There's a chocolate bar in the States called "Pay Day". It must be the sweetest-tasting chocolate bar on the market - I've never tried it as always opt for the peanut butter M&Ms.
Today I had my first pay day in a little under 4 MONTHS. I couldn't quite believe when logging on to my ANZ internet banking that I actually had "available funds". Hallelujah! Granted most of said funds are earmarked for "the tab" I've been slowly, but steadily accruing at the bank of boyfriend...flights here, Rugby World Cup tickets there. I'm just glad this bank doesn't charge interest! But then again, I am a very loyal customer and the bank of boyfriend does have a reciprocal agreement with the bank of girlfriend to waive any fees or interest incurred. It's a good deal.
Next month will be even more satifying when I don't have to give half of it away. Heeeeello shoes!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wildlife
It never ceases to amaze me how many different types of living creatures there are in Australia, even in metropolitan Melbourne.
We live a measly 2km away from Flinders Street Station, yet have possums in the trees in our road at night and bats in the trees of the park we have to cross to walk home from our tram stop.
Crows, magpies, mini magpies (not sure what these are officially called but they look like smaller versions of the aforementioned Collingwood mascots), some cockatoo-looking parrot things and lots of other weird and wonderful birds abound. On a walk through the botanical gardens on Saturday afternoon we spied large numbers of eels and long-necked turtles in the shallows of the Ornamental Lake. It's turtle breeding season at the moment and apparently these little guys (or should I say "girls") seek alterative water sources for egg laying. We saw one toddling across the grass as we were leaving the lake. I'll have to get the photos off S's iphone to post here.
What I really can't get over is the abundance of insects! Flies, flies and more flies! Luckily our block was fitted with fly screens this morning, although from the number of flying ants currently circling our dining room light - it doesn't look like they're working. Note that the windows are also closed. How these buggers are getting in is anyone's guess. I kinda feel sorry for them though, they only live for a day or two so to spend a precious 3 or 4 hours circling a dining room light can't be the best use of their already limited time, can it?
There was quite a lot of excitement about a locust plague heading towards Melbourne a couple of weeks ago as well. They ride down from the outback on the hot desert winds in their hundreds of thousands. Not many got to us, I think the North Western suburbs of Melbourne were worst hit. A bit of a anti-climax really. I was expecting something out of... well, the Bible.
And last week I was drawn to, albeit sceptical of, an artical I read in the mX (free evening paper available at train stations) last week about a kayaker who was repeatedly attacked by a giant (his words), black water snake in the Yarra River (which runs about 200m from our house). Only a couple of swift blows to the head were enough to make the beast retreat. At one stage I was thinking about buying a kayak... maybe not! It's wild out here!
We live a measly 2km away from Flinders Street Station, yet have possums in the trees in our road at night and bats in the trees of the park we have to cross to walk home from our tram stop.
Crows, magpies, mini magpies (not sure what these are officially called but they look like smaller versions of the aforementioned Collingwood mascots), some cockatoo-looking parrot things and lots of other weird and wonderful birds abound. On a walk through the botanical gardens on Saturday afternoon we spied large numbers of eels and long-necked turtles in the shallows of the Ornamental Lake. It's turtle breeding season at the moment and apparently these little guys (or should I say "girls") seek alterative water sources for egg laying. We saw one toddling across the grass as we were leaving the lake. I'll have to get the photos off S's iphone to post here.
What I really can't get over is the abundance of insects! Flies, flies and more flies! Luckily our block was fitted with fly screens this morning, although from the number of flying ants currently circling our dining room light - it doesn't look like they're working. Note that the windows are also closed. How these buggers are getting in is anyone's guess. I kinda feel sorry for them though, they only live for a day or two so to spend a precious 3 or 4 hours circling a dining room light can't be the best use of their already limited time, can it?
There was quite a lot of excitement about a locust plague heading towards Melbourne a couple of weeks ago as well. They ride down from the outback on the hot desert winds in their hundreds of thousands. Not many got to us, I think the North Western suburbs of Melbourne were worst hit. A bit of a anti-climax really. I was expecting something out of... well, the Bible.
And last week I was drawn to, albeit sceptical of, an artical I read in the mX (free evening paper available at train stations) last week about a kayaker who was repeatedly attacked by a giant (his words), black water snake in the Yarra River (which runs about 200m from our house). Only a couple of swift blows to the head were enough to make the beast retreat. At one stage I was thinking about buying a kayak... maybe not! It's wild out here!
Let there be light... and flying ants
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Night markets
There's nothing like a good night market. The crowds of people from all walks of life, the music - be it drums, bolliwood or string quartets playing upbeat french tunes, divinely fragrant food stalls, large, chilled plastic cups filled to the brim with fruity sangria and the promise of stumbling across either the bargain of the century or some very unique art.
Unbeknownst to us, Queen Victoria Markets holds weekly Wednesday night markets during summer - the first of which was last night. Our friend Ange, who was in town for a short visit and wanted to catch up for a drink/dinner, suggested we all head over after S and I finished work.
I'm so glad she introduced to these! The markets are easily 50% food stalls which really appealed. From paellas to crepes and everything in between. The choices were endless and very difficult! A couple of bars were dotted around too, so icy cold beers and sangria were consumed with our seafood paella and chorizo rolls followed by some yummy cupcakes for dessert. Heaven!
After watching a bolliwood dance group we had a wander around the stalls. There were some really beautiful ones so I think next time I'll come armed with cash - could be some nice little Christmas present gems in there. I spied a few things I liked for myself too.
We'll definitely be back before the summer's out.
