SarahN – Page 7 – Live To List

May 11, 2017January 9, 2021

First day jitters – Amsterdam arrival

The first hours in a new country can be pretty anxiety inducing and stressful for me. I distinctly recall the stress of finding a hotel in Dubai and a German man telling me it was a bad neighbourhood. I was a little calmer arriving in St Petersburg, but I think this was because I just gave myself a free pass – ie I caught a cab to a hotel. Simple. For Amsterdam, on my last working day (yesterday feels like forever ago, but that’s when it was), I at least had the foresight to print the GoogleMaps directions for a bus and walking to my AirBnB.

So I seemed semi planned. My Australian phone carrier doesn’t do global roaming, and mostly I don’t mind this. However, staying at AirBnBs and coordinating with European friends, when I saw it was under 30 Euro to buy a dutch SIM, i bought one. The cost – not a problem – I just transferred my worries onto ‘how long will that much data last’ and ‘should I use the data for checking an email when I might *really need* it for a map later?’. Because even with my google maps written directions (I opted out of maps), I got off the bus and headed the wrong direction. Once I hit the next bus stop, I found a man who was… hooking up a trailer which I noticed is for recycling of batteries and light globes, and he advised me to head the direction I’d came in. When I found the final street, Google assured me the destination was on the left. It was on the right. One thing Europeans maintain is odd and even sides of the road! Also, quaintly, they are still far more inclined to put their name to their door bell or property. So when I found a home with the right number and “Merel and Mike” it seemed a good enough match to my AirBnB paperwork which said Maria and Mike. I was so concerned that the roofer would be puzzled or annoyed by my rolling suitcase, I carried in the last 50m. Yep – next level considerate (or next level “trying to fit in”).

So… I’ve knocked on the door. There’s been no answer. It’s about 4pm in the afternoon, and quite unlike my last visit to The Netherlands, it’s sunny and warm and mild! I was last here between Christmas and New Year and it was snowy! So I’ve bunkered down behind a short hedge for the shade, and set my new SIM up in my phone. That’s when I checked the email account I use for AirBnB (which, stupidly isn’t linked to my ‘normal’ accounts I check v regularly) I see my hosts had politely asked what time I was due to arrive. To be honest, I cleared customs far faster than I anticipated.

My anxiety is from all the ‘what ifs’. What if I’m sitting here til it’s dark and cold? What if they don’t come. I mean… I’m in a country of very well educated English speakers – there’s not been a person yet whose thrown their hands up and had no idea what I’m saying. Yep – that includes two bus drivers, the man with the trailer – even a dog walker apologised when her dog sniffed me as I was sitting here! I can’t imagine I’m going to end up frozen, starving and camping out for the night in this quiet street, not far from THE famed tulip farm (and therefore, there’s likely hotels). I just seem to be able to do ‘next level worry’ when things aren’t seamless. Like… what’s the bother I walked a kilometer the wrong direction on a sunny day in comfy shoes with a small wheelie suitcase and a backpack? Anyone who noticed my mistake… I’ll NEVER meet. And even if I did, it’s a laughable mistake right? It feels like in the age of smart phones, not knowing things is even more distressing for me. And I have no shame in Australia asking where things are (ie somewhere to donate foreign change in Sydney Airport – there is no exaggeration 15 places you can exchange money, but the two I asked didn’t know where I could ‘donate’ coins. In the end, I was heading to the Qantas Business Class lounge as I know they run a program on board, when I noticed on the general concourse there was a Rotary bin for coins).

I think my discomfort goes to something deeper though. I like to appear, to others, including strangers, as capable and confident. I don’t like feeling out of my depth, and I seldom do feel that way. Connected to that, I don’t like to inconvenience people – by asking for help. Yet I’m someone who is acutely aware of someone reading a map in Sydney streets and OFFER to help (supposing they may have the same ‘which stranger do I ask’ anxiety). I also feel very aware that as an English speaker, we come to assume every speaks English, and how gosh darn lucky I am, by nature of my birth, that it’s my native language. Everywhere I travel, I wish I spoke the language. And in some countries, it’s much much harder to travel there due to language and the penetration of English (I’m looking at you Russia!) I can only imagine my stress levels if english was my second language, and I was travelling communicating with others whom it’s their second language, and then second guessing if my English was right.. or theirs, or we’d ended up speaking nonsense and making things worse… It’s times like these, mime seems a viable alternative!! And iconography!

