I’m enjoying my last day in Melbourne and realized how much I have to fill you all in on.
Melbourne is a city with layers. There are large parades, long streets, and secret lane ways to discover. I’ve had twelve days here and I feel like I’m only starting to scratch the surface of what the city has to offer.
I have a number of posts planned but I wanted to start with an overview of some of the highlights I’ve experienced here.
E – Eating al fresco
I took advantage of Australia’s summer season with a visit to a number of local vineyards and enjoyed a picnic lunch amongst the vines. I can’t imagine a better afternoon, than sitting on a plaid blanket and snacking on creamy hummus with a good friend. The Yarra Valley is short drive from downtown Melbourne.
L – Lentil as Anything
Melbourne is known for its fantastic food scene. There has been a lot to tempt my tastebuds – great diversity and lots of new dishes to discover. One of the experiences that stands out is a visit to Lentil as Anythingat the Abbotsford Convent. You slip beyond the stone walls and discover the bustling venue, full of enthusiastic diners eating in the gardens, friends catching up over healthful fare, and an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes all. The three locations of Lentil as Anything all have menus without prices. Diners pay what they feel the meal is worth to them. It is a beautiful message of generosity and acceptance. I enjoyed dining with a new friend, we left feeling full and nourished. Body and soul.
B – Brunch
Anyone who knows me knows I love brunch. It is my absolute favourite meal. I love the feeling of a lazy meal spread out over a weekend morning. Toronto knows how to do brunch in a way that few cities can rival, but Melbourne has managed. Here coffee is an art form. People search out places serving single origin beans and drip coffee simply doesn’t exist. Tofu scrambles are ubiquitous and soy milk options abound. The terrific twosome behind In the mood for noodles showed me many of the city’s great spots including: Monk Bodhi Dharma. There, we chatted while sharing spoonfuls of peasant beans, jambalaya, and french toast with poached pears. It took me forever to decide what to try on the fantastic four-page menu full of vegan options for sweet and savoury breakfast delights. I shouldn’t have worried, everything I tasted was delicious. Definitely worth crossing the river 
At Trippy Taco: A warm tortilla slathered with vegan nutella and topped with sliced bananas makes for a sensational, simple sweet.
O – Over-the-top treats
If you’re vegan, gluten-free and have a significant sweet tooth, Melbourne can satisfy it. I’ve discovered gelato, crepes, raw cheesecakes, raw ice creams, coconut milk ice creams, raw chocolates, tim tams, mint slices… the list truly is endless.
I’ve been too full after most meals to indulge but during a visit to the Gasometer I was seriously considering the pumpkin pie ice cream with ginger cookie crumbles. I wish I had just ordered that for dinner.
U – Uninterrupted exploring
After spending two months traveling across India, Thailand and Bali, I’ve really enjoyed my anonymity here. I realize how much I take for granted my freedom to wander my city’s streets without being stopped, questioned or sold anything. Being in Australia feels a lot like being in Canada – I can walk and wander for hours and only be greeted by smiles. I am appreciating every moment.
R – Rooting at the Big Bash
Staying with an Aussie male means I’ve had a chance to discover the sports enthusiasm that exists here. One night I joined a bunch of blokes at the cricket match to cheer on the Melbourne Stars (that’s who Liz Hurley cheers for). I learned the rules and the chants as quickly as I could. By the way, don’t say you were “rooting” at the big bash in Australia. It means something VERY different around here
N – New terminology
As I mentioned above, I’ve had lots of fun discovering the fantastic way the Aussie’s have adapted the english language. I would recommend being comfortable with terms like: flat white, long black, stubby holder, how you going?, avro, mozzy, uni, lolly and sun cream beyond landing in the land of Oz.
E – Enjoying local flavours
Other than spending time with the local people my second favourite experience in Melbourne has been savouring the selection of local produce. Since it is summer here the shops are full of stone fruits, passion fruit, mango, bananas and cherries all grown in Australia. I know if I were in Toronto I’d be eating sweet potatoes, so I’m enjoying every bite of fresh fruit.
My time in Melbourne has been amazing. I’ve been able to visit with an old friend and meet some fantastic people who I hope will become old friends over time. It is such a treat to travel and feel very much at home.
I can’t wait to share more of my delightful discoveries with all of you. Thank you for coming along on this amazing journey with me. I love reading your comments and enjoying your excitement from afar.
Love and Light to you all.
xo