After leaving Tasmania for a month long visit I extended my trip three days in Melbourne.  Melbourne is a huge cosmopolitan city just across Bass Strait on mainland Australia.  Melbourne was quite intimidating with so many people, high rises; so many things to do and know idea were to start.  Lodging was expensive everywhere so I booked a room at the Victoria for $85 a night.  The room was quite depressing with a width of a queen sized bed and a tiny 14 inch TV.  After getting a feel for public transportation I had a blast and was able to get free transport to 8 regions of the city for free!

I visited the Melbourne Museum which highlighted the evolution of man, psychology of man and all of the above.  I’m not much of a museum person and it was ok.  Went to Queen Victory Market, huge, had to be the size of 4 football fields, clothing, souvenirs, and plentiful seafood and produce of all kinds.  Went to the Australian sports museum located at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Grounds) a sports stadium that sits 100k people for cricket and Australian rules football or “footie”.  Amazing facility and the museum gives a great history on cricket, a game that looks about as boring to watch as baseball.  Still really cool! I have to say though; footie really grew on me as I was able to watch a game at the MCG.  It’s a cross between soccer and rugby; don’t see much resemblance to American Football.  Also went to a rugby game at the water front Ethad Stadiam.  This has got to be the coolest sports venue I’ve ever seen.  You could literally park your Yacht at its door steps or just take public transport for the rest of us. 

During my visit I also went to the Napoleon Exhibit, this was just a great history lesson and grew my appreciation for that era.  It was especially cool to see the uniform and furniture on display.  Also visited the St Paul’s Cathedral which is about four times the size of St. Helena Cathedral.  This was such a spiritual visit for me, it’s always nice to see such a traditional, grand and beautiful church. I was also able to squeeze in visits to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Doc Lands shopping center, China town (great nightlife and food) and more.  Melbourne is amazing but make sure to get a map of the public transportation or else… … Special thanks to Isaac Lowrie for showing me around!