stuck inside a volcano..

i’ve rekindled myself to a corner on the top floor of parliament station for internet coverage. 

I originally came from Melbourne Central but the heat was unbearable (the air con is non existent on trains at this heat – and you feel like you’re in a tin can that’s been sealed for over a hundred years) so I exited parliament thinking they’ll be less commuters on the next train- 1hr later, the same scene. 

On my way here, I bumped into the ten news crew who were doing a segment on public transport and the heat. It was good to see them at work and have a little chat on what they do and the equipment they used.

Then instead of going to Flinders I went to Melbourne thinking it’ll be less hot to wait inside (as there’s lots of train cancellations)…but now I am stuck inside-lack of aircon, ironically. It’s too hot to tram to flinders st, & impossible to train. I gathered the best option was to wait it out until 7ish when there’s less people and blog in the meantime!

At Melbourne Central, there were people begging for money for water. I’ve seen people begging on the street but have never witnessed anyone coming up to me. I guess the heat and the recession is taking its toll on all citizens.

There’s a cooler room next to me. The train officers are coming in and out – it’s very tempting to just walk in there but I think it’s secured.

Let me paint you a picture of what it is like in Melbourne right now. It’s not the normal summer breeze where everything is bright and exciting, it’s like sitting directly under a heater – one of those rod heaters. No breeze! No even a tint of movement in the air. 

Heat makes you do the funniest things – this man threw his four year old daughter off the westgate bridge today. ek!!! I have no idea what was going through his mind. The girl was in critical condition when they rescued her but I just found out she died. It’s very tragic! Just to give you an idea of how high the bridge was.. it’s 58metres high..

Ok well I’m off to try and catch the train again. 

Au revoir.

Australia Day

it’s one of those times where having a retail store is a good idea as millions of melburbians rush to malls and air-conditioned places. however, Melbourne is not the best place to be right now – or Australia for that matter.

i’m currently in  cafe on the third level of the NGV. I never knew this place existed! It’s hidden in federation square, 3 flights of escalators up – very relaxing,& most importantly, there’s FREE internet. 

i walked here from train station and every step seemed longer & more unbearable. 

I am feeling sorry for the tennis players… sweating it out in 46.2 degrees weather

what I am dreading is the train ride home. apparently over 200 trains were cancelled, and air-conditioning was broken. But I suppose it’s worst in other countries, so I’m very grateful for being in Australia. 

Speaking of which. We celebrated our national Day a few days ago. I went to a function at gov. house and the prime minister spoke about education – he’s a very good speaker – didnt need any cue cards.

Well that’s all for now – hopefully I make it home okay.

here’s some pictures….