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I Love Melbourne ... let me count the ways

Debra Templar-Group - Thursday, October 01, 2009
 coffee cup  
   
Last weekend I had four friends from Queensland come to Melbourne for one of my friend's (my favourite Aunty actually... hello Barbara!!) 60th birthday.   The coldest August day in 30 years, hail, rain, miserable weather ... or so we were told.  And, then, lo and behold clear days (cool, true) and not so very bad.

Friday night:  Off to Carpark Cafe in Kew for tapas.  Two Charlies were their usual friendly, hospitable selves - spoiled the guests!
Saturday:  So, while I toddled off to Sydney to speak at a convention (up and back in the same day... return flight cancelled - ANOTHER story) they went and explored Melbourne.  Managed to get on a tram, figured out the payment system for 4 and then were mesmerised by a friendly woman, a university professor apparently, who recognised they were 'out of towners' and proceeded to tell them about what they were passing, the history of the buildings, tales of the town, and which stop to get off and where to go (as it were).  They walked the city, fell in love with the cafes tucked away in the laneways, visited Vic Market and eventually got back home. 
It appeared I'd be late.  But thanks to Qantas I got back to Melbourne in time for us to catch a stretch limo to Neil Perry's Rockpool Bar & Grill  at Crown for dinner.  If you haven't been there - GO.   From the moment you walk in, the welcoming feel, friendly staff, relaxed ambience enfolds and embraces you.  We sat near the window, overlooking the river with regular fiery gas bursts into the heavens (our very own fire breathing dragons), started with french champagne and then ate manna from heaven.  Warm, friendly, professional service by all - STUNNING food.  Back out to our limo and off home.
Sunday:  Time to shop.  Ishka Bridge Road Richmond.   Different stuff that delights.  Two staff members who not only remember returning customers but welcome new ones and share their delight at working 'in such a great shop!'  Great fun.
Then off the Maling Road, Canterbury and first stop Darriwill Farm.  Nancy met us with a chilled bottle of sparkling white asking whether we'd like a glass.  YES PLEASE!    The shopping began ....
Some of us were a tad pooped, so we went and had a coffee while others of us continued shopping.  Eventually we had to go and manhandle them out of the shops - TIME TO EAT!!!!   Off we went for gnocchi and linguini - where else but CarPark Cafe?!
My visitors loved Melbourne.  Here are some of their comments:  "a different world:", "people are sooo friendly", "lovely", "quaint", "divine", "when can we come back?" "love the tucked away cafes", "WOW!"
Melbourne:   Well done.  This is why I love you.

Debra Templar


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   Over the past 20 something years I have gained many skills and worked with fabulous people! I am a retail enthusiast, keynote speaker, consultant and business coach, trainer, author and 'doer'.
Debra Templar: www.thetemplargroup.com.au   www.twitter.com/debratemplar   wwww.linkedin.com/DebraTemplar