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Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Australia- 5) Melbourne City Walk

Walking from Finder Street station to Melbourne Skydeck is a picturesque and popular route in Melbourne.  

Here are some pictures captured from my walk from Flinders Street Station to the Melbourne Skydeck along the Yarra River is a picturesque and popular route in Melbourne. Here’s a detailed guide:

Exiting Flinders Street Station Walk Along the Yarra River.  Once on the southern side of the river, this area is vibrant, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and street performers.



Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Australia- 4) Melbourne Victoria Harbor

Victoria Harbour is a vibrant waterfront in Melbourne that offers a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational amenities against the backdrop of stunning harbor views.  

The harbor is bordered by a mix of residential high-rise apartments, office buildings, retail outlets, and dining establishments, creating a lively atmosphere day and night. The waterfront promenade provides scenic walking and cycling paths, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and the Melbourne skyline.

One of the focal points of Victoria Harbour is the Docklands Stadium, also known as Marvel Stadium, a multi-purpose venue that hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts, and entertainment spectacles. Its distinctive retractable roof and waterfront location make it a prominent landmark in the area.

Australia- 3) Melbourne Finders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is an iconic landmark in Melbourne and a bustling transportation hub that serves as a gateway to the city and its surroundings. Located in the heart of Melbourne's central business district (CBD) on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, Flinders Street Station is not just a train station; it's a cultural and historical symbol of the city.

Originally opened in 1854, Flinders Street Station is the oldest railway station in Australia and one of the busiest in terms of passenger traffic. Its distinctive yellow facade and green copper dome have made it a recognizable feature of Melbourne's skyline. The station's design, featuring Victorian architecture with elements of French Renaissance style, adds to its charm and character.


Monday, May 20, 2024

Australia- 2) Melbourne # 35 Tram ride

We came back from the zoo and took the #58 tram back to Flagstaff to catch the circular tram as planned. At the zoo, a young couple with their child told us where to catch the circular tram. It took us a few inquiries to find the #35 tram station. The boarding platform was in the middle of the road without any room for people to stand.

The first bus was full and couldn’t fit more people. When we realized the next one would be in another 25 minutes, we took the #30 bus to Central, then got on another #35 from there.

The #35 was an old tram with small windows, no A/C, and it was crowded. I managed to take few photos. The bus driver was very kind. I sat in the row right behind the driver’s station, and when we were passing through Parliament, he stopped the car and told me I could step out to take photos, so I did. That was really unusual!




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Riding the #35 tram in Melbourne, Australia offers a unique experience. The #35 tram route, also known as the City Circle Tram, is a free tram service that loops around Melbourne's central business district, passing by many iconic landmarks and attractions. The tram's vintage design adds a nostalgic charm to the journey, reminiscent of Melbourne's rich tram history.


The tram route takes you past key destinations such as Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Parliament House, the Melbourne Museum, and the iconic Queen Victoria Market. Along the way, you'll catch glimpses of Melbourne's bustling streets, vibrant laneways filled with street art, and the city's distinctive architecture.


Australia- 1) Melbourne Zoo

Upon arriving in Melbourne by the sea, we boarded the #109 bus at the port to downtown Melbourne. The journey took roughly 10 to 15 minutes, depositing us at Crown Casino bus station.

Stepping off the bus, we noticed tram #58 pulling into the same station with a sign indicating it was bound for the zoo. Without hesitation, we hopped on board. Melbourne marked the final stop in Australia on our trip, and thus far, we hadn't encountered the country's iconic Koala. Hoping to catch a glimpse at Melbourne Zoo, we eagerly boarded the tram.


En route, we passed Victoria Market, offering stunning vistas of Melbourne's skyline, and the Royal Garden, which failed to live up to its regal name. The zoo was conveniently located at the tram station bearing its name.


Unfortunately, our zoo experience was marred by disappointment and expense ($46 to enter). There were hardly any captivating animals to be found, and to our dismay, only two Koalas were present, both sound asleep. Enclosed in a wire cage, their faces were obscured, making it impossible to capture a good photo. The zoo seemed to attract mostly young mothers accompanied by their toddlers, many of whom were snugly tucked away in baby carriages.





Monday, May 13, 2024

Traveling to New Zealand: Requirements for Foreigners

Before you travel to New Zealand, here is some information may be useful for you:
Without the need to apply for a Visa Visitor, simply by applying for the NZeTA online, these 60 nationalities can travel to New Zealand, and stay for a maximum of 3 months. The NZeTA travel authorization has 2 travel options: transit and sightseeing.
How to apply:
New Zealand NZeTA Application (newzealandvisas.org) 
It is crucial for you to know that when entering the country, you should avoid carrying fruits, seeds, soil, meat, among other prohibited items. I've heard of someone who was fined $400 just for carrying a small amount of honey for tea! You should check the official website for details.