This afternoon, the Old Fitzroy pub in Darlinghurst was the perfect backdrop for a Sunday roast. A jazz band filled the air with a mix of familiar tunes and less-known melodies, creating a soundtrack that was at once contemporary and relaxed. It was the kind of unobtrusive jazz that makes for great background music—perfect for lunch and conversation. As you can see from the photograph, they’re all quite young. They were very good.
Jazz band playing at The Old Fitzroy
This particular roast lunch was a special one. It was the latest gathering of the First Sunday Roast Club, a tradition that grew out of a challenging time a few years ago. Now, once a month, a group of four friends gets together to find a pub that serves a great roast, most often roast pork with plenty of crispy crackling.
Although we don’t always stick to the first Sunday of the month rule, the goal remains the same. This month, we went to Old Fitzroy, a charming pub nestled in a quieter part of Wooloomooloo, Sydney.
Roast pork at The Old Fitzroy
We found a nearby car park and made our way to the pub. Though our reservation was for an upstairs table, the beautiful spring weather was too good to pass up. We found an outdoor table and enjoyed the occasional cool breeze, the jazz music, and the wonderful company. It was a perfect afternoon.
“I feel like I’m a full-time amputee,” I told my physio on Tuesday.
It was a comment that slipped out, but the more I’ve thought about it this week, the more accurate it feels. When you live with limb loss, there is an entire hidden calendar of appointments, assessments, and admin that can easily swallow your identity if you let it.
Take this week alone. It kicked off on Tuesday with my physio to keep my body moving properly. By Wednesday, the focus shifted to accessibility, doing a wheelchair assessment out in Burwood with the team from WheelEasy to map out the real-world boundaries of our local streets.
On Thursday, it was a deep-dive conversation with my occupational therapist about navigating daily life. By Friday, I was seeing my prosthetist to get measured for a replacement prosthetic. Because our bodies change, stump shrinkage means my current one simply no longer fits—a stark reminder that the hardware requires constant maintenance just to keep up with the biology.
Getting fitted for a new prosthetic involves some old fashioned plaster moulds.
By any definition, it’s a full-time gig. It’s physically exhausting, mentally demanding, and requires a level of scheduling logistics that would make a corporate project manager sweat.
After that intense week of appointments, I desperately needed to shed the “patient” label. I headed to the Drummoyne Sailing Club for dinner and drinks with friends. Though we got there after dark and missed the spectacular 180-degree panoramic view of the harbour—with Cockatoo Island and the lights of North Sydney glittering across the water— it was still the perfect antidote. Looking out at the shifting tides, the stress of the medical week completely melted away.
Ross won the meat tray! Another lucky winner was a VERY PROMINENT Australian. We recognised her name and face straight away, though she’s obviously better known at the club simply by her first name.
Then came today. The weekend vibe started early, but with a very specific, bittersweet purpose. I joined a gathering at the Hero of Waterloo in the heart of The Rocks. Walking into that heritage-listed, convict-built pub is always like stepping back into 1843, with its old hand-chiselled sandstone walls and heavy timbers. Today, the pub was absolutely jumping, packed with people soaking up a wonderful live band.
But our corner of the pub was gathered for something unique: a celebration of the life of Görel Hanser, ABBA’s legendary long-time manager, who passed away recently. Today would have been her birthday.
In some ways, it sounds like an odd gathering—a room full of fans toast-raising a manager in a historic Sydney pub—but there was so much to talk about. The overwhelming consensus in the “ABBA world” is that Görel wasn’t just a fierce professional who did her job incredibly well; she was someone who genuinely cared about the community and was truly a friend of the fans. Being surrounded by that unique energy was brilliant.
With that warmth filling the tank, I headed off after lunch to record a podcast interview with a fellow amputee for my podcast. He is based near Toowoomba in Queensland, so the recording was online. Nonetheless, it was a really great opportunity to hear wisdom from a fellow amputee, thus rounding out my week.
“Has Mikkelsen ever been so good?” was the headline in the Swedish newspaper, Aftonbladet this week. Mads Mikkelsen (who is also featured in the film currently screening, “Chaos Walking) is the main actor in the film, “Another Round”.
In Danish, the film was called “Druk”, which means binge-drinking. Partially funded by the Swedish Film Institute, I was surprised to see the film premiered only this week in Sweden, the same week it premiered in Australia.
