I got to go into the city yesterday - for the whole day.
I booked into some training for professional development and whilst a friend was looking after the kids for a few hours in the morning and hubby was taking the rest of the day off - I got to be a commuter for the day.
It wasn't until I got on the tram and took the bumbling ride into town that I realised how much fun I was having. I read my book, gazed out the window to enjoy the scenery, then strolled up Collins St for a while, just joining in all the mad rushing city folk getting to work.
I felt like a stranger in my own city. I don't often frequent the CBD. There is really no need. So I gazed, and wondered and enjoyed the moment. I marveled at new buildings, old buildings, the hussle and bussle and just the atmosphere. I think people could have spotted my thrill a mile away. I'm suprised no-one tapped me on the shoulder to say "I'm sorry Ma'am, too much enjoyment on your face for a Monday morning - get back to the burbs!"
I was early to training so took a detour to Bourke St, one of my favourite places - Pellengrini's. A cute little italian run coffee bar. I got a quick espresso then headed off to learn all about reflective counselling and mindful parenting (all very fascinating actually!).
I did a sneaky thing and skipped the sandwiches and instant coffee on offer for lunch and headed solo back to Pellingrini's for scrumptious pasta and another caffeine fix, then purused a gorgeous second hand book shop.
Afterwards, another stroll down the Paris End of Collins St (where people actually have to line up and wait to get into the Channel Store!).
More reading on the tram home - to be greeted by excited children and a husband finalising dinner on the table! I'm sure if I had to commute every day it would be a drag, but as a one off, I think it made me feel like a tourist.
Do you enjoy exploring places in your home town that you often don't get to visit?
