Indonesia to Thailand - Part 1

East Timor to Indonesia - Part 2

East Timor to Indonesia - Part 1

Melbourne to East Timor - Part 2

Pottery

I did a pottery class in November, and really enjoyed it. There is something calming about playing with clay which enables me to switch off all the other staff in my head. It's a state I never quite manage to do during yoga. However, as a long-term hobby it's a bit too involved for me. Anyway, here are the results.

First attempt: You can see how the clay was way too thin, and the whole thing bent out of shape as soon as I started to handle it. And I didn't fix the "R" properly so it fell off during firing. And the glaze is all uneven.



Second attempt: This time I managed to attach some crude legs and applied the glaze evenly. I also "stamped" the inside. But I forgot to leave enough clay to even out the top, so it had to remain artistically uneven. And also the grooves in the sides were too deep for me to be able to even out - another artistic effect in the making.





Third attempt: Managed to smooth out the sides and the clay was thick enough for me to form free-flowing shapes on top. Also used tracing paper to make the inside more interesting. I was finally feeling like I could produce something useful and then the course was over!

Melbourne to East Timor - Part 1

Cherry Picking = Lots of Cherries = Cherry Pie

Conclusion = don't know, haven't tried it yet because it took 2 hrs to make and by the end I wasn't hungry anymore. I don't think I have the time & energy to make my own dough. Pre-made will do me fine in the future.

Cherry picking

Maybe it wasn't the best idea to wear my brand new, white U2 concert tour tshirt to go cherry picking. The juices squirt everywhere! :)
To make the $7 admission worth it, it seemed like an obvious strategy to eat $7 worth of cherries. Right now I think I am over cherries. But, there are 3 more kilos to get through. Does anyone know a good cherry pie recipe?

U2 - the Kings of Rock

U2 lived up to their reputation as the biggest band in the world last Wednesday. It was the opening night of their 360 Australian tour at Etihad Stadium. The "Claw" stage was an impressive sight, protruding right above the rooftop. If it rained (which it was going to, but at the last minute didn't) the roof couldn't be closed. It takes 5 days and 250 people to assemble the Claw. There are 3 Claws currently traversing the country in a fleet of six 747 jumbo cargo planes. The one for the Brisbane show is being assembled while U2 are still in Melbourne.

I love U2's music, it has so much passion and integrity. I love the fact that they are best mates and do staff together outside of music. I admire Bono's passion for humanitarian causes, his commitment to making a difference and the fact that he is still married to his high school sweetheart. And U2 are the only band that's been around for 30 years with no member changes. It was obvious that they still love what they, love creating music together and giving their best for their audience.

Funny :)