Relaxing

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.

Solstice

Posted on June 25, 2012June 25, 2012 by ghotiindustries

As I was surfing around on Pinterest (my new internet obsession) the other day. I came across an outfit and thought to myself, “Oh DAMN Self! You HAVE to make that to wear to Winter Magic this year!” And then I remembered that it’s currently June. Therefore Winter Magic, though I’m in the middle of Summer at the moment, was this weekend.

So a couple of things; First, happy solstice for whichever hemisphere you are currently in. Your days are currently the longest they’ll be for the year, or the shortest. I know we’re getting dark about 11pm. Second, Happy Winter Magic Festival!

In honour of this occasion, here are some of my favourite photos from the last few years’ celebrations.

There is always so much fun to be had!

It’s a time to see, and be seen. (Yes, I was the object of this stare. Probably had something to do with the Lime green fun fur. What?!?)

Masks are worn.

The brighter your outfit

the better.

The crowds can be incredible!

There are knights in shining armour,

Fairies,

Magical beasts,

And a good sense of humour all around!

I hope all participants had a wonderful time, and had warm wood fires and comfort food waiting for you when you got out of the cold!

Markets

Posted on May 9, 2012May 7, 2012 by ghotiindustries

We took the weekend off for the first time in what feels like months (and between packing and moving, probably has been) in order to head on up to the local market and check it out.

Locally we have both a farmers market full of fresh produce and an “antiques” market. Though I think they term antiques more liberally than I do …

Flowers are prevalent all over Amsterdam.

They are also inexpensive and vibrant!

More evidence of bicycles everywhere, and evidence of the customisation! I can’t wait to have my own bike and drape it in flowers and astro turf in the basket! (it’s looks better than it sounds. If you’re into that kind of thing of course)

Being me, I found the yarn. Damn it was hard to walk away from alpaca at that price. But I have about a kilometre to go on the Evenstar Shawl. I must remain focused! Then the nice man told be he had a bricks and mortar store during the week! All was not lost!

All this goes on in the shadow of the local castle. (No it’s not a castle, but just look at it!!!)

I really wished I’d asked for the price of this set. Then I might not be pining over this photo. *pulls a sad face*

Something that sets markets here apart from those in Australia is weapons on sale. Not only did we see these swords, but there were sai, and a slingshot!

I loved these strap on ice skates! Made me wonder if they were still useable, or a big seller a few months ago when the big freeze was on and everyone was on the canals!

There was a large hippie contingent of clothing stalls at which you could buy anything you’d find at Tree of Life or the Glebe Markets. Not inspiring to me, but handy to know.

But there was so much stuff to fossick through! And it was a very enjoyable time just wandering and exploring.

I also found a Baedeker! If it hadn’t been in French I would have bought it …

The Long Weekend

Posted on April 10, 2012 by ghotiindustries

The Easter long weekend will always be a special one for me. It is a time to spend with friends both old and new, renewing old friendships and forging new bonds up in Lawson. We spent a fair amount of time catching up with our ANZAC who is heading back to the sandpit just in time for ANZAC Day this year … but more on that later!

This year there were special guests that arrived all unobtrusively and invaded. Like good ninjas should! This one is the coffee ninja.

As with all great Aussie back yard BBQs, it ended in a backyard bonfire. I’m glad it was cool enough and there weren’t fire restrictions!

On Saturday night we were again with a friend, catching up over heinous amounts of meat on swords.

The carnage was rather epic.

I’d like to point out that the first person to turn over the little stick from green (I’m up for more meat) to red (stop with the meat) was Himself. I think it just goes to show how unwell he was with his cold the poor blighter!

The only other thing that could truly make my weekend complete was knitting. And boy did I achieve that! I’m finally nearly finished the socks that I began WAY back in April last year! (I can’t believe it’s taken me a year to finish these socks. I wonder where my mojo went?)

I only have to kitchener this one closed, and decrease the toe and kitchener the other and they’ll be done! Just a little something to keep Himself warm and snugly!

I guess I’d best drink my coffee and get on with the week! What did you get up to over the weekend?

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