Unbeknownst to us, Queen Victoria Markets holds weekly Wednesday night markets during summer - the first of which was last night. Our friend Ange, who was in town for a short visit and wanted to catch up for a drink/dinner, suggested we all head over after S and I finished work.
I'm so glad she introduced to these! The markets are easily 50% food stalls which really appealed. From paellas to crepes and everything in between. The choices were endless and very difficult! A couple of bars were dotted around too, so icy cold beers and sangria were consumed with our seafood paella and chorizo rolls followed by some yummy cupcakes for dessert. Heaven!
After watching a bolliwood dance group we had a wander around the stalls. There were some really beautiful ones so I think next time I'll come armed with cash - could be some nice little Christmas present gems in there. I spied a few things I liked for myself too.
We'll definitely be back before the summer's out.
More visitors from Auckland
I love having visitors to our new home so was delighted (my new favourite word since the Queen used it to describe how she felt about Wills & Kate's engagement!) to have Briar and Kelly to stay last weekend.
It was brilliant to catch up over some wines as well as hit the shops (now that I have that elusive job!) first on Bourke Street; although plans were slightly thwarted by the wettest Santa Parade I'm sure Melbourne has had, followed by lunch on Degraves Lane and then more shopping on Chapel Street.
Saturday evening was spent on Hardware Lane in the city. Dinner was nice, but the cocktails at Campari House afterwards deserve more of a mention - delicious and we'll definitely be back there.
And the following day; because the girls didn't buy enough (read: anything, until I made Briar buy a maxi dress at the last shop we went to on Saturday afternoon!) for my liking, we strolled up to Bridge Road which proved much more successful!
Sunday aftenoon came around too soon and they were off home again, but I'm sure we'll see eachother either later this month or next. Miss them already x
It was brilliant to catch up over some wines as well as hit the shops (now that I have that elusive job!) first on Bourke Street; although plans were slightly thwarted by the wettest Santa Parade I'm sure Melbourne has had, followed by lunch on Degraves Lane and then more shopping on Chapel Street.
Saturday evening was spent on Hardware Lane in the city. Dinner was nice, but the cocktails at Campari House afterwards deserve more of a mention - delicious and we'll definitely be back there.
And the following day; because the girls didn't buy enough (read: anything, until I made Briar buy a maxi dress at the last shop we went to on Saturday afternoon!) for my liking, we strolled up to Bridge Road which proved much more successful!
Sunday aftenoon came around too soon and they were off home again, but I'm sure we'll see eachother either later this month or next. Miss them already x
Cocktails at Campari House
BK laughing at the "zombie" photo
Lunch in Richmond
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Employment
I'm relieved to report that I now have a job! Only a mere 2 and 1/2 months after moving to this fair city.
Despite some very encouraging words from my recruitment agent who excitedly rang me just 20 minutes after posting my CV and covering letter on Seek about 3 months ago, it was a laborious process indeed.
Whilst assuring me that I'd be beating potential employers off with a stick, the interviews, or "chats" that everyone seems to call them here ("are you able to come in for a "chat"? All very non-commital!) were few and far between. And when nothing came of those chats I was faced with every excuse in the book -a couple of arranged chats were called off days before they happened because either there was a re-structure planned or they only had eyes for one person (ie not me). Then I was too junior, too senior, too Kiwi, I didn't have enough contacts here. But I'm pleased to say that I'm very happy with the job I finally got and have to thank my friend Amy for setting up the initial chat for me. Don't know what I'd have done without her!
When considering I know a couple of very skilled ad people who had to return to NZ after months of unsuccessful job-hunting here and when I spoke to various people who told me to give it at least 6 months (!!!) I count myself extremely lucky... it must have been that bird that relieved itself on my scarf on the walk up the driveway to the Melbourne office of an international ad agency for my fourth "chat" there. Thanks bud.
Despite some very encouraging words from my recruitment agent who excitedly rang me just 20 minutes after posting my CV and covering letter on Seek about 3 months ago, it was a laborious process indeed.
Whilst assuring me that I'd be beating potential employers off with a stick, the interviews, or "chats" that everyone seems to call them here ("are you able to come in for a "chat"? All very non-commital!) were few and far between. And when nothing came of those chats I was faced with every excuse in the book -a couple of arranged chats were called off days before they happened because either there was a re-structure planned or they only had eyes for one person (ie not me). Then I was too junior, too senior, too Kiwi, I didn't have enough contacts here. But I'm pleased to say that I'm very happy with the job I finally got and have to thank my friend Amy for setting up the initial chat for me. Don't know what I'd have done without her!
When considering I know a couple of very skilled ad people who had to return to NZ after months of unsuccessful job-hunting here and when I spoke to various people who told me to give it at least 6 months (!!!) I count myself extremely lucky... it must have been that bird that relieved itself on my scarf on the walk up the driveway to the Melbourne office of an international ad agency for my fourth "chat" there. Thanks bud.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Derby Day and Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is a definite highlight on the Australian social calendar. Not wanting to miss out on the action we jumped in boots and all and bought both Derby Day and Melbourne Cup tickets. We even managed to entice some friends to come over from Auckland and Sydney and make a weekend of it.
We had been watching the nightly weather on the news like hawks and it wasn't looking good. Torrential rain was forecast for the afternoon of Derby Day. With there rumoured to be little or no shelter in the Banks enclosure, we were bracing ourselves mentally for a wet and chilly day.
Marie organised a lovely champagne breakfast at her place in Brunswick and everyone was in high spirits and looking glam in their racing outfits (Derby Day dress/theme is usually "black & white"). There were 10 of us and I think around 9 or 10 bottles of champagne were drunk during the wait for the taxi. A good time was had by all.
