Melbourne OUT from the lockdown :D

Today is Melbourne Cup's Day and it is a public holiday. Well, don't ask me what this holiday is about, because even after being here for 4 years, I still have no idea what we are celebrating today 😂. I know that it is related to horse racing and usually on this day, we will see a lot of people wearing very unique hats on the street! I will show you an example later haha. I am not going out today unfortunately because it is 26 degrees (and in my dictionary, 26 degree is hot! LOL)

Anyway, last weekend was the first weekend that we were officially out from the lockdown and the streets were so full of life that I was almost tearing when I saw the crowd. Melbourne has been in the lockdown stage since March so you can imagine how long it has been for all of us. We were temporarily out in June, but the second wave hit and we were back to another lockdown. Today it is 'donut day', meaning zero case for today and this is the fourth day in a row where Victoria has recorded zero daily cases or deaths. Keep it on, Melbourne! 💪

So, last weekend, I started my precious Saturday by having brunch with my cousin. Not the best one I would say but it is the one place that we can get a reservation in city. Most cafes in city were booked out! (Husband at work so did not join us). We strolled in the city after, people-watching, shopping and I even got my eyebrow trimming done! LOL. It was about 14 - 16 degrees and so it was unexpectedly cold when the wind blew, though we love this chilled weather.

Not the best cafe. But outside the cafe it had such beautiful plants and murals! 

 

The residents here actually decorate the lane with all these plants. Such a lovely sight. It is called Guildford Lane and it is very near to my place. #comevisitme

Our dinner. Hubby joined us after finishing his work!

This dinner place is the exact SAME place where we had our first dining out dinner when Melbourne was opened up in June too. Four months later, we still choose this same place to have our first dining out dinner haha. I love this place's soba! #comevisitme

On Sunday, the sun was out and it was around 16 - 18 degrees too. Now you know why I say 26 degree is hot right 😆 Our Sunday was usually quite packed, as we attended online church in the morning and will go out to have a picnic in one of the parks. I also baked some kaya and tuna buns using my favourite recipe! (In this post) We had tuna cans that we bought and had no idea what to do with them so hubby suggested instead of making plain buns, put the tuna in! (What a brilliant idea 😑)

Before going into oven! They rise up so nicely I am so happy!

One tray is tuna, and the other tray is kaya filling. Warm breads out from the oven really tasted soooo nice and we brought some to our picnic later!

Melbourne's park is such a gem! I absolutely love just lying around, doing nothing and enjoying the sun. And trust me when I say I am not alone when it comes to picnic.

Everyone is trying to social-distance when gathering around the park for picnic. So many of them! When the weather is good, Melbournians come out for picnic. 

But of course, we chose somewhere in the shades as our picnic spot! (Notice no one is here hahaha)

Picnic mat was a good investment. The wind was like natural air-conditioning and we both took a nap while waiting for friends. It was so comfy that we were thinking to bring pillows next time haha 😂

SO, as you can see, life is back to normal and I am really happy. Yesterday, I was out for my physio appointment and did notice that the streets were once again full with people and even more crowded than weekend. Perhaps, the Covid-normal life will indeed become a reality for everyone here in Melbourne.

People queing for Korean lunch on Monday afternoon

Another queue for Tim Ho Wan. Restaurants are only allowed to have 20 people indoor maximum so this is the new norm.

Not sure whether you can see beyond this picture that the street is so full of people. At least everyone is wearing mask! But for Monday, I think this is quite a busy scene.

Thank God that we finally see the light at the end of this tunnel. If you have been following my blog, you will probably observe my up-and-down mood throughout these few months. I am not hating my working from home life, in fact, it offers some flexibility that I absolutely love (wearing pjs for work anyone? lol) but it starts to lose its charm after 4 months and it was especially hard during the second lockdown. I love going OUT for work, and definitely prefer the going out routine than staying at home. I still struggle to know what God's plan is for this whole Covid situation, but looking back, this year is really tough and rough for a lot of us, but that glimpse of light and the hope that I have will continue to persevere despite the circumstances. And for that, I am grateful. I am grateful that I experienced this unique season, and through its ups and downs, I am grateful that I can keep believing and trusting in Him for whatever He has planned for me. It is tough, but I know I have hope in Him. 

So, in my random-ness, here is an example: 

This is Melbourne Cup Day unique hat example haha.

Till then, see you next post! 😀

~ loves, Susan