ozzieeagle

Not for me, it confirms the fact that there aren't that many double story or hi rise in the distance. Just Hills, Trees and Rooftops under a vast sky.... even in central Melbourne. It's changing though as more high rise spreads out.

the troubadour

But so many cities of Europe are not high rise, plus have far more pleasing aesthetics than Melbourne, which is hardly a very attractive city, and is labelled Australia's most European inspired city, as a form of flattery.
High rises are more cities either deprived of space like Singapore/Hong Kong, or speculators running riot amidst declining living standards. Sydney.

Now if you want to see a vast sky, I would suggest the NT or Kimberley region of WA or inland/outback OZ. Same exists in Africa and the Tundra regions and Nordic world.

BadgeIsBack

I think it is quite cute that even in Melbourne on a beaut day that you still get a sense of the vast sky.

Melbourne and European has been criticized: something to do with the trams, and a sort of cultural focus : that's it.

I find parts of Melbourne stunning: the cityscape from the Bolte. The pockets and precincts of the N and E. Some still have me shaking my head in wonder 14 years on. It is very well packaged and despite attendent issues with population an amazing city with hills, sea and snowfields not so far infact. I have been here long enough to have established family traditions like Christmas beach house stays at Philip Island 400m from the water.

BadgeIsBack

See what you mean. There are plenty of beaches with sand and waves to enjoy.

Ah yes, the old freeze/thaw and Spring conditions, breakable crust. I have come to love the sun that bit higher in the sky, blazing sunshine, a well pitched tent and feeling on top of the world.

I am having one last skin up then will put the skis away for another 9 months..

the troubadour

Must admit have never been 'stunned' by Melbourne, but that's not saying I don't like it. I do miss the 'architecture of old' of old that existed on my first visit though. I would like wise go with Melly over Sydney as well, as prefer a bit of street cred over whatever Sydney is supposedly offering.

BadgeIsBack

..stunned not as a tourist as in 'wow', but by what it gives me, a resident who lives here...(on a grey winter's day not so much of course.)

Beoz

Good stuff. A good skin up in a t shirt in spring is certainly worthwhile. Enjoy. Actually very envious.

the troubadour

I can see that. For me Melbourne is a bit of a substitute for those that miss a London type vibe.

ozzieeagle

Even young Melburbnians born and raised with nothing to do with UK heritage, say London reminds them of Melbourne. So Melbourne must be doing something that reminds them.

I've always maintained that the easiest place for homesick brits to assimilate to Australian culture is in Melbourne. If they can't feel at home here, they are stuffed.

the troubadour

Well not all Brit's by any stretch feel any great joy for London. Probably most on here. Where as I couldn't find another place in UK, I'd prefer to be and I did look. Brighton, (London by Sea) possibly only contender.
But you are correct. I know two Kiwi colleagues from London days, one still in contact with that moved to Melbourne, for reasons you gave. Neither Auckland or Christchurch in the other case cut the mustard, nor did Brisbane, nor Adelaide when one moved to OZ. Both rather like Melbourne and have done well, the one still in contact with, does pine for London at times, but knows that ship has sailed.
Although Melbourne has lifted its game, over recent decades, being far in the shade of Sydney until at least the mid eighties.

ozzieeagle

I was here in the early 80's, I can remember weekday nights in central Melbourne being like a ghost town. One building changed everything here, I'm not exactly a fan of it, however, it is impressive in its stature and surrounds and definitely amenities, which is the part I enjoy, especially some of the restaurants there. That's the Casino, Build it and they will come was never ever truer. This place, Melbourne as a whole, began to fill up with cashed-up SE Asians and Chinese the moment it was built. Everything seemed to flow on from there. I've never known one single build to have such a massive effect on a city. It's a very large building and always packed 24/7, 2500 poker machines and 540 table games including 100 poker tables apparently.

Last time I used it was for a Crystal Palace supporter meet for a live game at 4AM on a weekday..... No where else public at that time on a weekday was showing the game and about 20 of us turned up together there. Thats the kind of thing it's good for as well.. Meeting in the many bars in and around it.

the troubadour

I think I'm right in saying that was during the Kennet government , one like Thatcher at the time in Britain, that created wise spread dislike or favour, with little in between. Seems to have worked in livening up the city though. Not sure but slightly recall the fear was that a casino of such magnitude would sap out what life there was from surrounding business? But I do recall working with Victorians over those years (not in Australia) and the wide spread disgust in his politics being a dominant feature.

ozzieeagle

Very true, I was dead against the Casino at the time as well. I think the Casino has turned out to be Kennet's best legacy.

He sold of the Gas and Fuel Corp, who I worked for at the time. It was Victorias most profitable state owned business back then. Selling that was probably his worst move.

the troubadour

Kennet just another ideologue cheering on neo liberalism, whose wisdom amounted to basically selling off government controlled assets to private enterprise for a song, creating ever greater costs to the consumer . Electricity being a classic example of that. I know because at the time I worked on the French electricity company's attempt to win the bid.

Beoz

Correct. Kennett turned the debt riddled basket case Victoria around. Just like Thatcher did with Britain

He had some policies that were unpopular with the people such as getting rid government worker wasters. Always a good move especially when times need changing.

Did great things for Melbourne but neglected the rest of Victoria which was his downfall.