Normally we have to wait months, sometimes years, for Scandianvian films to turn up on Australian cinematic screens. The film premiered in Denmark in December, so seeing it so soon was a welcome surprise. The wonders of the modern cinematic world!
Another Round in Swedish newspaper, Aftonbladet
The film tells the story of a group of friends (all school teachers) who decide to “push the limits” of alcohol consumption. Their experiment is based on the contention of the Norwegian psychiatrist and psychotherapist Finn Skårderud “that when humans are born they have a blood alcohol level 0.05 per cent too low”.
So they start “day drinking” to improve their confidence and their performance. Initially, their levels of consumption are hardly noticeable to the students and fellow staff members, but eventually, they become evident. Their consumption also starts to impact their daily lives.
Their overconsumption also begins to expose problems in their personal lives. And so it’s not only about alcohol, it’s also about a group of men in their 40s/50s needing to confront their own “personal demons”.
It’s a roller-coaster of emotions, as the actors confront with extreme honesty many of the issues so many of us face in this life period, whether it’s alcohol or relationship difficulties.
I enjoyed the film very much. It was interesting to hear how the reaction of the audience in the cinema changed, as they laughed in the film’s earlier moments, and they were much quieter in the deeper, darker moments.
The headline in Aftonbladet is accurate. The performance by Mads Mikkaelsen is very good. Though older in real life than the character he plays in the film, his performance is totally believable.
There are a couple of references in the film which non-Scandi audiences may not understand, such as the scene where he jumps into the lake, and the scenes with the high school students wearing what appear to be “sailors hats”. The “sailors hats” are fairly common throughout Scandinavia, a hang-over (no pun intended) to the days of school uniforms. The scene where he jumps into the lakes is often referenced in Scandinavian pop culture as a sign of release, not suicide or misadventure, as it may be interpreted.
I’d highly recommend the film.
The film from the song is also very catchy!!I popped into one of my local restaurants tonight, Viet Eatery, Crown Street, Surry Hills and enjoyed the stuffed chicken wings. Meanwhile, construction continues at the Surry Hills Shopping Village.
This morning at breakfast, our proud host, Tor, shared a fascinating historical tidbit: ‘The king of Norway once sat at this table,’ he declared, pointing to the centerpiece of our meal. ‘This chair is the most photographed in all of Norway,’ he added, segueing into the intriguing past of the guesthouse where I currently reside—a structure once occupied by German soldiers during the Second World War.
Tor continued his narrative, revealing that when they acquired the property thirty-eight years ago, they stumbled upon a cellar inventory. To illustrate, he produced a bottle of Pepsi Cola. Examining the fine print, we learned that Pepsi production persisted during the war in Hamburg under license, a surprising detail.
As I sat at the table surrounded by mostly German (and one Spanish) tourists, I pondered the significance of Tor’s revelation. How did they, descendants of a complex history, feel about being reminded of the Nazi occupation? Does the weight of history linger, passed down through generations? Lacking both the courage and inclination to broach the subject, I recalled the cautionary tale of “Fawlty Towers” and its notorious episode.”
Narvik HarbourAll roads lead to Narvik in NorwayNorumgården B&B
Adding to the mix, right in the heart of Narvik, there’s an impressive museum dedicated to the town’s wartime history. However, as I explored the museum today, a subtle unease settled in. Amidst the displays of weaponry, including guns, tanks, and bullets, it occurred to me how someone with a fervent fascination for war might find the place appealing, albeit for all the wrong reasons. It briefly concerned me that some might view this museum as an opportunity to indulge in wartime battles and fantasies.
Devastation of Narvik in the War Museum
My focus gravitated towards the numerous photographs adorning the walls. I yearned to examine the faces captured in those frames, seeking a profound understanding of the individuals on both sides and gaining insight into their lives during that era. The image that left the most profound impact on me was that of a prisoner of war—a young man, scarcely twenty years old, almost reduced to skin and bones. This poignant snapshot stirred deep emotions within me.
Prisoners in War Museum in Narvik
Photographs in the museum also demonstrate just how badly damaged the town was due to bombing, which also surprised me.
Propaganda in Narvik War MuseumPaper Shoes in the War Museum in Narvik
The museum is certainly a worthwhile visit, by the way.
