Anne has a welcoming energy about her that makes you feel at home as soon as you step foot inside her beautiful open kitchen. That says nothing of her hospitality: I did not want for anything during my stay! She carried my bags upstairs for me, gave me tour of the house. The laundry and kitchen with instructions on how to use the machines, cooktops etc.
Coffee, a milk foamer, a fridge and pantry full of food available to me and breakfast ingredients, fresh fruit and her wonderful granola were laid out every morning before I came downstairs. I thought I was already familiar with Fitzroy but she had some great tips on new and old favourites open in the area, she even gave my some Myki (public transport) cards to use. My room upstairs felt like a little apartment of my own. A spacious bedroom, fresh towels and linen, my own bathroom kitted out with every amity I had forgotten to pack (toothpaste, cotton buds, hairspray etc) and a living room with access to Foxtel (Australian cable television) and a balcony. The balcony itself lead up to the rooftop which provides a peaceful place to meditate, enjoy dinner or simply gaze out on the rooftops of Melbourne's northern suburbs. Her whole house glows with natural light, smells of gorgeous incense (not obtrusive or overpowering!), the walls are hung with art and the beautiful furnishings make you feel not that you are right in the business of the inner city suburbs, but actually in your own private little Balinese resort. And yet, down a few flights of stairs you are a stones throw away from cafes, shops, tram stops, parks and museums. Its the best of both worlds! I was fortunate enough to meet Anne, her partner and family, all of whom I found delightful, passionate conversationalists and a joy to spend time with around the kitchen bench. I enjoyed myself so much that I was sad to leave.