Melbourne Day 1

It was a truly pleasant ride from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport to my Airbnb around 11am in the morning via a fast minivan transport service. Check-in was swift and I was introduced to a pretty snug room at the ground floor with a nearby toilet and bathroom. (Due to the weather, every bath was cold so I did that only once every morning)

I left the Airbnb around 1pm and started my great exploration.

First off, the weather and scenes of the autumn-filled streets lifted my spirit immensely. I strolled along the streets until I found a convenience store where I could buy a Myki. This stored-value card would enable me to board trams, buses and trains so I could get around. Once done, I hopped onto my first tram and made a beeline to the city center towards the Melbourne Visitor’s Hub. This place would be the launch pad for all tourists wishing to find out about the city’s attractions, and how to go about booking rides to scenic places which were further-off (eg: Yarra Valley or 7 Apostles). The Center was oddly like an Apple store with interactive touch screens and experienced staff who were very informative.

I had a few touch-points in the city to fulfill so I spent the better of the early afternoon walking – checking out the largest bookshop in town, a chocolate specialty store, and various game shops. And all this time, I soaked in the beautiful and vibrant city atmosphere. It was populous but well organized and full of polite people who were not afraid to offer directions.

I managed to identify a few restaurants and pubs which I might have visited (but in the end didn’t because I had better places to be) and before I knew it, a gorgeous evening descended upon the city.

It was another tram ride back to Fitzroy and more walking along the streets while marveling at the shops, restaurants and graffiti, before I finally arrived at my destination – Naked for Satan. With such a risque name, it did not fail to impress. There were 2 levels of pub, ale and merry-makers to meander through before you could take a lift up to level 7 where you could enjoy your beer on the rooftop overlooking the district. There were few tables visible and I had to find a new one every time I went to replenish my drink (The cons of going solo). The night began to get chilly (to my delight) and it was pure bliss just taking in the city view from high up with great beer in hand.

I left that great establishment around 11pm (I wanted to catch the tram back – not sure if they stopped early) and ended up in the Union Club Hotel Pub. This was a corner pub within walking distance of my Airbnb so I originally intended to stay in late. Too bad they decided to close early due to lack of customers.

Well and soaked with booze and great air, I returned to the Airbnb and there ended my first day. I turned in earlier than expected because I intended to wake early for something special.