I spent most of the day sitting in Hyde Park enjoying the sunshine and drizzle with equal pleasure. I was just grateful to have escaped the heat of Melbourne. Sadly cooler weather brings mosquitoes so I ventured into the city in search of some insect repellent and something to make the stinging go away. This just adds to the recent trend of buying practical yet contextually strange things on my outings. I bought a pair of rigging gloves on the recent beach trip.
Armed with the spray I managed to read half of Signal to Noise before the start of my shift. I ended up working on the Weddings at the Macquarie Street stage. I think they went well, but I only saw the third wedding as I spent much of the evening waiting for deliveries up the road. It was a beautiful if brief ceremony (each of the three weddings went for approximately 20 minutes) and the three couples looked happy despite the inclement weather. It was great to bump into people who I knew who were working on the festival too.
After work I caught up with Tamsin after a small delay (who'd have thought that there would be two polar cone vans in the same intersection?) and we roamed Hyde Park in search of a bar. Spiegeltent was closed for a private function so our plan had been somewhat foiled. We failed to find a bar in Hyde Park although we were sure that there was one nearby... after all it was opening night of the Festival! We trekked to Martin Place before deciding to head back to Tam's to drop off my bags and find a bar at nearby Oxford Street.
We ended up with G&Ts in hand noting that at the bar we'd stopped at people seemed to be segregated into all male or all female groups of varying sizes. There were also enough candles arranged on a shelf to inspire a funeral-esque atmosphere so we decided to move on. Not managing to find anywhere else that caught our fancy we headed back towards her apartment to make a final stop a the Irish pub which turned out to be closed. The universe seemed to be telling us it was time for bed.
This morning we got up, lazed about and then headed to a lovely little bookshop & cafe for breakfast and departed caffeinated, fast broken and armed with a book. Secondhand bookstores are a dangerous place. Throw in food and drinks and I may never leave!
I've finished reading one of the books I've brought up with me and have enjoyed an afternoon relaxing in the cool but wonderfully fine weather that seems to be gracing the city. It feels good to be somewhere different even if it still feels the same.
Showing posts with label drinking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drinking. Show all posts
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Saturday, October 28, 2006
A Good Night's Rest
Sometimes it's best to just go with the flow and deal with the consequences later. Last night I had a fantastic time at Al Bayti where some of the crew are staying. I'll only go for an hour or so because I have to be at work this morning somehow turned into oh is that the time... I have get up for work in just over four hours if I want to make my shuttle bus. It was all worth it though. I had one of the best, if shortest, nights of sleep and feel fairly refreshed!
It was also good to see Gene last night (while we were both awake). I hung around work catching up on my filing until the 00:30 shuttle to Al Waab, where we live, to change out of the day's clothes. Jack kindly gave us (and Rick) a lift to the party where there was the perfect mixture of music, beer, dancing, cocktails and, most importantly, conversation that didn't revolve around work.
I must admit it was particularly wonderful to put faces to the voices and names that I'd heard on radio. It's amazing how different people can look without a high vis vest and hard hat too...
All in all a good night was had by all. Gene & Jye arrived at our house around 07:30 talking rather loudly. I ended up trotting downstairs and making "please keep it down" motions in a half state of consciousness before heading back upstairs to make the most of my last hour of sleep.
It's gatherings like this that you end up remembering after the shows long over. I was originally planning to head home for another attempt at a good night's sleep. I'm glad I didn't. I don't think I would have slept as well as I did and I would have missed out on a great party. It's funny being social outside of work can be almost as refreshing as a night in when you're working. I look forward to doing it again some time :)
It was also good to see Gene last night (while we were both awake). I hung around work catching up on my filing until the 00:30 shuttle to Al Waab, where we live, to change out of the day's clothes. Jack kindly gave us (and Rick) a lift to the party where there was the perfect mixture of music, beer, dancing, cocktails and, most importantly, conversation that didn't revolve around work.
I must admit it was particularly wonderful to put faces to the voices and names that I'd heard on radio. It's amazing how different people can look without a high vis vest and hard hat too...
All in all a good night was had by all. Gene & Jye arrived at our house around 07:30 talking rather loudly. I ended up trotting downstairs and making "please keep it down" motions in a half state of consciousness before heading back upstairs to make the most of my last hour of sleep.
It's gatherings like this that you end up remembering after the shows long over. I was originally planning to head home for another attempt at a good night's sleep. I'm glad I didn't. I don't think I would have slept as well as I did and I would have missed out on a great party. It's funny being social outside of work can be almost as refreshing as a night in when you're working. I look forward to doing it again some time :)
Sunday, August 06, 2006
The Puppet Strings, Fruits and Vegetables Tour of QLD
Hello little blog, did you miss me?
