All Things Sensuous
All Things SensuousFried Bacon smell wafted through my nostril, muffled sounds seem to ring in my ears in a language unknown, Am I dreaming? Am I in my sweet slumber in the wee hours of the morning? Oh No, I wasn’t.
I am at my ultra-sensor B & B in Melbourne, not knowing the world was going to close down for so long. I am in March 2020 and I am traveling through Australia and we are sharing the B & B with a Taiwanese DUO in Melbourne and hence the talk in a foreign language.
With Love from My UBER B & B
The smell and the sound bring me out of my deep slumber and not knowing where my feet were taking me, I walk into this most censored (not as a Movie Censor) but UBER cool human sensor touch of B & B. Everything is super sensitive to my touch, right from the door to the flush. A bit intimidated and scared at times I am LOVIN the UBER Technology. I am at ST. Mary’s Street -Melbourne.
Melbourne Walking Tour
On this surprisingly sunny pleasant Morning, (the Melbournites love the sunny weather) we are on our Melbourne Walking Tour starting from the state Library. After opening the Bus tracking App to check the availability of the public transport to ferry us to the start point, within 10 min, we were in a queue. So much is the app and system perfect that I am in awe of the whole arrangement and the value of time is so seriously considered that even a 10sec delay in the arrival time is also notified.
The GEN NEXT
As I wait for my Bus to arrive I check my surroundings only to find the street hosting multiple Colleges along with super cool cafes, the street is busy with the young crowd walking around with all sorts of Gadgets operational at the same time, I feel it’s time for me to upgrade my skills…..Umphhhhh No I am good with all that I know, it’s enough and gives me a lot more time to observe my surroundings and people, this isn’t the case with The GEN NEXT, as they walk past each other with their eyes into their screens and ears plugged. This is a linear society of the future.
The bus on time takes us in 10 min to the State library giving me a glimpse of this super trendy city and I check my list of to-do things when in the city hoping to cover all.
As I get down I am caught by 3 things: one –the beautiful tall library building with multiple steps somewhat resembling the library in Mumbai, the second being The RED-T_ students and the third and most fascinating is the TRAMS. Like a child, I long to have a ride. But my Tour guides in RED –T standing on the topmost step of the library have started with Introductions and instructions of the free walking Tour each one of us getting a MAP and once again I understood how important MAP READING is.
Reading the Map, following the walking party, and straining my ears to listen to many interesting facts and tales of each iconic structure through a city with a positive vibe, vibrant colors, Mouthwatering Aromas, Chic crowd, most pleasant weather with comfort and luxury to suit each one’s pocket I visit all these like an enthusiastic child out alone in a magical place.
The State Library
The beautiful architecture of the Library urges to be visited inside out with thousands of books, tapes. This first free library of the world is also the oldest public library established in 1854.
Melbourne University
Built-in 1853 and is the number one in Australia and the oldest in the state of Victoria is fondly known as unimelb. It has impressive architecture and atmosphere.
Royal Exhibition Pavilion – a world heritage listed building, built in 1879-1880 is today UNESCO World Heritage site.
Princess theatre – Harry potter series was being Screened here in this oldest and continuous entertainment site in mainland Australia with a seating capacity of 1452 seats.
Captain Cooks’ Cottage-originally constructed in an English town in 1755 later brought to Australia in 1934. The cottage was deconstructed brick by brick and shipped to Australia along with the IVY that adorned the house and then reconstructed.
Flinders Street Railway Station which opened in 1854, historic station serves the entire metropolitan rail network and when we reached there was full to its capacity, it was just astounding to watch so many people commute so systematically.
St Patrick’s Cathedral has the distinction of being both the tallest and, overall, the largest church in Australia. While walking through the Gardens with its ancient trees, I saw my first Koala.
Parliament House The city administrative building is very impressive with a beautiful Façade of the colonnade and dominates.
8 Hours movement monument a remembrance of the worldwide rule of 8 hours’ work.
The Hosier Street – This Street painted with stencil and graffiti is an art lover’s window for creations. The china town holds its very own charm. A walk across the Yarra River and the docklands and resting for a while in the shades and watching canoe racing practice is for me a kaleidoscope.
Visiting the enchanting artwork and vibrant Laneways of this cultural, sporting, culinary city and listening to the stories by the local guide makes you lose track of time. Each landmark made, preserved, renovated, to make the city more enjoyable and livable is no doubt why it is voted as the most livable city in the world seven times in a row!
And naturally, I ask this question to many
Why certain cities are rated so? World settlements happened all over the globe but when the value to life and people is given, a conscious effort is made by the administration and the government to plan, implement towards making this settlement comfortable and entertaining for the human being ultimate leads to quality life and makes it a win-win situation for every dweller of the city as there is something on offer for everyone.
The Victorian Melbourne Trams
Ending our day by taking the tram ride in the famous Melbourne tram which is now one of the biggest tourist attractions and runs some 250km in and around Melbourne was again Uber cool. Dropping me at Queen Victoria Market, the tram chugged away.
Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria’s market was decorated with multiple strings of lights and the shopping alleys were lined up with colorful displays. You name it and they have it. It’s a one-stop solution for shopaholics. It’s an overload of sensuous vitals with wonderful displays of delicacies, Gourmet dishes, handcrafted cheese, tea, spices, and an exquisite display of culinary extravaganza from all continents worldwide.
The day comes to a full circle
This 130-year-old Victorian market showcasing all cultures and ethnicities is a treasure trove for everything under the Sun. Overwhelmed with emotions on being at such a wonderful place with souvenirs for every member, I relax to breathe in the aroma of fresh coffee and Bacon and listen to a live Band close-by. The day has come to a full circle for me.
Following THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Stay Tuned to Varsha Mahore Blogs. Enriching Lives through Travel. www.justonewayticket.in
Great places to visit in Melbourne. Thanks for the informative article.