Strolling through Melbourne's Central Business District -- "CBD," as it is referred to -- we stumbled upon the Block Arcade: a heritage shopping arcade, designed by architect David C. Askew in the late-1800's, who was commissioned to replicate something similar to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy, and is one of the finest examples of Victorian Mannerist styles anywhere to be found. The Block's interior is richly ornate and detailed with elaborate stone carvings, intricate glass works, and painstaking mosaics. Naturally, the shops within are all high-end retailers, whose wares and gastronomy are, in and of themselves, wonders to behold! In short, this shopping arcade reeks of -- dare I say it? -- cash! That said, even if you're not in the spending mood, The Block is a fabulous place to kill some time exploring the architecture and artistry harking back to a whole other world and time.... One can wander about and easily get caught-up in the dazzle of it all...! Stunning! Absolutely stunning...!! read more