I've been neglecting you I know, but I've had many intentions of updating you but never found the words to start.
Right now I'm tucked up on the couch in the villa that we've rented in Noosa. The boys, Gene & Nick, are off hiking in the Noosa National Park while I've chosen to nurse my cold today in the hopes of making the flight home tomorrow more pleasant.
I can't believe we're going home tomorrow! The last month has just flown past. The Fringe Festival was a great experience and we've made many new friends who are promising to come and crash on our couch soon. (Guess we'd better get our act together and get a couch for them to crash on!) The wrap party was at the Spiegeltent (of course) and it was a good night for all. Belgian beer flowed freely into our hands and stomachs. We danced "puppet string" style to ensure the rest of the festival was certain that we were the crazy Fringe crew until 01:30 when I called it a night (as they seemed to be kicking the last of us out of the tent). Gene stayed on until some much later hour as it turned out that they weren't kicking the stragglers out at all.
The day after the Brisbane Festival wrapped up we slept like there was no tomorrow and that took up most of the day. Once we were feeling guilty enough at having achieved nothing that day we went on a greasy chicken hunt (my bad). We were unsuccessful at finding greasy chicken in China Town, go figure, but had a great meal while the surrounding trees threw their seed pods at Nick. We've since been told that these trees are "Leopard Trees". I also discovered that the seed pods rattle when you shake them. Ah yes, still easily amused.
Speaking of which, that evening over a meal of instant noodles and pork balls someone posed the question, is pumpkin or chilli a fruit? I discovered some time last year that pumpkins are berries and yet I considered pumpkins to be vegetables. This was the start of our entire holiday’s conversation. We spent much of the night drinking wine and vodka drinks while discussing the classification of various fruits and vegetables. In short, a chilli is a fruit which we often eat as a spice. Pumpkins are berries and are technically fruits eaten as vegetables. Interestingly a banana is a berry (therefore a fruit) that comes from a herb plant (as it lacks a true stem, I think). Fruits seem to be able to be vegetables as well being fruits (eg. tomatoes are fruits eaten more often than not with/as vegetables) as vegetables can be non-sweet fruits. Nuts are technically fruit except for peanuts which are legumes. I think legumes are in their own category. It’s hard to say. Now I’m not saying this is totally correct, it’s just what our research and discussion has led us to. What would we do without internet cafés and Google?
On Wednesday we departed the world of backpacker hostels to visit the land of four star self-contained villas. So far we like this land. We’re staying at the Ivory Palms Resort in Noosa and it’s gorgeous. There’s something to be said for having your own kitchen and bathroom. Particularly when you keep strange hours. The first thing we did upon arrival was head to the supermarket for supplies. Okay, I lied, the first thing we did was check out the heated pool and spa so we knew where to find it, then we went to get supplies. We headed to the town of Tewantin where we had roast chicken for lunch before heading to the supermarket. I also managed to find the one craft shop in the area and have some pretty shiny beads to show for it.
All in all our days have been spent in the sunshine, poolside, in the spa or playing tennis. Nick’s the reigning tennis champ of our lot while Gene’s forte is pool. I seem to do well at Yahtzee. It just goes to show that everyone has their niche.
We went to the Eumundi Markets yesterday. It was a pleasant mix of tourist and local goods, leaning more towards the local arts and craft. There was a surprising lack of fisherman’s pants and juggling balls being sold, a market staple back home, instead there was an unusually high number of tie-dye and art stalls. I returned with a brown top, some black wrap pants and a hemp scarf. Gene bought me the funkiest pair of silver earrings which look almost impossible to put on but are actually really easy to wear. They’re just a simple silver wire twisted into a spiral with a straight bit down the middle. It’s hard to explain.
After the markets we went to the Ginger (Fun) Factory which was much less fun than it was made out to be. We did find Coulson Road though so we’ve got a few pictures of Nick under his road sign.
Today the boys played tennis and had a swim while I tried to sleep off my cold. They’re armed with a camera to take some pictures of the park which we visited long enough for me to take photos of a koala in a tree yesterday. I couldn’t help it, everyone else was taking a picture of it. I at least had the courtesy not to use a flash and scare the poor thing. It was pretty cute.
Tomorrow we’re going to pick up our bikes and have lunch with Mel before jumping on our plane home. I’ve got a job interview on Tuesday although I may have a potential job offer overseas so who knows where I’ll be in a months time! Life’s pretty exciting at the moment. For once I’m not worried about work and you know what? That’s a great feeling!
