Day 5 - Melbourne CBD

Despite the beer parade (beer is supposed to be cooling), the combination of not drinking water for a day coupled with Lord of the Fries served with potato chips proved to be a deadly combination for the four hot-blooded males. John suffered a sore throat when he woke up due to the after effects of the poison. Add to that a bit of cough was developing. Poor John.

As usual, we had our Nutella bread breakfast. Today we bidded farewell to the Nutella bread breakfast that provided sustenance for a good few days, allowing us to skip lunches. Paul declared that he had enough of those. In fact, he usually prefers a healthy warm breakfast rather than the cold soft bread. Getting sick of the Nutella bread which was not at all filling, he urged all four of us to buy cup noodles at an IGN convenience store yesterday night, which we all welcomed the change. The rest wetted their pants thinking about a warm soupy breakfast washed down with a hot cup of coffee.

When the 4 groggy minds were finally sober and up running at steady state, the question of how to cook the noodles inevitably popped up. Last night, we deliberated on how to cook the noodles and concluded (without trial) that the hot water tap running from our basin would be good enough to cook the noodles. After all, almost every one of us was scalded by the hot water at one time or the other. Convinced by our argument, we tore off the packaging of the cup noodles and happily filled the containers with water from the hot water tap, just like as children playing with water for the first time. Then, we carefully covered the lid and left the noodles to cook.

As there was little space in the room, we sat down in a circle, much like in the Lord of the Rings, tucking in our feet while finding space for ourselves and getting a hernia in the process. Lord of the Rings aside, the scene actually resembled more of inmates gathering around a campfire for an illegitimate chat. All that was lacking were some cigarettes and some weed.

We placed the cup noodles gingerly in front of us, taking care not to spill any of the precious stuff with any wild scissors kick. After the 3 minutes was up, we peeled the aluminium foil lids open. Alas! We were to be utterly disappointed. The noodles were still in their semi-solid state, floating on top of the lukewarm water. We looked at each other and decided “heck care lah”. Hence into our stomachs went the semi-solid noodles followed by the MSG-filled soup. It wasn’t any Michelin-three-star breakfast, but we got it down nonetheless. It was essential nourishment for the long lunch-less day ahead, and a good replacement for Nutella bread.

As usual, we dilly dallied and only made our way out of the hotel at a rather late time of about 10 plus. Having bid farewell to our car yesterday, we braced ourselves for the gruelling task of getting around Melbourne CBD by foot and public transport. First thing first, we proceeded to Flinders Street Station to check out any available cheap tourist passes / tickets, not forgetting to take a few street shots on our way.

Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station - Clock Tower

Flinders Street Station - Main Entrance

Street Shot - John

At the counter, we sought enlightenment and were told that a day tram pass would cost A$2.50. Being a cautious buyer, Daniel asked how much would it cost for a single trip ticket. Little did he realise that it was a taboo question. The seemingly harmless question seemed to ignite the fuse in the guy over the counter, who was most probably thinking that "You Asians always think that we Caucasians are always trying to rip you off!". In an insulting tone, he curtly retorted that A$2.50 is so cheap that you can't even get a burger at that price nowadays (John: technically you definitely can get a few burgers for that price in China and India…). Partly delighted that the tickets came at the best price, and partly wanting to get away from the earful lecture, we quickly grabbed four tickets and hurried away.

Daniel haggling for tickets
Hottest ticket in town -- A$2.50 Sunday day pass – You can’t get a burger with that!

We were advised by a tram ticket inspector to take Tram 19 heading north if we wanted to get to the zoo. However, we decided to proceed south to Royal Botanic Gardens. We made our first virgin trip on the tram, riding on Tram 16 that leads us southwards, and alighted at the Shrine of Remembrance.

While waiting for the tram to arrive

Stop 19 – Shrine of Remembrance: a place for remembrance due to the two Chinese ladies

As we were about to cross a road, we were approached by two pretty Chinese (read: PRC) girls who asked us for directions. Not being conversant in English, they were in luck to chance upon us who knew how to speak proper Chinese. They should count themselves lucky to chance upon a group of Chinese-speaking foreigners (i.e. us) with maps, as we were able to use them to advise them on how to get to their destination. It felt great to be able to help someone. In fact, we felt like heroes!

We proceeded up the slope to the Shrine of Remembrance to pay tribute to the real heroes. The place was set up as a tribute to the World War I and World War II soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country in fighting the Japanese.

Slope leading to Shrine of Remembrance

Paul getting a rugby tackle under the tree

Andrew (left) and John making sure the photos turn out right

The remembrance building overlooks a vast strip of gentle-sloping green lawn. Two cute little girls were running upslope, clearly enjoying themselves in the cool breeze while basking in the warm glow of the Sunday sun. All of us were mesmerised by the picturesque scene and we stood right at the edge of the lawn to indulge in the girls’ carefree moment. Little did we realise that the father of the two girls was filming behind us. It was most unfortunate that we unknowingly spoilt their video shoot.

