Transit Edition

As a special request (see I take requests!) this is a special transit edition. I think it's actually worth writing about because Melbourne has a sophisticated, yet confusing system. The buses, trains and trams all run on a system called myki. When you board any of them you touch your card to bright green sensors. Well, for being so sophisticated they give NO written explanation for how this works. I knew I needed a card but couldn't get one from the machine. Luckily the people at the station helped me out. Nicholas (my new best friend for the next 30 minutes) stayed by me for the "illegal" of my journey and even got my card for me. When I expressed worry that I would get in trouble going one stop a woman told me, "you're clearly a tourist, use stereotypes to your advantage!" Once getting my card all sorted out (and don't worry, I paid for my previous journey!) I was all set.
Waiting for a tram is weird as all heck. You stand in the middle of the road next to a very small fence and a poll.

This station has a little hut-- but most don't.

The advantage of myki is made clear then as all doors are utilized and getting on is very quick. What is unclear to me is how they make sure everyone pays. Except for a small sign that reminds people to "not be a freeloader" it seems its up to people to be honest. Yet again even that doesn't necessarily work... My balance stood at -12 cents for a while. So it seems to work, (as long as you're trustworthy and already know how it works.)

Hope that was informational!

My most common form of transportation is walking, and my most common route is to the train station. This walk has a few great highlights along it... or maybe I'm just very easily entertained (that's probably more likely.)

But, regardless, here are some pictures:

This American themed hotel's selling points are an all you can eat buffet, gambling, sports, and a bar. It is also next to the only fast food restaurant for quite a radius.

Almost all mail boxes have a sign that says something about not wanting junk mail. It seems like these people now want it.

This is my favorite. I have yet to walk past this "garage" without laughing.

Hope everyone is well,

(This might say Hattie, but I'm sticking with my original thought.)