The first day of Melbourne for me was Anzac Day. It was a coincidence but an eye opener for me.
It was a solemn ceremony and was very crowded. Got a chance to take a picture with an old soldier. His badges on his coats were beautiful and had important meanings. It was really an honor.
What is Anzac Day?
It happens yearly on 25th April. It is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.
(from Wikipedia)
The season in Australia is different from Europe. When I was there, it was autumn and the weather was perfect. Not too old or cold. The purpose of this trip is to visit my Godmother and my good friends (Aysu and Dilsat). Besides that, it was part of my graduation trip. I prefer to travel alone from Singapore to a foreign land so I can spend quality time with the people I love in their home/country/city. The experience always excites me because each city has something unique to offer.
First stop was Flinders Street. A beautiful street and people were rather calm as compared to Singapore, where everyone is always rushing to places. Had coffee with my good friend, Aysu at Cafe Giraffe.
The cafe was a happy, hip and young looking place. Once you enter the cafe's seating area, you will see a tree planted in the middle of the area. The atmosphere was rather warm and cosy. A good place to catch up with friends. Do visit this cafe if you are in Melbourne.
Cafe Giraffe:
Address: 302 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
After the cafe, we went to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image as there was a Hollywood Iconic Wax figures exhibition. As we were prohibited from taking pictures, I must say we were speechless with awe as the wax figures looked so real and alive. They had wax figures from the iconic Marilyn Monroe to Kill BIll - Uma Thurman.
Next up, it was Collingwood. A lovely place especially during the evening. It had a different feel to Flinders Street. It was small and cosy. Had a good time catching up with friends and chilling with them.
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For the next day, I spent a good time with my Godmother and uncle. We went to the magnificent Queen Victoria Market for lunch and did some grocery shopping. It was busy and people from all walks of lives were there. The smell of fresh groceries welcomes you when you enter the area where fresh seafood and veggies are sold.
Head to this market if you are in Melbourne:
After brunch, we headed towards Brighton Beach to view the beautiful beach houses. We were greeted by the seagulls, colorful beach houses and the sea. The sight was beautiful.
Dinner was with my friends again, and we went to my all time favorite Grill'd burger joint. I love their burgers because the meat is juicy and delicious. Thumbs up to a good dinner (:
The last day was well spent with my Godmother and uncle. We had a good lunch and good catching up session as I haven't seen her for 2 years. I almost forget because it is Autumn, the flowers at my Godmother's house bloomed beautifully. I was in love with the roses. They made me smile.
I am very thankful for my Godmother as she hosted me throughout my stay in Melbourne. She is like my second mother, making sure I am safe and sound. Really appreciate it (: And to my uncle, who brought me to Brighton Beach because I really want to check out the beautifully painted beach houses. Thank you so much <3
