Memorable Melbourne

3 cities, 3 weeks... that's what Steffen and I called our June / July holiday to Australia and New Zealand.

Despite a few glitches along the way, we eventually boarded flight QF304 to Perth. It was a night flight but, alas, it wasn't easy getting sleep in economy class. We landed in Perth on transfer but only to miss our connecting flight and had to wait 6 hours for the next flight. That gave us time to get a sim card and do some extra planning for the trip.

We arrived safely in Melbourne and were very blessed to have stayed with my dear friends Ashley and Gordon. They have a beautiful house which somehow never runs out of delicious red wine. We thoroughly enjoyed our very comfortable stay with them.

Steffen, Ashley & Gordon

The first place we visited was St Patrick's, the Roman Catholic Cathedral. We were fortunate to take a few photos as, unbeknowing to us, we weren't allowed to take photos in the cathedral. The cathedral is truly beautiful and well maintained. It was also wonderful to see the Cathedral and other churches standing open for people to visit, worship and pray.

Beautiful stained glass windows in the Cathedral

After being asked to leave the Cathedral due to the photos being taken, we headed off to the Queen Victoria Market which was such an interesting experience. It looks like nothing from outside but it's a thriving and vital place pulsating with life. Visitors, who come not only to shop, can be entertained by buskers who perform on the surround. The vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere of this historic site has endeared the Market to Melburnians for 130 years.

The Market is probably best known for its huge variety of fresh produce. Almost 50% of the Market area is dedicated to the sale of fresh produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, chicken, seafood and delicatessen products.

And it is marketing at it's best....

We also visited Melbourne Central shopping centre, one of the largest shopping centres and saw the huge clock open at the hour whilst playing "Waltzing Matilda". Although I had seen it before, it is always wonderful to see and a big tourist attraction.

We also managed to get to the Melbourne Museum where we visited the flora and birdlife, the History of Melbourne and the Aboriginal section.

Ashley and Gordon treated us to a very memorable and special evening at a restaurant in a tram coach called The Tramcar Restaurant. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels were the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world. This travelling restaurant takes one around the city of Melbourne while enjoying a delicious 5-course meal with copious amounts of champagne and wine. It was a wonderful evening and a good time was had by all.

With Gordon, Steffen and Ashley

We also managed to get up the Eureka Skydeck 88 (88th floor) where we experienced spectacular views of Melbourne. It is the southern hemisphere's highest viewing platform.

At the Eureka Skydeck 88 with Steffen and Ashley... Yikes!!!

Melbourne is full of little alleys with so many coffee shops, restaurants and retail shops. That is an experience on its own and makes for wonderful retail therapy.

On our last day in Melbourne, we were taken to Prahran markets where the locals do their weekly fresh produce shopping. It was yet another fantastic experience. I just had to take this photo as it reminded me of my friends in Cape Town, Pete & Ro.

I was very sad to leave Melbourne, particularly my dear friends Ashley and Gordon who were the perfect hosts. But we were also excited to start the next leg of our holiday in Auckland. Alas, we were delayed for 8 hours at Melbourne airport. Thanks to those Qantas engineers who went on strike. However, I used some of my meal vouchers to buy Robin Sharma's new book while I waited to board flight QF25 to Auckland.

Until next time... keep smiling.

Shaun