Saturday was another touristy day with a few more venues to tick off our list. After tennis and gymnastics we jumped on the tram and headed down to Federation Square at the corners of Flinders and Swanston. Some really cool architecture and wonky looking buildings a la Toronto's Crystal highlight a number of different spaces including the Australian Centre for Moving Images and the National Gallery of Victoria. We wandered around trying to get our bearings and discussing the merits of a picnic lunch or Rotten Ronny's. Guess who won out?
After eating greasy fries with a dozen or so of Melbourne's finest punk rockers, we wandered across the bridge to the Southbank area (literally the south side of the Yarra River) and checked a whole new area of shops, restaurants, and really cool public spaces. Stumbled across Suga where they make homemade candy, a wicked magic shop, a place with potentially new Blundstones for James and Linton's new must-do resto - Waterfront Fish Market.
Then we were off to our next destination - the Eureka Skydeck. Adorned with golden bees on the outside of the lower floors, this is one of Melbourne's best and cheapest tourist spots. $40 took this family of four up 88 stories to one of the highest views in the southern hemisphere. Some of the Eureka tower's claims to fame include: the world's highest residential tower; the southern hemisphere's fastest elevators; as well as the being the highest public vantage point in the southern hemisphere. But what really sets it apart is The Edge. The Edge is a moveable glass cube which rolls out 88 stories up - projecting people on a glass floor three metres out fom the edge of the building!!!!! They didn't tell me that along with hair loss and weight gain old age would also include a fear of heights. Needless to say Colin was keen but the rest of us not so much. We vowed to be braver next time and to put The Edge on our must-do list before we leave Melbourne. In the picture of the four of us, I may be smiling but it's only because I am sitting down. I literally could not stand that close to the windows. Magnificent views allow you a 360 degree perspective and we finally saw the ocean. Other sightings included the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, Rod Laver Stadium, and almost - our home.
Having returned to terra firma we (Dad and Mom) had to re-group with a latte and a wander through the Crown Entertainment Complex with its swishy stores, cheesy casino, and way-cool water fountains that are programmed to music.
Caught the free City Circle tram back around the other side of the CBD that we had not yet seen and then up Swanston and Lygon Streets to home. The tram ride was packed and made us miss a car just a wee bit. Arrived home to receive a dinner invitation from some very new neighbour friends - yikes! We will try to be on our very best Canadian behaviour. Tomorrow - back downtown for a ferry ride to Williamstown and a better look at the waterfront.
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