Newport, New Beginnings?

"Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, a looooong way from hoooommme"... That old negro spiritual seems to befit me of late. I've been living like a hobo since my return from Buenos Aires and it's really giving me the shits. I've just finished my week in the 'Burg and am supposedly moving to my new digs in Newport. Problem is, the person who is meant to be gone is not. He's taking his sweet ass time about finding a place of his own and it's driving me nuts. Sarah will be in Sydney this weekend and I'll stay there to look after her dog. I'm assuming he will still be there. Maybe I should just say "Hi, I'm Maggie. Now get the fuck out!" Wonder if that would work? Perhaps not. Some people dream of winning lotto and never working again. I dream of my own room, a bed and a cupboard to put my clothes in. As they say, the simple things in life are often the best. I'm sick of living out of frigging suitcases and various other bags- I want a wardrobe goddamn it! Okay, enough of the negative crap. I don't want to dwell in that neighbourhood. Caught up with Caroline, one of my tango friends last night which usually consists of us going for a pedicure. Tango and tango shoes do untold damage on the footsies so regular maintenance is necessary. Post pedicure, we took our thonged feet to a bar on Chapel St (classy as) where they served a rather nice house red for $3.00 a glass! After 2 glasses and a D and M, we trammed it down to Victoria St where we met my friends Contessa and Mr Ian for some rather tasty Vietnamese food. Caroline had to dash early to get her bus (we are kindred spirits at the moment- both of us are 40 somethings living at home with our mums due to inability to find decent housing) and I stayed and had a great catch up with Ian and Tess. They very nicely drove me back to Coburg and I flaked out on the couch due to much food and 4 glasses of wine! I think I'm becoming a lightweight in my old age... then again, 2 glasses of red on an empty stomach isn't a great idea! Looking forward to watching what I feel will be a great game for the Grand Final. I'm going for the Saints. I feel more of an affinity towards them than the Hand baggers but I feel the Cats will not rest on their Abletts this year. Also looking forward to frocking up and heading out to Messaround and Bama Lama- last time I went I was jetlagged to the max so I want to try and go all out this month! It's such a great night! Fantastic music and a room full of well dressed people-I love it!

My Last Day & Night in Buenos Aires

A stunning day here in Buenos Aires. Sun shining and Jose singing in the hallway. How quickly time passes yet, I feel like I've been here for ages. I can't believe I'm leaving tomorrow. Can't someone just stuff wads of cash into my account for the rest of my life so I can stay here? I almost didn't get out of bed this morning. My head feels like it's going to explode. I took a couple of paraceutemol, took a long,hot shower and lay down for a bit. I realised yesterday that I hadn't been to La Boca and despite it's reputation and being overly touristy, I felt my pilgrimage wouldn't be complete without going. So I hopped into a cab and went there. Yes, touristy and tacky. I was able to do some last minute shopping and after being pimped and prodded I cabbed it back here to San Telmo. Just making a bit of pasta as a hole filler before I have my last beef supper downstairs with the beautiful people of Gran Parrilla Del Plata. They have been so good to me-then again I give them pretty good tips! It's nice that I have been treated kindly by the fabulous people of Buenos Aires despite the language barrier. I can't express how much I will miss this place. I was going through the things I bought as souvineers for everyone and realised I hadn't bought anything for myself in the way of snow cones, statues, etc etc. Then I thought about it and came to the conclusion that Buenos Aires can't be summed up for me that way. I've taken many photos of different things to try and capture a feeling. This is what I will take back to Australia with me- the magic and warmth of the portenos and the spirit of BA. Plus 6 pairs of tango shoes. Off to my last milonga tonight. I'm tossing up between Bohemia and Tango Queer- only because the latter is a 2 minute walk from where I'm staying. I'll see if I have the strength to fit both in! This is my last post in this magical city. Next time I write, I guess I'll be at my computer at work dreaming my way back to Argentina.

You're Soaking In It

Just booked a session at the Japanese Bath House in Collingwood. My neck is out and my housemate swears by the place when he's achy.

26 fat ones for a bath. It better be bloody good.

I'm staying in till I prune... I'll let you know how I go.