I revisited Melbourne this week for the Asia-Pacific Roche Ophtha Week conference. The industry sponsorship meant chauffeured airport transfers and business class flights that made the 15-hour trans-Pacific journey actually enjoyable. After a program run-through in the morning, I headed to nearby Chinatown for Mr. Ramen San’s Hakata-style ramen, then joined my colleagues Colin and Rancy for a second lunch at Asado for amazing lomo eye fillet and bife ancho rib eye. I spent the afternoon enjoying Fitzroy Gardens and the hotel’s heated rooftop pool before program kick-off and poster presentations that evening. Saturday’s schedule was packed with 2 talks and 4 panels that drained my social meter. Fortunately, Sunday’s morning agenda was light and left my afternoon free. I skipped the lines at Shanghai St. for Shanghai Village’s XLB, then savored Lulu’s duck egg char koay teow en route past iconic Hosier Lane and Flinders Street Station to the NGV to browse the art and design collections that included a special kimono exhibit. I returned in time for my solo dinner at Fishpot which featured a motorized lift to keep me from losing my wagyu and fish slices in the creamy signature fish broth. I secured a last-minute seat at Her Majesty’s Theatre for MJ the Musical. Despite avoiding some controversies of the star’s latter years, the thrilling performance celebrated the life and music of Michael Jackson, touching on topics like race and identity, childhood abuse, substance use, and the inspirations behind his music and dance. It was hard not to compare the musical numbers with their original versions, but the expert portrayal felt at times like a reincarnation of the King of Pop, with sights and sounds that drew on emotions and memories of the icon’s music. I joined my colleague Nirojini to buy coffee beans from Axil and Market Lane before sharing a lounge visit and flight home. After all the recent travel, it will be nice to spend some family time back home.