G’day mates!  A phrase used more often in Outback Steakhouse commercials than in Australia.  But maybe that’s because I’m in Melbourne, a very cosmopolitan place.  Can I just say that I’m contemplating emigrating to Australia?  In a nutshell, Melbourne is the bees knees.  It has amazing food, great shopping, cultural events, and everybody speaks English.  Sort of.  The accents and vocabulary can be difficult to decipher at times….  like what is a brekky wrap?  (I’m guessing that brekky refers to breakfast…).  Probably the most pleasant feature of Melbourne is the stunning architecture.  I had no idea that Melbourne was packed with beautiful 19th century buildings situated next to modern skyscrapers that use bright colors and asymmetrical shapes on the building facades.  I have spent much time snapping shots of these buildings and the skyline, trying to capture these unique features. 

I am staying in an area known as the South Wharf and it is across the Yarra River from downtown Melbourne.  It means I do a fair amount of walking – but I don’t mind, it’s very picturesque and there are boardwalks and river walks all the way down to Flinders Station and Federation Square.  The first night I was here the group walked to dinner at a steak restaurant in part of the Crown area (the Crown is a casino, and no, I have not been gambling).  We were rather startled when the tall columns along the walkway suddenly expelled balls of fire from their tops — along with a wave of heat that is very noticeable to the passersby.  Needless to say, this creates a high level of excitement amongst the tourists.  The flame show goes on for a few minutes – and we wondered if there were ever any casualties, like random birds or perhaps major fires breaking out …  seriously this was heavy flames amongst buildings and trees.  And, the Minkey thinks, this is why the city calls itself Mel-BURN.  Actually, they don’t really say the ‘r’ so it becomes Mel-BUN. 

Ok – enough about the flaming columns — let’s talk about my whirlwind tour today through the torrential downpour and windstorm.  It was kind of like a San Francisco winter storm, lots of wind and sideways rain — luckily I was 92 stories above the ground during one of the onslaughts.  This would be the Eureka Skydeck 88 — a funky building that has panoramic views of the city.  It is a bit nicer when not foggy and overcast I imagine – oh well.  I had to buy a $20 umbrella here — which is far more expensive than my $7 umbrella from Quito and just as chintzy…    I then wandered over to Federation Square which houses several must-see venues, like ABBA World!  All things ABBA from the very beginning to the bitter end — did everyone know that the Aussie’s are completely gaga over ABBA?  From the film footage it’s like a Beatle’s concert … yeah, over ABBA…  I mean, I like them too – but, I would not be throwing myself at the stage or anything.  Unfortunately, I did not opt to sing with the band … I figured the long line of children should have that chance….    I went through the Tim Burton exhibit at the ACMI — and then went into shopping mode.  Melbourne has crazy cool shopping (who knew?)… small eclectic boutiques interspersed with coffee shops and restaurants on very narrow lanes and under arcades.  The arcades are from the 19th or early 20th century and have beautiful glass enclosures … and tend to be ornately decorated.  Minkey is working on practicing self-control since her luggage options are limited  🙂   

Soooooo…… it’s been a long day …. I actually purchased bubble bath so I could get back to the hotel and soak in the tub.  Being overly tired I overdid the amount of bubble stuff …. and was startled when a mt. rushmore sized range of bubbles appeared in the tub….   so the fun here, it just does not stop.