This season Melbourne introduced its first ever international rugby team, The Rebels, to the Super rugby franchise. We had high hopes and as the home games are all played at AAMI stadium - a mere 5 minute walk from our apartment, we were keen to jump aboard the Rebel bandwagon and get supporting. As was the rest of Melbourne.
For a generally non-rugby-supporting city, having 25,000 people show up for the Rebel's first game was testament to Melburnians' obsession with sport... and their staunch rivalry with Sydney - their first game was against the Waratahs. I don't know if it was the shock of 25,000 turning up to watch them or new kid on the block nerves, but they performed dismally. A 43-0 drubbing ensued and I was more than ready to renounce my support on the spot. I dubbed them the Te-rebels.
We decided to watch them play "one last time" against the Brumbies on Friday Crowd numbers were tellingly down 10,000 from the week before but those who didn't show up missed one hell of a game!
After drowning his sorrows and allegedly trying to steal a bottle of spirits from a Chapel Street bar after last week's disgraceful game, Danny Cipriani was on his best behaviour and kicked some stellar penalties. Stirling came through with a great try in the 72nd minute and another penalty kick by Cipriani just before the full time whistle secured the Rebels' victory 25-24. Pretty lucky as S bought a team shirt before the game!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Yarra Valley
I can't believe I've let a month pass without posting anything. I blame late nights at work and the absolute dread I feel when faced with a computer screen at home after a 12 hour day. Things have thankfully calmed down a bit on the work front so here I am.
A few weeks ago we hired another car and headed out to the Yarra Valley- about an hour drive north east of Melbourne, for some wine tasting and general tiki touring. I had been there with the girls on a weekend back in 2008 so had some favourite vineyards that I was keen to revisit.
It was a stunning day - hot and windless. After a couple of tastings at Rochford, we headed to Healesville for lunch in the sun at a pub (the name of which escapes me) on the main strip. Delicious calamari salads and thirst quenching local ciders later, we hit the road again and visited a couple more wineries - Yering Station and Domain Chandon, an outpost of French champagne heavyweight Moet & Chandon. More tastings were had (just by me at this stage, S was relegated to driving duties) and more bottles bought.
We drove a bit further down the road to Yarra Glen, a quaint little town, which we were to discover, is famous for its antique stores. Some small, some warehouse-sized and requiring hours of fossicking for treasures. Some really cool little finds and definitely a place to go back to.
A few weeks ago we hired another car and headed out to the Yarra Valley- about an hour drive north east of Melbourne, for some wine tasting and general tiki touring. I had been there with the girls on a weekend back in 2008 so had some favourite vineyards that I was keen to revisit.
It was a stunning day - hot and windless. After a couple of tastings at Rochford, we headed to Healesville for lunch in the sun at a pub (the name of which escapes me) on the main strip. Delicious calamari salads and thirst quenching local ciders later, we hit the road again and visited a couple more wineries - Yering Station and Domain Chandon, an outpost of French champagne heavyweight Moet & Chandon. More tastings were had (just by me at this stage, S was relegated to driving duties) and more bottles bought.
We drove a bit further down the road to Yarra Glen, a quaint little town, which we were to discover, is famous for its antique stores. Some small, some warehouse-sized and requiring hours of fossicking for treasures. Some really cool little finds and definitely a place to go back to.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Happy 'stralia Day!
Wednesday, 26th January was Australia Day. Having not paid much attention to this holiday in the past, on account of not being Australian, I was intrigued to see how the Aussies celebrated it.
Waitangi Day (the New Zealand version for those non-kiwi readers... of which I have about 2, haha) is usually marked by a bit of controversy near where the treaty was signed, a bit of lying in the sun and having a few drinks.
It turns out the Aussies celebrate their national day in much the same way, minus the controversy and treaty part. Throw in a BBQ (apparently it's tradition to do lamb on the barbie on Australia Day... the whole prawn thing is a myth - and rightly so as it dries them out) and Bob's your uncle. Almost every workmate I asked about their Australia Day, said they went to a BBQ. Some had mulitple BBQ commitments.
What I was surprised by however, was the level of patriotism exhibited on the day. Supermarkets, 2 Dollar shops and the like must make a killing on flags, t-shirt, boardshorts, bikinis, beach balls - you name it. If it had an image of the Australian flag on it, it was worn on Wednesday.
