27.12.2009 - Cinema Nova, Lygon St, Carlton

The first stop of my cultural year was Cinema Nova. Fortuitously, my friend Meg had two free tickets that had to be used. Perfect! :)

Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton 

The Cinema Nova in Lygon St, Carlton is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) arthouse movie theatre in Melbourne. Boasting 10 screens, this is a playground for all things films. I love movies, so I was pleasantly surprised and a little ashamed that this was my first visit.

With popcorn in hand, Meg and I took in the amazing, amazing visual spectacular AVATAR. Of course the irony did not pass me that I was in one of the biggest arthouse theatres in Melbourne watching  a blockbuster, but let's just leave that for now.  I was captivated by the width of the screen and the intimacy of the setting, giving it a loungeroom feel. Decorated in deep red velvet with gold coloured egg shaped speakers, this cinema spoke to me in new ways. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this place and would highly recommend a visit.

The only drawback was when the movie lost sound and there was a collective sigh from the audience. The guy behind us indicated that this is not a one off occurrence, when he exclaimed frustratedly into the darkness "Bloody Nova!".


This was however quickly rectified when someone let the management know, I just hope we didn't miss anything important.

PS. The carpark was also hell

In the beginning

It started just before Christmas 2009. While catching up with Sarah for a Christmas drink an idea was born "to get out there amongst it". I was complaining how life was boring and passing me by. This was prompted by 'cabin fever' resulting from spending almost 3 months climbing the four walls of my one bedroom apartment. It occurred to me that I live within 7km of the City of Melbourne, Australia and I am a cultural philistine.

On Christmas Day with the help of David, Nicola, Paul and Scott, we listed close to 50 cultural experiences that are offered in this great city that have somehow passed me by in the 20 years I have lived here. So with a little help, we begin a yearlong odyessy to discover what I have been missing. You dear readers are invited to join me on a tour of Melbourne, Australia and a Year of Living Culturally....