Sydney may have been the first major city on the Australian continent but Melbourne benefitted greatly from the nineteenth-century Vistoria gold rush, and quickly rivalled her sister to the north. While most North Americans think Sydney is far and away the major Australian city Melbourne is roughly equal in power and importance, while exhibiting a very different character. Where Sydney is very efficient and businesslike Melbourne has a more relaxed demeanor, with a distinctly residential feel in the busy neighborhoods close by the business district. For some reason, although it’s farther from the equator it’s a good bit hotter than Sydney in the summer.

We get two days to explore the town. We’d happily stay longer.

That’s a wrap

We rise at dawn to cram our bags yet tighter with clothing and the knick-knacks we’ve gathered in Australia. It’s time to bid this continent a fond farewell, and we load the deck of the Falcon one last time. The airport’s about a half hour outside the city, and we’ve got to cross town to find the highway. We ask the housekeeper for directions. It’s early. We’re a little hung over. She gives us a sly look.

“How much do you know about Melbourne?”

• Enough to know we have to ask you for directions. What is this, some kind of inkeeper game?

Easy there, tiger. No worries. New Zealand’s three hours away.