6. Surf

What can I say about the sport and activity I love most. I came here to Australia mainly because it is surf mecca of the world. This should be at the top of the list but unfortunately I haven’t gotten to surf as much as I thought I would. Crazy how I’ve traveled across the world to score some of the best surf and I find myself exploring other things. There is more to life than surf, right? Often I get asked, “Why have you come to Australia? Are you on holiday, working or studying here?” It’s really funny because people look at me with utter confusion when I say I’ve come to Australia to surf…and the instant reply is “Your in the wrong place!?” Yes, I know most surfers live and surf the Gold Coast, but I don’t think people realize just an hour and a half away from here (like a trip to the OBX) is Bells Beach! I’ve seen some crowded days but even if it were, there are so many spots down in Torquay to surf with a handful of your mates in the water that it trumps the overcrowded beaches in Bondi or Manly (FYI – it’s still not the Gold Coast). With regret I went to this place on the Gold Coast called “Surfer’s Paradise” which was a complete joke of the name. Zero surf! I wish I had done more research because a famous break such as Snappers is located not to far from there. Though to be honest, I don’t think my ability to surf could compete with the caliber of guys that do surf there. And after surfing spots like Bondi and Manly, I can say the waves here are ALOT more intense in power than good ole VB. Even on what Aussie’s consider small days, I often felt the fear like the day I got my butt whooped trying to surf Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica during a good swell. Nevertheless, I still pushed myself to get out there and just paddle out. When I finally did make it past the break, I’d give myself a pat on the back and sit for a few sets before I attempted for a wave. Needless to say, I really needed to be in tip top shape.

However it’s okay if you’re a beginner to intermediate surfer like myself, there’s a spot to be found in OZ for any skill level. It doesn’t need to be the biggest and baddest wave as long as it was fun. It did not take long for me to discover a treasure. When I first put my eyes on this spot I felt like Bruce Brown in The Endless Summer, finding that never-ending wave. As luck would have it, I found this secret spot while I was there to see the Little Penguins. Now I’d tell you the name of the spot but I’d have to kill ya ;P Any surfer knows the value of a good secret spot. You’ll just have to come back with me to OZ so I can show you…wink wink. I didn’t get to surf it the first time, but I promised I’d be back to surf that spot. I’ve done it only twice now (none of which is what one would consider a good day or a decent day of surf) except that it was the days I had the longest rides of my life! And if you know VB you don’t get to score very long rides, the waves often close out or just too weak to push ya. I was satisfied to my heart’s content. And sometimes for the soul, it’s enough to get in and get wet.

But before I got to surf this spot though, I had the opportunity to go to the west coast of Australia. My buddy Broughski and I went to surf just south of Perth in an area called Margaret River. We camped out for about 4 days, exploring the great west. I thought I wouldn’t make it because this was my third time ever camping in my life…LOL…yes I know, crazy, but it was fun. We went to different spots during the day, cooked dinner on the open fire and chilled out til the fire slowly died. Next time I’d definitely spoil myself and sleep on an air mattress and go when it was a bit warmer. It was pretty chilly at the time of year we went, but I guess I’d rather have the cold then a hot sticky mosquito infested summer night. The west coast not only had beautiful scenery and a chillax lifestyle, but the surf was pretty amazing! We went surfing a few days before the swell came in which was great because the next day was just out of this world. I don’t know how those guys and ladies were paddling out when this swell came in. Bombs were going off and you could see the spray miles away and even hear the rolling thunder of the waves. Insane! Broughski and I were hot to trot to pack all our things to watch the show. The parking lot was almost full when we arrived at 10am…everyone came to watch! I could have watched all day, but we had a long drive home. The show was a great way to end the trip.

