Activity level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Modes of transportation: 👟🚊
When we awoke, we realized that we had forgotten to extend our stay an extra night, so we made our way down to the front desk. Unfortunately, they said, our room was booked for the next night so we had to move rooms. We had to rush to pack up all of our clothes before being moved to a smaller room—but honestly, we were happy because it still had a bathroom and was cheaper.
We set out to enjoy some of the other great food in Melbourne, specifically ramen. Eric found a highly recommended place, and we took the tram and walked to get there. Once there, the hostess called us to the front of the line cutting a large group of people (though we realized later that the group we cut was too big to be seated). It was very high tech—we ordered off an iPad and they brought us our spicy pork ramen. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the noodles and pork were perfectly cooked. Sarah enjoyed it, but told Eric to remind her to avoid spicy foods on vacation (even the level 1, which is what we ordered).
We had wanted to see the National Gallery of Victoria, so we set out for a small walk over. Of course, we had to stop for a gelato on the way, since there was a great shop next to the Victorian parliament. There was also a large protest in front of the parliament, so we didn’t stay too long.
The gallery was beautiful: we went through the very extensive Asian collection and then stopped for classic tea. We got a really great green tea blend where the leaves were almost whole, just cut up with scissors—which is how you know it’s fancy. We also got scones with jam and cream, but Eric didn’t bring lactaid so Sarah had to mostly enjoy the cream (she says it was delicious).
We also got a nice tour from one of the security guards, who told us all about the founding of the museum and some of the beautiful paintings. Apparently, one super rich guy just left a couple billion dollars (in todays money) to buy art in the museum on the stipulation that it remain free. We appreciate it!
Since it was a nice day, we did a quick walk through the national botanical gardens and happened to see a flag lowering ceremony at the shrine of remembrance. After a quick nap in the grass, we headed back on the tram.
Eric tried to find a good restaurant for dinner on the beach in Saint Kildas; but even though it was open, the kitchen was closed. So we had to walk around until we found some place open, which turned out to be an Italian restaurant named Toporinos.
Surprisingly, the food turned out to be very good. Eric ordered a prosciutto pizza, and Sarah got Gorgonzola pasta. They both ordered a margarita, but in retrospect, they shouldn’t have ordered a Mexican drink at an Italian restaurant in Australia (it was ok).
Eric wasn’t feeling well, but Sarah went back to the hostel bar and socialized with all the hostel people. To her great horror, they all noticed us walking around and wondered why we weren’t hanging out all night. Sarah ended up getting a good Vietnam itinerary from a British girl, and left them all when the group departed for Freddie’s (round 2!).
After that, they called it a night—ready for travel to Sydney in the morning.
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