The Banks area at Flemington is huge with lots of food and drink stalls, mature trees, a stage, large screens and loads of seating/tables. We thought the race would be on for a table, but the prize was really a table with a large outdoor umbrella, of which there were way fewer than actual tables. After a scout around, we found one. Only problem being that our group had swelled to 13 and the table sat 6.
We got into swing of things though with bubbles, beer and a flutter on the races. Overall, the boys did pretty well with Hoani having a big win on the last race.
And then the rain came down. We were close enough to another table with an umbrella to add our own small ones to the "roof"; filling the gaps between the big umbrellas. But the rain was coming in sideways as well as pooling and then leaking off the umbrellas. We decided to call it a day as were all drenched and cold. Most carried on at the Crown and then Prahran at a 30th birthday party. But not sure I'll be going to Derby Day again!
S and I also had Cup tickets for the Tuesday, but when the forecast was for showers, we decided to avoid Flemington and ended up watching at a bar called The Nest in Albert Park, near South Melbourne beach. Had a great time there drinking a few ciders and chatting to friends. The sun was out for a bit and they had a great outdoor area so we lapped it all up. And I even won $15 on Maluckyday which was a nice finish to a lovely day out.
I think next year we'll organise a BBQ or go to a bar/pub rather than trying to get to Flemington. Glad we did it this year though, got to get amongst it!
Next: tennis - a lot closer to home (10 minute walk from our place) and weather is usually a lot better. Can't wait!
We had been watching the nightly weather on the news like hawks and it wasn't looking good. Torrential rain was forecast for the afternoon of Derby Day. With there rumoured to be little or no shelter in the Banks enclosure, we were bracing ourselves mentally for a wet and chilly day.
Marie organised a lovely champagne breakfast at her place in Brunswick and everyone was in high spirits and looking glam in their racing outfits (Derby Day dress/theme is usually "black & white"). There were 10 of us and I think around 9 or 10 bottles of champagne were drunk during the wait for the taxi. A good time was had by all.
The Banks area at Flemington is huge with lots of food and drink stalls, mature trees, a stage, large screens and loads of seating/tables. We thought the race would be on for a table, but the prize was really a table with a large outdoor umbrella, of which there were way fewer than actual tables. After a scout around, we found one. Only problem being that our group had swelled to 13 and the table sat 6.
We got into swing of things though with bubbles, beer and a flutter on the races. Overall, the boys did pretty well with Hoani having a big win on the last race.
And then the rain came down. We were close enough to another table with an umbrella to add our own small ones to the "roof"; filling the gaps between the big umbrellas. But the rain was coming in sideways as well as pooling and then leaking off the umbrellas. We decided to call it a day as were all drenched and cold. Most carried on at the Crown and then Prahran at a 30th birthday party. But not sure I'll be going to Derby Day again!
S and I also had Cup tickets for the Tuesday, but when the forecast was for showers, we decided to avoid Flemington and ended up watching at a bar called The Nest in Albert Park, near South Melbourne beach. Had a great time there drinking a few ciders and chatting to friends. The sun was out for a bit and they had a great outdoor area so we lapped it all up. And I even won $15 on Maluckyday which was a nice finish to a lovely day out.
I think next year we'll organise a BBQ or go to a bar/pub rather than trying to get to Flemington. Glad we did it this year though, got to get amongst it!
Next: tennis - a lot closer to home (10 minute walk from our place) and weather is usually a lot better. Can't wait!
Friends over to play
I must admit that although I have missed my friends and family a lot since I've been here, I didn't realise quite how much of a gap they'd left in my life until I saw Catherine, Trusha, Kim, Keith and Lucy this last weekend. There's nothing like familiarity and a shared past to comfort a slightly home-sick soul. Don't get me wrong, I love living in Melbourne but having a piece of home here, was really nice.
It was also great to be able to show friends around our new city and be able to point out landmarks, sights and good restaurants and bars "just like locals" haha. We had some great laughs over the weekend and some lovely days and nights out with our mates. Now that they've gone home again I miss them even more. Luckily Briar and Kelly are here next weekend, by which stage our guest room will have an actual bed as opposed to our fold out sofa bed.
Can't wait!
It was also great to be able to show friends around our new city and be able to point out landmarks, sights and good restaurants and bars "just like locals" haha. We had some great laughs over the weekend and some lovely days and nights out with our mates. Now that they've gone home again I miss them even more. Luckily Briar and Kelly are here next weekend, by which stage our guest room will have an actual bed as opposed to our fold out sofa bed.
Can't wait!
Lunch at The Fitz on Bruswick Street
Great Ocean Road
Every time I've come to Melbourne I've wanted to drive the Great Ocean Road, but have always been sidetracked by activities in the city, namely shopping, eating, drinking and watching shows.
Now that I'm living here, I really have no excuse, so one beautifully sunny Saturday, S and I went down to Budget in Richmond and picked up a car for a mini roadie down the coast.
Driving in Melbourne is a little challenging with the hook turns (pull into the left hand lane to turn right?!), u-turns and trams to contend with, but we managed to get out of the city, over the Westgate Bridge and onto the 3-lane (or as S calls them "three way" highways, haha) highway with the city fading away behind us. Now I know I haven't had the most stressful of recent months (apart from job-hunting), but it's always nice getting out of the big smoke and escaping to the country for a drive... and boy was it a long one.
After stopping for lunch at a real truck stop, we past Geelong and headed down to Torquay. Torquay is home to head officies of some of the biggest of Australian surf brands and their retail shops... and not much else. Can't say I'd rush back. Angelesea and Aireys Inlet; the next two bays along, were charming and quaint by comparison, but still boasted some beautiful big coastal homes. Wouldn't mind spending a weekend there! The Split Point Lighthouse provided some good lookouts as well.
