Day 6: Nostalgic Walk & Golden Glory (Aug 16)

Eunice first experience with what she thought was "chocolate spread" which was actually Vegemite - a unique Australian spread which is actually yeast extract!

After breakfast, we headed down into the world where Wai Bing was once a student in the University of Melbourne as a Science student, many years ago....

Well....at the Union House Cafeteria, Eunice had a chance to balance up her Vegemite experience by tasting another Aussie product - this time the sweeter kind - Lamington.

Continuing on the nostalgic theme, we traveled a little bit further this time (since now, we have a rented car for the next 4 days) - this time to Ballarat, the birthplace of the gold rush in Victoria.

Arrival in Sovereign Hill, Ballarat - the place where many struck gold! We had an excellent tour guide who explained the details of how gold was discovered in Ballarat and the ensuing drama of human greed, corruption, riches and failures.

 

Despite the slim chance of getting gold the easy way now, it did not deter two young adventurers from putting in effort to try anyway .... were they successful?

Enjoyed the "Mines Tour" where we taken on a tour of an actual mine and see the great extent and effort by which so many have labored for the glitter of gold!

Here's a panaromic view of Sovereign Hill.

Each tent dwelling area had a flag that flies proudly - declaring the interest of many nations in this area. The guide told us that only about 20-40% of the gold reserves have been mined so far, lots more potential exist way below the ground.

After the Mine Tour, we managed to make it for the last demonstration for gold smelting.

The gold bar actually feel much heavier than it looks! So, the real stuff sinks and the impurities float and then removed to give you fine gold. Here, Eliza is holding in her hands A$140,000 worth in a solid three kg bar! No, we weren't allowed to bring it home as a souvenir.....

Last stop before heading back to town was at the Gold Museum - a new facility that wasn't here 15 years ago when Wai Bing and myself visited.

Tired and hungry after walking around the whole day, we now had to drive around in the city for almost an hour before we found a place to park! But it was worth it, as we gobbled downed hot bowls of porridge with freshly cooked dishes at Supper Inn, Chinatown - a place frequented by Wai Bing during her student days. Boy, a warm meal at the end of a long day sure taste good!