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
  

Vox Pop

Ben H, 20, is a saxophone player who also pulls beers for elderly gents (and their friends) at the Fitzroy Bowls Club. Ben, who has recently moved to South Yarra, shares his Melbourne Top 5...

1. Best area: Smith St

2. Best night spots: Black Cat, Fitzroy - 'A cool place with a good crowd and djs on weekends'; Red Triangle, Fitzroy - 'One of the few pool halls with both 3/4 and full size tables. Best milkshakes in Melbourne!'

3. Best eating: Wing Loong - 'Cheap Chinese restaurant in a lane off Little Bourke St. Free unlimited green tea and $7 meals = win!'

4. Best shopping: Northside Records, 236 Gertrude St Fitzroy - 'Awesome selection of second-hand and new funk, hip hop, breaks and all sorts of cool stuff. And Chris the owner has a sweet afro so you know it's all legit.'

5. Melbourne tip: 'The best spots are always the ones where you feel like a local.'

Ben describes Melbourne in a word as 'funkadelic-freakout-postpop-dub-wobble-groovestep' (I hope I punctuated that correctly). Innit?

The popular Northside Records, Fitzroy.

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

Another week, another bunch of fun stuff to do. Here's a snapshot:

• Spring Racing Carnival
  Magazines, newspapers, Facebook pages and Twitterers are going nuts over the annual Spring Racing Carnival. And though I haven't been a patron since my mid-teens, it is not difficult to understand the excitement. Attending the races makes for an out-of-the-ordinary day, where you get to pull out not only your finest attire but also the stuff you wouldn't get away with anywhere else, drink from 10 am and 'cruise' the semi-above average looking crowd. If you can, talk your way into the exclusive Birdcage marquee to see celebs of all grades and the handpicked mandatory spray-tanned young men who serve them.
  
  October 1 - November 19
  Springracingcarnival.com.au

• Ride to Work Day
  This event proves popular ever year. And why not? It's for a good cause, it's good for you and then there's breakfast. Register at the website today and tomorrow claim your free breakfast, including Bakers Delight, Australian bananas and Vaalia yoghurt. There will also be fete stalls, bike engraving and a tyre changing challenge. Note: helmet hair is no excuse, as the organisers have promised a 'helmet hair repair' stand.
  
  October 14,  6-9am (breakfast)
  Federation Square, City
  Bv.com.au/ride-to-work
   
• Style After Dark
  South Melbourne Market's night market is currently running on Thursday evenings, under the usual wide verandas. 'Stalls will emphasise locally-designed, locally-made, vintage and collectible clothing and all things associated with it – accessories, jewellery, and headwear. Original artworks, photography, homewares and children’s clothing and accessories will also be on offer,' organisers say.
  
  Thursdays till November 26, 5.30-9.30pm
  Cecil and Coventry Streets, South Melbourne
  Southmelbournemarket.com.au/night_market
  
  
• Kinki Gerlinki 'garage' sale
  After the success of this event last year, the girls at Kinki Gerlinki are - somewhat paradoxically - advertising this year's sale with a cutesy 'keep quiet, don't tell your friends' line. But it's OK, they can get away with being cutesy (and quiet) because their stuff is sure to be interesting, and sure to sell. Note: sales are cash only, so come prepared!
  
  October 17 - 18, 9am-5pm
  Trades Hall, 2 Lygon Street, Carlton
  Kinkigerlinki.com.au
  
  
• Also on this week:
  Girls Night In (Cancer Council Victoria) - throughout October
  Melbourne International Arts Festival - until October 24
  OzKinkFest ('celebrating the kinkier side of life') - October 17 - 27
  

Vox Pop

Paige F, 21, is a History student at the University of Melbourne and lives in Fitzroy North. Here she shares her Melbourne Top 5...