I've been neglecting you I know, but I've had many intentions of updating you but never found the words to start.
Right now I'm tucked up on the couch in the villa that we've rented in Noosa. The boys, Gene & Nick, are off hiking in the Noosa National Park while I've chosen to nurse my cold today in the hopes of making the flight home tomorrow more pleasant.
I can't believe we're going home tomorrow! The last month has just flown past. The Fringe Festival was a great experience and we've made many new friends who are promising to come and crash on our couch soon. (Guess we'd better get our act together and get a couch for them to crash on!) The wrap party was at the Spiegeltent (of course) and it was a good night for all. Belgian beer flowed freely into our hands and stomachs. We danced "puppet string" style to ensure the rest of the festival was certain that we were the crazy Fringe crew until 01:30 when I called it a night (as they seemed to be kicking the last of us out of the tent). Gene stayed on until some much later hour as it turned out that they weren't kicking the stragglers out at all.
The day after the Brisbane Festival wrapped up we slept like there was no tomorrow and that took up most of the day. Once we were feeling guilty enough at having achieved nothing that day we went on a greasy chicken hunt (my bad). We were unsuccessful at finding greasy chicken in China Town, go figure, but had a great meal while the surrounding trees threw their seed pods at Nick. We've since been told that these trees are "Leopard Trees". I also discovered that the seed pods rattle when you shake them. Ah yes, still easily amused.
Speaking of which, that evening over a meal of instant noodles and pork balls someone posed the question, is pumpkin or chilli a fruit? I discovered some time last year that pumpkins are berries and yet I considered pumpkins to be vegetables. This was the start of our entire holiday’s conversation. We spent much of the night drinking wine and vodka drinks while discussing the classification of various fruits and vegetables. In short, a chilli is a fruit which we often eat as a spice. Pumpkins are berries and are technically fruits eaten as vegetables. Interestingly a banana is a berry (therefore a fruit) that comes from a herb plant (as it lacks a true stem, I think). Fruits seem to be able to be vegetables as well being fruits (eg. tomatoes are fruits eaten more often than not with/as vegetables) as vegetables can be non-sweet fruits. Nuts are technically fruit except for peanuts which are legumes. I think legumes are in their own category. It’s hard to say. Now I’m not saying this is totally correct, it’s just what our research and discussion has led us to. What would we do without internet cafés and Google?
On Wednesday we departed the world of backpacker hostels to visit the land of four star self-contained villas. So far we like this land. We’re staying at the Ivory Palms Resort in Noosa and it’s gorgeous. There’s something to be said for having your own kitchen and bathroom. Particularly when you keep strange hours. The first thing we did upon arrival was head to the supermarket for supplies. Okay, I lied, the first thing we did was check out the heated pool and spa so we knew where to find it, then we went to get supplies. We headed to the town of Tewantin where we had roast chicken for lunch before heading to the supermarket. I also managed to find the one craft shop in the area and have some pretty shiny beads to show for it.
All in all our days have been spent in the sunshine, poolside, in the spa or playing tennis. Nick’s the reigning tennis champ of our lot while Gene’s forte is pool. I seem to do well at Yahtzee. It just goes to show that everyone has their niche.
We went to the Eumundi Markets yesterday. It was a pleasant mix of tourist and local goods, leaning more towards the local arts and craft. There was a surprising lack of fisherman’s pants and juggling balls being sold, a market staple back home, instead there was an unusually high number of tie-dye and art stalls. I returned with a brown top, some black wrap pants and a hemp scarf. Gene bought me the funkiest pair of silver earrings which look almost impossible to put on but are actually really easy to wear. They’re just a simple silver wire twisted into a spiral with a straight bit down the middle. It’s hard to explain.
After the markets we went to the Ginger (Fun) Factory which was much less fun than it was made out to be. We did find Coulson Road though so we’ve got a few pictures of Nick under his road sign.
Today the boys played tennis and had a swim while I tried to sleep off my cold. They’re armed with a camera to take some pictures of the park which we visited long enough for me to take photos of a koala in a tree yesterday. I couldn’t help it, everyone else was taking a picture of it. I at least had the courtesy not to use a flash and scare the poor thing. It was pretty cute.
Tomorrow we’re going to pick up our bikes and have lunch with Mel before jumping on our plane home. I’ve got a job interview on Tuesday although I may have a potential job offer overseas so who knows where I’ll be in a months time! Life’s pretty exciting at the moment. For once I’m not worried about work and you know what? That’s a great feeling!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Day 6 - Brisbane Festival Opening Night
It's actually a little cool in Brisbane today, a first for our trip. Apparently it's going to rain this weekend so I guess our good weather spell is over for now. Still, according to the weather report it's going to be 21 degrees today. Today is the opening night of the Brisbane Festival (yay for Spiegeltent!) and the Fringe section is opening tomorrow night. Today will be a day of rehearsals - plenty more rehearsals than shows get in Melbourne, or at least it feels that way - and then it's off to Spiegel to join the Opening Night Party.
