The Heart of Melbourne by Shante King

After my 2 and a half month stay, I can honestly say that I left a huge piece of my heart in Melbourne and would one day love to spend the rest of my life there.  I felt comfortable in every environment I encountered. I lived in Bundora right by the college. This area was of course very diverse, but I did go on one particular day trip driving out into the outskirts of Melbourne.  In the little town that we stopped at to have lunch, the man behind the counter was fairly old and in most cities that would put up a red flag for Black travelers.  The man put on the biggest smile and asked what we would like.  He gave us directions, a hefty lunch, and free dessert. He never once gave us the "What are you doing in these parts" look.

The biggest cultural difference or “culture shock” I experienced was how anonymous I was until I spoke. It was difficult for me to remember that I had the accent. I would enter a place and not even get a second look. I was just another customer. Nothing was preconceived about me. This was quite shocking coming from the US! While in Melbourne I received an almost unnerving amount of offers to show me around. The people always greeted me with a smile and offers of free desserts from their bakeries, entrance into nightclubs, and even rooms to stay in! Yes, strangers, both men and women offered their rooms to

stay in!  Yes, strangers, both men and women offered their rooms to me!  Everyone was always kind and open.     One drawback, Australian food is a bit bland. What we consider a hamburger here in the US is very different in Melbourne. The Aussies have different names for all types of things.  For example capsicum is what we call bell peppers.  Before you order something in a restaurant always ask what is in it and if the egg is half raw!          When it comes to Melbourne it’s is hard to choose a must see location! Everywhere I went was very pleasant and exciting. This may be hard to believe, but it is almost impossible to walk in a store, into a hole in the wall club, or down a block without seeing someone you can identify with by either culture or color. Melbourne is extremely diverse!

But if I had to choose a must see location it would have to be the "Stellar Bar" on Bourke street. It is right at the tip of the city.  The music in the backgroud is along the line of Musiq Soul Child, A Tribe Called Quest and Erika Badu. The lighting is red like a soul club in Harlem and the incense burns and blows in the cool gentle breeze. The seating is all earth tone couches facing the wall sized open window where you can sip s very addicting fresh mango daquiri. The bartenders are very personable and they almost always make you feel like you are the only one there.  The "Stellar Bar" was my favorite spot to relax.

Good times at "Stellar Bar".

One interesting point—during my stay I would often talk to Africans living in Australia.  They would all tell me how badly they wished to visit America and what they thought of the "Black Experience".  I was shocked! When I told them that I had a decent job and an apartment, they were surprised! They thought that I had a mansion and twelve cars-a result of watching too much television I suppose.  They also could not grasp the concept of there being a Black America, White America, Asian America, etc... They figured we were all rich and equal! As far as getting to Australia goes, I would try to book a direct flight. Also watch the exchange rate for the few weeks before your trip! Once you finally arrive, research the city a bit by grabbing a local paper. Ask around in the cafes for the hot spots, trust me they will be very friendly and you will be very happy that you asked.

On another note: Be sure to bring your own hair care products and cosmetics.  They are imported so if you run out you will have to go to Sydney Rd to get them. And most importantly, you will have to buy a bottle of hair oil for $20 when it would cost only $4 in the US. The local Safeway stores will have many of the things you may have forgotten to bring with you.  Also they of course have a different outlet system so you cannot use your electronics there without a converter.  For shopping, go to the little areas like Chapel Street and the area in the city by Russel Street Station. Downtown has the Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci shops. The Crown Casino also has the high end retail shops.

The cafes on Chapel Street- Melbourne's most vibrant fashion & food strip.

I have been to Canada, Taipei (Taiwan), all over Mexico and Hawaii, and I have never been treated with such grace, not even in my own country.  I found the Australian people to be the kindest and most non-judgmental people I have ever encountered.  I would highly recommend Melbourne as a travel location to Black Americans.

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