30 July 2010 - Work Week 2:

Spent some time each day with a new Underwriter in the Melbourne office reviewing various underwriting topics. Remainder of days spent working on couple of specific clients being handled by the Underwriter in the Sydney office, and when get to Sydney next week will continue to work on these clients. Also, will be spending time in Sydney with the new Underwriter there and with two new Account Managers.

Couple of rainy days again this week.

Monday after dropping stuff off at the hotel went for a walk in search of a new restaurant. Along the way passed by an interesting looking store - Wunderkammer which translates to Wonder Chamber. Small place but packed with all kinds of really unique items - very pricey. Items such as: butterflies, moths, spiders and insects framed in glass cases, old medical instruments, fossils, barometers, skeletons, etc. The older gentleman running the shop had a beard and horn-rimmed glasses and was sitting behind a small desk in a corner looking at the accounts book - all handwritten. Not a computer terminal in sight.

Had dinner at the Mitre Tavern nearby the hotel. Indicated to be the oldest building in Melbourne.

Not much to say about Tuesday - did find a good local place for lunch which serves huge bowls of soup. Had a quick sandwich for dinner and then stayed in for the evening.

Wednesday went looking for another restaurant for dinner. Many of the restaurants here have one or two people standing outside to promote the menu. Stopped off at one of these for dinner. First place I have been that actually had kangaroo on the menu. Nope - "'chickened" out - no pun intended, since I did have chicken for dinner.

Thursday evening walked over to the casino at a place called the Crowne Plaza. A huge casino on two levels. The casino is part of a big complex for a hotel, shopping, food court, etc. Had quick dinner there and walked back to the hotel.

Friday - no big deal. Last day in the Melbourne office since will be traveling to Sydney on Saturday. Stopped for a beer at the Mitre Tavern with a group after work, and then back to the hotel to pack up.