:mattLandia:

A friend of mine back home, Douleur Divine, pointed out to me that when you "meander" around a city you more or less see with new eyes. I took her observation to heart and spent my weekend Meandering.

Friday Night:

Wandered around Brunswick Street and Johnston street, watching the sun go down, and eating the meatiest hamburger ever at a diner called Red Tongue. The burger was wrapped in ham. Yum.

My first stop was Tote Hotel where I saw two bands. Hell City Glamours and Young Heart Attack. YHA is half hell raisin' Texas rock, half ACDC tribute band -- but 100% diesel. Spent a few hours screamin' along with the rest of the Aussies and soakin' it in.

Second stop was a revisit to Cherry Bar. No sooner was I in line that a brawl broke right in front of me. All sorts of drama ensued, but in the end, security won. I made a statement to the local constable and kept on with my night. Cherry Bar wasn't nearly as crowded as last week (my favorite DJ wasn't in) so I only stayed an hour or so.

Third stop was.. well, I have no idea. Nor the fourth stop. But both were next door to Cherry Bar, had decent music echoing coming out the doors and echoing off the alley walls, encouraging me to continue my meander. Ended up dancing to a kick-ass drum and bass meets post industrial dark wave sort of DJ set till about 5ish, and then meandered my way back to the hotel.

Saturday:

I slept in. WAY in. I think I finally hit the street around 2pm. I spent the afternoon shopping in the CBD and in Prahan. Went to a store called Route 66 and scored a couple of leg stompin' aussie rockabilly / honkytonk CD's. Then walked into another indie record shop and scored a Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys boxset for $25.

Got back to the hotel around 9ish and decided to just vedge out, watch aussie TV and rest. I bought a bunch of junk food and laid in bed and drank coke after coke. M&M's and coke...yum.

Sunday:

Decided to go back to Brunswick Street to take some photos and do a bit more shopping. I spent most of the afternoon meadering up and down Brunswick, in and out of alleys, with no schedule or map. Damn that feels good! I think I could meander my way around the world given the time and money. In fact, I know I could. Someone send me the money please.

As I sat reading the paper, and enjoying a glass of cool H20, I saw that Melbourne was hosting the International Dancesport Finals tonight! OK, I admit it, I am huge Strickly Ballroom fan, so how could I NOT go and get an actual fix of spandex, bangs (insane heigth), and glitter. So I got online, bought a ticket in the nose-bleed seats, and watched the gayest men in the world rumble rumba style! To be honest though, it was pretty amazing to watch, and I have a soft spot for the classic grace of the Vienna Waltz. Highpoint: The actress who played "Tina Sparkle" in Strictly Ballroom made a guest appearance. Who can say "Paso Doble"?

That it's folks. Meandering weekend complete.

To see this weeks pics: CLICK HERE...