A Few Days in Melbourne

K: Melbourne has been a really pleasant surprise. It is sophisticated, hip, trendy, edgy, and global. The architecture is ornate Victorian; the streets are wide, tree-lined boulevards; and the city boasts many skyscrapers and cutting edge, almost new age, structures. It is also a city filled with trams that conveniently cover all the various neighborhoods. There were too many fun neighborhoods to explore, actually.

Melburnians are very fashion-conscious, and black and white are the predominant color choices for women. I really could have done some damage in the shops if my suitcase wasn't limited to 20 kgs.

They are also sports-mad, hosting the Australian Open and a Grand Prix race. Australian Rules Football (footy) and cricket are held at the former Olympic Stadium which holds 100,000 spectators. We attended a cricket match today at the Melbourne Cricket Club (Victoria vs New South Wales) in a desperate attempt to understand this very odd sport. After an hour or so, I am not sure that we were any wiser. In that two hours, there were 2 batters and 26 runs and one water break. If you think baseball is slow, I would not recommend a cricket match.

New Orleans-esque architecture, again




Little Penguins



Luna Park entrance



Maybe ... maybe not...?



Second-tallest skyscraper residence in the world - Eureka Tower



St Kilda is famed for sweets shops



Karen gave them Viggo's name ...



Awwww.... !



Man ... Mandrill... a link?

Oh, so cute, a newborn at the Zoo!

Market offerings

Cool sculpture

Funky building - Federation Square

Reminds me of Philly bldgs

Cricket

Butterfly House at Zoo was superb

Mandrill

She made me get a haircut.

V: The Melbourne Zoo is the third oldest in the world, and exceptionally well done. Enjoyed that afternoon thoroughly!

Great to cruise the hip neighborhoods of Melbourne... and someone thought I was getting a little shaggy, so a little hair reduction ensued. I do feel ... lightheaded.

We needed more time in Melbourne ... we shall return.

Bites: Spanish tapas in Fitzroy and St Kilda and nibbles at the Queen Victoria Market

Sights: Federation Square, Viggo's haircut in South Yarra, exploring Fitzroy, the Royal Melbourne Zoo, Queen Victoria Market, the St. Kilda Festival, a cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Club.