We arrived in Melbourne (from Hong Kong) mid-June, slap bang in the middle of Australia's winter. It was a pretty bleak few weeks - freezing cold we had no winter clothes, no money and no where to live.
Luckily, Nick's friend Rochelle saved us from the crappy cold hostel we where staying in (just off Chapel St) and let us sleep on her floor for a few nights which was great, it was like being on Ramsey St - the houses were all exactly the same (as on Ramsey st) which makes sense because Neighbours is filmed in Melbourne. We enjoyed playing with Immi her really cute baby. During this time, we managed to buy a few charity shop clothes to keep us warm and found a place to live on 'Gumtree'.
Our place is in South Yarra (which is the equivalent of say South Kensington in London) really posh, a bit snobby full of middle aged women who dont have to work and just 'do lunch' in there Gucci sunglasses with their little white fluffy dogs in tow. The flat is a bit like living in a hotel room but its warm and has good views.
We haven't been doing the normal 'traveller' thing at all since being in Melbourne...We both got jobs pretty easily - Nick doing business analysis for The Age newspaper (bit like The Guardian) and I worked as a Loyalty consultant for a mystery shopper company before getting a job working in marketing within financial services. Have met some great people at both places.
I have been doing a Graphic Communication course at the RMIT university since July. It's really really good. I'm a proper geeky mature student its great! Been going dancing on Chapel St at 'The Space' doing contemporary and hip hop classes. And also going swimming at the city baths so pretty much been really really busy. Nick has also done a course and is doing his driving test... Just passed today....Go geeks!
Melbourne is a cool city - lots going on culturally, some really good bars, gigs, fashion is big. So generally been working and studying and enjoying having fun when not. We walk to work most days throught the botanical gardens which is lovely but not since I developed hay fever!
Like one of our English friends here said, living here always ranges from a B+ to a B- , life is easy. You earn the same, but everythings cheaper. However, living back home ranges from an A+ to a D-.....its much more exciting as its more of a roller coaster. I think that somes it up really well. If you want an easy life -come to Melbourne. That is the moral of the story!
Here are some photos finally of life here in Melbourne....
St Kilda. Outside Luna Park
For Suzy and Lucy - this is where they worked on their year out....
Our ugly apartment block in South Yarra
Ready for a long night out - night of the rugby final
In the botantical gardens right near our flat
The oversize sunglasses don't actually look 'oversized' on my big face!
Walking to work via the gardens
This is where I go swimming
State Library of Victoria. Where I spent the first few weeks looking for work on the free internet access...
Coffee is a BIG thing in Melbourne
Love this little back street
Me a while back in the flat.
Flat pictures for mum. Loving the 80s accessories.
With Lucio and Suzan - my brazilian and turkish friends!
Nick, Lucio, Suzan and Tunch (her fiancee)
Williamstown penninsula
In the flat
Immy - Rochelle's baby
