Melbourne
I have had so many people tell me to go to Melbourne. Aussies and Americans. So, on this, my third trip, Melbourne was the final stop. Now I get it! What a great city! Forever in the shadow of Sydney, but in many ways, a better experience. If Sydney is a cross between LA and NY, then Melbourne is a cross between SF and Seattle. Cultured, sophisticated, not showy. And, for a walker, flat! Trip Advisor restaurant rankings say # ___ out of 3.200. That is a lot of dining choices, so come hungry!
It is famous for its “little” streets or lanes. They are everywhere and are filled with cafes, bars, and their famous street art. I thought Barcelona had good street art, but this is amazing, in both quality and quantity.
And NO city busses. None! All surface mass transit is via quiet, electric trams. Everywhere. I guess they wisely did not tear up the tracks back in the 40’s as all of our cities did. If you live in Seattle, you may remember the waterfront trolleys that used to operate? The cars were from Melbourne, and they still use some of the same vintage, as well as new ones.
So, when you plan your Australia adventure, do not do what I did and wait for trip 3 to hit this city.
Lots of very modern architecture. I think this is a condo building.
A 1920’s era movie play house
Well, it is Christmas so of course, the Salvation Army is out on the streets. But, instead of the simple kettle and bell, we have violins and posing in front of wild street art.
Street art
This really nice work was hidden in a corner of a lane.
Not sure what I can add to this one.
Nothing is spared from the artists.
St. Patrick’s cathedral. Late 19th century, British architect that did all of the drawings from England and never visited the site! Must have been pretty standard stuff to crank out back then?
In 1891 the Victoria legislature said it would consider women’s suffrage if the women were really interested in it. A few months later, they submitted a petition that was 850′ long and had 30,000 signatures. Even then, it took another 17 years for women to get the right to vote. This sculpture signifies the 850’long petition.
A really funny version of soccer being played in a city park. Note the one participant fully off his feet.
Sort of looks like Seattle, huh? I think we still have more than they do, but there was a lot of construction going on for sure.
A wax begonia Christmas tree. Just like home, LOL.
Santa is either trying to get in or to get out, I am not sure. Great old apartment building with some resident with a good sense of humor and holiday spirit.