Melbourne – Australia’s cultural & sporting capital
After a pleasant flight from Nadi, I touched down in Melbourne around noon – one of those arrivals where everything just seems to flow. I felt immediately “at home“, stepping into this new country, even though it has been over 20 years since the last time I visited Australia’s cultural & sporting capital.
I hopped on the SkyBus into the city, watching Melbourne onfold through the window – a mix of old and new architecture, and that unmistakable feeling of space, all so different from Fiji! At Southern Cross Station, I got myself a MYKI Transport card and continued by train out to Mt. Waverley, where Paul, my Couchsurfing host, was waiting.
But even before reaching my destination, kindness had already found me!
Kindness in Melbourne
On the train, a fascinating man called Mick,who turned out to be a Chef who had worked across Malaysia, China and Korea asked if the seat in front of me was free. Pointing to my backpack… a wonderful conversation started. He casually mentioned that he had once cooked for Fidel Castro, a great story! He gave me great advice for my next trip to China and I got his phone number, in case I would need help at some point. So thoughtful!
It struck me how travel opens doors not just to places, but to people. Complete strangers sharing pieces of their lives, simply because your paths crossed for a moment and you take time to listen. Travelling has always been about the people to me. And now,…. only being in Australia for a couple of hours, Melbourne had already given me a warm welcome before I had even properly arrived at Paul’s!
Couchsurfing
Paul, my Couchsurfing host, turned out to be the gentlest soul, just as his profile was describing. Calm, grounded and open. We shared stories from our past as friends do, the kind that don’t usually come up in everyday small talk between two strangers who have only just met.
Him being a Life-coach, and with my own background in NLP-coaching, we realised we had more in common than just our journeys. Unfortunately Paul is going through a challenging time in his life right now. I could feel it beneath the surface even before we spoke about it. And yet, he welcomed me with warmth and generosity, making me feel at home. That kind of kindness – given when life is not at its easiest – is even more precious!
The cultural capital
He gave me plenty of ideas on what to explore in Melbourne, from his favourite spots to local must-see art galleries. As he didn’t have the time or energy to join me, I set off to explore on my own the next day. On my way to the railway station I passed a culture centre packed with Chinese people. It was astonishing to feel surrounded by Tai Chi and the Chinese culture even before arriving there!
After a while I took the train and started from Flinder Station working my way throughout the city. The Koorie Heritage Trust at Fed square, followed by the ACMI – Arts centre showcasting the moving Image was incredible! I could have spent all day there! But the Town Hall, NGV Australia, the Treasury Gardens as well as the Old Treasury building were waiting for me too.
I just made it into St. Patrick’s Cathedral (on St. Patrick’s Day!) to light a candle and take a moment to feel grateful for everything, before heading to Bourke Street where I met Alicia at Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar – I had met her months earlier in Auckland!
It felt great to be on LAND again and back in a city that felt comfortable, familiar and new at the same time! I loved walking past the clear Yarra river gently flowing through the city. Soon I would follow its course all the way down to Warburton and Reefton. Already looking forward to beginning my first Workaway experience – not yet knowing, what unpleasant situation was awaiting me… .
