alice goes to the tennis.

You might have heard, there's a little sporting event called the Australian Open happening in Melbourne right now. And this weekend I went down with my friend Samera (and what felt like a million other crazy tennis fans) to check out the action live.

Last time I came to Melbourne, it was winter and it was cold. Unbearably cold. I was so focused on my chattering teeth and numb extremities that I couldn't enjoy it properly. But now I'm so in love with this city. All the tiny graffitied lane-ways full of hidden bars and restaurants, the old-fashioned trams and historical buildings, the buskers that make the streets come alive at 9am on a Sunday morning, and the cool al fresco dining. It's all very European of you, Melbourne.

And the food? Well that was second to none. Thanks to my friend Sarsh, who gave me an awesome list of places to eat and drink – we didn't have a bad dining experience the entire weekend. And that's my measure of a good trip.

{A cider and a pizza on the water at Riverland? Yes, please!}

{We watched Saturday evening's game from Federation Square. The were treats. And a lot of Federer fans.} 

{Yes, that's Martina Hingis and Martina Navratilova on the show court playing the legends match. Legends indeed!}

{I think we can agree that Rafa looks pretty impressed to have scored a kiss from me!}

{There were not enough breakfasts in the weekend to fit in all this deliciousness, but we tried. Oh, how we tried.}

{Don't be fooled, this restaurant did not have any cookies, but it did have a most delicious barramundi on the menu. And wine!}

{And it's a fact: I cannot walk past a cupcake shop without making a purchase.}

Thanks for showing us such a good time, Melbourne! We had an absolute blast. Consider this our official RSVP for next year's Open. (And you better not stand me up again, Rafa.)