Walking around the city of Melbourne
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
While we spent a lot of time walking visiting the beaches and playgrounds around Melbourne we managed to go into the city a few times.
I simply fell in love with Melbourne for the first time. I could have spent every day just walking around and absorbing the atmosphere.
The city felt a lot more vibrant and lively than I remembered. Or maybe I was just a lot more open to enjoying the city.
Either way, I promised myself to spend more time in the city if I ever made my way back to Australia.
We took the train to Flinders Street Station and navigated our way from there.
We passed these three quirky statues of businessmen – on the corners of Collins and Bourne Streets – that looked very real, until you get up close and personal. I wouldn’t even have noticed them if it wasn’t pointed out to me. I couldn’t miss the photo opportunity, of course!
Then it was off to see the Meyer Christmas Window in the Bourke Street Mall. The window wasn’t that spectacular in the daytime, but I spotted a reminder of home. It would be me 
I insisted that my trip to Melbourne would be almost worthless without a trip on a tram. Not really. But a 3 minute trip down Collins Street to the Paris end did the trick. Waiting for the pram/stroller friendly tram took longer than the ride itself! But I got my tram ride!
We were in the city at lunch time and came across a whole host of runners, walkers and cyclists doing their lunch
time workouts. One of my favourite aspects of the city of Melbourne is the very apparent culture of exercise. There is just so much space to run/walk or just relax. Pathways and resting areas are well serviced and used!
We decided to go to Federation Square via a walk along the Yarra River.
As we approached Fed Square, I saw this amazingly beautiful building that I was told is St Paul’s Cathedral. Just that whole area had me enthralled.
Then it was on to Fed Square.
Federation Square is seen by many Melbournites as an eyesore . Although it is also the gathering place visitors and residents alike. There was so much colour and vibrancy around the area, that I’m sure the city planners would be forgiven for coming up the concept.
Walking around Melbourne made me feel like a child in a sweet shop. I didn’t know where to start because there was so much to see. I wanted to take everything in and tried to remember everything I saw.
Immediately I thought that I wanted to return and spend more time in the city centre.
