You've never seen Melbourne like this

I read this line at a sales centre at Docklands in Mel and thought if I ever end up writing a post on this city, this would be my title :)

Melbourne was our first stop & how ironic that it will be my last post on Aussie land. Perhaps, I needed to be in solitude to write about this very special city.

It was given that I would have a good time here  since one of my soul mates resided in the city but S you made sure it was much more than that - it was re-living one of the most special bonds in my life, in the company of a friend I have known for years and in whose company I always come alive to be who I really am - there is no pretence, nothing to hide and S is fun infinitely multiplied :)

Thank you for being such a wonderful host. I miss you and love you loads as you already know :)

So back to Mel now, the city is full of art & culture, Asians and plenty of yummy Asian food. Here it's difficult to feel you're in Oz and not HK or Singapore :)

Mel is also known for the great ocean drive - supposedly one of the best drives in the world. The great ocean road leads you to the 12 apostles, marvelous stand alone limestone formations rising from the sea. When you see them you feel as though you've almost reached the end of the world. Stunning.

Without any more talk, let me take you through some pictorial highlights from our trip to Melbourne:

Sydney

Syyydddneyyyy - well what can I say, the moment you step into this city there is such incredible energy that you know you're in for a great time. And that is exactly what we had and so much more :)

We arrived to the city on a sunny Friday afternoon from Mel and were recommended to stay in the vicinity of Darling Harbour, which I can now recommend :). Oh Darling Harbour, but wait, there's more to say before we get to it.

May is Autumn there and I think it's probably the first time in my life I experienced what this season is about (As the gulf countries just have one season throughout the year)

Sydney was about the green and yellow leaves on trees, streets full of multi cuisine restaurants, cafés, bars, harbours, history, modernity, diversity, the awe-inspiring Harbour Bridge, the breathtaking architecture of the Opera House, the show board cruise and Darling Harbour.

Hubby and I thought we could spend days just at Darling soaking up the beauty of the city. You can shop, eat, catch a cruise, go sightseeing to the nearby aquarium, zoo, museums or the over rated AMP tower and oh gambling too - it is the truest one stop shopping, dining & entertainment destination.

I'll leave you with a couple of  Sydney moments from our trip, hoping they will either tempt you to visit or refresh memories of your visit to this scintillating city.

PS: This is by far one of The best Indian restaurants I've eaten at and you can't miss it if you're in Sydney. You'll looovvvee it

Hamilton Island, Australia

After my trip to Australia, we've been talking to many who have travelled there or want to, and the cities you often here are Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast. Now these three are brilliant, but there is an island in Queensland, which is marvelous, superb, fantastic :) and an island in the true sense of the word - not too big, loads of greenery, lots and lots of water and beaches and its called Hamilton Island.

I believe not too many people know about this gem and have it on their agenda but it is highly recommended and a MUST do when in Aussie land.

Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island in the beautiful Whitsundays located just off the Queensland Coast. It has accommodations varying from hotels to villas and holiday apartments. The way to commute on the island is with a humble buggy.

Hamilton Island is also the closest to the awesome Great Barrier Reef, another MUST when Down Under. 

With ample of restaurants, activities, small little boutiques and very warm residents, you will truly feel like you are on a true holiday here.

   

Holiday Hangover

:) does something like this exist? I'm not sure, but I am experiencing just that at this very moment.

Can't really blame my emotions as two weeks is a good enough time to loose yourself. Especially given that I went to a place that had so much to offer and discover in the company of my love.

Well so as my post title says it I had an absolutely amazing time Down Under and hubby dear has aptly captured it in the picture below.

I was and am truly mesmerised by the beauty, the culture, the history, the progress and the people of  Australia.

I'll do a quick review of places I visited shortly once I settle down so if any of you do travel to these places in Aussie land, it might, might just come handy.