October 3-5

My first day in Melbourne I was pretty tired because of no real sleep on the bus the night before, but I did manage to walk around the city center some. I went to the Queen Victoria Market- it was chaotic, but friendly. Apparently before it was designated as a market in 1878 it was a cemetery- and 9000 bodies are underneath the car park! There was everything from fruits and cheeses to Uggs (yeah, I'm going to need to get some). I basically just wandered around so I could get a feel for the area, I really don't like being the tourist, pulling out a map, so it helps to find some major landmarks to help get my bearings. I did also walk around the Crown Entertainment Complex, which is definitely not subtle. It includes a luxury hotel, a giant cinema, night clubs, restaurants, high-end boutiques, Planet Hollywood, and of course, a casino.
I had heard there was great shopping in Melbourne, so I did one of my favorite things on Wednesday and shopped. There was good shopping, but not any more than Sydney, I think. I did get a cute pair of leopard or cheetah (some animal) ballet flats (are those still in? I hope so.). While popping in a loads of stores, I inevitably got into some conversation with the store workers because they would want to know where my accent was coming from. While shopping in Australia I have noticed a difference in their style and I really like it. Australian women seem to do the typical conservative suit thing for work, but outside of work they are more funky and I'd say they take more "risks". Maybe I should work in fashion. Anyways. While walking through the city center, I made sure to see the important things like Federation Square, the city's oldest pub, Young & Jackson, St. Paul's Cathedral, a museum with a Picasso display, and Chinatown. Although the shopping was the highlight. I also got to see the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kings Domain, Alfred Park (home of the Formula One race track, Aussie Footbal League field and cricket grounds- they love their sports here) on my morning jogs.
Yesterday I actually went to the Melbourne Zoo, Australia's oldest zoo. I got to see Penguins, Kangaroos, Koalas, Platypus, Elephants, Lions (don't know why they get capital first letter), and many other creatures. It was good, for a zoo, I guess. I'm glad I got to see some native Aussie animals. The low point was using my camera's self timer feature to take a picture of myself in front of one of the exhibits, but no one was around! haha.
Today I called some random contacts my grandmother put me in touch with. I have no idea what to expect, but they are picking me up later for tea. Not sure what I am getting myself into there!