Etiquette when drinking at “Happy hour”

My friend and I recently went out on a Wednesday afternoon for  a “couple” of drinks and to play pool.
Luckily for us Happy Hour started just after we arrived.

We had a massive drinking session and I know this from the amount of empty vodka cranberry glasses sprawled along a bench. The thing was we weren’t the only people taking full advantage of the discounted beverages.

We had a great time, drinking and playing pool- I even have a vague memory of my dancing at around 5pm… While we thought this we awesome, it got me wondering of all the poor folk who had to witness our disorderly  behaviour on hump day.

I thought should there be a etiquette to happy hour drinking…could it ever work? I think perhaps the venues are somewhat responsible for our drinking habits.

I mean, give a man rod and he’ll fish for days….give someone discounts on drinks and they’ll never leave.

What I really like about venues these days is they usually provide complimentary food which is always good. I think free food should be mandatory.

Sometimes, not all the time, happy hour people try to get as many drinks as possible so they don’t have to pay extra for drinks. I’m guilty of this, but I think in fairness to all those around us there probably should be a limit to drinks. The other alternative is extend happy hour, so we don’t all rush to the bar like a pack of wild lionesses.

Also there should be dress-codes, this way it’ll separate the social drinkers from the serial drinkers and probably save an unnecessary altercation. Plus there is nothing worse then walking along the road after a big day at work and getting shouted at by a pack of drunks.

As I humbly work through my hangover, I’ve decided yes happy hour drinkers should be aware of the poor suits who are making their way home from work. I believe if were going to enjoy the delights of cheap beverages we could at least be well behaved!

This is what you could experience, lovely people just up for the craic.

Gig: 1814

1814 is a fairly new Reggae band hailing from the land of the long white cloud (NZ)- but they spend a solid amount of time touring OZ.This eight piece has a grass roots skankin’ reggae vibe, you wish you could spark up a fat one and chill back in your hammock.

Instead we had the opportunity to stand front row at there Gold Coast gig surrounded by a pleasant crowd who wanted to get their dub-step on.
What I really enjoyed was how awesome the singers are especially the lead vocalist Darren Katene. His voice is as fresh as his bright pink sunglasses he wears on stage. It can be difficult sometimes with reggae because it lacks diversity. 1814′s hook is definitely their choice of vocalists, I believe this is the reason the stand out from other comtemporary reggae bands.
The crowd was really appreciative of the group, especially how new the band is, I was suprised the rapport the band has built up.

If you see their name on a line-up you should definitely check then out!

Gig: Blue King Brown

This Aussie reggae/ dance hall band is catching the coastal wave and heading around OZ  touring new album WORLDWIZE .

Michael Franti (Spearhead) says he always “ inspired by BKB’s funky, high energy, socially conscious music“.

And I would have to agree with him, it’s music with a conscious.  The group is out spoken about Indigenous rights, love, freedom and humanity. This group strong point is that is can move between different genres with ease and still maintain its individuality.

Their lyrics are strong  and it often makes me want to re-play the songs continuously, so I can fully understand what message they are conveying.  This band is really important in Australia, because there probably hasn’t been a group as commercially successful since Yothu Yindi.

The music itself is a blend of African beats, roots music and good ol’ reggae style tunes, Blue King Brown are an  unstoppable crew. BKB’s up-tempo, body shaking beats are something not to miss.

Throw off your shoes and the let the music soak your soul.

For all the tour dates please go to this website

http://www.bluekingbrown.com/shows/

Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

Firstly though, this song is a rarity- it is a collaboration with singer /song writer Gurrumul and BKB’s singer Natalie.

Keeping you stuff safe

Heading out in a foreign area is always exciting, but you should still remain vigilant especially of your possessions.

No matter where you are and how safe you feel, you just can’t take any chances- here are some simple tips to keeping your stuff safe while out on a big night.

If you’re carrying a handbag, try to choose one which has a shoulder/ wrist strap this will reduce the chances of you putting your bag down.

Try to wear clothes that have a pocket with at least one zip, that way, you can always put your important things in one pocket.

If your carrying cash rather then cards, try to spread the money into a couple of pockets, so even if you stuff goes missing you have money to get home.

If you want to make sure you’re things are really safe then you can wear a strap on bag which are worn under the clothing.

If you can, try to carry the bare minimum of worthy possessions with you- if you don’t want to lose it, don’t carry it.

Basically just make sure you’re always with someone or have the number of someone  who can get you in case anything happens. Aussies are pretty laid back and you can have an awesome time with us, but there are always the few who will ruin it for everyone. It really depends on the areas you are in, make sure you suss it out before you go.

Here’s a phone number to remember in case of emergencies

000 is the emergency number for the police.

1800 7383 is the reverse charge call number in case you run out of credit.

