With Love, From Melbourne
Hi Shilpa
It’s been over 2 months since I came back from my trip to Jaipur. It was awesome meeting you. Exploring the beautiful city of Jaipur through you, was the highlight of my India trip. I still remember the good time we had in scouting the by-lanes of the wall city to get those exclusive bangles of ‘lac’ or walking so much to witness the beauty of the architecture of the palaces and forts of an era gone by or even tasting the most exotic sweets at LMB…
I am inspired to share a bit about my city… Melbourne, which is my home since the last 2 years. Having stayed all these years in Alexandra, moving to Melbourne is a big change both personally and professionally.
Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and is very populated as compared to my sleepy lil’ town of Alexandra.
Often referred to as the “cultural capital of Australia”, Melbourne is the birthplace of many cultural institutions. It is also a major centre for contemporary and traditional Australian music. Mostly, my weekends are spent watching the musicals and theatrical productions. Recently, I watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and it was simply awesome.
The best thing I like about Melbourne is the FOOD. Since, it is a cosmo city, various cultures co-exist, and thus there are a variety of eateries available everywhere…right from exotic restaurants to cafes, bistros and fine dining… all these serve diverse cuisines of the world. I am having a great time exploring and experiencing the different flavours of the world… Chinese, Lebanese, Italian, Spanish, Vietnamese and Indian food too. It’s like taking a food trip around the world, but right here in Melbourne.
Ah!! Shopping! I simply love shopping here! Right from the world’s best brands to the local flavours, the malls to the bargain shopping in the by-lanes of the town, Melbourne is truly a shopper’s paradise. On September 15th, I’ll be going to the Maribyrnong Makers Market where some very talented craftsmen sell their unique and diverse handmade products. Can’t wait to shop some exquisite bags and artefacts from there!
Last month, I went to Bulla Hill Miniature Railway with a friend. It was like going back in history and also going back to our childhood. Here, we had rides in miniature steam and diesel trains! Being there was Pure Fun!!
You know, how much I love museums… they open a world of information for us and Melbourne Museum is a class apart. Currently there is a stunning exhibition going on The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia. This exhibition includes palaces and royal power, religious beliefs and rituals, burial practices and royal tombs, and the myths and legends that surround ancient Mesopotamia. Exploring the bygone era of innovation and invention was awe-inspiring. I have walked past the skeletons of the giant dinosaurs here, in the Dinosaur Walk section. Discovering and understanding how dinosaurs moved, what they ate and how they survived was so enlightening and with touch displays, one can touch dinosaur teeth, bones and fossilised poo, too!!
Melbourne… there is so much to explore… hope this excites you as it’s your time to visit Melbourne NOW!’
Waiting….
Lots of Love
Paula
This is a contest entry at IndiBlogger.
September 5, 2012 4:39 pm|
I can vouch for that , its is lovely place , So you should go
and I will wish you win the contest toooo 🙂
Bikram’s
September 11, 2012 7:45 am|
Thanks Bikram and let’s see when that happens! 🙂
September 5, 2012 5:21 pm|
Oh, that was very well written and it seemed to be written straight from the heart.
September 11, 2012 7:46 am|
Thanks Swapna, am glad you like it! 🙂
September 5, 2012 5:37 pm|
All the best for the content!!
September 11, 2012 7:46 am|
Thank you, Neha 🙂
September 5, 2012 5:37 pm|
Oops… contest* 🙂
September 11, 2012 7:46 am|
:))
September 5, 2012 6:21 pm|
Gud one Shilpa. Loved the way u have written it.
Gud luck for the contest.
September 11, 2012 7:47 am|
Thanks Swaram. 🙂
September 6, 2012 5:11 am|
Being in Melbourne is being in Heavan.Having been there once,I can say with authority,it is such a beautiful place
September 11, 2012 8:11 am|
Wow! Look forward to visiting Melbourne now! 🙂
September 6, 2012 6:19 am|
Aha, nice letter and all the best for the contest!
September 11, 2012 8:12 am|
Thank you Rachna 🙂
September 6, 2012 8:16 am|
Nicely written Shilpa! Best wishes for the contest:)
September 11, 2012 8:16 am|
Glad you liked this presentation,, thanks a lot Mr.Bhatia. 🙂
September 6, 2012 11:44 am|
nice take on the contest and well written too shilpa ! cheers
September 11, 2012 8:17 am|
Thks Priya 🙂
September 6, 2012 12:25 pm|
What a unique way of writing the post for the contest. Love the way you have highlighted all the places one can see in Melbourne.
Good luck for the contest 🙂
September 11, 2012 8:18 am|
Thanks LP. I had a pen friend from Victoria, Australia when we were in school…. We had exchanged a lot of things about our respective countries then… so got the idea from there for this post! 🙂
September 6, 2012 6:16 pm|
A very creative, not to mention unique, way of writing this contest post. All the best, Shilpa 🙂
September 11, 2012 8:18 am|
Thanks a lot, Sudhagee! 🙂
September 11, 2012 2:43 pm|
Shilpa,
Very tempting to visit Melbourne. Are you planning to?
Take care
PS : Left comment on previous post as well as reply to your question about “poison”.
September 13, 2012 9:18 am|
Melbourne is one of our holiday destination. Let’s see when that happens! 🙂
September 11, 2012 4:16 pm|
nice write up 🙂
http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/
September 13, 2012 9:19 am|
Thanks Sushmita 🙂
September 13, 2012 1:05 pm|
As soon as I heard of the contest, he thing tht came to my mind is masterchef australia 😀
September 25, 2012 5:11 pm|
Oh yes, Masterchef Australia is in a class of its own! 🙂
September 15, 2012 4:23 am|
Any new city holds out a lot of mystery in all fields, this was a great exercise to know more about the country. Reading your post was enlightening too. 🙂
September 25, 2012 5:12 pm|
Agree, Indrani! There is so much to explore and learn in every place and Melbourne is simply amazing too! 🙂
September 20, 2012 2:58 pm|
I really like Melbourne too. Lived there for few years and can’t wait to go back in December. Enjoy Australia!
September 25, 2012 5:36 pm|
Wow! That’s cool! You enjoy your stay in Melbourne too! 🙂