Today is our 2nd day in Melbourne before we fly East to Christchurch tomorrow.
First of all, we had breakfast at a place named Original Sushi ( though we didn't have sushi this time), which was just 2 blocks away from Alto Hotel. We ordered a big breakfast and a cheese & bacon sandwich. To sum it at dollar to dollar, this type of breakfast was much cheaper than back in Malaysia. We only spent AU$ 12 to get a full stomach, inclusive of a coffee and a black tea.
A peaceful 20 min stroll after breakfast led us to the renowned Queen Victoria Market. This all-you-can-get-market was one of my favourite spots in Melbourne. From fruits, vegetables, poultry, seafood, confectionery, clothing, souvenirs....cooked or raw, you name it, you will find it. One thing that never put us down about this market was no matter how crowded and busy it was, it would still remain dry, clean and neat. Even the butchers are squeeky clean. After going round in this gigantic market for nearly 2 hours, we left this lovely market with a few pairs of wool socks and fresh fruits.
Next, we decided to explore the other side of Yarra River as we heard Wai King briefly said that there is a new Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) near the Crown Casino. So, to do our tired feet a favour, we hopped on a free tourist tram near the Flagstaff Garden and got off at Flinders Street. This is what I like about this city, always trying to provide convenience to the people, from free city shuttle to clear signages, you will have no problem to explore the city on your own.
We walked across Queen Bridge and decided to have lunch at Southbank Promenade. Having a serious obsession to Melbourne's tasty sushi, we again ended up in a Sushi shop. No exception, the sushi tasted superb. Anyway, Kenzan's still at the top of the list.
The search for the DFO began straight after our lunch. We walked, and walked and walked. There was no trace of DFO even after we made a full circle of the Crown Casino. Where was this mysterious DFO? The road was nearly empty, we couldn't even find a person to ask. I was feeling very tired with my running nose flowing like tap water.
However, our luck began to change after Bernard did a good deed. He helped a delivery truck despatch to give his trolley a push. In return, we asked him for direction. He pointed out that the DFO is situated at Spencer Street. Yes, I knew about that one above the Southern Cross at Spencer Street. So, obviously even locals did not know about the new DFO. Well, let him go then.
After a few seconds, the despatch walked back towards us and said:" I think there is a new one over that side, just cross the road and walk straight, should be there." We thanked him and started to get motivated again.
After another 20 min walk, we finally saw our dream DFO, situated next to Hilton Hotel at River Quay. Well, I was already half dead by then and we had to rest our legs on a bench for 15 mins before walking to the entrance of the DFO, which is only 100m from us.
Well, a good shopping trip was like a rejuvenating spa to most women. I bought 2 pairs of sweaters and Bernard got himself a pair of hiking 'non Croc' sandals. Since our luggage were already almost over-weight (by the standard of Air Asia at 15 kg per pax), I had to reluctantly control my strong desires towards owning the shoes, the clothings, the accessories......
We walked to GPO to meet up with Estee and Hui Shan after dropping off our shopping spree harvest at the hotel. The 3 ladies started chatting from the moment they met until when Koko Black, the chocolate bar we were in, announced their closure at 7pm. True friends are those people whom you can talk to without feeling awkward even though you did not see them for many many years. I am glad to have friends like them in life.
Estee, who had a dinner appointment left me and Hui Shan after tea. So, four of us ( Hui Shan, me and our partners) had dinner in a cosy place somewhere in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Not even the heavy rain outside could damper our lovely time together. Cheers!
Next, we decided to explore the other side of Yarra River as we heard Wai King briefly said that there is a new Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) near the Crown Casino. So, to do our tired feet a favour, we hopped on a free tourist tram near the Flagstaff Garden and got off at Flinders Street. This is what I like about this city, always trying to provide convenience to the people, from free city shuttle to clear signages, you will have no problem to explore the city on your own.
We walked across Queen Bridge and decided to have lunch at Southbank Promenade. Having a serious obsession to Melbourne's tasty sushi, we again ended up in a Sushi shop. No exception, the sushi tasted superb. Anyway, Kenzan's still at the top of the list.
The search for the DFO began straight after our lunch. We walked, and walked and walked. There was no trace of DFO even after we made a full circle of the Crown Casino. Where was this mysterious DFO? The road was nearly empty, we couldn't even find a person to ask. I was feeling very tired with my running nose flowing like tap water.
However, our luck began to change after Bernard did a good deed. He helped a delivery truck despatch to give his trolley a push. In return, we asked him for direction. He pointed out that the DFO is situated at Spencer Street. Yes, I knew about that one above the Southern Cross at Spencer Street. So, obviously even locals did not know about the new DFO. Well, let him go then.
After a few seconds, the despatch walked back towards us and said:" I think there is a new one over that side, just cross the road and walk straight, should be there." We thanked him and started to get motivated again.
After another 20 min walk, we finally saw our dream DFO, situated next to Hilton Hotel at River Quay. Well, I was already half dead by then and we had to rest our legs on a bench for 15 mins before walking to the entrance of the DFO, which is only 100m from us.
Well, a good shopping trip was like a rejuvenating spa to most women. I bought 2 pairs of sweaters and Bernard got himself a pair of hiking 'non Croc' sandals. Since our luggage were already almost over-weight (by the standard of Air Asia at 15 kg per pax), I had to reluctantly control my strong desires towards owning the shoes, the clothings, the accessories......
We walked to GPO to meet up with Estee and Hui Shan after dropping off our shopping spree harvest at the hotel. The 3 ladies started chatting from the moment they met until when Koko Black, the chocolate bar we were in, announced their closure at 7pm. True friends are those people whom you can talk to without feeling awkward even though you did not see them for many many years. I am glad to have friends like them in life.
Estee, who had a dinner appointment left me and Hui Shan after tea. So, four of us ( Hui Shan, me and our partners) had dinner in a cosy place somewhere in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Not even the heavy rain outside could damper our lovely time together. Cheers!
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