Gathering some mana at a zoo.
Last week I sent a SMS to a friend to see if he wanted to catchup, as it is a while since we’ve done that. He invited me to join up with his friends to see some indie group at The Zoo.
The day we decided to meet up I checked where this ‘zoo’ place was located, and found out it is smack in the middle, almost, in the dreaded ‘Valley‘.
If you watch the news on the telly or pick up the latest newspaper you will for sure read about how dangerous it is being in The Valley during the weekends when people are drunk. The media here kind of portrays it as a huge drunken brawl that you should consider yourself lucky if you survive.
Before going to The Zoo we headed over to Mana Bar to check out what all the fuss is about. As we both like games we thought it was time to finally check out the place.
It is very small. To be honest, it is way too small. When you have to press your way through people you either have a very popular venue or a very tiny one. We ordered a drink, as they are very proud of their drinks, Ocarina Lime. It seemed to like a long drink mojito with soda. I won’t spend much time talking about the drink as it was not worth $14.
Mana Bar is a cool place, but I don’t see myself rushing back though.
After that, kind of disappointing, experience we met up with the gang and headed towards The Zoo.
I have to disappoint you all, but I do not remember the name of the two indie bands we saw at The Zoo; their website is also a bit lacking in information.
With that said, I enjoyed both acts.
It is really understandable why audiologists are worried about the hearing health of Aussies that go out as both Mana Bar and The Zoo played they played their music extremely loud. When your throat is sore the day after because you have to scream so the person next to you hears you it is too loud. It is so loud I might consider getting earplugs.
I also learned later, by looking at The Zoo website, that you are not allowed to take photos at The Zoo. You have to get permission, which is fair enough, but then they have this nice little threat:
Anyone caught doing so, with out pre arranged consent will have their gear confiscated until the end of the night.
I honestly doubt they can legally do this. I am very glad I did not get caught taking photos as I would never let them confiscate my camera. As I advocate privacy and respect people who do it to, I still find it important to do it within the law. Yes, they own the venue and they can have certain rules, but they do not have authority to confiscate personal belongings. I would very much like to see that law that allows this.
After surviving The Valley I can say it is not as bad as the media portrays it. The patrons at The Zoo where very nice. I saw no fights; nor did I see people being too drunk.
On the train home though I almost witnessed a fight, but luckily security defused the situation.
Good times.
