As we drove into the city and got into downtown traffic, the first thought that struck me was, ‘ok, this is a BIG city.’ It reminded me of Chicago. The beautiful old buildings next to stunning new buildings just had that feel. Then we saw the trams, beautiful modern, noisy trams. There were so many people in the streets. I knew I was going to like this place. Then we got to our flat. I have to say it folks. I am not blaming VRBO, but there is a certain lemony taste in my mouth about this one. Steve and I are having a battle of wills with the “host” right now over whether or not the air conditioner works. His agent who did not meet us but had visited the apartment before we arrived and left the balcony door open claims the A/C was working. (We assume that was because the little yellow button on the old-fashioned thermostat was on, rather than the red button for the heat. They did not respond to our phone calls and messages until late this afternoon when they asked us to send a video demonstrating that the A/C was not working. Don’t worry, no video of my fat self, sweating like a porker was sent. We responded that, while that little yellow lite shone, no air was coming out of the vents in the ceiling. Time will tell what happens next.

My first solo excursion was a trip on the Melbourne tram system up to the Queen Victoria Markets. If you have been to any of the big old markets in London, this was like two or three of them together on steroids. It had a fish market, a meat market, and little shops that were bakeries, Italian, Greek, Polish and other nationality delicatessens, wine shops, spirits shops, spice stalls and more. This was in the enclosed building. Then there were outside stalls, food trucks and vendors under tents with souvenirs, art, hats, tee shirts, the works! What a fun and interesting first morning this was.

Above, just a couple of glimpses inside the market hall. The Market was the last stop in the “free zone” on the tram system, by the way. You can basically ride for free around the Central Business District or CBD on the trams for no charge every day. There is an easy downloadable app. so you can “tap in” if you are going outside the zone to pay for those rides. It is a great system.

Steve and I met up “on the waterfront” in the afternoon. It was a gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon, and the Southgate section of the Waterfront was hopping. It is just across one of the several bridges that cross the river. The one I crossed is a modern beauty that is behind the beautiful Victorian landmark, the Flinders Street Railway Station.

That’s the station, going all the way down Flinders Street! In the middle of the block, just before that distant clock tower, there is a passageway that takes you to the back of the station and to the pedestrian bridge across the river.

Folks walking over the pedestrian bridge toward Southgate and a quirky piece of public art waiting to greet them on the other side.

Two views of the riverfront and the beautiful skyline of Melbourne that we admired on our first full day in this incredible city filled with culture, commerce, sport and wonderful Aussie spirit. Note that I am having data issues, so I am going to try to get this published tonight, fingers crossed. More Melbourne adventures await.

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