Although I have not surfed as much as I’d like, I’m glad to have experienced the spots I did get to surf. I surfed long fun waves with barely a soul, I didn’t have an encounter with box jellyfish nor the sharks that are known for inhabiting these beautiful waters and I didn’t get injured. I also had an opportunity to attend the oldest surf competition in the world (next to VB’s ECSC) at this year’s 50^th Rip Curl’s Bell’s Beach Pro. I saw the women’s heats, the freestyle competition with the likes of Kelly Slater, Occy, and Steph Gilmore to name a few and the ringing of the infamous Bell Trophy. Lastly, on the way home after the competition I got to meet some of my favorite surfer’s in Surf City where they were having autograph signings. The best part is knowing there’s always my next go round in OZ to surf these spots again ;D

5. The Footy!!

What can I say but...I LOVE THE FOOTY!! Now back home everyone has their favorite NFL team, baseball team, NBA team, or NHL team, just to name a few of the most popular sports in America. But here is Australia...particularly in Melbourne, the majority barrack (aka "root") for a team in Aussie Rules Football (AFL). I thought American football and baseball fans were bad...man, the Aussies bring it to a whole nother level. The hats, beanies, scarves, jackets, jerseys, flags, socks, shorts, pins, etc.; name it they've got it and they sport it too. Not only do teams' colors come alive on game day, but the smack talk between the rivalries. For the majority there are the normal excited fans, but I've heard and seen some pretty intense things happen on and off the field. All that aside, the great thing about this sport, besides the hot guys that wear tiny little shorts and sleeve less jerseys to show off their caliber of guns, is the active participation of the community and the players. Most of the footy teams are neighboring cities and get moral support and funding from their members. I love seeing the fans/members, young, old, and all those in between rockin their team spirit walking about the city on game day. The sport is thrilling to watch as everyone on the field is always on the move. Not the stop and go mess when watching the NHL. Now don't get me wrong, I do like watching the occasional NFL game, but AFL is just better. No pads, no helmets, no breaks in 30 minutes of play...just men on the field in tip top condition passing the ball to kick a goal. I could go on a long spiel of how the game is played and all its terminologies, but all you need to know (or at least its my favorite part) is when a goal is scored and the umpire steps behind the middle of the two tallest poles and sticks both of his arms beside his waist, points and shoots out his fingers pretending he was the baddest cowboy in town...POW or what I would say, Cha-Ching! I know it sounds silly, but it's the best part (leave it to a girl to pick it is as the best part of the game...hehehe). The crazy thing about the sport, besides the rough play, is the player’s salary doesn’t even compare to that of an NFL or other professional player’s income in America. It is rougher and more physically demanding than most sports. A player runs for 4 quarters, each one lasting about 25-30 minutes, with only 4 substitutes during the whole game and season. There’s roughly 10-15 minute break between each quarter and a longer break during half time. Otherwise, during the entire game, the guys are constantly running, punting, passing, etc. Water boys even come out onto the field to bring water to the players so the game can continue with as little stoppage as possible. And if 4 players were to get injured in someway during the season, then only a few, if any, could be substituted for another player on the field. That is tough but a hell of a game! (Personally though, the foolish thing is how much we pay our players, yet were making budget cuts to schools. It doesn’t make much to me, but that’s a whole other argument.)

I first started to watch the sport just on television and sadly missed an opportunity to see the semifinals last season before I left for the west coast of Australia. On the other hand, this season I’ve attended about 10 games, thanks to Rhett who has season pass tickets to every game (I can’t even begin to thank him for all the games I’ve attended). They are so much fun…especially watching what all the crazy things the fans do and say. I’ve been trying to keep tabs on how the teams are doing so I can finally pick a team that I’d like to barrack, but it’s been a crazy season of ups and downs. Some teams have started strong is the pre-season, but are now slowing down. Usually a girl would pick a team because of the team’s colors (which sadly and honestly I have taken into small consideration…lol) or be a bandwagon fan of the top team like the Collingwood Magpies, but I want to watch the games and see which team is actually decent. Now almost at the tail end of this year’s season, it’s about time I picked a team. After yesterday’s game there’s no doubt in my mind I barrack for the Essendon Bombers. They are not doing too well this season BUT the only team this season that has beaten the undefeated Geelong Cats! I am definitely one for rooting for the underdog, even though I do like the colors of the Cats better ;) I’m excited to see how the season will end. I would even go so far to say that I’m so in love with this sport, I’d be willing to pay top dollar to fly back and see the Grand Finals (which happens to be very close to my birthday…hint hint). Until then…GO BOMBERS!

