Melbourne Menagerie IV: Market Melee

Saturday was reserved for the Queen Victoria Market. It was only mum, sis and I as my bro-in-law went to the Melbourne Zoo for their African animal exhibits. For the first time, we boarded the City Circle Tram, an old style tram that runs around the perimeter of the CBD for free. A very touristy thing with a pre-recorded guided tour of virtually every tram stop (a tram stop is usually just somewhere in the middle of a road). Walking from the stop near William Street (it's great having a street named after you), we passed by the Flagstaff Gardens and arrived at the market in no time (but we later discovered that it was faster to walk from Flinders Street). QVM is actually just like Jatujak Market in Bangkok, only less dense, less chaotic and a more pleasant place to shop due to the cool weather. Standard wares-- souveniers, Ugg boots (warm-looking, fugly boots), other sheep fur products, clothes, crafts, food, fresh produce (this is what makes food in Melbourne so delicious!), cheeses (fantastic variety), meats (mouth-watering), seafood and flowers. The wet market section is a far cry from what we see in Malaysia. The floor is actually dry, no unpleasant odour, air-conditioning and the stalls look just like something out of a hypermarket! I also noticed that the wholesalers at the produce section are usually Chinese. The pasar is in their blood?

Melbourne20090421

All things were fine and dandy until we wanted to leave the market. My sister suddenly noticed that she had left her knapsack at a stall that we stopped at earlier. She was in a state of panic as her passport was in there. Fortunately, my sense of direction was working that day and I managed to find the stall. Cold sweat in the autumn air. Quite an unforgettable experience dashing around the place like mad people. We went home quite pooped. In the evening, I went out poking around Fed Square again. Dinner was home-cooked, with more of Cole's ham, sausages, pasta and pasta sauce. Also had some churro (Spanish doughnut) dipped in caramel. Light, crispy and fragrant, but too bad it's sinfully fried and powdered with castor sugar. And you know what? Ang moh line up for doughnuts as well. **roll eyes**

Melbourne20090422

Comments

Thanks for sharing this post. Melbourne has lot to offer to traveller making it the ideally liveable places on earth. Don't miss Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum, IMAX theatres, Hochgurtel Fountain. The statuette of Queen Victoria and the widely featured floral clock is a must visit in Victoria Gardens.
.:: Ant ::. said…
Loved the market as well. Remember my best cuppa and cake from that Greek cafe near the market, can't remember the name tho'. Best-est homemade tiramisu I've ever had!Wonder whether it's still there?

+Ant+
Bengbeng said…
It is fortunate u got the passport back. If not, big big problem
William said…
@MelTrav:
I missed all of that! Thanks for the tip.

@Ant:
I was at a Greek cafe outside, but not nice!

@BB:
Yeah loh. Thank goodness! Adrenaline was very high!

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