I love Europe – wind turbines are a common thing to come across

In the end, i think I sat in the sunshine reading for about 3 hours. The neighbours across the street had been in and out, walking their dog, and their kitchen faced the AirBnB. Their 22 year old son came out and asked if I’d like to come inside and join them for dinner. I politely agreed! What a wonderful offer (cause I had been thinking that once my hosts arrived, and I’d showered, then I’d need to work out where and what to have for dinner in my state of tiredness). I sat at their dinner table in their light and airy home, ad of course, being Dutch, Mum, Dad and both sons spoke English! Once I’d eaten, and they’d poured me a cup of tea, the hosts arrived. They have an eight week old baby, and today the mother had gone to her mother’s house to get some help caring for the baby whilst she did some work tasks. Combine that with a traffic jam and the father not having keys and I think that explains the ‘we could be there in 15 mins’ turning into a very pleasant three hour wait.

8pm – still so light, I read on the balcony as I let my freshly washed hair dry and read a book

Everything turned out better than fine – and it usually does. I can logically think that in those moments, and I tend to reach out to others to talk to and distract me, and remind me, things are FINE. A wonderful friend from church was on line to talk, as was my little brother in England. By the time I’d checked into my AirBnB, Australia was almost waking up…

May 10, 2017May 24, 2018

Flying Qatar Airways for the first time

My flight to Europe was on Qatar Airways. I recall watching a documentary on a hotel TV a few years ago, about how Qatar Airways is one of the newest fleet of planes and is angling to compete with Ethiad and Emirates. Thankfully, they match them in style and service, without the popularity out of Australia that results in full planes. Google tells me it’s 23 years old, where as Emirates is 32… just like me

Firstly, I really like their colours – the predominant colour of check in staff uniforms is a deep burgundy. Once on board, there’s a little more variety – there’s a neutral light toned blouse with a motif of a horned dessert animal. I notice most, if not all, female flight attendants wear pants, which seems very forward thinking for a airline based in a more traditional society. The trousers are either navy or burgundy. Then, almost all of their staff work a navy jacket for the meal services, with a deep pleat in the back, making it quite stylish but also more movable. Overall, I feel like their uniforms run rings around Emirates, which I see as quite daggy in their odd tone of beige pin strip and a red that’s a little too gaudy. I saw one set of uniforms in Sydney airport that I’ve never seen – which appeared to be a dark brown with purple details – I’m not sure the airline, but wow – not a colour range I’d want to have to pitch.
There were Qatar branded check in staff – this seems to be less common lately, there seems to be contracting companies. I know Qatar used one or two contractors but they were outnumbered by Qatar staff. The gate check was therefore quick and smooth with minimal lines as it was well serviced for the A380.

There’s a lady curling her eye lashes… in the quiet lounge. Where I thought I’d do it too – I mean, only 7 more hours of flying to look my best for :p

Once on board and the door closed, there’s a steady stream of ‘freebies’ – a synthetic fabric pouch handed out to Economy passengers with socks (which always seems like a weird inclusion to me), an eye mask, a small toothbrush and toothpaste. I feel like there was one more item – I repackaged it and handed it back to the staff – there’s NO way I need any further freebies of this nature! I had bought my own items – and my Emirate eye mask (which may be 4 years old and from Business Class as it’s super soft). Then there’s single serve sachet’s of moist towelette – I feel weird about this being packaged, but then I’m probably deluded in thinking that a fabric hand towel or face washer being reused!! There’s also a menu handed out – as there’s two meals on such a long service.

A new drama I found thanks to in flight entertainment system

I pre-selected my seat, an aisle seat in the centre set of 4 – and the result was that I was the second person in the row – the other person at the other aisle. He was an older gentleman, whose first language wasn’t easy. So after the evening meal, I used mime to suggest my feet might creep into a third seat (near his seat) but no need for him to move his overflow of gear. Interestly, many hours later, he tried to lay down in two seats (neigh on impossible!) so I mimed he could extend to three seats as I sat upright and started watching a new TV drama (and by accident watched the episodes out of order). The TV show is called Queen Sugar – it’s produced by Oprah, so it speaks strongly to racial disadvantage, as well as some gendered barbs. As you can imagine, there’s a collection of STRONG female leads and there are male characters, but it really does feel like they play support. So I’m high fiving to that! Overall, there were more than a handful of recent films I was keen to see, in addition to TV shows I’d not heard of but interested in. With respects to music, I didn’t find anything I wanted to listen to. I suppose liking ‘Triple J’ is hard to articulate and translate elsewhere… I often struggle to find artists I like in the common categories or genres of music!

