M-in-Oz (13934)

M-in-Oz
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Journal of M-in-Oz (13934)

Sunday September 14, 08

Back from holiday

08:44 PM

Although we have just got back from a holiday - I feel like I need to go on holiday again, I am exhausted!
We went to Melbourne (which is a one hour plane trip from where I live, or a 9 hour car drive) & had a great time. I've been to Melbourne lots of times & it has always been my favourite Australian city, for its coolness. Usually I am just so impressed by how well everyone is dressed & feel inspired by the culture and arts vibe of the city. However, this time around I didn't find myself so impressed. Maybe my little hometime is catching up in the cool stakes?
On the first day, after checking into the hotel we wandered around the city kind of aimlessly, not really certain of where to go or what to do. We went to Chinatown and had Japanese for lunch & then wandered down the main shopping Mall. But I think really we were a little tired from the 5am wake up to catch the flight. So we went back to the Hotel to 'chill out' a bit. Then we caught the tram to Chapel & Greville St - which has always been a favourite area. Here we looked at cool clothes shops, went to a bookshop, bought some items at American Apparel, checked out seconhand/vintage shops & then had dinner at an Italian restaurant. Our 2y.o boy thew the biggest tantrum that day, kind of embaressing...but I think he was just over-tired.

The next day we headed to the Aquarium, which was someting for the children to enjoy. They had a great time looking at sharks, stingrays, 'Nemo' fish, turtles etc...then the dreaded gift shop!! Another screaming episode by our little one. After the Aquarium we headed to the Art Gallery to see the Art Deco exhibit (which had come from the V&A), I love Art Deco style & the dresses by Chanel, Lanvin (& I can't remember the others!) were just exqusite & I think they could easily be worn today. There was a blue sequined dress by Chanel, it was bias cut, with a bow on the front & I so wanted to take it from behind the glass & keep it for myself! Just gorgeous! My daughter was entranced by some footage of Josephine Baker dancing - she wanted to watch it over & over.
After the gift shop, we walked to Federation Square (which is galleries & restaurants), where we saw a retrospective exhibition by Australian artist Robert Klippel. The small sculptural work was shown in a room that was a bright white enclosed space. It elicited a strange sensation, like being in bright fog. And the small sculptural pieces looked like jewellery. We then went down towards the Yarra River & had beer & pizza for dinner. The walk back to the Hotel was quite leisurely & we even made a stop for Krispy Kreme doughnuts for desert.

On the last full day in Melbourne, we went out to Brunswick St/Gertrude St, which is a very 'hip' area. I bought an owl mug from a cool homewares shop called 'Douglas & Hope'. We had a big lunch at the 'Little Creatures' restaurant. Little Creatures are the makers of the BEST beer on the planet!! And the food at the restaruant was traditional, pub kind of fare...but so yummy! Then we went to the Museum, which had great things for children to do & keep busy. The kids loved the dinosaur skeletons & the human body displays.

That night - I went to my cousins Hen's Night - wearing my Bridesmaid sash! It was a quite night as she wasn't feeling well. But it was nice to see my other cousins there & my aunty. It was all over by 9:30 though! Oh, I also got my bridesmaid dress while in Melbourne. It is strapless! But I think getting a decent bra will help in that department!! It is purple with black lace over the top and a ribbon/bow thing under the bust area. I think my cousin thought it was too black - but you can see purple & I like it & importantly I think I would wear it again....so a little victory there in the dress department.

On Saturday, we flew back home - the two kids were so tired...so we just hung around the house. Then that night we had tickets to go & see Compaigne Phillipe Genty - of which I knew little about. But the show was amazing, loved it! Dance, puppetry, illusion...would love to take the children if they come here again.

So, today I am home by myself, doing a bit of work, tidying up, watching Ellen on TV, getting ready for Art Class this afternoon. Starting to feel myself again...in need of a massage or something.
** also finished reading 'The Information' by Martin Amis, which I highly recommend

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  • Dear M, thanks for the lovely travelogue. I've always wanted to visit Australia and I enjoy reading your journal. I felt I was strolling along the streets of Melbourne with you for a moment there. And a belated Happy Birthday. Enjoy your 30s. I think that was my best decade of life. You're old enough to have acquired some wisdom, yet your body's still young enough to enjoy most of life's pleasures. You're in your prime now, m'lady. ciao,XXXooo Artie
    artful dodger -- Thursday September 18 2008, @07:57PM (#311925)
    (User #13974 Info | http://www.myspace.com/wallieworld)
    and as for me, I stand with the tribe of Morrissey.


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