A bunch of geezers in their Western Bulldogs get up.

Me and Liz at the last Essendon game I attended and her first one in Melly...I'll miss the live matches!

4. The Fresh Markets

I absolutely LOVE these!! I’m really going to miss this the most. I wish there were more in VA. I know we have them but only on Sundays and for usually during the summer months. They have them here year round…Farmers, butchers, deli’s, hand craft artisans, vendors, etc come together in these large markets and sell their fresh produce or unique crafts. The whole experience was overwhelming when you first go. It was just so expansive. The two that I have been to are Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market. The first time I went to the Victoria Market was a quick trip. We got there too late and it was closing by the time we arrived. I heard some great things about it from many of the locals and they also mentioned that during the summer on a Wednesday was the best. I looked forward to this for a while. When summer time came a month or so later, I went with a handful of friends to see what the fuss was about.

It was one of the best nights I’ve had here in Melbourne. Jo, Laura, Stuart, Shami, Kieran and I were shocked to see how many people were already there; especially considering it was an evening during the week. The buzzing of conversations, music, and the evening atmosphere was full of energy. You could barely make your way through the crowds, but when we did the first thing we hit were the bountiful food booths. We saw foods from Africa, Australia, Mexico, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the list just went on. We finally decided on the booth with authentic Aussie food and treated our taste buds to Croc, Kangaroo, and Emu. Much to our dismay, it was interesting and oh so delicious ;) We continued on to visit the plethora of craft vendors scattered within the chaos of the VIC Market. There was jewelry, art, clothing, we had fun trying on sunnies, and finally worked our way outdoors to the open stage. They have local artists play on 3 different stages spread throughout the market. I would never go out looking for the type of music we saw perform, but the different styles of funky upbeat sounds of blues, country, jazz and bohemian all sounded amazing. At one point during the performance, Jo and Laura got on the dance floor and were dancing in the rain. I for one have always wanted to do this so I gave the boys my umbrella and bag and hit the floor to join the girls. It was hilarious! Jo was trying to keep up with the dance moves of this old school gangsta and did a fine job too. We topped off the evening by devouring luscious chocolate and cream crepes to share. It was a lovely evening of great new experiences, friends, music, food, and not an ounce of alcohol involved.  GRAND…just GRAND I tell ya.

My most recent visit was to the South Melbourne Market located near where I currently live. Finally getting some time off in the weekend and a bonus that the weather was pleasant, I made my way to the market in the late morning. It was already bustling with the weekend crowd. Lucky for me I had all day. While everyone was hastily making their rounds, time seemed to slow for me as if I were in one of those movie scenes where, I was the only one standing still while people were whirling all around. It was nice, because most times that I’ve gone to the grocery store I was in a rush to check the items off my list, check out and go home. Here, it was at turtle pace. There were no direct isles or neat and clean signs that listed which items were located there, only hand painted ones of each unique stand. It was smaller than the Queen Vic Market, but that brought an intimacy about the atmosphere. After looking through a lovely and expensive artificial flower vendor and a small luggage dealer, I found my way to a quaint wine stand (surprise, surprise) to see what they had to offer. Many of the wines were locally made and some labels took initiative and used reusable glass bottles. The wine tasting was free so I had to try a few of the whites on hand and the lady was nice enough to bring out a Rose´ since she knew I was looking for something sweet. It definitely hit the spot! “That’s the one,” I said. She pointed out that when I bring back the reusable bottle, I receive $3 off my next bottle. Whoo hoo! Being green and being rewarded for it…some combination. After making my way around the market, I was delighted with my small purchases and headed home. It was another wonderful experience at the markets.

