Early 2020 AD. Danny and I embark on a 21st century Odyssey. On the Majestic Princess from Sydney to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. Back to Sydney, then to Melbourne and flying back home.

After exploring the Melbourne CBD thoroughly, Danny and I met up with Chris. I met Chis in 2011when I first came to Australia. Eight years later he is married to Adam and lives in Footscray.

Wikipedia describes Footscray as… 

Footscray is characterised by a very diverse, multicultural central shopping area, which reflects the successive waves of immigration experienced by Melbourne, and by Footscray in particular. Once a centre for Greek, Italian and former Yugoslavian migrants, it later became a hub for Vietnamese and East African immigrants in Melbourne. It has recently begun to undergo rapid development and gentrification, and Timeout Magazine placed Footscray at 13th in its ’50 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World’ for 2019, reflecting its evolving reputation; citing in particular its diverse array of international cuisine, bars and nightlife, as well as the emerging arts scene.

Beers

Chris took us first to Bar Josephine. “Josephine is Footscray’s local craft beer bar. With a cosy beer garden, comfy vibe and friendly bartenders, Josephine is the place to be”, according to its Facebook page. 

Drag queen bingo

Headline of the evening though was the adult drag queen bingo at Pride of our Footscray Community Bar. 

Pride of our Footscray Community Bar is part-owned by nearly 200 people, who chucked in what they could afford to put together our colourful and friendly community space.

Every part-owner had to sign the following pledge: “I am part of the human race and I respect diversity, including but not limited to, diversity of thought, opinion, gender, culture, ethnicity, religion and sexuality”.

The bingo night is hosted by Aurora Arsenic. It’s all fun and games (literally) and the occasion to get together in a safe space.

It was a fun night with Chris and Adam but also Lee and Andrew.

Thanks guys!

PS: Corona

Obviously we were there before the Big Coronavirus Disruption of Life. For updates on Pride of our Footscray go to Facebook.