Photobucket is definitely the easiest way to resize photos.
Location: Melbourne
Author Archives: cre5052
Flinders St. Station
Flinders is definitely a Melbourne icon. I actually caught a train here a couple of days ago. I’ve heard people say “Meet me at the Clocks,” meaning the stairs under the clocks in front. I also met a guy who says that Flinders looks too “British” for Australia, whatever that means. It’s beautiful during the day, but I like it the best at night.
Location: melbourne
Laneways: more than just alleys
Melbourne is famous for its laneways. They have a lot of graffiti, and sometimes a few restaurants or bars inside. I love them because one always pops up when you least expect it.
This is one of my favorites. I forget where it is, but I’m sure I’ll stumble back into it one of these days.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Typical conversation when meeting an Aussie:
Aussie: So, where in the States are you from?
Me: Pennsylvania.
Aussie: Oh, so you’re a vampire!
This happened twice on Saturday alone. I love it, and I really can’t complain, since some of them do actually know of Penn State. I’ve even been asked a few times about what it’s like to go to a university with cheerleaders and fraternities. It’s funny; I never knew those were especially “American” things.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Local Wildlife
You know you’re in a foreign place when you don’t even recognize the animals walking down the street. Sadly, that doesn’t include kangaroos or koalas, although the Aussies keep trying to convince me that they keep them as pets and ride them to school.
On my first weekend here, I was on my way home from a club, and I glanced at the grass next to the sidewalk and saw about ten of these creatures skulking around:
(Stole this image from Google. I’d guess that getting a clear photo of a possum at night isn’t the easiest thing to do. Plus, they’re kind of big and creepy, and I’m not about to flash a camera in their face.)
Bonus fact: Taylor Swift fed them when she performed here. I would get on that, too, but apparently it’s illegal.
And instead of pigeons (well, in addition to them), we have these adorable things:
Good news – I found a pet store down the street! I’ll be heading back next time I need something to brighten my day.
Dad, this Jack Russell’s for you:
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Street Fashion
Melbourne has some pretty awesome fashion sense. It reminds me of London. A few of my friends here from the U.S. have said that the people here dress like hipsters, so I guess that’s part of why I love it.
As for this lady, I just thought she looked cool:
Of course, I love the people who take it one step further and just kinda go crazy, too.
It’s funny, though. As nonconformist as the city is, UGG Boots are everywhere. It’s probably acceptable because they’re, y’know, made here.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
My apartment on the other side of the planet
Can you tell this used to be a hotel?
For anyone considering living here, I’d totally recommend it! The location’s pretty much perfect, a couple blocks away from both the Uni and Melbourne Central. Orientation Week was a lot of fun, and gave us a chance to meet everyone living here, about half Australians and half study abroad students. They have a nice study lounge, a gym, a cafe, and even a heated pool.
We keep our kitchen stocked with bread, cheese, fruits and vegetables from the market. And Tim Tams, gotta have the Tim Tams.
The bedrooms are divided by a screen, which we keep half open most of the time.
This is my side- kinda sparse in this photo, but I did make a collage for the wall the other day. I love the orange wall!
At the end of the bedrooms is the balcony, which is my favorite part. It’s about six feet above ground, but that didn’t stop strangers from using it to climb up to their friend’s room last night. “No worries, mate.”
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has a lot of graffiti and murals,
and they’re kind of amazing.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Yarra River
This is the Yarra River, the main waterfront in Melbourne. The river is huge, and very pretty, even if it is a little, you know, brown.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Om nom nom, Australian desserts
These are two popular Australian desserts. On the left are Tim Tams, obviously. They’re an crunchy chocolate cookie, or “biscuit” as they’d say here. Mad addictive. On the right is a Lamington, which is a coconut and chocolate cake. Right after we tried it we found out that it was National Lamington Day. Coincidence?? 😉
Location: Melbourne, Australia