We've discovered that we're the eldest of the Fringe crew so that's always a little odd. I'm never among the eldest in social or work settings! Tuesday was "crew bonding night" as I mentioned before. Last night we had a bonding session in the bar with some of the Alaskan crew. They were marvelling at the sun going down last night as they're in the middle of their Summer where the sun dips slightly but doesn't actually go down. It sounds awesome! I want to go and check out their 3 months of 24 hour night. I love night time.
While I'm on the topic of drinking two things I have to mention...
1. I'm very excited that the bar downstairs sells their rather palatable happy hour wine at $3 while their beer costs $4.50. More often than not I end up with the more expensive option because I don't like the cheaper beers that end up on happy hour menus.
2. Hazzar for the Spiegeltent's beer being supplied by the Belgian Beer Cafe. The beer should be good.
We've been dining on sandwiches lately in an attempt to save money but I decided it was time for a treat last night so we went to good ol' Sizzler. We ate all that we could, Gene moreso, and I was most happy with my cheese toast. Damn I love that toast. I should make it at home. Anyhow, it was great to eat until we were totally stuffed, even if that hurt a little. Pay day isn't till next Thursday so we're footing close to two weeks of costs before we get paid. It's a little painful to have to pre-pay everything but we're doing okay! Don't have the time to spend money anyhow, too many rehearsals to be had.
It looks like we don't have many full days off during the festival. In fact we have two (so not every Monday off it seems). We have this Monday off (which is unfortunate given our saving plans) and the Monday before our contract finishes (which is weird because we finish up on the Tuesday). I'm still thinking of getting a car and heading down to one of the putt putt places. Maybe a rainforest. It's hard to pick. Depends on the weather I guess!
Well I've got to head off to a tech rehearsal and make sure Gene's up before I head off - lucky bastard gets doesn't need to be in until 17:00.
Happy Bastille Day to all and we'll have a drink for you at the Spiegeltent tonight! (A lot of drinks but we'll spread them out perhaps...)
We've discovered that we're the eldest of the Fringe crew so that's always a little odd. I'm never among the eldest in social or work settings! Tuesday was "crew bonding night" as I mentioned before. Last night we had a bonding session in the bar with some of the Alaskan crew. They were marvelling at the sun going down last night as they're in the middle of their Summer where the sun dips slightly but doesn't actually go down. It sounds awesome! I want to go and check out their 3 months of 24 hour night. I love night time.
While I'm on the topic of drinking two things I have to mention...
1. I'm very excited that the bar downstairs sells their rather palatable happy hour wine at $3 while their beer costs $4.50. More often than not I end up with the more expensive option because I don't like the cheaper beers that end up on happy hour menus.
2. Hazzar for the Spiegeltent's beer being supplied by the Belgian Beer Cafe. The beer should be good.
We've been dining on sandwiches lately in an attempt to save money but I decided it was time for a treat last night so we went to good ol' Sizzler. We ate all that we could, Gene moreso, and I was most happy with my cheese toast. Damn I love that toast. I should make it at home. Anyhow, it was great to eat until we were totally stuffed, even if that hurt a little. Pay day isn't till next Thursday so we're footing close to two weeks of costs before we get paid. It's a little painful to have to pre-pay everything but we're doing okay! Don't have the time to spend money anyhow, too many rehearsals to be had.
It looks like we don't have many full days off during the festival. In fact we have two (so not every Monday off it seems). We have this Monday off (which is unfortunate given our saving plans) and the Monday before our contract finishes (which is weird because we finish up on the Tuesday). I'm still thinking of getting a car and heading down to one of the putt putt places. Maybe a rainforest. It's hard to pick. Depends on the weather I guess!
Well I've got to head off to a tech rehearsal and make sure Gene's up before I head off - lucky bastard gets doesn't need to be in until 17:00.
Happy Bastille Day to all and we'll have a drink for you at the Spiegeltent tonight! (A lot of drinks but we'll spread them out perhaps...)
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Cheers!
So much for a quiet early night...
I must admit I'm having a little trouble typing this post. It seems my fingers are doing whatever they please. I guess that's what happens when you have a few drinks... I sense my liver may come out of this job worse for the wear.
Satay was good tonight with the record of 25 satays from one of my work mates. I made it to 15 and was well satisfied with that number.
