My name is Duncan Tod, I have Cerebral Palsy and use an electric wheelchair. I am currently living at Habitat HQ Hostel as a long-term guest after having returned from living overseas in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. The following paragraphs detail my own personal experiences of living long-term in a Hostel environment with a physical disability.

As a very experienced international traveller, I have stayed in many Hostels around the world but there is something really special about Habitat HQ. For this reason, I felt compelled to share my experiences of such a positive place to stay. I have lived at Habitat HQ for 6 months and very quickly it become not only a place to stay but a home. From the moment I arrived, the Hostel Manager and her staff went out of their way to welcome me and accommodate any individual needs that I had. Having such a positive and forward-thinking management team with a ‘can do’ attitude makes Habitat HQ Hostel the best place I have ever stayed. The Hostel has won a myriad of Tourism and Backpacker industry awards which is a testament to my above sentiments.

I’m always extremely humbled by the positive experiences and the feeling of inclusion I receive from fellow guests at Habitat HQ. Before I came to stay at Habitat HQ, I was a little anxious about how I would cope sharing a dormitory with so many other people and more importantly I was unsure of how others would feel and react to this. So many young travellers have never come into contact with anyone in a wheelchair or Disability. I share a dormitory with up to ten people at a time and I have always been made to feel so included by everyone and am considered by all who know me as ‘just one of the lads’. I continually find that within a very short period of time, my fellow roommates and guests perceptions, positive or negative, are completely transformed. I am extremely grateful and humbled for this.

As a wheelchair user, I highly recommend Habitat HQ Hostel to any other travellers with Disability. All areas of the Hostel are fully accessible to a wheelchair. There is a wheelchair accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower and grab rails both in the shower and at the toilet. The kitchen is huge with plenty of space for wheelchair users to access fridges and prepare meals. The coin-operated laundry and outdoor entertaining area are all accessible to wheelchair users.

Habitat HQ is always abuzz with social activity. There is a weekly timetable of nightly events to mix and mingle with fellow travellers. These weekly events include Trivia, Karaoke, Mario Kart, free BBQ and more. There is even a licensed Bar! I am always willing and encouraged to take part in all activities and have developed a reputation for belting out a classic tune on Karaoke night! The Management team at the Hostel enjoying marking special occasions during the year and organise themed parties such as Christmas in July and Halloween.

A stay, whether short or long term at Habitat HQ is an absolute must for anyone in a wheelchair or with Disabilities!

Would you ever call a hostel your home away from home? I’ve been in Australia for close to two years and I can’t tell you much about any other hostel in Melbourne other than Habitat HQ, located on St Kilda Road. Once you’ve stayed here, nowhere else will compare.

It’s called HQ for a reason. Everyone needs a home base, somewhere they feel safe. It isn’t the norm to live in a hostel for long periods of time. Especially in the backpacking world. But when you’re halfway across the world, it’s hard to leave a hostel that is so accommodating and central. I’ve lived in Habitat a total of four times. I’ve stayed there more than any rented apartment and that’s because they make it so easy.

I remember every single member of staff. They’re Habitat family and treat you well. Unlike some hostels I’ve stayed in, Habitat has a huge communal area, gas-lit fire and a great kitchen facility. On top of that, there’s a TV room, pool table and a spacious back yard. Another plus is how ecologically friendly they are and living there makes you conscious of your contribution to our environment.

The small things are big reminders. When staying here, you’ll get reminded in the bathrooms to not let the taps run while brushing your teeth – it’s the small things. Whenever I’ve moved out, I’ve been conscious of it and tried with the little habits I’ve learned at Habitat HQ. They also have their busy-bee honey makers, standing out even more in comparison to other hostels.

Throughout the week there are activities happening on most days and it’s an easier environment to meet friends. Most of my closest friendships in Australia were made in this hostel. Mainly because I’m not the only backpacker who treats Habitat like a home. It’s all about the people, the places and the memories when you’re travelling. Most of my memories were made in this hostel, at the cusp of St Kilda’s busy hub. Their great location is also what keeps people staying for so long.

A cliché stones-throw away from Acland Street, you’ll find spending your money is the easiest thing to do when you only have a ten-minute walk back home to Habitat.

