Brazilian Cabaret

More than half of 2018 is over. Where has the time flown to? Some updates about my life... I've dropped my Bachelor of Design and finished a Diploma of Accounting instead. Uni is just way too expensive, especially when you're an international student.

At least I passed my Diploma of Accounting with flying colours (high distinction in every subject. Woot!... And yes, I'm bragging ;P) so there is that :D Been working hard for the better part of the year so now it's time for some fun and relaxation while job hunting.

Savannah has seen some progress. Not as much as I had hoped but completing the over-one stitches of her right arm is an accomplishment I can't wait to show off. I dislike over-one stitching but I just can't give it up when the results are just so satisfying.

It might not be obvious in the photo but in real life, the different stitches lend a 3D effect, giving the impression that she is wearing the dress and the skin is under all the fabric and hair. If that makes sense? Anyway, moving on...
Last weekend, Sean took me to a Latin cabaret to celebrate. I had the time of my life. The lights, the costumes, the song and dance... I'll let the photos speak for themselves :)

The show was Viva Carnaval!, a Brazilian Cabaret. The venue was The Palms at Crown Melbourne.

The dancers were so talented.

My favourite part of the show was of course the grand finale with the elaborate feather costumes.

Did I mention the dancers were stunning too?

And yes, I managed to get pictures taken with them after the show ^^

They're really tall.

Or I'm just really short :P

And here's me with Sean.
Till next time, Happy Stitching!

Australia Day

Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January every year.

   

Sean and I decided to head to the city to join in the celebrations. We were just in time to watch the Royal Australian Air force's elite aerobatic team, the Roulettes delivering their aerial flyover and display over King's Domain Gardens.

   

The show, lasting about fifteen minutes, was stunning. They flew so low that I was able to capture a couple lovely shots of them. Needless to say, I was in complete awe. 

 

After that, we made our way to the Government House. 

 

Unfortunately, because the queue was too long, we didn't manage to tour the main House which consists of the Governor's Private Apartments :( Ah well!

   

We did, however, manage to visit the gardens, stables, tennis court and the state ballroom :) This is what the ballroom exterior looks like. Majestic, isn't it? 

 

The interior is no slouch either. Here I am, courtesy of Sean, trying to capture the magnificence and failing miserably.

   

On the way back, we passed by the Shrine of Remembrance. 

 

As we were running out of time (parking was due), we did a cursory walkabout and paid our respects at the Stone of Remembrance before leaving. 

 

We'll be back as there is so much more to see here than our hasty visit allowed.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Christmas

Christmas has come and gone. I hope you all had a wonderful time. For me, it was a quiet day in with Sean as all our families were overseas. We did celebrate, however, by making a special lunch... Christmas turkey ^.^

On Boxing Day, we decided to head to the city in the evening, not to shop, but to take piccies of the Christmas decorations before they were taken down. Since this is Melbourne, our first stop is the hourly fire show outside Crown along Yarra River.

 

I remember the wonder I felt when I first saw the display a decade ago. Ten years later, it still leaves me in awe.

After that, we made our way inside Crown. This was the very first Christmas Tree we came across. 

I have to admit the filigree hanging from the ceiling caught my attention more than the tree itself :P

Heading into the Atrium at Crown Towers, we were just in time for the musical display. This year, the theme is Fabergé-egg-like baubles that pop open to reveal Santa's friends. 

 

A relevant tune plays as they open up one by one. 'Frosty the Snowman' for the snowman, 'Jingle Bells' for the one-horse sleigh, 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' for the reindeer... You get the idea. My favourite was the snowflakes opening up to 'Let It Snow'. 

Last but never least was Santa himself. Obviously, the song playing is 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' :) 

 

Finally, we walked to Bourke Street to view Myer's Christmas Windows which tell the story of 'Santa Claus and the Three Bears' this year. 

I'm sure you can guess which story it's based on ;) All in all, it has been a lovely night out.

Looking forward to what 2015 might bring.