Melbourne Moments
Melbourne is a city I’ve wondered about for a long time. I’ve been firmly based in Sydney (in body, not in spirit) for 15 years and have never actually visited Melbourne proper so it had developed a certain mythical quality in my mind. The closest I came to experiencing it first hand was last year when I travelled along the Great Ocean Road with Amit, Ian C and Amit’s family when they were visiting from India. Of course I have traversed Fountain Gate shopping plaza with Kath and Kim to purchase a kilo of footy franks and a koogi jumper before but in some people’s minds that may not count!
Well the next few entries are going to be devoted to my few days gallivanting in Melbourne. Finally I can say I know a little more about the place.
First impressions, first slice of cake. That occurred on the first night and the trend continued until we left. On the spur of the moment Mum suggested we catch a tram to St Kilda for dinner where she and Ian had found a couple of good eating places earlier in the year. St Kilda was on my list too as a well-known destination for good eating places and hip lifestyle so we bought ourselves a ticket and hopped on a tram in the city centre. It was exciting to see the view of st kilda bay when we alighted and pass the Esplanade Hotel, fondly known as the ‘Espy’ by regulars. Naturally, I recognised both icons from watching The Secret Life of Us.
I thought the trams were great, very efficient and easy to use. It definitely makes for a unique feel to the city. I did learn though that it is a good idea to check exactly where they go after making a few too many assumptions about catching one to Lygon Street and missing the part of Lygon street we wanted to go to. In that situation when you are running almost half an hour late, they can seem a little slow!
After dinner at a nice (and very popular) little restaurant, Mum introduced me to a famous cake shop on Acland St, ‘Europa’. I can’t believe the cake shops and patisseries in Melbourne. There’s nothing like it in Sydney, shelves and displays piled high with every type of sweet delight imaginable. My sweet tooth was partying hard I can tell you. That night I had lemon tart and that was only the start. That story, however, will have to wait for the next edition…
Looks like you all had a great time
It does remind me of our trip down the Great Ocean Road. Wow I have to say Victoria is nice… scratch that lets do it the Kath and Kim way. Its nooooiiice!!
Yes I thoroughly enjoyed staying for the 5 days in Tullamarooiinne airport a la Kath and Kel on their honeymoon!
What a great time we had, didn’t we Ruth……hope we can do it again VERY soon!! And even “Fountain Gates”
got a mention!!!!
Aw my gawd! Shouldn’t you two be at work! Ha Ha!. Yep, Ruth had a personal taxi driver for 4 of those 5 days
. You’ll need to post a few more entries on this one I think. The raiders of the lost Lygon Street - Ruth’s adventure where no one has been before on a tram (at least not when they are looking to hit the main part of Lygon St in Carlton). Managed to have a 15 minute debate with a Socialist on the political naivite of his social comment while waiting for Ruth and Rose to turn up. Then Introduced them to quite possibly the best cafe/cake shop/bickie joint/restaurant in the whole of Victoria “Brunetti’s”.
Work, what’s that?
Brunetti’s I’ve got to say was one of the highlights of the trip - well my hips certainly remember it well!! Stay tuned for an indepth discussion of the finer arts of biscotti munching cookie-monster style.
What a bonus it was to find Rose and Ruth were going to be in Melbourne the same weekend that I was!! We met up on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Street. Andrew kindly picked me up and whisked us off to Brunswick Street where we found a lovely cafe for lunch (can’t remember the name of it now) but the food was great. It was very hot though and that is a definite memory of my weekend in Melbourne - the weather was fantastic!! Anyway great to meet Andrew and always special when I see my Aussie family!!! Lots a love Gilly xxx
Ruth, its great to see that you loved melbourne, and I have no doubt that you would love living here. Andrew was heaps of fun, and Rose it was lovely to catch up with you, you are looking great. There are endless cafes and corners to explore and feast on, so I do hope there will be more of that! Keep me posted.