theatre

The right stuff (Jordan day 1 & 2)

Sunday 24th November – Monday 25th November 2019)

Growing up, Jordan was just my favorite member of New Kids on the Block, THE boy band of the 90’s. It wasn’t until I was older and was allowed to watch Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade that a different Jordan came onto my radar, all thanks to Petra. You know those last scenes when they find the canyon of the crescent moon? The hidden tomb carved into the rock where they find the holy grail? Yeah that’s Petra and since seeing it on the movie and finding out it’s a real place it’s been on my bucket list.

So back to the story. The universe sent me some love and gave me a whole row of seats on the plane so managed a snooze and pretty much breezed through passport control and customs. Had already bought the visa online so stamp, smile and I was done. Finally stepping out in Amman, the capital of Jordan and looking to be welcomed by the big arse Travel Talk sign as per Morocco, it was more of a search and rescue mission, when I saw a random group of tourists, figured it was them, kinda learning stuff huh? While it wasn’t quite the horrendous heat that welcomed us in Marrakech, it was pretty damn warm and I didn’t put up much of a protest when somehow I ended up with the front seat of the car, sitting head on into the air con for the ride to our accommodation. First impressions of Amman, uhhhhh??? Kinda what I expected Morocco to look like, except in that case it exceeded expectations, this was right on. Not to say it wasn’t interesting, very very different to any city I’d ever been and damn damn busy!!

Checking in at the hotel, I was still having an affair with the universe and got my own room for the night even though I’d only paid to share. Noice. The briefing that night by the tour guide I have to say was pretty average, the tour guide dude which to be honest, can’t even remember his name was no Abdul from our Morocco tour, mind you, Abdul set pretty high expectations!! All briefed I was still snoting everywhere so instead of being a normal Holly and trying to make friends, I just went to bed. No beer, no gin, just the other strong stuff.

Monday morning in Amman and it was the first of many BOTB. Except this bus was kinda small, like an 80s Volkswagen van, small and probs the same age. Our tour guide, let’s name him Donnie (my second favourite NKOTB) asssured us it was only for today and we’d have a bigger bus when the rest of the group joined us… rest of the group?? Huh?? Am I missing something? Was probs searching for tissues when Donnie mentioned that last night. Anyhoo, we were off to Jerash, a world heritage UNESCO site with ancient Roman ruins and the second reason behind Petra I wanted to visit Jordan. On the way Donnie got his guide on and introduced us to Jordan, a country shaped like half a t-shirt, ruled by a king, a democracy and apparently really really safe. Don’t mind the fact it borders with Syria and Iraq, minor detail. The population is just shy of 10 million, not bad for a country 87 times SMALLER than Australia, there are also millions of refugees as you’d except given the unrest all around it. Also has Israel to the left, to the left. Yes Beyoncé. The river that runs through Jordan is creatively called the Jordan River, maybe it sounds familiar?? Yeah, that’s where Jesus was baptised, the place also has biblical ties to the angel Jacob although Donnie didn’t elaborate on that one. Alexander the Great also marched through here when conquering the entire planet. Feel some google coming on, Donnie isn’t entirely forthcoming with the endless amount of facts this nerd needs!!

Arriving at Jerash, you’re kinda underwhelmed cos it seems like google has lied about its grandeur. But then you see this…

An ancient arch built by the Roman emperor Hadrian, yep, that dude again. Built to welcome himself to the city, thats one hell of an ego! Only he was allowed through the centre arch, the soldiers had to go through the sides. A yella from Donnie and we’re through the arch and looking down on an underground cemetery, which we weren’t allowed to go in, it sat beneath these cool tiled things that had a name but once again was searching for tissues and didn’t quite hear what Donnie said it was!

A wander down the road, through a smaller arch and we’re into the Hippodrome, I’d compare it to the Thunderdome, it’s where they used to do chariot races, up and back and around seven times, 244m each time or all up?? Can’t remember, too much pseudoephedrine! Either way, looked pretty cool and by the sounds of it, damn dangerous, the cemetery makes sense now!

Through one more arch with watch towers that unfortunately was most destroyed by an earthquake and oh right, yeah I see it now. Google told no lies, this place is huge and bloody amazing!! But first the arch…

And now the site that is Jerash, the place dates back to 7500 BC, has been taken over by every man and his dog passing through and is considered the Pompeii of the East, yeah I got my google on for that one!! The curved pillars, which really take your breathe away when you see them, are called the forum and is 90m long. You can just imagine how intimidating and impressive this city would have been back in the day, the Romans sure knew how to show their might!

Our next stop was the theatre where they had plays and entertained those part of the ‘in’ crowd, don’t think the locals were allowed in.