Splendour in the Grass 2011

Splendour fever has hit us once again!!

The biggest, wettest and coldest Winter festival Australia has on offer is fast approaching.

Tickets went on sale Thursday, but they were suspended until Friday (6th May @ 9pm). There are still tickets available, but it won’t be for long.

What the hell is Splendour?

It’s a 3 day camping festival held in Queensland out at Woodfordia (Woodford).

This year it will be held from Fri 29 Jul, 2011 - Mon 01 Aug, 2011

It boasts to have a medley of international and national acts. This exotic event will play host to head-lining acts such as  Kayne West, Chris Martin (Coldplay) and Mars Volta…

But there is a shit load of awesome acts performing get onto the website and have see for youself!

Camping and event tickets range from $350-$500, so it is an investment…but totally worth it.

This year the event is also trying to be more greener and reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible, so you can support them by car pooling and just being super conscious with your rubbish.

Anyway check out their website

Aussie drinking games

Here’s a little post to introduce you to the wonderful world of Aussies and their drinking games!

Goon of Fortune:

This one is either played in the pool or on the old hills hoist clothes line in the backyard.

Recipe:

2 or more mates

1 cask of Goon (preferably a 4 litre cask of White wine)

Method:

Everyone gets into a circle of some sort

If using a hills hoist:

Attach the Goon bag securely onto the Hills Hoist to ensure it won’t fall off.

Spin the clothes line and whoever it lands on must drink!

If in the pool:

Make sure the Goon bag can float.

Float the Goon bag and whoever it floats to must…drink!

Simple enough…for more detailed instructions please refer to this clip:

This youtube clip was courtesy of rinni18.

For other Aussie drinking game ideas please refer to these clips:

This youtube clip was courtesy of jimer27

This youtube clip was courtesy of mprien

Handbag essentials for a night out

Hey ladies,

Doesn’t it suck when you head out with a bunch of friends and you’re carrying a suitcase on your shoulder…or the complete opposite, you haven’t got a bag and your jeans can only just fit in your ID card?

Many-a-nights this has happened to my friends and I… generally it’s because we’re out on holidays and we have no idea how much stuff we’ll need to bring.

But picking the right bag is sometimes as hard as picking your clothes. Well, lets break it down and discuss the

bare essentials you’ll need in you handbag for a night out. This will not only help relieve the frustration of what to bring, but it’ll make it easier for you be prepared.

KEYS!!!!

I don’t think I really have to explain this one.

ID/PASSPORT/18+ CARD

On a night out in Australia the first thing you need to know is they (bouncers) are really strict about identification, so PLEASE make sure you have your ID with you at ALL TIMES. This is a safety issue, as ID’s are now scanned at the door of most venues. Plus it’s a way for the bouncers to make small-talk with you once they realise you’re foreign!

Plus since you’re probably travelling Australia on a foreign ID, best to also bring a bank card in case they have any doubts…or you could always sweet talk the doormen (it has worked!).

MONEY

Bank cards are also very important, as you’ll probably need more money. Drinks in OZ average from $6 vodkas to $20 cocktails, but it’s all the extra expenses like, pizza, taxis, condoms, shots and entry fees which will really surprise you.

But here’s a hint ladies always try to keep a little extra cash in your bra, you never know when you’ll need it.

PHONE

So the money is sorted, now what bulky items like your phone? Definite must with the phone…be sure to have everyone’s number and enough credit.

CAMERA

If you bring a camera try to make sure it’s small and preferably shatter/water proof, Aussies can get a little over zealous when they go out especially on the dance floor.  But we all want photos, so we have at least some memory of our adventurous night.

MAKE-UP

If you want to bring some extra bits and pieces to touch up over the night then try to keep it to a minimum, lipgloss and mascara. For extra tips about getting your night make-up on to reduce bathroom touch-up time then click here.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

I’m going to put this in dot points, so you check it off as you pack.

• Tissues (Because we’ve all been to a toilet which has run out of paper)
• Hand sanitizer
• Tampons (You can actually buy them from toilets, so not totally essential)
• Condoms (Can’t really on him to have them)
• 1 hangover cure ( This can be bought a any 24-hour shop)
• Mints

Basically, try to only bring a bag you won’t lose interest in carrying. While there are cloak rooms available, many venues still don’t have one. If you carry the bare minimum, you’ll be less likely to put your bag down. This will significantly  reduce situations like you forgetting you bag or it getting stolen.

If you haven’t got the cash to buy a bag…make one! Check this clip Make A Lovely Mag Bag Out Of Your Tank Top

Komune Resort- Queensland

Hey everyone,

I went on a mini holiday to Coolangatta (Qld) and stayed at Komune resort- it was awesome…

Komune, is a backpackers resort and is dedicated to giving you a place where you go for the experience.

