Melbourne, Australia – The Happening City in the South

Located on the Yarra river, Melbourne is a beautiful and happening city in the state of Victoria. I have memories of the modern architecture, vibrant crowd, and cosmopolitan feel that this city offers. My two-weeks stay here were not enough to catch up everything. But here’s is an attempt to share a few experiences.

There is no better way to see the city then to take the free City Circle tram ride that operates daily covering the Queen Victoria Market, Victoria Harbour in Docklands, over to Flinders Street Station and Federation Square. The City Circle tram is also well connected with other tram, bus, and train routes in and around Melbourne. Add to the experience by visiting the Queen Victoria Market, one the largest open-air markets in the world. Additionally, Harbour Town offers another variety of outlets, entertainment, and attractions. The Flinders Street station is among city’s most recognizable landmarks and the busiest suburban railway station. The modern design of Federation Square surrounding Victorian architectural buildings is another must to do. Catch up on the local events here.

The other thing to do is the fine dining experience along the Yarra river. Enjoy the ferry ride or cycling and walking trails along with picnic areas and beautiful park. Don’t miss the fireworks every hour after 6 PM. If you are a sports fan, visit the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground. The large stadium with tall light towers that has witnessed Common Wealth Games and Cricket World Cups in the past is the mecca for cricket lovers.

With children, another must to see place is the Melbourne aquarium. Watch cute penguins play in the pool and slide across the snow-covered ice. Visit the Oceanarium to see a variety of sea animals including fish, turtles, snakes, and sharks. Don’t miss Australia’s largest freshwater fish – the Murray Cod. Watch the children’s favorite animal feeding shows conducted at regular intervals. Another place to visit is the Melbourne zoo. The zoo has hundreds of species of animals including elephants, orangutan, kangaroos, giraffes, and butterflies.

The place to visit for white sandy beach is St Kilda foreshore. St Kilda is home to many of Melbourne's famous visitor attractions including Luna Park, the Esplanade Hotel, and is home to most famous beach, several renowned theatres, and several of Melbourne's big events and festivals. Created to reach for the sky is the Eureka Skydeck. Get the bird’s eye view of the city and significant landmarks across Melbourne right from the 88th floor. If you are adventurous experience a closer view from the Edge, a glass cube extension of the deck.

The most unforgettable experience was the scenic coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road spanning more than 200 kilometers. Starting from Melbourne, it's an easy drive taking you along cliff tops and beaches. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery enjoying the beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, and dense rainforests. Also catch up on the Great Ocean Road icons like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. There are also tours to Great Ocean Road along with Phillip Island that brings you closer to nature and wildlife.

Johannesburg, South Africa: The City of Fascinating Opposites and Puzzling Delight

Jo’burg is the former home of Nelson Mandela and one of the most vibrant cities in South Africa. In my one-month stay here, I have enjoyed this city of people with the heart of gold and a rich cultural heritage. Johannesburg is a city of opposites – you can be dazzled by the shiny buildings and skyscrapers on one side as well as witness the urban life of Alexandra, you can experience wildlife and nature very closely as well as be impressed by the malls and flea markets full of souvenirs. Here’s my attempt to share my story and pictures.

The first place I visited is the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO world heritage site. It is about an hour drive from Jo’burg. The limestone caves, such as Sterkfontein at this place is the world’s greatest source of hominid fossils. The place has many hair-raising stories including hominids being dragged into caves by wild animals or accidentally falling into hidden holes. The Sterkfontein Caves also contain a 2.3-million-year-old fossil of Mrs. Ples found in 1947 by Robert Broom and John T. Robinson. After exiting the caves, don't forget to touch Mr Broom's nose for good luck.

The visit to Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill is a must to discover the true history of South Africa including the struggle and end of segregation. There are video clips and photographs to provide insights into the years of racial oppression on non-white people and how history was made to reach equal rights for all. Get the gold mining experience at Gold Reef City. You go back in time and experience the 19th century gold rush and gold pour. Wear the miner’s hat and the carry the miner’s light and descend the gold mines through an elevator to witness how mining was done in the past. The place also has a casino and an amusement park with thrilling rides and live shows.

The next thrilling experience is the jungle safari and wildlife at its best at Lion and Safari Park. You can take the bus ride or use your car to visit the dangerous territory of wild animals. You are in the cage of your car or bus and the wild animals will roam around your free. You can feed the giraffe or interact with cubs in the park as well.

Another amazing experience is the early morning jungle safari to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos) along with other animals and birds at three hours drive from Jo’burg at Pilanesberg National Park. It is also must to visit the nearby luxury resort and casino at Suncity for a day of relaxation and fun. Enjoy water sports, sand and beach at Valley of Waves, splendid golf resorts, and modern casinos and live shows, all at one place. If you have time you can plan to stay in luxurious hotels in Suncity.

Visit Montecasino that resemble an ancient Tuscan village and is named after the village of Monte Cassino near Rome in Italy for the best casino, hotel, and dining experience. The notable grandeur of the casino, fake ceiling of the sky, and open restaurants takes you to a new world. I just lost 10 Rands here but got some incredible experience. The bird park and the hot balloon ride at a nominal price to get a bird-eye view of the city should not be missed.

No trip is complete without shopping. The Bruma and Panorama flea markets and Nelson Mandela Square connected with Sandon City shopping center provides many options for shopping and fine dining.