One of my favorite cities on earth!

After spending a few days in Sydney–we hopped on a plane to Melbourne. I really enjoyed the laid back nature of the Australian airline, Quantas. Of course, it wouldn’t be Australian if it wasn’t laid back.

First thing we did was take a cab to our hotel, The Sheraton in the Docklands. I really enjoyed that area, with architecture that is so wacky and colorful–you feel like you’re in the middle of a Dr. Seuss book. Statues and instillations litter the streets and sidewalks.

I keep trying to think of the best way to describe Melbourne in all of its insane glory. So here goes: It’s like a more European and colorful version of Chicago, where everyone speaks English and loves giant hamburgers. A river runs through city center, and restaurants are sprawled on either side. It’s a land where even the bridges have bars. (That’s right–check this out: Ponyfish the bar on one of Melbourne’s pedestrian bridges.)

We were visiting during Melbourne’s comedy festival and the place was out of control with food vendors and shenanigans. It was so fun! Here’s a bit of what we got up to:

Cargo for an awesome brunch on the water.
Good Heavens & Imperial for a few beers on a rooftop in the middle of the city.
Chin Chin for an Australian take on Thai food.
Hosier Lane for a graffiti filled stroll in back alleys.
Cherry Bar where AC/DC got their start.
The Yarra River Walk for people watching and bar hopping.
Stop by Ponyfish while you’re winding your way along the Yarra.
Eat dinner on the river at Arbor Bar.
Grab a few pots (which are the mini and perfectly sized version of Pints) of Mountain Goat.
Try a chicken parm at any of the numerous restaurants you find. We were told it’s very Australian…which seems odd…but it really was quite tasty.
And make sure to go to a Melbourne AFL game. I’m not much for sports–but Australian Football is the weirdest athletic thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

What a city! Melbourne, you really won me over with all the art, architecture, pedestrian only walkways and bridges, good beer, and fun folks. I hope I get to see you again someday soon.