Fancy a cottage?

Clinical rotations officially ended on Friday marking the end of our time as medical students. The very popular 'Back to base' week is here and this consists of very useful lectures ranging from topics such as "Stuff I wish I had known before they gave me a pager" to "Sleep science for shift workers" to "Red Flags" to "ECG revision" to "Financial Planning" and "Looking after yourself" with free lunches provided everyday!

I think this will be the one week of lectures that everyone will attend - the promise of free food and the coming together of everyone both in rural and metropolitan areas after 5 years of medical school should be reasons enough.

Which brings me to my family's trip to Melbourne which I have spent days stressing and planning looking for the right hotels and places to bring them all in the space of just 6 days!

After finally conceding that there was no way I was going to fit Phillip Island, Mt Dandenong, Wilson's Promontory, my graduation and registration ceremony (that is inconveniently on two separate days within the same 6 day period) and Great Ocean Road, I reluctantly gave in to scrapping Wilson's Prom from the list.

Instead a leisurely drive to Werribee Mansion and the Victoria State Rose Garden (in bloom now!) deserves a stop and for the interested, a visit to the Islamic College of Victoria.

Then another leisurely drive to Torquay and along the Great Ocean Road to the final stop of Apollo Bay for...............

Two very homely cottages facing the Great Ocean for two nights!! The lady even gave me a discount. In total it costs $700 for two nights for two cosy cottages fully equipped with garden, patio, kitchen and an awesome view.

So I've spent the whole day convincing myself paying this much is worth it. After all if my family is flying all the way to Melbourne (which itself cost $1300 per person), then they only deserve to enjoy Great Ocean properly yah? After all they will be missing Wilson's Prom which rates better in my books but is more suitable for those willing to walk a lot.

Apollo Bay has the ocean view, the easy access to Otway National Park and its waterfalls and it is only a bit over an hour's drive to the 12 Apostles Marine National Park. And since it's summer, it's time to properly enjoy the beach and maybe even go surfing and horse riding! No need to rush to see the sights like most Great Ocean day trips -now we can just take our own sweet time (can you tell I'm trying to convince myself)!

Finally after 5 years here, I am actually going to enjoy the beautiful beaches here properly. I'm excited. I need a great view and a good rest. I've never spent this much before for accomodation but hey I think this is one that I might just close one eye.

Of course the pictures better be for real or else I'm screwed.