Melbourne - The City of Romance

I'm back from Australia! Yeah, Sydney again despite spending two weeks there last year during this time. But the highlight of this trip has got to be Melbourne! I simply love that place! Some of you may have been there longer than I did and find it boring, but for a nature and garden lover like me, it was insatieable.

I arrived on a sunny Tuesday morning after an early morning flight from Sydney, and was immediately on my feet roaming the city. Staying in a budget hotel at the corner of the city was a good choice, as it was superbly convenient and well-equipped, hence good value for money. Walking to the hub of the city with all the shopping malls and bustling activities was a breeze, but I decided to save all the shopping for the last, not wanting to waste the precious good weather staying indoors. Melbourne is full of gardens, there's no doubt about it. Situated in every corner and direction of the city brink is grass and greenery. For me, that was a dream come true. I wasted no time strolling through all of them, right from Fitzroy to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Along the way, we passed the Paliament House, buildings with great European structures and its grandeur, the museums, art galleries, Federation Square, Yarra river.....it's a pity sun sets at 5pm during winter here. The temperature was perfect, sunny with timely breezes. Two layers of clothes would have suffice.

The Great Ocean Road is a must for all travelling to Melbourne. I was told to drive there but decided against it, as everyone's aware that I have completely no sense of directions; I get lost even in Singapore! The long meandering roads were vestibular-challenging, but all was worth it when we reached the Twelve Apostles (stone monliths) and the Loch Ard Gorge. Basically they were all rock formations, which were awesome. But the thrill lied with the challenge of taking great pictures while battling with the strong ocean winds and occasional drizzle. I remember distinctly being nearly swept off the ground by the merciless winds while trying to capture the remains of the "London Bridge" but emerged triumphant with the end product desired. That really made my day.

More to come with my city ventures and the famous penguin parade at the phillips island. Hope you are not studying your inner eyelids now.