Four Seasons in one day at the NGV

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder (beer holder?). Same must be said for art.  Some people visit art galleries and spend hours in front of a painting or a piece of art, deep in thought, chin in hand.  I'm not sure what they're contemplating (did I turn off the iron, do these jeans make my bum look big), I'm not one of those people.  I mean, I don't contemplate art, my bum in jeans is another story.

That's not to say I don't like art and I have visited my fair share of galleries around the world.  Some because they are famous and I love the building, others are small local galleries and some because you just need to get out rain/sun.   I've seen some amazing pieces and I've seen plenty of crap that just makes you say WTF?  But someone must like it right, so who am I to judge? Art knowledge, minimal. 

The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) is one of those must sees and over the years we've visited a few times and seen various exhibitions.  It's certainly worth a few hours, just looking at the permanent exhibits.  Today we went to see Van Gogh (the Dutch pronunciation is ‘fun gokh’ but apparently ‘Vahn Goff’ is okay) and the Seasons. Apt, as Melbourne is known to have four seasons in one day.  I can't say I knew too much about the artist other than he was Dutch, painted 'The Starry Night' and yellow sunflowers, cut off his ear and shot himself.    

Today was officially the last day, although it has been extended to the end of the week.  So it was BUSY.  Opened at 8am and although we had pre-purchased our tickets, we had timed entry at 10am.  Note to self, go to these sorts of things early on and preferably during the week. 

So what did I learn? He wasn't crazy or a poor, starving artist and although he spent sometime in an asylum, he admitted himself. He painted 850 painting and 1200 drawings - not bad for a ten year career. Apparently he cut off his left ear after a confrontation with his flatmate at the time, the artist Paul Gauguin. I can see it now, "fuck Vincent, I've told you a 1000 times don't leave your dirty brushes in the bathroom sink, you lazy SOB".  And then it just got out of hand and out came the razor. These artistic types are very temperamental.


A depressed, Van Gogh shot himself in the chest with a revolver at age 37 and died from his injuries two days later on 29 July 1890.

As for the art, thoroughly enjoyed it - even if it was only a minute or two at each piece.  Surprisingly I recognised a fair few.   Also surprisingly you could take pictures.  Sign of the times when a sign stated that selfie sticks not permitted.  Also interesting that many people seemed to just take a photo and keep walking.  Art through a mobile phone. 

Following our morning of culture, we had a walk along the Art Centre Sunday market and lunch at Emporium.  Sat right next to Charlie & Co. Burgers and DID NOT EAT ONE.  Even though they are on the list.  Was I sick? Nope, had burgers last night (new burger place in Hampton - Top Burger), so thought two in a row might be a bit much.  Noodles I had were good, but should have had the burger. 

An enjoyable winter Sunday.

A day out with Jordan and Jason

Kids these days have heaps of toys, so what to "buy" Jordan and Jason for their 6th birthday? With buy less stuff firmly in mind, we decided to give them a day out.  A day out for them and a day off for their parents - win win. The big question was, would we survive? 

Precision planning was required.  We would collect them at 9.30am.  OK, let's make it 9.25am to have time for a quick coffee with Jing and Jose.  When we arrived, they were already running around (Jordan and Jason, not Jose and Jing) like, well like 2 energetic, normal 6 year olds, with Yoyo (lab) bounding around between them. Just another Sunday morning in the 4 J's household.

Right, quick car swap (no child seats in the ute), strap in and we were off.  LEGOLAND Discovery Centre here we come!  As we pulled away, there was the distinct shout of "yippee we're free" coming from the house.  Must have been the radio.

Lots of singing and shouting in the car - and that was just me.  Hang on a minute, we were going in the wrong direction.  With all the excitement, Emilio was heading towards Southland instead of Chaddie.  Woops, OK, no problem, we had plenty of time.  All good.

Pre-booking was a good idea.  Only 10.15am and the place was already busy.  But with tickets already clutched in our hands, we were through! When I say "we" I mean Jordan, Jason and I.  Emilio had spotted the Samsung shop and decided I should have the honour of going in with them (we only had 1 adult ticket).  BTW, this place has a no child, no entry rule - which I guess is a good idea and stops childless weirdos.  Feel a bit sorry for all the adult Lego weirdos out there - and it must have been and issue, because they have adult Lego nights.  I wander if they serve bubbles?

First stop is a 'space station" where you make Lego men and stuff.  With the kids at the consoles, I took the time to arrange, discarded jackets, scarves, water bottles, bits given to us on entry, leashes, poo bags, no sorry, these were kids, not dogs (although there were some kids there that could have done with being on a leash)  Not used to all this additional baggage.  OK short line up to climb aboard a little car thing where you go along and shoot the baddies (sorry Orks, geez) to save the princess.  This was fun and OK the competitive nature in me came out and although I told them that it was a draw, I whipped their butts at shooting baddies Orcs! 

The model display of Melbourne with lights showing for day and night and lots of moving parts, is pretty amazing.  4D movie time - I love 4D movies, complete with water so yay! Into the main Lego workshop.  You know that nightmare when you get up in the middle of the night to go for a wee and step on a Lego piece in bare feet?  Well multiply that by 1,000.  Prepared for battle, I had worn my trusty Doc Martens, so feet were protected. 