Here are some photos from the Queen Victoria Evening Market :)

Are you game?  We were!

Croc, Roo, and Emu...ooooooo

Jo adding flava to her two step ;p

Topping of the lovely evening with crepes...YUM!

3. Food and Wine for the Soul

Ya’ll know I had to mention this one. I couldn’t imagine a life without taste buds. Australia has much to offer in cuisine. Many people from all corners of the world have made this country their home and as a result it has food from the various countries. Indian, Moroccan, Filipino, Korean, Chinese, American, Irish, etc. etc., name it they have it. For such a small city, in comparison to some of ours in the states, they have made little districts a cultural hub. There are many Italian restaurants in Carlton, Chinese restaurants in Chinatown of the Central Business District (CBD), American influence is heavy as there are Micky D’s, a 7-11, KFC, Hungry Jack’s (aka Burger King) near every corner and Irish Pub’s scattered around. But the best part of all the places to eat is that many are not chain restaurants. Family restaurants are prevalent and owners work in the places they have built. They are all very personable unlike a lot of the places we have in VA. Don’t get me wrong, I love some of the chains we have like BRAVO’s, Cheesecake Factory, and P.F. Chang’s but there’s something about the owner putting their own hands to work. The staff knows the regulars and relationships quickly form. I’ve had the privilege of eating at one of the top restaurants in Melbourne if not in the country called Rock Pool. The lobster as my entrée, steak for my main (grain fed) along with side dishes to share with the group, and mango sorbet as dessert. After all the courses and wine, I don’t think I could have fit anything else inside of me. A very satisfactory experience and delicious food! Although the food and wine selection was excellent and their steaks phenomenal, I still feel that there are better places in Melbourne that you can get more “personal” service and beautiful food. It is a bit overrated for what it is and the price (Rhett will kill me after saying this). But I will say it was a great and unique experience, plus the company was delightful and entertaining. After trying out all the hospitality styles Oz has to offer, I like the small, funky, cozy, little pubs, café, restaurant, and bars offering a smaller distinct menu. Lucky for me, Melbourne has many of these on hand. The most exciting part and one of the reasons I LOVE Melbourne is you have to discover them hidden and tucked away in the laneways, small streets of the city or even on the outskirts of the CBD in St. Kilda, Brunswick, Richmond, or South Melbourne to name a few. Some of my favorite little spots are the Shanghai Dumpling House located on Tattersall’s Lane, Sister Bella in the alleyway of Drewery Lane, and this Italian place, (which I can’t remember the name of, but our amazing server Marcel is all I can remember) and this Fish and Chip shop called D'lish Fish, across from where I work in Port Melbourne (sshhhh…don’t tell them I like it better than ours). The selection of places to have a catch up with a friend or have a date is endless and thrilling to discover. 

Next on the list is the Vino!  Well to start, I never was a fan before I came to Australia, but as they say it is an acquired taste. I think now my tastes have sophisticated and have gained appreciation thanks to my friend Rhett. I especially didn’t like red wine because usually I was very put off by the smell alone. He insisted I try this one he ordered…and with reluctance I did. I have never been so surprised, but I loved it! I think I could have drunk the bottle all to myself. It was Reyes Chateauneuf-du-pape 1995. Fancy smancy name, right? At $400 a bottle at the bar called Siglo, I couldn't go wrong and what an introduction to mouth-watering red wine. Rhett has spoiled me and given me a taste of some of the best bottles since he's a connoisseur of wine and champagne alike. Ever since then, I’ve been trying a glass of wine with dinner, lunch or when I’m out. Not only is it cheaper, but better for me anyway. As a result, I’m a bit more knowledgeable of which types go with certain dishes and that white wine should come first, then red, and if you have room at the end of the meal, a delectable dessert wine. Australia has so many wines to offer that I'd find it hard to believe you couldn't find a bottle to suit your taste. Many of the wine are muy delicioso! There were several wineries in the Margaret River area is Western Australia but unfortunately I didn’t get an opportunity to stop at one of them while I was in that region earlier in September. Rest assured I will be back to do just that…and naturally score some surf as well. Before I leave I hope to get to visit Adelaide, as it’s known for as the wine country of Australia and well...it’s similar to my namesake. I look forward to bringing several bottles home and later try some of our own wine in VA. Perhaps take a wine tour of the Williamsburg Winery, the Napa Valley in CA, or just try more wine period. I’m excited about this new found interest in vino and hope to convince some of my other friends back home that a beer is just not that great tasting anymore. Lol.

