Melbourne

Sunday-Tuesday, March 11-13, 2018

We fly out of Melbourne to New Zealand on the 13th where we have a pet/house sit in Auckland scheduled.  I wanted to have at least one full day in Melbourne to check it out. 

We stayed at Susan's AirBnB just outside the heart of the city (about 15 minutes from the airport).  Our space consisted of a bedroom, bathroom, and a little kitchenette (no oven or hot plate) with a kettle (everyone has an electric kettle), microwave, and refrigerator.  Susan had the fridge stocked with milk, bread, and a few other things when we arrived...it's the little things that make the experience more than just a transaction.  Susan had a complete manual waiting for us; information on the space, local attractions, and transportation information (including a MyKi pass for the train & buses).  When we asked for a place to purchase beer, Susan's partner Frank gave us a six pack...So incredibly generous...if anyone is ever going to Melbourne and looking for a place to stay they must consider staying at Susan's and we'd be happy to share the information....I can't say that they will give you a six pack of beer though, I don't think that's normal 😃. 

Note:  Beer and alcohol is extremely expensive in Australia

Our day in Melbourne consisted of one of the Free Walking Tours.  The two young people who own the Sydney business also own the one in Melbourne.  Our guide was a young man by the name of Desmond.  I remember that name because of the character from the television show LOST.  He was probably my favorite guide thus far.  He also explained that $4 of the tip that one leaves at the end of the tour goes back into the business for expenses....I'm happy that he told us that part because I've wondered how much the owners gets.  It's still a good take for a couple hours worth of work...

Our tour began at the Library and ended down near the Flinders Street Railway Station (anyone watching the Australian Open Tennis Tournament would have seen this image on Roger Federer's shoes).  We went through alleys which were spray painted (the city gives permits to paint in certain areas which last up to six months - this was designed to lessen vandalism by giving the people a palette and has created a tourist attraction at the same time).  Often preformers stop in the alleys and give an unscheduled little concert...Ed Sheeren is touring the area and he stopped by earlier in the day.  As we walked I was struck by the architecture which I found to be very interesting - it's filled with textures.  Based on just the walking tour I found Melbourne to be more interesting...of course that's with only a one day visit.

March 12 is Labour Day in Victoria so many of the businesses were closed. There was the Moomba Festival happening though which brought out a lot of people.  The festival looked to be very family oriented based on what I could see....it was nice.

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