Randoms from Melbourne

It's been one month since I returned to Switzerland and neglected this site completely caught up in as much important domestic and settled life. But my travel story about Australia needs to be completed and there are still a few great places I want to show you. Melbourne is one of them. I have arrived in Melbourne straight from the tropical New Caledonia  for the final two weeks of my vacation. The capital of Victoria state continues to be ranked as the world most livable city (in terms of safety, climate, quality of architecture, public transport, tolerance, access to nature etc). I heard tales about Melbourne  as a cool and laid back place to live. But what makes this city so cool in my eyes?

The people. They are just easy going, down to earth people. This of course might be a superficial observation of a tourist but there was a lot of friendliness and palpable positive attitude in people I met. Kind of people who enjoy life simply.

The beaches. Miles and miles of clean beaches with some dedicated stretches for dogs owners.

St Kilda. A waterfront neighborhood  with fancy homes and lots of beach activities.

Melbourne yacht marina. There is something really special to see the city-line behind the masts and rigging of sailboats. The city really feels connected to the ocean and has this unique atmosphere of business and leisure balance. 

The Pier.  A very quaint place to stroll on and to watch the sunset and fishermen; reminded me of my town Sopot so just felt at home here. 

The penguins. Amazingly the colony of Little Penguins call the beaches of St Kilda their home. They build nests behind the rocks, and this little mama is hurrying to her children who are hidden below the wooden pier. Wonderful to see such wild life only 10 km away from a major city. 

The bike paths. There are 670 km of bike paths and bikes are seen everywhere.

Relaxed clothing. I love my high-heels on occasions but I still feel a nostalgia for me Spanish and South California lives where wearing flip-flops combined with summer skirt was normal and didn't attract bizarre looks of others.  

The architecture. Great architecture across the city, characterized by mixed of the old (in Australian terms) and the new and a wide variety of architectural styles; the legacy of the British colonization. The gold rush boom of the 19th century resulted in construction of many iconic buildings.

Easy access to nature. Plenty of natural and protected spaces around the city within 20 minutes of drive. This forest covers Mount Dandenong, with lots of birds species and gigantic ferns which look like trees.   

Beaches again. 

Toorak. Bohemian and upscale quarter with great shops, cafès, fresh food markets and organic stores.

Trams. The sight of trams gives a truly European touch, and you don't feel 14,000 km away from the old continent. The tramway network is a major form of public transport and the largest urban tramway network in the world. Really easy to get around. 

Street art and a general sense that artistic expression and culture are important.                                  

Until next time Melbourne.