Friday, August 20, 2010

Public Spaces

One thing I have really enjoyed about Melbourne is their buildings and their creative use of public spaces. Somehow, in a city that was the first established by the British in 1835 year, the urban planners have allowed for odd shaped, colors and textures to be included in their city landscape. (Granted, the local indigenous have been here for roughly 70,000 years, but that is another story.) From the Sienna-like Piazza at Federation Square to the funky university building for the RMIT, which seem to be inspired by Kafka himself.
In between these buildings and Melbourne's alleyways are corridors with steps to be sat on that lead to carpeted squares to hold open air readings, plays, shows, you name it, it happens outside in Melbourne. The Symphony even has its own outdoor permanent venue.
I think my stepdaughter would enjoy this city. It is urban in every way, but not so new that it is still growing into what it will be. Melbourne is grown up, mature and comfortable in its melange of arts, history and shiny new development. Somehow, it all just comes together.
Tonight I dragged Angie to a place called the Craft Institute, written up in Lonely Planet, and I had seen the alleyway it was down on my walk through Chinatown earlier this week. The bar was a hoot, exactly as I had imagined and as promised, with lab equipment scattered on shelves, and the bathrooms contained a hospital bed and were labelled "Department of Feminine Hygiene". Angie promptly ordered something served in a syringe. Of course she did. I could tell she was having trouble not taking out the camera. We sat and had our cocktails and soaked up the cool tunes and the really strong drinks! It would definitely be a regular hang out if we lived here!

1 comment:

  1. I knew sooner then later you would fine the right bar to hang out. How were heads the next day? If you didn't have a hang over good for you. The bar sounds like alot of fun. How was your banquie? The day by the sea looked pretty cold. Lot of love Mom. xxxxxxxxxxoooooooooo

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