I've never been a big fan of big cities, but Melbourne has won me over in no time at all! One of the reasons this country girl loves this city so much is because it's the best of both worlds. There's so much greenery downtown - beautiful trees and landscaping along the main city streets, and gardens of all sorts within a block of downtown. Best of all, the city's most prominent feature is the great Yarra river which zig zags though the entire downtown region. The heart of the city features a series of unique and beautiful bridges that connects one side of town with the other in a most creative fashion. At night, the bridges and trees and endless outdoor cafes are lit up like a magical village on a Christmas card. I can't believe how much I love a city!
Of course in my book (or, in this case, in my blog) the very best way to see a city - or a country - is on a bike! Yesterday, after Mike and I had registered for the conference and gotten a sneak peek into the global gathering ahead - but before the evening plenary, I snuck off on my rented bike for a couple of hours. I could not have been happier, biking along the riverbed, wandering through city neighborhoods, then suddenly country landscapes - not knowing what surprising sight was around the next corner. I felt so free and adventurous and thrilled. I did miss my usual bike partners (Michelle and Sarah) but I have to admit, I was pretty proud of my little self for exploring on my own. As Michelle and I always say, we are most at home on our bikes. And it was most amazing to feel that familiar sense of home - in the middle of a big city, way down here in Melbourne.
Friday, December 4, 2009
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wooo hoooo WHAT A TREAT!!! As i said, through your eyes and ears (and bike wheels) i will get to know down under!!!
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