Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 800
My time in Melbourne ended much too soon. I still had so many places I wanted to visit and things I wanted to see – it would have been great to have had a few more days – but I made the most of the last two days I had before the flight back to Sydney (at least I think I did).
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 800
I started off my second last day with a (second) visit to the Shrine of Remembrance.
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 800
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 800
After alighting from the tram, it was a peaceful walk up to the Shrine that was sitting atop a hill – bathing majestically in warm winter sunlight.
The Shrine was a truly beautiful place – not just architecturally, and not solely because of the luscious green grass and tall trees surrounding it – but even more so because of its spiritual presence. The atmosphere and emotion that it embodied (I felt) was quite magnificent – what a tribute to remembering the soldiers that fought for our country during the First World War.
“Greater Love Hath No Man”
It was heartwarming to see Australians and tourists alike coming through to give remembrance and learn more about the Shrine and its significance from the very friendly guides – I was also pleasantly enlightened.
Lest We Forget
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 800
I lingered a while on the balcony which overlooked the city. There was a slight drizzle – but how often do you have the opportunity to stand taller and feel larger than the world?
We’re so insignificant in relation to the universe – but in saying that, there’s no reason we should doubt the influence and difference we can make in our indifferent world. Most think that an individual’s efforts can’t effect change, but everyone’s contribution as a collective can make all the difference. Such as being conscious of energy usage and the detrimental effects of the meat industry in the long run – because fact is climate change is real and the grain used to feed livestock can save the starving and malnourished. (Sorry for going all technical.)
I always underestimate the difference I can make.
Anyway, getting back to Melbourne:
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 800
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
Although I really hoped to dedicate a whole day to spend quality time with art, I didn’t have the luxury of time and so I only briefly stopped by the National Gallery of Victoria – I was only left with half a day to explore Carlton Gardens and Fitzroy.
Trains and trams were really easy to use in getting around Melbourne – not without the copious amount of walking since I was essentially a tourist. But when you reach your destination, or even stumble upon hidden gems along your adventure – these little surprises make the effort all worthwhile.
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
I think this was the part of the day I looked forward to the most – finally standing in front of the Royal Exhibition Building. Everywhere I looked was picturesque – absolutely stunning – as if I was in a fairytale setting waiting for pirouetting fairies to appear and glittering flowers to bloom in the midst of winter. Even then, the fallen leaves and bare branches enchanted me.
Regretfully, I could only admire the exterior of the Royal Exhibition Building and time forbade me from entering the Melbourne Museum. (I was getting hungry by then and I truly believed Fitzroy had more in store for me.)
Parallel Paradigm | Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
And well, I wasn’t wrong. I fell in love with Fitzroy almost immediately – it was just the perfect place for me – really.
Along Brunswick Street was shop after shop of vintage/hipster/foodie/fashion/craft awesomeness. It was a dream-come-true.
I had done my own diligent research prior to my trip and listed down places I wanted to go to before doing day plans the night before. I had heard lovely things about Fitzroy. I had also found out about a café that I made my mission to visit that day.
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
I had to walk about a kilometer and a half from one end of Brunswick Street to the other to get to Hammer and Tong – trying to refrain from shopping in the meantime because it was approaching the café’s closing time – but it was worth every ounce of effort.
Stepping into the quaint café I was greeted with a rustic, cottage-like interior, which was also juxtaposed with corners of modern furnishing and clean lines. It just felt really cozy and it was really pretty and really inviting and I was really excited and I’m really enthusiastic just talking about it.
Since I was on my lonesome, I sat at a bench seat (also because huge windows and natural light). They had sugar, salt, and pepper in these cute little beakers with small wooden spoons and it was the loveliest touch of styling.
Shortly after came my coffee and the highly anticipated soft-shell crab burger – and can I say the burger was really something. It was like a soft-shell crab hand roll in burger form but even better – it was just amazing.
After demolishing my late lunch, I lingered a while sipping on coffee and penning down thoughts in my notebook, occasionally staring into beautiful blank space.
Fitzroy certainly did not disappoint.
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
The next day I was due to catch a plane back to Sydney in the late afternoon (thankfully with no delay). Till then, Melbourne had been acting up with the worst of weather conditions and I never could go to Brighton Beach – and I really, really, really, really wanted to see those cute, colourful bathing boxes in person. So, when it didn’t rain that morning, I was out of the apartment and headed straight to Brighton!
I caught the train from South Yarra station and Brighton wasn’t too far away. The thing with Melbourne trains though is that the train doors are manually operated, so you need to press a button to open them. And so, since I didn’t know, I was standing at the door waiting to alight at Parliament one day and the woman with a pram on the platform had to press open the door and I was left feeling quite embarrassed.
Funny story aside, I learnt my lesson and successfully alighted at Brighton Beach Station by pressing a button. Needless to say, I was feeling rather accomplished that day.
Between the Lines | Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
The train tracks at Brighton Beach Station are such that they run across a road, so you’re basically able to cross them when there aren’t any incoming or outgoing trains. And so when I was making my way across the tracks, it occurred to me that I had stumbled upon a gem of a photo opportunity – at which I was weighing out the risks; hesitant on my desired course of action. By the time I decided I wanted to jump on that decisive moment, the pedestrian gates were closing and I almost got wedged between the gate and fence. This resulted in an awkward girl standing awkwardly on the wrong side of the gate, awkwardly waiting for the train to pass before she could stand awkwardly in the middle of the tracks to take that all important photo. Don’t think it could have gotten anymore awkward, but it was pretty worth it –if I do say so myself.
After overcoming that ordeal, it was a short but scenic walk to the bathing huts. The strong winds were brutal and did not stop lashing at me – I literally could not feel my face. But like a true warrior persevering in the face of adversity, I was rewarded with the glory of the infinitely vast sea; a body of water as blue as sapphire extending to the horizon; as deep as the truest of emotions – and my emotions overwhelmed me. The sea never ceases to amaze me, and make me feel like the smallest, most insignificant speck inhabiting this earth – which sounds horrible but really isn’t all that bad – put simply, my problems are nothing compared others.
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
I remember watching characters in movies and television shows going to the beach and shouting at the top of their lungs, and I always imagined it would be an incredibly liberating feeling. I, too, was compelled to finally try screaming my lungs out at the sea, which turned out to be a really weak attempt – definitely not my best moment.
Brighton Bathing Boxes | Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
I eventually arrived at the bathing huts and it was such a beautiful sight – brightly coloured little houses, soft sand, blue water, and a cloudy, overcast sky. And, as always, I dusted off a few seashells for good old memories’ sake.
***
For my last lunch in Melbourne, I decided to dine at The Kettle Black – and, oh boy, am I glad I went.
I didn’t realise how popular the café was until I arrived and there was a line to get in. Since I was alone, it didn’t take too long for me to get a seat. It’s a really modern, contemporary and luxurious café serving great food – although more on the pricey side, but definitely worth the visit. I just really loved the interior – a lot of tiles, marble, wood and warm lighting – an aesthetic feast for the eyes.
Aside, another funny story: I got off the tram and walked in the opposite direction from the café, and ended up having to walk around the block to get to The Kettle Black. (I swear I have a good sense of direction)
***
After a satisfying lunch, it was time to head back to the apartment, grab my bags and leave for the airport.
Although I really couldn’t bear to leave, Wyong Creek was awaiting me!
With love,
Emily.