May 6-7 How 'bout them apples

This morning I had work and then tonight I went to a beautiful little place called Milk the Cow with Adam Stone and his friends. I know Adam from way back when in the Schechter days (elementary school) and we have literally not seen each other in ten years. This reunion was so epic, let me tell you. In the car we listened to an amazing aussie band called “Sticky fingers.” I like their beach-y chill vibes and would highly recommend them. The restaurant we went to was a cheese bar, with complimenting whiskey and wine flights to add on.

Seeing Adam Stone after 10 years! Magical!

I shared with one of Adam’s friends and felt right at home after playing Jewish geography and basically just learnt more about Jewish life/growing up in Melbourne. I am beyond grateful to have friends who are willing to open up their social circles to me. This is something I have never and will never take for granted. After a night full of laughs and even some dessert afterwards, I had another morning shift the next day and had a special visitor come by to eat! Matt Karlin came all the way from Northbrook, IL (he is also studying in Sydney AND I got to see him in Sydney- remember all those old posts from Sydney in March! Yep. Same guy!) He finally made it down to the best city in Australia :) The people he brought to brunch also went to University of Illinois! I-L-L! He is the first friend to visit me at work – I am honored.

I got to meet up with him later and meet more international student friends of his. A big hot topic we had over dinner was Matt’s most recent trip in South Korea. I am entranced when I am hearing my friend’s stories about travels! (Especially at this time when South Korea and North Korea are at the forefront of the headlines.) We went to Shanghai Village Dumpling for very cheap dumplings in Chinatown. I absolutely love the Chinatown here and want to explore it more. Cheap food and very interesting décor. We went to Croft Institute after dinner, a laneway bar that is “science-themed” Would you call it? The drinks have syringes in them and very clever cocktail names. I included pictures here!

It has been a beautiful past few nights with friends old and new. The next night I went out with Andree, Tarni and Nathan from La Di Da. We started at Union Electric, a super cozy, trendy bar in the CBD with a very romantic rooftop. I had a great drink there that was made of freshly juiced apple juice, lemon, and whiskey. Ohhhh brother, it was good. Afterwards we headed to Arbory again and then finished up at Lounge on Elizabeth Street.

Fresh apple juice and whiskey... beautiful combo