:: Melbourne ::

I'm back! We had such a fantastic time in Melbourne. We made sure we packed as many sites (and shops!) into our days as possible. After some initial spending hesitation I happily spent my saved money on some fabulous finds! Isn't it funny how you can get into such a saving frame of mind that even when the event you've been saving for comes around you can still rationalise that you should really still save instead of spend?

I was delighted to discover that Melbourne is filled with amazing stationery stores. I was in stationery Heaven all weekend! I found so many things that I have never seen in Brisbane, and of course, the stores are only in Melbourne - but, this is all the more reason for me to go back soon! Everyone I talk to raves about the food and shopping in Melbourne, and I definitely agree! But, I have to say my favourite part of Melbourne is the architecture.

I'm fascinated by old buildings, and whenever I visit somewhere you can guarantee that the majority of my photos will be of buildings. We don't have a lot of old buildings in Brisbane, thanks to a company called Deen Brothers. The story I've been told is that they were employed to demolish old historical buildings during the night to make way for 'new' buildings (Their company motto is, "All we leave behind are the memories" which is pretty sad if you ask me). Melbourne, on the other hand, is full of old buildings and tiny laneways full of incredible cafes and grafitti art.

It was nice to have some real Winter days - a maximum of 14-16 degrees (Celcius). Back home we still have maximums of 25 degrees. Unfortunately, I now have a cold and sound like Marge's older sisters from the Simpsons, haha. Hot.

I will leave you with some captured memories of our trip.

Beetroot base (gluten free) pizza. Seriously delicious!

This is a Heritage listed lead pipe and shot factory tower. Melbourne Central shopping centre is built around it and a glass dome encases the tower, it's pretty cool.

I'm looking forward to catching up on all of your blogs :)