My First Pride

After considering to bail on my friend last time, I eventually made it to the Pride. Yep, it was my first Pride and although I wasn't so keen on going, nevertheless I had a good time. 

The Pride, and of course there was a march, took place in St Kilda. We got there at around 1:30 p.m. and there were already thousands of people gathering at the assembly area. Bill Shorten, an Australian politician, leader of Labor Party, was also in sight for a moment. What was he doing there is unknown but his party has been actively supporting marriage equality. Politic aside, everyone seemed to have a good time. 

I was introduced to a few people there and was invited to go along to march with their group, which I politely declined. Then in the far, I recognised some people from uni, including the lady who was once my counselor (and she still remembers me!), they are there representing the uni's Queer Department. I went to say hi and, again, was invited to march. In the end, I ended up joining them halfway the march. How weird could it be marching with your counselor? It was definitely awkward. A bit. 

There were about a hundred and more groups that participate in the march, including several government bodies. Of course, my favourite ones are the Victoria Police and the paramedics. I mean, women in uniform? Duh. 

Seeing all this, I get the feeling at that moment that things are far better now than it was years ago for LGBTIQ, at least in some countries. And I'm lucky enough to be living in a city that is not only cultural diversed, but also has gay friendly environment. 

We didn't stay for the after party because my friend has to work tomorrow and I myself was not in the mood for party and so we left for home. Well, this is definitely another tick on my bucket list. 

Happy Pride!

Until next post.

With the Family

It's been a week since I sent the family off and life's back to the way it used to be; the alone and quiet, nearly boring life. Being on my own now I realise that I did love having the family around, knowing that they would be at home waiting for me. Mum would then fix us a dinner after I shower, and Vincent would give me a massage before I go to bed. Oh, it was such a heaven! After a month they stayed with me, going home to nobody is definitely taking me a while to get use to.

As expected, it took them sometime to get around town by walking. Despite that Melbourne has better and more reliable public transport than any other city, walking long distance is also unavoidable to get you to the places you need to be. Though, after sometime they got use to it and were able to go out and wander around the city by themselves while I was at work.

Weather is another thing for them to cope with. Summer in Melbourne can be quite rough, particularly in scorch days that may reach up to 44 degrees (in Celsius), meanwhile the temperature may decrease down to 10 degrees at night. It's either way too hot or way too cold for them, but they made it through. I've made a mental note that I won't be able to fly Mum here during winter because she won't be able to handle the cold.

During their stay, I took them around when I was not working. They arrived one day prior to the graduation day, so that day I took them to the city. It was the first time for them taking a tram ride. The next day was the graduation so we were busy getting prepared. They came with me to the parade in the morning and then we spent some time taking pictures, then we had a lunch before heading out to Etihad Stadium for the graduation ceremony. It was indeed a night full of pride for me and my family.

For the next few days, I walked them around from Federation Square down to Yarra River and further up to the Shrine of Remembrance and Botanical Garden. In New Year's Eve we went to the city to watch the fireworks display. I also took them to Docklands, Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka Tower, Luna Park and St Kilda Beach, and, of course, the Queen Victoria Market, the place that Mum was so keen on going since she arrived. Later on, I also took her to the market close by the house, the Preston Market. You see, of all places that I took her, Woolworths and the markets were her absolute favourite places to go. She would end up buying ingredients and then cook them. How can I not love her dearly when she cooked me heaps of food that would last me for months?

The view from Yarra River

The view from Eureka Tower

St Kilda Beach

Federation Square in NYE

One day after New Year was Mum's birthday. I'm grateful that this year I had the chance to celebrate her birthday. We (and by "we" I mean more likely Mum) cooked some dishes and celebrated her birthday by having the meals. A friend of mine came over and my housemate bought a birthday cake.

On the last day, we went for a drive to Great Ocean Road. It was also my first time of going there. We stopped by at several stopping points to take scenery shots, and my favourite is the Teddy's Lookout, where you can see the beach and further the ocean. By night we finally arrived at the Twelve Apostles. There are actually only 8 apostles left by now but the name is kept as it is. We got there just right in time as the sun set and it was the most fascinating view I've ever seen.

The view from one of the lookouts

The Great Ocean Road, taken from atop the Teddy's Lookout

6 out of the 12 apostles

Lies atop is the road to Port Campbell

The Twelve Apostles Lookout

The other 2 apostles

Well, that's rounded up the trips. Next time I would surely take them to see more things, including the Gibson Steps and many more around the Great Ocean Road. In the meantime, I might go for a trip to Grampians with a friend this February. And what's coming soon is that I would probably go to Melbourne Pride this coming Sunday. Fingers crossed I don't cancel it last minute and decide to bail on my friend who's been begging me to come. Story to be told next, if I make it there. 

Until next post.

P.S. All pictures are credited to my brother.  

What's on in 2016

First of all, I'd like to wish everyone belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a good holiday and have a great new year ahead. So, how's everyone doing with 2016 resolution? I remember last year I made a list of my 2015 resolution and I'm proud to announce that I made half of the list.

On top of the list, I had hoped that I would graduate, and I did graduate. Mum and Vincent were here to celebrate my graduation and stayed for about a month. I sent them off just about this morning. I loved having them around but I'm glad that I got my place back. But at the same time it feels weird going home to an empty room and it's eerily quiet here, and I miss them already. I was taken care pretty well while Mum was here and it's something that I would always treasure. If you're living away from your family, you would know it.

This year I don't have any resolution mainly because I don't feel like spending some time thinking of what I should and want to do this year. That, and because I barely had enough sleep last night because I took the family to Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles yesterday, which took us 3 hours driving from Melbourne, and now I feel like I can pass out.

On second thought, though, I think my only resolution is to fly home for a visit and get to meet Gabriel, my nephew. Other than that I think this year will be just about work and job searching and juggling with visa. That's pretty much about it.

P.S. I apologise for failing to upload pictures of my graduation. I have an old phone with barely enough memory space left for photos.