The steps up the theatre were pretty steep and uneven, I knew I could make it to the top but getting down was gonna hurt my netball knees, but when in Rome…and the views were worth it!!

My pictures really don’t capture how massive and impressive the site is, even with a super duper wide screen camera lens I really don’t think you could capture it. There are ruins as far as the eye can see, but smack bang in the middle of a city so there’s quite the contrast between the old and the not so old. Ruins upon ruins upon ruins and I loved it!!

Now I did kinda listen to Donnie again but trying not to be a complete arse, or maybe I just will be, he really wasn’t overly engaging when he spoke, kinda like listening to my grade 9 physics teacher. I missed Abdul’s enthusiasm! What I do recall, the site was dug up for some reason, there’s still plenty underneath they haven’t quite gotten too, costs money and apparently the government have other priorities, like helping all the fleeing refugees, fair enough. What I love about the site are the columns, they are so imposing and stunning, perfectly lined up and so damn high, how the hell they got them up I have no idea, maybe it was the same aliens that did the pyramids?? Or just probs thousands of slaves, another reason for the cemetery…

So the next place was a temple with ten pillars for Artemis and maybe dedicated to Diana, the god of love?? Or was it dedicated to Artemis, I really must listen. Either way, it was built on the highest point to be closer to god. In fact, all the churches on the site face Jerusalem, how they worked it out back then who knows, certainly wasn’t using an app on their iPhone! Considering the country is now 90% Muslim, pretty impressive they got away with having churches at all. But from what I’ve learnt about this dude Hadrian, what he says goes.

I kinda wish that this place had one of those self guided tours, stick in some headphones and wander while listening to the history of the place, and blowing your nose. Can’t recall what this next place was, either I wasn’t listening or Donnie didn’t mention, probs another arch for the egotistical Hadrian to wander through…

Our last little stop on our Jerash site tour was at a water foundation dedicated to Nym… yeah a god. Maybe it was Nymphadora, or is that from Harry Potter? Didn’t quite catch the actual name but what is amazing is that the whole little city had running water, all plumbed in. Again, how the hell????

Heading out of the site, down the cardio maximus (thanks Google!), there was time for a few more selfies and snaps of the curvy column thing, really is a marvel how they got them so perfectly aligned. Wonder if you can see this place from space??

Finishing up at Jerash it was BOTB and up to Ajloun Castle, everyone knows I love me a castle!! This castle was built in 1145AD to stop the crusaders, didn’t catch if the dude Hadrian had anything to do with it… Gooogle, what say you?? Ok, so it was built on the grounds of an old monastery and was made into a fort to keep watch over peeps traveling between Damascus and Eqgypt. Coolies, apparently it’s the style of the ottomans but others have added to it to make it bigger and better, as men back then always felt a need to do. As far as castles go, it was ok. I know, I sound like a douche saying that but the castle count on this trip must be up in the twenties by now so lots to compare to and it’s pretty hard to beat the stunning castles of Scotland!!

I’ll give the castle some cred though, the views were absolutely gorgeous! Looking out over the Jordanian countryside it was a sea of green, red and white – green trees, red sand and white buildings, wait, their flag is green, red and white, might be onto something there!! Probs not but the most impressive bit was that you could see over to Jerusalem, if only I could remember which picture it was…

After enough castle time it was back into Amman, past this cool mural which included a picture of Jordan, see the half t-shirt shape???

To cap off the day there was a promise from Donnie to take us to somewhere local for dinner. Looking forward to trying some Jordanian food, you can imagine all our disappointment and blahing when the local turned out to be a shawarma joint, pretty much imagine what you’d eat at 3am after a night out and that was dinner. I mean, it always tastes good at 3am but didn’t really feel like I was trying something new. On the walk back home I did manage to actually eat something local, some kind of gooey, cheesey, honey, pistachio, I had no idea what I was eating thing. Looked like a camel but tasted pretty good, can imagine how yummy it would be if my taste buds were at full strength! At days end, hate to say it but Abdul 5, Donnie 0 but Jordan was winning in the awesome stakes!! Geez, judgey cow aren’t I!!!!!!

January 29, 2020 0

Gonna be a part of it, New York, New York!! (Part 1)

Friday 8th – Saturday 9th November 2019

Start spreading the news, we’re leaving today, but first, we went to Hugo’s school for a concert, all the grade 5’s pleading allegiance to the flag and singing songs about how great America is. Don’t get me wrong, it was sweet to watch Hugo up there singing, just makes you realise that from an early age, American children are taught to be ridiculously patriotic, but that’s a good thing. Think we need more of that in Australia! After the bright start to the day, we were off to Baltimore airport to be a part of it!!

