Au revoir, Melbourne

It’s amazing how fast time flew. It’s true then that that happens when you’re clearly having fun. Waking up that morning after a night of debauchery (now that’s a story that won’t appear on my blog, unfortunately, haha), I lay in bed as the thought that I was leaving Melbourne that evening gradually sunk in. I’m filled with a tinge of regret and yearning to stay but at the same time, I was also looking forward to going back to Adelaide. Some things are never meant to last that’s why it’s always best to make the most of every opportunity, savour every second wherever you are. Some places you only get to visit and you’re meant to stay and live in others. Melbourne is one of the best cities I’ve been in, yes, but it won’t be the last.

Something I had looked forward to before I left Melb was finally getting to meet a long-time online contact and my sister’s friend, Christine Gooding. After checking out, my sister and I went straight to where Christine’s staying in the city. It was such a treat to meet her and her daughter, Bea, too! I’ve known her since b5media days and I keep hearing stories on and seeing photos of my sister and Christine meeting up somewhere. So I left my luggage at her place while I spent what remaining time I had in Melbourne in their company.

First stop was lunch at an Italian resto (forgot the name, gah) on Hardware Lane. Had a sumptuous Lamb Shank on mash and veggies. I’ve can never be happier with my choice. What can I say? I’m such a carnivore, haha.

It’s a bit sad that I only got to spend nights and that morning with my sister but, hey, I’ll take whatever I can get. It was fantastic that I got to spend time with her at all since she was pretty busy with her work. Funny how I even shopped for her since she hardly had time to go shopping.

But that’s at the top of the agenda for the day. Shopping! Apart from checking out the usual shops that Christine goes to, e.g. SIRICCO House of Leather, they carry brands like Miu Miu, Prada, Sergio Rossi, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, etc, I finally got to go to Little Collins Street.

But before doing that, Christine pointed out a quaint attraction they call the Graffiti Lane because the walls on the narrow stretch are filled with, well, graffiti.

Since I am a tourist, I can’t help but have my photo taken, haha!

LOVE how the photos turned out. Thanks, sis!

L-R: Shai, Christine and Bea

Of course, I refused not to take a photo or two of my companions as well.

Anyway, Little Collins is known for its hip stores and is the very place where Christine introduced me to a FABULOUS shoe store called ZOMP.

However, I didn’t get to buy anything. It’s not because I didn’t like the shoes or I can’t afford them. It’s just that I’ve been looking for a particular shoe design and, yes, I’m a bit worried about luggage space. It’s frustrating actually. I saw a pair of pumps that I SO loved but I knew that if I buy them, I won’t have room for the other pair I’m looking to buy. Argh. Regrets. GAH.

If not shoes, then chocolate. A trip to the Lindt Chocolat Cafe sounds like the best way to make me feel better.

I’m sure you folks have heard all about the chocolate goodness of Lindt that every bite can be an express ticket to nirvana.

I’m a huge fan of chocolates but I have to admit I don’t need to have ‘em ALL the time. However, I can’t say no to Lindt. It’s my mum’s favourite, too! But since they can be a bit expensive, Cadbury Dairy Milk (Rocky Road, Macademia, or Roast Almond) will do just fine, hehe.

My first ever Lindt cake is the Opera Cake.

“This luxurious cake is made from thin layers of dark chocolate ganache, coffee butter cream & almond sponge that has been soaked in coffee syrup. The dark chocolate topping is adorned with with 24 carat gold leaf.”

Thanks again, Christine!

Of course, I just had to have a cup of my Starbucks Soy Latte before I leave. Funny story about my first spotting of the coffee shop (one on Swanston Street) in Melbourne happened on my second day. My eyes lit up and I knew I was grinning after I saw the sign and I even said, “Starbucks!” out loud like finding water after trekking for hours in the desert, LOL.

I had to ask my sister to take a photo of me holding my cup in front of the coffee shop as proof of my obsession with it to show P and have a laugh. It’s a bit unfortunate that there’s no Starbucks in Adelaide.

I walked past Federation Square the night I went to the station to get on the tram that will take me to Chapel Street. It looked gorgeous then and absolutely lovely that afternoon. I wish we could’ve stayed and enjoyed my coffee there but we had to walk back to Christine’s place to get my luggage since I need leave for the airport.

I’m happy to have a couple of tourist-y photos of Fed Square to keep, together with the rest of the ones I took throughout my stay in Melbourne. Again, I’d like to send love and thanks to my sis and kuya J for the opportunity. I had a fabulous time! I absolutely LOVED every minute of my trip. I’ll see you again, Melbourne!

Blazer Levi Strauss
Top Sportsgirl
Jeans Sportsgirl
Flats Rubi
Bracelet Diva
Watch Hand me down from my sis
Necklace Lee Hwa Jewelry
Earrings Diva
Rings Mango, Flea Market
Sunnies Rayban
Bag Aldo
Camera Bag Tamrac

P.S. No shopping took place (for me, at least!) that day. Unbelievable, yea? Hahaha.

Related Reads:
Touchdown Melbourne
Exploring Melbourne Streets: Spencer, Bourke and Chapel plus Toorak Road
3 Outfits, 1 pair of Jeans

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