We are back at our hotel for a short rest before heading back out for the evening. When we got up this morning we inquired at the desk about the room safe that was supposed to be in our wardrobe. Well it wasn't there so they opted to change rooms for us. This meant packing up our things and they would settle us into another room. So we got a little later start than we had planned but we feel much better knowing our things are locked up. An added bonus at this hotel is free Internet and fast downloads. That means I have been able to send pictures right from our room.
Today we did some sightseeing around Melbourne. The hardest part was trying to figure out the tram system. We ate breakfast at a small cafe along Swanston St. Then we found our way to the visitor center to figure out which tram to take to the zoo. We stood at one location for awhile and then figured out we needed to go the opposite way on the tram. The trams are an adventure as you often have to stand in the middle of the road waiting for your tram. To make things even more complicated, trams always have the right of way and pedestrians must yield to them. If you dared to drive here, within the city center, and you wanted to make a left right hand turn, you would have to get in the far left lane and wait till the light turns amber, then and only then are you allowed to turn.
We went to the Melbourne zoo. Our goal was to see some of the Australian animals, namely kangaroos and koalas. We got to see both although the koala exhibit was every small. This zoo is the oldest in the world. The animal are placed in environments that replicate their natural habitat and not necessarily in cages. There was one kangaroo who sure liked to pose...reminded us of someone relaxing and watching their favorite sporting event. Koalas are very passive as they generally sleep 20 hours a day and tend to be more nocturnal. We only saw one koala and she slept most of the time we were there. We went back late ron during the presentation and she was more awake but tended to just stay in the same tree.
From there we headed to Queen Victoria Market but they were closing when we got there. Sarah we got to see the University of Melbourne....we first remarked on the design of the building and then realized where we were. From there we did some navigating to St. Patrick's Cathedral. After seeing the Cathedral in Sydney, this was a bit of a disappointment, especially after walking by St. Paul's Anglican Church. However the church,s design and history are remarkable. The gardens of the church were pretty impressive. They actually have stones marked with the stations of the cross. Tomorrow we will go to mass at St. Patrick's.
Well we are back to the hotel have unpacked and ready to hit the streets again. Will write more later.
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