Melbourne

Melbourne | Jan 20–22

Melbourne is such a livable city—beautiful parks, separated walking/running/bike paths, free museums, stunning botanical gardens, and incredible food everywhere.

We spent a day exploring together, starting at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, where we were especially moved by Aboriginal bark paintings and spirit ancestor sculptures. From there we wandered through the graffiti laneways—part of Melbourne’s cultural identity since the 1980s—then walked to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for lunch by the lake, surrounded by lotus flowers and water lilies (with a gondolier drifting by).

The city was buzzing with the Australian Open, crews practicing on the river, and public viewing areas set up around town. That night we ate at Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar—counter seating, no prices posted, family-run, and perfect comfort food.

After a challenging audit and one last wander through Queen Victoria Market, we headed to the airport for New Zealand. Melbourne is a city I could truly live in.Read more