The Victoria Market... A real sense of community

     As I approach, it's another afternoon traffic mayhem of engines revving, cars honking, tweets for the pedestrian crossing signs, and dings of the approaching tram.  It's 1:50 in the afternoon and the still bustling Victoria Market is just about  to wrap up for the day. As I walk through the  double doors, the smell of fish hits my nose, as the remnants are being sprayed across the floor. I am delighted I pulled on my black tall boots to avoid any of these from making their way to my toes.

     The Victoria Market opened it's doors in March 20th, 1878. Melbourne is full of others, including some exciting night markets as well.  Focusing on sustainability, many of the stands are family owned businesses selling their local fresh, and sometimes organic seasonal produce, deserts, meats, cheeses, and even wines.

     At the brim, you also find small restaurants, cafes, and even some clothing and gift shops so you can take a little piece of Melbourne home with you.

       Prior to opening, the grounds were once used as Melbourne's first cemetery from 1837 to 1854. Most of the bodies were extracted and moved elsewhere upon opening, but several still remain buried underneath the car park area today.

     If your yearning for a little taste of it all, there is even an epicureans dream tour a few days a week for a mere $35 from 10 am-12 noon. While walking around, you consume generous samples and even a regenerating coffee.

     Melbourne is a market city; full of surprises, multifaceted cultures and unique sense of community.  The Victoria Market is just another great quality to add to Melbourne's ever changing resume.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Australia being a fairly new country, shouldn't have a lot of hauntings, right?  I met up with Ash, a friend of a friend I grew up with, who lives just south of Melbourne City today near the beach.

 He asked me to meet him at work, and then casually added that it was a cemetery... and he digs graves for a living.

Yes.  You heard me. 

I would be meeting a grave digger for dinner and drinks on this Friday night.  I was thrilled due to my fascination with cemeteries and ghost stories!  When I was parading around in Paris for ten days a few years ago, I spent about 3 hours wandering around the cemetery where Jim Morrison of the doors in buried.

Not to worry, I told my roommates if I didn't return I would at least have a proper burial.  I hopped off the train station and into his shiny blue truck and cruised over to the cemetery.  When we arrived, it definately smelled like there were dead bodies in the area.  

I was greeted with an official tour on the four wheeler and shown all of the famous Ozzie grave sites.

  
The "Al Capone", of Austrlia, a few movie stars, the guy who invented rope, the first Prime Minister of Aus, and so on.  

The cemetery was designed by the same bloke that did the beautiful Gardens I visited last week 

as sort of a resume project. 

 At $30,000 a burial, this in the CHANEL of cemeteries.

Do I believe in ghosts? 


 I was sitting around at 4 pm on a Friday 
having knock-offs with the 4 boys after work: 
Stubbies of 
Jim Beam and coke (aka the Brent Jackson)
in the back yard of the bosses house, that just so happens to be in the cemetery.

"Have any of you ever seen any ghosts?," I inquisitivly ask hoping for some great stories.

"No.  There's nothing here.  We don't talk about it," James whispers, I assume so the ghosts don't hear him.

I did end up begging enough to pry a few good stories out of him.  

Nuero uno: 

The boss's ex-girlfriend who is quite spiritual and supernatural said she could see things.  One day while they're out walking around, she asks him, "Why does that boy in the hat always follow you around?"

"What boy?," James replies.

"The one standing right behind you."

James turns around and can see no one.  It turns out the boy she was describing was buried in the cemetery and the parents came to visit quite often, almost daily.  Before that point they had never spoken to him.  Two or so days later, they came up chatting with him.  When he asked the girlfriend why the change, she said she has now helped the little boy crossover. 

Eerie! Right?

And the second scary story:

The person who lived in the cemetary house before James had a since and used a Ouija board.  Instead of the board or plastic piece moving, the entire table started jolting around. 

Oh yeah, did I mention Ash also lives in a cemetery down the road?  He says it's actually more peaceful living there than on the outside of it.  

"You don't have to worry about all the crazies in the street.  No one bothers you in here." 

 Gotta love the unforeseen adventures of Auz.  

You just never who your going to meet.

The Trade-offs of a World Traveler...

My friends, family, and acquaintances ask me over and over again how I do it. Just get up and leave for a new destination without even blinking.

Here are some of my favorite questions from people who have crossed my path or heard my stories since I left for my solo life changing trip to Europe for two months in 2007…

"How do you just up and leave?"

"Aren't you scared? I could NEVER do that!"

"But where will you work? You don't even have a job!"

"Where will you live?"

"Be careful! It's so unsafe!"

"How do you afford to travel like that? I barely have enough money pay my mortgage!"

"Do you know anyone who lives there?"

"Don't you miss your friends and family?"

*******************

Dinero?

I save as much as I can in the summer bartending. Making more than most people do in a an entire year in 6 months allows me the other 6 months to use the world as my playground. Some people spend their money on monetary possessions like decorating their house or buying one, a sleek BMW, the latest look from Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, or Alexander McQueen (I used to do this and I now still have credit card bills to thank), expensive restaurants, wine… you get the point. And while I like all of these things, and occasionally splurge on them as well, I use most of my hard earned cash on purchasing visa's, plane tickets, hostels, skydiving adventures, bus passes, and hiking equipment.

I don't have a mortgage (and I don't want one just yet either), and lack a car payment. When I am roaming the world, the bus, train, tram, subway, or walking around the city in my sandals suits me just fine.

And if I get low on funding, I have an amazing family who just might let me take out a small loan until I return.

Safety?

You see all of these terrible stories on the nightly news of terrorism, etc. While this does exist, you can not believe everything you read. As long as you are aware of your surroundings, then you'll be fine. Do not live your life in fear. Thats just not living.

Table for 1?

If you are traveling solo, you will spend a lot of time with yourself, so you have to be comfortable in your own skin. You don't have your usual clique to cling onto.

And yes, at times, it can get lonely, but that's what good music and great books are for. They keep me company on any cold and rainy traveling day.

And the positive; there's no compromising what you want do each and every day. I wake up and just go… wherever I want, whenever I want.

Job?

No prob! People are always looking for a good bartender (or what turns into a therapist if you work day shifts at a bar). Since I have saved the summer money, I have enough to live comfortably, and just find a job where I can have some fun, meet the locals, and occasionally drink creamy champagne all night long and pull in just enough dough to pay the rent (or the hostel I am crashing at).

Slumber Party!...

I get used to sleeping in bunk-beds and feeling like I'm 28 going on 12. Having 6 to 9 roommates at any given time with a revolving door of people coming and going keeps it interesting. Always meeting a new face. Not much privacy, but why should I be home anyway? I'm traveling, and I am out exploring anyway.

Friends and Family?

They will always be there, and they are my biggest supporters. I miss them heaps while I'm away.  And when I return? I realize even more than before just why I loved them so very much in the first place.

My response to people who question my travels. Quite simple really.

Traveling like this is not for everyone.  It is for a very small percent of adventurers. Trading in my Iphone for a Zach Morris one. My car for a tram pass. My blow dryer and straightener for the fresh summer air. Living out of a suitcase (or two) is not always glamorous, although I try to make it that way most of the time, but the most amazing things can happen to you while your exploring the world.

Every time I leave for yet another destination, I think to myself, here I go again! Not knowing what lies ahead, which path I will choose, what new lifelong friends I'll meet, or what lies around the corner is the most rewarding aspect of my life.

Is life really all about timing, or fate? Who knows…

But I do know the tradeoffs of traveling are more than worth hopping on that Boeing 747 each and every time I do it.

...I think Forrest Gump Put it best: "Life is Like a Box of Chocolates. You never know what your gonna get."

TAPA LAND... Movida Nextdoor

The best restaurants, bars, and little eateries I've happened upon are situated in the little alleyways and side streets of this maze of a city we call Melbourne.

To discover these hard to find restaurants, and watering holes, you either have to

A. Take the time to let yourself get lost in the city

or

B. Pry the information out of a local

After meeting my new friend who's been living in the city for quite some time for a drink one of Melbournes best kept secrets, Misty Place, we were in the mood for some small bites.

Just two doors down, Rikesh guided me to a sensational tapas bar where every night is like the weekend.

MOVIDA NEXTDOOR

Movida translates to "movement" in Spanish,

and you're sure to find plenty of it on any night of the week at this cozy restaurant.

I'm told there's almost always guaranteed to be a wait list ,

but boy, is the food worth it.

Movida has a more than satisfying

selection of vinos to choose from while your waiting at your wooden tables for your tapas to arrive.

FOOD?

The Ajo Blanco was my favorite of the tapas.

This $4 mouthwatering Chilled Almond Soup

with Grape Granita.

Followed by a little Cured Sheeps Milk...

We also had baby Calamari in Squid Ink

and a few other nightly specials scribbled

on the chalkboard above the eclectic bar,

but they were so delicious that there was no time for a photo opp.

And to finish?

Who doesn't love Churro's with Chocolate Dipping Sauce?!

I give MOVIDA NEXTDOOR a 2 Thumbs up!

http://www.movida.com.au/next_door.html

Just Around The River Bend...

After a 50 hour work week at the new ball and chain of a job, and a little lack of sleep, I was ready for some peace and quiet. The clouds parted and after a solid 11 days of rain, the sun was finally shining!

Feeling a bit overstimulated, I was looking for something serene in the big city. I felt like a walk. With no destination in mind, I headed south toward the Yarra River.

After crossing the Flinders Street tracks,

my eyes fixated on the nearby park.

The path enticed me and

just a football field or so away from the big buildings, roaring engines, honking horns, and noisy sirens, I found my little slice of heaven.

