Directions to my Favorite Place in Melbourne

From Flinders St. Station:
Walk up Swanston St. on the left-hand side. Between Collins and Little Collins, there should be a haggard sounding woman whose voice is reminiscent of the mom from Strictly Ballroom. Instead of "and in front of Tina Sparkle! It was his year!" however, she will be hocking cheap dresses in front of the stairs down to her shop, holding up frocks one by one barking, "and only twelve dollars today! And only fourteen dollars today! And only fourteen dollars today! And only thirteen dollars today!"

Make a left at this woman who seems like a witch who has lost her powers and been forced to seek mortal employment. Walk down the alley past Cafe Mediterranean on your left. Don't go too far - it's easy to walk past Switchboard, smallest cafe in all of Melbourne, and my favorite of favorites.

On your left is the renovated broom closet that comprises the kitchen. Little more than a sink and a coffee machine, the sloped ceiling forces one of the only two people that can fit into the space to hunch over at all times.

Actually, I could probably work there and not have to compromise my posture.

On your right is the seating area, essentially a window display that has been converted into a lovely little strip o' seating. Matt behind the counter, known by me as the nice cupcake man, makes a lovely mocha (the mochas from A Minor Place on Albion are still the best, though). Enjoy it with a fantastic cupcake of deliciousness. It's like having tea in a dollhouse.

In other news, I've arrived in London and am recuperating at the lovely Kathryn's house in Stepney Green and denying to my body that I am whatsoever jetlagged. I'm off to a hostel for the next four nights and then back to Kathryn's for my last night before departing to Venice. Pictures of the abovementioned establishment and descriptions of my final whirlwind week in Melbourne (involving my uncle's concert, the barbecue I had on Sunday and the incredible Tim Tam pavlova I crafted) will probably have to wait until after London/Venice/Paris, if they end up posted at all. Still working some stuff out with this Scotland plan.

Love to everyone on this Valentine's Day, which I plan to spend absolutely blotted. I'm going to take Peter Griffin's advice and drink 'til I can't feel feelings!