Arrived in Melbourne

 Firstly a brief explanation.  Many of my friends knew that from February I had been planning on 5 weeks in France ( Marseille, Rouen and Paris)  in October.  In mid August , I decided that France was not a good idea because of my ongoing thyroid issues and possible difficulties with insurance.  In late August I booked to go to Melbourne for 5 weeks but still had to wait for a cardiologist appointment a bit less than 2 weeks ago before I could definitely say I was going.  I am here now, but far less prepared than usual when I go away for a month or so. I have yet to finish compiling my list of where i would like to go.  Maybe tomorrow.

I am staying in an aparthotel ( apartment hotel - only small apartments, no room onlys) in South Yarra ( close to river, not far from bay, walking distance to the cbd ) I have a small balcony and overlook the South Yarra train station.  There are a huge variety of buildings that I see - very old, middleaged and new- all around . I donot feel hemmed in by a building over the road.

Yesterday I went to the South Melbourne Markets, a large covered space taking up most of the block with about 6 rows and 4 columns( those are  the wrong words, but I cannot remember the right words) of little shops selling all sorts of things as well as fruit and veg stalls. I have decided to relax  a little my preference for non gluten products this trip. I bought and ate a most delicious croissant that was made with French butter, but local flour. I savoured every last flake. 

 I  enjoyed my walk back, through back streets of South Melbourne -  old Terrace houses next to a new gym, next to a supermarket  next to an office block etc, very mixed, then around the edge of the shrine of remembrance, then through the edge of the botanic Gardens and some back streets of South Yarra. The fruit in my day pack was getting a bit heavy by then. I got to a nice looking cafe at about 11.30.  Near enough lunch time. It was packed, but there was a spare table for me.  I took my time eating, but realised at about 12.45 the place was almost empty.  Everyone had cleared off to go to the game. Not me.

Bed time. To be continued tomorrow.