NGV International

I've wanted to visit the galleries in Melbourne and enjoy the art and culture that the city has to offer. Today I decided to go to the city and visit NGV International. I took a train and got off at the Flinders Street Station. There are 2 NGVs, one is the NGV Australia which is across the street from the station on Federation Square. The other one is NGV International which is about 10 minutes walk across the Yarra river. It is located next to the Arts Centre and across the street from the NGV is the Queen Victoria Gardens. Since it is now autumn, the garden was filled with brown and orange hues.





NGV International has several permanent display exhibitions which are free and temporary exhibitions which sometimes charge admission fee. The admission ranges from $15 - $30, depending on the exhibition. After browsing through the current and future exhibitions, I saw a few which I definitely want to see, so I decided to become an NGV member. Becoming a member provides discount up to 50% off the admission fees and also free previews at certain dates. I also get one free ticket which I can use for any of the exhibitions. On top of that I get free magazines from the gallery, an orientation tour for both NGV, discounts at the gift shops, restaurant and cafes, and access to the NGV member's lounge. The benefits apply to both NGV International and NGV Australia. Since I'm a full time student I have to pay only $50 for a year membership instead of the individual fee which is $90.







After setting up my membership, I proceeded to the exhibition on the ground level. The first one is the Love, Loss and Intimacy which I thought was interesting. I found some of the pieces were lovely and pure but there are a number which I thought were quite disturbing. Then I went in search for the European exhibitions. There was one on Level 1 and another two on Level 2. I managed to browse through two of them this morning, and I must say my favourite is the European exhibition for 17th and 18th centuries on Level 2. There were a few pieces by Rembrandt on display which were stunning. I also had a chance to view a special exhibition entitled 'Drape' by Myer which was on fashion and textile. Beautiful gowns by Christion Dior, Dolce n Gabbana and other famous designers were on display.





After a few hours walking through the gallery, I was tired and needed to take a break. I went to the members lounge to rest and relax before heading back to Bundoora. The members lounge is located on the ground level at a secluded area at the end of the gallery. It is tastefully decorated with paintings adorning the walls. It’s very quiet which makes it a perfect place to unwind after enjoying a long day at the gallery. Members can read magazine and newspaper while enjoying tea or coffee with some biscuits. I made myself a cup of cappuccino which was very lovely that I decided to have a second cup while I browse through a magazine. I did truly enjoy myself and looking forward to my next visit to NGV.

An Autumn Morning at Fitzroy Gardens

Since it was Good Friday, we decided to go to the city knowing that it's going to be deserted. We drove to Preston and went on the train to Fitzroy Garden near the Jolimont Station. Zade was very excited to ride the train again. He was full of energy, and as soon as we got to the garden he ran and ran especially when he saw birds flying low wit the hope of catching one. It was such a beautiful autumn morning. The garden was quiet and peaceful that we were able to relax and enjoy its beauty.

Morning Tea at Toddler's Room

Took some time off work for the annual Easter morning tea at Numdaji Kwei. There were not many parents, most were grandparents. Zade spent the morning making some bunny faces and showed me around the toddler's room. His favourites were the big bears, which according to him were Humprey' papa and mama. And of course we had some yummy hot cross bun. Before heading home, we made a stop at Westfield and played at the outdoor playground. Then we had to rush to get some books at the Mill Park library since I had to go back to the office for an appointment in the afternoon. Maybe next week I'll get to spend a whole day out with Zade.

Back to Work

We got back to Melbourne on Monday after almost 2 months in Malaysia. And thankfully Mama is here with Zade and I. Zade has been feeling much better about returning here once he found out that his Mima was coming along. I’ve returned with mixed feeling. Happy that we had a great holiday back home, relief that my chapter here is at the last stage, insyaAllah, but sad of the prospect of another year without Danial here by my side.

