It was a lovely morning, as always.

I am just a morning person and I have always enjoyed mornings; where the lovely hues are emanated from the first golden rays of sunshine which just light up the world with positive vibes.
The early start of the day is always good; because it is a new beginning all over again and there is just that hint of hope right in the air.

There is just so much I could go on and on about the reasons I love mornings, and I think it would do more justice to do another post wholly on mornings so this will do at the moment.

Mornings are great for taking walks, and it is just perfect that I was on vacation.
It was a busy morning on a working day and while everyone was just bent on heading to work; being somewhat immersed in their newspapers and coffee with a briefcase underneath their arms and then there are the students hurrying to their classes with their bags while their ears are stuffed with earphones, I was just, well, enjoying my own pace, taking it all in.

It feels good to not be in a hurry, sometimes.
I know how it's like; to be rushing to work or to classes or with that whole load of things on the mind while walking or even driving on the road.
It is just something that I am all too familiar with, and taking time away from it all, just does my mind and body good once in a while.
They are definitely grateful to me for it.

Melbourne CBD is just like any other city; though it was much more charming, in my personal opinion.
I wouldn't put it as an extremely hectic area yet I would not say that it was laid back either.
It was a harmonious sight and environment altogether; with that right amount of buzz of a city yet polished with a warm ambiance in the surroundings.
The trees and picturesque scenes dotting the streets along with the organized layout of the buildings standing in the city play their roles well to make up this enchanting scene.




Then there's the people; who walk on the streets, in the shops and just past me, that just adds to that whole equation.

These are just the few little things that sum up my first few impressions of the city of the Melbourne, and I think I have already found my first few pieces of the jigsaw puzzle which make up the portrait of Melbourne's fame as one of the most livable cities in the world.
It is not just one of the most, it is on the top of the list, and including this year, it is a hat, or rather, a crown that Melbourne has been wearing comfortably for five years in a row.

I was on my own walking tour, a choice which I made although they had this city tram which was recently offered for free within the surrounding perimeters of the city for everyone.



The city trams runs through the city square in a systematic pattern; covering most of the points for anyone to get from one place to another in the most convenient way.

It can be quite a fun ride, though you may need to squeeze yourself in a little especially during the peak hours.
I did take the tram a little, but I still enjoyed taking a stroll down the streets, because that is where most of the action takes place.

The florist putting out the flowers, the souvenir shops arranging their displays, the waiters setting up the tables in the cafes and restaurants, and the list just goes on.




There is just so much to see along the way and it makes so much more sense to walk, where I could just simply stop anytime and anywhere I want which would not be possible had I been on the tram with other passengers; most of whom would be rushing for their own agenda.

My agenda was just to take in the local scenes and enjoy a brisk morning walk around the city.

St Paul's Cathedral was definitely not built at one go; for the church underwent several stages to its completion and to its image today.

Following the laying of the foundation stone in 1880, the consecration of the church followed in the year 1891, on the 22nd of January.
The church then took over St James Cathedral, one of the local nearby parishes standing between William Street and Collins Street, where it was later moved to another site near the Flagstaff Gardens.

The cathedral then stood, and served as one of the main parish church in the city.
Approximately three decades later following the church's operations, the works on the spire started in the year 1926.
The design of the spire was based on a different impression from the original concept of William Butterfield, conceived by another local Australian designer, John Barr, from Sydney.
The deviation from the original design by Butterfield led to an entire revolution and gave St Paul's a different impression from what would have been the replica form of another church; the Christ Church at South Yarra.
The spire took five years to complete and finally took its place as part of the church in 1931.

The completion of the church was in the 1960s and the church is the proud owner of the pipe organ by T.C Lewis, an Englishman who was one of the most distinguished and established organ builders back then.

Restoration works of the church continued in 1989; for the pipe organ which was funded by the National Trust, followed by major works on the spires, doors and the construction of the Moorhouse Tower Lantern building, all finalized in 2009.


St Paul's Cathedral is strategically located at the intersection of two prominent streets in the city; Swanston Street and Flinders Street, on the eastern part.
Flinders Street Station is the main train station; a major transportation centre and hub since 19th Century Melbourne (to be covered in a separate post) and is located diagonally across the church.
In fact, itts proximity to the church is the reason for this site is selected for the establishment of the church.

It is one of the most prominent and iconic landmarks in the city of Melbourne, commanding tourists and locals to drop by the church for a visit.



A memorial statue of Captain Matthew Flinders on the grounds of where the church stands


St Paul's Cathedral is definitely spectacular in its commanding image and in many ways, unique too.
While one would probably already be awestruck by the beauty and magnificence of its architectural charms, the church's pride and portfolio extend way beyond those striking arches.

