Melbourne by Foot

My last few days in Melbourne (for now) were complete with a  trip to the beach, more site seeing in the city, and of course a visit to the city library.

The view of Fed Square from the steps where I sat and rested.

When taking the train into the city, it has been my usual to get off the train at Flinder's Street Station and to walk across the street to Fed Square and sit a while people watching and soaking up the sun before exploring more. And so, today I did the same. I got off the train and made my way to the square which was highlighted by the glowing sun today. It felt nice to sit in the sun and have a nibble while watching the broadcast of the Commonwealth Games on the big screen.

Logo for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India

The Commonwealth Games as Kellie puts it, are like the Olympics, except the USA is not allowed to compete in them. They are sporting competitions for the elite competitors, which attract many past, present, and future olympians, for commonwealth nations only. There are about 54 nations that belong to this, most of which are former British colonies. They include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India to name a few. This year the games are being held in Delhi, India. A lot of press coverage has shown the games to be a huge disappointment with low attendance by both spectators and athletes. Event tickets are too expensive for locals to purchase and athletes fear for their health at the games due to dirty facilities. So with near empty stands and common reports of athletes coming down with "Delhi Belly" its hard for me to feel the same way about these games as I do the Olympics. Maybe this goes to show that I truly do just love rooting for my home country, and thus without their presence at the Commonwealth Games, I have little interest in them.

Street walkway to the City Library

One art piece at the exhibit. As a bird watcher, I enjoyed it.

Then it was off to the City Library. I found a few good guide books and snuck off with them to the far corner of the upstairs level of the library. In a comfy chair I sat there flipping through them one by one looking for anything of interest. I scribble notes down in my journal so to remember ideas I gained as far as places to stay and go in my adventures to come.

One cool thing about the City Library was that it had a small art gallery in it. The current exhibit, titled VietNOW featured young artists' works from their studies in Ho Chi Minh City.

Sign to the museum, building is not it however, just nice looking

The outside of the Melbourne Museum

The Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens

Reminded me of the White House here a bit...

Seeing the art in the library inspired me, so next I was off to the Melbourne Museum. The building itself was enticing with large signs and colorful siding. I walked in and looked around, avoiding the long lines to get in to see the featured exhibit on the Titanic. Then I walked around the Royal Exhibition building, which is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Building. It is one of the last remaining major 19th century exhibition buildings in the world. The building is located in the Carlton Gardens which offered a calm and serene place to sit and rest.

Heading back towards the heart of the city, I managed to find myself in China Town on Bourke Street. I wandered into a food court to see the variety of foods for sale and found very few of them were actually open. This was good, as I know it wouldn't have taken much for me to give in to delighting in a Spring Roll or some Dim Sum.

Entrance into China Town, in Melbourne on Bourke St.

Back at the train station, although it was not Peak Hour, there seemed to be a crowd. This was because there was a musician playing. Usually there is one or two street musicians playing around the station, but this singer was part of the Melbourne Music Project and was set up with a microphone and all and she was pretty good.

It was Friday, which meant fish n' chips for dinner (So I guess it was good I skipped the Spring Roll earlier.) I had just learned that when ordering fish n' chips that flake fish was the standard, which was shark! I had no idea. It tasted fine, similar to any other white fish.

Not exactly a pic of dinner, but close. Found hanging at the Mel. Museum.

And then next became the game of packing, re-packing, and realizing I have too much stuff with me, because in no time at all I was to depart Melbourne and head out on my own. Destination: Alice Springs, in search of Uluru (Ayers rock,the largest monolith in the world) and warmer weather. (and perhaps some good fellow travelers and mates too.)

Uluru (Ayers Rock)  My next adventure here in Oz...

We will see a. how much I missed hostel life, b. if paid tours make trips stress free, and c. if I can survive camping, in Australia, under the stars...in the bush. More stories to come for sure. Until then I promise to be safe. relax. and have fun. -Mesha