CATCHING UP
I was in Melbourne for only two nights. It was basically a resting point for me, because I had just finished an adventurous media trip to New Zealand and was about to begin another in a different region of Australia. Besides being exhausted, I did not feel well. So instead of running around like a madman trying to see all the sites I relaxed, and saw only a few. Believe me, I hope to go back for a longer period, and spend all my time on a food tour (food is not expensive like Sydney).

HOTEL LINDRUM
Because much of my time was spent catching up on sleep and working in my hotel, I�m glad I checked in to a sweet one. Hotel Lindrum, opened in 1999, is a stylish boutique in the heart of the city. There are only 59 rooms; all have high ceilings, plenty of space and a modern design with contemporary facilities (high-speed internet costs $25 AUD ($19 USD) a day. The hotel was formerly a billiard hall for the Lindrum family. They retained some of its history: The lobby still has one of the original billiard tables (guests can play for free). My room -- 101 � was on the first of four guest floors, with a view of the Rod Laver Tennis Center (site of the Australian Open) in the distance. The only thing wrong with my room was that I could hear some of the Flinders Street traffic below. It didn�t keep me up, but next time I would get a room on a higher floor. In two days I had three tasty meals in the hotel (breakfast is included with most bookings). Rates start at $210 AUD ($160 USD). Hotel Lindrum, 26 Flinders Street, Melbourne; tel.: 61-3-9668- 1111. For more click HERE.