Sunday

I knew there was a fun run planned for yesterday. We had been warned that roads in Docklands would be closed, no trams or buses. The Bolte Bridge would also be closed.

None of this particularly affected me so I didn't pay much attention. I was planning to go out, but using the train rather than the trams.

So I was slightly surprised when I got up at just after 6 yesterday morning to observe people milling about outside the NAB building and along Harbour Esplanade. It was still properly dark at not quite 7:00 when there were lots of people moving around. The food stalls were serving up breakfast. The donut stalls weren't open yet but pretty much everything else was.

At about 7:15 a man deployed his loudspeaker and began commentating on the events. Very, very loudly. Even my noise cancelling headphones didn't entirely cancel him. And as is the way with sports commentators, when anything exciting happened, such as a race starting or finishing, he SHOUTED EVEN MORE LOUDLY. There may be a reason why I am not a big fan of sporting events!

I couldn't take any photos until it got light. All you could see was my reflection. But this is what was happening by around 8:00

 

By the time I left to meet Lindsey and Simon at the Alphington market, many of the races had finished and people were starting to party. There were lots and lots of people by the station. Lots of people picnicking along Harbour Esplanade. I wish we could have picnic tables along the esplanade when there aren't events happening.

There aren't usually this many
people on the walkway to
the station at 9:45 on Sunday mornings

I met Lindsey on the train and then Simon at the market. I am vegetabled up again. Lindsey and I had thought we might go to the flower show by the Exhibition Building but then decided to go back to our respective flats and offload the shopping, then to meet under the clocks at Flinders Street Station at 1:00 and go to the Bakery Show in Fed Square.

It was absolutely packed!

So we abandoned that idea and went to Southbank and had lunch in Sake.

Popcorn shrimp

We also had chicken karaage and roasted Brussels sprouts. I didn't bother taking a photo of the karaage. We've all seen it before. I had intended to get the roasted Brussels sprouts but got over excited and ate them before I remembered. Which is a pity because it was a very pretty plate. It was also very delicious.

Lunchtime view

Strolling along the river after lunch

Crossing the bridge and looking upstream

Everything had returned to normal by the time I got home. Nice and peaceful and quiet. It's amazing how quickly they manage to restore order after an event. It takes them a few days to set things up and only a matter of hours to take it all away.

Some people have commented that I seem to have dedicated myself to eating my way around Japan. I'm not sure why anyone would think this remarkable. It can't have escaped anyone's attention that I like food, and I like trying new foods. I have now resumed eating my way around Melbourne 😋🍲🥘. Although - I am going back to Japan towards the end of May so more Japanese eating opportunities will arise.

Bedtime: