On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
Deputinize America
So 2024 was a big travel year. We’d already spent some time diving off of Jupiter, FL in January, had gone to Milan and Malta for a couple of weeks in February, and then did a two parter in May. The first week was spent in Melbourne, Australia, where my lovely spouse had a conference, leaving me to wander around the city for a week after I caught up with her, and I actually did have some stuff on my agenda.
One of the things I’ve learned about transpacific travel is that my scheduling inevitably puts my arrival in the morning, and in order to sync up with the time shift quickly (I live on eastern time, and Oz is on the other side of the clock). I connected through Sydney, as I couldn’t get the lie flat business class to Melbourne on a free mileage ticket, but I could to Sydney – it only took an extra few hours to do – so when I arrived, I was fairly well rested, but jangled from the time diff. Being accustomed to this, I have to stay awake and active the day of my arrival. Weather was crappy (in May, its late fall in Melbourne, which meant that it tended toward some drizzle and was definitely jacket weather). Not wanting to go to a bar as it would have been a disaster, I chose to go and observe family court because it is something I know.
Everyone was super nice – the proceedings were different, but full of familiar issues, and I was allowed to observe closed proceedings (at my age and stage of career, I’m essentially a silk as they describe barristers). I was asked my opinion on Trump by the Australian equivalent of a guardian ad litem, and got the equivalent of a golden ticket into everything when I said “he’s a complete fuckhead”. Lawyers and judges there were genuinely delightful, but there was a great deal more formality than I’m accustomed to – they’re wearing robes and ruffles, and some courts still have people in wigs.
The next day, I had a lovely guided walking tour of the city, and found it to be really attractive, lots of really well-done graffiti.
The city is delightfully picturesque, about half the size of Chicago.
AC/DC sprung from here.
This is the first Banksy I saw in real life, and has been unmolested for decades.
eclare
That is some creative graffiti!
waspuppet
Maybe, but the Bon Scott memorial statue in Fremantle is actually quite touching (even if a certain spot on it is worn quite smooth from fondling). Somehow it really evokes the ambition of a kid from the docks.
Anyway I was in Melbourne this (US) spring and I loved it. We stayed in North Fitzroy and found it hip yet shaggy and breathable. Mrs. waspuppet is Australian and we very well may retire there.
Viva BrisVegas
@waspuppet: AC/DC were from Sydney. Bon Scott spent part of his childhood in Melbourne, but was raised in Fremantle, a Perth suburb.
I suspect that part of the reason the band got an alley named for them was that they filmed the video for “It’s a Long Way To the Top” not far away in Swanston Street.
Happy Canada Day to all our fellow Commonweathians.
Albatrossity
Melbourne does seem to be a lovely city. My one time there was i n August (mid-winter) and so the birds were not as numerous as they would be 2-3 months later. Someday I’d love to see it in October!
Jack Canuck
Melbourne’s been my home for nineteen years now, since I moved here from Vancouver to do my PhD. Every place has it’s downsides of course, but I feel pretty lucky to live here.
Nelle
I was nervous about the Melbourne hook turn before I went, but once I saw it, it made a certain kind of sense. I planned my routes to avoid needing to do it, though.
Steve in the ATL
Has everyone watched Rake, the greatest lawyer show ever to some from that hemisphere? Highly recommended! Obviously, from my description of it.
Steve in the ATL
@Nelle: is that like a Michigan left, where you drive past your turn then use a special lane to make a u-turn so you can then turn right where you you could have taken a left a few minutes before? Super efficient!
Trivia Man
Someday i hope to catch the Footy at MCG. I feel like i know some of the neighborhoods just from the AFL team names and fans.
First time i can recall seeing Melbourne pics that didn’t include a shot of the light rail – is it useful transport or just a gimmick?
MelissaM
I missed the Banksy! Pretty cool that it’s left to exist and degrade.
Steve in the ATL
@Viva BrisVegas: is this a controversial take? I have seen AC/DC with Brian Johnson as lead singer and again after he was replaced by Axl Rose. Like all decent people, I have hated Axl Rose for years, but…the truth is he was better than Brian. Never saw them with Bon Scott as I am not *that* old.
Deputinize America
@Steve in the ATL:
Rake is fantastic. He’s funny, corrupt, brilliant and stupid all in one person.
Steve in the ATL
@Deputinize America: we should also warn people to skip the last season!
BretH
Love the graffiti photos. I recall seeing the amazing displays on my trip there.
Toesinthesand
@Steve in the ATL: Absolutely loved, loved, loved RAKE! A little slow in parts but man it was hilarious and smacked my gob.
Xavier
@Steve in the ATL:. The hook is where you pull off to the (left, because Australia) and then swing across a gap in traffic for a right turn. (As if driving on the wrong side of the road isn’t terrifying enough…)
pieceofpeace
Visited Melbourne in 2010 and loved it. My son and family (wife is Australian) moved to a small town north of Sydney a week ago, so I’m envisioning trips to Melbourne when visiting them over the next 5-10 years. Nice to hear I can have a laydown!
Whomever
@Steve in the ATL: The reason is the trams. Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world. And the law is…you are in a car, and a tram rear ends you? Well tough, your fault. The hook turn is when you go to the left most lane [Australia drives on the left] and turn from there so you don’t block the trams.
BTW Sydney has a similar thing with it’s ferries [one of the largest ferry system in the world]. Normally under the law of the sea sailing ships have right of way but the ferries have an orange diamond on their mast that again means, any collision it’s YOUR fault.