How Melbourne showed me a sunny time

Last year when the northern hemisphere was slowly turning away from the sun and making its way towards winter, I found myself in a summer place called Melbourne. For someone like me, who loves to walk, it was ideal for long hikes around the city, discovering its by-lanes on foot. I found charming Victorian buildings alongside some extremely modern and jazzy high-rises. Late 19th century buildings crop up everywhere, even within the bustling CBD, all preserved in their stately grandeur. French Renaissance and Gothic structures aren’t out of place here. And yet, Melbourne does not send me floating into a time-warp. Because it can boast of some of the most avant-garde buildings ever. State-of-the-art galleries and museums. Luxurious hotels and casinos. An impressive skyline. It’s all here. One would think then, that this is a place made of brick, steel and glass, but quite on the contrary, I came upon landscaped gardens and manicured lawns in every possible empty stretch within and around the city. Like the primary artery the river Yarra flows through, giving the city its life-blood. So much happens along the Yarra, be it the innumerable food and culture fests at the Federation Square’s backyard, the annual Moomba Festival, the river cruises ferrying tourists or just the everyday joggers, bikers and rowers getting their daily pump of adrenalin. Of course, Melbournians, like most Australians, are avid sportspeople. Home of the MCG, Australian Open, Spring Racing Carnival, Australian Football League and F1 Grand Prix among others, this place is sports heaven! Another love is that of food, wine and coffee that reins this city. One can choose from quaint cafes to posh restaurants and everything in between. And then there are street performers and graffiti artists who shell out a healthy dose of culture for one to muse and smile about...So when I say I went to a summer place, it wasn’t just the weather, but the warm, sunny, happy feeling that the city of Melbourne gave me.