I went there to hear people speak. Not a band. Not a football team. Marketing. The Australian Marketing Summit was at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. By the time I arrived, around 1:30 in the afternoon, the event had already been running for hours. My ticket was free. I found a seat right at … Continue reading Back Row
Buz 345
Ten minutes on foot to Roma Street Busway Station. No breakfast. On weekends when I work at the aged care facility, I brush my teeth, grab my things and leave the hostel. My shift starts at one. The whole journey takes about an hour, including walking and waiting for the bus. At Platform 1, I … Continue reading Buz 345
One Team Tonight
“Sold out.” The woman at the ticket window said there was nothing left. That was unusual. Whenever I attend an event at Suncorp Stadium, I buy my ticket on the spot. I just turn up. Usually something is available. Maybe not the cheapest seat, but something. This time, nothing. I had already told the football … Continue reading One Team Tonight
Nice Tee, Mate
“Acca Dacca!” I have heard that many times. Usually from an Australian bloke. Often an older one. Especially outside the city. All because of the T-shirt I am wearing. It is from the AC/DC Rock or Bust tour, 2015. I bought it for ten dollars cash from an unofficial seller on the street outside the … Continue reading Nice Tee, Mate
Regular or Easy to Chew?
“Regular or Easy to Chew?” I hear and ask this many times during dinner service. A few residents need Soft & Bite-Sized. A smaller number need Minced & Moist or Pureed. Those meals are already plated by the chefs in the main kitchen, with the resident’s name on top. The rest we plate from the … Continue reading Regular or Easy to Chew?
Free Lunch
“Hey mate. Hungry?” Years ago in Melbourne, I was walking down Westwood Place, behind the Salvation Army on Bourke Street. I was looking for Hamodava Cafe for the first time. Back then, an injured wrist had stopped me from working. The nursing home where I worked had asked me to resign and come back when … Continue reading Free Lunch
Closing Time
The concert is over. The lights come on. A moment earlier, thousands of people were facing the stage. Now they are heading for the exits. I see the same ending every time I watch a concert at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Mumford & Sons in April. Linkin Park in March. Last year, Lenny Kravitz with JET, … Continue reading Closing Time
One Basket
At 7:45pm on a weekday, the library computers shut themselves down. By around eight, I am at Coles in The Barracks. The supermarket is still bright. I take one red basket. My list is short. Salmon if there is a good markdown. Tuna or basa. Frozen prawns. Then vegetables. Fruit. And nuts. Peanuts, almonds, cashews, … Continue reading One Basket
Free Room
On my days off, I often wake up late. Sometimes very late. By the time I get out of the hostel, half the day is already gone. I walk across William Jolly Bridge, over the Brisbane River, to the State Library of Queensland. My free digital office in Brisbane. I usually go up to Level … Continue reading Free Room
Cheap Seats
Ten dollars. Eight bands. No seats. That was the deal at Greaser that Saturday night. I did not get there for the first band, but the set times told the story. 7:30 inside. 8:00 garage. 8:30 inside. 9:00 garage. Back and forth every half hour until the last band started at eleven. By around midnight, … Continue reading Cheap Seats
