City Sights

When Hubby had some official business to do in the city today, XX and me took this opportunity to tag along and experience the bustling city life. Since coming to Melbourne, we've stayed away from the city during weekdays, largely due to its limited parking spaces, exorbitant parking rates and congested traffic. Besides, the surrounding suburbs have already fulfilled whatever we needed for our daily lives, so there's really no reason for us to go to the city at all. To circumvent the parking issue, we took a train there today. Yes, this is also the first time we use the public transportation system.

We drove to the station and parked there. The trains are very accurate in their timings. We ran to the station hoping to catch the 11.16am train but couldn't get on as Hubby was still buying the tickets. The next one was 11.36am. We got the daily full fare ticket, which means we can take unlimited travels within the zones for the whole day. It cost us A$10.10 each.





The train ride to Parliament station was smooth and pleasant. Took us less than 30 mins. We travelled in the Handicapped carriage as there was more space for our pram. The driver would get off and put a ramp if there are wheelchair passengers who wishes to get on or off. But no such service for prams. The height difference from the platform to the train was rather high, I thought. Speaking of the driver, I thought he looks like Tom Cruise, with his sunglasses...:-p



The city is full of people walking in all directions, probably also due to the lunch hour. It's bustling with activity, I guess that's the trademark of a vibrant city. People are busy grabbing a bite, talking to colleagues, having a smoke, talking business over coffee. At this nice cafe that lets you sit near the glass windows and look down at the street, I thought I saw the Hollywood actress Helen Hunt, or her lookalike.... :-0


I seem pretty out of place, with my baby stroller, haversack and jeans. But everyone is too busy to care. I didn't go very far, just hung around the building's shops and cafeterias, waiting for Hubby. At one point, I couldn't find a lift nor a ramp when I wanted to go down a flight of steps to the cafeterias. I asked XX if he wants to come down and walk, the boy said 'no'. Almost immediately a kind gentleman offered his help to carry the pram with me.





When Hubby is done, we walked down the streets and caught the train back from Flinders Station. The weather is cool and we stopped for a while opposite the station to take in the view. XX enjoyed the walk and looking at the pigeons. On the way back, he fell asleep on the train.



Flinders Station

Taking a break opposite Flinders Station