Festival Melbourne 2006

Well I vowed to stay away from the city during the Commonwealth Games thinking it would be a nightmare! But after my sister spent some time in there she convinced me that the whole city was buzzing and 'electric'. We decided to take the girls in and spend the day. Isabella always loves going to the city, especially on the train. She likes to look up at the big buildings and see all the people and especially the horse and carts! So we slapped them up with sunscreen, packed a bag and wrote my mobile number on their arms (in case they got lost) and off we went.

As soon as we got off the train at Flinders Street Station we could feel the 'buzz'. The city was crowded but not uncomfortably. It was a good 'crowded'. Everywhere you looked you could see officals and volunteers with a huge friendly smile and always ready to help. They really took a lot of pride in their home city and they always had time for everyone. They must have hired ALL of the Victorian Police Department as there seemed to be coppers every where!

We made our way to the Alexandra Gardens where we found numerous stages, a huge circus tent, pavillions everywhere full of things for kids and adults to do. There were a lot of street performers - not the daggy guitar-playing singers or the like, but very interesting, modern performing arts. We decided not to go to the circus as it was more directed at older children so we went and watched a mime act - Mr Strawberry. I am not particularly taken with these freaky acts... but I must say he was quite enjoyable. I was impressed when he plucked a stroller out of the audience and balanced it on his forehead! Isabella and Alexandra loved him and after a good giggle we moved on to some of the other pavillions and Federation Square. Isabella wanted to meet Freddo Frog and she got some tattoos :)

We then headed off to the Arts Centre where they have made a 'beach' (minus the water). You could hire a free beach chair and kick back and enjoy the games on the big screen or the entertainment that was on the stage. It was great! The kids particularly loved the sand and we spent ages here. Isabella made a sand angel and Alexandra just dug holes :)

We went to McDonalds for a quick ice cream before heading back to the train. We got back home at 6pm and needless to say it was a quick bath and straight into bed for 2 tired chickens.

I was so glad I decided to go into town and experience some of the Games fever. Raelene has been to a few events and thought it was just the best atmosphere. I was so proud to be a Melbourne-ite and every cent that was put into the whole event by the government was worth every penny!

I have uploaded some photos from the day - there are a lot there as they are from both mine and Raelene's cameras. But some nice ones of Melbourne for those out-of-towners :) you can see them here.