Melbs

(fyi, this post is about 5 days old, but none the less…)

We had another short stopover in Melbourne as we are country hopping our way over to asia.  We arrived late Sunday night, and had just 2 days to explore the city.  We made the most of it.  First off, we had our lovely aussie friend Caz invite us to stay with her which was lucky for us.  Not just because she is awesome and fun but also because its just nice to be in a “home” instead of a hostel/hotel.  Melbs as they call it, is apparently the Europe of Australia.  It is known for its fashion and shopping and food.   It has a big city feel but it is all easily walkable with free transportation around the CBD which was nice.  

After walking the entire parameter of the city in two days, we found our little home would be in Brunswick for anyone who knows the area. Full of unique shops, interesting trades, and sidewalk cafes, Brunswick really is a hipster area and could remind one of north park in san diego but significantly better.  They city also has the best people watching…the style is so eclectic, from just plain weird to artsy to hip, everyone pretty much dresses up in some sort of way unique to their own and everyone just fits in.  I love that.   

What I also loved about Melbourne is that it has pockets full of hidden gems.  It seems the best bars and restaurants are found down tiny alleys and cafes in tucked away corners.  It was fun to stumble upon these kinds

of places. I also had some of the best coffee I have ever tasted!  They love their coffee and they know how to do it right.  Similar to a latte, I always order a flat white and it’s delicious no matter where you go.   We also enjoyed the queen victoria market, which is like a farmers market on a grand scale, meeting up with nathaniel’s old travel friends at this sweet little rooftop bar, window shopping, and of course living it up with Caz.  Melbs however, is very expensive- ie, $16 cocktails, $10 beers, $35 entrees…it hurts a bit on our 4 month travel budget so we are excited to move onto Bali next.  Which apparently, to Australians, is like Cancun to Americans.  What??  

We haven’t even gotten there yet and we totally disagree.  Stay tuned.

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Written from Melbourne, Australia