What an incredible couple of days so far. I am now in the city of Melbourne.
I had no idea what to expect before I arrived here. People told me I would love it here. I was doubtful. I'm not a city girl. Not in the slightest. I enjoy it for a little while, but the crowds and the rush put me off, especially in a place like London.
But that's not what Melbourne is at all. There is no feeling of being in 'The Rat Race'. It isn't enclosed or confined. The whole layout is totally spacious. Sure the streets in the main city are busy, but nobody is in too much of a rush. People acknowledge each other. They even make eye contact on the trains and other public transport.
I began my trip by getting very very lost, going in the wrong direction and holding up the afternoons plans by a few hours. Typical tourist. I am just lucky to know people here. I was taken to some great places last night. The first stop was a rooftop bar. There was a great atmosphere and some awesome views. Was great to catch up with people too. I could just imagine the feel of the place if there was a live band or the movie night that they hold there. Then it was onto bar number two. A place that was basically just a few fridges full of booze, on what seemed to be an old courtyard. There were plenty of quirky statues to decorate this place. And the wall art was pretty spectacular too. Then as the evening drew in more and more, the fairy lights came on changing the atmosphere once more.
Both places seemed very indie, almost a bit grimy. But in a good way. There were no expectations, everybody was just there for the same reason. A few drinks and making memories with people they loved.
China town was another delight. I tired dumplings for the very first time, which are delicious. Then more drinking, still in China town. A bar called ' The Asian Beer'. Straight and to the point. It was all very exciting here, a Chinese dragon show passed through the bar, which was very unexpected for a Thursday night, but added to the experience. It was just one of those evenings that didn't really need a plan but just went so incredibly smoothly. A spontaneous event. Ahh, I also forgot to mention about the peep show... Yes, I'm serious. This is what happens on these unplanned nights. You end up doing silly things like going in to $2 peep shows. You only live once though right? Whats that saying... When in Rome?? Well I'm in Melbourne and I might as well just go with the flow.
And today I have worn myself out by more wandering in the city. This time around I pretended like I wasn't a tourist. I thought people might take me more seriously if they though I was a local. We found a very cute little French restaurant, complete with servings of chocolate crepes and Croque Monsieur. I'm not sure the waitress was authentic French or if she just put the accent on to make us think we were in Paris. But the service was delightful, real or not. What counts is the effort.
And despite being a little sleepy and ready for bed, I am enjoying the city life. Its not as much of a shock to the system as I had thought it might be. Maybe its because people are friendly here. Maybe its just because I'm in awe of the skyscrapers and bridges, especially at night time. Its funny how a city comes to life even more when all the streetlights come on. It's going well. I'm not nearly as much of a wreck as I supposed I would be.
I'm looking forward to sightseeing tomorrow with no guides. Just me and my very poor sense of direction. Wish me Luck.
I'm going to need it!
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