Boasting about it’s eco-design and community atmosphere, you feel as though your actually on a small party island and the resort is an isolated place where you can just let loose.

You can choose from accomodation packages which also include breakfast. You have a choice between dorms, apartments or even a penthouse!

The place is exactly opposite the beach and the resort is situated near the border of Qld and NSW (complete photo opportunity). 

You walk out on your verandah and you are greeted by the shimmering coast line.

Komune caters for everyone. We met travellors, a hens party and families who were all staying.

As I said earlier Komune is about the experience…everything you need is there if you just want to chill out  and enjoy the slower pace of Coolangatta. 

During the day you can rest and recover lounging by the pool or spa… perhaps you want to have a snooze the day beds.

If you want to experience the true Australian way, you’ll have a barbie - which is provided for free.

However, once the sun is down and you’re refreshed…let the partying begin. The in house bar/ nightclub is open from Thursdays- Saturday and ususally have a resident DJ. The bar is well stocked so get in and enjoy!

If drinking and socialising is more you thing, then you can hang out on the deck outside and enjoy the breeze from the beach.

We hung out inside and played ping pong and pack-man, while listening to funky house music with our new forgein friends.

I really enjoyed this resort because of its location. It is a two second walk from the beach and has a wicked view of the coast line.

Also another bonus of the resort is its freebies, if you want to have a night in then there are movie nights, massages, in-house bar and massive communal areas. There is also free wireless internet available.

Coolangatta is about a 20 minute drive south of Surfers Paradise, but it seems like a completely different world. It has been made into a quaint tourist area and the atmosphere compliments it.

If your doing the rounds on the Gold Coast, visit this place after you’ve been to Surfers- it’ll help you to recover from your experience on the on the Golden strip!

Who: Komnue resort/ Beach Club

What: Accomodation

Where: Coolangatta- Gold Coast

When: All year round

How much: Prices vary- best to contact them!

Cottesloe Beach Hotel- Western Australia

Hi,

What’s the craic?

I’m Brendan and I’m from Ireland. I’ve been travelling Australia for three years and my favourite place to drink at is the Cottesloe Beach Hotel in Perth (WA).

The hotel over-looks the Cottesloe beach, so when you’re having a beer and partying away, you can watch the sunset.

It also provides accomodation, which is great- because you can wake up next the beach everyday.

There is a huge beer garden which is awesome. Plus heaps of verandahs to drink on.

Various beers on tap and food available, kind of like a cafe style menu.

The venue is famous for their Sunday sessions with about three different choices for music.

We found the bar by chance… all you have to do is look for the massive crowds of people partying.

This bar had an even mixture of travellors and locals and everyone was up for a social chat. In terms of dress codes, we wore shorts and t-shirts, but you can pretty much wear whatever you want.

I’ve spent many nights catching up with friends over a few beers at the Cottesloe.

Who: Cottesloe Beach Hotel

What: Hotel/Bar

Where:  104 Marine Pde, Cottesloe, WA 6011

When: All year round

How much: Prices vary

Dress codes for clubbing in Australia

Heya,

This is a quick blog about dress codes in Australia!!!

Remember: everywhere you go there will be different dress-codes depending on where you are…sounds obvious right?…not always.

If you stick to the backpacker circuit then you’ll be sweet as if your wearing thongs and shorts, but if you want to party where the locals are then you’ll need a few hints on how to dress.

As a travellor you want to travel light, so making sure you have the right shoes for every venue may be near to impossible.

Boys and shoes:

•  Always wear a pair of shoes with no laces…if you have laces, cover them with pants.
• Make sure the shoes are dark in colour.
• If you can, keep the shoes plain.

Boys and clothes:

• Try to at least be wearing a dress shirt which is tidy.
• NEVER wear sporting shirts out, unless there has been a sporting event.
• Becareful of clothing being mistaken for gang related clothing ie: bandaners, beanies, skull caps, ripped jeans, etc
• No sunglasses on head.
• No shorts.

Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule with collars and t-shirts…it all depends on where you are.

Best bet is to ask the bouncers at the door or make sure you have a female escorting you into the venue!

Girls and shoes:

• No rubber thongs.
• If you have to wear heels make sure you can walk around in them. The second you slip, the bouncers assume your drunk and put you off tap.
• Drinks will be spilt on you some time during the night so wear shoes which can handle that.
• Enclosed shoes are the best for the dance floor.

Girls and clothes:

Every state the weather is drastically different.  When you travel to these parts of Oz, check out the weather bureau before you arrive.

• Jeans are always a winner during the months of April-September.
• Dresses are perfect during October- Feburary.
• If you wear a jacket, it will be really warm inside the venue- so be prepared for that. ( unless you’re in a beer garden of course).

Accessories:

• There are hardly any cloak rooms in OZ clubs, so make sure you bring bagas and jackets which can be held.