I thought I was doing well with the wine and being well behaved until I discovered that my glass had been surrepticiously been topped up when I wasn't looking. As a result I have no idea how much I've had to drink. Suffice to say I've finished my night with vodka which I simply do not do.
Why am I blogging right now? Well, why not I say! Possibly because sleep's a better idea...
Blogging's what happens when Gene's away. Apparently getting sloshed with my work mates is what happens too... Thankfully he'll be back to share the liver killing tradition on Friday...
I must admit I'm having a little trouble typing this post. It seems my fingers are doing whatever they please. I guess that's what happens when you have a few drinks... I sense my liver may come out of this job worse for the wear.
Satay was good tonight with the record of 25 satays from one of my work mates. I made it to 15 and was well satisfied with that number.
I thought I was doing well with the wine and being well behaved until I discovered that my glass had been surrepticiously been topped up when I wasn't looking. As a result I have no idea how much I've had to drink. Suffice to say I've finished my night with vodka which I simply do not do.
Why am I blogging right now? Well, why not I say! Possibly because sleep's a better idea...
Blogging's what happens when Gene's away. Apparently getting sloshed with my work mates is what happens too... Thankfully he'll be back to share the liver killing tradition on Friday...
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Blah-di-blah-blah-blah
My sleep deprived body is currently voting against both blogging and me playing with my PDA but apparently that's just not enough to stop me!
Saturday night's End of the World party was great and allowed me to get all gothed up and generally have a good time with my friends who I am unlikely to see for a month or two.
Sunday's swing dancing was excellent! Definitely inspired to go back when I get some free time again. Am still a tad sore after playing with the few aerial tricks that Gene and I remember but all in all it was a good alcohol filled night for all involved. Perhaps a little much alcohol as it was a smidge difficult to drag myself out of bed on Monday for work, but still good.
Saw Mum at the airport on Tuesday which was lovely. Had a McBreakfast with my folks before heading back to the grindstone (hamster wheel?).
Work is still good although the paperwork system is driving me a little nuts at the moment... Have to be up early but for some reason can't stop typing.
Gene got me "Bejewelled 2" which is a very addictive game where you make lines of same coloured "jewels". It's a little like Columns but not. While I'm now sleeping even less thanks to the game, it makes the tram ride home pass really quickly!
Okay bed now.
Saturday night's End of the World party was great and allowed me to get all gothed up and generally have a good time with my friends who I am unlikely to see for a month or two.
Sunday's swing dancing was excellent! Definitely inspired to go back when I get some free time again. Am still a tad sore after playing with the few aerial tricks that Gene and I remember but all in all it was a good alcohol filled night for all involved. Perhaps a little much alcohol as it was a smidge difficult to drag myself out of bed on Monday for work, but still good.
Saw Mum at the airport on Tuesday which was lovely. Had a McBreakfast with my folks before heading back to the grindstone (hamster wheel?).
Work is still good although the paperwork system is driving me a little nuts at the moment... Have to be up early but for some reason can't stop typing.
Gene got me "Bejewelled 2" which is a very addictive game where you make lines of same coloured "jewels". It's a little like Columns but not. While I'm now sleeping even less thanks to the game, it makes the tram ride home pass really quickly!
Okay bed now.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Random Weekend
This weekend and been very random. Friday night "one or two drinks" after work turned into way too much beer and very little sleep. A good night was had by all I think though. Gene and the two Nic(k)s came to drink with my work mates and we had a great time at the Corner Hotel.
Today was all about getting the sleep that I missed out on last night which was great and then dinner with the two Nic(k)s and Matt.
Tomorrow will be about shopping a little so there's food to eat during the week and then having dinner with Lisa (yay!). Gene doesn't know about that yet... he was at a BBQ today playing downball and was set to return by nightfall (we're getting his watch fixed). However as it's nearly midnight, I'm guessing that tomorrow's 8am start will be a little bit painful! Hehehe... glad it's not me :)
On that note I think it's time for bed. Seems to be a common end to my posts lately... I should sleep more.
Today was all about getting the sleep that I missed out on last night which was great and then dinner with the two Nic(k)s and Matt.
Tomorrow will be about shopping a little so there's food to eat during the week and then having dinner with Lisa (yay!). Gene doesn't know about that yet... he was at a BBQ today playing downball and was set to return by nightfall (we're getting his watch fixed). However as it's nearly midnight, I'm guessing that tomorrow's 8am start will be a little bit painful! Hehehe... glad it's not me :)
On that note I think it's time for bed. Seems to be a common end to my posts lately... I should sleep more.
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