Lying in my bed at Nomads All Nations Hostel Melbourne. Not only has pedestrain density met critical mass but the mass is a fast moving wave of multiculural abundance. The other day I saw two middle-aged men collide. Wow. Melbourne has always struck me as the gold-repping palm-slapping sidewinding boss of cities. First impressions proved true to this premonition. But then I got a little deeper.

A trip to St Kilda showed the golden handshakes “Chill” side. Met with my friend Kanadia, a fleece wearing South African who peddled handmade jewellery. My friend said the Melbourne council wouldn’t allow him to hustle his wares in the CBD but recommended he try St. Kilda. I hadnt yet got my busking licence so decided a spot of lo-fi street rally would go down well. Now the urban free-wheeling beef burger of a city had some funky bbq sauce.

A mad hippy-roadie from california named Juliana told me I would like Fitzroy. She always had a habit of getting just slightly too personal, like she was a 5 year old coloring in, she would cross the line sometimes. So basically I trusted her.The place was the nightmare suburb of my dreams. Slippy trance. The DIYesque architecture, the eccentrically twisted graff-art and the Goths. Australian Psycho. This suave yuppie has a dark inner child. The shipwrecks beneath the golden Yarra.

After a night of partying a lovely girl from Wales and I had agreed to go to the Victoria market together. The helpful crew at All Nations backpackers Hostel reception gave us directions. The market was immense. The mad traffic was back. But we couldnt marketeer on empty morning after stomachs so we called into a Pizza shop on the corner of Peel and Victoria street. Aptly recommended by a friendly longterm backpacker staying at All Nations backpackers Hostel who said it had good quality to value ratio. I ate half of my Narnianly epic “large – lot” pizza and carryied the rest around with me eating pieces while walking, true kiwi tourist style.

The market was full of knacks ranging from fresh fruit to novelty belt buckles. I heard the high, harrowing and awe-inspiring call of a Maori Kuia (female elder), and I said to my friend, I think that there is a New Zealand section in the market. We followed the calls. Alas, It turned out to be a crazy young indian banana salesman, mad-eyed, and yelling “bananabananabananabanana” over and over, really fast. Well done Melbourne.Great job!



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The weather is not getting better for a while, but Melbourne can make you happier since it has a lot of things to do

So whats on Melbourne?

Exhibition – Young or old, we all know Batman or Alice in Wonderland. The genius behind these figures, Tim Burton, is having an exclusive exhibition in ACMI on Federation Square (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) from June till October 2010. There will be around 700 works, including paintings, puppets, films, storyboards and costumes. Definitely worth while to take a look.

Ice House – Or if you want to experience a real winter, The Ice House in Docklands can offer you skating on ice, while snow flakes are falling down on you! It’s for all ages and they have special activities for kids on the ice.

Classic Film Festival at Docklands – Somewhere to go with your friends or family: Waterfront City Piazza. Grab a meal, hot chocolate, popcorn or pizza and enjoy classic movies under the stars. Bring along a blanket and picnic, otherwise director’s chairs are available.

• Sunday Nights – Family Favourites
• Monday Nights – The Classics
• Tuesday Nights – Scary Classics
• Wednesday Nights – James Bond Classics
• Thursday Nights – Comedy
• Friday Nights – Blockbusters
• Saturday Matinee – Family Favourites Saturday Nights 7pm.

Melbourne International Animations Festival – Get ready for a nine day blast of animation from around the world in the 10^th edition of the Melbourne International Animation Festival from the 19^th of June till the 27^th. MIAF is encouraging young talents and newcomers to get their work on screen for the first time. Since this is their 10^th anniversary they have some specials on the program!

As you can see, winter in Melbourne is definitely not boring!

If you are looking for accommodation because you want to visit this beautiful city, just drop by Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel right in the city centre!

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It’s getting colder and colder in Victoria and you think that Melbourne is quiet and there is nothing to do in autumn? YOU THOUGHT WRONG! Visit our friendly staff in the Mad Travel Shop and book a PHILLIP ISLAND TOUR!

Phillip Island, only 140 km away from Melbourne, was named after the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip, and is a MUST for all nature lovers.

During this tour you will see and even feed kangaroos in a wildlife park, you will see koalas and cockatoos and if you are brave enough, you can have a snake around your neck! The tour guide knows everything about these animals and will show you the best places where you can meet your new friends.

