I don’t remember exactly when it was, but I have a reasonably strong memory of having once stayed at the Flinders Hotel. Back in the late 80s and early 90s it was a popular spot, and was often referred to as The Flindergarten, as it attracted a mostly younger gay crowd. I think I was living in Renmark at the time when a mate from Canberra suggested we come to Sydney for New Years Eve (or maybe Mardi Gras), and so we decided to book into The Flinders. Big mistake. It was noisy. Oh my goodness it was noisy. Around this time the nearby Beresford Hotel was also at its peak, and “Gay Sydney” was out there loud and proud and making a lot of noise. Literally, as well as metaphorically. These days, The Flinders is a much quieter place, and in the face the last time I went there (eighteen months ago), there were probably no more than a dozen people there.
Flinders Street has changed, and this was no more evident to me on Wednesday night when I noticed there were two neighbouring art galleries in shops which I’m sure (though I stand to be corrected) were empty for a number of years.
The event I went to was put on by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association as a one-off special event, for which I congratulate the organisers. Although I didn’t particularly like the works on display (and I don’t think their prices reflect the true market value of the works), it was really great to go to an SGLBA event that involved more than just standing around, drinking wine and checking out the same old faces in the room. And I met a nice bloke who I chatted to for a while. Sorry, no gossip there.
Also this week, Damo and I went to see “The Chaser” at the “Enmore Theatre”. There were some incredibly funny moments, including a scenario where they established fake profiles on “Adult Matchmaker”, but there were also a couple of moments where the humour fell flat. A mixed show, in all honesty, but we had a good time, especially with pre-show drinks at the theatre and after-show drinks at The Bank Hotel.
Otherwise it’s just been a busy week at work. I’m coming in early at the moment, and despite my best intentions to leave early, I’ve been working long days. I will, however, be leaving ealry on Monday, as I’ve been invited to a lunchtime event at Aria Restaurant at East Circular Quay. I ain’t going back to work after that one let me assure you…