Carly Findlay

Writer, speaker, appearance activist. Loving life!

10 years in Melbourne – I love this city!

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.

When I first moved here, I would explore like a tourist, I’d take a tram to anywhere, looking out of the window in awe, marvelling that this city is my home now.

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.

Comments

  4. 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

  12. 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.

  15. 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!

  16. 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

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The material on Tune into Radio Carly is copyright. The writing in this blog is by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Most photos in this blog are by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without permission from Carly Findlay. This blog represents my personal opinions and experiences. It does not reflect those of my employers'. The information I provide about ichthyosis is mostly based on personal experiences. Please seek medical advice or counseling before trying any new treatments I've written about.