Lorne was a little bigger although not as pretty. For the next few dozen kms after that, it's just winding coastal and clifftop road and deserted beaches. It's not quite summer here yet, but I could imagine it would be nice in December/Jan to have your pick of beaches and have it to yourself for an afternoon of picnicing, swimming, beach bats and lazing about. Bliss!
Our goal was to make it to the Twelve Apostles cliffside road formations, having heard so much about these natural wonders. So we pressed on. After Apollo Bay; a beautifully calm, long sandy beach, we turned inland through the Cape Ottway National Park and some farmland, which weirdly enough, in parts, reminded me of New Zealand and the drive down to Mt Ruapehu from Auckland. Finally got back to the coast, drove through Princetown and made it to the 12 Apostles. I wasn't expecting to be blown away, but these rock formations are incredible! A result of thousands of years of cliff erosion, they really are breathtaking. The cliffside erodes at a rate of roughly 2cm per year so thinking about how long they took to form and how many years they've withstood the power of the ocean crashing against them really is awe inspiring.
Some pics:
Well worth the 9 hour round-trip!
Now that I'm living here, I really have no excuse, so one beautifully sunny Saturday, S and I went down to Budget in Richmond and picked up a car for a mini roadie down the coast.
Driving in Melbourne is a little challenging with the hook turns (pull into the left hand lane to turn right?!), u-turns and trams to contend with, but we managed to get out of the city, over the Westgate Bridge and onto the 3-lane (or as S calls them "three way" highways, haha) highway with the city fading away behind us. Now I know I haven't had the most stressful of recent months (apart from job-hunting), but it's always nice getting out of the big smoke and escaping to the country for a drive... and boy was it a long one.
After stopping for lunch at a real truck stop, we past Geelong and headed down to Torquay. Torquay is home to head officies of some of the biggest of Australian surf brands and their retail shops... and not much else. Can't say I'd rush back. Angelesea and Aireys Inlet; the next two bays along, were charming and quaint by comparison, but still boasted some beautiful big coastal homes. Wouldn't mind spending a weekend there! The Split Point Lighthouse provided some good lookouts as well.
Lorne was a little bigger although not as pretty. For the next few dozen kms after that, it's just winding coastal and clifftop road and deserted beaches. It's not quite summer here yet, but I could imagine it would be nice in December/Jan to have your pick of beaches and have it to yourself for an afternoon of picnicing, swimming, beach bats and lazing about. Bliss!
Our goal was to make it to the Twelve Apostles cliffside road formations, having heard so much about these natural wonders. So we pressed on. After Apollo Bay; a beautifully calm, long sandy beach, we turned inland through the Cape Ottway National Park and some farmland, which weirdly enough, in parts, reminded me of New Zealand and the drive down to Mt Ruapehu from Auckland. Finally got back to the coast, drove through Princetown and made it to the 12 Apostles. I wasn't expecting to be blown away, but these rock formations are incredible! A result of thousands of years of cliff erosion, they really are breathtaking. The cliffside erodes at a rate of roughly 2cm per year so thinking about how long they took to form and how many years they've withstood the power of the ocean crashing against them really is awe inspiring.
Some pics:
Well worth the 9 hour round-trip!
Getting crafty
Being unemployed, I have the luxury of having large quantities of one of life's most precious assets - time. And in an attempt to save some cash, which I unfortanately don't have as much of as I do time, and with the spring racing season coming up, I decided to have a try at making a fascinator.
These essential pieces of racing outfitry (a non-word, but it stays) can set one back upwards of $200 for a decent example so armed with a modest budget and a bright red shopping basket I gingerly entered the budget conscious shopper's utopia that is Spotlight.
The choices were immense with a whole section dedicated to making their own spring racing hats and fascinators. There were millenery fabrics, fabric flowers, head bands, feathers in every colour imaginable, butterflies, hats etc. I opted for a plain metal headband/alice band, some ribbon, milleners' fabric, flower and a butterfly. I'm not sure how I've survived 28 years without a hot glue gun though. Those things are amazing! With a little effort and lots of glue, here's the result.
I made another for my friend, but didn't photograph that one before giving it to her.
Having had some success with the fascinators, I decided some coasters were a must (there's logic in there somewhere). So I chose some beautiful craft paper, contact paper and some unadorned wooden coasters and got glueing. Here are the results:
Next project: a painting for above our fireplace.
These essential pieces of racing outfitry (a non-word, but it stays) can set one back upwards of $200 for a decent example so armed with a modest budget and a bright red shopping basket I gingerly entered the budget conscious shopper's utopia that is Spotlight.
The choices were immense with a whole section dedicated to making their own spring racing hats and fascinators. There were millenery fabrics, fabric flowers, head bands, feathers in every colour imaginable, butterflies, hats etc. I opted for a plain metal headband/alice band, some ribbon, milleners' fabric, flower and a butterfly. I'm not sure how I've survived 28 years without a hot glue gun though. Those things are amazing! With a little effort and lots of glue, here's the result.
I made another for my friend, but didn't photograph that one before giving it to her.
Having had some success with the fascinators, I decided some coasters were a must (there's logic in there somewhere). So I chose some beautiful craft paper, contact paper and some unadorned wooden coasters and got glueing. Here are the results:
Next project: a painting for above our fireplace.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Aussie bands
In New Zealand in the last few years we've been lucky enough to be exposed to some awesome local bands and new music. I distinctly remember there being a huge stigma associated with liking and listening to local music as little as 10 years ago and I'm so glad that has changed as NZ has some really talented individuals and some great bands.
