Autumn in Melbourne

It is an absolutely gorgeous “autumn” day in Melbourne. There isn’t a cloud in the sky and it is about 80-85 degrees. We’re nearing the end of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and it has been really good for our city. In case you didn’t know, Melbourne was the host of the Games this year.

I think that Melbourne is one of the world’s most underrated cities. First off, it is filled with stunning scenery. The skyline is quite colorful at night – it’s not as chock-a-block with sky rises as Chicago or New York, but its subtlety gives it character. There is a massive spire (similar to the Eiffel Tower but still unique) in the Arts Centre that lights up and changes colors at night. Southbank, the area of shops and restaurants along the Yarra River, looks gorgeous day or night. And as I have previously mentioned, Melbourne has heaps of breathtaking parks and reserves. She is also not lacking in fantastic beaches.

You may not be a fan of graffiti, but Melbourne hosts some of the most talented graffiti artists in the world! The creative spray-paint stencils provide an interesting diversion while traveling on the trains, as any wall located along the train lines is fair game.

“Café Society” is a reasonable way to describe much of Melbourne. Although they do not serve normal coffee, cafes are everywhere and they provide the quintessential Aussie laid-back atmosphere. Get yourself a flat white and a trio of dips and you’ll fit right in, mate.

Although there are plenty of couch potatoes in Australia, you’ll find that Melbourne is a very active and sports-minded city. Aussie Rules Football started in Melbourne, and used to be called the Victorian Football League. This sport has expanded to other Australian States, but it remains a very “Melbourne” institution. The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s Kentucky Derby and it’s so big that it is a State Holiday. Melbourne also hosts the Australian Open (that’s the big tennis tournament) and the Grand Prix (think Nascar). Finally, the Commonwealth Games have not only showcased Australia’s excellence in athletics, but also Melbourne’s worldwide appeal.

Shopaholics need not despair in Melbourne. There are shopping strips in virtually every inner city suburb of Melbourne, and the Central Business District is a shopper’s paradise. Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s shoppers will feel right at home in Myer and David Jones. Melbournites seem to have their own unique fashion-sense and style. They are not afraid to be bold and trendy – blending in is not recommended!

Getting around is a breeze. If there isn’t a train station within a couple blocks, you can hop on a tram (like the San Francisco trolleys). As a final resort, there are plenty of bus lines! Traveling by car is another option, but you can avoid a lot of traffic and parking hassles if you take advantage of public transport. But don't try to ride for free. The ticket inspectors can be mean and unforgiving and you're bound to wind up with a $150 ticket.

If food is your fancy, then Melbourne will not disappoint. You can find every remote type of ethnic cuisine here. If it’s Sri Lankan food you’re hankering for, you can get it. Even though there are virtually no Mexicans here, there are plenty of Mexican Restaurants. The most common types of food are Italian and Asian varieties and the “fish and chips” shops. Yum-Yum!

All this blogging is making me hungry. I’m going to walk down to Glenferrie Road and get some sushi and a chili hot chocolate. I know I still haven’t done enough justice to Melbourne, but perhaps I have peaked your curiosity enough to check it out for yourself. You’ll have a place to stay along with your own tour guides – so where the bloody hell are you? ☺