The in flight entertainment systems appear to be the most modern I’ve seen. It’s a large flat screen with all these backlit icons which aren’t full buttons. Under the screen there’s the earphone port – tricky when eating and watching something. There’s also a USB, so I got a phone charged. There’s also another input, I’m not nerdy enough to know what it is! In addition to the main screen, there’s a smaller smart phone sized screen – which pops out, which may help with gaming.
My seat was row 54, which is still relatively close to the front of the plane as the rows ‘start’ on the top floor. I was one row away from where BOTH food services started! Some airlines are good at reversing the service the second time, so you aren’t ‘last’ both times. And I’d almost forgotten I’d requested Gluten Free meals. I’ll admit some of it was hoping to get an early service of a special meal. Nope, still lucky last! To be honest, I know it’s better for me (not eating gluten), but I’m also a little envious having seen the menu and the choices, they sounds delicious and not that gluten ridden. OK maybe the breakfast pancakes may be! In my breakfast meal, I got cling wrapped rice crackers?! I skipped them!
I’ve already learnt things, 15 hours into my trip. The inflight magazine mentioned that flights to the US it provides laptops to it’s business class travellers. Reading between the lines, it appears that flights originating from Doha/Qatar must have a US immigrations restriction, requiring all electronics to be checked. Surely a terrorism measure? Anyhow, you can ‘pick up’ a laptop and use a USB to transfer your work. I can imagine as a business person that’d be little compensation – you want certain programs potentially. And you get used to the layout of your icons and keyboard etc etc. Still – interesting and innovative response to something outside their control! The airline is also offering double sized ‘beds’ in business class, and also a configuration for up to 4 people to be able to ‘face’ on another. What a punish to travel with 3 colleagues AND need to work on the flight, in my opinion!

The statement and much photographed art piece in Doha airport

Overall, I’m pleased to try a new airline, and see what features it offers. I’m incredibly pleased that the flight is probably half full as this really helps me sleep! The plane and facilities are modern. The meals seem great, so I might adjust my order preferences and be ‘normal’ once again!! And… I also chose Qatar Airways on price. It was $1300 for a Europe return trip – into one port out of another. It is the shoulder season, being May, but it’s possibly the cheapest Europe fare I’ve ever paid (and I’ve… been to Europe a little too often for a 32 year old who doesn’t travel for work!)

Oh, and yes, I packed the laptop, and less than 24hrs in, I’m thankful I did. It’s not been too heavy. Still has battery life after drafting this post on the plane, and posting in airport wifi.

April 30, 2017May 24, 2018

April Summary

Culture:

Quite unexpectedly, I attended a concert in April. A fantastic young artist, Vera Blue, was sold out, but the night of her concert, I got an email for last minute tickets for $35! I did not hesitate and bought two tickets and invited a friend from work (who’d coincidently been at the last concert I went to – Urthboy).

OK so not the best photo… But the sound was AMAZING

I caught up with great friends for a MeatFest on GoodFriday for lunch, as well as an after work meal of dumplings – where we debated the quantity of dumplings we could consume in a sitting! I also had a few wine filled meals with some close friends who we’d spent the past three years out of contact. It’s great to be back in contact, and things just gel so easily. I also ate out in a new area and despite it being known for Italian, we had French.

I also took twin six year olds to the Lego Movie, but promptly had a nap between some great one liners… I also had an evening babysitting, where they wouldn’t go to sleep :s

Romance:

The dating has continued! I could even say it’s been a good month – kept me very busy too! I had a first date on weekend night, at a bar that you’d walk by and miss in an alley in Darlinghurst. I actually recall going there many years ago – inside it’s all themes like an American Saloon, complete with snacks of peanuts to crack and eat – a great activity for first date nerves (which… I don’t really get, but he might have!). The other first date was a weeknight at a small bar I’d been to before (also) for a 40th celebration. They were comedically ill equipped for my cocktail order – having run out of key ingredients with the long weekend! Sometimes, wine’s just easier.

Not romantically, I met a good friend prior to Easter Sunday church. We usually catch up like this quite regularly – he drinks a coffee and stay lithe and I eat and drink, and in this case, the mean was equally ‘wow’ worthy.

Work:

The new management has been in for two weeks – though one week’s been between Easter and Anzac Day (the day Australian’s have off to remember fallen soldiers). It’s also school holidays – so it means so much is on hold awaiting people to return from leave. In the short 4 day week, my new boss was in my office one day, and half of that was spent on site meeting and inspecting the safety of teams, including mine. My former boss is still ‘on the books’ but has taken leave. What will become of him is still uncertain. My mentor is also still on the books. All a little… perplexing.

