Mini Break to the Sunshine State, Part Two.

The National, as expected, was impressive. Beyond impressive. So impressive I really just cannot convey how great they were. It feels like it was part fate being able to see them, which really only added to the greatness of it all. They're one of my "bucket list" bands to see live, and I would see them one hundred times again. Incredible.

Also a noteworthy mention should go to  Bear and I's breakfast the following morning at The Green Edge - boy, did we conquer that breakfast mountain. Smokey strips, tofu scram, mushrooms, grilled asparagus, beans, grilled potato, avocado, sourdough - all in the most epic of portions. We specifically returned to this cafe after reading the contents of the Big Breakfast. No regrets. The owner of the shop was just darling, who magically appeared like some kind of Kinda Bacon genie - just appearing from seemingly nowhere, offering us an open packet when we were discussing it after noticing it on the shelf.  Three packets later, I realised this was a very smart move by the Kinda Bacon Genie.

After we rolled our engorged selves out of The Green Edge, we visited the Cai Guo-Qiang Falling Back to Earth exhibition at GOMA which was gosh-darn inspiring stuff. In particular, the Head On installation which was created for the Deutsch Bank, inspired by the turmoil in Berlin's history.  I found it to be a very profound piece, which conveyed so much with relative simplicity.

Mini break to the Sunshine State

I couldn't help but take a wing shot. No one was next to me so I didn't feel too idiotic. And so the mini break begins. 

There's something so charming about air travel. I also have a strange thing about meeting people at airports/being met at the airport. Bear met me at the gate (one million points), with a latte (bonus), and a cuddle (and we have a winner). Like the beginning of Love Actually - there's just something so warm and fuzzy in the atmosphere at the arrivals gates at airports - even more so when someone special is there waiting just for you. 

Pies with a side of "Kinda Bacon": the kinder bacon. Also kinda like crack.

Oh, Bardon. You're so handsome. 

Now. Red Star. How do I love thee, let me count the ways. I had my first Red Star cold pressed coffee at the West End markets a couple of months ago and I've been dreaming about it ever since. Finally reunited at the store in West End, it didn't dissappoint. For all who don't know, their cold press coffees are like an iced coffee without the trimmings, and only subtly sweetened with the deliciousness of blue agave. Heaven in a cute amber bottle.

The West End is my favourite place in Brisbane. Book shops, op shops, unassuming boutiques, record stores, and men who can walk down the street playing a ukulele without anyone raising an eyebrow. I refrained from buying many an impractical but pretty thing. Observe exhibit A, the perfectly preserved vintage picnic set. But if I OWNED one I WOULD have picnics, yes?

Unfortunately the op shop wallpaper was not available for sale.

Curse you, reflection! The image above the writing is of shitty looking kitties.

Prepare the pancreas. Diabetes incoming.