First up – find food and coffee. Google takes me to the closest and what turns out to be a delightful cafe just around the corner – Square and Compass. I had Smashed Avo on Toast with a poached egg – I have to say it literally made me want to stand up and sing! let’s just say it was really good!

Next I walked to the Queen Victoria Markets via the Royal Exhibition Building where there were so many families of ducks puddling around it was in duckling spotting heaven!

Back on track – some architectural delights and a large contingent of Harley Davidson riders the sound of which shock the ground.

At the markets I meet up with Pia, who lives in Melbourne and whom I met on the Camino in Spain in 2024. Together we walked and talked and admired the amazing array of produce and goods. Then we walked and talked all the way to the Melbourne institution that is Brunettis for lunch and yes more talking and yes cake for which they are most famous. It’s amazing to still have connections threaded through my life from my Camino – it was a fabulous catch up!

By chance the cake I ordered at Brunettis was “Sweet Caroline” which the sign said was in tribute to the musical currently playing “A beautiful noise”. The Neil Diamond Musical.

I say farewell to Pia and plan to walk back to my accommodation for an early night. But!

I happen to walk past The Princess Theatre where, A beautiful Noise is playing and so.. Instead of a quiet night repacking my gear and getting organised, but….

I grew up listening to Neil Diamond, my parents had him on repeat – His music played on vinyl records – often very loudly- was a regular event in our house. I saw him live with my Mum in Sydney last century – we even went to Parramatta and fan girled him at Westfields.

I loved the show – the fabulous music and story of his life and songs. What a way to end the day in this fabulous town!

Tomorrow is a transfer day to the start of the Aussie Camino and then the walking starts.