2. Music is in the air

Some of us like to jam to music in the shower, in the privacy of our bedrooms, in our cars or for the brave and bold…on the dance floor. Melbournians on the other hand, love to jam to music on the streets, on the trains and on the trams. I didn’t make it a habit to carry my ishuffle or now my itouch on me because I liked to listen to everything else that’s going on around me and take it all in. The city noise, the tapping of heels and boots against the pavement, people’s random conversations, cars honking, trains running through the tracks, and trams passing by. You really get a sense of the city when you take a minute and listen. Asides from wanting to listen to my surroundings, sometimes I didn’t even have to listen to my own mp3 player because the person right next to me had their music blaring loud enough for you and everyone else to hear. But what I love about Melbourne is wherever you happened to be; you can always hear LIVE music. You can hear it on the crowded streets, in the alleyways, across restaurants near the river, or even on the rooftops. Melbourne never fails to entertain the masses with streets acts performing every night of the week. 

Recently, I was waiting to meet my friend Kieran’s mate on the corner of Swanston and Londsdale and a group of guys were marching down the street playing drums, trumpets, the saxophone, trombone, and they even had an announcer with them like the circus was coming through town. It was so random, but grand at the same time. There’s also this artist named Ben, who’s been playing across this restaurant called, World Bar, for over 5 years now and he is just amazing! One evening I was walking with my friend Rhett back to his car and heard this Coldplay song, or at least that’s what I remember. In any case, at first I thought it was the restaurant blaring the music but when I turned around this guy with only a guitar, an amp and mic was singing the song. He sounded just like him if not better. He did a few other cover songs and some were better than the originals, which is an unbelievable feat in my book. I was so mesmerized I had to stop, sit on the edge of the platform, freeze my tush, and even paid him a few dollars to play one of my requests. I wish I could have taken him home and have him played until I fell asleep every night.  

I sure am going to miss walking around the city and being able to listen to free live music.

 

Continuing on...

Not only do they have music floating around every direction, they have many big names come to town. But it’s not cheap and usually by the time I finally heard of the show coming, it was already sold out (I think I was too busy working to even have the time to look for a show). Melbourne advertises upcoming music talents on posters on main streets and alleyways (another form of art that decorated the city). They’d advertise several months in advance, especially music festivals that sold out quickly. I don’t know how because most of the shows are over $100, if not much more depending on the artist or festival. I can understand why the festivals would be so expensive because there are multiple artists playing, but still out of my budget. And although I missed some of my favorite artists come to town, like Anberlin, Jack Johnson, and Donovan Frankenreiter, I did have the opportunity to attend one of the largest music events they have here in Melbourne called the St. Kilda Festival. Local Australian artists play at different venues during the week and on the big Festival Sunday, several stages are scattered throughout the St. Kilda area where people mosey around to check out all the artists, acts, and of course food ;) Many of the streets are blocked off because close to half a million people can attend in one day. And after attending, I was so glad I didn’t work in any of the restaurants, cafes, bars, etc. in St. Kilda. One word…madness! It was a great day spent with friends.