Established in 1846, the Melbourne Botanical Gardens have 52,000 different plants

and are home to around 10,000 different species from all over the world!

A few of my faves:

The Secretive Swans

Not So Tiny Turtles

The Eerie Eels!

And even a bee pollenating a vibrant flower...

(Can you find the Bee in this picture?)

What a breath of fresh air.

SU(SHhhhhhhhhhhhh)I

What's the first thing I'll say when someone asks where I want to go out to dinner?

If you know me at all, then you know how much I love sushi.

These little shotgun dining hallways are scattered

all around the city in nooks and crannies for the bustling masses.

Displayed along the storefront, they're similar to a sushi boat back home.

Maybe not the most creative, but these rolls are ready fast.

A "ready in 15 seconds" California, Spicy Tuna, or Salmon Roll for an afternoon snack?

These"hand rolls" are nothing like the US version, and they are served togo in an open faced bag or a quick eat in at on of the little tables. To actually eat the handroll is rather tricky. You see, it's just like a regular sushi roll, but they don't actually cut it at all.

At my first (and last) attempt at biting off the log-like sushi, only about 1/2 the roll made it in my mouth and the other 1/2 made a somewhat graceful landing in my lap and all over the counter. The next time I was smart enough to request it cut into 4 smaller pieces. I had a great time watching other tourists attempt the "hand roll", but the locals seem to have it down.

The hunger quenching snack in-between meals or not actually hungry enough for a lunch is mere chump change at $2.50 a roll.

Fast, Fresh (enough), and Filling.

MeLbOUrNes MorNinG fiX: THE MESS HALL

Melbourne is in the midst of Cafe-land where coffee lovers crave their fix each and every morning. When asking locals which direction I should point my stomach in, several advised I check out this little "brekkie" hotspot. From my first step into THE MESS HALL I was greeted with a friendly smile and outstanding service.

Situated in the Central Business District, you will always find professionals among others grabbing their 6:30 am coffee on the way into the office, or having an espresso and nibble just about brunch time.

With a single prop airplane as their logo, "mess hall" comes from the aviation term where the men gathered to eat meals together. From the interior design to brown paper menus, The Mess Hall has simplicity written all over it. The concentrated menu allows an easy choice hence more time for enjoyable conversation with your fellow company.

Breakfast, lunch, or just coffee for ONE?? You're in luck. There are 3 front facing "VIP" window stools perfect for people watching on busy Bourke Street.

My pick: The (steaming hot) Scrambled Eggs with smoked Salmon and herbs on Sourdough Toast and add a side of avocado. Warning! Portions are hearty, so prepare to have a small or non-existant lunch. I will certainly be back for more!!

American In Oz(stralia): There's No Place Like Home...

Take-off time again!

Destination: MELBOURNE.

Feeling the toasty weather, I slipped through the glass doors just outside the airport to catch my shuttle in Melbourne. The 17 hour flight I just disembarked from was a little bumpier than I anticipated. At least I was able to sit next to someone in my line of work: Therapist/Bartender: same thing right? With sleep not on my side, I wandered aimlessly up and down the corridors trying to find the little black shuttle with no luck.

A nice aged Aboriginal man directs me in another circle before I see the blatant "SKYBUS" that had been staring me smack in the face the entire time. I lucked out and caught a free shuttle from the airport directly to the steps of "The Mansion": vaulted ceilings that when your on top bunk you feel privileged, not suffocated. Standing up, I couldn't even touch the ceiling. From the golden light fixture that dropped 3 1/2 feet attached to the large white ball of light, to the flat screen TV in the corner, this place was vintage with just a few upgrades. The only downfall was the lack of air-conditioning, which I haven't come close to needing so far. This is where I would be spending the next 6 days sharing a room with 6 strangers; three girls from Holland, two lads from France, and an Australian from Sydney in a pear tree. We quickly became a happy family, rooting eachother on for local jobs to stay for the summer, and swapping travel stories from all over the globe.

Going from the laid back summer life on the Island of Nantucket or Queenstown, New Zealand, to the City life was a bit of a culture shock. When I eventually fell asleep night after night, it wasn't to the peaceful sounds of the birds chirping anymore.

I now had the purring of the by-passing mufflers, the crude caws from the ever overpopulating crows, the loud locust buzzing, and the rain shooting off the spinning tires as the light turned from red to green. I no longer felt the need for an alarm clock. The morning traffic now wakes me up on the 6:30 am commute, or if I'm lucky, maybe a siren quickly buzzing by or two from a late night crime at 5 a.m. after the bars have let out.

From taking the subway and tram, and not worrying about getting parking tickets all day long, to the hustle and bustle of the 9-5 corporates rushing for their morning caffeine fix or afternoon lunch at their favorite local cafe, city life is most definitely different than the simple life I have been living for the past two summers. With an endless amount of exploring to do, I am thrilled to be here.

So enjoy...

just as I am enjoying be an American in Oz.

There's no place like home...

or having too many