MELBOURNE WEATHER
Melbourne's climate is temperate, with one of Australia's lowest rainfalls. Even with its mild temperatures Melbourne has four distinct seasons, and Melburnians joke that you better be prepared because you might experience all four seasons in one day. Summer (December to February) highs average 77� F; lows average 57. During autumn (March to May) the average high is 68, the average low 52; Winter (June to August) is cool, with average highs of 57 and lows of 45. Springtime (September to November) temps are 68 to 50. The day before I was in town it was sunny and 87, but the weather rapidly changed to a chilly 48-64�F.

MELBOURNE EVENTS
It seems there is always an event going on in Melbourne (here's a list). While I was here the International Flower Show was taking place. Arguably the four most popular are the Australian Open (mid-to-late January), Australian Grand Prix (late March), Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (mid-March), and the Melbourne Cup (November). I hope to go to all of them one day -- especially the latter with my dad. He loves horse racing.

AIRPORT TO CITY
I arrived in Melbourne just before 9 a.m. It's 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles, 14 hours ahead of New York. From the moment I walked out of the airport and was greeted by these three statues I could tell this was an artsy town. Even parts of the highway are works of art. Reaching downtown from the airport takes about 20 minutes (without traffic). One-way fares for a taxi cost roughly $40 AUD ($30 USD), while a bus will set you back only $15 AUD ($11). Heading back to the airport I took a car service - Hughes Limousines (tel.: 1-300-30-66-44), which cost $75 AUD ($56). Hiring a private driver (Doug Male; tel.: 04244-84785) is just $45 AUD ($34). For more click HERE.