Health:

I continued to aim for two classes per week of Barre Tone, in addition to a one off yoga class at Humming Puppy. Other than that, I tend to walk to and from church Sunday, as well as for additional services and my monthly Parish Council meetings. I also walk to Barre Tone which is a comparable distance as to church. It’s better than nothing, but all month I’ve been considering if it’s enough in comparison to my rather lazy and somewhat unhealthy eating. One possible date and I have been chatting, and considering joining F45. They are INTENSE 45 minutes sessions, and they really tone people, but I am anxious about what week I want to write off as being in utter pain for the muscle pain!

Bought:

I spent a small fortune on AirBnBs and hostel deposits, as well as a week of day trips in Iceland! As far as material possessions, I tried on four pairs of hiking pants. I really wanted to buy Patagonia gear, but they didn’t have the size/colours I wanted and I’m not a huge fan of mail order when i’m not sure on size. I went to another store that sells multiple brands and tried on two pairs, and settled for the comfier pair – elasticised back waist and inner light fleece lining! They were $200 (!!) so I paid the $10 to join the ‘club’ and get 10% off! At the same time, I got another ‘goo tube’ – I thought I needed one, but since getting home, I’m not entirely sure I do.

Read:

I have had three books on the go for a while, but none are capturing me. Those are

Hot Milk – this was recommended on another blog, but it’s just not that interesting. I did finish it, but… not sure why
Queen of the South – translated from Spanish, there’s still a LOT of Spanish and it makes it disjointed for me. I can see how it’s a TV show, but it’s not a story that is compelling me to keep reading. I returned it having read about 150 pages.
Working with Difficult People
Presence by Amy Cuddy – recommended by Save Spend Splurge
Last night in Montreal by Emily St John Mandel

I really need some good easy readers I think… I’m really not enjoying or reading much at the moment.

April 22, 2017May 24, 2018

Planning Euro tour 2017

In less than a month, I take off for another (just short of) three week trip to Europe. And yes, I was in July/August in 2016 (going to Russia, Turkey, Bosnia and Romania). The reason for my trip is the wedding of a VERY dear friend, whom I’ve known since 1999 or 2000? The lovely Julia was a supervisor in the boarding house whilst I was at school – she was studying at university. Even in my school years, she spent time in Germany (Cologne I think), and since then, has lived in Heidelberg, off and on. She’s also spent time living in Brisbane and Melbourne, and so we’ve seen each other in different places as the years have passed. I visited her in the European summer of 2008, before continuing on to Berlin. Then I ‘last minute’ went to Heidelberg from Christmas 2010.

The invitation was enough to jump start me to add side trips I’ve long wished to do, and re-blog about earlier this year. The key things being

visiting Oradour-sur-Glane in France
seeing the tulip fields in the Netherlands
see Iceland

Seeing Tulip fields is seasonal, and so it’s a lucky coincidence for a spring wedding to almost coincide. I did go to Amsterdam and The Hague in 2010, between Christmas and New Year, but it will be quite nice to see it in another season. I will visit a friend I studied in France with in 2006 in The Hague, who will be expecting her first child!

Talk about futuristic! A Hostel in Iceland

Going to Iceland is a more recent passion. I continued to see other bloggers visit, namely 71 Toes with their brood of children, and the (not by choice) childless Blog About Love couple. Seeing as the latter was published in 2014, it’s been a slow simmer to get me to visit. I did look at flights last year when I was in Turkey, but it was logistically challenging and accommodation both pricey and hard to secure. Earlier this year, I caught up with a dear school friend who’d recently been to Iceland, so I took that as a final ‘push’! She’s recommended a great tour company, so I’ve booked a WEEK worth of day trips! As I’m travelling alone, I’m not keen to hire a car. I did hope I could twist my brother’s arm to come travelling with me again, but he has work commitments (and… coincidently, can now go to Iceland to accompany a school trip. Beats me bank rolling his travel ;))

So I plan to fly to Amsterdam and spend two nights in The Netherlands, before about a week in Iceland. From Iceland I will fly to Frankfurt and catch a train to Heidelberg (which I now feel like is almost normal to me, after a few times!) for a long weekend – arriving before the wedding and staying until the Monday. I’ve lucked out with finding a friend of the bride who wants to share accomodation with me in an AirBnB – actually aside from Iceland, I’m staying in AirBnBs. In Iceland, I went for quirky hostels. And the book end to the trip will be France – a few days to head to Oradour and then fly out of Paris back to Sydney. It’s only these last few days in France I’ve not booked, but basically, I plan to train or fly in from Germany, hire a car, and head south. It’ll be my first foray hiring and driving a car on that side of the road – eek!

