Abbotsford

After three weeks of neighborhood exploration and rental inspections, we found a beautiful house in Abbotsford to call home. We ultimately settled on the cultured vibe of the northern suburbs over the less congested bayside areas. More photos to come once our furniture arrives next month!

 

Located about a mile northeast of the CBD, Abbotsford offers a mix of industrial architecture and green spaces. Converted factories, hip cafes, and cool bars line Johnston and Nicholson streets. Residential streets are narrow and leafy. Like many of Melbourne's inner suburbs, there are few detached houses in Abbotsford. The older sections consist mostly of gentrified single-story Victorian terrace houses. 

   

The nearby Yarra River Trail follows the Yarra River from the city to Dights Falls, and connects to the Merri Creek and Capital City trail systems. On the opposite side of the Yarra, Studley Park, which merges with Yarra Bend Park, contains a golf course, sports grounds, and small pockets of remnant bushland.

The National Heritage List's Abbotsford Convent is an arts, educational, and cultural hub, which hosts workshops and is home to markets, cafes, and artists’ studios. During the 19th and part of the 20th century, the 17-acre site was occupied by one of the largest convents in Victoria. For more than 100 years, the convent provided shelter, food, education, and work for women and children who experienced poverty and neglect.

 
Adjacent to the convent lies the Collingwood Children's Farm. This nonprofit working farm was founded in 1979 to support and engage local children experiencing adversity. It features a range of community programs, livestock, vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, and a cafe. The farm sits on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, which is the oldest continually farmed land in Victoria (since 1838).

Our favorite local restaurants so far include neighborhood pubs Retreat Hotel and Park Hotel, bar and nursery House of Plants, and breweries Bodriggy and Stomping Ground.

 

While we are still navigating the logistical challenges of the move, Tom and I are one step closer to making our new home.

FIFA and footy

With Spring around the corner, the days are gradually getting warmer and lighter in Melbourne.

While Tom is at work, I have been cruising around on my new bike to look at apartments. The city and surrounding areas are extremely bike friendly. In fact, cycling is often faster than driving due to traffic. Riding on the left side of the road took some getting used to!

Albert Park

Cost of living is generally cheaper here compared to Portland, especially with the favorable exchange rate (1 AUD to 0.65 USD). However, the rental market is competitive and pricey--although I admit that I am picky and have high standards. Luckily, rentals are largely pet friendly!

 

While I continue pursuing work in the nonprofit sector, I picked up two part-time jobs. I start as a Sales Associate at Trek next week, which will be a fun way to expand my cycling knowledge and engage with like-minded people.

I also registered as a pet sitter for Mad Paws. My first client is a two-week house stay in northwestern suburb, Maribyrnong, with an affectionate 1-year-old kitty named Solar. Miss you, Louie!

Maribyrnong River

 

Cashmere Cat Cafe

During the evenings, Tom and I have been exploring the downtown food scene. Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines are superb; Mexican less so.

 

We went to our first Australian football game with Tom's coworker, April. Different than rugby, soccer, and American football, "footy" is a fast-paced game played on an oval field (cricket ground). It is the most popular sport in Victoria.

Carlton vs. Melbourne

That same night, Australia beat France in the quarter-final of the FIFA Women's World Cup. The tournament was hosted by Australia and New Zealand this year. Unfortunately, the Matildas lost to England in the semi-final.

Change is hard, and setbacks are discouraging, but I was recently reminded of my initial fondness for Melbourne during my visit in 2019. Thank you, Georgia.