Published: 12.12.2025
Melbourne, an evening full of laughter
After our initial tour, we briefly returned for a quick break to recharge our phones and catch our breath – and then we set off into the night. Melbourne can do that. This inherent quality that the evening doesn’t fizzle out, but instead builds up.
Our first stop was a jazz club, hidden in one of those narrow Melbourne laneways. Almost inconspicuous from the outside, but inside it was immediately another world: dim light, dark wood, jazz that isn’t loud but carries. No showboating, no gimmicks – just atmosphere. I immediately felt: it’s about being here, not just seeing.
I had exactly one cocktail – a Millionaire. And it was perfect. Elegant, calm, with depth. Not a drink that craves attention, but one that lingers. That was all it needed. Sometimes one glass is enough when the place and the people are right.
Joining me were Maxim, Mia – a tax consultant from South Africa – and Mia from the United Kingdom, a PR professional, including for McDonald’s. Different life paths, different perspectives – and yet an immediate connection. Conversations that were light yet substantial. International, open, curious. Exactly my thing.
After the jazz club, we moved on to China Red in Chinatown. A recommendation – and that’s exactly what it was: solid, typically Chinese, just like you’d find in Germany. No culinary surprise, but reliable. What struck me again was the technical ease. Payment is simply done with the phone. I haven’t held a single dollar in my hand in Australia. Everything digital. Everything smooth. That takes the speed out of organizing – and gives space for experiencing.
And then came the highlight of the evening: the comedy and magic show – Impossible Occurrences.
How we laughed. Really laughed. That honest, liberating laughter that comes from the belly. Laughter in English is something else – you have to catch the punchline at just the right moment. And I was in it. Fully in it.
The magician was exceptional. Intelligent, quick, charming. And then Chris was chosen. He stood at the front with his 20 dollars – and those 20 dollars were gone in the next moment. Disappeared. Just vanished. Incredible. Our reaction? Laughter. Disbelieving, contagious, unrestrained laughter. That moment was pure emotion. That’s exactly what travel is for.
Later, we went to a piano bar. The atmosphere was nice – but honestly, it didn’t compare to Noosa. There, the whole place was alive; the people felt it. Last night was fine, but not magical. And that’s okay. Not every place has to explode.
We then took a taxi and were back before midnight. This morning at six, I got up to capture all of this before it fades.
It was a really, really good evening.
A good drink. Good conversations.
And above all: a lot of laughter.
The laughter – that was the emotion of the evening.
