ghotiindustries

Melbourne Cup

Posted on November 13, 2012 by ghotiindustries

So, it turns out that when you live on the other side of the world, the Melbourne Cup not only doesn’t stop anything, but, you sleep through it. Which makes it incredibly easy to avoid media, not know who won, and be able to attend a Melbourne Cup party on Saturday night, thereby skipping the hungover day at work on Wednesday! It’s all quite neat really!

I’ll begin by saying that, as with any good Melbourne Cup party, it began a few days earlier with a shopping trip which was required buy a few final pieces to complete the outfit. I began my shopping with espresso and a brownie. Always a good way to begin any shopping expedition!

I had a skirt, was thinking of a top I thought would go with it, and just happened to come across some massive flowers for my hair which I was assured by our gracious hostess would be fine as a fascinator.

The party was wonderful! Everyone dressed up and the whole atmosphere was very gezellig! It was actually quite fun explaining to the non-Aussies what all the fuss was about. And after a few drinks, you know, honestly … I’m not sure either.

There was an assortment of Australian food too, though my photos of that didn’t turn out so well, so here’s another fuzzy crowd shot of everyone looking schmick!

When everyone was assembled, and drinks were being consumed, we all clustered around to watch the race!

We didn’t win the sweepstakes, but it was immense fun just dressing up and being out with everyone. I definitely think there should be more parties in our life! Perhaps I should work on that one …

So how did you all do in your office sweepstakes?

Sunday Market

Posted on November 5, 2012November 5, 2012 by ghotiindustries

We were introduced to a new market by friends today, the Sunday Market at Westergasfabriek. Being cold and wet, I think we spent more time inside than out, though there were some beautiful things to see, and food to sample all over!

As you can see, the weather doesn’t put anyone off, they just rug up for it. It’s a very popular market. I think it doesn’t hurt that it’s only on once a month rather than every week like some other markets.

It’s a hand-made and crafters market, which reminded me a lot of the Bus Depot Market in Canberra. There were a fair few similar stalls!

It was also a wonderful place to begin the mammoth task of Giftmas shopping for 2012!

It doesn’t hurt to be prepared, just in case the world doesn’t come to an end.

Vondel Park

Posted on October 31, 2012October 31, 2012 by ghotiindustries

Vondel Park has been dressed in it’s best for Autumn. It is the perfect time of year to rug up, pick up a camera, and head outside!

The first thing we spied were some of last seasons birds nests. Empty now of course. I wonder if they’ll get re-used next year?

There is still sunlight ti be found. So long as you’re patient about waiting for it!

This couple and thier dog made a picture perfect moment while feeding the ducks.

Only, it became evident mere seconds after this photo was taken that the dog wasn’t theirs. It’s owner came up on a bicycle, lead in hand trying to capture the wayward beast, who it turned out was after the bread being fed to the ducks!

So many beautiful houses surround the park.

I was thoroughly excited to finally find a tree that was changing colours through reds and purples. Leaves here (so far) seem to predominantly go to yellow, then brown.

Another beautiful street full of houses.

One final tree in all it’s Autumn glory.

How are you enjoying, or celebrating your season’s changing?

One Step Beyond!!!

Posted on October 29, 2012October 29, 2012 by ghotiindustries

I still have the hugest grin on my face! And I can’t get the songs out of my head! We went and saw MADNESS at the Heineken Music Hall. It was incredible!!!

The support band began at 8pm, and had an awesome brass section! (As I guess you’d have to to support MADNESS successfully) They were so full of energy that my dodgy phone photo is all blurry.

I’m really looking forward to going to see a band in Amsterdam and knowing what they are saying/singing! Though when they broke into the chorus of one song with “donder op”, I was put in mind of a luncheon earlier this year with our adopted father in law! 😉

The crowd was enormous, well behaved, in good spirits, and surprisingly of all ages!

And as the house lights went down, and the band came out, the amount of little LCD screens recording the show was remarkably impressive! No issues with taking pictures here!

I guess they have realised that they actually can’t take peoples phones off them or stop the pictures being taken. Besides, the amount that I saw being forwarded directly to twitter? It seemed like remarkably good marketing!

One of the lead singers made the comment at the end of the night that one girl in the front row hadn’t watched any of the show, but if we wanted video footage of the entire performance, to catch up with her outside!

They played all the old favourites that I remembered from *cough* years ago, and everyone was singing along! (Or screaming. Yes, me too.) Though I must admit, seeing over 40 year old guys in suits singing about teen angst was remarkably amusing!

There were two singers breaks during the show, and I only mention them because they went so far beyond the bounds of awesome, that I had to share! The first, the lead guitar stayed on stage, took over a microphone and quite admirably performed Highway to Hell (with the ENTIRE audience singing along!), and the second all the band was on stage bringing their own special MADNESS magic to “In the Hall of the Mountain King”. Oh. WOW. 0_o

Enough blather from me though. Enjoy my own small slice of footage, and pogo along with the rest of the audience to the end of Our House!