Blue
sparkling horizon
Where oceans
kiss the sky
Creatures of
wonder
Greet all
the passersby
A peaceful
journey
Along
meandering roads
Accompanied
with cracks of waves
Celebrating
life where ever it goes
Puffing
Billy steam rattles
Singing
howdy mate to all
Where Bolt
Bridge meet the sun
My heart
suddenly runs just there
Koalas and
kangaroos;
Tennis,
cricket and food;
Just a verdant
city of Victoria
Floods my
dreams day in and out
No brownie
points for guessing the place because it is literally impossible to not guess
one of world’s most livable cities from these hints. Yes I am talking about
Melbourne! It all started with Roger Federer’s first visit to India. I missed
the chance to see him play live in India and all I could think about was - next
Rod Laver arena aka Australian Open. (Big chance missed) And then it was the
Aus- India cricket series. And finally Indiblogger’s Travel contest in
collaboration with TourismVictoria website (http://www.visitmelbourne.com/India.aspx) – ‘What's
your reason for falling in love with Melbourne, the most livable city in the
world?’
So this post
is all about my Melbourne love Mate! And yes, I have already listed the main
reasons for falling in love with this Cosmopolitan lately, but guess what,
there is way more to it than just a sporty soul!
Melbourne is
a cultural and artistry melting pot. It is known for its quirky street art and graffiti
donned alleyways and music, live raw enthralling music in lanes and corners of
the city. From Federation Square and Bourke Street to Hosier and Rutledge Lane
and Degraves street, this city is a canvas that allows you to splatter the
colors from your palette while it entertains you with music. Don’t believe me?
Well this video will convince you guys for sure.
And as much
as I love art and culture I enjoy history! Nothing leaves you speechless and
nothing gives you a story more than the places that helps you connect with
history. From wooden pews, to intricate carvings and vibrant stained glasses –
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an exemplary gothic structure of the 19th
century.
St Paul's Cathedral
Close by, is Flinders Street
railway station – one of the oldest and grand stations of the country. And from
there starts the cultural walk of aroma, of sweet bitterness and of freshness. Did you know Melbourne is called the coffee capital of the world? Flinder's
Street Station is surrounded by various shops, coffees hubs and cafes, and the coffee
culture is ensconced here to such an extent that the walk through the lanes is
equivalent to talking a café cultural walk (as unique as it sounds).
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My Attempt at recreating the magic of the Apostles on Paper ages ago |
To talk
about Melbourne and not talk about the 12 Apostles and the Great Ocean Road is
just not possible. The 12 Apostles have been a symbol of Victoria for years and
just imagine - you on a long drive, accompanied by the symphony of breaking
waves and cold southern whizzing winds and the destination – Peaceful company
of Nature’s wonders! How would one not fall in love with it? And if you thought
that was all the natural bliss of this city you are in for a surprise.
Melbourne has more than 480 hectares of gardens and parks.
The Eureka Sky Deck
And if I say
I am all about nature and history and art I would be lying. Who would not want
to see a place from bird’s eye view! Luckily Melbourne has two such spots – The
Eureka Tower Sky Deck 88 and Shrine of Remembrance. Both easily accessible by
the City Centre Tram which is a free travel service that runs in Melbourne. Yes
you read it right – Free! And if you don't have vertigo issues and can get more adventurous, you also have the option of Hot Air Balloon! Still not in love with the place?
For now I want to be at the Shrine of Remembrance at the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month. Why? Well, the center has a stone inscribed “Greater Love Hath No Man.” The roof of the Shrine has 2 holes and at the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month a shaft of sunlight crosses the stone and the word Love is illuminated by sunlight. Have read a lot about it so would love to witness it.
For now I want to be at the Shrine of Remembrance at the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month. Why? Well, the center has a stone inscribed “Greater Love Hath No Man.” The roof of the Shrine has 2 holes and at the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month a shaft of sunlight crosses the stone and the word Love is illuminated by sunlight. Have read a lot about it so would love to witness it.
Shrine of Remembrance
Okay coming down to my normal not so elaborate plans of when in
Melbourne – Watch Federer play in Rod Laver Arena, Sip fresh brewed coffee in a
café overlooking the Yarra River at sunset, and spend a lazy early morning in
Alexandra Gardens re-reading Lord of the Rings and then spend a stunning
evening at Bathing Boxes. *Not elaborate at all, right?*
The Bathing Boxes
Contest Time!
Okay enough about me and my dreams!
If you were to visit Melbourne, "Which of these places would you want to visit in
Melbourne and why?"
Do
leave a comment below and the best answer (chosen by me) stands a chance to win
voucher worth INR 500 from Indiblogger and Tourism Victoria.
For
more details click Here.
Lovely post..I would love to visit Melbourne for coffee. I love coffee! And to have it with a Masterchef in his kitchen would be an amazing experience. And maybe I could make authentic Mumbai Pani Puri for him also! :D :DRajvi Doshi.
P.S. - Except for the painting, all pictures are taken from Google or Indiblogger