We flew in early on Friday morning (due to Joel's non-existent thursday night basketball commitments *grumble+mwah*) and took the Skybus to be greeted by Di and Wan at Southern Cross Station. Gotta love the ease of Melbourne transport. Then we begin a huge weekend of overeating with brunch at the cozy Cafe Sweethearts in South Melbourne, followed by a stroll in Alfred Park.

Most shops were closed given the public holiday so we lazed around in Di's comfy apartment, singing Disney tunes while the boys played 'Game of Knowledge' (apparently for 12 year olds), and I had fun curling Di's hair and getting pretty for our dinner date at Nobu @ Crown with Gene and her friends.

I didn't take many pictures of the food (sorry Muz), and none which even came close to doing their tastes any justice. My recommendations are definitely the black cod in miso, and the beef tataki. Absolutely-melt-in-your-mouth- amazing.

Pictured below - wagyu beef, and chocolate spring rolls.

Group photo by a nice waiter! This is the only company I've ever kept who have tasted (and do not recommend) 'sake aged to classical music'!!! We opted for some citrus infused one instead but I still have a long way to go in my sake-appreciation I believe.

(Thanks for letting me borrow my entire outfit Di!)

Saturday morning wake-me-ups at a scrumptious creperie in Melbourne's beloved little laneways.

I just had to take the photo below in memory of the 101 business ideas Cynth and I used to have while in high-school and uni. This was right on the ball - a soupbar/juicebar that is perfect no matter what the weather is like...jealous!!

So much graffiti in Melbourne, even these garbage bins look like some kind of artwork.

One of my favourites, seems so Melbourne-esque...

And a bit more laneway-love as we headed back to the car...

I think the photo-taking dropped off somewhere about there and the eating increased ten-fold. Met up with Joel's relatives for a shopping spree in the Nike Employee store where there was 50% off all new-season stock, followed by a massive dinner in Burwood, which was then topped off by a chocolate overload at one of Melbourne's numerous chocolat cafes - Koko Black. We had the Chilli Hot Chocolate and it seriously burns through your ears!

Sunday was again spent overeating this time with my side of the family, and then catching up with Irma at a spanish tapas cafe - Bebida, followed by spanish chocolate and churros at San Churro.

What a delightful whirlwind weekend! Let me know if you have any friends who might be getting married in Melbourne - the place looks so lovely and interesting to photograph and I love the Melbournian style.

...Stay tuned for more arty ones on Joel's blog, including more of Di's other half and a detour with Irma to 'My Beautiful Laundrette' for the cheapest laundry prices in Melbourne!