So a little back story on New York. The place holds a special place in my heart, my first visit to the Big Apple was with my boyfriend Brett, who on that trip would become my fiancé and would help me celebrate turning the big 3-0. Needless to say there was a fair amount of trepidation returning, the place held so many happy memories of a person that had since passed away and a time in my life when I was probably at my happiest. But if I was ever going to go back, it needed to be with someone who understood the importance of the place. Katie was literally one of the shoulders I cried on when that all went down so I was very grateful it was her that I would make the adventure back to New York with.

Now back to the good stuff! Katie and her Wonder Woman powers had organised parking at the airport and the train to NY. Thinking we’d get lunch while waiting for the train, it was mighty disappointing to find only a small news stand with a few packets of chips… but no one wants to travel with a hangry Holly so chips for lunch it was. Or do they call them crisps in the US? Or is that the UK? Getting my lingo all mixed up. Anyhoo, these salami stuffed deep fried heart attacks in a bag were surprisingly delicious!

Waiting for our delayed train out on the platform, we got a taste of what was to come, a farkin freezing wind that chills you to the bones… thank F for the jacket I picked up at Marshalls. Maybe I’ll call my first son Marshall?? Luckily for us, well me, Katie is friendly and got chatting to other people waiting, which helped when a train pulled up that the signboard said was ours, but wasn’t! They made sure we didn’t get on and also gave us a tip to head to the first carriage, apparently the most empty seats. Winning on both accounts.

On board and into our seats, we had a peaceful 4 hour journey to New York. Well, usually having with 3 kids, guessing it was peaceful for Katie. Also got a glimpse of Phildelphia, the city, not the cream cheese!

Once in NY, walking out of Penn Station is like stepping out into a crazy smack you in the face world of lights and people, so so many people.

With no time to get our bags to Williamsburg and back before our theatre date, we navigated the herds of people and freezing cold with bags in tow. Having had a mediocre lunch, there was a quick stop at a noodle joint for dinner, kinda expensive but when the box of noodles came out, there was more than enough in each box to feed two adults but of course we ate a box each, cos we can.

Stuffed full of oodles of noodles we legged it to the theatre. At some stage in Maryland, we had a browse of shows on in NY and found one we were both super excited to see, Jagged Little Pill. If you’re a child of the 90’s, you’ll know and love Alanis Morrisette. If you’re a parent of a 90’s child, maybe not so much!

After snaps in front of the theatre which made us even more excited, we wandered down the line, down and down and down and down… was one hell of a line, kinda surprising considering the show was due to start in 15 minutes. Around the block and then some, we joined the queue and only then started to wander if the theatre had a cloak room… hmmm. As if the universe heard us, a dude from the theatre wandered down the line and offered to take us directly to the cloak room, uh, yeah! No guilts at all heading upstream past the queue of people and into the theatre, realised after why he was doing us a favour. The dude behind the overflowing bar had to tag our bags and by the time he did that, it was minutes until showtime. Having booked pretty last minute, our seats were in the back row but damn, they were good. Nice little intimate theatre. Too bad the chick next to Katie didn’t share the feeling of intimacy and glared at her when the show started and Katie sang along. Oh, so it’s not a like a concert where you can join in???

Hands down, one of the best shows I’ve seen. Maybe a close second to Hamilton. As Katie said, it was like the music was made for the play. It was a story about a family in the US, each member with their own challenges, my description makes it sound average but by god it was good. The chick that sang You Oughta Know got a standing ovation. Just amazing, would defs go see it again, you can’t help but smile the whole way through. Also downloaded the album as soon as I had WiFi. After such a high, you’d think we’d hit up a bar or something but now you know my real age, you get that we were ready to find our AirBNB and chill, ok, go to bed. We did get one last touristy act in for the day, a wander through Times Square. Not really planned, turned a corner and there it was, hard to miss the crazy bright lights and billboards bigger than King Kong!

So here’s where I feel vindicated. Katie is one of the smartest people I know, so when Google maps even confused her, I didn’t feel like it was just me. Unfortunately it meant we walked about half hour in the wrong direction in -1 degrees but had to work off the heart attack in a bag somehow. We did give in after a while and catch an Uber, finally getting to the AirBNB around 1.30am, and you thought we couldn’t party!

Waking up Saturday morning, pretty sure it was the first sleep in Katie had since moving to the US. I’m a glutton for sleep ins, although pretty sure we were up and ready by about 9.30am. So what to do with a weekend in New York?? Well every weekend should start with an awesome brekkie so we wandered over to the alt joint Mountain Province, when I saw smashed avo on the menu I think I drooled. And happy to say, was not disappointed! Usually too hungry to take pics of food but this was such a beautiful site I had to!

