Another Day in Melbourne - Day 6

Today started with Telstra texting us that we had used 1.3GBs of extra data. We had use Melissa's iPhone as a hotspot for the girls late last night but thankful turned it off before going to bed. After a check of the girls devices, it was discovered that someone had enjoyed our data for free. Obviously Telstra didn't care who used it, so they billed us $133 for the event. So we settled the bill, and changed the password again of course. The joys of living in a population dense part of the CBD I suppose. :( 

The girls spent first couple of hours getting a makeup lesson and make over at Myers. That was followed by cosmetic purchases to reproduce the effects of the make over. The cost of the make over could be used against purchases so it was very reasonable. 

We then ventured into the CBD proper for 4 hours of "retail therapy". Everyone scored a bargain of some sort. Much of the purchases was about buying much needed clothes and shoes until next visit a year away. Variety is great and cost is a fraction of Queensland stores, so we annually stock-up. Of course the fashion is ahead of Brisbane, so the girls are happy to be trend setters for a couple of weeks. 

The people here are of course generally helpful and friendly. I got stung by a " beggar" dressed as Buddhist monk, who gave us a badge for peace and then asked us to sign a appeal but forgot to mention a donation until the last minute. Clever. $10 later! Again more beggars out seeking aid from folks passing by. Certainly far more than previous visits, which is again sad and speaks volumes about Victoria's current fiscal direction. I did see however more luxury cars on the street than previous years, a contrast for thought. 

The girls also found a Teddy Bear shop where every bear on display had a name. Another shop specialised "magic tricks" which interested Jacqueline while another sold specialised leather bound journals which Charlotte liked. 

We found in the edge of Chinatown a Japanese department store where everything is just $2.80. The shop was huge and variety amazing and "interesting". A lot of products have instructions in Japanese which makes buying product like solving a puzzle. Double the fun! Obviously they make a loss of some products but a killing on others. Very busy at the checkouts, so they are doing something right.

For lunch we stopped by the Cajun Kitchen, very nice and compared well to Melissa's memories of New Orleans. 

Several hours later we returned to our apartment for break from shopping, much to Charlotte's disgust. A chance to stop walking was most welcome. 

After much need break, we returned to CBD for more shops. Night shopping is popular in Melbourne, and variety is plentiful. Shops close from 7pm, right through to 10pm, so the city heart is generally alive with people.