The Roxx Rocks

Yesterday I finally managed to go climbing after months of softball practice blocking my efforts. Amy and I went to The Roxx at 239 Waltham Road. It is a pretty kick ass indoor climbing centre... much better than the wall at Burnside High School.

After filling out a registration form and hiring some gear I had a quick belaying refresher from a guy who works there and then we were left to our own devices. Amy is pretty good (it's not fair that she has such long arms and legs!) so she did some hard climbs while I mostly stuck to the ones with nice big holds and lots of them. For those in the know, I can do a level 15 but it starts getting real hard after that. Thanks to the overhangs and my poor technique I am expecting some sore muscles for the next couple of days.

It cost $27 because it was my first time (registration fee) and I had to hire all the gear but I think it was worth it. Have a go :)

Underage?

I was running some errands for Mum last night (because I am a lovely daughter) and I ran into a problem at the bottle store. The store clerk thought that my ID wasn't mine. What do you think? And do I really look U18?

The major differences are:

• Long curly hair vs. short hair
• Contacts vs. glasses
• Different eyebrows (I didn't know this but the clerk pointed it out)

To confirm my identity, the clerk asked to look at the name on my credit card. It must have looked suspicious because the card I already had out had my Mum's name on it. I was buying for her after all. Thankfully I had my whole wallet with me and could produce one of my own cards.

Also, I don't think that many people use fake IDs to buy Cointreau liquor... more like 24 packs of Woodstock or vodka that comes in a plastic bottle (do they still make Kristov?).

Maybe it is time for a new ID.

UPDATE: The bartender at Dux de Lux last night was also dubious that my ID was really mine.

Terra Viva Review

When we used to live in Avonhead, one of our favourite local cafes was Terra Viva at 196 Roydvale Ave. Until last weekend I hadn't been in a very long time. On Saturday we played softball at Burnside Park because it was Albion club day. Mum and I decided to have brunch there on the way to softball.

We took advantage of the beautiful sunny day by sitting outside. Terra Viva has a regular menu and also a selection of cabinet items. We both started with a Terra Viva refresher to drink; this is basically a lemon fizzy. I ordered a scotch egg from the cabinet and a fresh fruit salad. Mum ordered the bread platter. The scotch egg was a little dry, but it was very tasty, especially after I asked the waitress to bring over some homemade tomato sauce. There was a little lettuce salad with a tangy vinaigrette on the side. My eyes were bigger than my stomach and I probably didn't need the fruit salad, but it was nice and refreshing anyway. Mum's bread platter came with an interesting selection of spreads; cranberry and pistachio, basil pesto, and beetroot and horseradish. I had a little taste of each and they were all good.

We are not at the end of the story yet though... Mum and I returned to Terra Viva the next day for lunch with Dad. This time we decided to share a pork pie ploughman's platter and some fries with aioli and tomato sauce. I also had a glass of Spy Valley gerwertztraminer to drink. The platter included a pork pie for two (shared by me and Dad) and a selection of breads, cheeses and pickles. The pork pie was tasty and moist with crumbly, buttery pastry. The rest of the platter was also yummy. Mum liked the pickled onions so much that she bought a giant jar of them. On the way out I grabbed a raspberry and chocolate brownie which could only be described as decadent.

I was very impressed with Terra Viva's food and service and would highly recommend it for a weekend brunch or lunch. There is also a garden centre attached if you fancy some plant shopping before or after eating. In case you are wondering, we won our softball game on Saturday despite a few dramas... and we celebrated with fresh berry sundaes at Harrow's Berry Shop on Sawyers Arms Road.