(said in the rich and lamenting tones of Barry Humphries) It was a city without bollards to protect us from those who commit murders with cars, a city with trams only 15 metres long and not 35 metres. A city where there would be a couple of greasy cafes or pubs to eat at. A city without too much colour and movement. If fact a city where you could fire a cannon down the main street on a public holiday and not hit anyone. I suppose I don't want to go back to the time, but I do miss the quiet, grey and staid Melbourne of old.
In Myer we gave up trying to get a lift to the sixth floor. They just constantly filled as they arrived, so we used the escalators instead. People were supervising both the lifts and the escalators and while it was crowded, it was all quite safe. We bought next year's boxed Christmas cards, at half price. I spotted this one and thought you might like it Maribeth.
We bought a new set of towels, bath mats and hand towel, also half price. Enough. We battled our way out of Myer and through the crowds in Lonsdale Street to QV. R bought a case for his new tablet at the big blue stationary shed. Pity it couldn't earlier supply the new tablet.
I forgot to post a photo of our Christmas tree. It gets smaller and less decorated each year. Step Mother was the only person to see it.
Christmas Eve we went into the city to see the lights. You have seen the tree earlier in the daylight. Handsome bearded man, your noggin is in my way of my shot.
Better to sit outside at Transport Bar and take photos from there.
There were crowd controllers at both Federation Square and Melbourne Town Hall.
Yes Copperwitch, I did buy that Klimt vase from Peters of Kensington. But look what our Friend in Japan sent us! And the wrapping was so beautiful. I expect I will be well over Klimt by the end of the year.
New bollards outside Flinders Street Station, protecting us here at least, but there are lots of weak spots and it is impossible to to erect protection everywhere. I liked the simple use of rocks not taller than half a metre in Barcelona.
You are much braver than I am. Crowds do my head in (further).
ReplyDeleteLoved those colourful sights you captured for us.
EC, we won't be doing it next year, that is for sure.
DeleteEnjoyed the set of photos. People have certainly changed the times.
ReplyDeleteYes, have been out and about on Boxing Day and enjoy it..not many people in our shopping area this year plenty in the city.
Margaret, your city is still reasonably peaceful. It's a long time since we have been to Hobart. I wonder what it is like there now.
DeleteShould imagine Hobart would be busy as more people.
Delete"If you took every non Anglo looking person off the street, we would be back in a more peaceful and quieter Melbourne, a nicer Melbourne". Good grief
ReplyDeleteBadly put perhaps Hels, but you understand what I mean. I might just edit that.
DeleteIt's too bad we have to even THINK of such things as being protected by bollards. Sometimes I wish for a simpler time.
ReplyDeleteWhimsy, it is very unfortunate, but that is the time we are living in. Come the great world peace.......
DeleteOh, I absolutely love the Christmas Cards!I have some dachshund ones, but they are not nearly that cute!
ReplyDeleteLove your tree and the decorations and those about town.
I thought about going out today, but quite honestly, I feel finished with shopping for a while!
Maribeth, you did have a pretty full on day. Good to have a restful one.
DeleteI like that gold bauble very much. I avoid Boxing Day shopping as much as possible. I know there are bargains to be had, but if I don't need what's on offer, I'd rather stay home. I did have to walk to my local Woolies for milk and was glad they had chosen to open. Without the milk I would have had to drink tea and I really, really wanted my morning coffee.
ReplyDeleteI didn't put up a tree, but now that Christmas is over I see a couple of small areas where I could possibly fit a very small tree. Maybe next year.
River, yes, just a small tree is nice. But will Lola like it?
DeleteWe'll find out next Christmas.
DeleteSydney empties out this week, as people head up or down the coast. A very nice place to be with fewer people around. What happens in Melbourne? Do you end up with more people due to the cricket?
ReplyDeleteJames, aside from around suburban shopping centres and the shopping area in the city, it lovely and quiet, with little traffic and everyone on a slow and relaxed pace. I suppose here the equivalent would be people heading down either side of Port Phillip bay. You are staying in Sydney this year? It didn't make a difference to us on digital, but there was a switching problem for Grandstand this morning. Usual national broadcasting issues, I suppose. PS I am looking for evidence of more local NSW news than appropriate 😜
DeleteHow are you going in this heat???
ReplyDeleteFine Lady J. 22 inside here, thanks to aircon. Went out this morning and it wasn't too hot here, but once we left the tram in Prahran, it felt much hotter. Bruch, Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Dan's and home and not been out since. Little Jo coming tomorrow.
DeleteHaving watched "Victoria" on public TV, I now know for whom staid Melbourne was named.
ReplyDeleteForsythia, it was a good show, and you are quite correct, Lord Melbourne.
DeleteNot keen on the crowds out shopping on Boxing day either.
ReplyDeleteThat Christmas bauble is pretty, there is a similar one in Lisbon and I saw one in Manila too. Nice light show on those buildings :)
Sami, it was hard work to shop. We won't do it again. I expect there are many similar decorations around the world.
DeleteAre you nuts going out on Boxing Day? I would never dare at home. Here in Mexico it was just a busy day at the market.
ReplyDeleteJackie, while the city was bearable, there was no way I would go to the suburban malls.
DeleteBoxing day only exists in the UK ! Many European countries have the shops closed on the 26 and it's a day off. In Belgium "sales" start at January 2nd, so for the moment you only see people window shopping, taking notes of the prices and will storm the shops in January. Not for me !! I only go if I need something ! Hate being in a shopping crowd ! Beautiful pictures !
ReplyDeleteOk Gattina, Boxing Day is big here, a hangover from Britain and is also a public holiday. I think I would prefer Belgium's way of doing things.
DeleteThat would be a nightmare for me. I can think of little else worse than going out shopping on Boxing Day. I really don't understand people's desire to do so.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing I need that badly that couldn't wait. And as for food supplies...I have enough here to last me and my two furry rascals until 2020!! Yes...2020...not just 2019. :)
But...as I've said many times before...we're all different...which is probably a good thing! :)
Lee, you are prepared for Armageddon by the sound of it.
DeleteWow. The city centre looks very pretty. Pity I'm usually in Canberra and miss the festivities in Melbourne.
ReplyDeleteAd Rad, viewed through the glass of a Corona bottle at Transport Bar, the city did look nice. Hope you are not cooking hot where you are.
DeleteBeautiful photos, make me sad Christmas is over for the year. My tree is still up, maybe I'll take it down next week. I love your beautiful tree.
ReplyDeleteThanks Strayer. I would like to take the decs down the day after Boxing Day, but Household Management decrees they stay up until the new year.
Delete