Life's a Stitch

If I were to return to Australia, Melbourne would be at the top of my list for go-to places. I generally find a population of over 3 million daunting, but this city had appeal. Then I realized that it has something in common with Vancouver – both are considered in the top three of most liveable cities in the world. I knew it felt familiar. And Canada and Australia are the two happiest countries according to the UN.

Melbourne has an interesting architectural vibe – spanning the range from colonial to ultra contemporary in a way that works. It's a beautiful city with lots of green space and an in-town beach.

The only hitch on our daylong visit was a sudden severe thunderstorm in the middle of a bright 82 degree day. That doesn't capture the scenario at all. Imaging being on the top outside level of a hop on hop off bus in the sunshine and minutes later being pelted with hail amidst the flashes of lightening and roaring thunder. This storm produced flash floods and a lightening strike of one of Melbourne's quaint streetcars, resulting in a couple of passengers missing the ship's departure. We decided not to take our chances and Ubered back to the port with time to spare.

And then, it cleared up as quickly as it arrived, right in time for sunset. Crazy weather that Melbourne has. 

(11-18-17)