There’s nothing like coming home to 20 odd people who feel like family when you’re in a home away from home. It’s easy to work and live here too. From tradies, hospo staff, office workers and many other professions. Of course, a hostel is still a hostel and living in Habitat HQ is a reminder to make the most of your working holiday visa.

When I talk about Australia many of my stories will be about the small things that happened within the walls of Habitat HQ and spontaneous days out in St Kilda.

Melbourne loves a festival and coming on January 16th is one of its best...The Australian Open Festival! If seeing the best of the World's Tennis players battle it out isn't enough excitement this year there is an amazing lineup of live music, food and bar experiences. It's going to be the Australian Opens best year ever.

To see what is on and get your tickets jump on the AO webpage http://event.ausopen.com/event-guide

At HabitatHQ we are very excited to be so close to the action, just a short tram trip to the center of all the festivities. Don't forget to book your bed at HabitatHQ.

Who do think will come out on top? Will Nick Kyrgios be the bad boy of tennis or will he shine? Will Serena dominate the girls and give us her usual epic battles on the court? We can hardly wait for the action to begin #lovetennis #australianopen2017

Sea Life aquarium Melbourne, is one the Melbourne’s most popular tourist attractions. Sea Life’s mission is to Breed. Rescue and protect. They run successful breeding programmes to sustain endangered species, rescue sick and injured creatures such as turtles before returning them to the wild and campaign for the global protection of individual species and the marine environment. As an Eco Hostel, committed to all things Green this makes us love the Melbourne Aquarium even more at HabitatHQ

My partner and I hopped on the tram located outside Habitat HQ to Flinders street; from there it

was a short 5-minute stroll to the Aquarium. As it was a Sunday it was pretty busy with big queues but we had pre-booked our tickets so we walked straight in. At weekends I would recommend pre-booking as it will save you lots of time queuing and more time to see all the sea life.

We started off in ‘The bay of Rays’ which is a look at life below Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay. You can crawl under the exhibit and poke your head through a clear bubble.

I loved the amazing moon jellies which floated around Coral Cove, lit up by different fluoro colours. These jelly fish are not dangerous, as some jelly fish in Australia are.

Seeing the 2.2 MILLION litre, Oceanarium filled with sharks and sting rays and home to the mermaid garden. I had to get the obligatory smiling picture of the smooth sting rays as they passed. It took a few attempts but I finally got one.

There are plenty of opportunities for some fun photos along the way so make sure you get involved and get posing! Last but not least we headed to see the penguins. They have Majestic Kings and Gentoo penguins at Sea Life.

What a great afternoon we had, it was great to see the conservation projects they are involved in and learn more about marine life native to this side of the world. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Melbourne.

If you book your tickets for Sea Life at Habitat HQ reception you can get them for $26 instead of $40.50. Bargain! Come see us a reception for more information.

Sea life is opened 7 days a week from 9.30pm-6pm (last entry 5pm)

The ISAF Sailing World Cup Final is to be held at St Kilda, Melbourne's favourite tourist beach side suburb, from the 4 - 11 December 2016.

Accommodation in St Kilda is plentiful but during events it is often booked out. There are plenty of options from 4 star hotels to backpacker hostels.

If crews are seeking cheap and economical accommodation which is walking distance to the St Kilda marina complex they should consider Melbourne's best backpacker Hostel - Habitat HQ.

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS) is the local yacht club hosting the event. Hundreds of international sailors will compete in a bid to be crowned 2016 Sailing World Cup Champion in the ten Olympic fleets and the 2.4 Norlin One Design.

December is the commencement of the summer season in Melbourne. Although it is not as hot as February, the maximum daily temperatures could range from the low 20's to the mid 30's - which will be comfortable and enjoyable for participants and spectators.

Now is the perfect time to lock in accommodation for the ISAF World Cup in St Kilda - the event is only 8 weeks away.

Habitat HQ is number 1 on TripAdvisor for specialty accommodation - backpacker hostel - in St. Kilda. Book Now!

Halloween is one of our favorite times of the year here at HabitatHQ and this year St Kilda is putting on a 4 day Spooktacular Halloween Festival! Join us at HabitatHQ with our very own Zombie Shuffle Bar Hop and ooz yourself down Acland Street and Fitzroy street to watch roving performers, buskers Spookbooth and of course Trick or Treating and visit a few bars too.....

