| ARTICLES - COUNTRY GUIDES - ACTIVITIES - DIRECTORY |
|
|
Taking a camera around Melbourne CBDI've been here for a while now, but I went out today. I borrowed a camera and just walked. I didn't go to see its gorgeous architecture: the juxtaposition of modern glass and steel against quaint but majestic churches and buildings of old. I didn't try and see the sights; didn't go where you should when visiting a new city. I just walked. Down by a corner where two tram-lines intersect, where there were people, I sat. It seems to me that when traveling, as wonderful as it is to see what people of different cultures have built, and how they live their lives, its really is wonderful to see the people themselves. What's most wonderful in a city such as this, is the diversity of population that is representative of where the world is heading. We know the world is mixing. We say it to ourselves, but witnessing so many different races cross paths, meet-and-greet, buy food and catch trams is simply a thing of beauty. You see a lot of a foreign land through postcards and movies, but what you really miss is walking amongst its people. Down one end of Swanston St, is Flinders Street Station and Federation Square. The station, with its older style architecture toys with the straight lines of the massive structures further south and sits firmly amidst the crowd of modern office buildings that surround it. A lot of effort has been put into the central train stations in Melbourne; Southern Cross was even recognised as "most outstanding new building" - the prestigious Lubetkin Prize. Across the road in quite a stark contrast to Flinder's Street Station, is Federation Square (Fed Square). Fed Square is the fruit of an international architectural design competition, over the site of the infamous and universally disliked 'Gas and Fuel' towers. What once was a divide between the city and the Yarra river, now is an open invitation, with cafes and bars leading down to paths along the river, all in spectacular modern splendor. Apart from eateries, Fed Square features the Australian Center for the Moving Image (ACMI), SBS, National Gallery Victoria and the Racing Museum among others, and most interestingly, the Square itself. The Square plays home to a wild range of performances by local and famous entertainers, from musicians, dancers, synch-swimmers to the more eclectic gymnasts, even bull-whip cowboys, and during summer, there's always something happening there. Fed Square also features a brilliant view of the surroundings: down toward St. Kilda, the Arts Centre; down the Yarra River ofcourse; a glorious church and the busy Station. You will find within its angled walls and marquee, it is in fact quite the breeding ground of love. For the more classic romantic, there's nothing like a walk down the Yarra. The city's 'upside down' river; named so for the silt suspended by the activity of early setters, but not really detracting from the picturesque river-side. You see a change in faces here. From the distinct purposeful walk of a city commuter, people down the river are relaxed, jogging, bicycling, rowing, or enjoying the different fetes that often take place close by. Dare I say, you see more smiles here, and the natural friendliness of the city is more apparent when business is on hold. Its refreshing, and with the renewed vigor of an evening jog, you can take on the nightlife. I may not be a widely-travelled traveler, but I am a wide-eyed traveller and simply love seeing. Melbourne more-so, picks at more of your senses, with smells of various cuisines, the warmth of a bright sun on a crisp nippy morning and the mixed sounds of street musicians and conversations.
> Home Page
|
