Melbourne

I'm staying here on King Street right in the middle of the CBD - central business district. King Street is all about wide paths, trams, leafy tall trees and nudie bars. And don't forget the 7 eleven where I get my cup of tea each night. Funny how being upside down makes you revert to classic Irish behaviour. I don't drink a lot of tea at home in Dublin but now I crave one before I go to bed each night.
Melbourne is unbelieveably chilled out. I was awake at 6 am on Monday so I took a stroll around and watched everyone on their way to work. Yes it is a joy knowing I don't face that for another month. Mostly though it struck me how relaxed these workers are in comparison to Dublin people with their pinched panicked faces rusing to sit in their Dilberts for the next ten hours of the day.
I suppose the heavy debts will do that to a person. Maybe the mortages just aren't the sames over here. Whatever it is though the atmosphere is lighter and a good deal more tolerant.

I like Melbourne in general and I'd say it would be a great place to live. The bars are pretty cool (I loved Bimbos) and everyone is fairly laid back.

They are really into tourists and have plenty of free stuff to experience here.
There is a tram and a shuttle bus that brings you around to tourist things for free. I popped in to a free Nick Cave exhibit earlier down by the river and on to the modern art exhibit later.

Still it is not a city to spend too long in as there are no great wow factors - I'd say a week is more than enough.

Tomorrow I go to Queenscliff and wedding fun for the rest of the week.