the second half of my OZ winter trip was spent at my favorite city, Melbourne. first three days were the extension of our mini getaway with my adelaide girlfriends, Jen and Crezyl. the rest of my vacation was spent with my sister and brother-in-law plus their kids (a.k.a. pets). hehe.
at my favorite Melbourne spot, Carltons Garden
will divide this entry into two parts: the tourist-y part with my girls and my hibernating side of the trip :)
Photo Credits: Jen
Aug 24 - 26, 2012
Crezyl researched and booked our hotel whilst Jen created our CBD itinerary. Awesome team! heehee.
we took a cab from airport to reach our hotel in CBD. it was so damn expensive! almost 80 AUD! crazy! but from the hotel back to airport, Jen and Crezyl took the airport shuttle service (pick up at the hotel's doorstep). they booked a day before their departure at the Southern Cross Train Station in Spencer Street. it only costs 17 AUD one way.
we took the free tourist tram (city circle 35) to go around. We also took a tram infront of the hotel to reach Crown's Casino and St. Kilda. at that time, trams still have metcard machines inside but better to get a MYKI, so you can just touch on/off to your desired destinations.
ACCOMMODATION
Crezyl booked Citadines on Bourke via Agoda. Total damage was 439.72 USD for 2 nights with extra bed.
"Citadines on Bourke Melbourne, in the heart of the city's CBD, offers access to major business and financial offices as well as many world-renowned restaurants, entertainment areas, shopping precincts and theatres. Designed for international and domestic travellers on business or leisure, each stylish apartment has modern amenities along with the business services and recreational facilities for efficiency and convenience. Explore Melbourne and relax in the privacy and security of a serviced residence." - Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
PROs
- very good location!!! center of everything and easy access to several trams
- smooth and fast check - in
- room is wide and clean
- well stocked kitchenette
- comfy beddings
- no free wifi
our room
OUR (MIS)ADVENTURES
breakfast at Pancake Parlour
Federation Square
Flinders Station
the memorable tram stop. haha!
Carltons Garden (must go!)
smitten as always
Melbourne Museum
Dinner with my sis and bro-in-law at Emporio Della Pasta in Crown Casino
food = thumbs down; company = thumbs up!
Chocolateria San Churro in St. Kilda
Yarra River at night
Drunken Nights in our hotel room
Aug. 26 - Sept 2
i was picked up by my sis and bro-in-law after checking out from the hotel. and then the hibernation had commenced! hahaha! for a week, i only went to CBD twice! hahaha! the rest was spent either at home or around that area. it was truly life!
let me share the two days i was in CBD during that week...
Queen Victoria Market
my sister made me try all their favorite foodies at the market. yum! must try is the doughnut in front of the market. queue is always long but hey, it was delish!
Afternoon Tea at The Windsor
My sister took a vacation leave so we can try the afternoon tea at the Windsor Hotel. Funny that we were the only "young" ones in there. needless to say, it was truly fun and memorable!
Melbourne Aquarium
one of the highlights of my melbourne trip! it was a solo trip for me. i just love aquariums! i even took videos of some of my favorite spots in the aquarium. must go!!!!
dinner at Kobe Jones
went to riverside to have japanese for dinner. i love their sushi platter but i didn't like their dragon roll.
dessert at Lindt Cafe
actually, i was in a look out for pavlova, australia national dessert, but it was so hard to find one so we had coffee and dessert at Lindt Cafe instead. hehe.
...and the rest of the week was spent hibernating! cakes, cookies, foodies, telly, wine and cheese with Max and Cookie keeping me company at home! best way to cool down after a very eventful trip. i actually gained 2 kilos after this trip. haha!
and oh, i got my pavlova from woolies. i can't leave this town without having one. haha!
Final Thoughts about Melbourne
i love melbourne! i get borderline depression every time i have to leave this city. hahaha! what i like about this trip was the steadier and more laid back feel of the entire trip compared from the last time i went here. i was actually aiming for a quiet trip which was so not me but it was something i really needed. 3 days with my girls were the peak of this trip's leg but sometimes you also need to give yourself a cool down period to really remember and internalize everything that has happened and currently happening. it gave me space [emotional and physical] from everything. suffice to say, not only i remember what happened from day 1 but i also learned more about what i need and want in life. emo but true! haha!
anyway, i do hope this is not the last melbourne entry in my gyspy life. crossing fingers that next year will have its repeat or more...
1 comment
The views are so amazing, I really like visiting all over the planet so much that is why I find travel agents that was having a amazing experience in lifestyle that will not invest time on my vacation with my family members.
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