We couldn't let any photo opportunity slipped past us, so John quickly set up the tripod and began snapping away. Partly inspired by the two little girls, we took some shots of us running uphill. Of course, not having enough of yesterday’s star jump, we took even more shots of us jumping up and down foolishly and aimlessly. It took us 15 minutes or so before we came up with photographs that we were satisfied with.

Our first take – too far!

2nd take: Can’t see the faces, let’s try a closer one

Not so close… I want the green lawn as well

Perfect!

Our star-jump shots again

Paul doing a somersault

Let’s dive!

Perfect shot!

Little did we realise that there was a couple watching our every move from the top of the building that towered over the green lawn. Unknown to us, they took photographs of our mischievous acts. We only realised their presence after they came to us while we were leaving. Luckily they didn’t threaten us with ransom for the photographs they took. In fact, they willingly offered to send us those photographs which offered a different perspective of the same shots that we took at the lawn.

Spy camera 1

Spy camera 2

Upon request, Paul wrote down his email on a piece of paper and passed it to the husband, Brian. It was good enough actually (or so we thought). But Daniel, weighed down by too many company name-cards in his wallet, decided to pull one out and handed it over as well. Little did we know that such a seemingly redundant gesture was the crucial step in getting the photographs shown above. The kind soul misinterpreted Paul’s writing and sent the photos to a wrong email address. Hence it was lucky that Daniel’s email was captured correctly. They wished us a good time in Melbourne, and even invited us to his marina which he owned. Such kind souls really made our days in Melbourne really pleasant and wonderful. Thanks, Brian and Jill!

As we entered the Royal Botanic Gardens, we saw families having fun at the courtyard, lazing around, children playing with inflatable balls, dogs taking a stroll, and friends having picnics. It was so relaxing that we too slowed down our pace.

Outside Royal Botanic Gardens: A man with his faithful pal

Outside Royal Botanic Gardens: Children having a fun time playing rugby!

Royal Botanic Gardens Entrance

Bamboo shadows

Thistle funnel (??)

Cat tails

Paul having fun with a bird (most likely a magpie?)

Failed attempt… the bird got away but Paul is still happy

Much as we wanted to explore more of the Royal Botanic Gardens, we had to cut short our visit because we wanted to catch Queen Victoria Market before it closed for the day. The world-famous market closes around 4pm and we did not have much time to waste. As such, under the leadership of Paul, we marched out of the garden in double quick time. Left, right, left right.

Queen Victoria Market is indeed the mother of all markets. It reminded John of Perth’s Fremantle Market. It is a wet market (fish, seafood and meats) and dry market (selling vegetables and fruits) combined under one roof, as well as a different section selling clothes and souvenirs. It was a crowded Sunday afternoon as people thronged the market to buy fresh produce and bargained for an item or two. It was a happening place with a mixture of activities happening all at once.

Fresh sea catches

Chilled meats and hams

We saw a funny daddy transforming his forklift into a great amusement ride for his daughters -- he gave them a lift on a crate using the forklift and the three small girls were very amused indeed. Andrew bought some piping hot doughnuts and we enjoyed them in the Sunday sunshine with the doughnuts oozing hot strawberry filling that left us hurriedly taking in cool Melbourne air into our burning mouths quickly. Thanks to the doughnuts, we were no longer too hungry to move forward. It was a most satisfying snack.

Video of daddy and daughters having a joyride with forklift

Andrew and John asked around for chicken salt, but they met with frowns and puzzled looks instead. Just when they were upon to give up, they happened to talk to someone who knew what chicken salt is, but it was a pity to discover that no one in the market sold it. Disappointed, we proceeded onwards to the fresh fruits and vegetable market.

Sunlight splashed its golden hue on the fresh produce and casted a golden warm shine on all the fruits and vegetables. Coupled with the buzzing crowd noise and merchants’ loud shouting to promote their products, the place was unmistakably ‘pasar’ (a malay word for market). Being low on fruit intake, we snapped up some water melons and kiwi fruits, which were a real heavy load to carry back (at A$3 for half a watermelon, it was an expensive buy too!).

Sunlight glancing off the fresh fruits and vegetables

We then proceeded further to the dry market area. This is where we met a seemingly helpful Chinese comrade who sold us some Lanolin cream which he claimed to be the cheapest anywhere in the market. In fact, he reassured us that being a comrade to us Chinese dudes, he would not rip us off by selling things very expensive, and even took pains to explain to us that his business strategy is based on mass selling at cutthroat prices. Assured and lapping up his words, we happily picked up a few souvenirs and goods. It was only after we have toured the other stalls that except for the Lanolin cream, we were charged for other goods at highly inflated prices. Such an unscrupulous Chinese seller and a big time liar / conman!