In the evening you can go to the beach to see the penguin parade. Loads of penguins come out of the water and this will be the highlight of the day!

What are you waiting for?

Come down to Nomads All Nations Backpackers and ask any of our cool staff how to get out and see the penguin parade on a Phillip Island Tour.
We look forward to meeting you!

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When you are working in a hostel, you come across all kinds of people. These people are also staying here for all kinds of reasons. Some of them are traveling. They stay 2 or 3 days and then they move on. Some of them are working in Melbourne and use the hostel as their place to eat and sleep. But there is one person staying here who is maybe using this hostel as a secret hideout. There is a rather small Russian guy staying here for quite some time now and rumor has it that he is an agent of the KGB. Also known as the Russian secret service.

In this hostel he goes by the name Gleb. But nobody actually knows if this is his real name. Some people think it is, but some people also think that it is one of his secret code names. He managed to really blend in by doing housekeeping for the hostel. This way there won’t be any payment records and nobody will think of his other job as a secret agent. But there could be one thing that could give his cover away. The thing is that he doesn’t say much. Most of the time he uses non verbal communication like nodding his head or raising his hand to say hello. Another thing is that he is always wearing his earplugs. It is supposed to be Russian music but it could just as good be possible that he is receiving details about another secret mission.

One of his hobbies is fishing. He used to join some of the staff members one or two times a week. Gleb truly is a man of many talents. He has a gift to always make people laugh. Mostly because of his non verbal communication. One time after a fishing trip he managed to get into a little trouble. One day, returning after a fishing day, he told the others that they would not need to buy a tram ticket because it was close enough to the hostel. But that day there was a ticket inspector on the tram. So Gleb and the others got a fine for illegal tram riding. There was no possibility to use his secret agent’s skills since that would blow his cover.

Not everybody is able to become a secret agent. One of the things you need is great intelligence.

Well Gleb is super intelligent. You could tell that by one of the ambitions he has. He has some a plan to someday build a spaceship and fly into space on organic material. Well that is something that nobody has ever done before! Maybe he could be the first person to start a new colony on the moon.

So if you ever visit Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel and you get the opportunity to meet Gleb. Try to figure out yourself: Gleb… secret agent of the Russian KGB, or…. not, you decide…..

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Here is your guide to upcoming events at UBar.  Why? Well because there are so many bars, pubs and discos in Melbourne and you still don’t know where to go on a Saturday Night? You’re always going to the same parties and you wanna see something else? Do you like drink specials and happy hours all night long? Interested in people who are probably crazier than you? Wanna have a night that you’ll never forget?

Come to the Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel UBar and dance like you’ve never danced before. The All Nations UBar offers unique and unforgettable events every weekend. DJ Kollosoul will make you move and the bar staff will organise the perfect drink for you!

*Upcoming events in the UBar:*

*Saturday, 15th May 2010**: Coyote Ugly Party*

Have a look in your cupboard, grab a sexy dress and go to the All Nations
UBar: It’s Coyote Ugly time.

Happy Hour + good music + fantastic people = unforgettable party. And who
knows …what will happen during a Coyote Ugly Party??!

* *

*Saturday, 22nd May 2010**: Bad Hair Day*

Wanted: The worst haircut and the funniest hairstyle ever! The uglier, the
better! If you are interested in free drinks, come to the All Nations UBar,
win the competition and get $xxx bar tabs!

* *

*Saturday, 29th May 2010**: Wild Wild West Party*

Dress up like a cowboy / cowgirl or like an Indian and get drink specials
the whole night. We are looking for Mr Cowboy and Ms Cowgirl.

If you are interested in our bar, check out our Facebook Fan Page. And when do we
meet each other?

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So I’m English, and what is the one thing we love to talk about and moan about?? That’s right, the weather! I have been in Australia for 5 months living in Melbourne and have spent many sunny days stretching out on the beach or in a park. But recently there has been a very British vibe to the weather, I recently saw a forecast that predicted ‘Drizzle’!!

Then around mid April we had our first day below 20 degrees for over 3 months. At home 18 degrees would probably be a nice summer day playing outside in the park but out here it came as a shock. Then the unthinkable happened, I put on trousers (pants) and a jumper (sweatshirt)!! I still fought the battle and kept my thongs on though.

