Well, that's what the licence plates say anyways. I'm looking into it. As I was talking on Skype with my mother this evening (her bright and early morning), she asked me why I began writing in my blog again. I had no immediate response; I was dreadfully silent during my time in Adelaide. Maybe I was preoccupied with getting married and settling in. But, I probably should have written something during those 2 1/2 months of unemployment. What's done is done, however, and now that I am in Melbourne I feel a burst of creativity and curiosity.
I know South Australia is known as the 'Festival State', but since arriving in Melbourne in June there have been a plethora of festivals. Writers Festival (where I saw the hilarious, genius and entertaining Joss Whedon give a key note address), Spring Fashion Week, State of Design Festival, Fringe Festival (not as good as Adelaide's however), Melbourne Festival to name a few. I apologise if I omitted any. There was also the Melbourne Open House 2010, where the buildings of Melbourne open their doors to the public and we gladly take the chance to peer inside.
While it runs over two days, Shannon and I only had the chance to visit a few buildings on the Sunday. First stop was the Origin Energy rooftop garden:
7 stories up, we got to take the opportunity to look over some of the city. Including a snapshot of the Eureka Tower, the highest building in Melbourne at 91 stories tall.
Next, we traveled to Collins Street to the ANZ Gothic Bank. Originally built in 1883-7 as the English, Scottish, Australian Chartered Bank, it has eventually become a fully functioning ANZ branch with a Gothic twist.
We also got to the see the original bank manager's, "apartment" (it is probably too grand, with too much gold leaf and and too many gas lamps to be considered an apartment). Sir George Verdon, the first bank manager, was at least smart enough to get double glazed windows (something that's a rarity in Australian buildings now). His home is now used for ANZ private banking (if you have millions to spend, you might get to meet there to talk investments and such), but as it is still a working bank, I was unable to photograph any of the interior. Stupid security!
After waiting in line for about an hour and a half at the bank for a tour, we walked over to Docklands to see the Mission to the Seafarers. I am unable to stay away from anything with the word "sea" in it.
There is also a large Dome in the mission, which was once used a gymnasium. There are a few rings left in the ceiling, which hint to its old existence, however it is now used a gallery.
After that visit, it was a walk back to the tram via the Seafarer's bridge and Southbank where I set my eyes on the Polly Woodside for the first time. She's owned by the National Trust and in the final stages of her fit out before she is opened for public tours. She won't sail again, but she's looking rather smart.
I am currently sorting out the details to volunteer with the ship when she opens to the public sometime in December 2010.
Aside from enjoying a crisp winter day in Melbourne, I have enjoyed many tea breaks in the tea room of the NGV, seen both of the Winter Masterpieces exhibitions at the NGV and ACMI. I'm still new to the city and every weekend out is an adventure to explore the CBD, my suburb and the suburbs beyond.
My suburb also happens to be known for a large Jewish community and with that comes many amazing bakeries like Glicks that make fresh bagels. I haven't had a fresh, real bagel since leaving the States in January 2009 and I am happy to say that I have indulged myself in many morning bagels with schmear.
I'm starting to think Melbourne might be the place for me.
Next time: A quick trip to the Mornington Peninsula.
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