Thanks for stopping by...

This blog was part of a project which is now complete. I had fun doing it and hope to return to it (or something else similar) in the future. I urge you to keep enjoying Melbourne, as I now am and forever will!

xx

7 Days in Melbourne (where to find your culture & entertainment this week)

There are so many good things to do in Melbourne this week that I won't waste any more of your time talking about it.

• Dine Out to Help Out
  Don't be confused if a '$2 voluntary donation' appears on your restaurant bill in the next few weeks. Until December 24, participating restaurants will be collecting donations in support of homeless refuges and other local charities. See website for details.
  
  November 9 - December 24
  At participating restaurants
  Streetsmartaustralia.org/findrestaurant
  
  
• Craft Market
  The Craft Hatch Emerging Artisans Market features metal and wooden jewellery, leather accessories, books, vintage things, felted clothing, homewares, et cetera. Sure to be a good place to find some unique Christmas gifts. Second Saturday of every month.
  
  November 14, 11am - 4pm
  City Library
  253 Flinders Ln, Level 1 gallery
  
  
• The (bizarrely-dressed) mother of all garage sales
  MTC headquarters are moving and selling their props, costumes, accessories, furniture, old computers, stagecraft and technical equipment. If nothing else, this sale promises to be a really interesting sight.
  
  November 14, 9am - 3pm
  129 Ferrars St, Southbank
  Entry by gold coin.
  MTC.com

Vox Pop

Gaby P has lived in Melbourne for the better part of her 24 years. With a couple of semesters to go before she finishes her Commerce/Law degree, Gaby admits that she will be living here for a while longer. Despite a real desire to travel and live overseas again, Gaby says she is happy to call Melbourne home.

1. Best area: Brunswick Street because it has a bit of everything, and Richmond because it feels social and casual at the same time.
2. Best nightspots: Der Raum, award-winning cocktail bar, Richmond; the reviving house parties.
3. Best eating: Momotaro Ramen, Bridge Rd, Richmond.
4. Best shopping: Anywhere with cheap, good stores! Melbourne Central has a bit of everything.
5. Melbourne tip: Have picnics in the Alexandra Gardens in early summer. It's lovely.

And for Gaby, Melbourne in a word: Entertaining. 'I can always find something to do, somewhere to eat and someone to hang out with. If the public transport was better it would be super city,' she says.

The multi-award winning Der Raum

7 Days in Melbourne (where to find your culture & entertainment this week)

So here it is, one of this city's Big Weeks. The Melbourne Cup Carnival and the first week of November. For many of us, the smell of freedom is palpable. Summer is almost upon us, with all its gorgeous mornings, afternoons and evenings to look forward to. Not yet in the mood? Here's a taste of the interesting things on offer this week...

•  Movember
  The Mario, the Chad, the handlebar, the curly French chef style one...the list of moustaches goes on well beyond my naming abilities. 'Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. Mo Bros, supported by their Mo Sistas, start Movember (November 1st) clean shaven and then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache.' On a side note, what exactly is a Mo Sista? Those ladies able to join the activity? If you can't get involved yourself, then at least support your Mo Bros with donations!
  
  November 1-30
  Wherever a legit. mo' can be grown
  Movember.com
  
  
• Melbourne Cup Carnival
  Socialising, fashion, alcohol, punting...that's about the sum of it. There are some locals who faithfully attend the Spring Carnival every year, there are others who know it will always be there and only get into it when the mood strikes them. This week's events (in case you don't know):
  
  Tuesday Nov 4 : Emirites Melbourne Cup Day - for those serious about getting into the event.
  Thursday Nov 5: Crown Oaks Day - for the ladies, and their escorts.
  Saturday Nov 7: Emirites Stakes Day - a.k.a. family day.
  All days are held at Flemington Racecourse with regular services from Flinders St Station.
  
  
• Upstream 50 km Run Walk Challenge for Charity
  Unlike 50 m, which is what I thought I read when I first saw advertising for this event, 50 km is a pretty long walk, and is the distance between Docklands and Donvale, in fact. The route follows the picturesque tracks by the Yarra River. If you don't think you are up to the challenge, you can share the load with a team. There is no registration fee, however the catch is that each participant must collect a min. of $200 in donations. One hundred per cent of donations go to the beneficiaries: Camp Quality, Samaritan's Purse, Leukaemia Foundation and The Leprosy Mission Australia.
  
