More of Melbourne

Here are more photos of Melbourne, taken on Wednesday, before my first day of teaching.

St. Patrick's Cathedral:






















Spectacular mural on the side of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade building:









Australian coins:





State Houses of Parliament:






Princess Theatre:





State Library of Victoria:


St. George slaying the dragon (in front of the library):


Statue of Latrobe at the library (with pigeon on his head!):


Statue of Joan of Arc:


English-style pub:









Beautiful pastry shop:


Uggs store!








At QV Centre shopping complex:





Fitzroy Gardens:




















Captain Cook's Cottage:











The Fairies' Tree is an actual tree stump carved with scenes of fairies and native animals:





Headed back toward Paliament:

Australasian Quilt Convention - out and about in Melbourne

After a long flight to LA (5 hours, 15 minutes), and an even longer one to Australia (15 hours, 15 minutes), I arrived in Melbourne yesterday. I was thoroughly impressed with Quantas Airlines. I took a shuttle us and a taxi to my apartment near the Royal Exhibition Building, but found I couldn't check in until 3 pm, so I checked my bags and went out to wander.

(Please note: if photos are fuzzy, please click on them for a clearer view.)

This is where the convention will be held. It is a World Heritage site, and surrounded by the beautiful Carleton Gardens. The Melbourne Museum is next door.






This fountain has platypi peering over near the top, and is supported by merpeople!


Check out this fountain, topped by kangaroos:


The museum has a huge area filled with towering trees -- I can't wait to see inside. Australia has some amazingly wonderful, huge trees!















And many tropical plants and flowers.





The graffiti in this town is awesome.





















The old buildings, with elaborate ironwork, remind me of New Orleans.






















There is also lots of modern architecture that is very intriguing.





And wonderful, eclectic shops.