Hello! It's been awhile, but we're still here ...
This time we decided to post some pictures of us and our co-workers, the office is very social, and we arrived just in time for the social event of the KPMG year - but more on that later ...
First, as promised, is Noel's favorite piece of public art, Cow Up a Tree!
This giant cow is just outside our front door, as the centerpiece of the Harbour Esplanade waterfront :)Also, we've been enjoying the sunnier weather - last weekend we went to Daleysford, a small wine and spa town about 1 hour outside of the city. This picture is at the top of the lookout tower in the botanical garden. It was a good day trip, and nice to get out of the city.
Also occupying our weekends is Pete's new hobby of beer making. We'll be having the first batch at his birthday party ... We'll let you know how it turns out ...
Oh yeah - we saw this in the liquor store, and figured you wouldn't see this in the US ;)
Okay, on to the main topic ... Work Life, well actually just the fun parts:
A few colleagues were in from Sydney, so there was a dinner organised. We went to Chinese Supper Inn, and no this isn't just a bad picture - the place is totally dodgy! Melbournians love their flash restaurants, but they insist the best food is at the dodgy restaurants ... the jury is still out on the food here (I think they went a bit heavy on the MSG), but it was heaps of fun!
After dinner we headed over to a typical night club, which means down an alley, around the corner, and past the dumpster. This place is Croft Institute, it's a medical laboratory theme and they brew their own vodka ... interesting place:
Lucky for us, the highlight of the KPMG social calendar is the ball, which is held at the end of July. We are very glad we made it here in time for this event. It was over-the-top to say the least. The theme was Masquerade, and everyone had to come w/ a mask!
This is a picture taken by the photographers of the room set-up, there were over 1500 in attendance:
Before dinner there were live performances, starting with the stilt walkers to Phantom of the Opera music:
Next were the trapeeze artists:
... and then ... well, we're not sure what to call these performers ... but they definitely got the crowd cheering ...
Here we are in our super special ball masks:
This is Roopa and Martijn. Martijn is on Secondment from Amsterdam.
Me and Roopa
Me, Jacinta, and Amanda
Okay, last of the girlie pictures
At the End-Of-Financial-Year Dinner (unfortunately we forgot our camera for that one), Pete challenged Roopa to a "Dance-Off" ... don't ask, it started w/ some friendly teasing, some South Park references ... and turned into something I dreaded having to witness at the Ball ... however, I think they actually combined their individual powers of dance into quite a cute performance ... see for yourself
A great time was had by all! Pete says "see ya next time!"
p.s. We miss everyone terribly!! The homesickness has begun setting in, not so much for places, but for our friends and family - we are thinking of all of you every day, and hope everyone can come and visit!!
Love & miss,
Noel and Pete
