Lakes Entrance, Australia

My original plan was to take the train back to Sydney, but I realized I needed to see more of this place and a window view wasn’t going to be enough. This morning, I packed the last things away and picked up a rental car, then headed out.

The day was overcast and the route I selected was … less than I’d hoped. East out of Melbourne, my first target was Lakes Entrance which one person had told me was lovely and another said was desolate. The latter, alas, proved true – most of it was quiet and closed as it was very off season.

I pressed on along the coast, deciding to stay in Eden. Arriving after dark, there wasn’t much to explore and, again, most of it was closed being winter. I found a little place for dinner that promised charm and delivered a palatable fish and chips. A late night walk was relaxing but visually minimally productive.

Tomorrow’s journey is along the coast, ducking into national and state forests. Hopeful.

Eden, Australia

Eden, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

My final day in Melbourne. One last match I’ll edit from the apartment in the evening which left me with a day to wander.

The light and architecture in this city are wonderful. My collegue said it’s much like Boston. And it is, if the road planners knew how to draw a straight line. The mix of old and new, of heritage and hope, is intoxicating. I’ve been here for nearly three weeks and everyone I’ve met has been kind, gracious and welcoming.

If I need to flee my homeland, this would work.

A long walk with but one destination, the Fox Collection. Small but powerful.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Our last match at the stadium and I’m editing two games again. Having the work of my students flowing in from two different pitches, in two different cities, trying to watch two different games … I need more practice. And I want more practice.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

If you’re going to cover international women’s soccer, there’s one player you want to see – Brazil’s Marta. This is her last Women’s World Cup, she changed the sport forever.

Melbourne, Australia

Back at the stadium and there was an Australian rules football team practicing alongside.

Melbourne, Australia

The Canadian team was visited by Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s Minister for Sport and Person’s with Disabilities. Sports always ends up being political.

Melbourne, Australia

Wandere dback to the Queen Victoria Market, set up in part as a flea market and in part as a produce, meats and cheeses space. I should have brought a big bag to buy groceries with, but it was a hefty hike back to the apartment.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia