Forum Fest 2015 Melbourne

[Kimmyh]

Lovely gert. No judy hot weather to be replaced by rain! That's Melbourne!!

[gertbysea]

It is a beautiful evening with a lot of people enjoying the weather. Had quite a long walk and spotted one or two Aussies! Lol!

Gert

[Cornish Cream]

Blimey Gert that a lot of chillies

[cookie1]

You don't see too many Aussies around in the late afternoon in Melbourne. All the students seem to be stocking up for the evening.
Gert that is so many chillis. I couldn't go near it. I knew you liked chilli, but that is a lot.

[judydawn]

I would never be able to sleep if I ate that Gert, big time heartburn.

[Cuilidh]

Did you actually have anything with the chillies, Gert?

Don't worry about the weather everyone, it's going to cool down to 18 or so tomorrow and be fairly sensible most of the weekend, although 29 on Sunday - hope the tramcar restaurant is air conditioned!

[judydawn]

Thanks Marina.  Surely it would be!

[Wonder]

Welcome to Melbourne Gert.

Cocktail of the day sounds great. Like Cookie we've found the hotel central and "serviceable"!

If you didn't find out yesterday the food areas at Emporium are pretty good with a few of the more well known Melbourne restaurants having shops. There is a Jimmy Grants (George Columbaris), and they have not only great souvlaki but also the Hellenic grain salad that JulioO posted a recipe for.

Also not sure why I didn't think of it earlier but the rooftop bar which hosts the outdoor cinema is only a short walk and is a bit of quiet night time fun if you are able to get tickets.

Marina, I find it strange they don't clued vegetarian options as I'm sure it turns people off if they don't know the restaurant is happy to cater for them. In the past I've had some seafood dishes shaped for vegetarian and I thought they were lovely but there is also the plainer vegetable dish the chef has offered.

[achookwoman]

Welcome Gert, glad you are sussing everything out.  Those chillies our unbelievable.
Can't wait to get to town tomorrow and start catching up.
Will be contacting AA today to enquire about parking. They were to send me info but it didn't happen.

[Aussie Brenda]

Hi Gert it maybe a bit cool for you today hope you brought your Cardi 😃. 

[cookie1]

As Judy and I have found out there is a Target very close to the hotel if you need extra clothing, py's or anything similar.

As Wonder mentioned there are lots of delicious food places at Emporium.   Jimmy Grants is great and right near it there is Charlie and Co. Lovely burgers and Parmesan chips.  There are also a couple of sit down restaurants not in the food hall. There is a quaint little tea place for cups of tea and cake. Lots and lots.

ONLY ONE MORE SLEEP. This time tomorrow, all being well, Kerry and I will be. One third of our way to Melbourne.  I have checked in online and raring to go.

[achookwoman]

PARKING for Yum Cha cooking class
There are 2 options.
1, best as won't have to shift car but a bit more expensive.
     Market parking, first 2 hours free and $6 for next 3 hours.
2. Street parking , 2 hour limit so would have to shift car in middle of class.
Sorry this is late notice but have been waiting for AA to get back to me.   I had to ring.

[CreamPuff63]

We might be on the same plane as you both, leaving at about 9:20am I think off memory. Haven't started packing as yet, but I've got the important stuff like my mask, feather boa, gift card, and the cook books. Will chuck clothes in a suitcase tonight and that will be that.

[cookie1]

Kerry and I fly out at 7.25am CP. It will be early to bed and early to rise.

[judydawn]

Just visited DH & Mum, had my nails done, bought another handbag and cardigan for the trip - the spending has begun before I even get to FF.

I asked DH what he had to do whilst I was away - be good he said!  Not quite what I expected him to say as I'd just told him that he had to tell staff if he was uncomfortable (he never complains), he has to accept help if he needs it with his meals and he has to make sure there's always water on his tray.  I had a word with the DON so that she knows I'm away. 

Mum said to have a good time and she'll let me know if she dies !