DAILY UPDATE #13 – AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 2018
Day in downtown (CBD) Melbourne
Today is a milestone — we are driving 0km in a car today. No plane rides either. After 14 days, we have a day where our modes of transport are either our feet or riding a streetcar, err, tram to explore “CBD” (Central Business District) Melbourne. I think we both feel in a form of Nirvana today as we’re aren’t in transit at all today. Why am I posting so early? We have plans this evening!
City Life
To me there is something soothing about being in a city. Somehow the hustle, bustle, crowds and car horns are part of my expected background noise. I’ve absolutely loved the places we have visited already, and truly appreciate what they have contributed to our vacation so far, however now being in the middle of one of Australia’s largest cities feels right. Before we went too far we stopped for tea, and I had hot chocolate while we explored Melbourne.
Free transit
That’s right! Melbourne offers free transit on their trams in the central section of Melbourne. It’s clearly stated, shown on maps and that enabled us to explore more of the city than if we were only on foot. This is a great opportunity for locals, and tourists to hop on and explore more of central Melbourne. I haven’t been to a city that offers the same free transit. The coolest part — there is one route titled “Circle” that uses Melbourne transit’s oldest cars, and provides sightseeing information on the PA at each stop. Very cool.
Lunch
After walking around Federation Square, and the river walks around the Yarra river, we headed to Chinatown for lunch. After some initial confusion on which restaurant, we ended choosing one and had Dim Sum. 
The restaurant we chose was one in which trolleys with the food was pushed around the restaurant where we would select what we wanted. Very quickly we were full and delighted to have selected the restaurant for lunch.
Evening Plans
We’re going to a footie match! Well, an Aussie Rules Football match this evening. It’s Round 6 (whatever significance that means), and I have no idea of the calibre of the teams we’re going to see. I just hope that it will be an exciting event. Amber has given it the iPad challenge. She is going to bring hers along, and if she gets bored she will get out the iPad to read her book. I hope it doesn’t come to that.
Tomorrow, we’re back in the car venturing Northeast eventually.
Maggie says:
Hi Carl and Amber ! I hope you enjoyed the footie match last night – this is Maggie, and I spoke with you briefly at Etihad Stadium, where I was working (well, giving away free fruit, and getting paid for it !). As a former Torontonian, it was great to chat with you, and to learn that you are spending a good five weeks on your trip ! I’ll be reading your blog, with pleasure. Safe travels ! Cheers, Maggie
Carl says:
Hi Maggie, I enjoyed the match. Once Amber looked up the rules on wikipedia she found the match exciting to watch. Sitting amongst Carlton fans was also instructive for the many errors and missed chances the team had during the match. One fellow spectator went so far to apologize for our selection in the match given both teams are not doing well this year.