Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia (3)

Many tourists don't realize there are beaches in Melbourne. Port Phillip Bay is a large bay which is connected to the Southern Ocean through a small opening called "the Rip". Because of this, many people thought it is a lake instead. You'll be surprised to find the water salty and dolphins living here. If you are adventurous, don't spend too much time in the boring Melbourne CBD areas. Take a tram or a train to Brighton Beach or St. Kilda. Along Brighton Beach, you'll be able to see rows of colorful bathing boxes which are printed in postcards found all over the world. North of Brighton is St. Kilda. Spend your weekend here with your family in the classic amusement park, featuring the wooden roller coaster. Take a stroll down the historic pier which stretches about half a mile out to the bay and enjoy the sunset. If you are hungry, there are many restaurants serving international cuisines to satisfy your taste bud.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia (2)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia (1)

Mini Travel Log: Beijing, China (4)

Temple of Heaven - The place where the powerful Emperor of China; regarded as God himself, offered his prayers and sacrificial offerings to the even mightier Gods in heaven for good harvests to the country. The huge complex and all the grand temples in it survived the occupation and looting of the foreigners, although some were desecrated and had collapsed. Through years of restoration, this temple is back to its magnificent days and also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is opened to the public where it was once forbidden where only the Emperor was allowed to step foot into it. The surrounding park is a popular place for the older generations to gather for leisure activities.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Beijing, China (3)
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Mini Travel Log: Christchurch, New Zealand (3)

I am so thankful for the earthquake happened right after I touched down at the airport. At a magnitude of 5.5, the airport buildings were shaking. But sitting in the big aircraft while getting off the runway, all of us didn't feel a thing and lucky to be away from the building as things could have fallen onto our heads.

With the double major shock and countless of other small tremors, Christchurch city is devastated now. Most parts in the city had already been locked down, beyond salvage, and needed to be rebuilt. To be safe, we were put up in a resort away from the city. This resort is called the Peppers Clearwater Resort and it is such a paradise considering the devastation around Christchurch. The staffs were as cheerful as ever despite the nightmares they had gone through. I really have to give it up to them and the people of Japan who had gone through similar tragedies.

This resort is so beautiful and peaceful; perfect for the family. There is a beautiful lake outside the balcony where you can BBQ while enjoying the sunset. For the golf lovers, you can play here while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Christchurch, New Zealand (2)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Christchurch, New Zealand (1)