First day of training, and I’m at lunch. It’s on days like today that you remember what is so beautiful about the city. I’m lying back, laptop on my knee, head against a tree in the botanical gardens just in front of the shrine, and everything is sweet. My stomach is full, the sun is shining, barely a cloud in the radiant blue sky. It might not do it all of the time, but this is a city that knows how to be beautiful.

The lush green grass of the gardens is garnished with the remnant autumn leaves, still crisp, brown and scattered across the turf. St.Kilda road is a hive of activity: walkers, lunchers and joggers all take the opportunity to stretch out in the mild winter afternoon sun. The sounds of cars hustling along the road only serve to remind me of just how peaceful I am here, and make me appreciate the chance to slow down. Groups of sight-seers traipse past on their way into the shrine, looking simultaneously contented and reverent.

It’s amazing what a week’s holiday can do for your state of mind!