FatKids: Queen Vic and Melbourne Now

We're lucky enough to be in Australia during summer so tons of festivals and other activities are happening all over. One of them is the Night Market (lots of food) at Queen Vic Market. Little did we know how crowded it would be, which led to a bawling Simba. So after a quick bite of meatballs we left (the lines were pretty fast though and the entire place had a good buzz--it's what things like Smorgasbord in New York should actually be like).

Anyway, we returned this morning to see the market on a normal day and we loved it. The market sells veggies, fruits, meats, cheeses, retail. Great atmosphere. Melbourne's downtown is relatively small so after walking up to the market from Flinders Street Station, we wandered back down through streets and laneways to Federation Square. We happen to be here for the NGV's "Melbourne Now" exhibit, which showcases contemporary Australian artists. Federation Square is an interesting space cause it's clearly where all the tourists go, but the feel of it is still great--I would still enjoy it if I lived here. It's right next to the Yarra River. And the many free museums make it even better.

Our near-daily coffee break this time at Omar and the Marvellous Coffee Bird (love the names of all these cafes)

How could we not get some meatballs from this big pot?

A satisfied customer

Queen Vic Market a little less crazed

On our way to...

Cup of Truth. Coffee wasn't as good as some other places, but the guy was really, really nice. Also a pretty good spot in the subway.

Flinders Street Station

The funny thing about the Australian Open being on in Federation Square is that everyone was sitting there watching quietly as though we were really at the tennis match!