Dare I Plan? Melbourne - Sydney - Auckland
Oct 7th, 2014, 10:59 AM
#41
Dear MissB - that would be very fun! Let me figure out things - the week is fast filling up but I'd love to meet for at least coffee. We are working our way through your dining list. Last night we had a great meal at Supernormal. What do you know about Ginger Boy? It's intriguing me.
Today I'd like to go to another art museum and possibly see St. Kilda if the weather is nice.
Today I'd like to go to another art museum and possibly see St. Kilda if the weather is nice.
Oct 7th, 2014, 11:37 AM
#42
Here's a link to some art galleries that might be useful, Gruezi
BTW - we generally call them Art Galleries. Museums will usually be more for historical artefacts.
Exception: MCA in Sydney
http://m.visitvictoria.com/Regions/M...leRedirected=1
BTW - we generally call them Art Galleries. Museums will usually be more for historical artefacts.
Exception: MCA in Sydney
http://m.visitvictoria.com/Regions/M...leRedirected=1
Oct 7th, 2014, 05:20 PM
#43
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If you liked Supernormal, I think you will enjoy Gingerboy. Pan Asian food, well executed - has been around for around 4 or 5 years. Have not been there for 2 maybe 3 years, but have friends who are regulars. They say it is consistent cooking with excellent service.
Supernormal only opened a couple of months ago
Supernormal only opened a couple of months ago
Oct 7th, 2014, 05:48 PM
#44
Thank you dear travel guides! I feel so taken care of by all of you.
I'm enjoying the lovely NVGI today and am presently sitting in the sculpture garden. There is an exhibit about Guerlain scents out here. The pergolas covered in blooms are a delight. I have loved the free admission and large number of free tours here and at the indigenous collection.
MissB - If you are able, it looks like Friday would be perfect to meet up. I'm open to whatever you'd like. Thx for the info on GBoy - I think we will go tonight. Do you have a favorite laneway I could take Mr. Gruezi to? His time is so limited but I know he'll love something like that. We will have all of Saturday to explore.
Bokhara - I hope to have a better idea about Sydney and my plans soon. I hope we can still do the garden stroll or something. I think you said Tuesday was not good?
Tomw I'm off to the beach and to see the 12 Apostles.
Went to St. Kilda this morning. It was cloudy and quite cool by the time I got there (although I left in the sunshine) and still quite pre-season. But I had a bee in my bonnet about going there so I'm glad I did it.
I'm enjoying the lovely NVGI today and am presently sitting in the sculpture garden. There is an exhibit about Guerlain scents out here. The pergolas covered in blooms are a delight. I have loved the free admission and large number of free tours here and at the indigenous collection.
MissB - If you are able, it looks like Friday would be perfect to meet up. I'm open to whatever you'd like. Thx for the info on GBoy - I think we will go tonight. Do you have a favorite laneway I could take Mr. Gruezi to? His time is so limited but I know he'll love something like that. We will have all of Saturday to explore.
Bokhara - I hope to have a better idea about Sydney and my plans soon. I hope we can still do the garden stroll or something. I think you said Tuesday was not good?
Tomw I'm off to the beach and to see the 12 Apostles.
Went to St. Kilda this morning. It was cloudy and quite cool by the time I got there (although I left in the sunshine) and still quite pre-season. But I had a bee in my bonnet about going there so I'm glad I did it.
Oct 7th, 2014, 09:47 PM
#45
Oh gosh, somehow I missed that you were here! I'm glad you're having fun but sorry to hear that Mr. Gruezi isn't so chipper.
My daughter and I were just at the NGV on Friday and she took more than a few moments at the end of the day to dance in the mists. And then was soaked. (I'm not the most observant at exactly what makes mist). That's a fun display.
Laneways I like: DeGraves is right across from Flinder's station and has a nice cafe vibe. You may have already seen it, it's pretty well known. It also has a shop by a friend of mine that features only locally made goods (so don't mean that to be an outright plug, but it IS a nice shop). And Hosier Lane, which has some of the best street art. AC/DC Lane isn't a lot to write about, but how many times do you get to walk down an AC/DC Lane? Hardware Lane is nice too.
Please, don't miss the Block and Royal Arcades. Didn't see if you've been or not. Watch them hand make those little candies with the pics inside at Suga.
Also, the Queen Vic Market. Really, don't miss that! If I have to come down there and drag ya around there myself, I will.
. Love the market (not so much the cheap souvenir stuff but just the size and age of it ... and the veggies and meats and stalls inside and all that)
ps, I'm currently very fond of Portello Rosso Jamon Bar in Warburton Lane, which isn't interesting on it's own.
