Blog 5 Sat. Sun Mon

OK so we left off having been mightily impressed by the Victorian Art Gallery and after recovering back at base went out to explore the restaurant scene of Melbourne. It lived up to expectations and we found ourselves in a very snazzy Australian take on stylish food in the Crown Centre by the river. The steak and pud were sumptuous and for the price of an average meal back home we had an unforgettable one, busily people-watching too as this was obviously a lucky find at real live trendy living. On the hour we found huge fireballs sent up from chimneys over the Centre which were a pretty dramatic way to tell the time. The skyline was improved by the night lights too.
Next day - Sunday, after visiting an open-air high quality craft market (yes - of course there was a turner) we made our way over to the Botanic Gardens and found we seemed to have hit on another place to be on Sunday mornings - especially with children. We had none available so made the most of the walks, lakeside views and terrific planting. After another good light meal, this time at Federation Square (town centre I think) we explored the Ian Potter series of buildings, principally to enjoy the Australian National Collection of Art and above all the wonderful Aboriginal paintings. They really are inspirational and I can see what all the fuss is about at last. On a large scale they have huge vitality and sense of design and rhythm.
At a point of total collapse we returned to our boutique hotel (means you have 3' and 5' beyond the size of the bed- but it is clean and comfortable, if a bit out of the centre of things).
Another great evening meal, this time at the Southgate Centre, the other large compendium of multifarious choice restaurants. They are seriously large dining experiences here! We had an Italian meal this time and were much fussed over by the staff who gave the impression of genuinely caring - an unusual experience - that they want you back some time.

Next morning - Monday, it was time for Docklands to have the once over. Yes, it is impressive with masses of modern buildings and appartments going up, surrounded by restaurants etc, but at the moment seems a bit sterile as it isn't yet fully under way. We are about to try an evening meal there though. In the meantime we went to see the Kourie Foundation galleries next to our hotel, with a brilliant description of all things aboriginal in this part of the world and some more great works of art. Lunch was Greek snacks and then we attempted to be impressed by the classier shopping streets and private galleries of downtown Melbourne, but sadly were not - but again we are competing with Hong Kong and in the case of the few galleries, none were open so we shouldn't judge. We didn't spend our million dollars on that irresistable little daub in the corner though - so that's a relief on the baggage carriers! Back soon as we can get to a computer in Canberra, but if R's description of his favourite hotel is anything to go by, I doubt I will be able to prise myself away from their Elysian fields for long enough to type. We shall see.