I have been pleasantly surprised by the current lively Australian music scene, particularly in Melbourne. There always seems to be some live music to watch and new bands to follow. Most of these bands I had never heard of but I really like their stuff. Some of my new favourites getting lots of play on my ipod are Operator Please (their new album Gloves is a goodie), Angus and Julia Stone, and Little Red. I'm still loving Empire of the Sun, John Butler Trio, The Temper Trap and Daniel Merriweather.
We'll definitely be making an effort to get out to some gigs soon. Watch this space!
Some youtube links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nlc8yLVPm8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmoOQzZX97c&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yur15Brfvhs&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OyCEDTeRmI
I have been pleasantly surprised by the current lively Australian music scene, particularly in Melbourne. There always seems to be some live music to watch and new bands to follow. Most of these bands I had never heard of but I really like their stuff. Some of my new favourites getting lots of play on my ipod are Operator Please (their new album Gloves is a goodie), Angus and Julia Stone, and Little Red. I'm still loving Empire of the Sun, John Butler Trio, The Temper Trap and Daniel Merriweather.
We'll definitely be making an effort to get out to some gigs soon. Watch this space!
Some youtube links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nlc8yLVPm8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmoOQzZX97c&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yur15Brfvhs&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OyCEDTeRmI
The pleasure that is mastication
Last one about the wisdom teeth (I hope)! I had the op on Friday morning and as far as I can tell (I didn't have a debrief by the surgeon afterwards), it all went well. I still have some numbness on the right hand side of my lower lip and chin, which could be due to a little nerve disruption... am hoping this subsides soon. Apart from that, some pain and swelling, everything seems to be ok.
The thing I'm more bummed about is the fact that I can't really "eat" anything. Drinking, sipping and mushing food against my palate and front teeth with my tongue before swallowing do not count as eating. I had never realised how pleasureable and satisfying chewing is and how much I'd be craving solids.
What's preventing me taking the risk of chewing anything is the constant fear of dry socket - when the clot forming over the extraction site dislodges - apparently it's a pain you'd never want to know and goes on for days. Getting any food in the gaping holes which I can only imagine are lurking at the back of my mouth (haven't been brave enough to investigate with my tongue yet and can't open my mouth wide enough to see anything in the mirror) isn't worth it. See "dry socket" comment!
But I can tell you that banana custard babyfood, soup, yoghurt, jelly, mashed banana, avocado and sweet potato, even icecream are getting old fast. Fingers crossed tomorrow is the day I can tuck into something a bit more exciting.
The thing I'm more bummed about is the fact that I can't really "eat" anything. Drinking, sipping and mushing food against my palate and front teeth with my tongue before swallowing do not count as eating. I had never realised how pleasureable and satisfying chewing is and how much I'd be craving solids.
What's preventing me taking the risk of chewing anything is the constant fear of dry socket - when the clot forming over the extraction site dislodges - apparently it's a pain you'd never want to know and goes on for days. Getting any food in the gaping holes which I can only imagine are lurking at the back of my mouth (haven't been brave enough to investigate with my tongue yet and can't open my mouth wide enough to see anything in the mirror) isn't worth it. See "dry socket" comment!
But I can tell you that banana custard babyfood, soup, yoghurt, jelly, mashed banana, avocado and sweet potato, even icecream are getting old fast. Fingers crossed tomorrow is the day I can tuck into something a bit more exciting.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Queen Victoria Markets
Located at the northern end of the city is my foodie Nirvana aka the Queen Vic Markets. I'm not sure why, but on my first visit to Melbourne in 2001 I didn't pay much attention to the food part of the markets, instead focussing all my attention and sparse budget on the cheap clothing and leather-look bags in the section adjacent to the food areas. I blame the fact that I was dating a petrol-head bogan at the time and had a decidedly unrefined, student's palate to match.
In subsequnet visits however, I have rediscovered the delights that lie within those huge green sheds. Mouthwatering eye fillet steaks, tender racks of spring lamb, beautiful fresh whole fish, glistening fillets of fresh tuna, scallops, prawns and every other type of seafood and vibrantly coloured fresh vegetables and fruit. A true feast for the eyes, and grumbling tummy!
The atmosphere is an experience in itself with a cacophony of butchers, deli stall owners and fishmonger shouting out their specials (and they are amazing ones at that!), the hustle and bustle of dozens of people pulling their overflowing "granny shopping carts" (you know the material ones on 2 wheels) along and eyeing up the specials that day, and tourists snapping away at the delicious displays of cheeses, dolmas and goats feta stuffed bell peppers piled high. The deli section is a favourite of mine being a self-diagnosed cheese addict. The selection and smells are nothing short high-enducing!
Might have to pay another visit this week!
In subsequnet visits however, I have rediscovered the delights that lie within those huge green sheds. Mouthwatering eye fillet steaks, tender racks of spring lamb, beautiful fresh whole fish, glistening fillets of fresh tuna, scallops, prawns and every other type of seafood and vibrantly coloured fresh vegetables and fruit. A true feast for the eyes, and grumbling tummy!
The atmosphere is an experience in itself with a cacophony of butchers, deli stall owners and fishmonger shouting out their specials (and they are amazing ones at that!), the hustle and bustle of dozens of people pulling their overflowing "granny shopping carts" (you know the material ones on 2 wheels) along and eyeing up the specials that day, and tourists snapping away at the delicious displays of cheeses, dolmas and goats feta stuffed bell peppers piled high. The deli section is a favourite of mine being a self-diagnosed cheese addict. The selection and smells are nothing short high-enducing!
Might have to pay another visit this week!