Nice really.
Waitangi Day (the New Zealand version for those non-kiwi readers... of which I have about 2, haha) is usually marked by a bit of controversy near where the treaty was signed, a bit of lying in the sun and having a few drinks.
It turns out the Aussies celebrate their national day in much the same way, minus the controversy and treaty part. Throw in a BBQ (apparently it's tradition to do lamb on the barbie on Australia Day... the whole prawn thing is a myth - and rightly so as it dries them out) and Bob's your uncle. Almost every workmate I asked about their Australia Day, said they went to a BBQ. Some had mulitple BBQ commitments.
What I was surprised by however, was the level of patriotism exhibited on the day. Supermarkets, 2 Dollar shops and the like must make a killing on flags, t-shirt, boardshorts, bikinis, beach balls - you name it. If it had an image of the Australian flag on it, it was worn on Wednesday.
Nice really.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Catfish - see it!
I was lucky enough to get some freebie movie tickets from work a couple of weeks ago for an extraordinary film called Catfish.
I won't tell you any more about it other than it is documentary in style and was brilliant. I'd definitelty recommend a viewing when it comes to your local cinema.
It made me laugh, cry, think, synpathise and shocked me to the core in some parts. Don't try to find out anything about it. Just see it. See it now!
I won't tell you any more about it other than it is documentary in style and was brilliant. I'd definitelty recommend a viewing when it comes to your local cinema.
It made me laugh, cry, think, synpathise and shocked me to the core in some parts. Don't try to find out anything about it. Just see it. See it now!
Image from movienews.com
Sports nuts
We are lucky enough to live, not only close to the "Tan", but also the sports precinct here in Melbourne. Being a 10-15 minute stroll from the MCG and Melbourne Park (Rod Laver and Hisence Arena tennis stadiums) has its clear advantages. No struggle for parking and your drinks are still cold when you get there.
It's been a week of sports spectating for us, with the Australia/England ODI series and Australian Open tennis tournament.
Awesome experiences and great to finally visit the places and watch the sporting spectacles I've seen on Sky Sports and could only dream of attending myself.
We are already looking forward to AFL and Super 15 seasons (not so much the disgraced NRL team...). Melbourne's new Super 15 team will be watched with interest from the stands.
It's been a week of sports spectating for us, with the Australia/England ODI series and Australian Open tennis tournament.
Awesome experiences and great to finally visit the places and watch the sporting spectacles I've seen on Sky Sports and could only dream of attending myself.
We are already looking forward to AFL and Super 15 seasons (not so much the disgraced NRL team...). Melbourne's new Super 15 team will be watched with interest from the stands.
Rod Laver Arena
Local girl, Sam Stosur
Del Portro
Marcos Baghdatis
Jo-Wifred Tsonga feeling the heat at the Margaret Court Arena
Happy punters
Phillip Island
A couple of weekends ago we hired a car again and set out towards Phillip Island. Located in Western Port bay, west of Port Phillip Bay (if you're looking at a map where Melbourne is north of the bay) Phillip Island is a tourist mecca.
People flock (excuse the pun) there to watch the famous "Penguin Parade"; fairy penguins waddling across the sand in the evenings to return to their burrows in the dunes every evening. The various wildlife parks which are home to kangaroos, dingoes and koalas are also a major drawcard for the island.
Phillip Island has some stunning beaches and lovely little towns and is an easy 90-120 min drive from Melbourne.
It was a scorcher the day we visited so the first place we stopped was Woolamai Beach for a swim. The water was a little colder than we'd expected but a welcome refresher from the 37 degree heat on the sand. We lay on the beach listening to the young lifeguard behind us chatting up "chicks" and telling them how he free dives 10 metres for his training.
On to Cowes, the main coastal town which was heaving with cars and people. We need to get back there on a less busy day as it looks lovely, but neither of us was keen to brave the town's car parks in order to park up and walk around the place.
Last stop was Point Grant, The Nobbies and Round Island at the far eastern tip of the island. What looked like (judging by the amount of guano) a million Silver Gulls nest on the island's rookery. Fur seals also inhabit the islands off the main one, although we didn't see any - maybe the sharks were out too. The landscape reminded me a bit of the coast off Cape Agulhas in South Africa. Wild, wind-blown and rugged. A beautiful place. And we even saw a pengiun hiding out in his burrow. A bonus as we weren't planning to stay for the "parade".