1. Best area: Fitzroy and Fitzroy North
2. Best bar: Rooftop Bar, Melbourne
3. Best eating: Shanghai Dumpling House, Melbourne
4. Best shopping: Brunswick Street and the city

5. Best coffee: Castros Coffee

And finally, Melbourne in a word: Home

 The ever-entertaining Brunswick Street

 

Melbourne Profile: the Muso

Many moons ago, Josh Barber, 21, picked up the drums and showed immediate natural ability. This talent, combined with hard work and a healthy dose of charm and confidence, has seen Barber become a sought-after addition to many Melbourne-based ensembles, orchestras and bands over the years. Having recently returned from his first European foray, Barber still delights in calling Melbourne home. I tracked down this delightful Melbourne muso to discover his thoughts on our dear city...

 
What is the best thing about Melbourne?
JB: The space and the trees. Both of which are gradually disappearing...

Where is your favourite place in Melbourne?

JB: I love walking down St Kilda Road in nice weather, especially when there are ducks in the pools in front of the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria).

What are the best places to drink, socialise, groove and eat?

JB: Prudence bar on Victoria Street is really comfortable. 303 in Northcote is great for cheap live music and friendly people. And I'm a big fan of Thai food - Thaila Thai on Lygon Street does it well.

Where is the best shopping?

 JB: I'm not much of a shopper, and tend to gravitate towards department stores for the lack of confrontation. Westfield Doncator is vast enough for me!

Does Melbourne cater to your tastes well?

JB: Yes. The arts scene is growing increasingly pretentious, but I have faith that this facet of Melbourne will rediscover humility soon.

Anything else we should know?

JB: Spending an hour heading East is a good way to find a nice Sunday lunch, antique stores and forested hills.

 
Melbourne in a word?

JB: Easy.

Barber has studied music at the Victorian College of the Arts, and is in a handful of Melbourne bands. One of which, The Megahorns, supported The Cat Empire at a sell-out September show at Prince Bandroom. In February 2010, Barber will be travelling to the U.S. with another of his projects, up-and-coming The Little Stevies, to showcase their wonderful music.

Check out:

www.myspace.com/joshbarberdrums
www.myspace.com/megahorns
www.thelittlestevies.com
www.twitter.com/barberjosh

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

Melbourne is awash with festivals a.t.m. which, luckily for us, provide many fantastic indoor events to make up for the downright sad-looking weather we've been having. Still not tempted to go out? Ignore the tut-tuts and instead, invite your friends over for a night in to raise money for the Cancer Council. We'll allow it this month.

• Host a Girls Night In for a good cause
  An easy way to do something good, host a night in for your friends (of any sex, let's not discriminate) during October, and ask guests to donate the money they would typically spend on a night out to the Cancer Council instead. Now in its 5th year, this initiative has seen over $12 million raised for women's cancers at over 22 000 events. Make your night as fancy or as low key as you want. Cook a bunch of Spanish food or attempt to get through the whole BBC Jane Austen collection (or Lethal Weapon legacy, if that's your thing). And don't worry if you can't get many people to commit, because if you think about it, even a two person donation is worthwhile.
  
  Visit the website for details
  Girlsnightin.com.au
  
  
• Melbourne Fringe Festival
  Old news, maybe, but still going for this week, and still exciting. So get going! And get excited.
  
  September 23 - October 11
  Various venues around Melbourne
  Melbournefringe.com.au
  
  
• Comedy at the Corner Hotel
  Help out Channel 31's 'most dynamic, exciting and fresh hour of entertainment,' Studio A and see Peter Hellier, Charlie Pickering (from Ten's The 7 pm Project), Dave Callan from Triple J and a bunch of other guys who I'm sure are worth the $20 entry. What else is there to do on a Tuesday night?
  
  October 6, 7.30pm
  Corner Hotel, Richmond
  Cornerhotel.com
  
  
• The inaugural CraftExpo
  The organisers of this debut event (those crazy kids responsible for the Craft & Quilt Fair) say we can expect the 'fresh, fun, new, and different,' along with all of our old favourites at this weekend's event. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building, CraftExpo will offer interactive features, workshops and shopping. For the very creative, there's also the Great Apron Challenge, in which participants are given an hour in the sewing room to produce the most fabulous apron they can and parade it down the catwalk for the chance to win a sewing machine. Not bad.
  
