In Melbourne!

I arrived in Melbourne on Sunday morning (Saturday evening for those on the East Coast), exhausted from flying for 20+ hours. Although I must admit that there was a great selection of movies, and I watched 5 on my way over (The Illusionist, The Prestige, Blood Diamond, Night at the Museum, Stranger than Fiction, and part of Borat).

After one week in Melbourne, my body is finally getting adjusted to the new date/time zone. The Marriott Melbourne, my “home” for the next 57 days, is located downtown close to many restaurants and shops. I took advantage of the great weather during the first few days (~25 degrees C), and I walked around the downtown area visiting the Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square, and Yarra River. Queen Victoria Market opened in 1878, and is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere! While I did not buy any thing, I was a bit shocked to see kangaroo skin for sale. Federation Square on the other hand just opened in 2002, and is one of the most significant Australian architectural developments. Along the Yarra River, Fed Square houses various restaurants, museums, art centers, and street performers.

Currently, I am working on the 21st floor of the building to the left. It's got a much nicer view than the basement that I was working in for the past 3.5 years! The commute is also fabulous as the hotel is literally across the street.


Week 1 Observations:
Aussies drive AND walk on the left side
Prices quoted already include a 10% tax fee
Tips are really optional, and not widely expected (although I read that at nicer, sit down restaurants, a 10% tip signifies a good service)
Most reality shows (e.g. the Biggest Loser) are remade with an Aussie cast, while syndicated shows (e.g. House) are a week or two behind the US
7-11’s are extremely popular and can be found almost on every corner downtown