Sunday 2 September 2012

Melbourne - Flight of My Dream



Amazing Coastline of Melbourne 

While casually surfing through Indiblogger, I chanced upon the contest by http://www.visitmelbourne.com/in. which promised two winners a tour of Melbourne. Not an ardent contributor to the contests on the site, I did not further look into it, but my curiosity did make me Google about the city, and also check out the link on Indiblogger wondering what memories could I bring back from Melbourne. What met my eyes was mind boggling amazement full of lights, adventures, beach and many more such attractions, which finally lured me into writing my second post for a contest.
My adventurous life :)
I have always been a great fan of adventures, be it swimming in the ocean, climbing hills, cycling away into jungles, or going to places where just nature surrounds us. I enjoy the thrill in it immensely, though it sometimes scares my loved ones. But with my studies, restrictions from family and other things called generally our lifestyle placing hurdles on my path; I don’t often get to have fun the way I want to. Most of my adventures do take place in my imagination, so no wonder seeing all those colorful balloons, welcoming beaches, museums and other equally enthralling images on the site, my imagination ran wild and said ‘…it's your time to visit Melbourne NOW!’ , landing me bang on a balloon floating over the green meadows on the outskirts of Melbourne. 
New Way Of Entering The City
What an amazing experience to fly into a city like a bird! I landed in front of the sports museum, which held the split second of those wonderful winning moments of sportspeople, stopping the time, which brought glory to the player forever by allowing people to see and live the moment if their victory once again. There were nearly 3500 objects related to the greatest moments in Australian sporting history, I loved them all.
An Animators Delight

As I walked out into the streets, the animator in me had a great time, as the city was buzzing with dynamic cutting-edge arts and cultural companies.  There were Art galleries, Museums, libraries, theatres, musicals, performing arts and public art to quench the thirst of an artist. It was wonderful learning experience for me professionally to check out the work by local and international artists involved in the City Lights programme. Later I took a tram ride to the Art from the City Circle, and later walked through city streets, laneways and along the Yarra River to experience the city's countless public artworks. It was unbelievable that this city was holding underneath its bosom so much of amazing art.


Pacos Tacos, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Exotic Restaurants 
Fed Square New Years Eve
Fed Square








Running around the city had made me quite hungry by now. I checked out and found restaurants, cafes, and bistros that reflected the cultural diversity of the city. For the wine lovers, there were exotic bars too... but that does not interest me. I just enjoyed a good meal at a Mexican restaurant near the Federation square. Fed Square is a unique fusion of civic and cultural activities, which are recognized internationally as one of the world's great public spaces. There were amazing recipes of Indian food available too, but why would I travel to Melbourne to eat what I have to eat once I get back to India. I vowed not be seduced by the inviting Indian cuisines which gave out enticing aromas.

I had heard a lot about the Melbourne cricket stadium, but decided to skip it as I was not a great cricket fan. Now it was time for me to travel on my new Scott bicycle along the Great Ocean Road and beyond for one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. I came across the 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks and waterfalls through my journey. I cycled all the way through to Victoria’s largest alpine resort where I decided to spend the night.
I woke up to the morning where the resort invited me to enjoy a wide range of activities including children's snow sports, attractions and events. I tried my hand at skiing and though not successful it was quite fun. It was so nice to watch even toddlers trying to ski. I went ahead to watch adventurers having fun with snowboarding too, but I was hesitant to try that on.
Whales, Warrnambool, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Whale watching
After enjoying the snow for the first time in my life to the fullest, I travelled back through the gardens of Melbourne situated on the Yarra river. I ventured into the Royal Botanic Gardens – an ornamental labyrinth of lawns, weaving paths and venerable old trees, which took my breath away. I had tough time believing that I was not in some kind of a wonderland.
Great Ocean Walk, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
 Amazing beaches of Melbourne
My next stop was at the beaches. I ventured deep into the ocean and had fun without any fear as most of the beaches were being patrolled by surf life savers. I could see lots of yachting and swimming going on the sea. Some of the beaches had facilities for boat ramp and an excellent foreshore reserve with picnic, barbecue and play facilities. What else would I need? I spent two days on the beaches because I loved it a lot.
Koala
Koala, how cute!








Couple feeding a kangaroo, Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia
Couple feeding a Kangaroo in Wildlife Sanctuary on Yarra River
I spent some more time in the wild life,watching the Penguins, Koalas, Kangaroos and many other wonderful sights of nature. This was the first time I was watching many of those animals for real, so far I had seen them only on computer or television.
I suddenly remembered that I had to take something back home to my family, especially to my Mom and Sister. They had given me their lists of things that I was required to buy if I was to be allowed back inside my home again. Off I went to explore the department stores and shopping centers. While I wandered through the city's myriad arcades and lane ways, who do you think I ran into in a shop? None other than my favorite star Hugh Jackman!  I was dumbstruck for a moment, but then went ahead and asked for an autograph. He obliged but I could not find anything for getting autographed. He made me turn back and autographed the T shirt I was wearing, but he slipped and pricked my back with the nib. OUCH!
All of the sudden I found myself crouched before my laptop, looking at the pictures of Melbourne. There was a mosquito trying to fly away, so he was the one who gave me the prick on my back and not Hugh Jackman. But who knows? May be I will be sent there through the contest and really get his autograph. Now this is the experience I would love to bring back from Melbourne… my dream to come true. 

All the Images of Melbourne are from http://www.visitmelbourne.com/in


20 comments:

  1. I love Hugh Jackman too.. wish I could dream of getting an autograph from him :(

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    Replies
    1. Think of it before you sleep.. may be you will dream of that

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  2. such good perspective to writing a blog .. good luck with that tour you are promised

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  3. Hugh Jackman pricked you with a nib? That would be your first tattoo :)
    A real roller coaster entry. All the best :)

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    Replies
    1. That was a good roller coaster dream I had. I don't mind a tattoo or being pricked if Hugh Jackman is giving me an autograph :)

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  4. wow!! Too pics and good blog.I love trekking and adventurous things.I think all should make there life adventurous and for this great ocean walk location is best.

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  5. Wow! The idea of great ocean walk is amazing. You come to know about the coastal life. I love this kind of adventurous life and will definitely plan to go to this amazing place.

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  6. Can you do me a favour? I am a huge fan of Hugh Jackman. Will you also get an autograph for me? All the best for the contest.

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    Replies
    1. I will try for sure.. but you should do the same if you go to Melbourne ;)

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  7. Hahaha... Hugh Jackman - not bad! Very nice post, and quite informative too. All the best.

    http://lafemmenirvana.blogspot.in/2012/08/vacation-fit-for-god.html

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  8. Whale watching will be wonderful stuff. A must for any travel itinerary to Melbourne.

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  10. interesting post..wonderful stuff
    thanks for sharing

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