The weekend that was

This weekend I laid down low. Highlights - a kid walking a duck and the discovery of good pastry. 

The Commune Social

Many months ago there was a trip to Shanghai, where I saw the worlds biggest dog be friends with the worlds smallest dog. I also saw a lot more pewter mugs (what is with that?!?!) and spent time with some fun people. I also ate food that reminded me the most of Canberra, in that fussy / complex techniques kinda way. That sound like I meant that to be a bad thing. I don't. I'm just lazy tonight and can't think of the words to better describe the food. How about fresh produce, innovative menu and creative techniques (and not Chinese). Oh and lamb chops.

To be honest I don't remember too much detail given the time lag. I do remember the restaurant had an excellent fit out, great cocktail list, and in addition to the shared plates - a fantastic dessert menu.

Would definitely go back which is why I'm writing about it here (so I remember it!) 

http://www.communesocial.com

Dogs of China - #87

Sophie Scholl

I was reminded of Sophie Scholl today, as it was the anniversary of her death 70 years ago. I remember watching the movie Sophie Scholl The Final Days, and sobbing at the end - surprised by what transpired. I'm a bit stupid like that because the movie title really does give the game away.

Of late, I've been really disappointed at the lack of progression and empathy we have shown as a community and a country and all the sad goings on of the world. And I'm angry about it - relieved that I'm away from it all, but in a way frustrated to be watching from afar. 

What has this got to do with Sophie? I don't know, I'm too tired and ill equipped to articulate what is right and wrong in the world and how we should fix it, but Sophie Scholl's final words before her execution resonate:

"How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to offer themselves up individually for a righteous cause? Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go, but what does my death matter, if through us, thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?"

Just something to think about.

Dogs of China - #86

Its name was Jiji

Dogs of China - #85

Chinese New Year dunzo

Friday night sounds

I've written about the Go-Betweens a lot on this blog. Sometimes I miss them, which is a stupid thing to write really, because how to you miss a band? I guess I miss the memories of seeing them in Canberra at Tilley's. I miss the time when Grant McLennan was alive. I miss listening to The Friends of Rachel Worth and being amazed that they still had it. I miss listening to Cattle and Cane and thinking about Brisbane. Most of all I miss getting lost in the words of Robert Forster and Grant Mclennan.  Nothing more to say.

Love Goes On - Go-Betweens

Magical Mystery Tour of G to the Z

Liwan - Chinese New Year

Lots of people, flowers, and smoke heavy with incense. Dark alleys, old ladies, blue skies and rainbow windmills. Temples, cobble stones and dogs (one wearing a polka dot bow).