It hasn't been a very nice day to be in St K, has it?? Spitting a bit where we are too.
pps, off topic, but we were in Sydney week before last and Baia at Darling Harbour has great breakfasts and really reasonably priced Well, for urban Australia. Great French toast
My daughter and I were just at the NGV on Friday and she took more than a few moments at the end of the day to dance in the mists. And then was soaked. (I'm not the most observant at exactly what makes mist). That's a fun display.
Laneways I like: DeGraves is right across from Flinder's station and has a nice cafe vibe. You may have already seen it, it's pretty well known. It also has a shop by a friend of mine that features only locally made goods (so don't mean that to be an outright plug, but it IS a nice shop). And Hosier Lane, which has some of the best street art. AC/DC Lane isn't a lot to write about, but how many times do you get to walk down an AC/DC Lane? Hardware Lane is nice too.
Please, don't miss the Block and Royal Arcades. Didn't see if you've been or not. Watch them hand make those little candies with the pics inside at Suga.
Also, the Queen Vic Market. Really, don't miss that! If I have to come down there and drag ya around there myself, I will.
. Love the market (not so much the cheap souvenir stuff but just the size and age of it ... and the veggies and meats and stalls inside and all that)ps, I'm currently very fond of Portello Rosso Jamon Bar in Warburton Lane, which isn't interesting on it's own.
It hasn't been a very nice day to be in St K, has it?? Spitting a bit where we are too.
pps, off topic, but we were in Sydney week before last and Baia at Darling Harbour has great breakfasts and really reasonably priced Well, for urban Australia. Great French toast
Oct 7th, 2014, 09:58 PM
#46
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Hmm Laneways
Some grungy, graffiti(ed) lanes are Croft alley, off Little Bourke St (between Exhibition and Russell. up a short lane, then it turns a few times and ends up with a quirky bar called the Croft Institute which is furnished with laboratory instruments.
Another is Hosier Lane runs between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane (opposite Fed Square) It has several offshoots from the lane) Mo Vida is on the corner.
Centre Way runs between Collins and Flinders Lane- cafes, graffiti, bars
Also Union Lane which runs between Bourke St Mall and Little Collins beside the David Jones Mens Store
Friday is OK with me. I thought that a tour of Parliament House, a bit unusual, but may interest you (built in the "marvelous melbourne period - when Melbourne was the richest city in the world - a lot of gold!!) it would mean an early start of 9am. I could meet you in your hotel foyer at 8.45am
If this is too early just leave a message here with a time suitable to you. Look forward to meeting you, having a great day at the (not) 12 Apostles tomorrow
Some grungy, graffiti(ed) lanes are Croft alley, off Little Bourke St (between Exhibition and Russell. up a short lane, then it turns a few times and ends up with a quirky bar called the Croft Institute which is furnished with laboratory instruments.
Another is Hosier Lane runs between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane (opposite Fed Square) It has several offshoots from the lane) Mo Vida is on the corner.
Centre Way runs between Collins and Flinders Lane- cafes, graffiti, bars
Also Union Lane which runs between Bourke St Mall and Little Collins beside the David Jones Mens Store
Friday is OK with me. I thought that a tour of Parliament House, a bit unusual, but may interest you (built in the "marvelous melbourne period - when Melbourne was the richest city in the world - a lot of gold!!) it would mean an early start of 9am. I could meet you in your hotel foyer at 8.45am
If this is too early just leave a message here with a time suitable to you. Look forward to meeting you, having a great day at the (not) 12 Apostles tomorrow
Oct 7th, 2014, 10:45 PM
#47
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Gruezi, welcome to Melbourne!
I second the advice to try Gingerboy restaurant, my absolute favourite Asian fusion restaurant in Melbourne. If you like this type of food and don't mind the possibility of communal tables there is also Longrain in Little Bourke St - brilliant food, too!
We also love Coda , for French/ Vietnamese food.
I hope you have a wonderful time. It's said Melbourne has more restaurants and cafés per head of population than anywhere else in the world.
My American DIL is fascinated how you can literally eat cuisine from anywhere in the world in Melbourne, but it is particularly well served by Asian fusion style, with a good mix of Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern as well!
I second the advice to try Gingerboy restaurant, my absolute favourite Asian fusion restaurant in Melbourne. If you like this type of food and don't mind the possibility of communal tables there is also Longrain in Little Bourke St - brilliant food, too!
We also love Coda , for French/ Vietnamese food.
I hope you have a wonderful time. It's said Melbourne has more restaurants and cafés per head of population than anywhere else in the world.
My American DIL is fascinated how you can literally eat cuisine from anywhere in the world in Melbourne, but it is particularly well served by Asian fusion style, with a good mix of Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern as well!
Oct 8th, 2014, 02:34 AM
#49
Thanks all for the laneways ideas!
CC - the child in me loved the mists and despite the cool weather I played in them too. Too bad I missed you at NGV! Thx for all the recs. I'm glad you are endorsing the market. Others were less enthusiastic but I'm intrigued.
