I HATE Melbourne's transport system. Absolutely hate it, dislike it, loathe it despise it, and all the other words that describe a strong dislike.

Because of the damned transport system, Gen and I were unable to climb yesterday. Let's see, I shall trace the events that led up to us not being able to climb. Caught the 12pm 250 bus to the city, and then took a train to Footscray station. Then we sat down in some courtyard to eat our packed lunch among pigeons and seagulls while waiting for bus 414 to come. When it finally came, we boarded and took off with high hopes to Cliffhanger. In the end, however, we kinda alighted at a few stops before the supposed one, and had no other bus to take because there were no more buses that served during that hour. Before we realised that we were at the wrong stop though, we walked around this area full of factories and warehouses by ourselves trying to find the place. Come to think of it, it was pretty dangerous for us haha. But yeah so Gen called Cliffhanger and we realised that we were at the wrong place. Bloody hell, I think we got 'lost' partly because the website's instructions were so vague too. So with a heavy heart we caught the next bus back to Footscray.

So yeah, thats basically the story of how Gen and I didn't manage to climb. Back at Footscray though, we decided to explore the area and discovered many things! Firstly it has a big Vietnamese community. Everywhere I saw Vietnamese shops and restaurants! I felt like I was back at Ho Chi Minh again haha. And while desperately looking for a toilet, we chanced upon this 'shopping mall' (which was more of a sheltered area for shops) thronging with Vietnamese. Went in and found out that the place was like some market, with veggies, fruits and meat being sold. Omg it was sooo crowded! But had a really nice feel to it - very homely. Kinda reminded me of the wet markets back home.. So yeah, after running to the toilet there, we bought some pancakes which tasted wonderful, and ended up buying 4 back to share with our dorm friends. Then we further explored, bought some groceries, and BUBBLE TEA before starting the long journey back to Glenn. Reached home at about 7 plus, had a hurried dinner in the dining hall before going back to our rooms.

Well, I'm still a bit sore that I wasn't able to climb yesterday, but I guess at least now Gen and I know what not to do on our next journey to Cliffhanger. I wonder when the next one will be.. Maybe after my exams during my 2 week break. And by then my climbing gear would've (hopefully) arrived! I miss my shoes and chalk bag!! And my brand new laser pointer that has yet to be used. I can't believe it, its been almost 4 months since I last saw my climbing gear! Man, I really hope it comes soon.

And yeah, that's what Melbourne's transport system is like here. The buses here come at intervals of roughly 20 minutes or so, and sometimes they don't even operate during a certain time. Its especially worse on weekends, when some bus services don't even operate at all. But if they do, they come like twice in an hour if you're lucky, and the last bus is at like what, 4 something? It's really crap. Trains and trams aren't that bad, but they still could be better. I miss Singapore's public transport, I miss it so damn much! Don't take it for granted, people. And don't complain that the fares are expensive because honestly, they're bloody cheap compared to the fares I have to pay over here.

But anyway, it was La Trobe Open Day today! Just got back from exploring the campus grounds, looking at the stalls set up and all. And had a free lunch of hotdogs! Glenn was giving out free hotdogs haha so Gen, Jerilyn and I went to kope. It was nice. Had strawberry jam-filled donuts too. Yum.

Okay so now its back to hitting the books! Stop procrastinating, Rachel. Its not good.