She Wants It Her Way

I could probably name all of the streets in Melbourne CBD (Central Business District) by now. Every street is followed by a little street or lane and chances are, I have been on that street. I understand that trams are the way around the city, but I really prefer walking around and getting to know my surroundings. I probably walk about 5-7 miles everyday. If something catches my eye, I just go without thinking.

The best thing about being in a new city is that everything is new. The people, the streets, the shops, the smell. It's all fresh. I love new things. I love to learn and soak up information. Since I don't really have plans and everything is situated (housing, money, etc), I just use my days to enjoy the city (although I need a job...).

Thus, I made my way to the State Library. I passed by the most beautiful "museum" with artistic architecture. I admired the building and continued to find the library. When I crossed the street, I realized that somewhere along my path I had missed the library. The beautiful building was the library.

After indulging on some free internet, I was invited over for dinner by the girl that I am renting the apartment from. On my way to my new apartment, I encountered a strange experience. I felt as if I was being followed. Indeed, I was.

Through a 20 minute conversation (yes, I let it last that long), I learned that the man was from China and he had been in Australia for 10 years. I was asked a series of questions such as: Am I African, what are my origins, do I like white/black men and what is my preference, and do I like/know Obama (I get that a lot). Statements were made such as: Americans are violent/dangerous, love pornography (he stated repeatedly), obese, racist, politics are corrupt, we have the most homeless people in the world (?), and white men have many girlfriends.


With a lighthearted spirit, I could do nothing but laugh. Is this what we are really thought of as Americans?? As someone from France told met: America makes the best as well as the worst.


Let's do better, America.

After eating a delicious homemade Malaysian meal, I took the tram and headed home. The cool thing about the tram is that if you stand, you can still rest your butt/rear.


By the time I got back to the hostel, I immediately wanted to go to the bar downstairs -- so I did, alone. 


I found that even though I go to the bar alone, I never leave alone. There's always an adventure. And tonight, the mission was to play in the park, then fly a kite on the beautiful boardwalk. If I move to Melbourne, I know where I need to live. In an apartment on the Yarra River (doesn't that already sound expensive?). It's gorgeous. We played in the park like children and (again) I felt like I was in a Skins episode. Perfect.







 I love this city.