How to Stay Awake in Melbourne

Esme’s flight was due in at 6am. Like when my sister visited, I was keen to get up despite the early hour. I got an Uber to the airport, opting for a Pool in case anyone nearby was heading that way too. We were supposed to pick someone up on route, but after a few circles in the CBD, me attempting to navigate using my phone’s GPS, the other passenger ended up cancelling.

When I arrived at international arrivals, I saw the list of incoming flights and their status. Even when Esme landed, I had no idea how long it might take her to pass through customs. Keen to be ready to welcome her when she passed through the gates, I stood opposite them, behind the little fence, welcome sign half-poised in my grip. My attention wandered, and when the automatic doors parted a revealed a familiar face, I was almost shocked. Esme was here!

We hugged over the barrier, and then ran down the sides of it to meet at the exit. She was here! Even after ten months apart, it just felt normal to have her by my side as we got an Uber to our hostel and began our first day in Melbourne together.

We dropped off Esme’s belongings at the hostel, and then headed out to find some breakfast. We stayed at the Nunnery in Fitzroy, an old - surprise - nunnery that has since been converted to house backpackers from around the world. Just outside of the CBD, Fitzroy has its own cool character and lots going on. It also has a large array of vegan food options. We went to Smith & Deli, a shop on Cambridge Street. We were amazed at all the options there; sandwiches, salads, cakes, and more. We had breakfast sandwiches with coffees and chatted as we ate. Our entire day was filled with catching up. Although we’ve talked a lot over the past year, there was of course still so much to say.

After eating, we explored Fitzroy, weaving in and out of fashion stores like Gorman and Princess Highway, allured by bright patterns and sweeping fabrics. We admired the architecture of the buildings, the character that oozed from them. Next we headed to Melbourne Museum, where we paid $15 entrance to explore the array of exhibits. We spent a while wandering the Forest gallery, admiring the plants and their names. We saw the First Peoples and Dinosaur exhibitions, and ran quickly from the Bugs Alive. Esme didn’t need to get close to the Australian insects right away!

After exhausting the museum, including the shop, we decided we needed a burst of energy, so I took Esme to Yo-chi. I’ve mentioned the chain before, as my friends and I went often in Adelaide. We filled pots with frozen yoghurt and topped them with fruit and treats from the bar. It was a warm and sunny day (in Melbourne!) and the refreshing coolness was exactly what we needed. We had energy to continue our day, and headed into the CBD.

There, we explored the beautiful state library, which I’d fallen in love with last time I was in Melbourne. We appreciated the huge domed ceiling and dark wooden desks, lit with green lamps. We wandered the exhibition that surrounded the dome, sharing observations both on and off topic as we went. 

Next, we saw some of the laneway’s iconic street art, on places like ACDC Lane and Hozier Lane. We were clocking up the step count as the day wore on.

Late afternoon, we returned to the hostel to officially check Esme into the room. Once done, we popped out to Coles to buy some food and other essentials that Esme hadn’t brought with her. Back again, we went to the Sausage Sizzle the hostel was hosting, for a free vegan sausage in bread, with ketchup and onions. A classic Australian fare to welcome Esme to the country! We snacked on some foods we’d bought, too. 

With full stomachs and tired eyes, we soon headed to bed. After powering through the whole day, Esme was in pretty good stead to beat the jet lag quickly. Which was good, because we had some jam-packed days ahead...