A Melbournian Christmas

Tis the season to be jolly!

For Christmas this year we headed down to Melbourne to meet my parents who flew down from Brisbane. We spent 3 nights there Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day leaving on the Tuesday. Time passed us by so fast but we packed a lot into our short time there. It was a foodie adventure if anything.

We picked up Mum and Dad from the airport and headed to our hotel, Mantra on the Park off Victoria St. It was nicely located close to Lygon St, the CBD and the Queen Victoria Markets. The room we had selected was a two bedroom apartment and it was very nice and modern. The only thing stuck in the past was the bathrooms which need a bit of TLC. Other than that everything was great. We had a nice view over the city in both directions.

As soon as we were settled into the room we headed straight to the Queen Victoria Markets to see every stall shutting for Christmas. It was a quick rush around to see if anything was left. We got a few bargains but ended up having to visit Woolworths for a few last things for Christmas lunch.

That night we headed to Lygon St for dinner. The staff at La Scala had recommend an Italian Restaurant however it was closed so we ended up eating in a Tica Terra’s. It was delicious and great service. We then visited Koko Black, a chocalateria  Mum had her first ever belgium hot chocolate and loved it. Shaun devoured a blood orange ice chocolate and a peach and white chocolate cheesecake.

Christmas day began with present openings. I think Mum and Dad were blown away with the canvas’ from our trip together. We had a big spread of food for lunch including; roast beef, leg of ham, pumpkin & fetta salad, potato & caper salad, rocket & parmesan salad, tomato & boccocini salad, spicy rice salad and fruit cake. After our feast we spent the afternoon as most families do on Christmas day – having an afternoon siesta. There was more eating and then more sleeping. There was massive storms in the afternoon and hail – so in a way you could say we had a white Christmas.

Our Boxing Day involved what many others do on Boxing Day – braving the Boxing Day Sales. First off though we headed out to St Kilda for breakfast – it was DEVINE. We shopped around St Kilda and then headed back into the CBD for more shopping much to Shaun’s disgust.  We then made out way to Brunetti’s in Lygon St for a treat. Decadent. We headed to Crown Casino for a flutter and to see the movie, New Year’s Eve.

All to soon it was Tuesday time to go back to Griffith, Brisbane and the real world. We had breakfast in a little ally way off the Block Arcade and made our way to the airport. It is about 3 months till we will see my parents again at Easter before we leave Griffith and head Outback again.

We are now enjoying a break from work until the New Year before Vintage/Harvest get’s all hectic. It will be here and gone before we know it.

Bye for Now.