Touristy Day in Melbourne

Today we woke up late after being so tired from White Night. We set our alarms for 10 (and were quite surprised when they actually woke us up!) We took the tram into the city and stopped to get muffins for breakfast. From there we went to the beautiful city library and explored its artwork and rotunda.

The weather today was gorgeous. About 85 and sunny all day. Simply beautiful. When we left the library there were two men playing giant chess on its front steps. We sat there watching them, realizing how little time we had left in Melbourne and that, if we were gonna do touristy things we should get a move on it! So off to the old city jail we went.

...that was...until we passed a barber. Jon has been talking about getting a hair cut for at least A MONTH. So when we finally saw a barber he was STOKED to get a hair cut. In case you were curious, here's the before picture (the after is below).

So! After the HAIRCUT, we went to the Gaol :)

The Old Melbourne Gaol (which apparently is how you spell "jail" in Australia. Umm. What? We were pronouncing it "gay-ole" for days...) was used from the 1800's through 1994. Yes, that's right. The jail we visited was used until 20 years ago. And yet they basically never updated the facilities so it still looked like it had about a hundred years ago. It was crazy to think that people had actually be locked up there.

The common area

A "wet cell"...aka where they put drunks who could then be hosed down...

The jail's main corridor

Wandering around the women's section of the prison...

In the jail we read about some of the notorious criminals from throughout Australia and got to see their "death masks". For decades, phrenology (the study of the skull) had been the rule in psychology. Psychologists thought they could "read" people's skulls in order to show what traits they possessed, including their inclination to destruction and murder. When people died or were executed at the Goal, scientists made masks of their heads so they could study their phrenology. Quite fascinating.

NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF TROUBLE MAKERS!!!

(And check out that haircut!)

After leaving the Gaol aound 5 pm, we wandered to Eureka Skydeck 88, the tallest building in Melbourne and headed to the top! Completed in 2004, the skydeck has 360 degree views of the whole city from the highest viewing deck in the southern hemisphere.

Inside, it also has telescopes which point to all of the major spots throughout the city. The skydeck also has an experience called "The Edge" (the only one in the world), where a 3 meter cube slides from within the 88th floor out over the edge of the building. After you have slid out all the way, a series of sounds such as glass breaking, chains moving, etc. etc. springs to life and you are suddenly faced with clear glass on all sides showing you every direction, including down, where you can see directly to the street below. I'm a sucker for anything novel like that. Seriously. It was a fairly terrifying experience, but definitely one you have to do if you can! (Unfortunately no pictures because you aren't allowed to bring cameras out. Suffice it to say it was nervewracking, especially with the all the crazy sounds!)

After the skydeck we headed back to the river for dinner and a beer along the water before going back for an early night. At least that was what we planned, but we were pleasantly surprised to find our hosts were awake and up for a chat. They invited us upstairs to their apartment and we had a lovely tea as we discussed all of our travels and lives. Quite enjoyable despite our tiredness :).

After going back down to the studio and bloggin a bit, it's definitely time for bed :). Another beautiful day in Melbourne and truly looking forward to the next!

Jess' highlight of the day: dinner by the river, although honestly too many to name - have I mentioned I love Melbourne?
Jon's highlight of the day: Old Melbourne Gaol