Book your bed early, StKilda and Melbourne will be overflowing with Ghouls that need a bed!

Book direct with HabitatHQ to get the best price for the best bed in StKilda!

The Spring Racing Carnival is one of Melbourne's most popular events. The sun comes out in Melbourne at this time of the year as done some amazing fashion and of course the Bubbly.

This year is a true haven for foodies, with the best of Melbourne dining including Estelle by Scott Pickett, Mistress Estelle, Mr Miyagi, Mamasita and more. There will be style as you've never experienced it at any race day, with the premium David Jones Fashion Stable encapsulating world-first runway shows that will redefine what it means to be fashionable at the races. Plus with live music acts all day rivaling any festival at the Crown Lager purpose-built bar and entertainment stage, you're set for a great day at Caulfield. It’s all set to the thrilling backdrop of world-class Group 1 racing, with the stars of thoroughbred racing on show and history being made right before your eyes.

StKilda and HabitatHQ are just a short trip away from the Caulfield race track. Book one of our Private Hotel rooms or share with your mates in a Quad room at Habitat HQ in St Kilda! Get your frocks and suits or sombrero on for a great day out in Melbourne.

Get your tickets on line and save $$ Book at tickets.mrc.net.au

Gates open: 10:30am. First Race: 12:15pm.

St Kilda Foreshore is the new location for MELBOURNE’S BIGGEST BEACH-SIDE OKTOBERFEST October 15-16th

Enjoy the Hosted German Games, Deep Haus Hall, Silent Disco Hall, RnB Party and performances from Spacey Space, Shannon Noll, John Course, Hey Sam, Boogs, Sunshine and more. There are rides, German food and beer and a German dress code! Who doesn’t love dressing-up and having a drink with their mates?

Oktoberfest is fast becoming one of the most anticipated days in the event calendar in October for Australian’s and visitors alike. Make sure you book somewhere to rest your head after all that beer and thigh slapping in one of our Backpacker dorm rooms or our fabulous private hotel rooms at HabitatHQ.

Check out the full event program and book your tickets in oktoberfeststkilda.com/activitiesyah/

Melbourne is buzzing with tourists. Hotels, hostels and backpackers will all be full this weekend - which is a long weekend in the city.

Melbourne hosts the AFL Grand Final on Saturday between the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs in what is already an historic event. The celebrations kick off with the traditional Grand Final parade of the members of the two teams through the city on Friday. Other big events include the traditional North Melbourne breakfast on Saturday.

The game starts at 2:30. If you can't get to Melbourne the game can be watched throughout the world at Australian bars, cafes and restaurants in most cities. But watching the game live in Australia's number one sporting arena with 100,000 other spectators is a truly memorable experience.

The Western Bulldogs have not won a grand final since 1954 when they played under the name Footscray - 62 years ago. If they are successful John Shultz will present the cup to the Western Bulldogs captain. He played in their grand final team in 1961.

The Sydney Swans last won the AFL Premiership in 2012. If they are the winners this year they will be presented to them by Peter Bedford who won the Brownlow Medal in 1970 while playing for the South Melbourne Swans (the team moved to Sydney in 1982).

If you need accommodation in Melbourne you will need to book in advance to be sure of a bed.

Did you know that St Kilda has a colony of Little Penguins living on the breakwater of St Kilda Pier? This colony of around 1000 have lived there since 1974 and it is one of the few places in the world where you can see them living so close to a major City CBD, only 10 km away from Melbourne!

Guests at HabitatHQ can become a volunteer for the night in conjunction with Earth Care on Monday for our Little Penguin walk! We take you for a short 10 minute stroll down to St Kilda Pier, via the iconic Luna Park, to visit these little guys and help protect them from flash photography and over zealous visitors! Ask at reception to sign up, our numbers are limited!

You can also wander down there yourself any day at sunset to get a glimpse of St Kilda's very special Urban Little Penguins. We love them and we know you will too!

The F1 Australian Grand Prix kicks off in Melbourne on the 17th – 20th of March 2016T!

Another one of Melbourne's awesome International events that you just cannot miss, no matter what your budget is!

Introduced in Melbourne in 1996, it has become increasingly popular with drivers and fans alike from all around the world!! HabitatHQ is located in StKilda, so close to the Albert Park Race track you can smell the rubber burning! We offer affordable accommodation, in an award winning accommodation provider, book soon to avoid paying too much or missing out altogether!