St Paul's Cathedral is the first and probably the only one building among the city's population of 19th century public buildings, which is not made of bluestone; one of the city's main building materials.
While most of the buildings in the city of Melbourne appears to be part of a sea of bluish grey landscaping the city and forming the city's trademark feature, St Paul's Cathedral stood out among the rest with its sandstone materials; obtained from the Barrabool Hills and the Waurn Ponds Limestone, both of which are situated closely to the district of Geelong.
The warm and light golden shades of the church's buildings make up that hallmark of St Paul's Cathedral, as it stands out proudly among the the rest of the buildings in the city.

If you pay close attention to the colors, you will also notice that the spires are of a darker shade and texture compared to the rest of the church building, evidence of the difference in the construction gap of almost four decades in between the establishment works of the church.



The new addition to St Paul's which was completed in 2009; the new Moorhouse Tower is also the second highest Anglican spire in the world, following Salisbury Cathedral which holds the top spot.

At a glance, St Paul's Cathedral appears to sound and seems like a Roman Catholic Church but the other unique part is, this is actually an Anglican church though it is interjecting most of the practices from the Roman Catholic church in its local services in its Anglo-Catholicism preservation efforts.
(Anglo-Catholicism is intermarrying both the practices and beliefs from both churches; particularly the heritage and traditions from the Roman Catholic church while at the same time, projecting the identity of the Anglican church)

Therefore it is not surprising to find that there are eucharistic rites and the observation of saints, or most of the traditions observed by the Roman Catholic Church here in this cathedral.
In fact, even Pope John Paul II himself has visited the church on his trip in 1986; as part of the efforts to strengthen the unity through the dialogue of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Church.

St Paul's Cathedral is an awesome sight from the different angles, though at its location, the church enjoys the stunning views from the southern parts of the city.
One can view the church from the many different angles; from the street or even from the Flinders Street station.

The majestic grandeur of the church continues inside; though one is to be mindful that photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the church.
One could however, request for the permission and pay a minimal fee of AUD$5 to take photos, though caution is still to be observed as a form of respect of the ceremony and rites taking place at the time.

As it is a place of worship, silence is to be observed at all times; whether you are a Christian or not.

I did not take much photos myself, and these are just the few glimpses of the inside of the church





3. It is the only Australian Anglican church to maintain the old English traditions with the daily Choral evensong alongside Sunday and weekday Eucharistic celebrations.

4. St Paul's is the only building made of sandstone, from the bluestone mass of the 19th century public buildings in the city of Melbourne (bluestone was the main building material)

5. The shades of the spire and the rest of the church building differs in the color tones; with the spires having a few shades darker due to the close to 40-year gap in its construction.

6. St Paul's cathedral was to replace the St James Cathedral which relocated from its original location at the corner of William and Collins Street to another site near Flagstaff Gardens.

7. St Paul's Cathedral was initially the tallest building in the city of Melbourne at the time of its construction.

8. The spire from the newly constructed Moorhouse Tower marks the second highest Anglican spire in the world, trailing behind Salisbury Cathedral.



Sources of information:
Wikipedia

I never thought much of that saying or concept, nor had any of it that McDonald's kind of tastes different in every country.

Maybe it's because I am not a fan of fast food, and secondly, to me, McDonald's, well, is just McDonald's and while I may not be keen on the distinctive tastes in each outlet, I would expect that their quality is maintained in every outlet.
That is just the common expectation for each franchise outlet, isn't that so?
After all, that is the very concept of franchise in the first place, no?

I have to admit that I was a little disappointed with the McCafe here; with the Orange Poppy Seed muffin just turning out to be well, just something not what quite I expected.
I love this flavor and it can be really hard to stumble upon a muffin of this flavor.
I was having a hard time deciding between their tempting flavors of Blueberry, Orange Poppy Seed, Carrot and even Apple muffin and I was quite excited when I decided on this citrus flavor.

I was disappointed, I am sorry to say.


It did make me step away from Maccas for a bit while on my trip, though I am not generalizing all of them.
It could be my personal taste buds not agreeing with the local tastes?
I refrain from my comment.

Perhaps it is not really a Maccas post, since this is just the McCafe I have tried, but the pancakes were still from Maccas.




Melbourne is the coffee capital anyway, and local cafes are just everywhere so I have plenty of choices to select from; though at the same time it is not like I am shunning Maccas forever.

I was just happy that I had that one encounter with Maccas (at least once), and I could just say that, "Hey, I had Maccas or McD in Melbourne, so there!"

It makes a good brag story that McDonald's was on the list and ticked off the itinerary while one is traveling, doesn't it?
Just give me that moment to recollect my relationship with McDonald's, despite my experience with the McCafe's muffin that morning.
Don't ruin it.


