Arrived in Melbourne, Australia

I arrived in Melbourne Australia on Monday morning, October 31, after a 16 hour overnight flight from Los Angeles and crossing the International Date Line. Melbourne is 15 hours ahead of Atlanta.

By the way, the locals pronounce the name of their city MEL-BUN. The letter R gets lost somewhere over the Pacific Ocean.

I planned to go to the Melbourne Visitor Centre first thing. When I walked out the front door of my hotel, imagine my astonishment to find myself in the middle of a parade that blocked my route in all directions. I had heard that the Melbourne Cup, a premier horse race similar to our Kentucky Derby, would be held on Tuesday afternoon. No one said anything about a parade the day before. That was a fun surprise!

Melbourne is a leafy, walkable city that is rated as one of the "most liveable" cities of the world. I believe it. There is a free city tram that takes residents and visitors throughout the central business area. People are friendly. There is an amazing cultural mix, not to mention ethnic restaurants and cafes.

Later today I go on a Gray Line tour of the city. Tomorrow I venture out to see Koalas and Kangaroos!!