Life has to go on one way or the other. I should start moving and change to higher gear if I want to go home. So I’m back at the office and I have set up an appointment with my SV to set the next course of action. To my surprise he popped into the office before confirming the appointment. Well might as well get it over with. After the usual round up of what has been done thus far, he put forth a question that would cause me to dwell and guarantee some sleepness nights. How would my research add to the body of knowledge? It must not be simply an application or modification of knowledge or methodology. It must go beyond providing a solution to the problem. And bla bla bla….

I didn’t know how to answer those questions. Atleast not when he caught me off guard. Never was an impromptu speaker. So now I’m taking some time to ponder and re-examine where I stand. There goes my plan to start work on the controller this week. Well there’s always next week.

RA

I've been neglecting this blog for quite sometime now. Too busy with life i.e. Zade, research work, travelling home etc. Anyway, today I just got an official offer to be a part time resident assistant from Taryn, the manager of University Mews. She offered me the position for a couple of months till I go away for the summer holiday. I've accepted the offer, as if I don't have enough on my plate right now. It would be intersting to see how that will go.

Werribee Zoo

Despite the gloomy skies, Aileen and I decided to take the kids to Werribee Open Zoo. It took us about half an hour to get there and by the time we arrived it was already 10.30 am. I bought an adult ticket which costs AUD 23.60 but I didn't have to buy one for Zade as admission is free for kids under 4. The ticket price was not too bad as it includes the safari tour which lasted for almost an hour. The zoo has a huge ground but not too many animals. Too bad we couldn't get to see them up close. However, Zade and Keanne had a wonderful time, and the adults did too.


Zade and Keanne having fun


Zade waiting for the bus


The safari bus


With the walking zebra


The real deal


Giraffes


Camel


Lazy hippo


Cheeky meerkat


Sleeping lions


Zade on the trail


In Africa, most human deaths by animals are caused by hippos!

Easter Morning Tea at Numdaji Kwei

Today I was invited to join Zade for morning tea at Numdaji Kwei. It was in conjuntion with Easter which will be celebrated this weekend. When I came by around 9.30 am, most other parents in the babies room were already there. Zade was excited to see me again so soon after I dropped him off this morning. While Zade and his friends were having their vegemite and cheese toast with sultanas, the parents were served with hot cross bun and o.j. Very nice as it was served warm with some butter. After tea, I spent some time reading and playing with Zade outside in the playground. I left around 10.30 am and head back to the office.


Zade having morning tea


Zade relaxing with a book


Zade and Mama


Zade's all excited


Playing outdoor

Earlier this week Zade gave me and Danial a card with a chocolate egg for easter. Happy Easter!


A card with a photo of Zade with rabbit ears


A chocolate egg for mummy and daddy

Farewell Yeo, Chit, Joshua and Justin

Chit's family used to live across from our old apartment. We we're neighbours for almost a year. Chit was very helpful especially with advise on how to raise a baby here and also she gave me tons of Joshua's clothes for Zade to wear. Her husband Yeo is a PhD student at RMIT, and he finally submitted his thesis last week. They will be leaving Melbourne to go back home. So today Aileen, May, Tien, myself and the kids had a little get together with them at Unimews to bid them farewell. I wish your family all the best. Thank you for all your help and for being wonderful friends. I hope that we'll meet again when I go home to Malaysia, and may our friendship continue to grow.

Alyssa's Birthday Party at Wriggle It

Zade received an invitation to Alyssa's birthday party at the Wriggle It Play Centre. Alyssa is May and Tien's daughter. She turns 4 today. The party started at 2 pm, but we went after Zade woke up from his nap. We arrived around 3 pm, just in time for snacks and birthday cake. Zade and I gave Alyssa a Barbie musical box which we got from Target the week before. There were a lot of familiar faces there. Keanne and Layan from Unimews, Joshua and Justin were there too. I had a chance to catch up with the moms. After cake, Zade had fun chasing balls and running around the playground. We left with a ggody bag filled with lollies, toy and balloon.