Jen had an interview this morning with a hospital in Melbourne, so I had the morning to myself. It’s not that I don’t love her to death, but sometimes I just need some music, some computer, and no one else. It’s a thing.

Jen’s sister rang up and popped over just before we left for St. Kilda. To give me a taste of Melbourne we took a tram. That was interesting. Sort of like the Metrolink in St. Louis, except this one actually goes somewhere. We’d stopped to buy pull-apart bread, and ate our lunch on the tram. The bread had sun-dried tomatoes and pesto in it, which sounded icky at first, but turned out to be damned yummy. I was sad to see it go.

St. Kilda is an interesting city suburb. It’s very touristy, and seems to be built for nothing more than entertainment and relaxation. The most disturbing site was the entrance of Luna Park. It defies description. Unfortunately the park is only open on weekends, so we had to take a pass on it.

Instead we wandered to the pier (pronounced pee-ah) that afforded a beautiful view of the city skyline. I also marvelled at the paragliders, and for once I was disappointed that I wasn’t more athletic. That looks amazing, and I’d give it a try if I ever had the opportunity.

Seagulls hovered (literally) overhead, eyeing the fishermen’s bucket for an afternoon snack. The ocean smacked gently at the shore, and the sun was bright and strong. We’d wandered through shops, and finally decided to leave St. Kilda for the city streets.

I must note one important fact at this juncture. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia has the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen. Seriously. I’m horribly picky, and can’t seem to find anyone in St. Louis that comes anywhere near interesting. However, I’m nearly tripping over them here. Pretty, pretty men. I mean, pretty. I oohed and aahed over them when I first arrived, but today was like open season. They all have blond-streaked hair, or just incredibly pretty faces. Delicate, incredible faces. They build them tall here as well. I swear I’m never leaving.

Why don’t they build them like this at home? It doesn’t matter if they’re 18 or 25 or 32, they are just pretty.

We wandered down on Swanston Street and Collins Street. The Block Arcade had a chocolatier named Haight’s, where Jen bought me a chocolate truffle. Yes, one. Because they were $82/kg! Never in my life have I eaten $41/lb chocolate. However, it was worth every penny.

Onward down Collins, we came across the home of the Old Treasury Building, Bank Museum, and former home of the Melbourne Stock Exchange. The building dates back to the 1880’s and is beautiful. We stopped at the Starbucks on Collins so I could take a picture and show all my clients that Starbucks really is an international company.

We continued to Rialto Tower, where they have created an observation deck at the top of the tallest building in Melbourne. It stands 233 metres high - 55 stories - and 130 feet taller than The Arch. I think we were both trying hard not to be scared as we zoomed up the express elevator to the top. What was really cool is that we could see Jen’s school from the top (with the assistance of high-powered telescope thingys).

The next stop on our tour was The Blue Train Cafe. Good God, if there are more beautiful wait staff anywhere, I want to see. I kept “perving” on the guys and losing my train of thought. The music kicked ass, and the food was bizarre. The special of the day was Peking Duck tortellini, so I took the plunge, and it rocked.

I think I shocked Jen a bit when I left a nearly-traditionally-American tip for the wait staff. I keep forgetting that they actually make a human wage here, and don’t work for tips. Eh, whatever. The scenery was worth it.

One thing everyone should do is see Crown Entertainment Complex. When everything else in Melbourne is beautiful, gothic, or chic, Crown is the most awful, gaudy place, glaringly out of place in the center of downtown Melbourne. It’s a casino and hotel and bunches of nastiness. However, I’m on vacation, so a casino sounded good to me.

Jen and I found our way to the 2c pokies (slots) and played Spiderman all night. Luckily for us, it was a winning night! I managed to pull off a clear $47, which paid for the souvenirs I bought at Rialto, plus some. Jen cleared $8, because her machine was awful to her. Either way, we had a great time. Am I emphasizing this enough? We had a great time!

Catching the train back to Hawthorn pretty much sucked rocks, because we missed one by 2 minutes, and had to wait another 28 for the next. I’m not a fan of waiting in the best of times, and at 11:30p I just wanted to be home and in bed. But, ah well, after the greatest day ever, what are you going to do?

Drooling at every turn,

michelle