Its been a while since I’ve been in my old city. A long time since I lived here and quite a while since I’ve visited. My kids live in Melbourne now – both in Northcote. When I last lived in Northcote it was just outside the fringe; Fitzroy was still the happening place. Further down along the tram tracks you entered a more suburban environment. No bars or groovy cafes there. Now things have changed. And then some. High Street Northcote is abuzz with bars and cafes and great little shops and lots of wine shops stocking interesting, reasonably-price wines to try. I did.
Dogs are a part of inner-city (just outer-city?) life. Everyone seems to have a four-legged beast beside them at the many outdoor tables along the street. Mia, my Iggy, was in fine company – well attended to with water and treats provided by the friendly staff. Ah Melbourne. It’s the civilised city where bars and licensed cafes are open all hours. Try finding a place to have a drink and a bite to eat after 2.30pm in Sydney or Brisbane. Sorry, you’ll have to wait till 5.00pm when they re-open again. As for Sundays and Mondays. Sorry: we’re closed. Sigh. It doesn’t make for good city wandering when you’re out and about not doing much just wanting a drink and bite to eat.
I love Melbourne. It has presence. Gravitas. And its funky. Its my kind of town.
tania j layden 