So when I say this place was an alt joint, I mean alternative Mum! Williamsburg itself is supposed to be a hip alternative part of NY, trendy and still affordable, for another year or so. And alternative as demoed by the dude with pink hair and ripped white jeans that said EAT SHIT on the back pockets. Each to their own. After a taste of home (referring to the avo, not the shit!), we decided to make the most of the winter sunshine and wander across the Williamsburg Bridge to Manhattan. Just a casual 2.5km walk across the bridge, on the wrong side as we learnt half way across as cyclists pelted at us head on. But we tourists, we don’t care!! The sights from the bridge were worth endangering our lives, a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, as well as some inspirational words, Empathize don’t criticize… not sure about the spelling but got the point!!

Having decided our first stop in the Big Apple would be the Highline, we made our way down the infamous Bleeker Street to get there. These streets are the reason NY is so damn awesome, kick ass street art, cute little shops and an underground boxing gym Katie and I both wanted to check out but our attire said No.

The Highline was something I hadn’t done on the last visit, and didn’t really know what to expect. An old train line raised above street level, now a walk for tourists?? That was what I thought, what I got was something else so very cool, so very New York! The entrance was kinda inconspicuous unless Google maps pinpointed it (correctly this time), and once up there it was a massive walkway that meandered through high rises with eclectic art, market stalls and views over New York, I swear I saw Stark tower…

Having already hit over our 10K steps we exited in Chelsea to hit a local coffee joint for a dirty chai, apparently that sounds different with an Aussie accent, cos we got one instead of two and not sure they were even dirty?!? But quick shout out to parking garages in NY, this is how they do it…

Being a current student of psychology, I know that we pay attention to and notice things we are already thinking about. For example, thinking of buying a certain model of car? Guarantee you’ll start seeing them everywhere on the road. Likewise, with thoughts of Brett always in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but see signs of him everywhere. The hotdog stands with umbrellas are all named SA Brett, we walked down an Allen Street and a Smiths Party Supplies truck went past. And of course certain little spots I had memories with him, all of which made me smile. I guess you really do get to that point where memories can make you smile instead of cry.

Soooo, wandering up 5th Avenue, as you do, we were in desperate need of food. Luckily Katie had been to NY more recently and had found an epic rooftop (but enclosed, still cold remember!) bar that did food as well as being dressed to the nines in winter decorations. Unfortunately everyone else in NY (or just the tourists) thought it would also be a good spot for an afternoon rest cos it was packed, people in every nook and cranny, couldn’t even secure a sneaky standing spot at the bar!! BTW, it’s called Serra bar if you’re ever in NY!

Usually missing out on a lunch spot would make a hangry Holly next level, what’s that?? HANGRIED?? anyway, usually it would not help the situation but when there’s a food market downstairs called Eat Italy, it’s water off a camels back, the smells from the place were heaven, when do you reckon iPhones will capture smell??? Anyhoo, after wandering around and wanting a piece of all the things we settled on a pizza slice, some kind of mushroom magic (not the psychedelic kind!) and let out all kinds of mmmm’s as we stood and ate, stood cos the place was just as busy as the rooftop! Yep, too hungry to take a picture of that one!!!

Feeling like we deserved a treat for all our hard work being tourists, we wandered into the dessert section of Eat Italy. Imagine getting all the yummiest desserts in one place and then having to choose only one! Ok, could have had more than one but we’re not that piggy, today. While there was build your own cannoli, gelato and all kids of cakes and tarts, I settled on this little gem of yumminess… hazelnut moosey chocolate cake, tastes even better than it looked if possible!

Having lucked out at the last rooftop bar, we tried another local on 5th Avenue, which unfortunately was more like a seedy nightclub on the inside, but once on the deck, fantastic views of the Empire State Building!!

Having well and truly walked our butts off, it was on our stroll to the Rockefeller ice rink that we managed to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, another NY icon!!

Wandering up 5th Avenue (need to keep writing that cos it’s super cool!), there were some stunning buildings, this white church that stuck out like a sore thumb, in a good way, was breathtaking…

As was the site of the ice rink wrapped in Christmas lights and a million and one American flags, cos patriotism! It really was a beautiful site and it was definitely starting to feel a lot like Christmas!!