Williamstown
After a brief 3 day holiday in Sydney early last week to see my parents who were there for work, my mum came back to Melbourne with me to stay with us for a few nights. It was so nice to be able to show her around and for her to see where we live and be able to "picture" us when we're having our trans-Tasman phone chats.
We thought we'd taken advantage of my mum being here and do some touristy stuff over the weekend. We decided to do a river cruise down the Yarra to Williamstown. Williamstown is a heritage area situated on a point between Hobson's and Port Phillip Bay. It's a quiet seaside village complete with dozens of restaurants, a quaint harbour, lovely park with views of the city and a few knick knacky gift shops. Great for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day, icecream in hand.
Not sure I'd be back in a hurry, but it was a great, relaxing little outing on a warm Saturday afternoon and would recommend a visit even just for the hour long ferry ride along the Yarra through Docklands and past Port Melbourne.
We thought we'd taken advantage of my mum being here and do some touristy stuff over the weekend. We decided to do a river cruise down the Yarra to Williamstown. Williamstown is a heritage area situated on a point between Hobson's and Port Phillip Bay. It's a quiet seaside village complete with dozens of restaurants, a quaint harbour, lovely park with views of the city and a few knick knacky gift shops. Great for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day, icecream in hand.
Not sure I'd be back in a hurry, but it was a great, relaxing little outing on a warm Saturday afternoon and would recommend a visit even just for the hour long ferry ride along the Yarra through Docklands and past Port Melbourne.
GF weekend footy fever
One sport I can safely say I have never followed or understood is Aussie Rules football or AFL. An oval field with 36 players on it, volleyball-"dig"-style passing, basketball dribbling and goal officials who look like judges at a livestock fair? I didn't get it. But being in the thick of it for Grand Final (GF) weekend I couldn't help but get excited by all the hoo-ha.
Melburnians are fanatical AFL fans. The majority of the teams in the competition are from Melbourne and its surrounds so it's without a doubt, the most followed sport over here. Rugby schmugby. Cricket and tennis maybe get a look in in summer, but generally speaking, it's all about "footy".
Surprisingly; although the game, when watched, appears to have very few rules, there's a whole list of them. Too long to type out here, but download this brochure for some compelling reading! All 93 pages of it:
http://www.afl.com.au/portals/0/afl_docs/development/afl_explained/Laws%20of%20Football_2010.pdf
I did my last-minute homework by watching the finals (a precursor to the "grand" final, it's not sufficient to call them "semis") last weekend and got a bit of a taste for the fast-moving, goal-scoring frenzy that is AFL. I adopted S's team, the St Kilda Saints, mainly because they were in the finals and then the GF too and because I like St Kilda as a seaside suburb albeit very touristy - yes I am aware of my "pot" status in this regard!
We only managed to catch the last 3 quarters of the GF in a Southbank bar, and what an exciting spectacle it was! The Pies, as the Collingwood Magpies are colloquially known, were in the lead for 97% of the game but in the final quarter St Kilda managed not only to catch up, but to overtake the Pies for the lead. But the drama didn't stop there and a reply from the Pies meant the match ended in a 68 all draw. Now you'd think that given this was the GF of all GFs (these teams last met in a final in 1966 where the Saints beat the Pies by 1 point so there was a lot riding on the victory), there'd be some extra time to decide the winner. No. These two teams have to play another whole match this weekend crown the champions. I've never seen more dejected looking players in my life. There were also a fair few Collingwood fans in floods of tears. They'd almost tasted victory only to have it snatched from their grasp.
I'll definitely be watching this weekend's rematch from the couch while recovering from my wisdom teeth operation on Friday morning. Who knows, I might even be donning a rather fetching red, black and white Saints scarf and humming "when the saints go marching in".
Here are some cute ode to GF cupcakes we spied at the Queen Vic Markets on Friday afternoon.
And a packed Collins Street for the Grand Final parade at lunchtime, last Friday.
Melburnians are fanatical AFL fans. The majority of the teams in the competition are from Melbourne and its surrounds so it's without a doubt, the most followed sport over here. Rugby schmugby. Cricket and tennis maybe get a look in in summer, but generally speaking, it's all about "footy".
Surprisingly; although the game, when watched, appears to have very few rules, there's a whole list of them. Too long to type out here, but download this brochure for some compelling reading! All 93 pages of it:
http://www.afl.com.au/portals/0/afl_docs/development/afl_explained/Laws%20of%20Football_2010.pdf
I did my last-minute homework by watching the finals (a precursor to the "grand" final, it's not sufficient to call them "semis") last weekend and got a bit of a taste for the fast-moving, goal-scoring frenzy that is AFL. I adopted S's team, the St Kilda Saints, mainly because they were in the finals and then the GF too and because I like St Kilda as a seaside suburb albeit very touristy - yes I am aware of my "pot" status in this regard!
We only managed to catch the last 3 quarters of the GF in a Southbank bar, and what an exciting spectacle it was! The Pies, as the Collingwood Magpies are colloquially known, were in the lead for 97% of the game but in the final quarter St Kilda managed not only to catch up, but to overtake the Pies for the lead. But the drama didn't stop there and a reply from the Pies meant the match ended in a 68 all draw. Now you'd think that given this was the GF of all GFs (these teams last met in a final in 1966 where the Saints beat the Pies by 1 point so there was a lot riding on the victory), there'd be some extra time to decide the winner. No. These two teams have to play another whole match this weekend crown the champions. I've never seen more dejected looking players in my life. There were also a fair few Collingwood fans in floods of tears. They'd almost tasted victory only to have it snatched from their grasp.
