Melbourne revisted

Once upon a time this photo of Flinders Street Station would have presented a lovely turn of the last century dome against a blue sky. The station itself hasn't changed, but across the Yarra a long term project has been completed.

So what is this huge building? This is Eureka Tower, a giant monstrosity built outside of the Hoddle Grid in Southbank, and is designed to represent themes from the Eureka Stockage (i.e. gold, blood, that sort of thing). It dwarfs the Rialto Towers, but oddly enough they look comparable in height at some angles, possibly because the Rialto Towers are built on a slight hill.

Sadly, the Bracks government got its way and renamed Spencer Street Station to the stupid name of Southern Cross Station in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games, but the station has never looked better. This old seedy railway station was redesigned by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, who amongst many other amazing structures did Waterloo Station in London, and despite the name change I think the place looks fantastic now.

I have a feeling that it's not the city that's really changed, though, but rather myself. Searching for something simple like a good baguette is equally impossible, even at good bakeries, because “french sticks” are horribly crusty, contain more air than chewy bread inside, have sesame seeds baked on top. Urgh.

I have found myself searching for some decent cheese in the supermarkets only to find endless amounts of cheddar. I am determined to find a tasty chunk of brie that has the flavour and texture I have come to expect, but so far everything seems overpriced and bland. I guess I've become picky about such things!

Winston, my cat, didn't really recognise me at first when I arrived. Is this a sign that I'm acting differently, or was he just snubbing me off for not being around for two years — either way, his reaction fits his bizarre personality.

I get the feeling I've become more European and my personality has moved in a different direction compared with how it would have developed if I had stayed in Australia. I don't mind it, because this is who I am these days, but I am wondering: Am I still Australian?