Such is the marvel of technology, this includes BlogPress, which is allowing me to write this all out while on board a Star Bus airport shuttle to Dina's.
My first observation is that it is colder and it seems to be much foggier than Sydney, which has been blessed with crisp sunshine these last few winter days.
Just as I'm thinking this, the sun comes out, and by Melbourne winter standards, it is a lovely day. Strange, and a tad temperamental.
Below: iPhone picture taken alongside the Yarra River (Southbank). I like this picture because I think it somehow manages to capture the natural tension of Melbourne's weather.... sharp sunlight cast distinct shadows and the sky is clear blue, but you get the sense that something (maybe the fog?) is looming "somewhere beneath the surface". To me Melbourne feels moody.

It is as if the city has caught on, and, in tandem with the competitive spirit between both cities - like Sydney - Melbourne decides to bid me welcome. :)
The shuttle's radio is blaring and there is a heated debate over a public apology some young footie player made for a racist comment on the field. Radio here seems to have people constantly yelling at you or each other and between the ads and the commentary I feel like I'm stuck in a circus crossed with a fish market. I escape from this by looking out the window.

It has been years since I've last come to Melbourne but, like Sydney, it mostly looks and feels the same.
I think that that is the comfort of Australia for me. Her consistency.
Its her easy-going approach to change and the familiarity of her down-to-earth charm that remains (more or less) constant that comforts me.
I can't say the same about Singapore and its never-ending talk of upgrade. Not that it's anything bad, it's just different, and the two countries are at very different stages of their development / history / maturity.
The shuttle is packed and it takes me longer than expected to reach Dina's apartment at Southbank.
She's waiting eagerly for me on the sidewalk, but with her usual good nature apologies that she doesn't have much time and has to rush back to work.
Briskly, we drop off my bags and immediately head off. Her apartment is centrally located and in a matter of moments we are walking alongside the famous Yarra River (Southbank).
She drops me off at a cafe called the World Cafe and I order my first coffee of the day as well as tapas for lunch. Dina rushes off, but promises to meet me at 5.30pm, after work.
It is truly a beautiful day and the sun gives the air a translucent quality.
Eating slowly, I people-watch and savor the opportunity of being able to just sit (comfortably, without getting sweaty) outside with coffee and food that I can just slowly appreciate.
When I feel like it, I continue to blog a little.
A couple walks past me and they leave their dog just outside, next to me, before entering the cafe. Both of them scratch behind its ear before leaving it, the lady even gives it a cuddle and kiss. I miss my dogs - terribly - and hope that doggie heaven has weather just like this all the time.
Below: A quick collage of images (taken using my iPhone) from my lunch in Melbourne. You can see the Southbank Yarra River footbridge - which is quite a pretty structure- against the Melbourne city skyline. I have not used any filters as I wanted to maintain the quality of the light.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Southbank,Australia
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