Sydney or Melbourne? This is a childish rivalry between the two cities. I always think it’s like comparing apples to oranges. When I finally arrived in Melbourne, it becomes the apple of my eyes.
The story begins in July. It was a wet and windy weekend, but nothing could stop me to visit my best friend in Melbourne. Similar to most of the trips, I don’t have much planning — just turn up and do what I want. You can always tell the character of a place by the nicknames it has earned — the world’s most livable city. It’s not possible to see everything that Melbourne has to offer in one trip — and I don’t suggest you try. What follows, in no particular order, is a selective taste of the highlights in this article. If you know anything else about this place, these are the fun facts that I discovered:
HERE ARE THE 6 FUNNY FACTS THAT I DISCOVERED IN MELBOURNE
01 | WINTER IS COLD
It’s common sense, but winter in Melbourne is a different kind of cold. 2 hours ago, I was enjoying the sunshine in Brisbane; 2 hours later, I was shivering all the time in Melbourne. It is true that any time in this city is a good time, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s eternally sunny and hot here. The worst feeling ever is when I was woken up by the low-temperature several times during the mid-night. But thanks to my friend, the heater was a lifesaver; Meanwhile, the best moment of the trip is to enjoy an ice cream at night-time in this season. My scoop didn’t melt when I was walking down the street.
03 | ART GALLERY IS NOT FREE
They say the best things in life are free, and most of the best things in a city is free for all to enjoy. However, we didn’t realise we need to buy tickets until we entered the exit — which is the entrance! I still don’t understand how could it happened, but we did enjoy the contemporary art for free anyway. Culture vultures will find plenty to keep themselves interested at the Federation Square.
04 | AQUARIUM
This may be the least popular tourist attraction in the city. After all, it’s more or less the same as the other aquarium around the world. However, I really love to watch animals and this place leads you a journey of discovery — Penguins shit everywhere. The greenish colour is due to bile. And you can use a satellite to view the spots of penguin poop to estimate how many emperor penguins are there unless they all had gastroenteritis.
06 | THE TWELVE APOSTLES
The name is a scam. You couldn’t find 12 stacks, nor anything related to the bibles. The site was once known as the Sow and Piglets. Today, however, it was renamed to The Apostles for tourism purposes. If you heard of the manga called “Initial D”, our driver is probably Fujiwara Takumi (藤原 拓海). Even though the road twists and turns along the coast, the views along the Great Ocean road were absolutely stunning. If you are going for a day trip to Victoria’s number one tourist attraction, finger crossed and hope for good weather!
…AND NOW, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
With so many sides to its personality, this is a city you’ll want to visit again and again, savouring a different experience each time. Visit Melbourne with an open mind and experience the interesting things, you’re bound to have a relaxing and thoroughly good time.
Have you been to Melbourne? Please tell me your impressions about the city!! I would love to read your comments.
Originally published at victorleungtw.com on March 15, 2014.