Of course, this will take me to the wire of annual leave days I have. But beats a week or a day on the couch in Sydney, so it’s worth it!

April 11, 2017May 24, 2018

Humming Puppy Yoga

So a very dear friend and blog reader gave me a great birthday gift – she named it an Advent calendar and the concept is to do different ‘bucket list experiences’ each month together. We started with my birthday dinner at Momofuku, and then things slowed down! Of course, I have things I want to see and do that didn’t feature on her 12 months of birthday fun Advent calendar, and I got busy in March doing all sorts of fun things.

The light ruins what is a lush waiting area

One thing she’d earmarked us doing was Humming Puppy Yoga – funny name right? It’s a yoga studio that has a resonant frequency going at all times, as well as being constantly at 27 C. Warm, but just right. This weekend, I went along to try it.

I selected the class based on timing – 2.30pm would work well around church (as it was a long Palm Sunday service). The class at that time was called Mellow Yoga which sounded like just what I’d feel like on a Sunday afternoon!

This place is next level on chic, hipster, boutique exercise. It’s like first class style. The waiting area and bathrooms were stunning. I’d settle just to ‘wait’ for someone and never do a class and die happy! They are upstairs from a tea store, so there’s two teas to sip, or coconut water or filtered water. Luxury right?

The studio is the third or top level of the building. The room was wonderfully dark for the session with only muted lighting and a lit candle. The session was an hour long, and it was blissfully relaxed and over before you knew it. My friend S said it was an expensive place for a nap, but cheap for therapy – and it really is a hybrid of the two!!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete visit without dropping in on the tea lounge. Again, jaw droppingly gorgeous in style. We had Ginger lattes and some fancy snacks (you know, all goey and power foods but nothing like conventional food!)

The counter top is also broken tile – wonder how cleaning goes?

I’m coming back til I’ve had every mocktail!

I’m not sure if I’ll do expensive yoga again, but I want more of those drinks!!

April 2, 2017May 24, 2018

March summary

A lot has happened in March, so in the style of others, I’m doing a month’s round up.

Culture:

I went to the ArtExpress featuring the graduating class of 2016’s artworks, which I shared a photo heavy post on.

Mum and daughter selfie – her new dress too

I had a weekend in Melbourne with my mother. It was spectacularly sunny and warm the whole weekend – Melbourne’s not known for having consistent weather at all! We ventured to a new suburb to try a Barre Tone class with an instructor who I used to have teach me in Sydney. I’d forgotten what an intense work out she provided, and my mother enjoyed her first ever class. We scoured op shops, first out of necessity for Mum to buy some work out pants, but then for fun. She brought a great black and white dress and a multi colour rain coat. I settled for a polyster top for work (I’d NEVER buy polyester new, but for cheap and second hand, I’ll bend the rules). The main reason for the trip, however, was to see Book of Morman. Neither of us are musical fans, but we both loved it. It’s incredibly quick, punchy and completely irreverent. We went to a Saturday matinee which was blissful (we’re both sleepy heads). On Sunday, we met Fiona from Declutterer for breakfast at St Kilda. All three of us talked our heads off, helped that Mum is also a teacher.

Melbourne’s H&M showing what an amazing refurb of a new building to the mecca of commerce

The following week was no slower for first times and fun times. On Thursday evening, I braved a lot of traffic to see my very first drive in film, Beauty and the Beast. Having a car is a certain prerequisite I didn’t fulfill previously! On the Saturday night, I went with my brother to see some Aussie Hip Hop. The main act was Urthboy, but I’d almost saw I enjoyed the support act more, Joyride. Joyride just seemed to have a smoother sound and strong convinctions in his thoughts, and I couldn’t help but be a little starstruck.

The drive in went full retro with the diner too!

Following all this, on Sunday, Lucinda met a less than shiny and bright me – yep, in a week, I met two long time blog readers and writers. We ate lunch at a cafe (as Lucinda thinks breakfast out is ridiculous, which I’d agree if I settled for avo on toast, but I clearly do not!) before heading to see a French film at the festival. It was a harrowing (true) story of Polish nuns, pregnant through rape, and the help of a younger French doctor.

