A trip to Melbourne to see Evita the musical
(source: Herald Sun newspaper)
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!!
