11 May 2015

Melbourne Getaway

For our 17th wedding anniversary, Dave and I thought we'd have some time alone and explore Melbourne.

The night before our flights, we discovered we were flying in to Avalon airport, which is 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD.  Our plan was to have a no car trip.  So Dave found we could take the train to the city.  Our flight arrived early, we took a cab over to Lara train station and rode the V-line to Southern Cross station.
Southern Cross Station
 It was a gorgeous, sunny day so we walked from Southern Cross Station to our apartment in Melbourne's South Bank.  Along the way, we spotted a sweet little church which I believe is the 2nd oldest church in Australia.
St Augustine's Church

Plaque for St Augustine's Church

Art on the South Bank walkway
(rescue helicopter in the oval)

Hosier Lane Street Art (Hosier Lane)






The one bedroom apartment we rented is on the 32nd floor.  It had a small balcony and an amazing view.  Busy streets below and looking into nearby apartments.  Not our daily lifestyle.  After settling in the apartment, we walked to Chin Chin's Thai restaurant which was recommended to me.  I ordered BBQ Salmon wrapped in banana leaf - which was delicious.  Dave was less happy with his meal.

Our view from 32nd floor

Pedestrian bridge across the Yarra River
The Lock Bridge
Dave picked our restaurant for breakfast as he wasn't thrilled with my choice from the night before. So we walked to Flinders street, caught a tram and rode for 40 minutes to Fitzroy.  We walked a block to find the empty storefront which was the (former) restaurant.  It had been drizzling and we were both hungry so I looked on Google maps for nearby restaurants and Dave checked Good Food.  We both came up with Industrial Beans - which was nearby and totally awesome.

Dave's choice for Breakfast
 They roast coffee in the warehouse so it was warm, dry and smelled amazing - we looked out to see the rain pour down outside.  The food tasted as awesome as it looked.

Coconut Crusted Brioche

Compressed Watermelon
and Muesli
After breakfast and the rainstorm, we trammed back to Flinders Station and the National (Art) Gallery of Victoria, which was closed.  (bummer)  We decided to visit Federation Square and China Town, where we had lunch at a Noodle shop before walking back to our apartment.  The wind had picked up and it was noticeably colder by this time.   

 Following a rest and a swim, we ventured back out for dinner at Om Vegetarian - with freshly made Indian Dahl and naan bread, rice and veggies, all you can eat.

Our flight was 9am at Avalon so we made a plan to take the airport bus directly from Southern Cross Station - departure time 7am.  Overall, a short but enjoyable visit to Melbourne.
Skyline near Princess Bridge on St Kilda Road

Aftermath of SuperStorm

Life is back to "normal" following the SuperStorm.  Our high school kids went to school on Monday 27 April.  School buses operated normally.  Classes were in session.

Copacabana Primary school was partially operational on Wednesday, 29 April.  There were several trees down on the school grounds, with barriers surrounding them.  The back steps exit is closed due to downed trees.  And the school was using a generator to power the classrooms (which is the noise reference on the sign).

Generator and Trees down at Copa School
Tree that washed up on the beach.
You can also see the lagoon let out naturally


The fallout from the Cyclone 2 Storm
Beach erosion

Trees uprooted

Sea life tossed to shore

Debris and octopus washed in