The Melbourne Identity

Today is ANZAC Day!! What is that you ask?? Good question, and here's a link to tell you what it is -- www.google.com.au. Muahahaha... It's a day of recognition for the first time Australians really went to battle in WWI in which many of the soldiers died. It stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corps. It was really neat to see the city on such a honorable day. Everyone was out to pay their respects and take part in the memorial, including the three confused Americans...

Every day is definitely a different experience. Even though this is only day 3, we've already gotten accustomed to some things - which tram lines to take, that to get things "to-go" is to get "take away", drinking is legal in public and so is dressing like you're in vegas when going out at night. However, some things we have to remind ourselves about like looking right instead of left when crossing a street, and walking on the left side of people on the sidewalks. We've received many a shoulder bump from not knowing the ways of the road. Good thing we're not driving!

People here are so stinking nice!! We've talked to so many strangers who are always willing to help us out. Because we are always pulling out maps and looking confused when looking at them, so many aussies have approached us to see if we needed anything, even without us asking. This one lady gave us her number after finding out we just moved here and another old man stayed on the tram with us past his own stop just to talk and show us directions. It's so refreshing to be surrounded by such welcoming people.

Apartment hunting has still been a bit tough, especially with the city being shut down for the holiday. We've seen multiple neighborhoods though, like Kensington, Fitzroy, Carlton, St. Kilda and the main city itself. Each has it's own characteristics, with Fitzroy reminding us of Hillcrest/Northpark, Carlton like Little Italy, and Kensington like an older Julian sans apple pies. We saw our first glimpse of the beach complete with a Sunday crafts market at St. Kilda which was a nice change from being in the city so much.

Some jemmies we've captured so far on this crazy adventure:

Xtina with a "flat white" (aka espresso with milk)

Australian breakfast yum...

The CBD- Central Business District

Haha suckers! We get to see it April 29th!!

A huge coin purse!!??

Marko in deep thought

"Spanish Donuts"

The oldest church in Victoria

The City

Federation Square

Or as Aussies say, Fed Square

This one's for you Dotti!! :)