As for the one-hour LKAB sightseeing tour I embarked on, I’m a bit less convinced of its merits. LKAB is the prominent mining company operating in Kiruna and Narvik, supplying approximately 3% of the world’s iron ore at the moment. The Kiruna mine is touted as the world’s largest iron ore mine, although I sense your eyes may be glazing over at these details.
The tour offered an intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpse into what is evidently the town’s most significant employer. It was fascinating to observe the men working in the mines. Additionally, the tour took us around much of the town, providing clarity on the significance of various monuments. Many of these monuments seem to pay homage to the miners and workers of the community, with some statues exhibiting almost Soviet-like attributes in celebrating strength and hard work.
Narvik is unmistakably a predominantly working-class community, evident in both the visual imagery and the faces of its residents as you stroll down the street. The people here differ notably from those I encountered in Sweden. I haven’t come across a single individual with the typical bleach-blonde Swedish appearance. Instead, there’s a prevalence of mousy brown and red hair. The faces range from quite pale to deeply tanned, with little in between.
This distinction was apparent when I visited the supermarket today to grab a few things for lunch and dinner. Despite the guest house owner’s assurance that all Norwegians speak English well, I found myself needing to speak slowly and deliberately when searching for a couple of items.
“Are you English?” Irene, our tour leader, asked, to which I responded in the negative. Not many Australians seem to venture this far north, though I did spot the name of someone from Maryborough in Queensland above mine in the war museum guest book.
The weather today was spectacular, and it’s expected to improve tomorrow. My plans for the day include more relaxation and possibly the fjord tour, depending on the weather. Unlike the earlier part of my holiday, this leg is all about unwinding. You truly know you’re on holiday when figuring out what day it is becomes a delightful challenge, and that’s precisely how I’m feeling at the moment—completely relaxed.
I can scarcely believe that tomorrow marks the tenth anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Sydney, and I wonder if you might drop me a line to give me an update on what’s happened since September 2000. I’m quite confused. “How can it possibly be TEN YEARS since the Olympic Games were held in Sydney”? It’s just not possible.
I remember the Sydney Olympics as a fairly magical time in Sydney, when strangers chatted to each other without too much attitude, and when people on public transport were actually quite considerate. People in Sydney aren’t as scarey as many others in Australia think – we have an unspoken policy of always thanking the bus driver, which I haven’t seen in many other locations – but Sydney-siders can also be somewhat aloof. But during the Sydney Olympics, a lot of the pretence you often associate with Sydney – “We live in a truly global city”, “We have New York style apartments” etc – was forgotten. People just got on with the business of enjoying themselves.
For Damo (my partner at the time) and I, the games started with the opportunity to attend a few of the dress rehearsals for the opening ceremony which were fun. While he was working quite hard during the Olympic Games – a business association – I had most of the time off, which meant sitting back and relaxing, and enjoying all that I could.
A particular favourite memory for me was the visit by the NBC Today Show to Homebush. Small things, eh? At the time, I was quite a fan of the show, and I loved when we went out to Homebush late one night to watch the show and the swimmer, Misty Hymen was one of the guests. Do you remember her? Can you believe anyone really had the name Misty Hymen? I was more excited to see Matt and Katie myself.
I also remember quite vividly when we were at Circular Quay, and had scored quite good seats at Customs House when Cathy Freeman won the 400-metre event. I still remember, quite strongly, the collective elation that was felt, as we all literally, stood up and cheered her success. There was also much speculation at the time about the sexuality of Ian Thorpe. There’s one thing that hasn’t changed in ten years :)
Sydney Olympics Closing
Thanks to my friend Kate, Damien and I were also lucky enough to gain tickets to the Closing Ceremony. Tickets which, wonderfully enough, allowed us access backstage, and onto the “field of play”. In essence, that meant we were able to go onto the ground itself where the closing ceremony was taking place, and got to attend the “Cast Party” which meant a moment on the dance floor with Opera singer, Yvonne Kennedy. Now that’s a moment I won’t forget, despite the ten years passing.
Sydney Olympics Closing
And then a couple of weeks later, we had the Paralympics which were also quite exciting. Famously that night, someone in the audience went on the stage and danced with Kylie as she sang “Spinning Around”. It was all very September 10.
Dressed up before the Sydney Olympics.
I can’t believe it’s ten years. Some things have changed, some haven’t.
I’ve spent a little bit of time in the last few days – including tonight – looking at online dating sites. I do this from time to time when I’m not out and about, when I’m not working, and when I’m not chatting with people online.