Romance:

As with past months, I continued dating in March. I saw one guy three times – first for a drink. Due to wet weather, I decided to hail a cab rather than walk the relatively short walk to our meeting point. The same time a water main failed in a main city street. In the end, I escaped my sky rocketing taxi fare for a different pub, and he came and found me! I was quite impressed by his efforts, so we met for another drink the following week. He kindly drove me from the date to Newtown, where I met my parents and my brother and his girlfriend for her farewell dinner (she’s returning to the US). It was a fun night, my family were in great spirits for a weeknight! I was going planning to go to the drive in with the same fella but he got cold feet waiting for me to pick him up (due to heavy traffic – an emerging theme!) We ended up catching up the next evening, but things didn’t gel and have silently fizzled out since then!

Technically the 1st of April, I went on a first date at a very hip and local cafe (it’s closed when I drive by for work, but I read it’s tasty menu one evening walking) They churned us in and out quickly but it was tasty!

And earlier in the month I met for a post work drink in what ended up being a very smokey outdoor area. We’ve remained in contact and somewhat as friends, he’s a lawyer, so good at chatty banter!

Work:

Work has been revolutionary in the past week – they announced some rather unexpected and hard to stomach changes to my management line. Both my direct boss and his boss (also my mentor) are in a perilous position. My boss is told to await Easter, and they may find him a role. My mentor is finished and leaving the company at Easter. The last week of March was consumed with finding this out, then disseminating the information, and attending roadshows and talks from management. Right now, it doesn’t mean my job is in jeopardy, but blind freedy can see it will mean my role and those similar to mine will need to be rationalised evenutally, having see such a huge reduction in front line staff in the two years I’ve been in this role.

Buying

Black with white patten polyster work shirt – second hand – Melbourne
White knit dress – second hand – Oxford brand
Grey cable knit pullover – second hand – Cotton On <- cheap brand, cheap fabric, but comfy
Navy top with sequin detail collar – second hand – David Lawrence
Silver cross necklace
Blue and white zig zag patterned glass studs
Bamboo straw

Read

I’m on GooodReads, but for a quick summary

currently reading

How was your March? Which was the best thing you watched or read?

March 11, 2017May 24, 2018

Culture & 2017 – starting with ArtExpress

Entering the new year, the only brainwave I had was to attempt to get more cultural experiences. Things like concerts, art shows and sculpture walks. Many of these things, I’ve been to some years, and not others. Like 2016 – I hardly managed to do any of these, so by listing them and calling them out, I hope I’ll get to them!

To help do 12 this year, I wrote a list of what could be done in what months, and this is what I came up with:

Anytime: book talks/launches

Feb to April:
✔ArtExpress – graduating student art from the past year

March: (here’s my post on the below three)

✔ Book of Morman stage show, here’s a review if you’ve not heard of it. Going to Melb with mum to see it

✔ French Film Festival – Lucinda and I will FINALLY meet and see this

✔ urthboy concert – Aussie hip hop, here’s a youtube link (there’s talk explaining the lyrics, I learnt something!) to them doing it live, with another great Aussie singer Bertie Blackman

✔April: Vera Blue concert at the Factory Theatre

May – Jun: Vivid festival

✔July: Vera Blue concert (again!)

✔July – Oct: Archibald Prize – portraiture prize, amongst others that are shown at the same time.

Sept: Beams Festival – a local light and art festival in Chippendale, the link it to my post when I attended in 2013

Oct: Good Food Month – OK, hardly THAT cultural, but it’s an annual tradition for Dad and I to try somewhere fancy at less fancy prices

Nov: Sculptures by the Sea <- when I went in 2015

Dec: SIA concert

—

And today, I made it to ArtExpress, after cancelling (on myself) on other weekends when the weather or my inclination weren’t quite right.

To my non Aussie readers – you CANNOT fault the location of the Gallery of NSW, traditional sandstone entry nestled in parklands which you can walk on the grass! Lie on it even! Don’t tell the Europeans who forbid this!

How’s that for art – even in the entry flooring!

It’s clear that the Gallery of NSW attempted to have some more traditional elements of it’s European cousins. But this is just some parts of the building.

