1. The Rough Guide To Melbourne

The first book of the year, and I thought I’d go for non-fiction. Technically I started it just before the 1st Jan, but the marjority was read after!

I’ve always loved the Rough Guide series, having done so much travelling using them. The reviews and features in them are usually very honest, and if an infamous sight (eg. The Eiffel Tower or Tower Bridge) is boring, expensive or just overrated, it will say so. But rather than use it for a short getaway to a city or country, as I’m used to, I’m putting it to use in a city that I live in. Having settled into Melbourne and started working, I’ve realised I still haven’t done or seen many of the things that I want to and figured that this book would be the best way of getting ideas.

It describes each area of Melbourne, usually grouping 2 or 3 suburbs together, and gives a good history. It also explains how the history has had an effect on the current atmosphere of the area. The CBD is described in detail, and I’ve realised that I haven’t seen very much of it at all! One of these days I will have to get my backpack out and walk around the city with a camera and this book, doing the tourist bit. It also gives good info about the main sights and things to do.

The surrounding area is also given it’s fair share of pages, describing towns such as Geelong, and the Dandenongs. Thankfully it gives both public transport and driving instructions, so it is catering for all type of tourist (or resident!).

All in all, it’s made me realise that I live in a very interesting and historic city, and need to get out more.