Our first taste of this interesting city and it looks like it's everything Nicky promised us it would be.
This airbnb near St Kilda is definitely a bachelor residence; no hair dryer or decent mirror! A renovation in progress of a 30s redo of a Victorian bungalow, we have an old pink suite-ed bathroom and a newly decorated bedroom with the most enormous comfortable bed! All this in another pretty district: wrought iron detail on the houses, wide tree lined roads, pomegranate and lemon trees in gardens, whistling magpies (very different to English magpies cackle), the sea and St Kilda pier just down the road!
As we left the house and battled with the locking system a large hound bounded up from next door followed by it's owner, who immediately befriended us as Aussies usually do. We asked if she could recommend a restaurant nearby because at this point we thought we would have to follow Lonely Planets recommendation of Fitzroy Street, which we had already walked and discovered to be a bit run down. She was only too pleased to assist us and directed us to a very lively area a walk away; stylish bars, delis, patisseries and cafes, where we found 'Kamel' the restaurant she had told us about. Another great meal: middle eastern style this time. And before that, a beer in a lively pub with a DJ looking uncannily like Olly in his topknot days!
Walked our socks off again today. Took the tram in to city, a fun experience and eventually found the little alleyways and back waters we had been told about. Old arcades with gorgeous shops and cafes. Investigated the beautiful library building and sat by the river at Federation Wharf. Took another tram to Brunswick Street and Smith Street, grungy areas and a different feel altogether.
Back by tram, beer in pub, shower and back to Ricardos Italian restaurant which was bustling for a Monday night. What a time we're having. Won't want to shop or cook when we get back.
Grungy alleyways versus elegant beauty
out of town houses yet to be done up....
Albert Park seafront
This airbnb near St Kilda is definitely a bachelor residence; no hair dryer or decent mirror! A renovation in progress of a 30s redo of a Victorian bungalow, we have an old pink suite-ed bathroom and a newly decorated bedroom with the most enormous comfortable bed! All this in another pretty district: wrought iron detail on the houses, wide tree lined roads, pomegranate and lemon trees in gardens, whistling magpies (very different to English magpies cackle), the sea and St Kilda pier just down the road!
As we left the house and battled with the locking system a large hound bounded up from next door followed by it's owner, who immediately befriended us as Aussies usually do. We asked if she could recommend a restaurant nearby because at this point we thought we would have to follow Lonely Planets recommendation of Fitzroy Street, which we had already walked and discovered to be a bit run down. She was only too pleased to assist us and directed us to a very lively area a walk away; stylish bars, delis, patisseries and cafes, where we found 'Kamel' the restaurant she had told us about. Another great meal: middle eastern style this time. And before that, a beer in a lively pub with a DJ looking uncannily like Olly in his topknot days!
Walked our socks off again today. Took the tram in to city, a fun experience and eventually found the little alleyways and back waters we had been told about. Old arcades with gorgeous shops and cafes. Investigated the beautiful library building and sat by the river at Federation Wharf. Took another tram to Brunswick Street and Smith Street, grungy areas and a different feel altogether.
Back by tram, beer in pub, shower and back to Ricardos Italian restaurant which was bustling for a Monday night. What a time we're having. Won't want to shop or cook when we get back.
Grungy alleyways versus elegant beauty
out of town houses yet to be done up....
Albert Park seafront
Wow, what amazing pictures.Quite a surprising amount of history in Australia.I presume airbnb are bed and breakfast places.Did you visit Christobel's son Sam in Sydney?
ReplyDeleteHot for March back here in Blighty..22 forecast for today and the garden is a dustbowl.
Keep it coming....Sally
Yes, Sally , airbnb website worth a look for very reasonable accommodation worldwide. We are now at our third and it's quite an experience. Aussies so welcoming and very helpful about their areas.
DeleteDidn't visit Sam after all. Thought better of it as C says he is very busy and we were too!
DeleteAnother stunner - it seems to be getting better and better.
ReplyDeleteI think I read once that the decorative ironwork on older house balconies and fascias was homeland foundry over- production used as cheap ballast in the holds of empty sailing ships on route to Australia and discarded once there.
There must be an Aussie sign about it somewhere.
Went to Waitrose again this morning.
Love, P'n'O
Interesting that Dad. I was wondering why there was so much used. The woodwork is ornate too of course. I love it.
ReplyDelete