Rock the Boat

I had an early rise on Friday and headed out to find apparel for the evening’s event.  Fortunately, the eclectic bay side community of St. Kilda offers an ample selection of vintage fare.  The stores didn’t open until late morning so I grabbed a cup of flat white and did some preliminary window shopping before lounging by the beach.

I wondered into Frock and Slacks just a couple blocks away from the hostel on Barkly Street.  The store owner was extremely helpful as I was explaining my need for 70’s funk garb. She eased my trepidation instantly and began pulling out some samples.  She understood my need to have something practical for future use as well as my preference for cotton based material as to ensure I don’t become a walking sauna.  She also had a great eye for my ideal colour palette.  By the time I tried on the second wardrobe option, I was completely sold on the outfit.  

Although I ended up doling out more coin than anticipated, I didn’t mind since I was now looking pretty fly.  I continued to have a great chat with the store owner at the register for about another 20min or so, it was fantastic.  First stop shop! I then slid down a couple of storefronts to have the pants re-hemmed.  Check out the photo from much, much, much later in the evening.  I only donned the ‘fro at the after party. Read on.

It was drizzling for most of the day, but I remained optimistic that it would be clear sailing along Victoria Harbour.  After running a few errands in the CBD, I returned back to the hostel to get ready for the evening.  I needed to be at the dock by 7:30p or the ship was leaving without me.  Of course, in true fashion I franticly got myself a cab and arrived at 7:27p.  Phew! Did you really expect anything less for me?

From photos that Chris and Megan have shared I spotted Mardi right away.  As she was in large part organizing the festivities she was playing door bitch, but she quickly introduced me to some of her friends, then some drinks and the evening was well underway.

I estimate about 250 people were attending the affair with everyone in full regalia.  There were some sweet looking outfits from flared neon green pants to animal prints to leisure suits.  What a howl!  I spent the first part of the four hour cruise getting to know the Pete and Madri crew while trying catch the ear of those two when I could.  Everyone was as cool as to be expected and the drinks were going down with ease.

A couple of hours in I was beginning to feel the effects of being inebriated on a boat, but I thought how so? I only had about 4 drinks, ok maybe 5 or was it more? However, the cups were smaller than a low ball serving.  Upon my next trip to the bar, I then realized that the small cups were just about half full with gin and slightly topped off with tonic.  Aah.

It was time to hit the dance floor.  The tunes were kicking funk tracks and it was time to step up the night with some tic tacs.  Like clockwork, 20min later a new horizon presented itself and I quickly turned to water as my beverage of choice.  Oh my, twisted on a boat dancing the night away. As sporadic waves and turns occurred it certainly challenged one’s dexterity.

As it usually goes time was flying by.  Gabbing with folk, taking in Melbourne harbour vistas and grooving away the evening, the next thing were docking back at Vic. Harbour.  It was just past the witching hour, but the evening was far from done.  At least the skies remained dry.

It was decided the after party was to be at Julian’s (Jules) place, seemingly a common destination afterwards as I heard déjà vu tales from only a few weeks back and New Year’s.  There were about 15 folks along for the ride.  Most of us packed into a maxi taxi (minivan) and were on our way, but we needed to make a pit stop at the bottle shop beforehand.  This is a 24hr liquor store!  Probably wise we don’t have these back home.  A few folks were the shoppers and suddenly we had two boxes of booze to carry on our evening.

It was great to chat with everybody in a little less chaotic environment, but there were a variety of treats abound so the evening kept the same flow from the boat party.  Lo and behold the sun began to peak above the horizon and it was a good sign to get myself back to the hostel.  What an incredibly fun night!

I barely remember the cab ride home and I am certain the night staff member at the hostel knew I was under the influence.  So it goes.  I guess it was a good gesture that I had a few knocks on the door for cleaning and maintenance, neither of which were required.  It was okay as it took some time to for the sleep fairy to arrive.   

I spent all day Saturday in recovery and only left my room at the beginning of the evening for food.  It was just as well I suppose as its Festival Sunday in St. Kilda with 60 bands playing on multiple stages along the beach.  I need to be in top form for another round of debauchery.