Archive for June, 2010

Arriving in the city of Melbourne from the train that came from the city of Sydney.  After a long night in the quite warm train, the winds and air that I felt on my face and hands were definitely much colder than that of the city of Sydney.  I was wondering if Melbourne was ever this cold when I was here 3 years ago.  The winds and air felt much colder than I thought, or maybe I just haven’t adapted to the cold after the unbearable heat in Malaysia.  I was fortunate enough to get my luggage fast and get out of the of the cold air and winds.  The Southern Cross train station is certainly catered to travelers.  Having lockers that can fit some huge luggages certainly of was big help to me who is just gonna be in the city for just the day.

My first destination in the beautiful city was the 24 hours Stalactites restaurant.   I was heading there to meet a dear friend from primary school days as well as take the opportunity to eat the famous souvlaki.  Having reach Melbourne early, I had plenty of time to kill before meeting up my friend.  I got myself a Sunday Saver (which allowed me to travel around the entire day).  Taking a tram and dropping off nearby the restaurant, I took the opportunity to take a stroll along the empty streets of Bourke St.  There were certainly a lot of changes since I was last there.  But there were a few things that did not change like the good old Hungry Jacks.

Then I got to the restaurant to meet up with the lovely girl who is working hard towards getting her own PR.  We had a good chat about a number of things.  Before we knew it, 2 hours has passed us.  She had to take her leave as she has another appointment and we parted ways.

I was now heading towards Melbourne Central to meet up with another friend whom I am truly grateful to.  She is a very kind soul who came out to meet up with me even though her exams is very close.  She even offered for me to head over to her place to freshen up.  But I declined her offer much earlier only to get another message from her saying that she would meet me in the city.  She came with her supportive man.  We had Max Brenner for brunch.  I had my favourite Belgian Waffles, but they were out of their sugar waffles so they had to replace it with cinnamon waffles and I down it with a cup of dark hot chocolate.  We had a good chat, though there were some awkward moments as there were some discussion about the final chapter, but it was all good as it always gets diverted away to another topic.

We then waited for the arrival of a good bloke who made his way to the city just to meet up with me.  This was of course with the help of the lovely girl who had Max Brenner with me.  After which I just accompany them for their lunch.  I was pretty much too stuffed to eat anything.  After a brief, but good time together, we all parted ways.

I then roam around aimlessly while waiting for the time to meet up with another good bloke.  This good bloke is another fellow Malaysian who is working in the field I former field of occupation.  We chatted for a bit about my options in the future as well as about working life in his field.  It wasn’t long before he had to take his leave as he was quite tired from watching the World Cup.  He wanted to get some shut eye for the upcoming matches that night.

After that I was just roaming around the city.  Getting some nostalgic feeling while roaming around the city.  The fond memories that was created a long while back.

It wasn’t that long before I went to A1 cafe (not sure of its name) near Chinatown (to those who might know it).  Had my long missed cheese baked rice with chicken fillet.  Of course I also had 2 pieces of Peking duck.  The place was quite empty.  Nonetheless the food was still good.

After the dinner, of course walking around before heading to the cyber cafe that I once ventured to when I was here in 2007.  Spent a good 2 hours there before heading off to get the chocolate churros that I used to enjoy years back.  It was nice to enjoy those freshly fried churros dipped in rich milk chocolate dip, during the cold winter night of Melbourne.  Soon, I headed off to the airport.

As I was in the bus heading towards the airport, it dawned me, that it should be awhile before I come back here.  It took awhile before it set in.  Struggling with the bags and the long queue to check in was certainly not helping.

As I walk towards the plane, I was hit by the realization that a chapter in my life had came to an end.  I was deeply sadden by this realization, but as this chapter ends, I suppose that I should move onto the next chapter and linger no longer.

Cheers to life for giving one hell of a kick on my ass~!

p.s.  No pictures were taken, as I had no enthusiasm to take any.