Happy in Hobart

With a two full weeks in Australia, Martin and I spent significant time trying to decide what to do and where to go.  Through serious research, negotiations and planning, we opted for 5 nights in Tasmania after the wedding.  It was the best decision we could have made!  

Sunday night we flew from Sydney to Hobart, Tasmania for the week.  Unfortunately we arrived in Hobart late on Sunday night (due to lightening that shut down the airport for an hour) and so we were unable to enjoy the local restaurants and bars (from which there were plenty to choose from).  However at the same time, I was thankful that we arrived late enough that the city traffic had cleared out for our first attempt at driving on the left-hand side of the road.

We woke up Monday morning to the quaint coastal city of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania and the most populated city on the entire island.  We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before setting off to explore the town.  And with the first breath of fresh morning air, I knew this was a place I would immediately feel at home in.  We wandered through the narrow streets, up to Battery Point to explore their historic cottage buildings and local delights including old coffee shops, ice cream stands and renovated restaurants.  We then made our way back to the wharf and Salamanca Market, for a snack and shopping.   

Within five minutes of entering the market, we found a quaint French-style bistro in a hidden corner and enjoyed cappuccinos and homemade muffins.  Feeling refreshed we strolled through the various shops and stalls, noting that each specialized in something local or hand crafted, including a local cheesemonger and deli.  And if I wasn´t happy enough, we stumbled upon not one, but two locally owned bookshops, both with used book sections.  Hobart was how I imagine my favorite cities were before the tourists and big business showed up…it was like coming home, wrapping up in a hand-made quilt and opening up the door to my parents fully and locally stocked, fridge.  I was in heaven!  

While we were in town for less than 24 hours, I would move there tomorrow if an opportunity presented itself.