We just arrived in Melbourne this morning after an overnight flight from Kuala Lumpur.   We are renting a very modern apartment with a terrific view right by the Yarra River and a short walk to all the main attractions.  After six weeks+ of hotels, it is nice to not have to eat three meals a day in restaurants.  Melbourne is an absolutely lovely city.  Tree-lined streets abound and the central business district has many small alleyways and laneways filled with an abundance of  all types of ethnic cuisine, electric  bars, cafes and specialty shops.   It is a mix of 1800’s architecture (there was a huge gold boom in the mid-1800’s) as well as very modern (and sometimes ugly) structures.

Art, whether street paintings, statues, or other pieces, is present throughout the city.  There aren’t too many central business districts that are as charming as the “CBD” in Melbourne.  It is a thriving artistic and cultural center buzzing with activity and university students.  Melbourne is known for one of the world’s great street art (graffiti) capitals for its unique expressions of art displayed on approved outdoor alleys and other locations throughout the city.  Some of the art is really quite good; and, in some alleys, the art works changes on almost a weekly basis.

Melbourne offers great retail therapy!  The city has tons of wonderful shopping from small boutique- type stores to upscale department stores.  Unfortunately, with limited space in our carry-on luggage,  items have to be shipped back or worse yet-not purchased!

We have fallen in love with Melbourne on our very first day!