Anthony and I spent the better part of the month settling into our new home in Fitzroy, and a few celebrations ensued.
Fourth of July at The Gem
Wednesday, July 4
Despite living in a county that doesn’t acknowledge one of the biggest American holidays of the year, I still needed to indulge in the appropriate food and drink for the Fourth of July. A group of us met at The Gem for Viva Las Vegas trivia, an American themed bar that resembles more of an Elvis shrine. We referred to ourselves as team “Four score and seven beers ago,” but unfortunately our knowledge did match our wit.
Moving Day
Saturday, July 7
I had been waiting for this day for MONTHS. The construction of a 20-story apartment building directly next to Anthony’s apartment in West Melbourne had been testing my mental stability since last September, and after a trying house hunt saga, we finally found a place to call ours. We now live in Fitzroy, a funky graffiti clad neighborhood with the highest density of bars per capita in the entire city. The vibe here feels much more like us and so far, we love it! Huge kudos to Anthony for his patience and diligently reminding me that good things come to those who wait.
Finders Keepers Markets
Friday, July 13
Of all the markets in Melbourne, Finders Keepers might be my favorite. It features local and national artists in a visually attractive set up in the Royal Exhibition Building. Eliza and I weaved around the vendors with wine in hand and marveled at off-beat jewelry, abstract paintings, candles that smell like whiskey and edible cookie dough. It’s a risky game to visit these bi-annual markets though as it’s never easy on the wallet.
Grab Bag Night
Friday, July 27
With the overwhelming selection of bars in Melbourne, let alone in our new neighborhood, my list is ever growing. Anthony and I decided to plan “grab bag nights” where we explore our new local venues at random. The Kodiak Club feels dark and cozy like a cocktail bar, yet features beers and popular bar food from Canada and The States. The irony for me is that there’s a hidden tequila bar upstairs called Little Blood. But I guess since we’re in the Southern Hemisphere everything’s upside down, right?
Housewarming Party
Saturday, July 28
Since moving to Rose Street in Fitzroy, the rose puns have been out of control. Our Facebook invite to our housewarming party was no different.
“Stop to smell the ROSEs and meet out new house plant, ROSE-evelt. Please BYO ROSE-é and we can play ring around the ROSE-ie (and might even paint the ROSEs red!)”
We’re thrilled to finally have space to entertain and look forward to many more gatherings. (And yes, our house plant is really named Roosevelt.)
Nothing but Thieves
Sunday, July 29
One of my favorite bands Nothing but Thieves headlined at The Forum, a beautiful venue in the CBD with Roman statues and a dark blue ceiling with small glowing lights like stars. A band from WA, the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets opened, and we channeled our remaining energy from the weekend into a great evening of live music.
Steph Dobson 