Just got back from Melbourne, and I am filled with many good feelings about this city. I will go down the list of things that impressed me about the place. Here is my Melbourne Top Five:
1. Beautiful architecture litters the city. Go out for a walk and you'll find randomly placed beautiful buildings throughout the city. Why? Just 'cause.
2. Trams? Trams! What sort of city actually uses trams? This one does. Interesting note on this if you find yourself driving in Melbourne on a street with a tram and you need to make a right-hand turn. (For you in America, just a reminder that with the whole driving on other side of the road thing, this is the equivalent of a left-hand turn.) To solve the problem of trams getting in the way of turning cars, to make a right-hand turn over some tracks you have to get in the far left hand lane and park yourself there in the crossroad till the lights change, when you then you make your turn. It is called a hook turn, and as far as I am concerned, it only makes sense when you see it. Do check that link to see if you can better understand it.
3. Small eating venues. The cold weather and very frequent clouds put you in the mood to stay indoors and drink, but it is the venues that seal the deal. There are a many small venues, compactly put together in a many hidden lanes. Take two right turns off of the main street, and you will find yourself in an alleyway filled with European bistros. It is a mystery how they all stay in business, and how people even find these places. But when you end up in one of these hidden joints, it is exciting to have lucked into the place. I figure the discovery makes the food and drink that much better. Not that the food needs much help in the first place.
4. The Market. There is a huge market in the center of town where you can skip the middle man and get your food direct from the source. Beyond the existential satisfaction of sticking it to the 'Man, the practical benefit of this is cheaper food that is also more fresh. Unlike most farmer's markets, this has it all, every day but Monday. Best, in my opinion, is the multitude of butchers who do their business right there in the market. With a keen eye here, I saw some carcasses transform themselves into beautiful pieces of meat. Never saw that at my local supermarket. A bit disturbing, yes, but it is nice to know where your meat has come from. The fruits and vegetables were arguably less disturbing to take in.
5. Good Coffee and Good Beer. Liquids are done right in Melbourne. I can confirm all reports that when you come to Melbourne you'll spend an inordinate amount of time drinking coffee and beer.The coffee is pretty darn good, and the beer is excellent. I discovered two brand new beers, Rooftop and Mountain Goat, both I doubt exist outside of the city. Great microbrews filled with hoppy goodness. I hold a soft spot for any drink that limits itself to geographical boundaries.