Days 27 to 28: Melbourne

Arriving to a 33 degree Melbourne was not what the guide book told me to expect. So I'm stood outside the airport, surrounded by bags desperately trying to shed layers and on the hunt for cold water before anything can happen... So by the time I get to my hostel, all I really want to do is change and wash but with two unconscious teenagers asleep in the dorm in the pitch dark makes things tricky... Especially when walking through the room is a case of navigating their stuff which is EVERYWHERE. Later I found out they're actually living there... I find that out when they're still talking at 12.30 in the morning. I feel like such an old woman...

Anyway, grumpiness aside, I manage to grab some hours sleep before tacking Australia's foodie capital - im a gonna get me a lotta lotta food these next few days :D

But first, reunited with my bezzie Paveyyyyy!! Suitably huge squishy public embrace over and done, we are on the hunt for lunch. Our first foodie stop? The Greek precinct. Hello hummus, hello tzatziki, hello dolmades. A good start for sure.

Next we slam a few blocks to the Victoria State Library where a sea of Melbournites are tucking into their sushi and dim sum on the lawns out front listening to a super talented busker. This is the life. Buit gets better inside. You walk through the grand pillared building into an octagonal atrium where 6 floors of balconies of books rise up around you to a huge glass domed ceiling. A book lovers dream.

After accidentally barging into a clearly working part of the library where me and my big fat tourist camera don't quite fit in with the studenty researchy crowd... And then being denied access to the lower 'private' floors... We decided to abandon the library for the famous Queen Victoria Markets... Only of course they're closed. Too many fails in a row, and we agree we are in need of coffee.

For that we headed to the docklands and down the southbank of the city's Yarra River. With its mix of trendy restaurants and coffee shops and eclectic modern buildings and bridges, I can't help but feel this wouldn't be out of place in London and I do feel oddly at home... The grey clouds and breeze help make it feel a bit more authentic...

For dinner we head to Chinatown. Beer, curry, noodles and spring rolls almost make for suitable calorie replenishment but right now I'm feeling spent, so I'm off to bed for an early night. Ta ra!