Australia D1 - Melbourne City

Hi Blog,

It is finally here: time to travel! Many people have asked me if I am wealthy or something for travelling so frequently over the years, and I must admit that there are two primary reasons for this trip. I do not expect anyone to believe my words.

First, we had promised my Australian friend, WC, that we would visit him sooner than last year. He told us that this year would be a good time to visit him because he had just moved into a new house that could accommodate us. However, I did not see anyone making any plans to make it happen, so I decided to fulfil the promise myself.

Second, I enjoy travelling, exploring, and learning new things outside of my normal routine. When I was younger or first started working, I could not afford to travel because I did not earn enough to cover everything, including flight tickets and accommodations, let alone spending; it was out of reach. In recent years, I have been able to save enough money to allow myself to travel.

So this time I was going to Melbourne, Australia!

Typically, I am envious when someone goes on a trip and their loved ones send them off... For me, I always go alone. It is sad, but I do not expect much...

This trip, I asked Sf to accompany me to Melbourne because he knows the area and it is safer to have someone keep an eye out for me.

(Credit Sf) Yippee! Travelling!

Waiting for the plane to depart. I hope for safety and that someone will take care of my plants while I am away.

Qantas was my first expensive flight.

Yes! I got a window seat! Because I am short, I enjoy seeing the world from a higher vantage point.

But it was dark regardless... I can not see much.

I simply enjoy whatever view I can see and have no complaints.

After an hour, they served us a meal, which was a starter meal.

Trying to get some sleep, I woke up to see the morning sky and realised we were still flying. A six-hour-plus flight is not a joke.

I believe this would be my vegetarian breakfast on a Qantas flight.

Yippee! I finally saw a vast land!

It is funny how small the world is. On the plane, I ran into one of my former colleagues-teachers. Haha, nice to see you again.

My first Western country, Australia, is neither in the West nor in Asia... So, how should I put this... Hmmm... Ah! My first non-Asian country!

Our first concern was how to get from the airport to the city. Fortunately, they speak English and advised us to take the Skybus and purchase tickets at the counter.

We were told to wait outside for the bus after we had purchased.

Oooo, a red bus with free WiFi!

The bus frequency is acceptable; we only had to wait about ten minutes for the next one to arrive.

However, we ended up standing because the bus needed to pack with luggage.

About a 40-minute bus ride...

...to reach the city.

Buildings are more evenly spaced than in Singapore, where they are packed like sardines.

I wondered... Why is it called SkyBus? It may be a metaphor for a smooth journey from the airport to the city or from the city to the airport.

Now, what's next? According to Google Maps, we will have to walk to our accommodation, so let's go! But Sf was not pleased with such arrangements... I understand that pulling our luggage for 20-25 minutes to our accommodation is not a pleasant experience on the first day. That reminded me that I am simply being selfish... Oh well, I do not want to get into arguments or feeling shxt at first, so I will try to manage myself.

What a different vibe street/road - concrete and well-planned.

According to this street pattern, Melbourne Street is a Gaddiron pattern that is simple to navigate. Warped and Loops are the most difficult for me personally.

We arrived at Pegasus Apart'Hotel early, so the friendly staff allowed us to park our luggage while we explored the city!

So, where do we start?

We would start with Queen Victoria Market, which is located behind the Pegasus Apart'Hotel.

Hmm, it appeared that Melbourne was entering its autumn.

I asked a lot of people about places to visit in Melbourne, and 8.7/10 of them recommended Queen Victoria Market, so let's find out what its magic is!

Queen Victoria Market is massive and divided into sections that I personally categorise as Miscellaneous Products, Clothing, Food, and Market. Quite neat, actually.

Let us start with the Miscellaneous section, where they sell souvenirs and other random items.

But one stall in particular caught my attention and money: Australian Fire Opals.

I chose to buy these lovely opal jewellery for my mother because she once told me how much she adores opals, and I understand and share her admiration for the opal and its beauty.