I don’t know why I bother. Deep down inside I’m genuinely not looking for a relationship. I’m pretty happy in my life right now and I quite like living alone. I quite like the solitary life, and probably deep down that’s my natural inclination. By nature I’m probably a little too selfish to be someone you could live happily with. And messy…
But looking at online sites? What’s that about? Perhaps it’s “insurance” for the future? Perhaps there’s something deep inside me which is saying “you may not want a relationship now, but you might want one in five years, so quit stuffing around you middle-aged middle-class wanker?”. But there again, that’s all rather selfish isn’t it? Wanting a relationship because of what you need, as opposed to what you both bring together? And not really why you go into a relationship, is it? Or is it?
As I’ve glanced around these sites I’m not really sure why some of the people are there either. Well, I am sure on some of the sites. On some of the sites, “my people” appear only to be there for a bit of hanky-panky. There’s a lot of people who don’t appear to have a face. You read about some people who sound quite nice and interesting and then you note they have the word “tripod” somewhere in their profile name. There seems to be a lot of people looking for a bit “on the side” “during daytime hours” if you get my meaning.
On the other side of things, there appears to be a few people desperate for a relationship. For some people you see the “biological clock” (or the “psychological clock”) ticking ever so loudly. I’m obviously not one of those people either. If I was to pursue online dating I’m not really sure where I’d fit in. I tried “E-Harmony” which has been advertised on television lately, which directed me to their homo equivalent, “Compatible Partners” and found only three people in the whole of Sydney who matched me for similar age, similar interests etc.
I’ve tried online dating previously. I’ve had a couple of online dates in the last few years. One involved someone who clearly wanted to have sex then there, now, within minutes, in a “do we have to leave the restaurant, can’t we have sex in the toilets?” scenario. On the other occasion, the bloke appeared to be interviewing me for the recently advertised “vacant position” of “boyfriend”. Half way through the “interview process”, I got the strong impression I hadn’t gotten the job. But at the same time, I was kinda relieved.
Clearly it works for many people. It obviously doesn’t work for others. I’m still left wondering if online dating is not for me, or if I’m not for online dating. Maybe it’s not how I connect to people? Maybe I’m better face to face or getting to know someone over several years, as opposed to online?
There again, maybe I’m looking in the wrong places? Someone I know recently told me he’d met someone through Twitter…
It’s Monday night/Tuesday morning and I’ve just been to see “A Long Way To The Top”, with Kate, Frank and Joan, at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
Based on the ABC-TV show, the concert featured the likes of Lucky Starr, Col Joye, Judy Stone, Little Pattie, The Atlantics, Normie Rowe, The La De Da’s, Ross Wilson, Marcia Hines, Spectrum, Axiom, and Billy Thorpe performing only their hit songs. It was somewhat surreal to see some artists, one hit wonders, come on stage, sing their song and disappear.
There were several personal highlights:
Marcia Hines sang three songs, including “Fire & Rain” shown on “the big screen”, and it was highly reminiscent of actually watching an episode of “Countdown”. Marcia has put on a few kilograms, but otherwise looked fantastic and sounded great.
Stevie Wright, who has had poor health, due to drug and alcohol abuse sang “Evie”. As he struggled through the number the crowd watched both in horror and adoration at someone who was once a great performer and for whom they still seem to have a great deal of affection.
John Paul Young gave strong performances of “Love Is In The Air”, “I Hate The Music” and “Yesterday’s Hero”, while Little Patti gave only competent versions of her songs.
Judy Stone sang “4,003,221 Tears From Now” (one of my favourite childhood songs) and her uptempo version of “Hasta Manana”. I was disappointed she didn’t sing another favourite of mine, “Would You Lay With Me In A Field Of Stone”, which was a hit for her in the 1970s.
Long Way To The Top at the Sydney Entertainment Centre
Dinah Lee sang a couple of songs. There was something odd about the way she looked which I couldn’t quite identify, until Joan suggested as interval “she needs to do something about that terrible facelift she’s had”.
Joan was in fine form, but when Joan started to dance in the aisle, she was ordered back to her seat by security… that was pretty funny.
Overall, I think it’s a great concept that was well executed. Because the performers were only on stage for two or three songs at a time (some of them only for one), they really gave exceptional performances.
