Leg 1 of journey - Melbourne

Day 1 - September 21, 2014

Melbourne Star

The cultural capital of Australia, located near to the estuary of Yarra river is just the Indian equivalent of Delhi. The drive from the airport to the Oakleigh suburb was about 30 minutes and my host was really cute.  Melbourne star was the first thing to catch my eye, the city skyline being very nice and clear and not so crowded. I liked the city already, it was beautiful but not full of skyscrapers and it took to my heart instantly.  I loved the beautiful flowers and ferns. What really got to me was the silence. The residential areas around Melbourne are really SILENT. Little traffic, no stray animals and noise. It was a relief from Delhi but later I thought that the pin drop silence might just creep me out.  Amid all these thoughts, I fell asleep, a must nap of couple of hours to freshen me up. Silence really helped :P. Got adjusted to my abode for next 6 days and then went out for the evening.  It was cold not freezing but a little chilly.

My friends took me to Melbourne Star Observation center that evening. Great way to start the city tour, got the aerial view and the lights were amazing. The ferris wheel showed me the whole city and I tried to absorb as much as I could without really knowing it.  Not like the shiny jewels of New York but still impressive. I loved the city, not too big not too flashy, just the place I would like to be in. It’s located near the docklands, it was fun to walk in the chilling night, see the yachts and cruises anchored at the harbor. A quiet Sunday evening, guess the people here take the end to weekend pretty seriously.  Had food at a Hyderabad place, reminded me of India instantly.

Came back to the humble adobe, Hadn't located the thermostat yet so slept in the 3 degree C cold night, really hoping the tomorrow is warmer, had planned a great trip, wanted to make the most of it.

Day 2 - September 22, 2014

Great Ocean Road – Too great, too amazing... Simply loved it.

Here begins my solo tour of the city. Wake up at 5, take the train and reach CBD by 7 AM. Knowing myself, I knew I would make it in time but it was a challenge, considering it was the first day. Walked to the nearby station at almost 6.15 AM, lovely cold air it was. Had my tour booked with Melbourne city tour, my first day trip alone.   Reached there, met a few girls and figured I’m not the only one travelling alone. It was nice to discover the new world.  The driver cum guide was nice and warm and as soon as we drove out of the city, it was amazingly beautiful landscape.  Plateaus, mostly rustic country-side. We stopped for a coffee at a small village, they say the Great Ocean Road just begins there.  And after my morning cup of coffee and Florentine from a small cafe, I was wide awake and enthused. And so begins our Ocean road. SO beautiful, so serene, I just could not take my eyes off. Various look out points, so many stories of ship wrecks and sailors and Europeans, the guide was truly entertaining.  The driver took one stop at a zoo/sanctuary – Koalas and parrots – sweet. But i preferred the water so walked towards the shore.

We took a walk around the rainforest, so many sounds we miss in the day to day life came alive in that rainforest. Birds were singing and the breeze was making the nature all the more natural. Then we stopped for lunch at a restaurant, located on a hillside, it had a perfect view on the sunny afternoon and   the food could not have felt any tastier after a long travel.  Old European couple, two Chinese sisters, a French girl, mother daughter from Australia, so many people, so many stories, just love knowing people from different cultures. Now comes the great old caves. Spectacular is the world that comes to my mind. Caves are always so mystical but these one seemed so beautiful and enthralling at the same time.

Twelve apostles:

It’s a collection of magnificent limestone stacks, situated off the shore of Port Campbell, they are just nine in number if we count, people say the others eroded but our guide told us that the place got its name from the birds which come to this national park.  Whatever the story be, when one walks to the lookout point, all one can feel is the tranquility and peace. I could have stood there for hours and hours and watched the waves felt like I attained Moksha.  

I can’t believe how beautiful and clear and mesmerizing water can be.  And the impeccable sunny sky was just the perfect match. I have a thousand pictures of views from that day and still I believe I could have taken more. NO camera could ever capture the beauty and 50 shades of blue that existed on that day.

Day 3 -  September 23, 2014

The CBD and city tour

The best thing about Melbourne is that it is very tourist friendly. Right outside the Flinder’s street station is the Tourist Information Centre. They give you little booklets for garden walks, alleys, arcades, monuments that you can cover based on your interest. While I loved to walk throughout the next  three days, there came  point when I was tired and y legs wanted rest. The free city tram, City Circle 35 takes you throughout the city, covering all major tourist spots and its free. WOWW. This day I stated by hanging around the Federation square, there was a lot of activity due to school break and the finals of AFL, Australian Footie League was up in a couple of days. On a bright sunny day, I spent time exploring the city, the ACMI centre, the cathedral right next to federation square and absorbing the excitement of the day.  

Luncheon with a graduation friend of mine. He came to meet me alongwith his wife and it was nice and fun. The couple got married earlier in February 2014 and were settling in the city, how the life changes and challenges us at every turn.   A small walk along the beautiful Yarra river, then lunch at Brunswick Street, known for its music and musicians and night life. Old buildings, rustic looks, just the perfect setting for lounges and pubs. Came back to the city, just could not take my eyes off teh Yarra river, so after a little more exploration of the city, came to walk along the river. I really wish Delhi had such an option, one can’t really walk along the Yamuna.  The city people were walking, discussing lives, couples spending quality time at the dusk. I missed my office friends, those are teh ones we really talk to on a day to day basis. Everyone seemed happy, though facing life, but the city kept them going. The musicians and the dancers performing along the streets made my crepe treat all the more enjoyable and I called it a day. The city was vibrant, energetic colourful and I enjoyed my day.  30 minutes train trip back to Oakfied followed by the short walk. The house was welcoming and a pint of La Trappe was just perfect to finish my day.