“Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.” – author unknown
Melbourne opened up last Friday at 6pm, from the longest Lockdown in any country of the world (correct me if I’m wrong). Melbourne retail celebrated as if it was New Year… dining, drinking, hairdressing, and media called it a Freedom weekend. One blogger reminded me that it wasn’t good to call it “freedom” because this easing of restrictions comes with a lot of responsibility. But after more than 260 days in lockdown, I would definitely call it a freedom weekend. Hopefully people will still be cautious so as not to spread it to vulnerable people (and that includes myself).
It was a busy extended weekend for us. Our celebration started last Friday when we caught up with our dearest friends which we haven’t seen for months. Then Monday, hubby and I went for brunch at a cafe, which we haven’t done since August. Then went for a walk at the Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick. Tuesday was Melbourne Cup Day, a public holiday here in Melbourne and we went to the Frankston beach to enjoy the 30degree weather.
For Amy’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge and for Jo’s Monday Walk, we went to the Royal Botanic Gardens with friends last Sunday. The sun was so bright that capturing the beauty of the place was a bit of a challenge.
This is one of the main gates.
There is a certain area of topiaries…lush green creatures just outside the Ian Potter Children’s Garden.
How cool is a garden that is totally dedicated to children? Unfortunately one can’t finish seeing the whole place if your knee is playing up like mine. I just have to go back next time to see this.
Some gates to different areas.
This is the new “Arid Garden” – which opened at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on November 19 in 2020. It features 3000 cacti and succulents.
You can see the vastness and even having a view of the city skyscrapers.
Of course a walk in the Botanic garden wont be complete without seeing an array of flowers.
On the other side was this lake.
We had about an hour and a half walk and this was where we exited.
Next stop is the Queen Vic Market where we had our lunch.
It was lovely seeing these beautifully coloured food trucks with its inviting food Windows. It was still not quite as busy as it used to… but the fried ice cream made the visit all worth it haha
Even with a dodgy knee, freedom must taste wonderful, Teresa! The gardens look beautiful. Here’s to many more outings.
Cheers Jo! And I made the most of it. And today I rest haha Because hubby’s back to work.
What beautiful place to spend some time walking. As much as I like being able to take in the whole gardens, I like places where you have a built-in reason to return.
Yes, that is true…some places are just too big and wide for a day’s outing. Thanks Dan for stopping by.
Happy to hear Melbourne opened up after such a long lockdown! Beautiful photo of this special garden. Thank you for taking us there, Teresa!
My pleasure Amy. But I don’t like taking photos during midday but what can I do? Have a good day my friend!
Congratulations! I hope this means that the dark days are behind us all!
I hope so too, Ludwig. That is what it seems like but who knows!
Beautiful day!
Melbourne is looking good!
Thanks Nes, glad to share my home place with you guys!
I think all these photos spell freedom! Fried ice cream looks yummy!!! 😀🎉
Yes, it was delicious but sweet as. Thanks for the comment Dora…it was a great feeling indeed!
I got confused with your name, I thought it was a different person.
Oops! Should’ve signed off as I usually do. 😉 I’ve got to see if I can find some fried ice cream one of these days.
pax,
dora
Is it another blog of yours? First time I have tried that kind of ice cream.
I have another (JollyBeggar) but I switched to same user id is all.
That’s the same with me. I have 3 going on at the same time.
Fried ice cream is definitely a good way to end. That looked like a lovely walk even without that little topping. I love the topiary beasts
Thanks, we had a great time walking. Thanks for stopping by I.J.
What a wonderful day of celebration! Beautiful photos!
Thanks so much Lisa…has a great day for sure!
A realy wonderful garden, I would like to make a walk over there 🙂
It would be lovely if you could see it one day.
Love your botanical garden.
Thanks Arlene.
Lovely!
I enjoyed my day with you in the park, a lovely walk. I’ve only been in Melbourne once (I’m from the UK) and we went there especially because my husband wanted to see the sculpture park/forest as he was an amateur wood sculptor. It was fantastic. Melbourne, true to form, rained all the time we were there.
Lovely that you went for a walk with me. Oh Melbourne weather is erratic…that’s normal for us.
I’m glad to see the gardens survived! Popcorn on fried ice cream. NOT an American staple!!!! 🙂
I am glad as well that it survived the recent wild winds. Thanks for coming along with me.
I’m so glad you were able to get out and see friends, and enjoy your city at last! It may not be full freedom but after two long lockdowns here I know exactly how it can feel like that 🤗 The gardens look beautiful and I’m intrigued by the idea of fried ice cream!
Yeah it is a happy feeling.
And We were intrigued too that is why we had to try it even if we were already full from our lunch.
So how was it?
Well it was really yum but one order was enough for hubby and I because otherwise we wouldn’t have finished it. It was like a crispy caramel donut with ice cream inside.
I’m glad your situation is relaxed and you can go places! But still with caution, as you say. For some reason your skyscrapers look really elegant. 😀 I think I miss the city.
Thanks Manja. Our borders are now open…you can come and visit again 😉 haha
Again? When was I there for the first time? 😉 Thank you. I’ll see if I’m free this weekend. 😀
Oh so u haven been? Where did I get that idea? Oh ok see you this weekend 😉😂😂😂
I haven’t even been anywhere in Asia. Or Africa. Or South America. Actually, only two weeks in California, the rest nothing but Europe!!!
Well, your photos of Italy are good enough for me.👍🏼
Beautiful!
Glad you had a great outing, Teresa! Beautiful gardens.
Thanks A-C, it was a beautiful day for an outing!