My mum and I at Changi Airport

The flight from Singapore to Melbourne took off from Changi Airport at about 9 pm (SIN time) and arrived in Melbourne at 5.45 am (MEL time). I managed the catch 2 and 4/5 of a movie and was so “blah” when the plane landed earlier than expected and I could not watch finish my 3rd movie – Babel. The other 2 movies were Blood Diamond and Pursuit of Happiness. all 3 movies were good.

At the arrival hall, there was the little doggies that belonged to the Quarantine Team that was brought out to smell the bags of the travelers for any illegal substances including food, drugs, etc.

The quarantine procedure was not really a hassle and we made it through customs in a jiffy. We were early and we waited at the airport for our “meet and greet” personnel to show up. It was supposed to be from Starbus Melbourne, arranged by our local travel agency (not Skyway) Accommodation Down Under. At about 7.20 am, we got onto the shuttle bus headed for our hotel. Starbus was in actual fact just a shuttle and not a meet and greet service, but since we were the first customer from ADU the arrangement for the trip was not as expected.

Melbourne International Airport

Hotel Enterprize, the 3 star hotel that we were staying at (self claimed 3 1/2 stars). Small little hotel, not very impressive, and I think my mum is not very happy with the conditions of the room that we got (a twin room). She is contemplating upgrading the room, but is unsure as she has yet to see the twin double deluxe (which is the room we will be staying in after our tour period. (Quick mention of the bad service of Skyway again … the room booked for us at the Hotel was a double room until we insisted that what was booked should have been a twin room with 2 beds as was made explicitly clear with Skyway in SIN.)

A quick nap in the hotel, as I was dead beat from the over night movie marathon on the plane. After which, we took the FREE City Tram to Queen Victoria Market and spent the next few hours shopping after our quick meal of Fish and Chips (which was HUGE!). There were alot of things, but the prices were all in Aussie dollars which made it a little steep when you compared it to Singapore or China. (Nothing beats shopping in China!)

Fish & Chips at Food Court, Queen Victoria Market

With little gifts in hand and fruits in the other, we left the market in search of food. We ended up at the hotel eating a single bowl of noodles as all the restaurants were closed at the odd time of 3.30 pm.

At Southern Cross Station and the DFO on Spencer St

We then walked out to the nearby Southern Cross Station and the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO, just opened in the city centre) for some shopping. I managed a little shops before the entire building closed at 6 pm. Yes, 6 pm! They do not cater for night shopping. =(

Went for a quick bite and then head back to hotel to rest. It had been a long day. My mum looks really tired. Perhaps from the lack of sleep the night before, perhaps from the long walks the entire day, perhaps from the lack of appropriate food for her to eat.

At Southern Cross Station

Anyway, Melbourne is a lovely city, clean and the weather now is so beautiful. The cool wind is lovely, though I think my mum feels really cold.

Tomorrow going to the Great Ocean Road. Got to wake up at about 6.30 am for the tour. =( BUT, for good scenery, anything!!!