8/13/2007 - A long weekend in Melbourne

No diving but a fantastic escape to the city of sport and arts.

I lived in Melbourne during my university years and for a few years following - so it was a chance for me to revisit my old haunts and realise how much we (me and the city) have changed in seven years.

CBD, Southbank and the Yarra

The idea to head back to Melbourne for the weekend came early in 2007 when I heard that Sir Ian McKellen was going to be the lead in King Lear - 3 performances only in Australia or something ridiculous and only in Melbourne. A close friend from my uni days expressed interests and I booked the tickets. Only when I didn't receive booking confirmation the next day did I realise I had missed out on seats. Instead we booked and achieved seats to see The Seagull and saw Sir Ian McKellen play Sorin. Can I just say that the play alone was good enough reason to go to Melbourne - but there was so much more for me to do - but the play resonated with me the entire holiday - especially McKellen's performance - Damn he is good.

Arts Centre Spire from St Kilda Road 

Friday saw me wander around Port Melbourne where I was staying - right on Port Phillip Bay.

Broadwalk - Port Melbourne cnr Bay Street

Naturally I partook in some cafe culture before heading into town and visiting the National Gallery of Victoria. I went to see Guggenheim Collection: 1940s to Now and then did a swift revisit to track down my favourite pieces. One that always stuck in my mind was that of Robert Dudley  and rumoured long term lover of Elizabeth I. I remember first seeing the portrait some 15 years ago on a holiday to Melbourne and thinking he looked like a right git - finding it impossible to imagine that he was supposed to be the most handsome man in England. As I have aged - I don't find him nearly as unattractive as I did in my youth.

Sir Robert Dudley

I also went to the Pixar exhibition - which was FANTASTIC! The art behind the character development was awesome - and I especially enjoyed all the pastels. The last thing I expected to see at a Pixar display. I so wanted a Sulley and Mike mug, but it was $30AUD and I couldn't justify that.

I also went to the grudge match of Carlton vs Collingwood. It was so wonderful to see a **** live again. So much better than the teev. Needless to say it was freezing - but I had prepared! When my bag was searched, the security guard just looked at me - and I had to explain that it was my thermal underwear. Oh how he laughed - as did my friend. But I was the one laughing when the tempreture dropped dramatically as the afternoon wore on, and I was wearing enough clothes to survive a minor blizzard. I knew I would be cold as I am now used to hot weather, but I didn't expect to wear everything I had brought with me.

First bounce - Carlton vs Collingwood - Pies won

56K on a cold windy Melbourne day

The final day saw me strolling around Melbourne after brunch with my best friend's husband. I had forgotten just how much I love Melbourne. Its quirky little pockets of charm, its green parks (as opposed to our parks of dead grass), the old and the new, beautiful architecture, and the cold air on my face.

Spencer Street Station (Now called Southern Cross Station)