The atmosphere will be electric, with many other things to see and do for FREE during the four day F1 Grand Prix. Be part of the fun!

Make sure that you don’t miss out - book your Melbourne Grand Prix accommodation @ HabitatHQ now!!

I am not an avid sport goer. I get a very vague feeling of anticipation around the AFL grand final. If I’m to go to any sporting game, I tend to go for the team with the best colours. The only reason I know when an important soccer (*football) game has been on is because I see bodies passed out in the T.V. room after having stayed up all night to watch a game.However, I love the Australian Open. I love it.

To start with, I enjoy the sport. As I have attempted to play the sport myself, I know how hard it is to whack a forehand from the baseline and then have to sprint and hit a back hand volley. Let alone return a serve that is flying at you 100km+. Yet they manage. I love the anticipation of a long rally, and sometimes you’re treated to some fancy shots under the leg.I enjoy watching the idiosyncrasies of each tennis player. Their distinctive pre-game rituals, or a certain number of bounces before each serve. I enjoy the animation in a player when they win a game point; or the tennis tantrums when they don’t. On the contrary I enjoy the poker face of the linesmen and the trepidation of a ball boy. I love the collective gasps, oohs and aahs from the crowd.And the best of all is the atmosphere, which is always buzzing! Everyone is happy in their umbrella hats or sipping a Carlsberg beer. There may be a few unhappy tennis goers because of the heat, but once they get to the fans with water they’re aces also. Not only is there tennis to entertain you, but a beer garden with live music, or activities like testing how fast you can serve. There are lots of stalls where you can get free samples, yes, free! This year they have even extended the festivities to Birrarung Mar (which is free to access), where there is big screens to watch the tennis, food vans, and again, general good times.Do yourself a favour and go to the Australian Open, you’ll absolutely love it!

"Flashpackers": Wikipedia has noted that backpacking is changing. Technological developments and improvements have contributed to these changes.

Backpackers now travel with expensive electronic equipment like laptop computers, digital cameras and smart phones. They desire to stay connected and share their travel experiences with friends that they have met on the road as well as those back at home.

This has given rise to a trend that has been termed "flashpacking". Also, backpackers have traditionally hauled their possessions in 30 litre to 60 litre backpacks, but now roller-wheeled suitcases and some less-traditional carrying methods have become more common.

Habitat HQ can comfortably look after flashpackers and help them stay connected. Backpacker guests staying at Habitat HQ in Melbourne enjoy 500MB free WiFi per day and can purchase more for a couple of dollars if they need it. There are secure lockers with internal power points to charge and store electronic gadgets.

So if you are an international backpacker seeking a better quality level of backpacker accommodation and facilities, but still wishing to immerse yourself in the backpacker experience, then stay at Habitat HQ when you come to Melbourne Australia.

Did you know that HabitatHQ backpackers in StKilda, Melbourne now has 3 Beehives? We are looking after more than 70 thousand of these beautiful, miraculous, clever and environmentally important creatures.

They have produced, for our international travel guests, litres of uniquely St Kilda Honey to enjoy with their free breakfast! But that’s just a bonus as the real reason we have decided to bring them to our Habitat is that without their busy little cross pollination…..we may just go hungry!

Due to man’s unsustainable living habits these creatures are in danger of becoming extinct.

A recent study by Whole Foods* took to the supermarkets to show us visually what it may look like in the future if bees are allowed to die out! 52% of the produce departments offering would be pulled from the shelves!

Not only would there be no more Honey for our toast or apples for our pies here is a list of other foods that we will have to go without!

Onions, avocados, carrots, mangoes, lemons, limes, honeydew, cantaloupe, zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, cucumbers, celery, green onions, cauliflower, leeks, bok choy, kale, broccoli, broccoli rabe and mustard greens.

Help us save and protect these life supporting creatures and get your own Bee Hive!

Want to know more amazing and fun facts about bees? Read our top 10 Amazing Facts About Bees or go to: http://www.trueactivist.com/this-is-what-supermarkets-will-look-like-if-bees-disappear/

Coming to Melbourne for the International Championship Cup this weekend? Got the ticket to the matches before they sold out? Lucky you! Whether you’re a Romanista, a City fan or an avid supporter of Los Galácticos, you are in for a treat. Sure, Melbourne is freezing, but you get to watch the stars of soccer (football? Nah mate, it’s soccer) at the magnificent MCG!

