Once we landed in Melbourne, we just had time to drop off our bags at the hotel, and immediatley left to head to the Lume. I think we were all quite tired from the 7 hour flight so we werent at our highest energy levels, but once we stepped inside the Lume it felt like we were distracted of that because of how beautiful the paintings were. I think it was extremely relaxing, and it was so calming being in such an immersive experience with the art. 

After we were finished at the Lume, we had the oppurtunity to go out into the city a little more and get food to eat. At this point we were quite tired because we had been out for a while, but it was really nice experiencing the weather and the general atmosphere of the city, as it was quite different and new compared to Singapore. 

The street art tour was a really great way to start off our second day. I thought it was really interesting because our tour guides were really authentic, as they were street artists themselves so I thought learning about street art from a more authentic, and genuine source was a different experience than what I would have normally expected in a really good way. I think that the way they articulated, and taught us about almost every single art piece made me think so much more differently than how I wouldve if I just looked at the art with no information about its origins, and what exactly to look out for. I think overall, I came out of this tour learning so much more about street art, what it means to the artists, community, etc. and the importance of originality and the love people have for art.

Right after lunch we went to the graffiti workshop, and now it was our time to try out the experience of creating something like street art/graffiti. We cut out stencils to spray paint, and I learnt a lot about the many different things you can do with stencils and the process of it. My idea was to do a stencil of Audrey Hepburns eyes. This came out how I wanted it to, but the process of cutting the stencil out accuratley was tough.

Lastly, we ended the day with St. Kildas Beach. This was unplanned, but since it was the last day of a carnvial/festival going on over there, we decided to go! It was really hot, and that was draining at times, but the carnival and the beach overall was really enjoyable and we all had a lot of fun with the music, booths, rides, etc.

On day 3, we had to get up earlier than usual to go for kayaking first thing in the morning along the Yarra River. Overall, it was really relaxing because the weather was wonderful. It wasnt too hot, or cold at all, the sky was all clear, and it was quite a beautiful and refreshing experience! However, it was a little tiring, and my arms hurt a bit after we were done, but it was worth considering the views/hollistic experience.

Right after, we went to lunch at Melbourne Central. This was our first time going to this mall, and our first time right in the heart of Melbourne! The mall was wonderful, and was a little different to how malls here in Singapore are, as the malls in melbourne were a little outdoors, and had a different feel. Lunch was also very good here, because it was my first time being able to eat a vegetarian bento box, and the food we got throughout the mall like coffees, etc. were really tasty.

Alexander Mcqueen was an experience on its own. I absolutley loved reading the different descriptions of his inspiration into his art (which is what his displays were, more than clothes). It was one of the best 3 hours spent, as even after we had finished I kept going back to reread some plaques, and to fully immerse myself in everything once again. His inspirations were so inspiring to hear, and so interesting to think how someone could integrate such concepts into fashion. Overall, the art, and the roots of this form of art were very intriguing. 

Day 5 was one of my favourite days out of all the days throughout our stay in Melbourne. I loved how we did not go to a commerical zoo, and to an actual sanctuary out in the outskirts of Melbourne. It felt like it was a better environment for the animals which was really nice, because we were going to them rather than bringing them to an extremely urban population for the purpose of entertainment. I absolutley loved the ride there and back, the moutnains reminded me of something you would see in Austria, and it was simply breathtaking. It was relaxing, and a really great way to spend our day.

On our 6th day,  we started by going to Queen Victoria Market, but this time instead of just around the area, we went to the market itself. My friends and I bought some things for ourselves, but my favourite store was the poster shop becuase they had every band, movie, artist, etc. froom almost the 1990s to now, so I was able to get some things for my family as well. 

We also went back to the National Gallery itself, as last time we had gone for the Alexander Mcqueen exhibit. I though the tour was extremely thought provoking, because our guide let us be really free with what we were curious about in the gallery, and that made it easier to think freely about the art we were most interested in looking at. I think that the way he broke down some of the art pieces was quite insightful, and it will make me look at art a lot differently than how I used to. I also partiuclarly liked learning about indigenous art, because that is a particular topic we dont hear much of in Singapore, etc.!

To end the day, we went to watch the musical Mary Poppins! This was a purely magical night, and my friends and I left the theatre singing all the songs we had just heard! It unlocked a lot of childhood memories, and it reminded me how much I loved this movie when I was little. I think it was absolutley mind blowing and very well done. It was one of the best nights of the trip without a doubt.

We ended the day (and the trip) by going to a movie down at the botanic gardens where we watched Avatar 2. I think the whole set up was very lovely, as it was the perfect weather, the beanbags and everything were neat, we had all our snacks with us, and most of all we had really good seats. It was the perfect way to end the trip in a relaxed, and enjoyable manner.