Fri 2024-12-27

Edinborough Castle Hotel 

(Day 13) Sydney Rd, Brunswick.

For C's birthday, everybody was in a good mood. The older folks were on a long table inside. They were supposed to leave after dinner and before the "younger" generation (the 40 year-olds) started arriving - at various levels of inebriation. 

Lots of familiar faces. Mostly musicians that i've seen play many times. I wrote down the names of some recommended Celiac restaurants. I was complemented on what i was wearing: A denim vest worn over a black longsleeve (black flared jeans, cowboy boots). Happy to see James Tiger too.

At the outdoor tables, I heard war stories from teachers (Irish musicians) about "kids these days", their phones, and being online all the time. I'm not a parent, but i'm pretty sure these digital kids will be fine.

I met C's friend-for-the-longest-time L, who shares the same name as my sister. And the same job description. And some other biographical coincidences too. She made me guess her occupation - which felt like flirting. She was blonde, curly, wore glasses. We hit it off so well that later i asked someone whether she was single. She lives miles away and she isn't. Either way I enjoyed her vibes. Playful and open. And brainy.

I was drinking white wine including strange German minerally varietals. Trying a different wine each time. Afterwards, pretty lit, I ventured into Johnston St, Collingwood: Birmingham Hotel, Holy Diver, (Panacea was closed). Gum Bar? Bendigo Hotel?

Two young rocker dudes came up to me in Holy Diver, so we chatted over 1 beer. They were a bit drunk, from out of town, chatty, and harmless.

At the Bendy, i was pretty much the only one. It's called The Mill taphouse now. The bar chick showed me around the venue. I presume she is one of the new owners or a manager.

I convinced a young clean-cut guy who came in (named Zen) to stay for a pot - rather than just take his tinnies home with him. He was killing time until some DJ event at midnight. I bought him a pot or 2. Then i ended up spilling beer on myself. In the end, he gave me 2 of his tinnies to take home with me in the uber. Big night.