Laneways

One of the unique things about Melbourne is the laneways shopping. Laneways as in little lanes running at right angles to the main streets, where, apparently, you can discover a treasure-trove of unique shops and restaurants to suit every taste and budget (and you can tell now how many bloody guide books I've digested in the last ten months).

And yes, there are these laneways with little shops, and there are nice little places to get a coffee and a cupcake (the likes of which I cannot find in Sydney). And there's even all this lane art, though some might call it legalised grafitti. I mean, really, with all these delights on offer, is it any wonder Melbourne's been ranked the best city to live on earth in terms of quality of life?

But the thing is, if you've ever been to the south of France, or even Brighton, you'll know what laneways really means. It means higgledy-piggledy cobbled alleyways full of interesting jewellery and paninis, a couple of cosy pubs and a nice shop to buy shoes. Melbourne's tried harder than most and it's done a good impression of Europe, better than anywhere else I've ever been, but you've got to admit it's hard to hit the spot.

Europe's fantastic. I'd forgotten how much I like it so thanks to Melbourne for reminding me.