  CraftExpo
  October 8 - 11, 10 am - 4.30 pm daily
  Royal Exhibition Centre, Carlton
  Tickets: $7/13/15, available at door or online
  Thecraftexpo.com.au
  
  
• Melbourne International Arts Festival
  On many a Melbourne mind this week, the MIAF is a good, good festival. If you fancy yourself a fan of theatre, dance, opera, visual arts, film and/or music (and let's face it, if you don't then that is probably something to be worked on), then you're sure to find something entertaining and inspiring. The festival kicks off this weekend with Pealing of the Bells, Ringing of the Changes, and Mischievous Bells, and a performance by French aerial circus troupe Transe Express at the Alexandra Gardens (weather permitting). See the website for more information.
  
  October 9 - 24
  Various locations and times
  Melbournefestival.com.au
  

Dinner at Bimbo Deluxe

...was painfully average.

The beauty of Bimbos is, of course, that one can get a $4 pizza (almost) any day (or night) of the week. And really, that's the number one reason why we go there. To be fair, it's not the only reason. Bimbos is cheap, yes, but also well equipped to fit two for dinner or a big group of friends. On the downside, I always hear people comment on the how dark it is inside. On the upside, the upstairs courtyard can be a lovely place for an evening catch up or afternoon beers. 

Speaking of, Bimbos does enough good drinks (the many flavoured vodkas and the Bright Ale on tap come to mind) to keep people with a range of tastes happy. As a group of eight at 7 pm on a Saturday, we had little trouble getting a table, which is good for Brunswick St.

The venue of choice for a range of people and events, Bimbos pleases, but rarely delights.

Potato pizza and the pumpkin and spinach salad.

But whatever, I'll definitely be back. Especially considering $4 is just a cheap tip in most restaurants.

Bimbo Deluxe (Bar w pizzas till late)
376 Brunswick St
Fitzroy
bimbodeluxe.com.au
See website for details on $4 specials, etc.

Breakfast at The Farm Cafe

One of the major highlights of attending primary school in Abbotsford (I’d say the only highlight, but we were also near Victoria Street) was that every so often on a Friday afternoon our teachers would take us to the Collingwood Children's Farm. Once there, two hours of poop scooping was rewarded with about 4 minutes of riding horses tied to a rope on a stick in a 20 x 20 metre paddock. It was awesome.

Various things have taken me back to the Farm over the last decade, and although the awed fascination of those early years has waned somewhat, I still find it an exciting place. Peaceful and soothing, it reminds me of the good things in childhood and life generally, of how we should be caring, nurturing and remember to take things slowly. So when looking for a breakfast place to meet my friend Amelia this week, I couldn’t pass up the chance to check out the Farm’s highly recommended café.

Found inside the entrance but before reception (and the $8-16 entrance fee), The Farm Cafe is near enough to the animals to appreciate the experience (we saw sheep, hens and baby goats from where we sat), but far enough to avoid any bad smells – a much appreciated attribute.

The Goats Toast

The coffee and chai were good, not great, but served with Bonsoy on request which is always a nice touch. I enjoyed the ‘goats toast’, multigrain served with shredded beetroot, fresh spinach and goats cheese, while Amelia opted for the slow cooked beans with toast (also good).

Slow Cooked Beans

The Farm Cafe is not cheap – for a breakfast and a coffee expect to pay between $12 and $18 (more if you add extras like a poached egg). But for an organic (where available), ‘sustainable and ethical’, tasty and filling meal, it was one satisfying Melbourne experience.

Melbourne Profile: the Visitor

If you had asked Daniel Patriksson a year ago whether he ever saw himself living in Melbourne, you would have been met with a blank stare, a thoughtful 'hmm', and a 'probably not'. But that's just what this Swedish-born 23-year-old has done, arriving in Melbourne three weeks ago with plans to stay for at least a year.

'It all began with a hot dog,' says Daniel, who met his Melbourne-based girlfriend Anya earlier this year in Jonkoping, Sweden, where they both studied. 'We shared one on the street after the bars closed, exchanged numbers, and good things have been happening ever since.'

Daniel, who grew up in a small town in southern Sweden ('There were about 250 people,' he says indifferently) moved to Jonkoping for university a few years ago. He has temporarily put off his Masters in Industrial Design to be with Anya in her hometown and explore Melbourne for himself.