With some browsing in a little Tiffany’s and other fancy pants stores while adventuring on 5th Avenue, the ice rink was the icing on the cake, we were absolutely exhausted and ready to wind down. Katie the Wonder Woman had found a local place in Williamsburg with good reviews we had decided to take a chance on and book for dinner. After a costume change at the Air BNB, we walked, possibly trudged cos my feet were so sore, through town to our dinner location, I want to say the name had something to do with a Mary but really can’t recall! What I do know is that the place was super funky, the food was amazing and the company even better! Once again don’t expect photos of the food, it was way too good to wait! It may not sound delicious but think Brussels sprouts sautéed with bacon, tempura broccoli, sweet potato mash and brisket that just falls apart, if I could remember the name of the place I’d definitely go back!!

So cheers to 32,000 steps in a day, friendship and an amazing first few days in New York. Side note, our ears were ringing when we got back to our Air BNB, like we’d been to a rock concert but realised that was just the side affect of a day of horns honking, crazy traffic and the sound of thousands of people pounding the pavement, welcome to New York!!

January 9, 2020 0

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!!!

Thursday 15th August – Saturday 17th August 2019

Well, well, well… wake up on your first day of a new chapter of your life, in a new country with all the hope and opportunities laying ahead… you’d expect one to leap out of bed with anticipation and excitement… not lay in bed til midday watching The Bachelor and eating leftover pizza… one isn’t me! The only thing that got me out of bed in my jet lagged state was the imminent arrival of the Geordie, otherwise known as Pattie, otherwise known as Davie, otherwise known as Nora…

I’m trying to remember what we did that Thursday but all I remember is somehow making our way to Garrick Theatre in the West End to see Bitter Wheat, a play about I don’t know what cos I fell asleep starring John Malkovich, one of the most epic, amazing, brilliant actors of our time, if you don’t know who he is then we shouldn’t be friends. But then I did fall asleep on the legend so I’ll forgive you! There was also a seafood feast before but pretty sure I just ate bread, don’t ask me, I don’t remember… the only thing I recall is the sore neck at the end of the night from falling asleep in my lap… the show was Malkovich impersonating the Harvey Weinstein story, apparently it was real good…

So Friday, a distant hazy memory of not so quite awakedness… there was bacon, at a really cool place in Clapham. Hmmm, what else?? Bacon always tends to take the starring role. Oh that’s right, there was an epic Bloody Mary with vegemite and bacon in it!! The Geordie was there too dealing with my jet lagged sparkling personality.

With an epic Ashes day looming, it was time to get our Aussie on. Of course I could have brought my Aussie bandana, Aussie flag or Aussie bikini from home but no, they are packed in a box somewhere! Between following the Geordie around while he searched for cricket outfit (?!?!?), I managed to find three cheap as chips Aussie rugdby tops, we can wear them to the cricket right? Same same??? The Geordie obvs loved the tops…

With a house full of guests on a Friday night, Kyles was obvs excited to head out and enjoy a night on the town. You can imagine her dismay to find a Geordie and an Aussie fat arming it on the couch when she walked through the door. Not even Korean fried chicken from UberEats could turn that frown upside down. Don’t blame her though, we were pretty damn lame! First Friday night in London and my eyelids were needing toothpicks to stay open.

Onto the main event. The Ashes. Six months in the making, a random ticket draw later and Kyles and I… failed to get tickets… luckily for us and not so lucky for Adam Tanshevcholovamolotov who couldn’t make it so we got one spare, then bless Pete, he couldn’t make it either so Kyles and I were in!! One of us was excited beyond belief to be going to the most iconic cricket stadium in the world to see a legendary battle fought throughout the ages, the other just hoped there was gin. Tough decision which one I was!!!

Thinking back on it cos there’s no way I could have written this on the day, it kinda feels like magic. I grew up idolising my grandad. He was a strong, fit, caring and amazing man. And he loved his cricket. In the days of Ponting and Bevan we would watch the one day internationals on the edge of our seats when Bevan would smash a four off the final ball to win the match. And while I wasn’t a big fan of test matches, i was a 14 year old girl with the attention span of a toddler, his absolute admiration of the Ashes elevated them to legendary status. He would explain to me the strategy, the rules of the gentleman’s game. Thinking of those days makes me smile. My grandad is no longer with us but walking up to Lord’s in my Aussie colours I knew he’d be proud. Believe what you will, I could feel him with me.

After a bakery stop to meet up with our fellow Aussie Melsey and stuff our faces with sausage rolls, the Geordie was well and truly outnumbered as we made our way to the icon. The crew were already sick of my overexcited selfies but kindly obliged for the 100th time as we rounded the corner of the stadium…

So the one thing the Brit’s have over the Aussie’s when it comes to cricket, besides Root who would soon become my favourite player, I am a British Citizen after all… the thing they have over us is that they let you take drinks into the cricket, and not just water. Everyone is allowed a bottle of wine, a couple of premixers or lagers. These Brit’s now how to do cricket.

