May 29th: Penultimate Day

Day 56 (Day 31 in Australia)

As we wind down on this epic holiday and begin to tire and all gifts for family back home have been bought (hooray!), Carolyn took us to Melbourne City to see some of the sights and a few things most tourist will not have come across.

I genuinely can’t remember all of them but it included: Hosier Lane (full of graffiti and ‘alllowed’ by the council); AC/DC Lane (nearby and also full of graffiti but themed); Chinatown; a couple of huge shopping malls (one at least six stories); the National Gallery of Victoria (including a Monet, Picasso, several Pissaro works and a lot of ethic sculptures plus an amazing table). 

Lots of these little chaps on central reservations. 
They serve no purpose other than to look good.

We had coffee and cakes at Brunetti’s and, later, French Earl Grey at the art gallery. I’d not heard of it before. Earl Grey with rose petals apparently. Surprisingly refreshing, especially after a lot of walking.

We walked most of the way but did jump on a couple of the famous Melbourne trams (free in the city). We also saw the Victoria Parliament Building, walked along the Yarra and crossed it a couple of times and generally just enjoyed being in a cultural and ethnically diverse city. It’s a wonderful place.

Art Gallery entrance

In the evening the three of us and Sophia went for a pub meal at the Orrang. Wednesday is “Parmi & a pot for $25” night. Parmi is breaded chicken with cheese and ham on top plus chips. It seems to be the most popular pub meal in Australia by far. A ‘pot’ is a 12oz beer. $25 is about £13. The other 3 all chose that but I had meatballs and pappardelle (and Sophia’s pot!) just to be different.

Tea and chocolate when we got home and bed at about 9:30pm, exhausted. 17,500 steps.

Below are a few photos from the day:

Very Gaudi-like

Flinders St Station

Hosier Lane





AC/DC Lane (the actual street name)






A Banksy apparently. Only one in Melbourne.

Location of the alleged Banksy

Victoria Parliament

No idea! On a street corner

Cakes & coffee at Brunetti’s
My apple strudel was the best!!

The Royal Arcade
Reminded me of the one in Boscombe



A famous street dining area



View across the Yarra

Fabulous table. About 8 feet long.

It was crying out to be touched but not allowed!




Weird!

Weirder!

A guy playing a kora beautifully. Wish I had recorded more.


Comments

  1. Anonymous30 May 2024 at 00:47

    Dennis says; AC/DC Lane, that akin to "Electric Avenue"? Well, I've enjoyed your trip by blog and photos, some places I knew, most I don't, I've also had a great Virtual Holiday..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wayne30 May 2024 at 16:10

      Not finished yet. May 39th just published and I’m writing May 31st as we go.

      Delete

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