'I've always had a dream of going to Australia at some time in my life. But didn't think about Melbourne. Since coming here, it has been a real discovery, it's an awesome city. There is so much to do and see here, so much culture, so much going on. I love that it is a very diverse city, a lot of different cultures coming together. It makes for a good mix.'

And what has he done in Melbourne so far?

'I have felt like a tourist, walking around with a camera,' he says, 'but I've been taking it easy, slowly getting to know the city. I have done some exploring on my own, and Anya has introduced me to some of the fun things to do here.'

In the three weeks since arriving, Daniel has been to gigs (they saw Spinderella @ Ding Dong last Thursday), bars (it didn't take long to find Cookie), restaurants (I may have had a hand in getting him to Shanghai Dumpling House), parties, clubs, festivals ('The High Vibes fest in Northcote was great. So much music, so many diverse people coming together') and other parts of Melbourne life. 

So what next?

'I'm looking forward to doing a lot more of that,' he says. 'This week we are going to Phillip Island, to see the kangaroos, koalas and other stuff. Then it's back to exploring this amazing city.'

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

So, it's both school and uni holidays but I don't see anybody relaxing yet. The least we can do is find the time to have a little fun.

• 'Twilight' back on the big screen
  For those of you who were late to the Twilight party and missed seeing it at the cinema -or for the other gazillion fans- ACMI is screening the Catherine Hardwicke film this week at 1pm. Sure to be full of school kids on holidays, but a bit of fun nonetheless.
  
  September 21 - 25, 1pm
  ACMI Cinemas, Federation Square, City
  acmi.net.au
  
  
• Melbourne Fringe Festival
  A very fun, very exciting annual event, the Fringe Festival always has something to entertain. Solo shows, ensembles, plays, cabaret, comedy, installation, music, drama and at least two too many clown shows. Cheap, largely undiscovered entertainment. Turn off Neighbours and go, go!
  
  September 23 - October 11
  Various venues around Melbourne
  melbournefringe.com.au
  
  
•  Slow Food Farmers' Market
  At the Abbotsford Convent, an often forgotten about place nestled between a Steiner school and the Collingwood Children's Farm. There is a delicious wood fire bakery here, and on the fourth Saturday of each month, a market selling 'organic seasonal fruit, vegetables, seedlings, flowers, herbs, juices, breads, olive oil, eggs, rare breed and free range meat, chooks, fresh & smoked fish, home made condiments, specialist cheeses', etc. Bring your own bags or baskets because the market is plastic bag free.
  
  September 26, 8am - 1pm
  Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford
  abbotsfordconvent.com.au
  
  
•  Hello Sailor Vintage Fair
  So there's a lot of things to do this Saturday. And if you're one of those lucky souls not working (sigh), then this is probably a good one to consider. The Facebook event tells me: 'There are over 14 stalls consisting of mens/ladies vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. Lots of summer vintage stock has been imported and all is cheap, cheap, cheap. There will be a BBQ at 2pm and drink specials along with some good tunes. Try to get there early as good stock disappears quite quickly. Both days have different stalls so there is fresh stock for the Sunday.' Even if you don't find anything, you'll still spend a weekend with the cool kids.
  
  September 26 - 27, 1pm-6pm
  The Carlton Hotel, 197 Bourke St, City
  
  
• AFL Grand Final
  Whether you are interested in AFL football or not, there is always something peaceful and excitable about Grand Final day in Melbourne. For many of us, Geelong vs St Kilda is a much more interesting pairing than that of last year's final. Though this is the Cats' third in a row, I'm told the Saints have not made it this far in over a decade, and haven't won the premiership since 1966. Unless you are very organised or very connected, you won't have a ticket, so find a TV screen (in almost any bar or pub), choose a side and get barracking.
  
  September 26, 2.30pm - 5.15pm
  Channel 10 or One
  

The Dumpling Chronicles: Shanghai vs Shanghai

On a rainy Tuesday evening in late 2004, as I waited on the steps of Flinders Street station for my friend Shirin to arrive, I contemplated where we could go for dinner. As students on a budget, dressed in school uniform and not wanting to dine at a food court, our options seemed limited. As it turned out, my worrying was for nothing, as Shirin turned up with the suggestion that we go to Shanghai Dumpling House. Being a fan of both Chinese food and low prices, I didn't hesitate and soon found myself sitting in a booth in the sparsely decorated restaurant (see figure 1).