And finally I was into the home of cricket. Ain’t fake smiling in this one…

Or this one…

Before taking our seats for kick off, I mean the first ball, we just happened to find a gin bar and all kinds of gin goodness, fever tree and Connor… this is Connor, he was to be our bar tender for the day… we had no complaints, dude poured a good gin…

And finally, up the mighty staircase to a view to behold, Lord’s… it was ok… understatement of the century…

Unfortunately, Kyles and Melsey managed to bag seats together, the Geordie and I were each on our lonesome, not that I minded. Quiet time to take in the sights was kinda cool.

After a few overs it was gin o’clock. After being able to relocate next to Nora the rest of the afternoon consisted of sunshine, gin and checking the real “football” scores. Unfortunately it wasn’t a good day for Port and only a half decent day for the Aussies.

One of my highlights of the day was being able to hit a cricket ball on the ground at Lord’s. And by ground I mean grass, on the outer, not on the actual grounds with 100,000 people watching… still cool nonetheless, reckon I got a few sixers…

Another highlight, food court cricket. What is that you say?? Give a bunch of larikins a green bin, a bat, a ball and you got food court cricket. And then out came the sandpaper!!! The thing I love about aussies is our ability to ourselves shit. It was all fun and games until a Sheila hit Kylie smack bang in the chest… but she took it like the tough Aussie she is, the gin’s Connor had been dealing out may have helped with that…

Although the rain may have ended the day prematurely, only by about half hour though, it was a day to go down in the history books. Well mine anyway. Chatting to people in the crowd, seeing the Aussies hit fours (no sixes) and seeing Steve Smith nearly get a century, out on 92. Tough luck, but then he is a cheater so not feeling so bad about that one.

After such an epic day and to avoid a crowded as hell tube, we tried our best to hit up the local St John’s Wood (yes, that’s the name of a suburb 😂😂) but we were done, once again to Kylie’s dismay. Saturday night and the Geordie and Aussie just wanted fried chicken and couch time. I was still jet lagged, not sure what his excuse was…

So homeward bound, KFC pick up on the walk home and what should have been fried goodness on the couch was disappointment on the couch, KFC is not the same here, so much oilier and where the hell is the chicken, think I just ate battered bones… anyhooo… they don’t call it dirty chicken for nothing…

Until next time, bucket list item ticked and one hell of a start to my life in London. I think it was when I was climbing the stairs at midnight that Kyles called out Happy Birthday wishes… that’s right, I’m now one year older, ugh….

August 25, 2019 0

Warriors and wizards

Saturday 15th June, 2019

When warriors and wizards beckon, you skiddadle! Up and onto the tram in lightning speed, only to realise there’s a tram that goes directly past the National Gallery, my destination for the morning. Oh well, nothing like a walk to build up an appetite… for warriors. First time warriors have won out over bacon, actually, first time anything has beaten bacon, I think I’m sick…

So maybe this tram detour was a good thing, time to stroll along Southbank, smell all the yumminess from the restaurants… I think bacon is winning again… but in an effort to be on time for the session, my stomach takes a back seat for possibly the first time in my life and I’m wandering up to the gallery spot on 11… how is it I’ve been to Melbourne a zillion times and never seen how magnificent the National Gallery is?? Possibly because I’ve been too consumed with football or shopping, or maybe because I’m now at an age where I’m appreciating culture…

Heading into the exhibition I smugly thank my lucky stars I bought a ticket online and didn’t have to join the massive cue. Then around the corner, oh, another massive cue of smug peeps just like me. Cue to buy a ticket, cue once you have a ticket, and another cue around the corner to enter, lucky I’m not impatient…

Not sure if it was the wizarding world beckoning or just a general lack of interest in old bowls, the first room of the exhibition was a bit of a snooze, except for this dagger, wonder if it’s Valyrian steel…

But the next room is the money shot. The terracottta warriors themselves. Not sure what I really expected, knew there were only 16 on show but maybe I expected more of a cultured display, if that’s even the word?? Each warrior had its own pristine white mirrored display case, which had some epic inception type reflections, but they seemed a bit, lonely?? Maybe that was just my reflection. Nevertheless, they are magnificent. The expressions on their faces, their different hairstyles and moustaches, each serving a particular purpose – an archer, a warrior, an official, a swordsman, even in terracotta it was clear that back in the day you were one thing. Your role defined who you were in the world and how your life would be. Sometimes I wonder whether being just one thing would be more freeing than trying so hard to be so many people – a daughter, sister, aunty, cousin, friend, marketing manager, traveller, psychologist, widow… but maybe I am just one thing, I’m Holly. Ok – not sure how I went from warriors to defining my life but anyways… these dudes were impressive, I could imagine that in their thousands lined up they would have been quite the sight. But somehow there’s also a sadness to it all, how many people gave their lives to make these warriors? Certainly all the craftsman that got locked in the tomb so they wouldn’t share the secret of its location, and the concubines that had to be buried with the king for his afterlife… we certainly do live in a very different world to when these dudes were created. Grateful!

