For years I had wanted to go to Australia. Twice I planned to fly into Sydney for New Years Eve, and twice those plans fell through. When I started this trip, I knew there was always a possibility that I’d end up in Australia, but I knew there were so many reasons why I shouldn’t go. Who goes to Australia in the winter? Do they even have a winter? Where do you go after flying all the way down there? Eventually I found the answer to all of those questions and more.
Mooloolaba. It’s a mouthful. It’s also the name of a town in Australia on the Sunshine coast region of Queensland. Unofficially – I think it’s also the Australian version of Florida …there are seniors in campers EVERYWHERE!!
I went hunting yesterday. Graffiti hunting. What this means is that I put on my cold weather gear (hoodie AND jacket) and started walking in the direction of a neighborhood in the process of being gentrified. I discovered there are a few varieties of street art – spray paint, stickers, and posters. Here’s some of what I found.
A trip to Melbourne isn’t complete unless you take in the local art scene. It’s not found at any museum and there is no cover charge. (Go check out the Monet exhibit if that’s what you’re into…) No, the local art in Melbourne is found in the back of tiny alleys or around the corner of any number of major streets. The medium is typically paint – spray paint.
Babe I’m gonna leave you. I wanted to give you all my love, but now I’m just dazed and confused. There was some sort of communication breakdown – a city filled with an endless supply of coffee shops and restaurants – now I realize you are somethin’ else. You’ve given me the traveling riverside blues and it’s nobody’s fault but mine. Melbourne, your time is gonna come – I’m dreaming of a white summer. Right now though, I’m a fool in the rain and it’s too cold to go down to the ocean. It’s time to ramble on.
Melbourne. It’s pronounced, “Mel-bin” by the locals. The best way to describe the city would be part British and part European. Oh, and really expensive. The below pictures show the story of how I got here and what it’s been like so far. (A more text based version will come soon…)
One Way Backpacking 