The Rest of Melbourne...

After spending all day Saturday at the tennis, we considered going back Sunday for more, but thought we should go with the original plan -> go walking and see all of downtown Melbourne.

We got started early and probably walked 10 miles.  Melbourne is very "European" and could be transplanted to the Continent and no one would notice.  The best part was Federation Square which is composed of many new "modern" buildings surrounding an open-air square.  One of the buildings has a giant television screen built into the side and all afternoon/evening people gathered to dine al fresco and watch the tennis.  We sat there Sunday evening to watch Aussie Jelena Jokic (yes, she is an Aussie with that name) play some of the best tennis of her life.

 

Most of downtown Melbourne crosses the Yarra river just before the river reaches Bass Straight and the ocean.

 

On the left is the main train station in Melbourne (sorry no trains, Ethan).  On the right is one of the funky buildings of Federation Square.

 

More of the funky buildings in Federation Square

 

The "slots" on the building on the left are scrolling message boards at night!

 

After spending most of the morning walking around, doing some shopping and getting a bite to eat, we decided to see if there were tickets available to that afternoon's performance of Wicked the musical.  Everyone who has ever seen it raves about how wonderful it is and to see Oz in Aus was kind of a unique idea.  We actually got very good seats even though we were in the balcony, and the show was every bit as good as every claims.

 

After the show we walked around some more and it felt like the guys from Top Gear were in town as we seemed to pass a lot of very expensive and exotic cars.

 

Audi R8 and a nice Ferrari

My personal fav - Lamborghini Murcielago

Lastly we grabbed a quick bite to eat and watched tennis at Federation Square until the wee hours of the morning.  Lots of fun!  I'd go back to Melbourne, especially for sporting events.  They have lots of nice hotels, great shopping, awesome modern stadiums and arenas... but I don't think we will have time.  Stink!