Melbourne

A first since I left New York, a heater in my room. Luckily it isn't needed, but the temperature is down in 50s at night. Yesterday I went to the Botanical Garden and among many other lovely things, saw a Titan Armus. A very rare plant to see in bloom. It was 108 mm tall - the bloom, not the plant. LIke the flora and fauna there are many extremes in architecture here, like they are trying too hard to compete with Sydney. Today a book market at Federal Square was disappointing, one rare book table, nothing local. I was hoping to be wowed like the San Juan book fair. Tonight its Shakespeare in the park. Small audience for Romeo and Juliet, small production, but well done. The principals were very professional as the flying foxes screeched through their dying. I've walked lots, even though I bought new pass for tram, bus and train. They charge $6 for the card then fare on top of that. Did I mention Australia is expensive? Another thing with money is that they don't use pennies, totals are just rounded off and change given accordingly. That makes sense to me. Next day, and though I intended to go to Frankston beach and find the sand sculptures; I got caught up in the big state library with wonderful exhibits and it got too late.