The “Blunt” Traveller: From the new housewife’s diary

Melbourne. It is definitely not one of the favorite hot spots for a honeymoon. Reviews often fail to reveal its lacking in National identity. Neither is it a place to go to if you want to discover Australia. There is nothing authentic unless you rent a car and drive out of the town area (and I mean 3-4 hours away, in the outskirts).
If you are a shopaholic and hope you can find good deals and sales, forget it! Things are over charged although you may find good buys if you know where to go. Out of 10 people you bump into (town area), around 8 will be Asians.

The weather is another bummer! Mid Jan was pretty humid with unpredictable showers. I can’t say much about winter- yet to experience it. A quick list on the best places to go to: Prahran Market, Brunswick, The Great Ocean, Geelong, St. Kilda’s. Should you insist on shopping, there’s always Brunswick (along Stydney Rd). I discovered several nice and cheaper restaurants. I got really sick and tired of eating kebabs! They are available everywhere!

My personal recommendations: For cheap clothes, visit Cocolatte, Dorothy K. For food, you got to try Tiba and The Kebab Station. Don’t miss out on supermarts like Aldi, Coles and Big W. Their prices are very comparable. When buying bread, pastries or cakes, wait till just 15 mins before closing time to get very good bargains ( a huge muffin for 50 cents ).

I’m not really a party goer. But 17-30s may find the pubs/bars interesting while those in the 30s-40s can check out the beaches/farms/malls instead. Wait! The Pancake Parlour! Go there! It’s really somethin’! Look out for their promos (1 for 1, 2 stacks pancakes).

My next destination over the weekend will be somewhere remote. Hope to catch up with the wild then.