We first walked along the south side of the Yarra, past all the private school boathouses, watching all the school kids set out on their rowing classes. We walked through Southbank, across the walkbridge then down to the Melba Star where we sat and had our milk (OK...that was mainly Jessica). A group of old ladies - who were waiting for the Half-Tix counter to open - couldn't resist coming over and checking out Jessica. They thought she was just adorable, and then kept remarking that it was "just lovely to see the young fathers these days - they're just beautiful", adding (to me) and feigning total indignation, "Do you know that in your parents generation the fathers didn't lift a finger? I keep telling my husband 'you did nothin' - I did everything'. It's true! It's true! He didn't! Lazy so-and-so. I reckon you young dads are just soooo wonderful." Then they tottered off to see a show, giggling away as they went. Funny old ladies - I don't think they'd been drinking, either. Jessica loved the attention (which is obviously SO lacking otherwise!).
We then went along to Birrarung Marr, back up and along Flinders St to Federation Square, then up Swanston Street, across Collins, down Elizabeth (where we bought some rice crackers for Jessica and some Brunch bars for me!), then back along Flinders. Over the bridge to the Arts Centre we charmed an old lady who was busking operatically (again, it was mostly Jessica doing the charming, and I was just there to push m'lady's chariot). Past the Arts Centre and the Gallery, across to the Walker fountain and the Floral Clock, then up to King's Domain for some avocado, pear, cheese and apple (at least that's what Jessica had - it was the remaining Brunch bars for me). Then we walked to the Shrine of Remembrance, where Jessica fell asleep (I'll have a stern word with her about respect!), before we headed into the Botanical Gardens and sat on the lawns by the lake to have a post-sleep snack. A group of Japanese tourists who were passing by were admiring Jessica as she ate, and even asked to have a picture of the two of us (though I suspect they framed me out - unless of course they were doing more whale research). We then went back to the car and headed off to collect Mel.
From there we went down to St Kilda beach, where we walked along the pier, had a coffee and sandwich at the pier cafe, then walked back along the beach to Acland St. Luna Park was closed so we couldn't show that to Jessica, but we did give her a taste of our gelati from 7 Apples. Oddly, she didn't seem to love it (there's plenty of time to acquire that taste, and boundless opportunities to do so!). Headed back to the car and got home at about 7pm I think: a big day out (at least by our standards). Perhaps Bec & Vanessa did rub off on us with their recent visit? In any case, Jessica saw so much colour and movement and it was great fun for all of us, so we'll try to do something similar at least twice a month. I hope we can stick to that plan.
Here are a few snaps from our big day.
Matt
0 comments:
Post a Comment