Chapter 47: Falling in love . . with Melbourne
21 May 2009 1003 13 days since we were back
~
*ziiiiiiiii* Sizzling sound . . That was what I first heard when I stepped out to the familiar land. I’m just like a fresh piece of steak being thrown right into the frying pan straight out from the fridge . .
. 2 May 2009 2230 .
We pulled along our luggage behind us, and it was the first time I stepped into Changi Airport T3. Too outdated I must be. But my heart was just full of excitement as I clutched tightly my passport with the boarding pass.
. 3 May 2009 0740 .
After more than 7 hours of flight, we finally landed on the place I dreamt for the past 10 years, AUSTRALIA!! Whatever city it is, I’m already thankful enough.
Now truly starts my exploration with Melbourne city!
Hubby’s friend Kai Fook is studying in Melbourne, and he had kindly brought us around to let us familiarize with the city on our first day.
. Queen Victoria Market .
It is not just a market. It totally displays the culture of Melbourne. Fresh fruits and vegetables stacked up everywhere. It is a wet market, but did I mention there is no raw smell of meat at all? Apparently, the whole city is just like a big refrigerator. Even the flowers smelled nicer and Doggie looked gentler too (see how close Doggie put her paws together).
. Amazing streets with Magnificent Architectures .
Staying along Swanston Street and almost right in the centre of Melbourne city, we had the privilege of going anywhere conveniently. It was already an enjoyment to just simply walk along the streets, under the grandeur of the many old Victorian architectures, and soothing cold breeze in our faces.
. Federation Square.
As mentioned by our guides for day tours, Federation square is the default meeting place for most locals. With its distinctive outlook, it is no wonder that Federation Square is the landmark of Melbourne City.
And our first day ended with a cozy dinner at one of the pizza cafes.
.The Great Ocean Road ~ Twelve Apostles.
We set off to the Great Ocean Road on the second day with APT. After hours of curvy roads, we finally dropped off at Apollo Bay to fill up our stomach. We wanted to settle for something original, so the seafood platter (including Fish & Chips) seems to be a good choice! By the way, this was meant to be for 1 person.
When my back finally ached, I knew we had travelled for 400km and reached to see the Twelve Apostles, the rock formations carved by Mother Nature. Though there weren’t 12 anymore (some had collapsed), the view was still breath-taking. And so was the Loch Ard Gorge.
. Visit to Phillip Island .
On day 3, we visited Phillip Island. At the end of the day, we were kind of disappointed because we thought we would have much interaction with koalas, sheeps, and penguins. But I only get to befriend a kangaroo. Read on to find out why.
Our first stop is Warrook Cattle Farm. We expected a whole crowd of animals waiting to welcome us. But the truth was errr . . only 4 kangaroos and a few poultry. Still, I managed to coax a kangaroo and gave it a few pats.
The visit to Koala Conservation was an even more letdown. There was no close encounter at all. The koalas were not supposed to be disturbed. And we had a short 20-min session to test our eyes, that was to “Spot-the-Koala” among the tall branches. Most of us were seen tilting our heads until our neck strained. And this was the only closest koala we could see while it camouflaged behind the leaves. So much for my anticipation.
The penguin parade wasn’t as ‘wow’ as I expected too. Maybe we were influenced by Happy feet. As we waited patiently on the beach, we thought hundreds of penguins were swum towards us among the night waves. But as the clock ticked, I almost fell asleep when hubby pointed to a group of . . . sparrows? I know they are the smallest penguins in the world, but so small!?! From where we were seated, they indeed looked as small as sparrows. And there weren’t hundreds coming at the same time, as they reached in groups of 20-30. But at least now we know penguins are well-disciplined. They were waited until all their group members had reached, before lining up and scrambled quickly back to their burrows. While they thought they were so fast that no one had noticed them, thousands of eyes had followed them.
Though the experience wasn’t as great, but we enjoyed wrapping ourselves up in think winter clothes, hoods over our heads, hands stuffed in pockets, and facing the cold night breeze with the waves just right in front of us. How often can we do that in Singapore? Maybe in snow city, minus the waves.
Oh and yes, photography was not allowed throughout the parade, so if you find it hard to imagine the penguin parade, it was something like that:
The little polka dots were the crowd, and the 2 coloured dots were us.
. City tour .
Day 4. Our trip included a half-day city tour and it was much easier to move around on coach. Fitzroy Garden, Shrine of Remembrance, and Botanic Garden were some of places included.
Fitzroy Garden. This is what we called the real garden. You felt fresh, not sticky. You heard trees swaying, not crickets croaking. Most importantly, you realized how beautiful life is, and not “shit, why am I stuck in this humid park?”
. Eureka Skydeck .
The world’s tallest residential tower provided us an endless view of Melbourne and beyond.
. Lygon Street .
I read from somewhere that a meal at Lygon Street is a must for all visitors to Melbourne. So I definitely had to make a trip down. Serving mainly Italian food, it is a cozy street crammed with cafes and restaurants on both sides. Since this street is Italian-themed, we decided to hop into one small Italian café. And we were so delighted when our food came, Spinach & Chicken Risotto and Sticky Date Pudding for dessert.
. The Pancake Parlour .
A hidden gem along Little Bourke Street, we tried it for breakfast on Day 5. It was a bit too rich as breakfast for my weak stomach, but who cares! See how the butter started to melt on the pancake? Nooo..tell me how can I still eat my ‘Mi Jiam Kueh’ after I came back?
No one told us we will become dwarfs after eating the pancakes. So actually I can be even shorter. Hmmm.
. Waterfront City (Harbour Town) .
Very much alike to our own Vivo City, Waterfront City is located at Docklands, along the beautiful Yarra River. It was raining when we were on our way there. Even the rain there was a new experience. The rain fell on us like a mist, leaving us cold and forcing us to run for shelter.
Harbour Town, an open-concept shopping mall. The first time I find myself scrambling into the shops not to enjoy the air-con, but to keep myself warm for a short while.
. Good food and more Good food .
While our stay in Melbourne was soon coming to an end, there was just more and more good food.
A special mention about the Mekong Vietnamese Pho (top right). Kai Fook brought us there for our first meal, and it was simply 2 thumbs up! I love the soup.
. Some Artistic and Favourite shots .
Every place we went, we came back with hundreds over shots. Usually only a few are well taken, but they are always more than enough.
Melbourne leaves me feeling . . .
~ The day is so short. When the sky darkens at 5.30pm and with most shops operated only between 9-5pm, we find ourselves planning ahead and making use of every precious minute.
~ As light as a bird. Walking along the streets with the cool air brushing my face, I can’t help but feel like jumping around all the while.
~ Appreciative towards life. Melburnians just know how to enjoy life. Work to them is just part of life, and not the other way round. They know to appreciate the little minor things in life, even a cup of coffee in food court is not something to be taken lightly. See how nice the cup is. They are just little sweet things that bring a smile to our faces.
Perhaps this is what we are missing back in our homeland. Aren’t we just rush about everyday for deadlines and more deadlines, and miss out the most basic reason to live, and that is to be happy?
. 8 May 2009 1815 .
. 9 May 2009 0023 .
Reaching back in Singapore. The warm humid breeze welcomed me back.
Whatever it is, it still felt good to be back at home, while i wait for my next chance to fall in love again, yet with another place.
*ziiiiiiiii* Sizzling sound . . That was what I first heard when I stepped out to the familiar land. I’m just like a fresh piece of steak being thrown right into the frying pan straight out from the fridge . .
~
