Melbourne / Dec 26-28

First the bad news for all you cricket fans.  We tried to get into the Australian-Indian test match (in hockey terms: an exhibition game that lasts 5! days with breaks for tea), but the tickets were $50 each per day.  We don't think we'd like it that much.  We heard rumours of $10 tickets, but they just remained as rumours. As they say in Melbourne, Dec 25 is just the day before the Test Match

The good news is that Melbourne is a beautiful city (rivaling Vancouver according to some) with lots to do.   A very sporty crowd with cricket, football (soccer) and biking everywhere.

There was also a showing of 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' at the Royal Botantical Gardens that had to be seen.  But nobody dressed up (I left my feathered boa at home), danced the 'Time Warp', threw rice (they're very tidy) or flicked their lighters (cell phones these days).

Downtown


Downtown is still Christmas-sy

These are the animated windows at Myers acompanied by Michael Buble belting out Christmas songs.

The city is a mix of Victorian and modern architecture.

The river Yarra runs through downtown

Despite it being rather ugly.  (This is one of many "litter catchers" they use along the banks.)

They make the best of it

It has a Chinatown

And street entertainers

Touching up the toe nails.

And a penguin playing bagpipes.

It's not just that he plays, but he plays so well.

St Kilda
We stayed in a nearby neighourhood, St Kilda.
It has lots of parks

Beaches

And sail boats

St Kilda also has funky streets

This was posted in the Post Office window

Pan fried crocodile, yum!

Luna
And Luna!

A permanent beach side amusement park celebrating its 100th year. The original roller coaster and merry-go-round are still in use.
Yaaaaay!

'I lost my shoe!'

 

Our hotel was opened by an artist and her partner in the 50s and has a fabulous art collection.

Birds of St Kilda

In Australia we've seen (and heard!) a huge variety of birds without even trying. They have the most amazing calls.

The parrots below were among 8 or 9 just hanging out by a feeder down the street.

Trams

Another thing Melbourne has is great public transit, built around all sorts of street cars (trams).

Little old ones

Big new trams

Even a moving restaurant