A quick stop at a Koala sanctuary rounded off our visit. It's breeding season, for those not infected with Clamydia - yes, it's rife within some Koala populations... you learn something new everyday. Luckily the group we saw were "clean" and we were treated to viewing some perfectly huggable babies. I can see why they were initially thought to be bears.
Smuggling one into my backpack sadly wasn't an option, but we did get some great pics.
I can't wait to get back there to explore more of the beaches and see Cowes properly.
People flock (excuse the pun) there to watch the famous "Penguin Parade"; fairy penguins waddling across the sand in the evenings to return to their burrows in the dunes every evening. The various wildlife parks which are home to kangaroos, dingoes and koalas are also a major drawcard for the island.
Phillip Island has some stunning beaches and lovely little towns and is an easy 90-120 min drive from Melbourne.
It was a scorcher the day we visited so the first place we stopped was Woolamai Beach for a swim. The water was a little colder than we'd expected but a welcome refresher from the 37 degree heat on the sand. We lay on the beach listening to the young lifeguard behind us chatting up "chicks" and telling them how he free dives 10 metres for his training.
On to Cowes, the main coastal town which was heaving with cars and people. We need to get back there on a less busy day as it looks lovely, but neither of us was keen to brave the town's car parks in order to park up and walk around the place.
Last stop was Point Grant, The Nobbies and Round Island at the far eastern tip of the island. What looked like (judging by the amount of guano) a million Silver Gulls nest on the island's rookery. Fur seals also inhabit the islands off the main one, although we didn't see any - maybe the sharks were out too. The landscape reminded me a bit of the coast off Cape Agulhas in South Africa. Wild, wind-blown and rugged. A beautiful place. And we even saw a pengiun hiding out in his burrow. A bonus as we weren't planning to stay for the "parade".
A quick stop at a Koala sanctuary rounded off our visit. It's breeding season, for those not infected with Clamydia - yes, it's rife within some Koala populations... you learn something new everyday. Luckily the group we saw were "clean" and we were treated to viewing some perfectly huggable babies. I can see why they were initially thought to be bears.
Smuggling one into my backpack sadly wasn't an option, but we did get some great pics.
I can't wait to get back there to explore more of the beaches and see Cowes properly.
Woolamai Surf Beach
So that's what Alf from Home &Away is alwasy going on about... "ya flaming Galah!"
Hard to see, but that's a Fairy Penguin
The "Tan"
No, I'm not talking about the golden post-beach-holiday hue every person hopes to get during the summer months, or even better, the winter months. The "Tan", as it's affectionately known, is a beautiful, leafy running track that encircles Melbourne's Royal BoTANical (get it?) Gardens.
This track is so renowned in Melbourne that when asked where we live, instead of saying "South Yarra", I often use the Tan as a point of reference "you know the big hill on the tan...?", I am seldom met with blank expression thereafter.
What a great place to people-watch. Everyone from Joe soap to the top AFL players (tops off) and their blinged up, peroxide-blonde WAG's, run the thing. People DRIVE to the Tan to run it... purpose defeating? Perhaps, but you have to be seen there walking your chihuahua, daaahling.
I've only run it a couple of times, preferring a gentle stroll alongside those sprinting up the hill, only to jog down and sprint up again. S is more committed though, running a couple of the 3.8km laps a few mornings a week before work.
The weather doesn't seem to deter people either. It could be pouring down, freezing and blowing a gale, and people are still out there, slogging away. Madness!
It really is beautiful though, so who can blame them?
This track is so renowned in Melbourne that when asked where we live, instead of saying "South Yarra", I often use the Tan as a point of reference "you know the big hill on the tan...?", I am seldom met with blank expression thereafter.
What a great place to people-watch. Everyone from Joe soap to the top AFL players (tops off) and their blinged up, peroxide-blonde WAG's, run the thing. People DRIVE to the Tan to run it... purpose defeating? Perhaps, but you have to be seen there walking your chihuahua, daaahling.
I've only run it a couple of times, preferring a gentle stroll alongside those sprinting up the hill, only to jog down and sprint up again. S is more committed though, running a couple of the 3.8km laps a few mornings a week before work.
The weather doesn't seem to deter people either. It could be pouring down, freezing and blowing a gale, and people are still out there, slogging away. Madness!