I'll definitely be watching this weekend's rematch from the couch while recovering from my wisdom teeth operation on Friday morning. Who knows, I might even be donning a rather fetching red, black and white Saints scarf and humming "when the saints go marching in".
Here are some cute ode to GF cupcakes we spied at the Queen Vic Markets on Friday afternoon.
And a packed Collins Street for the Grand Final parade at lunchtime, last Friday.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Wisdom saga
So it turns out it wasn't as simple as getting the offending tooth, or teeth as I was hoping, yanked. We made our way back to the dentist bright and early (well, not that early... 10am) on Sunday morning expecting to be drugged up and chipmunked up by the time I walked out of there. Alas, after looking at my 180 degree xray for a few minutes, the dentist declared my teeth too close to my mental nerves (I just Wikipeadia-ed as couldn't remember the name of them) which control feeling in the lower lip. If these were nicked or damaged in surgery/extraction, I could lose the feeling in my lower lip either temporarily or in a worst case scenario, permanently.
So back to my mates at Clayray to get a 3D scan of my lower jaw (at another $300 AUD) which will reveal how close the teeth are to the nerves and determine next steps. I'm also seeing a maxillofacial surgery specialist *cue ringing till sounds* next week as had some rather unorthodox council from my dentist about lopping the top of the teeth off and leaving the roots in which didn't sound quite right. So after consulting a family friend in Auckland, who put me onto an orthodontist, who in turn put me on to a specialist, I'm (well, the boyfriend and mother) feeling a little more confident about my pending surgery. We'll see what he says next Friday.
How horrible would it be to lose feeling in your lower lip? I'm envisaging multiple incidences of burned lip on cups of hot tea, applying lipgloss to my chin because I can't feel where my lip ends and worst of all, not feeling my S's kisses. It doesn't bear contemplation!
So back to my mates at Clayray to get a 3D scan of my lower jaw (at another $300 AUD) which will reveal how close the teeth are to the nerves and determine next steps. I'm also seeing a maxillofacial surgery specialist *cue ringing till sounds* next week as had some rather unorthodox council from my dentist about lopping the top of the teeth off and leaving the roots in which didn't sound quite right. So after consulting a family friend in Auckland, who put me onto an orthodontist, who in turn put me on to a specialist, I'm (well, the boyfriend and mother) feeling a little more confident about my pending surgery. We'll see what he says next Friday.
How horrible would it be to lose feeling in your lower lip? I'm envisaging multiple incidences of burned lip on cups of hot tea, applying lipgloss to my chin because I can't feel where my lip ends and worst of all, not feeling my S's kisses. It doesn't bear contemplation!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Flat FOMO
I'd heard varying accounts of what flat hunting is like is Melbourne. Most people have scared me with cautionary tales of 30-people-deep inspections, all with applications filled out and at the ready. Add to that, the dilemma of wanting to settle quickly into some kind of normalcy vs free accommodation for another 3 weeks (I know... I'm complaining why??) and not having our belongings yet and it's all a bit much.
It seems that the lead times are pretty short over here , ie don't start looking until you are ready to move in NOW. Herein lies the FOMO (fear of missing out) problem. All these places are available now and it's hard not to look at them! We saw a great place the other night, opposite the Royal Botanical Gardens, 50m from the Yarra River and all the amazing walking/biking tracks along it. It has brand new carpets, paint, bathroom and amazing kitchen, is light and large and has ample storage... oh and a carpark and ducted heating/cooling. I fell in love with it (and even dreamt about it last night) and then realised it's probably silly to take the first place we like when there are probably dozens of others that'll come up in the next couple weeks when we're ready to move in. Besides, it didn't have any of its own outdoor space to speak of and I'm sure come summer, that'll be where we want to be.
It really is a luxury to have time to look properly and get to know where exactly it is we want to live and I shouldn't forget that. Having said that, we are looking at 5 more places tomorrow! We never learn!
On a separate note, here are some photos we took last night whilst walking "home" from the movies along Southbank. It was a beautifully still night and the reflection of the city lights on the river was quite breathtaking.
It seems that the lead times are pretty short over here , ie don't start looking until you are ready to move in NOW. Herein lies the FOMO (fear of missing out) problem. All these places are available now and it's hard not to look at them! We saw a great place the other night, opposite the Royal Botanical Gardens, 50m from the Yarra River and all the amazing walking/biking tracks along it. It has brand new carpets, paint, bathroom and amazing kitchen, is light and large and has ample storage... oh and a carpark and ducted heating/cooling. I fell in love with it (and even dreamt about it last night) and then realised it's probably silly to take the first place we like when there are probably dozens of others that'll come up in the next couple weeks when we're ready to move in. Besides, it didn't have any of its own outdoor space to speak of and I'm sure come summer, that'll be where we want to be.
It really is a luxury to have time to look properly and get to know where exactly it is we want to live and I shouldn't forget that. Having said that, we are looking at 5 more places tomorrow! We never learn!
On a separate note, here are some photos we took last night whilst walking "home" from the movies along Southbank. It was a beautifully still night and the reflection of the city lights on the river was quite breathtaking.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
With wisdom comes teeth
Warning: this post is not for the faint of heart.
It was our first day in Melbourne when I noticed that the gum around my lower right wisdom tooth had been a bit tender. Ever the optimist/ostrich, I decided not to do anything about it in the hope that it was a passing phase and was due to the large amounts of stress moving countries has caused. I was wrong.
