Heated up & relax
The day started with a very early morning call. Things needed urgent attention. Thus, I packed my things, skiped breakfast, got in position for the Uber down in the street and started the call. Half an hour later, I stepped into the car and hit for the train station, catching the train to Melbourne, this morning. I had to find out where I had to drop my luggage, first. Right. This morning … The train left at 7:40 AM. It took almost 12 hours to reach Melbourne. 11 and a bit were scheduled, but there are some tracks, where speed is limited and somewhere else, children played near the line, thus they also were ordered to slow down. Because of the delay, when we came ‘near’ Melbourne, other trains, which still went on schedule, got priority…
At lunch and for an a bit early dinner, the conductors came along to asked, who wanted a warm meal and which one of the menu. Took them an hour tp prepare all the meals. Then announced, you can collect it from the bufet car.
For the journey, I had prepared a whole list of to dos. For some, I had downloaded what I needed. But somehow, I expected to have wifi on the train or at least network coverage. Progress dies with assumptions. Not being (digital) connected forced me to relax. Not bad at all, with all the landscape passing by. Neat little train stations, mayor pastures, farms plotted in the fields, roling hills, forests and not much streams. Even saw my first kangaroos!
We just rolled into Melbourne on time for my second call this day.
It took more than half an hour with the taxi to reach my hotel. I know, it was on the outskirts of Melbourne, hadn’t realised, it was that far out of town. But I love it! I hear the birds, quite different noises than back home. There is a hiking path just around the corner to some wetlands. The mainstreet is a cute and vibrant row of restaurants, shops and bars, just next to the trainstation into town.
The “room” is a hugh suite, with even a jacuzzi in the bedroom. And this was about the only affordable option, here in Melbourne!
