Our first stop is Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and with nearly 5 million people, the second largest city in Australia. Melbourne rates highly in education, entertainment, health care, research and development, tourism and sport, making it the world's most livable city—for the seventh year in a row in 2017, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Seventeen of us gathered Wednesday from near and far. Several of us arrived early - Scott and Pat , John and Carol, Pat and Dave and John M. had been in Melbourne for a few days enjoying the sights and overcoming jet lag. Margaret, Debbie and Ken had been staying south of the city doing the same. Randall and I arrived from Darwin. Only a few arrived just on time for our tour to start - John and Mary Ann arrived from Hawaii while, Mel, Lyn and Judy from home.
Darrin our group leader lead us on a walking tour of the city center our first morning. The orientation of the city was enough for us to venture off on our own to see more of the sights that afternoon.
Melbourne's street art is internationally renowned and offers a feast of color, ideas and energy. It has become an attraction for local and overseas visitors experiencing Melbourne’s creative ambiance.
 Pat has the purse under control |  Street art is everywhere |
Hosier Lane is the most famous venue for graffiti.
Even the trash bins are painted.
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Several of us visited the Dior exhibit at the National Gallery of Victoria. The glamour was palpable.
