Off the Map (Sort of)

Originally written: March 1st

Traveling so far has proven to be a priceless experience, but I'm definitely not in fairy-tale land. I was finally able to check my bank accounts after hooking up my internet, and it wasn't a pleasant experience.

Having fun is expensive. And having the time of your life has turned out to be really, really expensive.

Deciding that I needed some cash money to create more good-times in Oz, I considered street performing which seems to be a popular source of income for some Melbournians. But soon after I decided I lacked the talent needed to attract an audience. So I did the unthinkable: I got a real job.

My job search wasn't difficult by any means. I have no problem prancing into a crowded bar and asking the manager if they're hiring, telling them I have absolutely no bar tending experience, and by the way I'm a quick learner, I swear. It's all about confidence, isn't it?

I landed a job as a bartender at Jwow's Wine Bar, which is a fancy little place right in front of my apartment on Little Lonsdale and Swanston. From the second I descended the stairs to enter the bar I knew that this job would be perfect for while I stay in Melbourne. The environment reflects a ritzy $18 for a cocktail sort of scene, but the place is really laid back.

That chill vibe of course comes from my new coworkers. Even after I spilled two bowls of bar snacks on a couple, my new manager was still kind enough to draw me out a map of places to go in Melbourne.

To stay consistent with it's alternative reputation, some of the best bars, restaurants, and shops in Melbourne are hidden in alley ways. Me and my roommate have attempted to find a couple of clubs in the graffitied crevices near our apartment, but the Chicago part of me still shouts, "What the hell am I doing?" every time I enter a poorly-lit street lined with garbage bins.


Armed with my trusty map scribbled out on the back of receipt paper, after my first night at the bar I set out with my roommate and our friend Dana to find Degraves Street. My manager told me it's the place I have to go to feed my vintage shopping fetish.

At first we were skeptical when we saw the tiny off-street that's located across from Melbourne Central Station. But when we peeked around the corner, it was as if we found a hidden treasure. And finding treasure is the best feeling in the world.

Degraves Street gives off a European aura filled with cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. All are hole-in-the-wall places with outdoor seating that spans the entire street.

Wandering up and down Degraves and its intersecting side streets, I was thankful for my future paychecks. The shops are too amazing to not spend my money in. There are record stores and what lured me there in the first place: heaps of unique vintage boutiques. I felt like an alcoholic in a liquor store.

The vintage shops aren't picked over like they commonly are at the ones I frequent in the States, which I believe is a result of the steep prices. The quality of the clothing in many of the shops is impeccable. A large portion of the garments are hand made from local designers. Fate brought me and the most beautiful plaid jacket together and I felt tears in my eyes and guilt in my gut as I looked at the price tag. Fortunately the boutique babe told me I could put it on lay-by (just like putting a washing machine on lay-away!) and pay it off in a month. Amazing.