MissB - would 9:15 be too late? I'm interested in the Qigong at Fed Square. It is Friday 8-9. The parliament sounds perfect.
Libretto - we loved Gingerboy. We entered to a long rendition of "Riders on the Storm" soundtrack and I drank a Gingergirl cocktail under the "starry night" ceiling to get the mood turned way up. Fun spot with flavor singing in every dish. The fried corn cake is so good it is just wrong. Very wrong. I'd go back just for that and that Gingergirl cocktail - vodka plus ginger and pineapple juice. (Mr. Gruezi and I are wondering why our trousers are feeling snug.)
Bokhara - okay I'll try to commit a day soon - thanks for your patience. we are starting to plan things for Sydney. So glad you are still avail!
Cristeen - we booked the Grayline for the GOR tour based on the concierge rec. I'll let you know how it goes.
Fingers crossed for warmer and sunnier weather tomw.
Thanks all for being my travel buddies!
CC - the child in me loved the mists and despite the cool weather I played in them too. Too bad I missed you at NGV! Thx for all the recs. I'm glad you are endorsing the market. Others were less enthusiastic but I'm intrigued.
MissB - would 9:15 be too late? I'm interested in the Qigong at Fed Square. It is Friday 8-9. The parliament sounds perfect.
Libretto - we loved Gingerboy. We entered to a long rendition of "Riders on the Storm" soundtrack and I drank a Gingergirl cocktail under the "starry night" ceiling to get the mood turned way up. Fun spot with flavor singing in every dish. The fried corn cake is so good it is just wrong. Very wrong. I'd go back just for that and that Gingergirl cocktail - vodka plus ginger and pineapple juice. (Mr. Gruezi and I are wondering why our trousers are feeling snug.)
Bokhara - okay I'll try to commit a day soon - thanks for your patience. we are starting to plan things for Sydney. So glad you are still avail!
Cristeen - we booked the Grayline for the GOR tour based on the concierge rec. I'll let you know how it goes.
Fingers crossed for warmer and sunnier weather tomw.
Thanks all for being my travel buddies!
Oct 8th, 2014, 02:42 AM
#50
Well, worse case on the market is that it's not your thing. But it's close to the CBD... I've walked from Flinders, via various laneways (and Queen street, because I love the buildings) and up to the Queen Vic many times. Easy walk. But if you do get to the Market, go inside and have a look at the permanent areas/shops too. Those were my favourites when I first visited. Just like the look and some of the shops have interesting stuff. And the produce area in the sheds with vendors yelling. I don't really have any interest in all the cheap imported stuff and souvenir sellers in the sheds. When you see those, keep walking towards the end furthest from the parking lot. It's good you waited, it was closed today but open now through the weekend.
Hope you continue to enjoy our adopted home town.
Hope you continue to enjoy our adopted home town.
Oct 8th, 2014, 02:53 AM
#52
Sorry, I don't mean to barrage your thread but has anyone suggested seeing the Royal Exhibition Building? Tram runs right past it up Nicholson Street. It's a Unesco World Heritage Building and really a work of art inside and out.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Exhibition_Building
The Melbourne Museum is right next to it, but that would take some time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Exhibition_Building
The Melbourne Museum is right next to it, but that would take some time.
Oct 8th, 2014, 11:29 AM
#53
Love Vic Markets. The produce, charcuterie, deli & seafood sections are terrific; the aromas soooo deductive. Restraint is my big problem when I go!
You could always pick up the makings for a picnic, Gruezi.
Another favourite is the Collingwoos Children's Farm & Growers Market - a lovely patch of country in the heart of the city.
It's on this Saturday morning (11/10/14)
http://www.vicfarmersmarkets.org.au/...farmers-market
So glad you're having such a good time - we'll have a hard act to follow when you get to Sydney next week
You could always pick up the makings for a picnic, Gruezi.
Another favourite is the Collingwoos Children's Farm & Growers Market - a lovely patch of country in the heart of the city.
It's on this Saturday morning (11/10/14)
http://www.vicfarmersmarkets.org.au/...farmers-market
So glad you're having such a good time - we'll have a hard act to follow when you get to Sydney next week
Oct 8th, 2014, 03:10 PM
#55
I know a lot of the growers at Collingwood! Not impossible and it's not far away, really.... but maybe not the most convenient place to get to by public transport. No trams through Abbotsford, unlike most of the inner burbs unfortunately. Just the one bus route down Johnston St and then hoof it from there. Not that hard but it could use up a fair bit of time. (I've tried this - my test labs are in Abbotsford and I tried to connect from the train once. I didn't enjoy it.)
