Walking ’round the rainy city

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This was about my eight visit to Melbourne (as far as I can remember/work out) and I’ve finally worked out the zen of the city.  This time was different, I had a car and was able to drive around the city.

Melbournians seem unware of the impact that geography has on their perceptions of their own city and desire to look outside it.   One thing I noticed was that the distances that I was travelling were tiny by Perth comparisons but similar travel times.  Everything seemed close and easily reachable.  Melbourne being a large city also has everything.

Being able to see this is difficult if you are only travelling on foot or public transport.  It is reflected in the nature of the roads and traffic of the city.

I’ve got a lot more rants about Melbourne driving, but I’ll spare you ..

I left today and drove to Albury.  Saw the cultural change the moment I crossed the bridge over the Murray.

Really enjoyed my time at IV.  The Berlioz was special, the Brahams a wonderful challenge.   Looking forward to AIV and the Rachmaninoff Vespers.

I’m onto the next major phase of my trip – the meandering via Canberra and Sydney up to Brisbane.  Looking forward to that too. Need to catch up on some of the administrivia of life over the next couple of days post IV.

Climbed one mountain.

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Had the concert for the 63rd Intervarsity Choral Festival peformance of the Berlioz Requiem on Saturday night.   It was a great sing and it did literally feel like I sung my lungs out.  It will go down in my memories as one of my favourite concerts ever.

Dragged C along to the PCP where he provided medicinal cider for my vocal chords and was told to join MonUCS by one and all.

Attended the AIVCC meeting on Sunday.  Why do I keep doing this to myself?   Apart from that, the meeting went well.

Monday, I, like the rest of the choir, have hit the wall of exhaustion.  Rehearsals for the Brahams is going to take a lot of willpower to climb that next mountain.   I’m knackered so I’m going to try and get what little sleep I can.

The Big O

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Had the first orchestral rehearsal with the orchestra for the Berlioz last night.

At one point, the hairs on my neck stood up and my knees began to melt. A truly special musical moment.

Any folk in Melbourne who miss the performance tonight in the Town Hall are going you feel sorry fit themselves. (More details about tickets at http://www.miv.aicsa.org.au/

Anyhow, off to the dress rehearsal.