10 years ago today I set off down the Hume Highway and made a new home in Melbourne. It is hard to believe I’ve lived here just over a third of my life. I’m so glad I’ve made the move. Melbourne’s the place that’s made me whole, allowed me to blend in, allowed me to be myself, and allowed me to stand out. All at once.
I have good friends here. It’s a community. I love that even among four million people, I can still bump into someone I know. And when the city feels too big, I can call my parents (every day) for a chat. I do.
I don’t mind the weather. Melbourne goes through many costume changes – grey coats, full skirted midnight blue gowns dotted with rhinestones, and cornflower sundresses. She’s a stylish one. I like that for the majority of the year, it’s cool, and knowing that even when it’s ridiculously hot, it will probably be close to half that temperature the next day!
I love that some of the world is brought to me in the form of cafe strips, flash restaurants and cafe strips. If I take the train just for one stop, I can alight then choose from Malaysian, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese,Thai, various African, pizza, Mexican, and the Golden Arches if I want.
I love the culture. Just last weekend I saw Perfect Tripod featuring Eddie Perfect and Tripod at the Arts Centre (and Eddie Perfect remembered my name!!), and then I saw Chrissie Swan, Virginia Gay, Care Kennedy, Stella Young and Steph Hughes read out letters they’d written to themselves at Women of Letters. I love the street art and the music scene.
I love living alone – the thought of coming home to do whatever I want is a wonderful one. Cooking excites me, I’m ok with cooking for one. This year I’m learning to be a better housekeeper. It’s about time.
I love this city. I love being able to call it home. Look how she sparkles.
I love this post! Your love of life and your beautiful city is radiating off the page through your amazing writing.
What a great post. I would so love to live in Melbourne. You have the best of everything. I have never had a bad meal in Melbourne…. or a bad coffee! xx
Good friends and community. Do we really need much more? Congrats on your anniversary!
I love the love you feel for the town you call home.
I always enjoy looking at your photos,especially the ones of street art.
Thankyou for sharing and may you continue to shine just as your beautiful town does.xx
A great life, Melbourne has it all!
Lovely photo collection – really captures the good life, and the love you have for the city!
Oh, I love Melbourne too. I moved here 12 years ago and I have not regretted it for a second. I love this city for all the reasons you've listed and more. Happy anniversary!!
Spot on!! All the things I miss about Melbourne!
You'll have to come back to visit Jen 🙂
Thank you so very much Averil – it's a great life 🙂 not feeling very writerly at the moment but glad that something good is shining through. 🙂
Oh A-M – you'd love living here! I don't drink coffee but I hear it is good. And I've not had many bad meals here either!
I'm doing my best to make you want to settle for a while when you return Tash 😉
Thank you Deby – I always feel weird taking photos of street art because so many see it as graffiti, and there's the copyright issue too. But I think it's beautiful and fleeting and deserves to be captured. Would love I know who more of the artists are so I can credit them.
Melbourne's so womderful.
Laurel – thank you 🙂 I don't think I've ever not enjoyed living here – best decision I made. Glad you love it too!
Thank you for reading and commenting Robomum – haven't seen you around the traps before. Much appreciated! 🙂
Carly, I am newish to Melbourne, five years, and you've made me want to get out and explore! I must admit, you threw me with the four million. What?! When did that happen!? I love you description if the weather! Gorgeous!
Oh Carly, I love this post!! You have really captured the heart of Melbourne. Your last line "look how she sparkles" really resonated with me and just how beautiful this city is. Thank you so much for linking up to #convocoffee Josefa
Amazing photos Carly. I can see why you love Melbourne so much. Thanks for sharing