Gruezi, I'm so happy you're having such a good time. It really is a lovely city, isn't it? (if I do say so myself, having had absolutely nothing to do with making it that way) Green, lively, layers of character... from the sidewalks to the various ages and types of architecture to the cafes and all the hidden spaces. It just seems so "switched on" to me, all the time. Yet I've never once felt a single moment when it seemed even slightly unsafe, even walking with my daughter when she was a toddler. For a place this size, that's pretty remarkable to me.
(ps, "World's Most Liveable City", 3 years running now!)
pps - Sydney's pretty awesome too, so next week's going to be great too.
Gruezi, I'm so happy you're having such a good time. It really is a lovely city, isn't it? (if I do say so myself, having had absolutely nothing to do with making it that way) Green, lively, layers of character... from the sidewalks to the various ages and types of architecture to the cafes and all the hidden spaces. It just seems so "switched on" to me, all the time. Yet I've never once felt a single moment when it seemed even slightly unsafe, even walking with my daughter when she was a toddler. For a place this size, that's pretty remarkable to me.
(ps, "World's Most Liveable City", 3 years running now!)
pps - Sydney's pretty awesome too, so next week's going to be great too.
Oct 8th, 2014, 06:59 PM
#56
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Gruezi- I must say I am loving this thread. I am happy for you that you are having a wonderful time.
I am happy for me that I can pick up these many wonderful suggestions from your friends. It is nice to hear so immediately what you have done and how much you are enjoying the city.
I hope you have a nice, warm day for your GOR trip. Look forward to hearing how all went.
I am happy for me that I can pick up these many wonderful suggestions from your friends. It is nice to hear so immediately what you have done and how much you are enjoying the city.
I hope you have a nice, warm day for your GOR trip. Look forward to hearing how all went.
Oct 8th, 2014, 07:27 PM
#57
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Well this is a very busy thread. Weather today is great a sunny 23C, tomorrow forecast 25C
Gruezi, I have contacted Parliament, all is OK, I will meet you at the reception desk of your hotel at around 9.10 am tomorrow. See you then!!
Gruezi, I have contacted Parliament, all is OK, I will meet you at the reception desk of your hotel at around 9.10 am tomorrow. See you then!!
Oct 8th, 2014, 08:43 PM
#58
Hi MissB - can't wait! I'm short with short brunette hair. Thanks so much for your generous hospitality. I'm overwhelmed.
CC - yes, I'm envious of your "home."
Cristeen - we are having a great tour of the GOR with GrayLines. The guide is wonderful and although it's a long day he is breaking it up quite well. Mr. Gruezi gets antsy and isn't too keen on scenery but even he is very glad he came along. Coach is comfy and has wifi and a restroom. And Mel is right we only count around 9 Apostles
CC - yes, I'm envious of your "home."
Cristeen - we are having a great tour of the GOR with GrayLines. The guide is wonderful and although it's a long day he is breaking it up quite well. Mr. Gruezi gets antsy and isn't too keen on scenery but even he is very glad he came along. Coach is comfy and has wifi and a restroom. And Mel is right we only count around 9 Apostles
Oct 9th, 2014, 05:15 PM
#59
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Gruezi- Great! So glad you and Mr. Gruezi are having a good time. I have heard that we should take advantage of seeing the remaining Apostles since they are disappearing quickly.
I am absorbing all of the great advice from everyone here. The laneways sound like a fun walk. I looked up Suga as CC mentioned. I think that will be a must stop for dh.
I'm so glad you are keeping us all updated on your day's travels. Sounds like you are having a wonderful visit.
I am absorbing all of the great advice from everyone here. The laneways sound like a fun walk. I looked up Suga as CC mentioned. I think that will be a must stop for dh.
I'm so glad you are keeping us all updated on your day's travels. Sounds like you are having a wonderful visit.
Oct 9th, 2014, 06:06 PM
#60
This morning I took a qigong class at Federation Square. Loved it and the environment.
Then I had the great pleasure of meeting up with MissB for a tour of Parliament. I learned a lot and my poli sci daughter will be quite envious!
MissB and I enjoyed a coffee and a discussion of many matters of great import. Then we strolled off to see the impressive reading room at the library and onward to the Victoria Market.
The tour was only exceeded by the very generous and good company
Thanks MissB!
I'm back at my hotel regrouping and resting as we have a late business dinner tonight.
And I've got a full day tomorrow with Mr. Gruezi so I've got to make some plans.
Then I had the great pleasure of meeting up with MissB for a tour of Parliament. I learned a lot and my poli sci daughter will be quite envious!
MissB and I enjoyed a coffee and a discussion of many matters of great import. Then we strolled off to see the impressive reading room at the library and onward to the Victoria Market.
The tour was only exceeded by the very generous and good company
Thanks MissB!
I'm back at my hotel regrouping and resting as we have a late business dinner tonight.
And I've got a full day tomorrow with Mr. Gruezi so I've got to make some plans.