Teamed with the exhibition of the warriors was the art of Cai Guo-Qiang, a contemporary Chinese artist… may have had to google that one!! Not a massive fan of contemporary art, or possibly just don’t even know what it is. But wow, the first room looked a little something like this…

All these starling birds hanging from the ceiling to look like they are flying together in a murmuration – that phenomenon when they seem somehow connected, change direction together, seem to know exactly what one another are doing. Go google it!! And yes, I had to google to remember it was called a murmuration… The birds weren’t moving but still spectacular, even more so given the birds weren’t painted but covered in paint from explosions, hard to explain, you had to see the video!!! All the other pictures from the artist were colour explosions on canvas, didn’t quite wow me like the starlings but each to their own.

I probably legged it through the contemporary part of the exhibition quicker than a normal joe blow but time was ticking… mapping my way to Princess theatre, I coincidentally had to go past Hozier Ave again and that adidas jacket that I still had very strong feelings for… I was kinda cold, and didn’t bring a jacket today on account of all the buttons falling off my other one, damn those $$$ jumping out of my purse again but it looks good and winter is coming…

So finally back at Princess theatre there’s a few other lucky punks lingering but arriving at 12.25pm as the box office opened worked in my favour and I was first through the door, lucky I didn’t wait til 1!! I was a lucky punk today, scored a ticket to parts 1 and 2, woo hoo, cost me a small fortune but experiences are worth it, and adidas jackets…

So by now you’ve probs noticed a severe lack of bacon in my day, and coffee… finally tickets in hand, it was food time. Funny how even though I can be rushing somewhere a million miles an hour, I can still take note of yummo restaurants and somehow without a map find my way back, maybe a not so bad sense of direction after all, at least when it comes to food!! The place I noticed in my mad dash, MEATBALLS! Kid you not, what it’s called! Knew this place couldn’t disappoint, how do you go wrong with meatballs?? Well, if I’m cooking maybe but just forking out dough this time. By golly, it was heaven on a plate!! Keto diet firmly out of the window, it was pork and fennel meatballs in a home style Italian sauce with fresh parpadelle pasta, basil and Parmesan…one of the yummiest things I’ve ever eaten in my life!!!

And then, it was wizarding time!! I don’t hide the fact I’m a massive Harry Potter fan, never too old for magic! My ticket was in the Grand Dress Circle so the bit right at the top but could still see everything. Obvs no pictures allowed during the show and they are pretty adamant you #keepthese rets from the story so won’t spill!! Set looks like this and let’s just say, there’s moments where I did truly wonder if I was seeing magic!!

Part 1, although a little slow at the start while setting the scene for 19 years later, it ended in a cliffhanger which made part 2 all the more exciting! First part was a bit over 2 hours, understand the two part thing now!!

So, with just under 3 hours to burn before part 2, being kinda tired from all my “legging it” and still kinda full from meatballs I had no desire to do anything overly useful, with a Starbucks right in front of me, seemed like a good option. Comfy seat, good coffee and power for my phone. Got two out of three! And some down time to blog. Somehow, probs due to the lunchtime carb overload I was kinda hungry again so was on the hunt for cheap n healthy, and close!! Once again, I somehow recalled the Grill’d I’d run past earlier and strolled on over. Have to say, while it turns out a low carb BBQ brisket burger (with bacon) and zucchini fries ain’t cheap or overly healthy, damn it was good!

And yet, still I had another hour to waste and more power needed, and not the football kind, they lost. So back to Starbucks to try my luck on an Almond latte, had been trying to get on the almond milk bandwagon unsuccessfully so far… and with a coupe of Splenda sugars in there, ain’t half bad!! Took the same seat, plugged in and hey look, there’s my water bottle I left last time! Good to see the Starbucks staff are diligent with their cleaning up! Don’t mind me, I’ll just blog away…

So in what was a pretty awesome day so far, my only conundrum was that with an iPhone 7, you can’t charge your phone AND listen to music at the same time as they use the same jack. Serious design flaw. But when that’s the worst thing to happen in your day, pretty bloody good!!

And back to the theatre for part 2… May have had a little stitch from climbing all the stairs with a belly full of everything, but wow, just wow. The effects were amazing, the story bloody brilliant and the whole thing, well, magical. Loved delving back into the world of Harry Potter. Surely they can make this story into a movie?? So many parts I loved but I had to solemnly swear to #keepthesecrets… just get yourself to the theatre and see if for yourself!!!