It really is beautiful though, so who can blame them?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Mornington Peninsula & Point Nepean
Our friend Marie who has been staying with us recently whilst she is between flats, kindly offered us use of her car when she was away in New Zealand. Not being ones to look a gift horse in the mouth, we jumped at the opportunity with zealous and took off on an exploratory trip of the Mornington Peninsula one sunny Saturday morning.
I wasn't sure what to expect of the Peninsula, which runs down the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, but was so pleasantly surprised by the beautiful beaches and the stunning (and massive) houses/mansions. Sorrento and Portsea are definitely the "Hamptons" of Victoria. Infinity pools, tennis courts and perfectly manicured lawns abound outside massive stone dwellings fit for royalty and the very wealthy alike. Here, beach boxes (small, colourfully painted wooden huts along the beach, no bigger than a very snug single garage) sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. A bit steep for a place to store your deck chairs, but anyway.
We had a lovely walk along the beach and short pier at Portsea followed by a lunch in the sun on the lawns of the Portsea Hotel. Beautiful views of the Bay and great fish and chips. Just how summer should be!
After lunch we headed into the Point Nepean reserve for a tour of the park. Point Nepean is a fascinating place which has played many an important role in Victorian and wider Australian history. Within the reserve, which we toured by tractor trailer, there is an old quarantining station where immigrants to Australia were held once they came off ships with various illnesses. The old "flu houses" are still standing, but I must admit the word "prison" came to mind when driving past rows and rows of these sad looking uniform huts. Not the best welcome to one's new home, I could imagine.
The point itself was used during both the first and second world wars, with the first shots fired from Australian soil in each war coming from Fort Nepean. There's a maze of tunnels beneath the cliffs where ammunitions were stored and where those on look out must have slept after their shift ended.
Sadly, despite having amazing beach all along the coast, all are out of bounds due to there being unexploded ammunition buried in the sand. The Point was used as an army based and has only really been opened to the public for the first time in over 150 years. The local govt/council is working hard to clear the beaches for recreational use.
Cheviot Beach, on the way to the point is a pretty controvercial one as it's where Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt went missing while diving in December 1967. His body was never found...
All in all, a pretty interesting place and well worth a visit. Can't wait to get back to the Peninsula for a weekend and to explore the local wineries, which we didn't have time to do on our daytrip.
I wasn't sure what to expect of the Peninsula, which runs down the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, but was so pleasantly surprised by the beautiful beaches and the stunning (and massive) houses/mansions. Sorrento and Portsea are definitely the "Hamptons" of Victoria. Infinity pools, tennis courts and perfectly manicured lawns abound outside massive stone dwellings fit for royalty and the very wealthy alike. Here, beach boxes (small, colourfully painted wooden huts along the beach, no bigger than a very snug single garage) sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. A bit steep for a place to store your deck chairs, but anyway.
We had a lovely walk along the beach and short pier at Portsea followed by a lunch in the sun on the lawns of the Portsea Hotel. Beautiful views of the Bay and great fish and chips. Just how summer should be!
After lunch we headed into the Point Nepean reserve for a tour of the park. Point Nepean is a fascinating place which has played many an important role in Victorian and wider Australian history. Within the reserve, which we toured by tractor trailer, there is an old quarantining station where immigrants to Australia were held once they came off ships with various illnesses. The old "flu houses" are still standing, but I must admit the word "prison" came to mind when driving past rows and rows of these sad looking uniform huts. Not the best welcome to one's new home, I could imagine.
The point itself was used during both the first and second world wars, with the first shots fired from Australian soil in each war coming from Fort Nepean. There's a maze of tunnels beneath the cliffs where ammunitions were stored and where those on look out must have slept after their shift ended.
Sadly, despite having amazing beach all along the coast, all are out of bounds due to there being unexploded ammunition buried in the sand. The Point was used as an army based and has only really been opened to the public for the first time in over 150 years. The local govt/council is working hard to clear the beaches for recreational use.
Cheviot Beach, on the way to the point is a pretty controvercial one as it's where Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt went missing while diving in December 1967. His body was never found...
All in all, a pretty interesting place and well worth a visit. Can't wait to get back to the Peninsula for a weekend and to explore the local wineries, which we didn't have time to do on our daytrip.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Pay Day!
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!
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, 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!
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