Things I will miss about Melbourne

So endeth my three month stint in the Garden City. Victoria was lovely - in many ways, my life there reminded me of the good times in KL. My social life was hectic, I worked in a corporate environment and there were lovely cafes around every corner. Not to mention the enormous Malaysian population.

So why did I leave? I could list inane things like, the weather, the horrendous dodge 'em traffic, the madding crowds, but really, I'm leaving for love. SO, my favourite sister-in-law (even if you aren't the only one, you'd still be my favourite) put it succinctly: You might be in Melbourne, but your heart was always in Gold Coast.

Still, much as I love KG (please take note of what I'm giving up for you), the sunny blue skies and the ability to flaunt my waistline in dresses (I am constantly in jeans here) all year round (I used to love outerwear but am sick, sick, sick of it now), I know I'll miss...

... the cafes in completely random places: Dead Man Espresso (South Melbourne), Babble (off Chapel St), Journal (Flinders Ln), 1000 Pound Bend (Little Lonsdale St), Giraffe Cafe (also Little Lonsdale St).

... cheap food: Japanese at Don Don and Hanaichi ($6.50-7), pizza at Brunswick and QVM ($2-2.50 per slice), Sushi at Lonsdale St ($2 per roll) and general $10 meals everywhere else.

... the parks/ green: Fitzroy Gardens, the National Parks along the Great Ocean Road and all the little reserves all over the inner eastern suburbs and Yarra Valley, of course.

... cheap and chic: Brunswick St and Fitzroy St are great for warehouse/ outlet sales (see Missy Confidential for tips), Camberwell Sunday Markets for recycled designer stuff, DFO South Wharf for the Gap and Forever New outlets and apparently, the op shops in St Kilda's (never got the chance, sadly).

... Christian support: I attended the Planet Shakers church once and honestly, if you're new to the city, register yourself there - they have random church members call you now and then to make sure you're okay. And of course, SL and co, thank you so much for your prayers!

... friends: I've met many, many people here - some nice, most unmemorable, some downright insane. And also turned many acquaintances into friends. To the lovely people who put up with my lovesick whinging and craziness, I ♥ you all and promise to return your hospitality when you pop over to my turf next time.

... people: For most part, Melburnians are extremely friendly and easygoing. Although I did face my first racial epithets ever here, I've also had many long, in depth conversations with random strangers.

... tree-lined streets: Autumn here is amazing and I'm so glad I got the chance to experience it.

Okay, I'd better stop here or I'll start with a litany of regrets next.