 

Among the endless bars and music venues scattered about Melbourne, I had an opportunity to see this one act my friend John asked me to go to in Richmond. He didn’t tell me who was playing and I guess I failed to ask because in my definition a live act is simply great, especially when you don’t know whom. You don’t have any expectations but the freedom to accept anything that comes your way. I must say it’s one of the best acts I had EVER seen. It was weird, unique, abstract, entertaining and just amazing! I could have watched him for hours. The artist made his own instrument, which I wish I had a picture of it to show you because it was really cool. It was made of pipes, flanges, two strings, buttons, and a few other distinctive details. Two other venues worth mentioning if you do decide to visit Melbourne is the Espy and Prince of Wales located in St. Kilda and Cherry Bar located in the CBD down an alleyway called ACDC lane (pretty neat name for the alley). They have artists play every night. One cool thing about the Espy and Prince of Wales is they paint their schedule of upcoming shows on the side of the building. Oh and I almost forgot about this hidden little garden bar behind a record store called Pure Pop (also located in St. Kilda). During a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the summer there are live bands that play. I missed my opportunity to see a show this time around as I worked basically every weekend :( I did however manage to get a few friends and myself there during the week for a pot or two of cider.  

Lastly, I do have to complain about how the speakers are super LOUD at any venue. I thought the music was loud at the NORVA…let me just say it can't touch the deafening affects of the venues in Australia. Some doctorly advice, bring good earplugs! Otherwise a great time with friends or just your lonesome because you're sure to make a friend along the way.  

    Guitarist down an alleyway while checking out the street art as well.

 

A street act performing in the middle of the afternoon down the busy shopping centre on Bourke Street.

1. Art is Everywhere!

Before I came to Australia, my ignorant perception of the country was the “Outback.”  Kangaroos, the dessert, and rural areas of non-inhabited places, what some would call in the middle of nowhere.  But as I traveled the east coast of Australia, this was far from the truth.  This country is filled with lights, city noise, like cars honking and loads of people walking around town…it was full of life!  One of the cities I visited was Melbourne, located on the far southeastern side of the country in the state of Victoria.  I heard many good things about the place before coming from other travelers, but was I in for a treat.  One of the first few days here, I took advantage of a free group Mosey around the city with Lee, subbing in for Miss Molly…the events guru of my hostel, Habitat.  He did a fine job for his first tour of the city.  He took us to various cites, down dirty secret alleyways only a true Melbournian would know, on rooftop bars that overlooked the city and also spoke a little of the city’s architectural history.  I instantly fell in love with Melbourne during this tour.  As you know, I majored in art.  And let me tell you this city has lots of it.  The graffiti art is everywhere!  I love how many of them are down alleyways.  You would never walk down alleys back in Norfolk, VA.  Something horrible could happen if you did that.  It’s such a creative way of making some dirty and ordinary space into something beautiful.  The graffiti was displayed in some rented spaces and others commissioned by the city itself, which is great support for the starving artist.   There are large-scale sculptures in the middle of inconspicuous spots in the city and I later found some that were located on random parts of the highway when I took drives outside of the city.  Even the walls that partitioned the highway from the countryside were not just plain concrete walls, but in random parts of the wall were colorful glass or plexiglass panes.  The city’s layout, the architecture, the display of shops and department stores, and just everything about this city were screaming creative execution.  I <3 Melbourne and have been here for almost 9 months!  It’s going to be hard to leave this city.

 

 

 

 

10 Reasons I should stay in OZ...or not?

So I've been here for several months and what better way to capture my adventures and the country than to describe reasons why I love this place and why I should stay. There are many pro's but there are a few cons too. Perhaps you can help me decide where I should go from here. So in the next several entries I will be including stories, reasons, pictures and ways I love OZ. And from there you can help me decide my next step as my working visa ends in the beginning of August.

P.S. While I'm looking at flights home....cheapest flights are leaning towards stops to Indo/Bali or Hawaii on the way back ;D  

I'd appreciate some feed back.  

Much love

~A