Melbourne

I planned to spend a couple of days here in Melbourne so I took my time getting up and had breakfast then did some washing in the morning then took the local bus into Melbourne centre in the afternoon. It took about 30mins and dropped me right in the centre. I'd had a look through the Lonely Planet Guide the night before and found a self guided walking tour of the city centre in it so I intended to follow that. I had already been in contact with Jenny and Tess from my Vietnam tour who live in Melbourne and Jenny suggested I first wander down the South bank of the river and have a look in the Sydney Casino. It was huge and packed as it was Saturday Afternoon, I resisted the temptation to have a gamble but it was interesting to see the different games being played and the amounts being wagered – a taste of thing to come in Vegas I think.
Back in the town it's self I followed the walking tour in the guide book down the wide streets and tiny little 'laneways'. I was really impressed with Melbourne and some how it reminded me of Manchester, old Victorian and Edwardian style buildings mixed in with modern blocks but it all seemed to work. The walk took in many of the architectural features hidden away down little back-streets and also the unofficial 'street-art' alleyways which are covered with graffiti including a 'Banksy' stencilwork. I then jumped on one of the trams which run throughout Melbourne and are of the traditional narrow type (not the huge train like one's in Manchester. By now it was getting on for 7 o'clock and I headed back to the Campsite on the bus.

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