Then I made the next startling discovery, They have radiators in Australia! unbelievable! not that I’m not thankful for this on a day when a stiff breeze blows through the office but this has seriously dented my idea of the big hot orange country I thought Australia was.

So in true British style I’m going to ignore the weather and have a good time regardless, there are loads of cold weather activities in town like ice skating, bowling, the Crown Casino and not to forget all the cozy little bars. There are heaps of things to do and the Ski season starts soon with a few mountains accessible from Melbourne. Swing by Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel and ask in the Mad Travel shop about what to do in Melbourne in Winter.

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Victoria is the best state in Australia! FACT! Not only does it have the best surf beaches and the most dramatic coastlines, but the highland national parks are made for exploring! I was lucky enough to go to the Grampians National Park last week. I had never been there before so I was not 100% sure what to expect. But after only 2 days in and around Mt Zero I would recommend a visit to anyone, from rock climbers to drinkers. I gave both a crack, and can say for certain there is nothing better than watching the sun set from on top of a sheer rock face with a beer in hand.

During the day I was amazed at the amount of wildlife. Kangaroo’s and emu’s were everywhere! And during the night the possums were in such large numbers that I was convinced they were going to attack. But I think the main reason I would go back to the Grampians would be for the views. Because most of the mountains in the area are jagged rocks, even the slightest change in light will produce a totally different view to that of just a few minutes ago.

But because the Grampians are so big I would recommend going on there with people who know where all the hidden gems are. That is where the Mad Travel Shop (downstairs at Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel) comes into its own. Marc and Cheki can compare all the tours on offer and help you choose the best Grampians National Park one for you.

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Don’t know what to do this weekend? You can’t find a special event, festival or concert in your city?
Come to Melbourne / Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel and visit the beautiful city for a few days. If you book for 3 nights, you can get the 4th night for free. But that is not everything:  On Friday, 30 April 2010 the Dutch people celebrate the Dutch Queen’s Day… so if you are interested, come to our bar, wear orange clothes to get drink specials all night!!! We trust that you won’t forget this party!

Why do you have to come?

• cheapest hostel in town
• great atmosphere
• the best party location in Melbourne
• DJ Kollosoul in the bar
• drink specials the whole weekend

Have a look on facebook, become a fan of the All Nations UBar on facebook and follow us to get the latest news for this weekend! If you have any questions concerning the Dutch Queen’s Day and / or booking a room, don’t hesitate to contact Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel, Melbourne.

See you on Friday in the bar…

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Want an impressive sunset followed by the twinkling lights of the beautiful city of Melbourne?

Down on the Southbank is the Eureka Skydeck, an 88th floor 360 degree viewing platform. Not only does the Skydeck offer free telescopes pointing at all the major sights in Melbourne but it has ‘The Edge’. ‘The Edge’ is a frosted glass cube that can be extended out of the building, then when fully hanging outside the frosted glass suddenly becomes transparent and you can see straight down 88 floors! quite an experience and for less than $30 you can visit the deck and go on ‘The Edge’.

My personal suggestion would be to walk from Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel down past the casino at around 4pm and aim to be at the tower to watch the sunset over the bay. Then you can have a beer and chill out and wait for the city to light up. Drop by reception and we can sort you out with a Eureka Skydeck discount card.

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Down at Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel we have a van, its not an especially good van but it has an engine that works, a gearbox that tells you when it wants to go in to 3rd gear and it can carry 10 people to wherever the inspiration takes them.

This week someone came up to me and said they had overheard me talking about a surf trip on the Great Ocean Road I did recently and asked me if I planned to go again anytime soon. Thus the seed was planted, I had access to the van (I work for the hostel) I had inspiration to surf and I had my first 2 passengers.

It took all of 2 days to get 8 others interested and we loaded up and drove down to Torquay to surf on the Great Ocean Road. It was an amazing day and everyone managed to get up on their board at least once, we have many photos on the Nomads All Nations facebook page. We spent the night camping in the Otways rainforest and then drove the Great Ocean Road the next day.

An amazing trip all round, Now I’m just waiting for the next inspiration to come along then who knows where the van will take us. The plan is to go somewhere, anywhere at least once a week, We are open to ideas and just need 5-6 people minimum to go!

Drop by reception at Nomads All Nations Backpackers Hostel and ask about the man with the van and the next All Nations Road Trip!

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