We controlled our anger and continued walking around Queen Victoria Market. But too much harm was done and the anger at the Chinese seller could not be appeased easily and took the fun out of the walking. Also, the crowd was thinning as the afternoon passed us by. As such, we decided to call it a day on the Queen Victoria Market and proceeded back to our hotel for a short rest.

At dusk, we made our way to the world-famous Crown Casino, a short cooling walk away from our hotel. The four hot-blooded males were left jaws agape at the many stunning back-backed beauties dressed to the nines walking past them in the entertainment complex, but dared not ogle in respect of the beefy houseflies chaperones beside them. We took a trip to the toilets but were disappointed that the toilets were not as posh and in fact quite dirty – the floor was even littered with toilet paper. What amused Daniel were the warning labels on the ATM (see below). Rest assured you won't even see a single ATM in Singapore's casinos integrated resorts when they open in 2010.

ATM Sticker reads: “If Gambling is a problem for you, contact Crown Customer Support Centre… Confidential and free counselling service”

The casino was not the biggest in the world, but big enough to keep us entertained with the opulence of the players. We were amazed at how the gamblers bet, and even more amazed at how fast they spent their money. We saw a person changing A$100 chips to play roulette and it was gone in one round. In another corner, a person changed for A$150 to play poker, and it was all handed back to the banker in the third round.

We stood at this particular table in awe of this Chinese gangster-boss-lookalike with hair nicely slicked and a cigar jarred between his lips playing blackjack with a couple of ladies dripping sapphires and jewellery on his arm. It was the Chinese version of Vito Corleone and the bodyguards around him completed the image. He rolled huge bets, lost them and looked nonchalant though his heart surely must be burning inside. For us boys from a tame civilization, it sure was an eye opener.

We then scouted around for dinner. Originally wanting to go into a seafood restaurant to satisfy our promise to ourselves of having one good seafood meal, we were reminded of the expensive oysters’ meal we had the other day. Also, we were quite famished, having skipped lunch. As such, we opted for one of the buffet restaurants on the second floor. Santa Fe offered a mix of both western, Mediterranean and eastern food, but it was a pity the seafood buffet add-on was not available on the night.

Paul found the dinner exceptionally satisfying and delicious and truly whacked huge servings to his culinary delight. He especially like the rice dumplings, buns, and anything all-so-Chinese. In no time, the rest were full from their eating spree, so much so that Andrew and John needed to go to the toilet nearby to make more room for the stomachs. In the end, we all had difficulty walking straight due to the heavy meal and ended up staggering from the restaurant.

We met some enthusiastic young New Zealand All-Blacks fan who punked us at the entrance where we were taking some photographs (Andrew was wearing an All-Blacks beanie). He enthusiastically shared with us how the All-Blacks won some rugby tie against the Wallabies that night. Not being fans of rugby, we were clueless of course. He was not the only one – the rest of the people we met who came out of the casino said the same thing to us. You can see the natural passion for rugby runs in their blood.

Farewell shot at Crown Casino

Rugby punked! (Photo Missing)

Tired out and frozen from the long and cold walk back, we were real glad to be back at the cosy and warm hotel room. For supper, we decided to open up the water melon which we bought from Queen Victoria Market earlier in the day. In a hotel where even the room kettle is missing, you would not expect to find a knife either and we were proven right.

Paul, being the pro-army guy that he is, produced his Swiss army knife which he always carried around. Proudly whipping out the prized army knife, Paul was eager to splice open the water melon. Andrew was dumbfounded and tried to convinced Paul that plastic knife is the most effective and hygienic way to tame the watermelon. In the end, Paul won the argument and got the honour to splice open the water melon (only after a round of good hard scrub that Andrew gave to the slightly rusty Swiss army knife). After some unsuccessful attempts, Andrew was drawn into the challenge and also failed. It was only then that we decided to use a plastic knife, which though flimsy, could be the best way forward. The rest could see Andrew's smirks akin to his boss'.

Finally the melon was split into four pieces decent enough to be eaten. Due to the limited tools available, the melon was dissected into four disproportionate portions. Daniel was handed the largest piece, possibly because he was the skinniest among the four. All four of us took turns to hog the washing basin so that we would not drip any of the juicy melon onto the carpet. It was real messy to eat a big piece of water melon without any spoons. Despite our efforts, we ended splashing some onto the carpet nonetheless.

As tomorrow is the day we would return home, we spent the rest of the night thinking how to squeeze our stuff into our luggage. Andrew especially had a hard time squeezing his new found penguin buddy into his already bulging bag.

When the deed is done, we followed the ritual of past days of bottoming up with cool beer (of course Daniel didn’t finished his bottle) before collapsing onto the beds for a good night of rest.