel lobby, no, what was the word? Foyer, where she had received a phone all from her father. It seemed that Harrison, the Lynch’s butler, had a cousin who lived in Ballarat. He had offered to put up the seven Americans, and their two Australian friends for four days.

So, here they were, driving up the Western Highway to the Gold Fields country.

If asked what her favourite part was, Honey wouldn’t be able to say. So many things had happened that it was hard to choose one. But probably the best thing was finding things so different. When you speak the same language, supposedly, though I don’t know where ‘grouse’ came from, you don’t think the differences are as significant. Spending a cold June was one thing. The accents were still a bit hard to understand. And it’s so hard to know what to say and what not to say.

Honey smothered a giggle as she recalled the incident at the Art Gallery the previous day.

"What’s up?" asked Trixie, who was sitting next to her.

"Hm, nothing. Don’t worry about it." How could Honey tell her that she was still laughing at Trixie’s fall? Not that the fall was especially funny. Trixie, in her usual display of grace and co-ordination, had slipped on the polished floor, and landed on her bottom. She got up, rubbed her sore behind and moaned "Oh, my fanny". Miranda, Peter’s sister who was taking them around that day, opened her eyes wide and shook her head, stifling a giggle at the same time. A very snooty lady turned around looked Trixie up and down, and walked off in a huff. But it was the explanation that Miranda gave that was funny, teaching them all a lesson in not taking the English language for granted…

Yesterday had been a great day. Diana claimed it was the best. Neil had to work, and Peter had classes, so Miranda took them on a tour of Melbourne’s "arty farty" sites. After the art gallery, where Diana at last saw her Aboriginal art work, they walked past the tall spire of the Arts Centre, a Melbourne icon, along St Kilda road as many trams rattled their way past. They crossed through the royal Botanical gardens, marvelling at the Sidney Myer Music bowl, which at one stage, had hosted the largest crowd at an open air concert in the world.

Miranda then led them to the Shrine of Rememberance, where an eternal flame burned in honour of all those who had died in the war. The Bob-Whites listened with respect as Miranda recounted historical events such as the landing at Gallipoli on 25^th April, 1915, and how this day was celebrated with almost more reverence than Australia Day. The Bob-Whites learnt how proud Australians were of their war heroes.

After the Shrine, the Bob Whites and Miranda boarded the No1 Tram, and headed for St Kilda, a place known for it’s beautiful beach and great cake shops during the day, and a seedier life at night. They walked along the beach, the cool wind whipping through their hair, then sat in one of the café’s in Acland Street and had the most delicious cakes Honey had tasted in a long while.

"Sorry?" Honey’s thoughts returned to the car, as Diana spoke to her from the other side of Trixie.

"I just asked if you wanted to change the music in the car. I think it’s your turn to choose."

Honey shook her head. "No, whatever you want is fine. I wouldn’t know anyway."

"Then can we have the Living End again?" asked Trixie, who had enjoyed the music by the punk rockers. Honey remembered hearing their song "Prisoner of Society" back home on the radio a few times.

Neil, who was driving, groaned. "Not again, Trixie. Please, something new. My radio doesn’t work, so we’re stuck with tapes. All I have is alternative stuff. But something else please!!!!!"

"I’ll choose," said Dan, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. He flipped through the tapes on the console.

"Try Spiderbait, they’re quite poppy and quirky," suggested Neil. Dan pushed the tape in, and Honey’s thoughts drifted to Chapel Street.

The gang took a leisurely stroll from St Kilda to Chapel Street, THE place to shop in Melbourne. Straight away the Bob Whites recognised that the people who shopped here weren’t your average working class people.

They walked in and out of shops and boutiques, stopping every now and then to try on some clothes. That is, for Diana to try on clothes. The male Bob-Whites vowed never to go shopping with Di again, as she tried on sweater after sweater, jeans after jeans, blouse after blouse.

And what did she buy?

It was sitting on her lap.

Honey still remembered Diana’s shriek when she saw the shop sigh. Colour Me Purple. Inside was almost everything you could think of in clothes and accessories in all the different shades of purple you could find. There were long hippie skirts, see through blouses, crocheted jumpers, woollen ponchos, striped pants, scarves, hats, jewellery, Violet Crumble chocolate bars, which all Bob Whites agreed were quite agreeable. Buy not as nice as those Tim Tams, thought Honey of the chocolate biscuits so popular here in Australia.

But what would become Di’s prized possession was the little backpack, in the shape of a Beanie baby. Purple of course.

It was the only thing Diana did not hesitate to buy. She also bought a pair of purple earrings, but left the shop with little else because she "wouldn’t have been able to choose some treasures over others."

Jim, Mart, Dan and Brian all had their revenge when they passed MSD, a large sporting goods shop. It was sweet revenge as the girls sat and waited whilst the boys looked at all sorts of sporting gear.

Honey wondered at times if they were making them wait on purpose. Why else look at cricket pads? All four did purchase a Sherrin each, the Australian football. Honey smiled as she remembered the chaos Mart nearly caused by trying to bounce the ball. It bounced away from him, onto the road, into the path of a reversing car trying to squeeze into a small car spot, causing the car to break suddenly as the driver noticed the blonde crew cut darting past his rear window.

The city had now been left far behind. The long road stretched out before them. Honey wondered if they would have as much fun in Ballarat as they would in Melbourne. She hoped so.

Continue to Ballarat

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