Match your experience watching the stars with a warm and fun stay at Habitat HQ, the best and greenest backpackers accommodation. We have everything from private rooms with ensuite to a 10-dorm room for you to share with your mates, only 20 minutes away from the CBD via tram! Not sure what to do when you’re not watching the match? We have a fireplace, a well-stocked bar and a super friendly reception staff who will recommend you plenty of things to do and places to be during your stay. See you at our Habitat, Melbourne’s best youth hostel and budget accommodation!

There’s an old Australian proverb that goes like this;

“Yeeeeeeah, nah”.

This is one of Australians finest linguistic phrases. Shakespeare has even written something similar, “To be, or not to be”.

This is a common phrase you may hear when travelling through Australia, which could have two meanings;

1) They kind of understand what you’re saying, but they don’t agree,

E.g.

- “Can’t wait to have a nice cold VB”

- “Yeah naaah, I’d prefer a Carlton”

2) They don’t really give a sh*t about the topic of conversation.

E.g.

- “Did you watch Juventus last night??”

- “ Yeah nah, I went straight to sleep”

To go with this phrase, the accent that goes with it is also important. Someone once said, the Australian accent came about because when the British came over, it was too hot so they had to speak much more slowly. So when these two words are spoken, it is important to really lengthen the two words, and if possible sound the vowels out through your nose.

Happy Travels! x

We all need to eat. It’s just one of those things that everyone needs to do to survive, and when you’re travelling and on a budget, you need to find cheap, good places to eat. This is where we come in, to not only help save you money, but to make sure your Mum stops calling and annoying you with questions about eating well!

It’s lucky for you that Melbourne has some of the best food in the world, and you can eat out for under $10 every day. Sounds crazy I know, but believe me, it’s true! So to make life easier, and to take the thinking out of it for you, we’ve compiled a few places around the St. Kilda area to get fed on the cheap.

For some of the cheapest and best pizza you’ll ever try, you can’t go past LUCKY COQ on Chapel Street. It’s a favourite pub among locals and travellers alike, and they have incredible pizza for only $4. Yes, $4. And it’s seriously good too, not like those dodgy slices you buy at 4am in the morning on your way home from a night out, it’s a decent size and more than worth the price!

If it’s Asian food you feel like, just around the corner from us on Carlisle Street you’ll find a great Vietnamese place called UNCLE where you can tuck into an authentic bowl of Pho for only $7 for the mini serve, which is definitely enough to fill you up. It’s full of flavour and the best hangover cure you’ll ever find. True.

For a little Mexican feast, RADIO MEXICO just near Acland Street is a St. Kilda institution that must be visited, and their $7 Taco’s are delicious! It has great atmosphere, it’s healthy, and it’s cheap – what else could you ask for? They also serve a tasty selection of beers for those of you who want to splash out a little.

And our number one place for an unbelievably healthy, satisfying meal is an awesome little place called LENTIL AS ANYTHING. It’s a not for profit place run by volunteers, and there is no set menu or prices. All you do is go in, choose what you would like to eat, enjoy the experience and then decide what you feel you would like to pay - as much or as little as you think. There are no rules, just your own conscience to deal with and that guy can be hard to run from…

Happy Eating!

Get your adrenaline fix

Relaxing on the beach not your style? Experience StKilda beach in a different way.

GoFlyboard is an amphibious water-powered jet pack that propels the boarder up to 30 feet in the air! They say it takes only 20 minutes to master it.

Book your spot here http://www.goflyboard.com.au

Or want a birds eye view? Skydive the Beach http://www.skydive.com.au/locations/melbourne/

Culture

The Jewish Museum is one of the best small Museums in Melbourne. Fantastic permanent exhibitions and amazing temporary displays from Andy Warhol to Photographic installations.

Food and Drink

Get your sweet tooth fix. Acland street, St Kilda is home to some of the best Cake Cafes in Melbourne, and most definitely the biggest selection!!

StKilda has some fantastic bars and some of the most lively night spots in Melbourne.