 Figure 1. Shanghai Dumpling House keeps it real. The decor hasn't changed in at least five years. And I'm OK with that.

Two full stomachs and a hefty $12.00 bill later, we were hooked! Dumplings were the new Viva Juice. Dinner? Let's go to Shanghai! Lunch? Mm, Shanghai. Where should we celebrate our engagement? Shanghai! I spread the word and took everybody there. This continued until, well, last Thursday actually. But I'm sorry to say that it may be my last visit there for a while.

Since it was 6.45pm on a weeknight, we were fortunate not to have to wait too long for a table.  The food came quickly and was hot. The Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce was blissful, but the other dishes were lacking. The service was whatever, but we are used to that. At $62.50 for six people (incl. $5 corkage for b.y.o. wine and $1 per beer) the meal was fine. It's just that I've had better.

Figure 2. Chinese broccoli w oyster sauce. Not its best shot.

You see, on my return to Melbourne six weeks ago, I learned of a wonderful new place. A dumpling heaven, if you will - Shanghai Village. Actually, heaven might be a little strong, since as far as I can tell, the menu is exactly the same as at Shanghai Dumpling House and the atmosphere no more comfortable (except this new place has hot pink walls, if you're into that). But of three things, I will enthuse:

1. The food is tastier and fresher
2. The waiting time for tables is far shorter
3. ... I thought I had a third point, but I've forgotten and really, those two are enough.

I'm not one to hastily write off any place that has been so good to me for so long. And I'm sure I will return to Shanghai Dumpling House one day. But for now, I will walk the extra two blocks to Shanghai Village and take pleasure in the quality.

Check them out for yourself:
Shanghai Dumpling House

25 Tattersalls Lane, City
(between Lt Bourke and Lonsdale Streets)
Open every day
Go for: the Chinese broccoli w oyster sauce; to do something 'very Melbourne'

Shanghai Village

112 Lt Bourke St, City

Probably also open every day
Go for: the vegetarian dumplings; a better meal

Political voice = good. Climate change = bad.

I can't imagine there are many young Australians in favour of global warming. (In fact if you are please leave me a comment detailing your argument.) But I also have a hunch that most of us don't do enough about it. I'm not sure when I first became aware of the threat of climate change. But by year 11 Environmental Science I couldn't sleep if the TV was on stand-by or a nearby tap dripped. I'm not perfect, I have been caught driving when I could take public transport (this is bad), consuming meat products (bad), and have been known on occasion to let the complementary shower timer go another around (you try the face wash/body wash/hair wash/leg shave routine in 4 minutes). But for the most part, I do what I can.

According to their website, Youth Decide's organisers believe 'a united youth voice will help compel the Australian government to lead the way in securing a strong global agreement' at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen later this year.

Voting is already open and closes next Monday (the 21st). It can be done on the website, at the Youth Decide Concert (see previous post) or at selected NAB branches.

I haven't done the research to know what kind of difference the vote's result will make. But if it's something you believe in, why not try?

Youth Decide youth vote on climate change
September 14 - 21

The Australian Youth Climate Coalition in partnership with World Vision

youthdecide.com.au
aycc.org.au

Update (22/09/09): Here's a snapshot of Youth Decide results

- 330 local voting events
- 37,432 votes
- 91.5% voted for world three - 40+ emissions reduction targets
- 5.9% voted for world two - 25 - 40% emissions reduction targets
- 2.5% voted for world one - Government's current emissions reduction target of 4-24%

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

Let's face it, there are always excuses not to get to things. Particularly during weeks which are full of work, school or family commitments (so that is every week, yes?). Being busy can be a legitimate excuse, but often it's that we simply make up our minds that we are too busy to do things not in our regular schedule, and amazing opportunities slip us by...

•  Youth Decide Free Concert
  Not busy Wednesday at 5pm? Catch the Cat Empire, Kisschasy, Jimeon and 'special guests' (perhaps those crazy kids at the Australian Youth Climate Coalition?) at Fed Square from 5pm. Event is to promote the 'Youth Decide' vote on climate change, happening this week,
  September 14 - 21.
  
