Melbourne and Sydney are like two separate universes and even though they are only a couple of hundred kilometres apart (712.35 to be exact) it's impossible to compare them.
One of the biggest differences is in the CBDs of both cities. Melbourne has several arcades and "lanes" devoted to cafe culture, tea cakes and fine dining. These arcades and lane ways are bustling, fun and buzzing with all sorts of people from trendy young 'uns with interesting hair cuts to regal madames and their entourages.
One of my favourite arcades is The Block and one of my favourite eating establishments is The Hopetoun Tea Rooms. From a quick perusal of the web I found out this arcade was purchased for 18 pounds in 1891. Lady Hopetoun founded a tea room for The Victorian Ladies Association soon after.
Here's my Happy Friday homage to The Block and The Hopetoun Tea Rooms.
Isn't that wallpaper something?
We have a three day weekend down here in Aus so I'll be doing some serious relaxing and hanging around the house type activities which will most likely involve a lot of drawing. Surprise!
Happy Friday folks and may your weekend be filled with good relaxing fun!
oooh, those sweets look soo yummy!
Posted by: regina | April 23, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Oh, it's looks positively splendid! I wish I could stroll the arcades and share tea, finger sandwiches, and pastries with you Sam. Have a wonderful 3-day weekend!
Posted by: Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese | April 23, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Ohh, I loved that arcade, too!
Posted by: Jess | April 23, 2010 at 04:21 PM
How gorgeous Sam:) Love it!
Have a lovely weekend,
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy Patterson | April 23, 2010 at 06:48 PM
Gorgeous post, darling! These pics are exquisite!
Happy Weekend!!
xoxox,
CC
Posted by: Couture Carrie | April 24, 2010 at 01:27 AM
Dearest sam, so happy to be visiting you here after a little break. I am going to catch up on all the posts that i missed. These photos are sooo gorgeous...love them! Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to yoU!
Posted by: Jacqueline | April 24, 2010 at 04:42 AM
those pictures are so beautiful. I love the pastries, and wish I could jump through the glass! My fave is the third set, I like how the reflection plays a bit. can't wait to see your weekend drawings, how about a little birdie with a beret or a gaucho birdie perhaps an ode to my beloved Latin America. ( I was born in El Salvador but raised in Los Angeles) anywho, enough about me, enjoy your three day holiday!
Posted by: sealaura | April 24, 2010 at 06:06 AM
ooooo....it looks so classy there...and mmmm...yum! Awesome, I would love to visit..geez.
i hope you have an amazing long weekend!!!
Posted by: Kathleen | April 24, 2010 at 11:43 AM
That wallpaper is amazing. I love that color green, it reminds me of the 90's version of Great Expectations (Gwyneth Paltrow, Ethan Hawke). I you haven't seen it, it's a visual treat!
Posted by: Saltina | April 24, 2010 at 04:36 PM
Oh I'm a bit silly saying I hope you'll be drawing this weekend in my comment on your latest post and then I see here that's part of the plan! I'm always behind! Tea Rooms are such special places. Sadly we don't have many left in Brisbane. Those sweets sure look scrummy!
Posted by: Tracy | April 25, 2010 at 06:12 PM
you know, i've never had tea there. i might be making this up, but is it supposed to be haunted??
Posted by: PRIMOEZA | April 25, 2010 at 07:05 PM
Oh my, what an absolutely stunning location, I am loving the wallpaper!
Posted by: dapper kid | April 26, 2010 at 01:17 AM
Melbourne sounds pretty amazing, from what all I've heard - would love to go there someday! I find myself ridiculously attracted to tea rooms.
Posted by: Rebecca | April 28, 2010 at 10:23 PM