Melissa, Colin and Colin's Mum flew into a somewhat dryer part of Australia - Melbourne. Making our way through the mid afternoon sun, Colin was flooded with memories of when he first came as an immigrant from Belfast, Northern Ireland to this very city, as a keen eyed youth of eight years old.
Upon arrival today, we met Colin's 'Unkie Jack' and had a quick Chinese supper while reminiscing. We were then taken to our accommodation in the suburb of Dingley which is near Noble Park, where Colin originally lived when he first came to Australia.
In the heat, we decided to take a walk to the nearby petrol station to get a cooling ice cream. While making our purchase, we observed curiously that there was firewood for sale, right underneath a bug zapper. As night fell, the need for firewood during summer revealed itself, for although the temperature rose at times to over 40 degrees during the long days, the nighttime temperature could easily drop to below half that value! Melbourne is for this reason known as a place where you can experience all four seasons in one day.
It had been 20 years since Colin had been back to Melbourne and it was great fun catching up with Unkie Jack, Auntie Hazel and all of his cousins as well. No less than FOUR wonderful daughters made up the mix: Alby, Jackie, Maxine and when we later went to Adelaide, we met Sharon. We had several chances to meet them and their delightful families over several lovely meals: First, over at Alby and Marcus' place, then at the Chelsea Heights Hotel and eventually, before leaving for Adelaide, lunch at the Five Sons Estate winery.
Melissa and Colin decided to spend a day exploring Melbourne. While on the train heading into city they overheard the 'Waltzing Matilda' ring tone, coming from a nearby commuter's mobile. This was immediately followed by someone with a Scottish accent, answering the phone. This sort of thing is not unusual though, as Melbourne more so than Brisbane, is a very multicultural city.
The city centre itself was great fun to explore and we got lost wandering through the miniature lanes and graffiti filled alleyways that made up its heart. We enjoyed exploring the Art Gallery at Federation Square, strolling through the charming cafés in Southgate along the Yarra River, seeing an ice skating rink (?) at the Docklands, navigating the mobs of people within the Queen Victoria Markets and finally retreating back to Southgate for some fine Italian dining at Scusami restaurant before heading home.
We have been told that as good as the centre of the city is, the suburban areas are equally as diverse and interesting. One day we hope to be back to enjoy more of what Melbourne has to offer, and perhaps with better timing, we will schedule our trip to include an Aussie Rules football game, a tennis game at the Australian Open, horse racing at the Melbourne Cup, or even the Formula One auto race - So much to choose from!!!
Next up: The Great Ocean Road to Adelaide
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