I think I might just give it another go, the next time, not the muffins though, but rather, the real deal at Maccas.
Probably the burgers?
That would be safe since that's their signature.


Maccas, just don't let me down again, okay?

Italian food, black uniforms, classic wooden tables and chairs with warm lighting and the name Sofia are just the elements which bring the famous legendary classic of The Godfather to mind.


However, it was the food here at Sofia which won my heart (and appetite).

The menu was simple and descriptive in a really self-explanatory way; offering a fuss-free selection of Italian delights.

From their appetizers and salads to their mains and desserts, almost everything sounds (and reads) tempting for one to try.

What is one to have for their first meal here at Sofia when there is just so many mouth-watering choices to select from?

(I was here twice; during my trip because I just love the food here so much that I refuse to leave Melbourne without ending my trip with another round at Sofia)

I have tried two types of salads; and both were just equally as good to start the meal.

My first visit was glorified by this scrumptious Avocado Seafood Salad ($16.50)


A delightful mix of lettuce and vegetables with a really generous portion of seafood and avocado in a special seafood sauce is just a great way to start the meal and to accompany the mains.

I emphasize on the word generous; for the amount of seafood just almost had me falling off my chair in surprise.
(Well, my jaw literally dropped when I saw the size of the salad upon its arrival. It's just huge)

Fresh seafood were not depicted in the photo; unfortunately, and I am sorry that I did not have a better photo to really support my statement but you have my word that this was just amazingly good.
The prawns were just so fresh and succulent that it was just so addictive, and there seems to be endless of them in numbers which makes this an even more relishing entree.

If the entree was already glorious, the mains in the form of the Baked Avocado ($16.50) was just majestic.



The name may be misleading if it deceived you into thinking that this is just a large plate filled with mainly avocado in masses; baked with cheese, for that is just part of what makes up this dish as Sofia cleverly turns this into something much more palatable.

While a whole avocado was part of the deal, the plentiful fresh and juicy prawns teamed with the moist and luscious scallops folded underneath the baked cheese were the ones that stole the show.



Just a look at the sight of the luscious prawns and scallops enveloped in that creamy haven alongside the rich and pulpy avocado, decorated by the vivacious red of the reels of beetroot and that slice of lemon is enough to make one go weak in the knees and in the stomach.

A bite of this is enough to send one swooning over the moon, I tell you, for it was like a slice of heaven.
I am never one for creamy and cheesy stuffs, but this is one exception I am willing to make for it was just so fulfilling and my appetite was greatly teased by each bite of this.

It was more than enough for two people, and even if you are on a sharing basis, I think you would still not be able to finish.






Sofia is just that hospitable in their portions that I don't think anyone would actually remember the feeling of hunger after dining here.

On my second visit, we opted for something a little different, although I was torn between my cravings for that baked avocado and the yummy fresh seafood decked with fresh lettuce, it was only fair to give the others that chance to see light on our taste palates.

It was again a tough choice despite the simple menu, because everything just have to sound so heavenly and after my first experience, I knew that they would all be good.
That is how important first impressions are; they affect your judgment subsequently and probably for eternity.

Sofia does it right the first time, and the second time too, for we were not disappointed with the Salmon Salad ($16.50)



Don't even get me started on my love for salmon, which is eternal and while the abundance of fresh seafood from the first salad was already victorious with its place in my heart, these thick and lavish slices of smoked salmon are even more triumphant.
I lost track of the number of slices I had; there seems to be no end to the loot.
I am not complaining.

Throw in the spanish onions, dill, tomatoes, capers, cucumbers, avocado and beetroot, and you have the winning combination, again.

For the mains, we had the Garlic Prawns ($16.50); a creamy combination of garlic prawns (obviously) served with a concoction of a creamy garlic and white wine sauce right with the mount of rice at the side.


If you are disappointed by the sight of the few prawns and the rice, then you have learnt nothing from all the depictions of the food here at Sofia.
The name and even the looks could sometimes deceive, but do not ever doubt their quality.
Their dish is served like a treasure trove; with the jewels and gems all hidden and concealed underneath.
That thick and creamy sauce, is just the front acting as an undercover for that whole loot hidden underneath and that means the juicy prawns for which the dish inherits its name from.



You would think that after a huge round of servings, there would be no room for dessert.
Then you do not know women, at all.

Every woman knows, there is always room for dessert and my friend was just craving for their prized Tiramisu which she just could not stop raving about since our first visit.

Furthermore, what else could be better or more apt to complete an Italian meal if not the coffee-flavored dessert?
This is just iconic and is almost synonymous with the word Italian itself.

Tiramisu ($7.50)




Sofia nails this right on the head, and after my two visits, I am having doubts if there is anything that Sofia can't deliver right.

