Fortitude Valley - Day vs Night

Dear Peeps,

I was lucky to spend two nights at FV Peppers, in Fortitude Valley (FV). For those of you who don't know , The Valley is very close to Brisbane City Centre and is the night club precinct. A girlfriend and I shared the cost of the room for one night and as a treat to myself, I had the first night on my own.

FV Peppers is amazing. Worth every penny to spoil yourself. You can hire out the private spa room or go to the roof top pool and spa.

I took myself on a date to the spa room and just enjoyed the water and view.

Here are some photos of some iconic buildings in Brunswick Street Mall.

On the Saturday, we went to Enigma, which is a night club. It holds an over 30s disco every few months from 3 - 8pm, playing 80s and 90s music. We had a blast. We wore our sparkles and danced the night away.

The other regular site in FV is homeless people. My grandfather always advised me to give food to the homeless, never money. If that is right or wrong I don't know.

I spoke to Jazz, a First Nations person, she was not allowed in the convenience store and asked me to go and get her a lasagne (which could be heated up on a cold morning in the shop) and a coke in a glass bottle. I am assuming she claims the 10 cents for the bottle. Of course she thanked me for my generosity but many times in Australia, I actually feel too privileged and it is the least someone can do.

This morning I met Chris. I told him about my Instagram page and asked if I could film him talking about the difference in FV between day and night. At night it is all shiny and sparkly, people are happy and spending money freely. In the light of day, it is dirty and dreary and with no shimmering dresses and beautiful humans who borrow The Valley for the night, you see the real residents - The Homeless.

Chris shares his story. He speaks from the heart. I offered him food but he said he was ok, and also had smokes. I could not leave him empty handed so we bought him some Maltesers, a protein bar, a rain poncho, wet wipes and two scratchies. He likes the scratchies the best. Please watch.

Chris talks about having a community. He has friends here. He feels safe and does not want to leave. It has been his home for over 4 years.

I left with a better feeling than when I first saw Chris, struggling to stand, with his crutches and one leg.

Everybody needs a community - for the last few years I have struggled with this. Where was my community? Sorry but Aussies do community really badly. I look at all the cultures in Australia and see the Pasifica, Indian and Latin American (plus so more) hanging out and being a community. I mean sometimes they complain about everyone knowing their business but I would rather everyone having my back than no one.

I am still developing my community but would love to hear about yours.

P.S. Make sure the spa room is free to book before you make your booking! Oh there is also a movie room. Spoil yourself, you deserve it

Love,

Ro