Come with me to Docklands

I came to Melbourne on the train yesterday afternoon. I caught the 2:44 train from Ballarat, which was surprisingly (to me, at least) busy. I had expected it to be busy once it got to Melton or so, but it was quite full even when we got on at Ballarat - which is only the second stop.  One day I must take the train from Wendouree and see how busy the station there is.

It was only a short walk to my home for the weekend. Across the footbridge from the station and then a pleasant stroll along the waterfront.  I am staying on the opposite side of the river to where I usually go if I am in Docklands. It's not somewhere I know at all well and it's really rather nice. Lots of cafes and restaurants, shops, little supermarkets, a large Woolworths and BWS. My apartment is quite small but does well enough for a weekend. It remains to be considered if it would be large enough to live in permanently - although it is not furnished to maximise the space. Big, clumpy furniture doesn't showcase its possibilities. But it's comfortable enough and you can't fault the location

There is even a water "view" from
the good-sized balcony
(thought I think it might be built across,
judging by the cranes and building activity)

The landlord lives in the same building, but facing the river. She says she has lived in the Docklands area for 15 years and loves it here. She also says that this side of the river tends to be quieter and less lively than the other side. I don't really require lively as a general rule, and if I do, it's not a long walk and there is also a tram, should you be feeling lazy. Also, of course, the Melbourne CBD is just Over There.

Freyja and Simon met me for dinner in a local pizzeria

Freyja's photo

I must admit, I did wonder why the pizza looked as though it had had a slice taken out, until I remembered that it was Valentine's Day and the pizza had been shaped like a heart!

And then we went for an evening walk along the river:

There would be worse places to live (and I wouldn't need a car for most things that I would want to do)

Freyja and I are inspecting a few flats today, three on the New Quay side of the river and one on this side (Victoria Harbour). Will be interesting to have a potter around. But first - I need to get dressed and then go out and see if any of the coffee shops are open. This little bit of Docklands still seems to be mostly asleep. Almost none of the flats in the building opposite have their lights on and the street is very quiet