So the next day, waking up with a sore jaw and still worse gum, I googled some inner city dentists, closed my eyes, circled the laptop screen with my index finger and landed on a search result (as done when on a roadie and being spontaneous...). Kidding, like I would put my mouth in the hands of a total unknown. The dentist I did pick turned out to be great. The not so great part is that I have an infection and was given two large injections, a clean, xray and a bill for $185 AUD and told that for the bargain price of around $450 AUD I could have the problem permanently fixed. So with numb mouth I bought the necessary interum treatments: 1 course of Amoxycillin capsules, some Savacol anticeptic mouth rinse and what can only be described as needle-less syringe to administer aforementioned rinse after every meal. But only for 10 days otherwise it'll stain my teeth blue. Lovely.
I can tell you that despite the syringe being quite easy to operate, I did get some very strange looks walking into a public bathroom with what looks like a cross between a massive dose of blue-coloured class A drug and a spearmint enema. Delightful. I've since gotten over my embarrassment and don't even try to conceal my weapon of local sterilisation any longer. In fact I welcome the glances like some sort of attention-deprived child.
And the tooth? Impacted. And due to be removed 12th September. No doubt I'll post something about that as well.
It was our first day in Melbourne when I noticed that the gum around my lower right wisdom tooth had been a bit tender. Ever the optimist/ostrich, I decided not to do anything about it in the hope that it was a passing phase and was due to the large amounts of stress moving countries has caused. I was wrong.
So the next day, waking up with a sore jaw and still worse gum, I googled some inner city dentists, closed my eyes, circled the laptop screen with my index finger and landed on a search result (as done when on a roadie and being spontaneous...). Kidding, like I would put my mouth in the hands of a total unknown. The dentist I did pick turned out to be great. The not so great part is that I have an infection and was given two large injections, a clean, xray and a bill for $185 AUD and told that for the bargain price of around $450 AUD I could have the problem permanently fixed. So with numb mouth I bought the necessary interum treatments: 1 course of Amoxycillin capsules, some Savacol anticeptic mouth rinse and what can only be described as needle-less syringe to administer aforementioned rinse after every meal. But only for 10 days otherwise it'll stain my teeth blue. Lovely.
I can tell you that despite the syringe being quite easy to operate, I did get some very strange looks walking into a public bathroom with what looks like a cross between a massive dose of blue-coloured class A drug and a spearmint enema. Delightful. I've since gotten over my embarrassment and don't even try to conceal my weapon of local sterilisation any longer. In fact I welcome the glances like some sort of attention-deprived child.
And the tooth? Impacted. And due to be removed 12th September. No doubt I'll post something about that as well.
Goodbye Auckland. Hello Melbourne.
If revenge is a dish best served cold, goodbyes are a torture best kept brief. We had some wonderfully touching moments in the build up to us leaving Auckland. Both my and S's work put on a lovely lunch and drinks respectively. I must admit to shedding a little tear at lunch when my boss said a few words and I was presented with a beautiful Pandora bracelet with a horse shoe (for good luck!) and rose (representing my English colleague Jeni) thoughfully attached. And the card... well, I'm still giggling at that one. I'm really going to miss them and hope with some luck that I'll be able to work with all of them again in the future. Such a special company and amazing people.
We also had what turned into a lively farewell drinks party at Brew of Quay with family and friends. I was so pleased with the turn out and really enjoyed getting to chat to each person there and filling them in on the exciting times ahead and our imminent plans. What a great night.
Which just left Saturday to tidy up at work and spend the evening with parents, my sister, brother-in-law and nieces and nephew.
Sunday morning was a challenge and I'm not sure why we insisted on catching the 7:30am flight. We were out the door before 5am and thankfully had a very short goodbye with my parents (they very kindly drove us to the airport). A few tears were shed, but I think knowing that we'll see them again in November made things easier.
Koru lounge and an upgrade on the flight (feet couldn't even reach the seat in front of me and even though I'll admit that I'm a little vertically challenged, it made for a nice change) were a luxury I could get used to. As was having a car waiting for us at Melbourne airport and someone waiting for us at our accommodation in South Bank to show us around and explain everything to us. Thanks very very much to S's work. What a pleasure it can be moving countries... who would have thought!?
Sunday was spent walking around our new city, seeing S's building and just generally soaking up the atmosphere in our new home. Had a delicious lunch in Degraves Lane and visited the Little Cupcake shop (for you Kim!). We also met up with Marie in the afternoon which was great, have really missed her this year and look forward to spending much more fun times together now that we'll here.
Yep, I think we'll be just fine here.
We also had what turned into a lively farewell drinks party at Brew of Quay with family and friends. I was so pleased with the turn out and really enjoyed getting to chat to each person there and filling them in on the exciting times ahead and our imminent plans. What a great night.
Which just left Saturday to tidy up at work and spend the evening with parents, my sister, brother-in-law and nieces and nephew.
Sunday morning was a challenge and I'm not sure why we insisted on catching the 7:30am flight. We were out the door before 5am and thankfully had a very short goodbye with my parents (they very kindly drove us to the airport). A few tears were shed, but I think knowing that we'll see them again in November made things easier.
Koru lounge and an upgrade on the flight (feet couldn't even reach the seat in front of me and even though I'll admit that I'm a little vertically challenged, it made for a nice change) were a luxury I could get used to. As was having a car waiting for us at Melbourne airport and someone waiting for us at our accommodation in South Bank to show us around and explain everything to us. Thanks very very much to S's work. What a pleasure it can be moving countries... who would have thought!?
Sunday was spent walking around our new city, seeing S's building and just generally soaking up the atmosphere in our new home. Had a delicious lunch in Degraves Lane and visited the Little Cupcake shop (for you Kim!). We also met up with Marie in the afternoon which was great, have really missed her this year and look forward to spending much more fun times together now that we'll here.
Yep, I think we'll be just fine here.
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