We have arrived in Melbourne!
And are very lucky to have some pretty spectacular city views out our window.
Our temporary apartment is situated almost exactly in the middle of the Central Business District(CBD),
and our balcony faces out to the west-- perfect for wine sipping and sunset viewing.
Looking out to the southwest, Chris' work building is the shorter of the two Rialto Towers,
the shiny, blue glass buildings in the distance. Built in 1986, they were the tallest structures in all of Australia for many years. (They are still the tallest office buildings in Australia.)
The many methods of a typical morning commute:
bikes, trams, cars, or your own two feet
Since 1910, Flinders Street Railway Station
has lined the southern edge of the CBD, taking up an entire city block.
When the light turns green,
people stream out of Flinders Station and head north toward the city center.
There are shortcuts aplenty throughout the CBD, but only if you know where to find them.
Melbourne is full of laneways, like Centre Place above, which are tiny passages packed with cafes
and shops. They are ever-so-perfect for the seasoned commuter.
Street art is huge here and can often be found covering every inch of free space in the laneways.
Bourke Street is car-free, but you still have to look out for trams.
And as in any city, no matter what craziness is happening you can always find a quiet place.
Great sense of place. Keep 'er comin'! (tick-tick-tick...537.5 days left on your year & 1/2 adventure. Ha!) By the by: One Eye says meeee-ooow!
ReplyDeleteA modern city indeed! A little reminiscent of the Chicago skyline, don't you think? One of the photos shows a cluster of lovely 19th century row houses buried among the skyscrapers that provides a glimpse of what Melbourne must have once looked like. It reminds me of one of your favorite children's books "The Little House" about a pink farmhouse that was gradually engulfed by the city, and finally moved back to the countryside by a grandchild.
ReplyDeleteNice to see you've found the cafes and shops of the laneways.
KJ-- I'm glad you noticed the 4 little row houses-- those are right in the laneway across from us. I noticed them our very first day and completely fell in love. I look at them every day and keep hoping a place will come up for rent so we can go see inside.
ReplyDeleteLOVE THIS. But seriously, what are those crazy girls doing in summer dresses in February??? durr
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