October 18, 2010
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Reconnecting With the Familiar
Coming back to Melbourne is more than just a holiday. I came here trying to reconnect with my past routines and a lifestyle I miss, that is a very laid back and blessed culture. Day 3 was a Sunday and I went back to Citylife Church Knox, the church I attended for much of 2008 and 2009. To my delight, it's senior pastor, Mark Conner was giving the days sermon. After church we'd typically go for lunch if it's a Sunday, supper if we've attended the Saturday afternoon service. Since I was the VIP, my pick was Springvale for a taste of Vietnamese food. I found out why my favorite dish is called broken rice.. cause they smash them to smaller piece (break them apart) before cooking them.
Left: Mark Conner giving his sermon - and wow.. he's using an iPad. Right: One of my favourite Viet foods, broken rice
I headed to the city after lunch, meet up with Faith Ho and Glenda offered to drive us there. We parked the car near Lygon Street and pretty much trammed and walked out way to Burke Street and to South Wharf DFO. Faith had some shoes to buy while I just wanted some new clothes. I realised that I was wearing the same exact stuff I wore last year. Sorry la, I had to address my ego. Especially after the first things my ex-housemate Sabrina said was "oh my gosh, you are still wearing the same clothes!". Gosh man.
Anyway, the trip to the city was satisfying. Almost brought a tear to my eye. I've never been to South Wharf nor the Melbourne Exhibition center, so the trips there was quite interesting.
Right: Faith, Glenda and I hanging out along the Yarra River
Left: Upward view of Burke Street. Right: Some sailship from Ireland next to the Melbourne Exhibition Center
Right: Swanson Street. Right: Little Collins Street aka China Town
Left: Another view of Burke Street - a shopping district. Right: Wow! I get to touch one of the rentable bikes I've been seeing on the news.
Left: Melbourne inner skyline from the Yarra River with Crown Casino on the right. Right: Awesome bimbimbap
Day 4 on a Monday was another beautiful day. The three of us again decided to head down to Mornington Peninsula for a relaxing time. Pretty much visited the same places.. Sorrento first for breakfast.. Portsea for a view of the sea.. the long pier at Rye.. the breathtaking view from Chapman Point.. visiting the winery at Red Hill. Unfortunately some places were closed like Merricks Chocolate Factory and the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm. Still, it was a relaxing trip.
Left: An echidna caught on camera while in Portsea. Right: Common sights of birds in formation at the pier in Rye
Left: An ancient GPS from Point Chapman near Arthur Seat. Right: The famous Sorrento Vanilla Slice!
Left: The classic breathtaking view from Chapman Point. Right: Monash Caulfield where I last studied for a year
On Tuesday, Day 5, I slept for quite abit and only woke up at around 2pm. Yes - the weather here has made me lazy and waking up in the afternoons in more than one occasion. But I was determined not to waste the day. I meet up with Faith Luo at her place to catch up before heading to the city to meet Grace Sim and Amanda Teo. Was good time just catching up with the few people I still vaguely keep in touch with over cyberspace. It was also the only time I got to try the pasta along Lygon Street, an Italian Street filled the mafia runned cafes and restaurants. And of course, it's back to Fredo's.
Left: Finally in Fredo for it's awesome gelato! Right: Melbourne City from the end of Lygon Street.
Left: Baileys and Fruiti di Basco gelato. Right: View from Russell Street
An awesome possum trip. I'll definitely will miss this place again. One more entry after this to conclude the trip.
