Today is the 28th anniversary of our wedding. Last year, the MOTH surprised me with a day out and an overnight stay at a B&B, along with a massage for me. This year, I didn't want him to do that, as it's as much HIS anniversary as it is mine, and why should I be the only one to get the treats. So, yesterday we thought about what we could do, and I decided I'd like to go to the Eureka Tower, the newest and tallest building in Melbourne. On the 88th floor, there is the sky deck, with 360 degree views of Melbourne and surrounds. There is also "THE EDGE", a viewing platform that moves 3 metres out from the building. Once at its extent, the walls and the floor, previously opaque, become clear glass, and you can seen down to the ground, some 300+ metres below. Now I am not at all good with heights; infact I'm known to be very squeamish, so going up this tower was a big step for me. Going up in the lift, I was already starting to feel quite nauseous, and hung onto the rails. Once out of the lift, the view hits you in the face, and I felt quite dizzy. Still, I went over to the window, and was fine whilst looking straight ahead, but when I looked directly in front and down, I got very giddy. I did however take quite a few photo's and as I was taking them, my nervousness evaporated and I began to enjoy the views. I even ventured outside onto the caged open air area..........such a brave girl I am. lol Finally, we went into "The Edge"
It was absolutely amazing, and what was more amazing was that I was less afraid in there than I had been just looking out of the ordinary windows......go figure. To be able to stand, look at your feet, and see the pavement, road and vehicles so far below was mind boggling. I have every intention of going again, next time at night so I can see the lights of the city and surrounding suburbs. For any of you in Melbourne, or thinking visiting our fair city, make sure you visit the Eureka tower, it's well worth it.
Here are some photo's.
View of the tower from the ground, I got dizzy just looking up at it.
Looking south toward the bay, the large white rectangle mid picture is the Exhibition Centre, otherwise known as Jeff's shed after Jeff Kennet, the Premier of Victoria at the time it was built. When the position fell to Steve Bracks sometime later, some wags then started calling it Brack's Shack. Now that John Brumby has taken on the job, I wonder what it will be named now??
Looking north east. The white building is the Governor of Victoria's residence. The Governor is the Queens representative in Victoria. Each state has a Governor, and the Queens Federal rep is the Governor General.
Looking east, and middle picture is the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), home of the boxing day cricket test, and the AFL grand final, which will take place this Saturday.
Just in front of the MCG is Melbourne Park, aka the tennis centre, home of the Australian Open Tennis tournament.
Federation Square and the Fabulous or Fugly building, depending on opinion. Mine is the latter incidentally. God only know why such a disgusting building was erected on this site. It contains galleries and shops, but it's all pretty high brow stuff, not really for the everyday Aussie. I've been there once, and as far as I was concerned, it was a total waste of time. I'd rather go to the museum or the art gallery. The stuff on sale is all way out of my budget range, so really, this is for those with money, and those who think they have superior taste etc.
That will do for now. Will try to do some more tomorrow, but right now I have to get organised for dinner, though I don't know how I'm going to fit anything in as we had a Greek banquest for lunch.
Take care everyone, and happy knitting.
I'm with you - it's ugly.
But the Governor's Residence is beautiful, and seeing the Tennis Centre was just like a celebrity sighting (Mr. HalfSoled is a huge fan and we always watch the grand slam tournaments).
Good for you for braving your jitters. I went up the CN tower where they have the same kind of thing - glass viewing deck at the top. It was neat but unfortunately slightly dirty and scratched so you didn't get that really convincing illusion of nothing under you.
Posted by: Shannon B | September 28, 2007 at 02:07 AM
OMG you're a brave gal. It's sounds amazing and yet so scary! Hope your friend is feeling better and that you run out of bad luck with that car of yours. take care
Posted by: Anna-Karin | September 28, 2007 at 06:42 AM
Happy Anniversary! Made my knees shake just thinking about seeing the ground that far below my feet! Glad you had fun. I know I would have been clinging to the rail!
Posted by: deb | September 28, 2007 at 06:54 AM
Congratulations on your Anniversary! :0)
Posted by: yarn4kalei | September 29, 2007 at 02:34 AM
Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. You are VERY BRAVE as I could feel the nervousness and dizzyness just by reading your post, and I am extremely terrified of heights. I could just imagine how you were feeling, and you even entered the box too. I have seen it on tv and I dont think I could do it. You had wonderful views and your photos look great.
Posted by: sue | September 29, 2007 at 09:13 PM
Congratulations on your anniversary. There is no way in the world that I could go to the top. I feel giddy looking at the building from a distance!!
Jeff's Shed, Brack's Shack .... wot about Brumby's Bungalow ???
Posted by: Vivien | September 30, 2007 at 09:32 PM