Konted's Make My Day 2: swanston st

Sunday, 15 November 2020

Marvelous Melbourne

Marvelous Melbourne

** Late posting

Written in January, 2020, before pandemic days...

I was standing at the corner of Elizabeth St. and Bourke St., looking at the old General Post Office (GPO). I was impressed with its Neo Classical design and started taking photos. As I was about to make the first click, trams blocked my view. I had to do it again, and this time, it was successful.

The General Post Office, the Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston St. and the Parliament House on Spring St., like other old buildings in the city proper, were built at the height of the Gold Rush. With it were the tram network and the train linkages.

The discovery of gold in the goldfields region of Victoria in the 19th century catapulted Melbourne City to the top, making it the world's richest city. It held on to the title for quite some time. And it was aptly called Marvelous Melbourne. One can imagine the grandeur that was Melbourne which is still evident to this day.

It is not surprising that I am always mesmerized, continuously taking pictures as I go around the city. As I have said before, my interest has not waned. Not even a bit.

And as I explore, I learn.

- KONTED

The former General Post Office was built in 1867. It stands at the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke streets at Melbourne's Central Business District. It is the reference point when measuring the distance of a particular town or place.

The old General Post Office building now houses H & M retail store.

Starting its operation in 1885, Melbourne's tramway network consists of 493 trams servicing 24 routes.

Melbourne boasts of having the largest and most efficient tram network in the whole world.

Elizabeth St. at Melbourne's Central Business District

An Alfa Romeo catches the fancy of passersby.

I can't find the keys.

Lamborghini Aventador parked near Elizabeth St.

Built in the 19th century, the St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral is on Flinders and Swanston streets.

The St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral is diagonally across Flinders Train Station.

The St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral is a famous architectural landmark of Melbourne. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Melbourne.

Built in 1884, Hotel Windsor is historic as the Constitution of Australia was drafted here in 1898.

Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building on Carlton Gardens. Built in 1880, it was the first building in Australia to be awarded UNESCO world heritage status.

The House of Parliament on Spring St. It is the seat of power of the State of Victoria.

Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston St. and Collins St.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market opened in 1878.

Boomerangs sold at Queen Victoria Market

Didgeridoo is a wind instrument. It is sold at Queen Victoria Market and at other souvenir shops.

This old van has been selling American Doughnuts at the Queen Victoria Market since 1950.

The Australian Open is the first of four (4) Grand Slam tournaments to be played every year.

Located at Melbourne Park, the Rod Laver Arena is the main venue of the Australian Open.

Near the Rod Laver Arena is the Margaret Court Arena where exciting tennis matches are held during the Australian Open.

Shown here is the legendary Roger Federer practicing at the Margaret Court Arena during the 2020 Australian Open in Melbourne.

Closer shot of Roger Federer practicing with his back hand at the Margaret Court Arena

Crowd watching Roger Federer practicing at the Margaret Court Arena during the 2020 Australian Open. He is well loved by Australians.

As always , Roger Federer is darling of the crowd.

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Sunday, 7 June 2015

The Horse-Drawn Carriages Of Melbourne

The Horse-Drawn Carriages Of Melbourne

Near the corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Street, at Melbourne's Central Business District, are parking slots reserved for horse-drawn carriages. Promenaders and mere passersby usually mill around these carriages which have become tourist attractions themselves. They pose and have their pictures taken.

Though not as endowed as racehorses that compete in the prestigious Melbourne Cup and not as strong as Clydesdale work horses, the horses that pull the carriages are pretty enough to lure visitors to try these Melbourne carriage rides. With colorful feathers as decors, the horses are well-groomed and the carriages are well-maintained.

For $100, the horse-drawn carriages can be hired for a one-half hour sight seeing tour of the city. For $200, you can extend it to one hour. Some of those holding the horses' reins are lady drivers. Sightseeing tour includes passing by picturesque places such as Queen Victoria Gardens, King's Domain, Royal Botanical Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament, Old Treasury Building and other interesting places.

There is one particular group, however, that is asking authorities to ban these horse-drawn carriages as the members consider the use of horses as cruelty to animals. But many do not agree. To the contrary, the horses are well kept, well fed and the activity does not require too much physical effort. It is not that strenuous. Meanwhile, Melbourne's horse-drawn carriages continue to rake in money as they remain as top tourist attractions. And, certainly, these pretty horses will continue galloping on the principal streets of the city in the years to come.

- Konted