Exploring

Slept rather too well…although awake for an hour about 2 am I didn’t wake again til nearly 10am!
The day looked set to stay grey and dull and as is often the way at the start of a trip we dithered about what to wear and what to take with us in our backpacks, but set off by bus to the train station in Oakleigh and straightforwardly arrived in the city centre where we at last got hold of a guide and mao.
We headed over to South Melbourne Market for a mooch around….lovely shops around its edge (more like what we had in mind but didn’t find yesterday) and then a fabulous market with amazing flowers (extra), fish, veg and meat stalls. Really enjoyed looking at all the different things on display, and had a first Melbourne flat white sitting out at a wee cafe that we’d had recommended. The sun had come out strongly and unexpectedly and we lapped it up (despite being dressed wrong!), and for a late lunch we shared a freshly made spinach and cheese borek.
Wandered from there to the Southbank (very similar to London Southbank with lots of cultural centres of various types) and into the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art to see an exhibition of Paul Yore. Oh my, what an angry young man, and what a lot of needlepoint (extra)!
Walked past the Conservatorium, with beautiful polished pebbles studding it’s walls, and along to the Arts Centre where we picked up some tickets for 3 contemporary dance pieces that are on with the Australian Ballet this evening, and walked along the riverbank to get something to eat. The skyline across the river was looking lovely. After browsing a bit we had delicious chicken schnitzel and chips which we both just fancied, then back to see the ballet. Gorgeous stuff….such power and strength and some amazing costumes (extra). Choreographed by Wayne McGegor, Alice Topp and Justin Peck and with some fabulous music too, especially a violin solo by Salonen.
Home on the train easily, then a cab to the hotel …..what a great day!