  September 16, 5pm
  Federation Square, City
  youthdecide.com.au
  
  
• Italian Film Festival
  I picked up the brochure for this annual event at a postcard stand in a Hawthorn cafe and was instantly excited. The highlight this year seems to be Vincere, a drama based on the life of Mussolini's first wife that has scooped various film festival awards, including a Golden Palm nomination at Cannes this year. For those less inclined to the foreignness of foreign films, Michael Winterbottom's Genova (starring Colin Firth) should make for another great Melbourne outing.
  
  September 16 - October 5
  Various Palace/Kino cinemas around Melbourne
  italianfilmfestival.com.au
  
  
• The Royal Melbourne Show
  Man, was this one of the major highlights of my life at ages 10 - 13! Though I will admit I haven't been to the Show since 2004, and it wasn't a thrilling experience then, I still couldn't leave it off this list because it was just so much fun as a kid. My siblings and I would spend hours with the show bag guide and a highlighter, dreaming of our $20 budget stretching to fulfil our fantasies. One day I'll go back. One day...
  
  September 17 - 27
  Royal Melbourne Showgrounds,  Ascot Vale
  royalshow.com.au
  
  
• Short & Girly
  If anything would get me to St Kilda on a Friday night, it would be a comedy show for a good cause. Or possibly free drinks. But this time it's the former, in the form of the Short & Girly Comedy Gala, an all-female show to raise funds for the Victorian AIDS Council. There seems to be some confusion as to the date of the event, but Ticketek tells me it's this Friday, and I'm inclined to believe the people selling us the tickets.
  
  September 18, 8pm
  National Theatre, St Kilda
  Tickets: $45/55  ticketek.com.au
  myspace.com/shortandgirly
  
  
• High Vibes Festival
  Onlymelbourne.com.au says of this High Street festival: "As the finale of the Darebin Music Feast, High Vibes is more than a music festival, it is a celebration of Northcote’s vibrant character. And with more musicians per capita than any other suburb in Australia, there can be little doubt that the ‘cote is the best place in town to get down and jiggy." It's obvious why I had to c&p here instead of describing the event myself, for what better description can there be for anything than one that refers to Northcote as 'the 'cote' and invites us to 'get down and jiggy'? None, I say. In any event, this one sounds like it will make for a great day. See you there!
  
  September 20, 12pm-10pm
  High Street, Northcote
  Entry by gold coin donation
  For further deets, check out: www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=12312
  
  
• ACMI Open Day
  I love ACMI. I love its location, its affordability, and the fact that we even have an Australian Centre for the Moving Image. If Northcote seems too far to travel for your Sunday entertainment, then maybe you can at least get to Fed Square for the ACMI Open Day. A lot of the activities are aimed at children, but I bet everything that this event would entertain anyone of any age interested in film, or culture, or people. Happy bonus: entry is FREE! Check the website for schedule details.
  
  September 20, from 10am
  ACMI, Federation Square, City
  Entry free
  acmi.net.au

A new way to look at things

I have been in Melbourne for six weeks now. Well, 21 years and six weeks. That's right, I'm revealing both my age and my ability to confuse readers. Particularly once you learn that my 21st birthday was in February, not August. Long story short, I was born and raised in Melbourne but spent the first seven months of this year living and travelling in Europe. No big deal, as far as life experiences go. But upon my return to this extraordinary city, something struck me... something other than its extraordinariness and the high level of wind in August.

I find it fascinating how easily we forget the excitement and interest sparked by every corner of a foreign place (and I mean every corner - I don't know what it would take to get most locals to visit their own museum of haberdashery), yet promptly see our own city as a set reality, one of familiarity and routine.

Don't get me wrong, familiarity and routine are a natural and (mostly) comforting part of life. It's just that I'm keen to hold onto that excitement in experiencing some of the super dooper things this city has to offer.

Ergo, this blog is about documenting these experiences, in the form of reviews, commentary and whatever else strikes my fancy.

Join me on the glorious and ongoing journey of a Melbourne wanderer...