Description

20 April 2020 (During 1st Melbourne Lock-down)

I decided to escape the hotel room yesterday to do some exercise in the park. I took a tram back in the FREE-TRAM-ZONE and this beauty happened to be the first one that pulled in. The two interior photos of the tram were taken as the tram passed through MELBOURNE CENTRAL. I’d say these trams would normally be packed but because of COVID-19 lock-down I got a very special treat- I had the tram to myself for the entire 10-minute-trip as it ambled back to Southern Cross Train Station. This fully-restored 1950’s tram is a tourist tram with a commentary pointing out prominent Melbourne landmarks and tourist attractions. I got to my destination and didn’t want to get off! … Now come to think of it, I don’t know why I did! It was Sunday- I should stayed on and continued enjoying myself. The commentary was brilliant- there are so many places to see in Melbourne and yesterday I found out quite a few I never knew existed! If you’re ever in Melbourne or even if you live here, a ride on one of these trams is a must.

This is what I love so much about Melbourne- there are so many things to do and the best things in life are normally free. I doubt I’ll ever forget this trip and it cost me absolutely nothing!

The other rare treat yesterday was 5 minutes of sunshine whilst I was exercising in the park! I think the 5 minutes of sun was just as special as my ride on this tram! When in Melbourne, I’ve learnt to take the sun when I can get it because it never lasts long. The long bleak days (especially in winter) are the times I yearn to get back “home” on the Sunny Coast. I often get back “home” after 4 weeks in Melbourne in the middle of winter and it feels like I’ve stepped onto another planet. Long, grey, drizzly days where the temperature often refuses to climb above 12 degrees and then hours later I’m back in the Sunshine Coast and the place always seems to live up to it’s name … especially in Winter. Long sunny days without a cloud in sight and temperatures that often reach 24 degrees in the middle of Winter!

2004