Gregor was up early to catch his bus back to Melbourne. I had a few hours before I had to make my way there myself, so Louvelle, who was home and on crutches with an infected foot, and I finished the last of the breakfast food before I made my way to the airport. Probably getting a little too accustomed to flying, so I got to the airport a tad later than I probably should have, and it was already final check in for my flight. That actually worked out well, as I was able to bypass the line – and still had plenty of time before boarding.
Arrived at Avalon airport, which is outside of Melbourne by about 40 minutes. Hopped on a shuttle to Southern Cross station in Melbourne’s CBD, with nary a clue as to where I was or what there was to do. I had finished my book on the plane, so I was hoping I’d come across a used bookstore in my travels as well. My first inclination was to head towards the water, so I walked towards, and crossed over, the Yarra River, circling the Crown Casino, and then walking along the south bank. It seemed to be mostly food courts, and restaurant/bars, with the occasional unusual sculpture dotting the landscape.
I crossed over the Yarra once more, and walked along the north bank till I reached Flinders Street Station. Fed Square, a large and Frank Gehryesque (although it is possible he designed it) area, was across the road, and there was a large tourist information building, so I popped in there for some maps and to get idea of some of the attractions. Following that, I walked up Swanson and down Bourke Street, to meet Gregor’s friend Amy.
I’d met Amy several years ago, so I was a litle skeptical that I’d recognize her at the rendezvous spot, but it turns out it wasn’t so difficult. The two of us headed back up to Federation Square (stopping at a bookstore along the way), and had dinner and a drink at the Transport pub. After dinner we took a walk by the Yarra to where three or four of Melbourne’s stadiums are. I’m not sure why a city needs so many stadiums, but there’s another one on the other side of town as well. We headed back to Fed Square along the other side of the river, and took in the Australia vs. India cricket match that was being broadcast on a giant screen. Amy tried to explain the sport to me, but I’m still not too sure I know what’s going on.
We took the free city tram for a loop of the city, which helped give me an idea of what there is to do and see in Melbourne, then met up with Gregor’s bus at 9:45. Hopped on the tram from there, and headed to St. Kilda which is the neighbourhood where Amy lives. Dropped off our bags at Amy’s, then headed into St. Kilda so Gregor could get something to eat. Turns out we were all hungry, so we ate and had a drink, before heading back to Amy’s for some sleep.