  November 7, depart 7am - 8.30am
  Start: Waterfront City - Docklands Drive
  Melways Ref 2E D4
  Upstreamfoundation.org
  
  
• Sumatran Earthquake Benefit Concert
  In the mood for something out of the ordinary? 'Dance till the earth moves beneath your feet' at what promises to be a lively and enjoyable cultural event. The night includes an array of musical and dance performances, an art and artefacts auction and gourmet Padang food. All proceeds go to the West Sumatran rebuilding projects. Everyone welcome.
  
  November 8, 5pm - 8pm
  Northcote Uniting Church
  251 High Street  Northcote
  $10 poor/$20 comfortable/$50 Samaritan
  Bookings queries (sms only): 0402 820 173
  

To Market, to Market

There is a universal charm to markets that seems to draw in people of all types. Fresh food, hot food, sweets, spices, bric-a-brac, clothing, books or art, the treasured, the ugly, the unexpected or the unknown, it's all appreciated by someone at one time or another. 

I've seen whale meat on the streets of Norway, portrait drawing in Paris, and more platform boots than I think should exist on Portobello Road. But you know what? Melbourne markets rarely leave me wanting. In fact, they get bonus points for not selling whale meat. 

There is a fantastic range of markets in Melbourne, suiting all needs and budgets. I wouldn't be able to list them all if I tried, but here are a few of the more popular and interesting of Melbourne's markets...

The Arts Centre Market
'More than just a market, the Sunday Market showcases over 150 stalls of Victoria's finest artisans. Enjoy the sights, delight in the sounds, and savour the flavours of Melbourne's finest art and craft market. Located along St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building as well as in the Undercroft of Hamer Hall, beside the Yarra River.'

Sunday, 10am-5pm

St Kilda Rd, city
Theartscentre.com.au

Camberwell Market

Super popular with the cool crowd, Camberwell Market is best known as a good place to score well priced second-hand clothing and other odds and ends. Conducted by the Rotary Club of Balwyn, the market has been responsible for raising over $8 000 000 for the community since 1976.

Sunday, 7am(ish)-12.30pm
Station St, Camberwell
Sundaymarket.com.au

The Esplanade Market, St Kilda

'Every Sunday since 1970, The Esplanade Market St Kilda has been the destination for those searching for something special, somewhere special. Established as an outlet for local artists, there are now nearly 200 of Victoria’s best artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their work direct to the public.

Sunday, 10am-5pm
Upper Esplanade St Kilda
Between Cavell & Fitzroy Streets
Stkildamarket.com

Prahran Market

Very popular due to the quality fruit and vegetables that can be found here, 'The Food Lovers Market' sells fresh produce and ready-to-eat food.

Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday, dawn till 5pm/6pm, Sunday 10am-3pm

163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra

Prahranmarket.com.au

South Melbourne Market

'The South Melbourne Market is Melbourne's oldest continuing market - since 1867. Located entirely undercover and close to the city and public transport, it is one of Melbourne's most popular markets. The  Market has 137 permanent undercover stalls' selling fresh food, take away food, coffee, homewares, fashion, travel goods, and plants.

Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 8am-4pm, Friday 8am-6pm
322 Coventry St, Melbourne
Southmelbournemarket.com.au

Queen Victoria Market

Yuuum. This particular market was a big part of my childhood - not so much for the cheap clothing and Australiana memorabilia, but more for the vans selling hot jam donuts, the mouth-watering caramel fudge, and all the cute little animals. (I ignored the tiny little cages and brought as many of them home we with as I was allowed.) 'The Market is divided into a number of Market Precincts; the Deli Hall, Elizabeth Street Shops, F shed laneway, Vic Market Place Food Court, Fruit and Vegetables, The Meat Hall, Organics, General Merchandise, Victoria Street Shops and the Wine Market.' If you want to get a little taste of Melbourne, go to the Vic Market.

Tuesday & Thursday-Sunday, various opening hours
Corner of Queen St and Elizabeth St, city
Qvm.com.au

7 Days in Melbourne (where to find your culture & entertainment this week)

What a beautiful time of year this can be. Summer and the holiday season are nigh. Yet, for most of us, this is also the business end of the year - a time for deadlines, never ending to-do lists and a big dose of stress. Stop, breathe, smile - eat a vegie burger - and take the time to do something for yourself (or for others, or for the planet, so long as you do it in good spirits). Here are a couple of suggestions...