If you’re done with me selling the architecture, I’ll start on the art…

This piece was about the pressures on young people – housing affordability for example. I found this work got your attention from a distance

The artist was dejected about the ulginess of the medium density housing everywhere, but then took time to look at the key features. I loved how this art reminded me of the style of Jeffrey Smart

I’m starting to notice I have a weakness for very well done hard drawing, and there were a few fantastic examples

These four animals are endangered, which explains the numbers in the top corners

Precipice explanation – the art was lovely, but this gave it further dimension

Theres something erry – like they arent QUITE realistic, something similar to dolls

The following was a progression, but it was hard to show you the skill, so here’s the leftmost panel:

I loved how the panels played with different challenges with drawing – perspective. I liked the use of shape and repetition of shapes

This sculptural piece was incredible given it was likely a 17 year old who did this!? I mean, I can see this in a foyer tomoorw, its that mature and commerically ready

Back to hand drawn – this was an AMAZING technique. The colour and subject meant I looked at this as an after thought, but was astounded and impressed once I did look at it in more detail

Look at that detail – lines! And colour. I just cannot imagine how long you would need to work on this technique. No wonder they were granted a scholarship

The other scholarship winning work wasn’t immediately attractive to me. But the more I looked, the more I saw the incredible juxtaposition. There was a number of pieces painted/drawn of the artists close people in vunerable positions. Then these pieces were photographed in public spaces, exploring the idea of street art.

There were a few features of artworks that, to me, scream ‘STUDENT’ and perhaps on the days I didn’t come, I might have been thinking too much of these more amateur treamtments. For example, the use of thread, loose thread and sewing:

The other treatment I came to dislike, was that of tearing. I’m sure I saw more than these two, but even still… I just don’t find this a technique you see in much of the traditional and highly priced art:

The last photo also used flowers, in a way I found a bit… blah? Wasn’t the only piece with some flower add ins:

Lastly, there was an artwork I wasn’t meant to photograph, and even still, it’s impossible to show the technique – then are like lunar landscapes made by various sized pin pricks. It was mesmerising

I havve some further shots to show how amazing an art gallery can be, in this beautiful city:

What’s your favourite?

March 2, 2017January 7, 2021

2017 Bucket List – getting leaner

My original post from 2013 has seen me really work through getting the things I want to do, DONE! So I’ve also updated my ‘completed Bucket list post‘ So I have decided to republish and deleted some things that no longer seemed like things I wanted to do or buy or achieve.

~~I ended up with eight big things, 22 travel related things, and 11 ‘experiences’ – 41 in total.~~ It’s a shorter list than I expected if I’m honest – perhaps I need to find more things to add.

And I did – I updated this post to add another 22 items, a few of which I just did on my recent trip to Europe. As always, I’d welcome suggestions!

The BIG stuff (8)

Live in NYC
Get married (before the children)
*Have children (thinking 3) *rethought this, as at 2020
A home with a passionfruit vine, a frangipani tree, a magnolia grandiflora… and a vegie patch.
Pay off my mortgage (currently about $~~250k~~ $40k to go)
Fully fund my retirement
Write my will 2020
*Prepay and plan my funeral – had the appointment, was discouraged from putting down $, ended up working in the industry in 2019

Travel (22)

Visit every continent (Completed: Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East – need South America & Antarctica)

countries (~~8 6~~ 4)

Visit Cambodia – Jan 2018
Visit The Maldives – ~~Dec 2018~~ Was going to be family trip, but we changed to Sri Lanka
Visit Mauritius
Visit Croatia – 2019
Visit Iceland – 2017 – 8 posts!
Visit Sweden
Visit Norway – does a day trip from Copenhagen count (2018)?
Visit Finland

2018 update: I’m not sure what appealed about Sweden and Norway, both have been sidelined, and I made my way to Copenhagen!

travel experiences (~~19 15~~ 13)
1. Go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (could do it with the bro in 2014, but alas, I realise I don’t love crowds and big parties, so maybe another time)
2. See Machu Picchu (to think my brother just did this Jan 2014!)

3. See Aurora Borealis
4. Visit tulip fields | The Netherlands (April) – 2017
5. Stay in Igloo Village & maybe tick off #3
6. Stay in a tree house (in Europe)
7. Visit Oradour-sur-Glane, France – a town annihilated by Germans by torching – 2017

8. Go to the super bowl (early Feb)
9. Go to Burning Man, Black Rock desert, Nevada USA (late Aug/early Sept)
10. Go to (the original) Mardi Gras | New Orleans (mid Feb)
11. Spend Christmas or Thanksgiving | US
12. Fly FIRST class – maybe Emirates where I can shower?

