A trip to Melbourne to see Evita the musical
This was my fourth visit to Melbourne in the last two years and on this occasion it was to see Evita the musical so as usual I took the opportunity to stay a couple of days longer to enjoy this fabulous city.
I stayed at The Langham in a lovely room with access to the Club Lounge. I hadn’t stayed at this hotel before but my friends Ray and Natalie and I wanted to stay close to where Evita was playing so we could walk to and from the venue so The Langham is what we chose. It was a very lovely hotel with a beautiful foyer area and as it was December it was decorated with a huge Christmas tree and decorations.Every morning I would get up early and go for a walk along the Yarra River for about an hour, return to the hotel and after getting ready, pop upstairs to the Club Lounge for breakfast. whilst looking out over the city and the Yarra.
On my first day I walked to Brunswick Street in Fitzroy [I had done this on a previous visit so knew my way] walking past lovely tree lined streets and outdoor cafes and restaurants. It was about a forty-five minute walk and I had a list of vegan restaurants and cafes I had been given by a friend. I love the interesting buildings and terrace homes of Melbourne and in particular Brunswick Street so took the opportunity to snap a few photos.Smith & Daughters was the first restaurant to visit on my list but unfortunately it was only open for dinner on the day I was there. I had bought their cookbook on advice from my same friend and it’s great but recipes are a little too complicated for me especially with me not being a cook of any sorts!!The next restaurant I wanted to see was Tranformer which as its website says is ‘innovative plant based dining’ but by this time I was very hungry and had plans to eat at The Vegie Bar as the menu looked fantastic so continued walking. I arrived at number 380 Brunswick Street (The Vegie Bar) and saw there was a cafe next door called Girls & Boys which serves plant based desserts including ice cream/ gelato/smoothies/doughnuts and lots of other wonderful sweet things. I really could have eaten everything but decided to just buy a bar of vegan chocolate as I didn’t want to spoil my lunch.
Veggie Bar was definitely worth the wait. Communal wooden tables and a wonderful menu of both hot and cold dishes. And…santa clause sitting on a half moon near the roof!! I ordered a laksa with tofu and vegetables and a sparkling mineral water. The laksa was so good but incredibly filling I only could eat half.The next evening my friends Ray and Natalie arrived from Canberra. I was having an alcohol free month so whilst they enjoyed some champagne in the Club Lounge I had some mineral water and again enjoyed the views over the Yarra River.When the club closed we went downstairs for a late snack, a glass of scotch for Ray and Nat and a refreshing mocktail for me in the bar area of the hotel.I woke up early again the next morning and took another stroll along the river followed by a walk around Melbourne city where I saw some interesting street art and also happened upon a lovely little Welsh church against a backdrop of a very modern building. It was nice to see the church as having dual citizenship it brought back lovely memories of my birthplace.I always like to visit my favourite book store [Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller] where many years ago I bought a First Folio {first edition} of William Shakespeare’s plays; beautifully blue leather bound in their own case. Melbourne is known for its shopping especially its high end shops. Cartier being just one which was decorated for Christmas along with huge baubles hanging from trees and other wonderful displays of the festive season.It was then time to see the musical as it was the main reason we had come to Melbourne…glad I saw it but not one of my favourite productions. But a visit to Melbourne is always worth my time!!
Little Miss Traveller said:
Melbourne looks just my sort of city and I enjoyed your tour along the riverfront and on the city streets. Hopefully, I’ll get there one of these days!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gaz said:
Would you believe I’d reading this while sitting in a hotel restaurant in Melbourne.
About 15 years ago I was a guest of a pharmaceutical company for meeting and spent a couple of nights at the Langham. It was such a fancy experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Emma Cownie said:
All looks great (especially those cakes) and Melbourne looks like an interesting, arty city.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Gail’s Snapshotsincursive said:
Gorgeous photos. 👀🍃
LikeLiked by 1 person
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
You would definitely love it Marion. Good hotels and so much for you to do and see especially museums.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
No way. That’s too funny you are in Melb. I liked the Langham. Even bought the room spray as I loved the smell throughout the hotel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
I think you would have a field day painting there Emma.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks so much Gail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
joliesattic said:
Oh, it seems lovely. One day I’d like to visit. Thanks for such a lovely post.
I got to see Evita with Patti Lupone many, many years ago.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
And thank you for reading. I do hope you get to visit along with Sydney and a quick visit to Canberra.
LikeLiked by 1 person
joliesattic said:
Me too! my nephew in law is from one of the big cities but I can never remember which one. He promises to show me around one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Emma Cownie said:
Oh yes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinneve said:
Lot’s of quirky buildings! I think I remember the building about books as I recall looking at it from the bus with my little boy that time. Will be in Melbourne in July yes already in our plans and so perhaps we can meet there if ever?
LikeLike
Amy said:
Beautiful photos, Sue! Thank you for the fabulous tour of Melbourne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lignum Draco said:
A great sounding trip. I do enjoy Fitzroy and the street art. My favourite cafe in Fitzroy is Archie’s All Day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you Amy. Very glad you liked them.
LikeLike
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Ah good to know. Shall look at that one next time I visit.
LikeLike
Lignum Draco said:
There was an article in the New York Times “Is the World’s Best Croissant Made in Australia?” It’s about Lune Croissanterie in Fitzroy, but go before midday or they sell out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Wow!!
LikeLike
Edward Tan said:
I also watched the musical in HK!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mel • Your Travel Handbook said:
I love Melbourne! I have been a few times already and hope to go back again later this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks for stopping by. Like you I love Melbourne too. A fabulous older to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person