•  Hello Darkness Film Festival
  Just in time for Halloween, this inaugural film festival will show a selection of well-crafted horror films from around the globe, culminating in a full-costume Halloween party on Saturday night (venue tba, see website for details).
  
  October 26 - 19
  ACMI, Federation Square, city
  Tickets: $12/$15
  Hellodarkness.com.au
  Acmi.net.au
  
  
• Melbourne Buddhist Film Festival
  Starkly contrasting to the above, the MBFF is presented by the Buddhist Council of Victoria and involves the screening of six films showing the transformative power of Buddhist practice to people's lives, ranging from that of prisoners and punks to inspirational practitioners.
  
  October 31 - November 1
  ACMI, Federation Square, city
  Melbournebff.com
  Acmi.net.au
  
  
• For the Love of Egypt!
  A unique festival held to celebrate Egyptian culture, old and new. The Egyptian artwork exhibitions are open all weekend, but go on Sunday to catch a performance by the folkloric dance troupe 'El Horrya' (2.30-3.30pm and 5-6pm) and an Egyptology lecture by Dr Colin Hope (3.45-4.30pm).
  
  October 31 (11am-5.30pm) - November 1 (11am-7pm)
  Melbourne Town Hall
  100 Swanston St Walk, city
  
  
• World Vegan Day
  65 years after the term 'vegan'  was coined, World Vegan Day will once again be celebrated at the Abbotsford Convent. The day's festivities will include live music, vegan food and campaign stalls, cooking demonstrations, raffles and curiously, speed-dating sessions. There will also be talks from notable speakers.
  
  November 1, 10am-5pm
  1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford
  Wvd.org.au
  Abbotsfordconvent.com.au
  
  

7 Days in Melbourne (where to find your culture & entertainment this week)

Here are the picks of what to see and do (and hear and buy) in Melbourne this week:

• Walk This Way
  'When you really want to know a place, to be privy to a city's secrets and its unexpected gems, wouldn't it be great to have a map designed by locals, complete with hand drawn directions to the places that matter to them?' Part of the MIAF, Walk This Way comprises a series of unique walks around the CBD and suburbs of Melbourne, designed by prominent Melburnians (Matt Preston, Rob Adams, Kate Ceberano, Julia deVille, Bert Newton, Alan Brough, Neil Mitchell and Kaz Cooke), allowing us great insight into their personal experience of this city. Download hand-drawn maps from the MIAF website.
  
  Until October 24
  Information booth, Federation Square, City
  Melbournefestival.com.au
  Image and quote from website.
  
  
•  Lost and Found Market
  There is little information to be found on this, other than that it is a large (40 stalls) indoor market full of vintage furniture, lighting, art, fashion, books, records, and bric-a-brac. Store pictures and requests available at the facebook page: The Lost and Found Social Club.
  
  Open 7 days, 12-6pm
  12 Smith St, Collingwood
  Lostandfoundmarket.com.au
  
  
•  Fashion with Heart
  Hosted by Corrine Grant (with special guest Bob Downe), Sacred Heart Style Mission 2009 is a cocktail party in which Op-shop pieces chosen and embellished by leading fashion designers and RMIT designers be showcased and sold, with proceeds going to Sacred Heart Mission. Tickets should be bought from the Sacred Heart website.
  
  October 22, 7pm
  The Banking Chamber, KPMG
  147 Collins St, City
  Tickets $125, incl. drinks and nibbles
  Sacredheartmission.org
  
  
• Canterbury Twilight Market
  For those who want to get a head-start on their Christmas gift shopping: Stalls are of the skincare/soaps/photography variety, with proceeds going to the Playstation Childcare Centre. Entry is $5 and includes a glass of bubbly and a ticket to a Lucky Prize Draw.
  
  October 23, 7-10pm
  190A Canterbury Rd, Canterbury
  Playstationcanterbury.com
  
  
• Music with cred!
  First brought to my attention by The Age's M magazine, popsters Crayon Fields are launching their second album 'All the Pleasures of the World' (on influential Japanese label Rallye, home to other lo-fi twee favourites such as The Whitest Boy Alive and Au Revoir Simone) over two nights. Friday's guests: Panel of Judges, the Twerps and Swedish indie icon Jens Lekman (sadly just DJing tonight). Saturday's guests: Pickelet and Minimum Chips.
  
  October 23 and 24, 8pm
  Bella Union, Trades Hall, Lygon St, Carlton
  Tickets: $12 online/$15 at door
  Bellaunion.com.au