13. Go on a ‘big boat’ style cruise (maybe in retirement, perhaps Caribbean)
14. Walk on a Glacier – 2017
~~15.~~ Marvel at Plitvice Lakes | Croatia – 2019
16. Watch the Sunset in Santorini | Greece – 2019
17. Soak in the Blue Lagoon | Iceland
18. Let Go of a Floating Lantern | Thailand
19. Soak in Pamukkale Hot Springs | Turkey

Activities (~~24 20.5~~ 15.5)

1. Learn the name and location of all the countries in Africa – 2017 *I’m getting there!
2. Get my palm read/fortune told – 2018
3. Watch a movie at a drive in (if they still exist!) – 2017

So quaint – this one no longer exists, but… aww
via

4. Swim with dolphins in NATURE (not in Dubai…:s) – Jan 2021
5. Go to a silent retreat – 2018 (a singular day)
6. Get body painted for an event
7. Go caving – 2017 and second time in Iceland
8. Be part of a flash mob (thanks Moonwave for the tip!)
9. Build a bonfire and make S’mores – 2018
10. Try kite surfing
11. Try a pottery wheel – 2018
12. Attend a masquerade ball

~~13.~~ Pick fruit from a tree & make a pie – 2018
14. Stomp grapes
15. Start a fire without matches
16. Use a paddle to bid at an auction
17. Waterski – barefoot and normally!
18. Go snowshoeing
19. Mud wrestle
20. Take a SoulCycle Class
21. Dune surfing
22. Ride a unicycle
23. Toboggan – likely with the Northern Lights
24. Sleep in a Capsule Hotel – 2017

So to recap, I did the following in 2017

Watch a movie at a drive in (if they still exist!) – 2017
Visit tulip fields | The Netherlands (April) – 2017
Visit Oradour-sur-Glane, France – a town annihilated by Germans by torching – 2017
Visit Iceland – 2017 – 8 posts!
- Walk on a Glacier
- Soak in the Blue Lagoon | Iceland
- Go caving – 2017 and second time in Iceland
- Sleep in a Capsule Hotel

And there’s at least ~~seven~~ ten I’m targeting to achieve in 2017, and achieved 8.5 !

What’s on your bucket list?

February 27, 2017May 24, 2018

Momofuku – Sydney

In keeping with past fancy dinners here, here and here, this year I booked with a small group to go to Momofuku in Sydney’s casino ‘The Star’. The creator is the guy behind now 21 resturants, mostly in the US, and this was the first outside the US.

It was a great night, and the photos tend to speak volumes!

So, theatrics – we saw our marron before they were cooked and served

Long shot of the drinks matching a fish/shell course

Chicken salad with citrus with a jerk skin

The macthing cider looked like Fanta and smelt and tasted like dirty socks… sadly. My friend looking enthused!?

Type of risotto… Ah yes, kingfish sofrito

What’s I’d call parantha, they called roti, and the sauce came with little apples… but there was more

Family style to serve the pork (the only non seafood dish) with crackling; curried onions and pumpkin with split peas

It looked like butter and salt, but it was granita with passionfruit sorbet

Little sweets – the lolly pop was slike a weiss bar – a layer of creamy and then guava sorbet; the balls had penut butter inside

Crispy fruit letter and more delicious icecrema

My special dessert – the gift made them realise it was a birthday. The merigue was coconut flavours, and inside was caramel and something super chilled (more icecream?)

The meal alone was $175, and then $105 to match all courses with alcohol – my mother and I shared that. Two friends went for ‘reduced pairing’ which resulted in half as many drinks, but standard pours. I think mum and I got more variety! Dad ordered a glass of wine, and uncommonly, the tasting resulted in him rejecting it. They were great about it, and (unsurprising to me) Dad picked the French red wine of the two replacements they offered.

Overall, it was a great. It’s a very intimate small resturant (42 seats) with an open kitchen. Mum preferred to other places she’s dined like this. So that’s a recommendation. Oh, and despite the name… it’s not Japan.

February 24, 2017May 24, 2018

Barre Body

I’ve recently been updating my bucket list and movign things into my complete bucket list post too, and realised, I’ve done some things I’ve wanted, and taken photos and never mentioned it on my blog – that’s like it never happening right?

One is Barre BOdy. A great friend got me a single pass in the new year, must have been early 2016. I went once and then got hooked, and off and on have been doing in ever since – I now have a subscription (which for me is COMMITMENT, I don’t even have a phone plan)

I love that my mind has to focuc entirely on the small but hard movements. It’s mindfulness without being bored stiff :p And it certainly helps that the studies are GORGEOUS!

I even have to pre book classes – talk about planning and commitment to exercising. I sometimes cancel, but mostly, I talk myself into going with a ‘you can walk out half way and you’ll be better off then doing nothing’ – and of course, I’ve never walked out either!

It truly is a pleasure – and I window shop work out gear worn by my class mates too – which sounds a whole heap creepier than it should!