Wrapping up at the theatre at 10.30pm, I did have an invite to a friends gig in Clifton Hill but feeling exhausted from all that magic, I trammed it back to my Air bob and raided the hosts stash of Ferrero Rocher, she did say to help myself to anything?? But one Ferrero in and I’ve regretted not heading out. Could have done with some tunes and a couple of gins to round off an epic, massively enjoyable day!!!

June 17, 2019 0

Sun and snow

For me, the beach is my happy place. I feel myself exhale and relax. Lucky for me, I get to live right by the beach in Adelaide. But having been land locked since Christmas, well last year if I can be so lame and claim that, I felt a longing for the ocean. So today I headed to Brighton, also the namesake of the beach next to where I live so was on my list of places I had to visit.

I feel like getting around London is super easy, thanks to my awesome City Mapper app but also because the tube and trains are always on time and easy to move between… says a foreigner only doing it for two weeks, I’m sure locals have something else to say! So a tube and a train and I’m in Brighton, about an hour and a half travel all up.

And then there it is, the ocean. The locals must have thought I was a looney because before I could help myself, I said out loud, “Hello ocean!”. I actually have a bad habit of saying hello to inanimate objects, usually things I love, hello home, hello bacon…

So after 10 minutes of staring at my beloved ocean, I meandered down the esplanade to my breakfast stop. A long train ride so I knew exactly where I was going and the chorizo and egg goodness that awaited me, the breakfast martini was a welcome surprise!! Hello breakfast…

Having purposely not planned to do much of anything except chill at the beach, I wandered up the esplanade and everywhere I looked, I fell more and more in love with Brighton. So English with the terrace houses and chimneys along the foreshore rather than the modern monstrosities they build in adelaide. And the little shops and bars tucked away under the esplanade. And when the sun peeked through, perfection.

At the gorgeous Brighton Palace Pier I found Zoltar!! Might not mean much to some but I LOVED the movie Big with Tom Hanks growing up and Zoltar has a starring role making dreams come true. While I didn’t technically make a wish, he did tell me my fortune, scarily accurate about the past and hopefully true about the future. Starting to think the big wish is coming true too, that’s probs got more to do with butter beer and pies though…

The one major thing that AUS Brighton has on my new love Brighton… sand!! The pebbles, rocks or whatever they are, surely would not be comfy to sunbake on and how the hell would you even make a sandcastle?? I also once again for the millionth time in my life wore inappropriate footwear….

With time up my sleeve, I had another chance to mess around with my SLR camera and pretend to be a photographer. Would be nice to stop pretending and actually learn when I get back! Here are my faves:

Also had time to sit back at a gorgeous bar called Lucky Beach and enjoy a gin and the sunshine, while getting lost in my own head.

An impending theatre date with Kyles meant I needed to be back in the city pretty soon so I decided to wander through The Lanes, an old shopping area on the way to the train station. As soon as I stumbled onto the first lane, I knew I should have sucked up my gin quicker and spent more time here! Cute little lanes (hence the name!) that looked straight out of Diagon Alley with eclectic shops and market stalls. Could have spent hours, managed to buy a couple of rings and a birthday present then leg it back to the train in time, and by leg it, I mean I ran, in boots and all…

So after the sun came the snow, Jon Snow that is!! The Christmas present from Kyles, tickets to see True West starring Kit Harrington. After a delish dinner at The Port House, a random pick but awesome share plates, it was time to hit the West End. Being the dork that I am, I was ridiculously overexcited and when Mr Harrington just wandered onto the stage while everyone was still taking seats, I nearly lost my shit. Weird way for a play to start, dude sitting at a desk on stage reading, that’s when I realised I knew nothing about the play… other than Jon Snow’s starring role. But before me was not Jon Snow, not that I expected him to be kitted (like that!) up like a crow but he was the exact opposite. Porn star mustache, his glorious hair cut and slicked back, and in shorts and loafers with a 70s style shirt, ahhhh… the play started and all thoughts of my favourite member of the Nights Watch were gone, out came a southern American accent and a struggling play write was before my eyes. Round of applause to Mr Harrington for completely breaking the brooding pretty boy stereotype and doing something completely opposite to GoT. Complete respect. Great theatre, enthralled from start to finish.

Being hump day for Kyles and having had a busy few days myself, neither of us were up for a big night so a quick pop by Somerset House to check out the ice skating, still sore from skiing, we literally looked then left. Sometimes you gotta know when to call it!

Wednesday 9th January 2019.

January 15, 2019 0