26 May AUCKLAND - MELBOURNE

Today, we left Auckland for Melbourne, indicating a step nearer to our home in Malaysia.

Before leaving this busy city, we drove to One Tree Hill, a 182 meter volcanic peak in Auckland.  It was surrounded by a huge luxury park, The Cornwall Park.  Finally, there was something worth visiting in Auckland other than Kelly Tarlton's. On the summit of the hill was the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, surmounted by an Obelisk. The obelisk was constructed in accordance with Sir John Logan Campbell's wish  to commemorate his admiration to the Maori people.  

Someone proposed to Graham with stone landscaping

Next, it was a short journey driving out from the city towards the Airport. 

Bye Bye Auckland

Our luggage was 5kg more than the permitted weight.  After a few rounds of packing and weighing,  I left my green feather jacket and many books and travel brochures with the Maori cleaning lady.  We again swore we would travel light next time.

The 4 hour flight was somehow very tiring for me. Since we were sitting at the last few rows, we were basically surrounded by passengers queueing up for the toilet throughout the flight.   

After watching several episodes of comedy that I could not really recall the title and content, we touched down at Melbourne at 5:20 pm.  

We declared the few bottles of Manuka honey at the custom and then it was another seamless journey to the city centre.  The Skybus shuttle sent us to our hotel, Central Sky Lounge, which was very near to Victoria Market.  This was indeed a very new, modern and spacious apartment hotel.  I was glad to smell the fragrance of the fresh bed linen while Bernard immediately turned on the flat screen TV.  

The humble entrance of Central Sky Lounge

The oven in the room that I have no chance to use

By 7pm, we walked out to search for food.  There were plenty of eateries around the hotel.  But fate and my strong desire for Vietnamese beef noodle led us to Mekong at Swanston Street.  I could not forget the good taste of Vietnamese beef noodle of many Australian cities that I have visited.  Mekong happened to be one of the best.  Bernard who was first a bit suspicious about the 'not so presentable' outlook of the restaurant, had said to me at least 3 times ' Darling, this is really damn good stuff!'.

After a satisfying dinner, we walked back to our hotel under the drizzling sky. 

A good meal, a nice city, I wish for sweet dreams tonight.