This site has them listed, you may need to extend you stay to try them all

http://www.stkildamelbourne.com.au/eat-drink/bars-a-pubs

Live Entertainment

Palais Theatre. This is not only an Iconic StKilda Building, it is the host of many a great Artist from Bob Dylan and Hozier to Cheech and Chong.

The Espy. A Physical landmark in StKilda and a cultural icon to Australia. The Espy has a long standing tradition of live music, playing host to over 50 bands and DJ’s every week. If you want to see great Aussie music Live, this is where you need to be.

Natural Wonders

Urban Fairy Penguins. StKilda is home to a unique small colony of Urban Fairy Penguins. They live in the breakwater at the end of the pier and you can see them every evening at Sunset for FREE!

Please be kind when you visit, these little penguins hate the Selfie stick & Flash photography.

StKilda Botanical Gardens and Eco Centre. A beautiful and tranquil spot to have a picnic, play giant chess or engage in some of the great eco courses and films held by the award winning Eco Centre. The rose garden and the native plants are just some of the highlights!

Looking to work while you are here on holiday? Yes, and so is about everyone else. So please make use of these guidelines to help you stand out above the rest, and get the job. Some of these might seem like common sense but, if we only had a coin for every time we see a backpacker not get the job because they failed to follow any one these simple rules...

Adjust Your Schedule

Yes, this means you will have to cut back on the long nights of splitting a box of goon with your travel buddies. Let us be frank, the business need to see that you are responsible and getting up early is a major indicator you take work seriously. Take a day off from the debauchery and head out early with copies of your CV so they have time to land into the right person’s hands by the end of the day. Even heaps of cafe and restaurant managers are known to be around early because that is when things get done. It is no wonder the same people calling their mum for money are those who stay up to 6 in the morning and wake up at 4pm. The world won’t change its schedule for you, so it is up to you to change for them

Become Contactable

If you just arrived in Australia, one of the first things you should do is get an Aussie phone or sim card. If you do not have an Aussie phone number, it is highly unlikely you will get a job. Australians still like to conduct their businesses over the phone, especially at the initial hiring phase. So if you think you are perfect for the job, then they might too, so have a number they can reach you at to proceed to the next step. This also will help when you run into the girl/guy of your dreams, a phone number shows more seriousness than telling them to find you on Facebook.

Dress to Impress

No matter what line of work you are going into, it is always wise to have a couple nice outfits to wear. We suggest one comfortable, casual but professional outfit for job hunting and another more professional one for interviews. Job hunting is when you walk around with a bundle of CV’s and give them to prospective employers. What you are wearing there and them might determine how that CV will be handled, and if you walked in wearing board shorts and a tank top, your chances are slim. Don’t have anything nice? Head to an op shop and get some vintage classics that will help you land a job on the cheap. Although, depending on the job and the employer, some ladies might find it advantageous to dress in less, but we do not recommend it

Update Your CV

Keep your CV as simple, clear, and concise as can be. Take out the useless data and keep the most relevant and informative information on CV, so it will be one to two pages max. If you graduated from uni, then it does not matter where you went to high school. The skills you learned at McDonald's when you were 16 might not apply to your career as an electrician. It is acceptable to have a shorter CV and a detailed cover letter or portfolio to supplement than one overstuffed CV that is hard to understand. Also, it is advisable to have multiple CV’s and cover letters depending on the type of work they are looking for, for example, if you are looking for a job in hospitality and/or retail, then you’ll have the documentation for both, but please make sure you give them the right one! Show the staff at Habitat HQ your resume for even more advice.

Follow Up

When you hand someone your CV or even submit one online, it is always best to find a way to follow up on it. Try to obtain the contact details of the person who would be responsible of the decision, and call them or email them to confirm the received it. Same for online; if there is a number on the Gumtree post as well, call it and follow through. Even if you just conducted an interview, send a thank you message to those who set it up. Such actions shows fortitude and dedication and can help you stand out from the rest.

Now hopefully these rules will help you get off on the right foot. If you want to work, and don’t even know where to start, try our Jobs webpage full of links to the most valuable resources Australia has to offer. There are even tips for regional work so you can stay Australia longer. And don’t forget, while you are here at HabitatHQ, check out the Habitat HQ Jobs Board to see if anything positions have opened up. Good Luck!