It’s the re-named Royal Melbourne Show 2022, which finished today also re-branding itself as a live music destination and festival for teenagers and adults at night once day tripper families have visited. It has been a big weekend in Melbourne with the AFL Grand Final also on. I have married into a family of footy tragics who just love to watch the football so even though our team wasn’t playing, they still entered the ballot and got seats to watch the big game.
I didn’t go but Mr Rosanna did – while the game itself was a one-sided affair – the pre-match entertainment from Robbie Williams was awesome (in his own words!) – he is a great showman and we definitely let him entertain us whether watching from home or at the game.
I’ve also had friends in town from Queensland and Adelaide and treated one of them to lunch at Di Stasio Citta in Spring Street today. While I have dined at the original restaurant in St Kilda a long time ago now, the city restaurant is a much more urban affair with video projections on the walls and a more industrial feel. The food was excellent with two and three-course options (both under $100) and I also appreciated the very professional and authentic Italian waiter experience.
The occasion wasn’t lost on our guests and it’s also wonderful to see your home city in the eyes of a tourist – they have plans this week to do a day trip to the Peninsula Hot Springs and a night out at Cookie – on our recommendation.
I have felt very grateful to have had the extra public holiday this week although compressing a full week of work into three days meant it was pretty intense in the office trying to make things happen and get things done. I’m hoping this coming week isn’t as full on.
I have been spending time walking or running (or a walk-run to mix things up) the main Yarra trail from Eaglemont to Heidelberg often bumping into friends and family from our old ‘hood in Rosanna. It’s one of the area’s hidden secrets where it feels like being in the country when you see horses in the paddocks and black cockatoos taking flight. The river has been threatening to burst its banks with all the extra rain but I’m making the most of things too, before our slithery friends come out of hibernation next month.
While the cost of living is hitting many of us at the bowser or supermarket, it does seem strange that we are now one of the world’s richest people even though it may not feel like it. You can’t eat your house if you’re lucky to own real estate and irrespective of what it’s worth, if your home is your only place of residence then the dollar value loses its relevance as we all have to live somewhere. It may be the generation after that benefits, and it’s them who may need all the help they can get gaining a foothold into the property market.
Not everyone can afford to dine out at CBD restaurants and it was lovely to read about Hope cafe in Fawkner providing free home cooked meals on a weekly basis to those struggling in the community. We are very lucky to live in this part of the world and I’ve mentioned that recently to someone close to me. Suburban life can sometimes feel a bit mundane but the longer I’ve lived out of the inner city, the more I’m convinced that the greatest things in life can happen in any environment, and are sometimes more likely to happen in the suburbs, where we spend the most time in our lives.
Miss Rosanna 