I neglected to display the Lemingtons and coconut lemon slices (as well as a bonus cheescake) that I bought at David Jones department store . They were a tasty treat happily shared with Carey, Veronic, and Carey’s lodger, Peter.

This is a statue of Captain Cook that stands outside of St. Paul’s Cathedral which is across from the uber modern Federation Square and historic Flinders Satation - an intersection that consolidates the range of architectural waves in Melbourne. Some gulls have no respect. This was the rendezvous point for my second meet-up with Mike Vitale and one of his seeing-eye puppies. Sushi for lunch (we both agreed that the Urban Spoon review was better than the reality) and more garden walking int he rain.

By mid-afternoon I was back on my own to wander and snap some more. The performing arts center in the same part of town.

The cafe behind the performing arts center. I’m not the only one who enjoys the photographic opportunity it presents.

Architectural design elements.

Self-explanatory. Melbourne is making huge efforts to conserve water in its vast gardens and municipal buildings. There is a lot of signage explaining various recycling systems installations, and gray water irrigation.

New Orelans?!? Saw amazing ironwork like this on a couple of streets. Some of these same houses had stained glass designs in their windows, too.

I finally learned that the collars I see on many of the trees are desgned to keep opossums from climbing up and destroying the trees. Apparently they are quite an urban pest, though I still haven’t seen one. They are nocturnal, and dark happens later than I am usually out in the gardens. Carey and I went to see Shakespeare in the Park last night (Romeo and Juliet - fun production) and walked home though opossu habitat, but didn’t see any furry critters. During the show, though, we did see dozens of enormous bats that flew in and out of an adacent tree and squeaked up a storm. Very cool!

This is a fig tree that has taken root in the crux of a gum tree. This climate is amazing. It was very drizzly all morning, and comfortably cool (I had to wear jeans and a jacket at the play), but promises to be quite warm (low 30’s °C) again today. Melbourne prides itself as having “four seasons in a day” on a regular basis. I’m not convinced that’s any more true here than in Boston or Philadelphia or the Adirondacks.

Off this morning to meet the crew for my first Earthwatch Expedition. If internet is available, I will keep you posted.