I was hit by the incredible heat in Melbourne, Australia. It is unusual for its variable and mostly rainy and cloudy weather. To beat the heat, I headed to Chin Chin. A fantastic restaurant where I enjoyed some delicious food and tested out some delicious cocktails.
Friday was a great day to be on vacation, so after my meal, I decided to explore the nightlife in Melbourne. My night ended up at a famous Melbourne bar Spice Market. Highly recommend it.
I started my next day off right with a scrumptious brekkie at one of Melbourne’s famous cafes. But be warned, you may find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds) throughout the day.
State Library of Victoria
The second best thing in Melbourne after breakfast is the State Library of Victoria. The most beautiful state library I have ever seen. This beautiful library houses over 2 million books, some of which are real treasures. I spent nearly three hours here daydreaming about all the fascinating stories hidden on the shelves. I was overwhelmed by the amount of literature that I would never be able to read in my lifetime.
Across the street from the library is The Pancake Parlour. A famous pancake restaurant that I just had to try. I went to bed that night exhausted but happy, after spending hours reading in the library and enjoying some delicious pancakes.
St. Kilda Beach
St. Kilda, a well-known tourist area in Melbourne with a beach, was another highlight of my trip. I enjoyed some perfect breakfast at Dr. Jekyll and then explored the area.
Street Art in Melbourne
In the evening, I was back in Melbourne, wandering around the city’s famous alleys, such as Degraves Street. These “lanes” are small, charming alleys with a strong Italian influence.
The street art in Melbourne is exceptional, and it’s everywhere. Graffiti and other types of street art can be found all over the city. The works are often hidden away in the narrow alleys and corners. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled to find them. I was constantly snapping photos of all the art I saw.
I was in Melbourne just a few days before the American presidential election in 2016. Many of the street artists had taken the opportunity to express their views on Donald Trump.
My Epic Return to Melbourne for the Australian Open 2020
My second trip to Melbourne was in January 2020. I arrived to experience the Australian Open, one of the biggest Grand Slam tennis tournaments in the world.
Little did I know that my trip would coincide with a unique event. The aftermath of the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, which was known as the “Black Summer.”
As I explored the vibrant streets of Melbourne, I couldn’t help but notice the city’s renowned street art scene. From colorful murals to thought-provoking graffiti. It was clear that street art was still a powerful way for locals to express their opinions and emotions.
The impact of the bushfires was evident. The smoke haze from the fires had reached Melbourne. There was a surreal veil over the city. In fact, on the first day of the Australian Open qualifiers, Melbourne had the dubious distinction of having the worst air quality in the world. The poor conditions even led to some players taking medical timeouts. One player, Dalila Jakupović, was forced to retire due to a coughing fit caused by the smoke-filled air.
Despite the challenging start, the Australian Open was an unforgettable experience. The tournament featured thrilling matches in both the men’s and women’s singles and doubles events, as well as the mixed doubles competitions.
Location of Melbourne
Melbourne is a coastal city located in the southeastern part of Australia, in the state of Victoria. It is bordered by the Yarra River to the east. Melbourne is approximately 878 km southwest of Sydney, the largest city in Australia. The city is easily accessible by air, with flights to Melbourne from most major international and domestic airports. The city’s public transport system, including trams, buses, and trains, is extensive and efficient. It is easy for visitors to get around and explore all that Melbourne has to offer.
Melbourne is a city full of surprises, and there’s always something new to discover. With its unique street art, delicious food, and beautiful architecture, it’s no wonder that Melbourne has become one of my favorite places to visit.
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