Australia > Melbourne in Christmas spirit

Today I leave Tasmania again. My flight to Melbourne is scheduled for late morning, which means I can take it easy. I take a shower and repack my luggage. Together with my roommate, I walk into Hobart. At a coffee shop, I order a cappuccino and a muffin—a great start to the day. We take a bus to the airport. The airport is not very large, and arriving and departing passengers share the same area. My flight is scheduled to depart from gate 2. The previous flight is delayed. I keep an eye on the departure board for any gate changes. As long as the previous flight is still displayed, my flight probably won’t leave soon. However, this turns out not to be true. Boarding for my flight has already started. I quickly join the queue. I have a window seat. As we take off, I watch Tasmania slowly shrink until the plane disappears into the clouds on the way to Melbourne. About an hour later, I land at Melbourne Airport. Upon leaving the plane, I notice it is much warmer here. I don’t need my jacket. By bus, we head to the city center. Along the way, Derk explains the layout of the city using a map. It’s actually very simple. The city center is a block about a mile by half a mile. The hotel is located right at the edge of this area.

Australia - The old buildings of Victoria Market in front of the tall skyscrapers

Right next to the hotel is the Victoria Market. Since this market is closed tomorrow, Monday, I decide to visit it now. Inside the old covered market halls, fish, meat, and vegetables are sold in small stalls. On the other side of the street, clothing, household goods, and toys are also sold. I see a stall with T-shirts and buy one embroidered with “Australia” — a nice souvenir. From Victoria Market, Elizabeth Street runs as a major thoroughfare towards the Yarra River. Large stores line both sides of the street. It’s busy on the street, probably due to the beautiful weather and the start of the Christmas holidays. At the end of Elizabeth Street lies Flinders Street Station. The iconic building looks beautiful in the afternoon sunlight. We turn left towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. Inside the neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral, a service is taking place. From the back of the church, I look at the interior. Maybe it’s better to come back later. At Federation Square by the river stands a large Christmas tree made of LED lights.

Australia - Santas paddleboarding on the Yarra River in Melbourne

The tree continuously changes colors. It’s nice to see the Christmas spirit alive in the city with temperatures above twenty-five degrees Celsius. Terraces line both sides of the river. All tables seem occupied; everyone wants to enjoy the last sun of the day. We settle for a table reserved at five o’clock, meaning we have half an hour for a drink. On the river, a group of paddleboarders dressed as Santa Claus passes by. From the shore, people shout “Merry Christmas.” Large “Merry Christmas” signs also hang on the bridges. In the evening, we decide not to go far for dinner. A Thai restaurant seems like a good choice. For one of the travelers, the order turns out to be a surprise. Where he thought he ordered soup, he receives a complete hotpot meal, ending up with two main dishes. He can laugh about it. Near the restaurant, we order ice cream. Some of the group walk back, while I stroll back to the river. The city must look beautiful lit up at night. Around the river, it’s even busier than in the afternoon.

Australia - Evening falls over the Yarra River

Soon the reason becomes clear: on the opposite side, a light show begins. Water shoots up while colored beams illuminate it. There’s also a laser show. Everywhere is bustling and festive. As we walk back to the hotel, a complete Christmas animation is projected on the town hall. Every few seconds, the lighting on the town hall changes. A lovely sight.