Melbournia

The time flies and it's already two weeks since our ways separate with JBB. He tries to cope with an unpleasant surfing accident in Bali whereas I am still settling down here in Melbourne. My first priority is to find a flat and of course a decent job, because living in a hostel is only bearable for so long. And more permanent form of residence brings the possibility to achieve my aim to built up a "normal" life instead of almost constant travel like in New Zealand.

Even thought our journey together with JBB was the most pleasant and a success I do feel pretty happy about the decision which take place about three weeks ago. JBB clearly had find what he was looking for and the new situation gives me all the time and freedom to find the answers and experiences which where originally the reason for me to leave.

I really hope that JBB:s Southeast Asia experience continues without any more accidents and he's professional surfing career continues successfully. But now it's time to tell you a couple of words about the Australian sporting and cultural capital Melbourne:

Federal Square in the evening.

Melbourne lies on the natural bay of Port Phillip and it is Australia's second largest city (population approx. 4 million) and constant rival for Sydney. In 1880 Melbourne was one of the most wealthiest city of the word because of the huge amount of gold fields and from that time there is still many beautiful building and architecture remaining. That combined whit new contemporary architecture boom before the recession (especially in banks of the Yarra River) and many beautifully maintained parks makes Melbourne nice place to live. Melbourne does have many nominations on the most livable city list.

Federal Square and The Flinders Street Station.

My favorite thing here is the public transport. World largest tram network provides good options to explore the city. And if you want to explore suburbs its relatively cheap: our trip to Mornington Peninsula which take 2-3 hours one way costs only three dollars! Could you imagine to travel to Turku or Tampere and back for only 3 euros?

The spring is good time if you don't mind the unpredictable weather. The Spring Carnival consist of the biggest sporting event in Australia: The AFL Grand Final where Geelong was slightly better than St Kilda (80-68) and The Melbourne Cup which stop the whole country for a moment. These events run weeks before the actual day and provides loads of news and side events. The great sandstorm in Sydney was only a minor news compared to the 30 odd articles about the upcoming Gran Final. To better understand how massive these events are there is two examples: 1. In the AFL Grand Final there is only 15 000 tickets for normal punters and the rest 75 000 tickets is sold for different corporate packets and the prices vary from 500 to 20 000 dollars! 2. When the actual Melbourne Cup is held the whole country stops for approx. 10 minutes and it's as much an horse race than a massive fashion show.

Before JBB left from Melbourne we did have time to explore the city. For the cultural side we visited in the Day in Pompeii exhibition in the Museum of Victoria and the Dali: Liquid Desire exhibition in NGVI (National Gallery of Victoria International) which was smartly composed.

NGVI. The Dali: Liquid Desire exhibition.

We did also enjoy the diverse food culture and various attractions, but that's all for now..

More pictures of Melbourne are available here.

And last: We just started "kesäaika" as it is in Finland called.. isn't it great!