This Sofia speaks perfection, and straight to one's heart, and of course, tummies.

As I have said, no one would even remember the feeling of hunger pangs after a meal here.
It is probably stuffed and overindulgence that one understands.

I call it satisfaction and Sofia will definitely feed you well, with their humongous portions and affordable prices that it just speaks for their large crowds and returning customers.
Even students make up the population of their patrons.

This is definitely one Sofia I do not want to see dying and I am glad that many share my love for this humble and friendly restaurant.

It is certainly as lavish as how the clan in The Godfather would dine, don't you think?




This is definitely on my list of MUST-DINE and favorite places from now; bookmarked in my heart and mind for life!




In this post:
Sofia Restaurant (Camberwell)

Address:
857 Burke Road, Camberwell 3124

Phone: 9882 1142/9813 3294

My favorite time of the day has to be the time when the sun rises, early in the morning(though I am usually earlier than the sun).












Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is one of the most famous and unique landmarks in Australia; owing much of its fame to the distinctive feature of its neat row of colored bathing boxes (or bathing huts) fronting its sandy shores.



The area of Brighton is one of the most affluent suburbs in Melbourne; housing beautiful and grand looking homes clustered within the neighborhood.



It is not hard to understand why the rich would want a piece of this scenery as the background (or foreground) of their abodes, with the sun, sky and the sand.
To top that off, there is even the bonus of treating one's eyes to the multitude of colors in the forms of adorable little wooden huts standing in a line on this beach.


Brighton has certainly enjoyed its better days today; with its reputation and fame associated with opulence and luxury, marking one of Melbourne's most desirable addresses in this lovely suburb.

It is hard to imagine that all the features or even signs of affluence was not a part of the neighborhood in its early beginnings; from the 1840s when an Englishman, Henry Dendy purchased a piece of land on the Port Philip land, measuring about 5,120 acres (2,070 ha).
Dendy journeyed to this part, away from his homeland to start his new home which was based in Brighton Park.

He had attempted to venture into making a fortune out of the land sales but luck was simply not on his side as it was the time of the financial depression and due to the fact that the land was simply lacking in the sources of water which made it unfavorable to buyers, the sales were just slow.
Most of Dendy's ventures ended up in failures and Dendy never lived to see nor enjoy a well-lived fortune due to these misfortunes in business.

It was only in 1846 when the sales of land took on a positive turn, following the depression which quickly catapulted Brighton into the third most populated town in the Port Philip district; after Melbourne and Portland.

The rich started taking an interest in this town; with its beautiful settings by the beach and picturesque landscape, and of course basking in the sun by the sea which drew them to move into the suburb; quickly growing the population in numbers over the years.




Today Brighton is home to some of Melbourne's wealthiest; and properties here have sky rocketed high in their prices that this is just simply one of the most coveted neighborhood in this part of Australia.

One striking feature of Brighton is the Brighton Beach, as mentioned earlier, gracefully decorated with the colors of the brightly painted bathing boxes fronting the sandy shores of the beach.



There are 82 of them; and they have been standing in existence since 1862.
These are definitely not created today, but as early as the town, and it seems that the earlier batch was actually located at the end of Bay St, at the water's edge rather than this currently much publicized location.

The colorful wooden huts are just iconic and have solidly stood as crowd magnets for decades now.

They have probably been the background of many photographs; of tourists and even locals visiting the beach, with their eye-catching colors and neatly lined positions on the beach, making this the main attraction of Brighton Beach and Melbourne.



A very unique one, if I may say, though they are not the only ones in the world; with others in existence in England, France and Italy at around the same time these were built.

In fact, even Brighton actually took its name from Brighton in England.

The trend of bathing houses were believed to originate from the Victorians; following the use of wheeled bathing machines as the concept to shield one's modesty; a practice observed strictly with respects to the Victorian morality.

These bathing houses were often used for one to change in and out of their bathing costumes, storing one's belongings or valuables and even as shelter from the strong sun or wind.
These huts even extended to becoming "holiday homes" at one point in the early 20th century, though not deemed practical currently as there is no water or electricity supply and is not suitable for living, particularly for these on Brighton Beach.

The bathing boxes on Brighton Beach could be owned; by purchase though only by the Bayside local council ratepayer and subject to a list of rules and regulations to be strictly adhered to by the owners, which include non-rights to rental/sublet, living/sleeping or making this an accommodation, nor as an advertising outlet.

The bathing box could start at a selling price of AS$200,000; a price that was last recorded in 2008


It is not just any wooden hut; but considerably one that an elitist would own.


The Brighton Beach's bathing boxes are evidences of the luxurious lifestyle in this neighborhood and are simply a symbol of prestige for one to own.