The Name's Bourne- Melbourne
“So Melbourne? Is it bourne as in ‘Bourne Ultimatum’ or ‘Bourneville’ or ‘Bournvita’?” my friend laughed.
“I don’t know. It’s that city somewhere in Australia. The one where Chak De was shot.”
“Hmm..ok..so what about it?”
“Anything interesting... I am writing my first imaginative travel blog entry and it needs to include my dream tour of the city and I know nothing about the place.”
“I am not sure but I think the place has got something to do with penguins…”
“Penguins? Are you sure? Weren’t penguins confined to Antarctica?”
“Yes. That’s why I am not sure. Check wiki.”
The conversation with my friend lasted just a few minutes.
The impact of it is this blog entry. I Googled ‘Penguins in Melbourne’ and
hola! Yes! There are penguins in Australia! Amazing new discovery. I am proud
of myself! Haha…
‘Like the Willy Wonka one? Are you kidding me?’ my friend asked.
I wasn’t. Melbourne actually has a real chocolate factory
full with the largest chocolate waterfall and games and exhibits all made of pure
delicious chocolate! The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory it is. Not something I
can stop my mouth watering from by just reading about it. But will there be
Willy Wonka? I guess I will have to go there to find out.
Phillip Island is also home to some of the best and most
beautiful scuba diving destinations in the world. After my recent foray into
adventure tourism and my urge to indulge in everything adventurous, how can I miss
this treat? But yeah, somebody please teach me how to swim before I dive! :D
“There are more adventure things I can do. Probably I shall go ballooning over the skyline of Melbourne”, I tell my friend, “And perhaps go skiing or snowboarding at the nearby resorts. I will get to touch and play with real snow!”
I laugh at the jealous tone of my friend’s voice as I
continue reading more about the wonders this city offers.
Wiki tells me, Melbourne is often called the cultural
capital of Australia, with its many art galleries, film festivals, orchestras,
choral and opera productions, vibrant live music scene, and a strong food, wine
and coffee culture. People in Melbourne tend to dress up more than in Sydney,
partly due to the colder climate. Many bars and clubs have strict dress
regulations, such as requiring collars and dress shoes for men. Particular
events to note include the Melbourne International Film Festival in August, the
International Art Festival in October, and the Melbourne Comedy Festival in
April.
The Flinders Street Railway Station is one of the defining landmarks of Melbourne.
It was seen in Salaam Namaste. ‘The main entrance is known for several clocks
hanging over it, and is a popular meeting spot for locals.’ I don’t think that’s
something worth missing out on…!
“But dude, what about the penguins?” my friends asks.
That takes me back to Phillip Island. The place has a
Penguin Parade which one can see every morning and evening. At sunset, penguins
come out from the sea and walk to their nests- a scene straight out of the
Happy Feet movie- not one to miss.
“And food?”
“The wiki page lists a huge list of cuisines that the city offers. And I mean it when I say ‘huge’. I can try all different cuisines for every meal and from the looks of it, I don’t think that would be something that I am ever going to forget to do if I am there”, I laugh.
“Melbourne looks like a cultural hub similar to Delhi. Only bigger and more enchanting,” my friend tells me.
“Perhaps only a visit to the place can justify this ‘enchanted-ness’. And let’s see, when I come back I might tell you, Dude…it’s your time to visit Melbourne NOW!” :)
This entry has been written
for IndiBlogger’s Visit Melbourne Contest in association with Visit Melbourne.
hehehe!!first ever entry that lead me to wikipedia!!! :D
ReplyDeletenicely put!:)
n that adds another destination to my post-internship trip(u are aware of the torture they do to us,so no hopes leaving for a trip before that!:\
)
haha...Go grab some knowledge frm wiki :)
DeleteAnd all the best for that trip :D
:D :p
Deletehehehe! quite a peppy post indeed.... and Mel- Bourne is a good one! My entire focus would have been on the penguins too (did not know about the chocolate factory - thanks!!. You do have a 'dhasoo' blog. All the best!
ReplyDeletehttp://lafemmenirvana.blogspot.in/2012/08/vacation-fit-for-god.html
Thanks Nirvana :)
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