Day 13 - Hello Australia!!!

Today started not so bright but very early with a 3am alarm:( We had a 6am flight from Auckland to Melbourne, Australia. Our flight out of Queenstown was actually almost cancelled last night due to a sudden windshear alert but luckily, although delayed, we made it out 15 minutes before the airport was closing for the night. But that means we didn't get to our hotel at the airport until 12:30am. So, we have been running on fumes since we arrived at 8:30am (2-hour time gain). Here is a picture of us making it "Down Under".... which Steve thinks is hilarious. We also witnessed some distinctly Australian signage:

Despite the sleep deprivation, our welcome to Melbourne has been delightful! The weather is very warm (about 90oF today) and about 20 kangaroos hanging out on some grass on the side of the highway were spotted on our way into the city from the airport! In addition, our lovely hotel room was ready when we arrived - Yay! The hotel, Voco, is really nice and in a very central location.

Once we settled in, we headed out for some lunch. Instantly, we could feel the difference of now being in a city when we had been so used to the wilderness and New Zealans's sparse population. There were lots of people of the streets and we noticed the definite uptick in fashion! We were directed to an area just around the corner that was a narrow street packed with al fresco cafes. It was bliss sitting outside in the warm air, noshing on paella and salad watching the world go by. The area reminded me a bit of Hanover Street in Boston's North End with everybody enjoying the food, the drink and the vibe.

After lunch we tried to hit a few highlights of the city. First, we headed to Federation Square which is an iconic cultural hub. We perused a couple of cool exhibits at the ACMI (Australia's National Museum of Screen Culture). They had lots of artifacts of movie history (cameras, costumes, early films etc.) and a second exhibit that was dedicated to Afrofuturist exploration of climate change, land rights and the strength of West Africa's Ashanti people, who originate from present-day Ghana. It was very cool but too much to explain here but I did include one photo below.

Immediately across the street from the ACMI was Hosier Street which is basically an entire city street dedicated to street art. It is constantly painted over with new work. We saw a couple of artists working on pieces today. Women's rights seems to be the current theme but it is definitely not exclusive of other expressions. See photos below.

Trying to pace ourselves, we then took another break for a yummy ice cream. A funny story is there are volunteers (mostly senior ladies) who work as ambassadors for the city. They wear straw hats and " Ask me" pins. We kept running into the same two ladies who repeatedly directed us to our various destinations: the museum, ice cream shop, free trolley, library etc. Our first friends in Melbourne!

Speaking of the library, it was a recommended landmark, and it was pretty cool (see video below). We also took a quick peek in St. Paul's Cathedral and a piano concert was taking place. It was really pretty (as all cathedrals are) but I did think this one had its own slightly more modern look to it. (see photo below).

First impressions of Melbourne - a really fun city, very multiracial, clean, young, modern and stylish and very foody. Also, this place is hopping (even on a Wednesday). The upcoming F1 Grand Prix this weekend may have something to do with that though. Steve hopeful to get a ticket to a practice session but looking tough. Oh well.

Special thanks to my nephew James and his wife Rafa for sending lots of Melbourne city tips. They are definitely coming in handy and are spot on! Dinner at ChinChin tonight was excellent!