It's still a little unbelievable to think that we are actually here, in Australia. But we are. It is so home-like. But all we have to do is listen to the very unique accent here, and everyone's very proper application of the English language or note the strange, perhaps Aboriginal influenced names of cities, towns and streets and we know this is not Kansas. Still, this place is much like what we know at home. . coffee boutiques, quick gourmet bites, and 7-Eleven stores on every corner!!

Today we explored Melbourne - all the must-do spots. We took the tram to the city-heart and popped out at the Federation Square, the heart of all hearts in Melbourne. What a happening place! We picked up some maps and city info at the Federation Square Tourist Information Center and then headed to The Lanes. The Lanes are several blocks of crowed yet beautifully designed and built alleys between major streets, if you will, that are converted into spaces for pricey shops and cafes crammed into small places and packed with big-spenders sitting there, looking cool and relaxed in the midst of a beehive-like atmosphere. It was a little fabulous and at the same time, a little stress-invoking.

Next we went to the Victoria Market which we found, dummies that we are, is closed on Monday. Oops! Not going back tomorrow!! Then we bumbled around on various trams until we made it back to the Left Bank of the Yarra River and had a shared late lunch of a humongous burger, fries, and beer - and a little rest. Nicest time of the day. Then we caught the free tourist tram to the Royal Botanic Gardens where we enjoyed a late afternoon stroll around the grounds. We always love city botanical gardens but find each is very different from the others. For example, some like the Wilhelmina Gardens of Stuttgart were very formal and mind-bogglingly beautiful, while others, like this one, the Royal Botanic of Melbourne, were designed primarily to highlight natural environments.

Finally, tired, just plain tired, we made it back to St. Kilda and our apartment. Goodnight, dear ones.