This is another beginning

It's hard to believe that this is my last post. Indeed I've been subconsciously postponing this moment since I knew that it will strongly make me realize that my year in Melbourne has been over, even though I can still vividly picture the panoramic view of the city from Flinders in my heart.


After almost 10 months of experience in Melbourne, now I see the world and also myself differently. It wasn't simply an experience of studying in foreign university. Everything and everyone I've seen and met there brought a new perspective to my life, and made it so treasurous as I will probably embrace it forever.

It will take a while until I eventually move onto another stage of life after such an unforgettable year. But I know I have to move on, and I believe that's how I can truly cherish my past 10 months; with all the experience I had in Melbourne I clearly see more potential and courage in myself, which will help me to keep on pursuing my goals and dreams.

Here for the last time I want to thank everyone who helped and supported me, and the one who always walked besides me to share the moments of smiles and even tears.

Lastly I also want to show my deep appreciation for those who have kept visiting my blog until now. Thank you so much, because you guys made all this worth it. Hope you also enjoyed and even felt a touch of my Melbourne every time you dropped by.


" Go on in pursuit of your dream. The dunes are changed by the wind, but the desert never changes. If I am really a part of your dream, you'll come back one day."


A lot of love,

November 26, 2007

Mihiro

Home

After more than 10 hours of flight, I'm now back in Japan.

Before my final update, I'm going to post one more from my last few days in Australia, with the most special one in my Melbourne year.

Always our best place for coffee and chat; and always sat at the same place.
















...Though this time our order was orange juice. It was too hot for coffee that day!

And my last day in Melbourne.

The funny thing was that we both didn't wait to have our food until after we go home. The night before was Malaysian, and Japanese lunch for our last day in Melbourne:P.

Shopping at Melbourne Central after lunch.

...Last coffee time in the heavenly caffeinated city.

Hope you safely arrived home.

Departure

Now time to move on.

Bye

Flocks of bustling pedestrians, attached sound of trams, and stillness of Flinders.

I'll miss you Melbourne.

Lemongrass

Friday night was a night of pure luxury as Wai Kitt lavished upon me with a fantastic dinner present. Dinner was in Lemongrass, one of Melbourne's classiest royal Thai restaurants.

The night was to commemorate the end of our fantastic year in Melbourne, and it was also my overly belated birthday celebration.

The restaurant was in an elegant setting of dark timber and traditional Thai artifact. The ambient was sumptuous, and we luckily had a table in a nice and quiet place which was exactly what I've requested:).

By the way, we were at Crown Casino before the dinner, and Wai Kitt won $50! How lucky as! On the other hand, I just stayed as an observer this time:P.

The food was scrumptious. Every dish was finely presented, and they also tasted as artful as they looked. I especially loved Papaya Salad!

Overall I was totally convinced that this is the award-winning restaurant. Everything was perfect. And the most of all, the company was wonderful. Thank you Wai Kitt:).

Now, my final week in Melbourne.

Tomoko

Seems like everything is happening at the last minutes.

Our reunion after almost 5 years exceeded my expectation. It was an absolute fun!

5 years ago Tomoko and I came to Australia at the same time to study in Warrnambool; I was 16, and Tomoko was only 15 . We were one of few Japanese who strove to mingle with local students while most of the internationals secluded themselves in ESL room.

Now she has grown up as a beautiful mature lady who has the hottest (!) boyfriend I've ever seen!;P She's been studying hospitality and cooking at TAFE in Melbourne.

We had too many things to talk about, and could only finish talking about half of the topics which have been piling up for 5 years.

Take care, girl! We'll definitely have our reunion again.

unti then,

xoxo

5000 miles friendship

In a land of different culture, meeting someone from our own country sometimes gives a special meaning. With Reina, nevertheless, it was more than just a simple affinity coming from shared cultural background, but a friendship truly tied with a profound respect between each other.

You were the one who always treasures friends, and also who were considerate, warm and self -determined which I always admired for.

I'm so glad that we met here in Melbourne.

Love and hugs,

Mihiro

floor mates and so much more

Caught a shuttle bus to Peninsula campus, and walked down to the beach.

Our last big day out for the year. And for me, for good.

Delighted laughing of Sam from the kitchen. Nathan's penetratingly low voice from the corridor. They have already become indispensable parts of my life. You guys completed my Melbourne.

Lunch at the beach and afternoon napping later on. What a beautiful summer day.

After treasurable 9 months in Melbourne, I'm about to take one big step forward in my life.

Historical Walk

It has been already another very hectic week; being out in the city almost everyday, and a lot of catching up with friends for the last time. Both yesterday and today , I had to say good-bye to some of my important people. Saying good-bye is always hard, and it'll never get easier. At the same time, however, it always makes me realize how important they have become in my life.

This afternoon, Nathan and I did self-guided walk in the city. We started at Federation Square, and discovered the elegant enclave in East Melbourne. We walked through the area, and saw the houses with elaborate ironwork, classic columns and lofty verandas from the Victoria era, which were amazingly enchanting.
By the way, we are both a little health/fitness fanatic, and we actually ended up walking almost 10km today;P My legs are totally tired now...

Tomorrow: Last going out with my floor mates to Peninsula beach. Woohoo!

For all Malaysian friends

Safe trip to home, everyone, and thank you for a wonderful year.

Love,

Mihiro

farewell to my two best Singaporean friends

Exam period is nearly coming to the end, and those who have finished their exams are heading to their home for the summer. The Halls are getting quieter day by day.

Varun and Ash, both from Singapore, have also left for their country for the holiday. They have been a great part of my life in Melbourne, and are also the first Singaporeans whom I become so close in my life.

Varun and I often hung out together with many others from his floor. He used to be my jogging buddy, and he was one of those few people whom I could count on in aussie booze although sometimes he was also quite intoxicated;P. His sharp wit and humor always entertained me and amazed me a lot.

Ash and I didn't live in the same hall, and it made us quite difficult to see each other often. But somehow I always felt connected to her, and I knew that she always cared about me,too. She was also the one who provided me well thought advice during moments of desperation.

Though I won't be here next year, nonetheless, it won't change a thing between us.

Thank you, Varun and Ash. One day, hopefully in near future, I'll see you both in your beautiful country, and we'll together miss this our crazy year at Monash.

Love and kisses,

Mihiro

Fitzroy Gardens

Floral Conservatory


Captain James Cook's Cottage

One of Melbourne's greatest assets is the sea of green that weaves its way in and around the city. Those picturesque gardens and parks are why this city is forever known as the " Garden City".

Their beauty is at their best now.