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Chai for the soul: My Melbourne experience

Amrit Kaur

Wed Mar 27 2013

Melbourne city streets

MELBOURNE’S a haven for tea lovers too. Amrit Kaur tells of how she found peace at the bottom of a cup during her first weeks as an international student in Melbourne. 

I vividly remember the day I first ventured around Melbourne on my own.

The cold winter morning air hit me just as hard as the realisation of my new life did. Here I was standing on the corner of Little Collins and Elizabeth streets with a whole city in front of me. As crowds of people dressed from head to toe in black gathered around me and subsequently dispersed at the change of traffic lights, I stood still.

I stood still, because unlike them, I had nowhere in particular to go. I didn’t have a map or an intended destination. I was just planning on going wherever my feet or curiousity took me – whichever came first.

A man with a coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other hurried past me, while a foreign couple strolled along laughing.

Where were they all going? How long had they been here? Where did they live? The thoughts swarmed in my head. It’s amazing how fast your brain works when your body is at a standstill.

I thought I had better start walking, since my statuesque demeanour must have looked strange in the middle of the morning hysteria.

I walked down the street, eyes darting to the cars, the street and the occasional crack in the pavement until I bumped into someone coming out of an alley. It was only when we both apologised and she went on her way that I peeked into the passageway and realized it was home to a row of cafes. I was surprised as I’m used to the idea of laneways being home to large rubbish bins and rats.

I trudged towards the first little cafe I saw. It wasn’t too crowded. Most people must have been in their offices by then, I suspected.

Melbourne may not always be perfect and the only thing you can guarantee about the weather is that it will always be unpredictable. But I believe we all find our own little routines and indulgences here – our own little corner of Melbourne to love.

A petite waitress with striking blue eyes and a beaming smile greeted me. It was a pleasant contrast to the weather, I had to admit.

Not being much of a coffee drinker (I’m a staunch advocate of tea), I was overwhelmed by the number of choices on the menu. After much thought, I finally settled on a chai latte, taking refuge in the fact it had tea leaves in it.

As I took my first sip, I finally allowed myself to ease into the comfort of the brown leather sofa. I looked at the rustic walls, at the barista and at the people walking along. The chai latte was heavenly. Not only did it bring a much-needed escape from the weather outside, it proved to be the perfect companion for people-watching. I decided that coffee was meant for the busy city folk, while a cup of tea deemed more suitable for curling up with a good book somewhere.

Many days have passed since my accidental discovery of that particular cafe strip, and I’ve come to know Melbourne like a familiar friend.

I’ve learnt that in this city nothing is accidental. Its quirks and peculiarities are all intentional and anyone here will tell you they are damn proud of it.

The odd graffiti-laden wall amid the conspicuous stores along Bourke St, or the casual interaction between a punk couple and a group of businessmen are natural occurrences in this city.

Melbourne may not always be perfect and the only thing you can guarantee about the weather is that it will always be unpredictable. But I believe we all find our own little routines and indulgences here – our own little corner of Melbourne to love.

As for me, whether it’s the sweet smell of the Greek dessert galaktoboureko on my way to university or the extremely talented busking duo outside the State Library, there is something about this city that never fails to resonate, no matter how long you’ve been here.

What makes Melbourne home to you as an international student? Share with us in the comments section below, or email your stories to meld@meldmagazine.com.au

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