Haha, I know I am not a foodie, but I do enjoy a strawberry doughnut to satisfy my hunger.

I am curious as to why I feel such excitement when I see fresh vegetables and fruits at the market, especially their shine.

This is something I have never seen before: Gum Nut, a hardened fruit from the gum tree. It looks like something with a mouth. 🫣😏

Something classic on the Queen Victoria Market gate.

Ooo, I noticed something above us: a web of cables. Hmm, what is that for?

Oooo, the cable lining is for the city tram.

Best of all, it is free to ride within the city! You can use Google Maps to see the tram's current location, but the frequency is high, so make sure you know where and when to get off.

Sf has something he wants to purchase, so we will start there.

What a high-class layout, and I can imagine the prices of their products here.

Aside from high-end shopping malls, there are some unique streets, such as Chinatown Street.

Victoria architecture is everywhere, so some Chinese-themed structure will be required to distinguish the street, but graffiti vandalism will continue regardless...

Anyway, let us take a stroll down this Chinatown street, which only sells low-cost goods and Chinese cuisine.

I just like to snap some pictures here, but I could have done better if I had had a lot of time. I should not become a nuisance to my friend... Similarly, my mother would make a disapproving face and make negative remarks about whatever I was doing... Like, "wasting time taking pictures, especially in this location." I am simply being selfish and insensitive...

I just need to take a quick photo so that I do not appear to be a burden to others.

For example, taking photographs of famous landmarks.

People will APPROVE whatever I do, just as the majority of people do here.

Oh well, I have nothing to say because I am a flawed person in the first place, insensitive, stupid, and strange. I cannot expect others to understand me. Perhaps it is also better to save time for more important things.

The Melbourne Town Hall is an essential visit; its architecture is remarkable and embodies the essence of Victoria.

Speaking of architecture, take a look at this building structure; it is pure art. I do not know what the building's name is, but it has a large bookshop called Dymocks Melbourne.

Another example of my insensitivity and selfishness: while we were nearby, I wanted to visit the Opal Museum to learn more about Opal.

It's a free entry. Thank goodness. I did not ask if my friend was interested; he has no choice but to follow, bore, and waste his time.

I thought there was some useful information, but I figured they were trying to convey the idea that it began millions of years ago. I need to watch YouTube to learn more about Opal. I am not sure how opals form; I simply photographed some natural and beautiful opals.

Even a tree log can contain some opal. What a stunning display of colours!

What a beauty... I doubt I can purchase any opals here... Too expensive.

Anyway, let us not waste time; it is time to return to the Pegasus Aparthotel and check in.

The hotel room is quite clean and well-maintained.

One thing drew me in: the hotel's swimming pool! Let's go!

Ooooo! Nobody is around to use the pool!

I forgot to bring my goggles along... The water had an unusual taste. Anyway, I did not want to waste too much time and upset my friend, so I returned after a while. Sf needed to secure a car for tomorrow, so we had to find a car loaner.

It is fascinating to see a seagull here. I expected them to be closer to the beach than in the city, and this is my first sighting of a live seagull other than watching Steve the seagull on YouTube.

This one is fairly common on the street.

Graffiti that enhances the aesthetic appeal of an area can be considered art; otherwise, it may be classified as vandalism.

Oooo, one thing that piqued my interest is how inexpensive these chips are!

After dinner, we went to one of the shopping malls, which was absolutely fantastic!

The height and sphere are lovely here, but this nerd has ruined the entire picture.

Last look at this amazing structure. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

My purchase for the day and tomorrow's breakfast! Wonderful first day in Melbourne!

The night was still young, but I needed to prepare breakfast and was tired... Good night, Melbourne cCity

The first day in Melbourne city was an exciting one! There are so many more sights to see, but I will not be able to see everything, even if I wanted to... But I do not want to become a burden to Sf and repeat the whole thing... Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Jeff