FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 20 - Out and about in the city

Usually, by the time we get back from the pool and eat lunch, there’s really not much time before we have to head back to the pool for another workout or competition.

But with Tuesday’s men’s 1-meter prelims ending at about 12:30 p.m. and the women’s 10-meter prelims not starting until 6:30 p.m., I decided to take advantage of the break. After having lunch and getting a bit of work done, I took the tram into the city to walk around for an hour or two (our hotel is near a part of town known as St. Kilda – the city is about 15 minutes away by tram).

Many of the building have a very old feel to them, but they’re filled with lots of restaurants, cafes and trendy stores. I ran into the David, Thomas, Mary Beth and Mary Beth’s parents while I was out, and her mom and I commented on the number of shoe stores they have here!

One of the most interesting areas to me was the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street (Check out some photos). It’s a nice blend of the old and the new of Melbourne. On one corner is the Flinders Street Station, which is the oldest metropolitan train station in Australia. Another corner is the beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral (Mrs. Dunnichay said they went inside and it was absolutely amazing). But across the street is an unusual looking, very modern area known as Federation Square. I didn’t have a chance to check it out yet, but after reading some brochures, I’ve learned there are a bunch of shops and restaurants, along with an art gallery, the Australian Racing Museum, and several other attractions.

I’m hoping to have a chance to head back down there later this week – this Friday through Sunday, it’s Festival Weekend at Federation Square in conjunction with the World Championships. They’re having more than 500 visual and performing artists from Australia and around the world.

- Jen Lowery