First couple of stations were a couple of ramps where you built "cars" or simply joined wheels and had a race with your fellow Lego heads.  Jordan and Jason got to work.  Kids being kids, they all soon had their little gangs and posse's formed.  New BFF's bonding over Lego.  After 10 minutes, I suggested moving stations.  No movement.  After 20 minutes, I went over and checked out the "workshops". Did they want to join one? Nope all good.  40 minutes, maybe a play on the slides and bouncy things or a go on the Lego Ride? There was no dragging them away.  How on earth was I going to go and get to play on the other stuff? 


The competitors look says it all

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Resigned to my fate at station 1, I watched as contraptions were hurled down the ramp.  I attempted to build a Batmobile. Obviously failed Lego 101 as a kid - my flatmobile lost a wheel on it's first run.  Snotty 4 year old showed me the piece I was supposed to have holding the wheels together.  Hate smart alecs. Threw it back into the piece pile in a huff and went and sat by myself.

At 1.00pm, hunger won out.  Not before the obligatory walk through the shop to exit.  Why do places do that?  Of course we all know why, but to their credit J&J were pretty good.  A last play with the large Lego blocks outside and to the food hall.  If I thought LEGOLAND was busy, the food hall was chaos.  We spotted a free table, we saw 2 little old ladies making a beeline towards it, we sprinted, leapt over 2 occupied tables and beat them to it. Avoided filthy looks from little old ladies - it's a dog eat dog world out there, sometimes the needs of two 6 year olds, wins out over manners. Success we had a table! Lunch and ice cream, Check. BTW, Gammi chicken that we had a few weeks ago, much nicer than Nene chicken.

Off to Target to buy 2 Lego Batman tops with capes.  Bugger, they didn't have any in my size.  Came out with 1 said Lego Batman shirt and 1 Spiderman one, sans cape. OK, so there was a small pressie to remember their day.

By the time we went home, it was freezing outside and too cold to take them fishing, which had been the plan.  Plan B.  Put on cartoons and cuddled up under the blanket with a hot chocolate.

Yes, we survived. No injuries, no visits to the lost kids department, no vomits, no tantrums.  Emi did really well.  As for the kids, good as gold and we all had a fun day which is what it was all about. As for Jose and Jing, well they had a great day too.

Prahran Market Hidden Gems Market Tour - FREE!

We spent nearly 7 years in living in South Yarra/Prahran, including living at the back of Prahran Market, about a 3 minute walk away.  We nibbled our way around on a fair few Saturday's, but pretty much took it for granted.  Since leaving the area (wow it's been nearly 6 years), we've probably only visited a few times. So when I heard 2 of my favourite words "free and tour", I thought, gotta do that - and of course added it to the list!  Speaking of which I have no idea what's happened to my lists - they've gone wonky (too many bubbles maybe, my new addiction).  And as I am absolutely hopeless when it comes to all things technical, might just have to start again. But that's for another day.

So I booked myself into one of the free Prahran Market tours and on this freezing cold, but beautifully sunny winter's day headed off.  Our group of around 10 met our lovely guide Giovanna who gave us a quick rundown on the history of the market.

First established back in 1864, makes it Melbourne’s oldest Market.  Back then it was smaller and actually in Prahran before moving to its current location on Commercial Road in South Yarra in 1891.  Yep, that's right, Prahran Market is actually not in Prahran!  Over the years it's been extended and renovated and the fruit and veggie section was gutted by fire on Boxing Day in 1950.
The ‘60s migrant explosion meant plenty of new produce being available at the market. Since then it has become a mecca for foodies looking for hard-to-find ingredients and today it remains a community of highly skilled traders and specialty stores. 

Look at that jamon!

Large (free) shopping bags in hand we set off to smell, taste and chat to a few of the stall owners.  Hot gozleme straight off the grill, cheeses, dips, mussels and baklava. On through the seafood and meat hall (plenty of free samples along the way being cooked up on the BBQ's) and a quick tea stop before heading into fruit and veg.  There really is an amazing assortment of things, some that I have never heard of before.

Tea tastings for all - they even do tea ceremonies

Highlight was meeting and chatting to Damian Pike the Mushroom Man (loved his apron, it declared him a "Fun Gi"). Tempted by the Chanterelles, imported from France, but at $150 kg, maybe next time.  Apparently they are delicious cooked with butter, butter, butter, pepper and just a bit more butter.  And we all know that lots of butter makes everything taste pretty delicious.


AKA as Fingered Citron, one of the oldest citrus fruits

With that our tour came to an end (around an hour and fifteen minutes) and it was time to head over to Casa Delicatess that I'd spotted when I went in and tried some of their fabulous chorizo, jamon and queso.  Lots of yummy Spanish and South American goodies, so I did an Emilio and spent $100.   Just made up some hot chocolate with a Mexican chocolate "tablet' and OMG it is good.

All up, fabulous.  Had forgotten how much fun the Prahran Market was and what an amazing  range of produce they have. So as Molly would say, do yourselves a favour and book in to do this tour.

Tickets: FREE Book here.
When: First Saturday of every month, at 12 noon.
Duration: 1 hour'ish
Includes: A guided tour, a Prahran Market Shopping Bag and some exclusive tastings

Very tempted to pop back next Sunday 9 July for their Truffle & Charcuterie Celebration.