Land of Oz: 09.06

AK 47 and the Hutchy HQ

This happened a few nights before Steffi's and my going away party, but I forgot to post about it.

AK was the first of our girlie group to leave for home in Sweden. We kicked off her going away party at a male strip show. It was pretty funny. The food was kinda gross and the drinks were just so-so but the dancers were hilarious ... and a couple of them were actually pretty cute.

As soon as it was over, we dashed to Trader Bar to meet up with the rest of her crew to watch the stock market crash to buy drinks at a low price. The Lady UN was definitely in full swing representing Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland and USA.

My pretty drink!

I went with AK and her Swedish and Dutch friends to Chapel Street to a club, but ended up taxi-ing home about 30 min later. Not my scene ... but I got a call from a friend on my way home so altered my route to St Kilda for a house party and danced and sang until the wee hours. I think I might have gotten 3 hours sleep?

Bye Bye Love

Steffi was having a going away party and so I tagged along and made it my city good bye too. We met up at the Provincial Hotel and then made our way to Bimbo for some dancing after the PH closed for the evening. Good times. I miss my Steffi!!

Miss these peeps!

Ah.... the girlies

Playing with light effects

World Cup

The city got it right! They put up a huge screen on Lygon Street at Argyle Square – right where I live – for the Australia v Italy game. Lygon is famous for it’s Italian restaurants and habitants, so it made perfect sense. People were in the streets holding both flags because their loyalties were torn and confused. Unfortunately, the Socceroos lost in the most horrible way – a poorly called PK in the last minute. There was no way to recover. But the Italians still celebrated. I left after the point was scored to walk back to my place and hide from whatever madness was going to ensue after the win/loss. I could still hear people running and screaming down the streets an hour after I got home and was lying in bed. Well done, Socceroos. Way to get yourself on the scene. Everyone is proud you got so far and sad you lost how you did. But from nothing to something, it was good stuff!

(Bob and I also watched the Aussie v Brazil game at Transport and then a few days later saw the US game at the Charles Dickens followed by the Aussie v Croatia (I think) game at 5am!)

At Transport with Bob

Charles Dickens' crowd

Watching the big screen on my cross street - LYGON!

A very fuzzy view of the crowd watching the game in the sectioned off area of Argyle Square.

Secret Garden

After nearly a year in Melbs, I still had not meandered through the beautiful Botanic Garden. It was Sunday and I could use a Sunday saver to get down there, so I met Steve for a coffee and a walk. The mocha I ordered was made poorly and was left mostly untouched –grrr! But Steve and I made the most of the “arvo” and had a good look around the gardens. I can see why this was Steffi’s favorite garden. It’s huge and beautiful, even in the winter.

I like to climb trees

A quiet pond on an overcast, winter's day

Jumping up and down because it's fun

Yarra Warra

I met a nice fella (Julian) at the film’s debut and he offered to take me on an outing to the Yarra Valley. I took a train from the city to a zone 2 station where I met him. We drove through the countryside and to Yarra Warra Winery and Museum where we had a nice look around at the contemporary art collection and then had a sample of the wine. Unfortunately, it is winter so the grapes are gone and the vines are dry, but the area is still beautiful. It’s amazing to think that this kind of scenery was so nearby and I almost didn’t get to experience it. If I ever come back to Melbourne, I’m going to have to have a car for taking some lovely road trips!

The Winery and Museum

Sad little grapevines... all wintery and withered.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Our film’s debut (along with 12 others) occurred at Loop in the city – a multifunctional bar with large screening room. It was a great turn out. Steve, Bob, and Aidan all came to support me and my film. It was really well received in general. Perhaps it was due to the fact that it was last and many people had been drinking heavily, or perhaps it just really kicked arse. Then again, combine those two with the fact that as soon as I heard the opening line of “feedback, you f*ckers” I screamed, which started other people hollering. Pretty funny really. Fun times were had – and here are the people who helped make the night great.

Kate and the boys - Bob, Steve, Aidan (No, my arms aren't dark and hairy and disjointed - but it looks like it.)

Kate with "Fluffer" (boom) and Dave (director)

Celebrating our movie

Shriner Convention

Took myself out to the Shrine of Remembrance, a monument I pass frequently, but have never visited. Not a whole lot to say about it other than it’s a beautiful shrine and has amazing views of the city.