Melbourne is the second biggest city in Australia after Sydney, with over 5 million inhabitants. It was the setting for Nevil Shute’s 1957 novel, “On the Beach”, a story about nuclear apocalypse. It’s told from the viewpoint of the last members of the human race (at the southern end of the planet in Melbourne), as they wait for death from nuclear fallout. It was made into a movie starring Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner in 1959.
It was a ground-breaking and thought-provoking film produced at a time when mankind was still processing the potential of nuclear destruction after the bombing of Japan that effectively ended World War II. Maybe not great cinema, but worth a watch (or read the book)!
In any event, Melbourne is a thriving city and we enjoyed the colonial architecture and the royal botanic garden.
The Aussies get a B for public conveniences…… they are available, but not quite as prevalent as in New Zealand and not quite as pristine…..
Still vastly better than the US and most European countries.
A pro-Palestinian demonstration shows that concern over the conflict is on-going and pervasive…..
Believe it or not, we found another Lego exhibition – this one not so much whimsical as artsy …..
Quite frankly, we prefer the whimsical, but it’s still stunning what people can do with these little chunks of plastic.
Participative street art was on offer along the banks of the Yarra River….
I just had to purchase a piece of fiber art (a sweater) that was particularly appealing….
Henry got his bad mohawk/mullet haircut corrected, with acceptable results.
After enjoying the highlights of the big city, we met up with Tertius and Ty to embark on our three-week flying safari.
First stop on our itinerary – Kangaroo Island.
Emerald Isle to the Norse Lands 