Went to Castlemaine last night to watch Lachlan Connor, Independent screen at the Castlemaine Fringe Film Festival. It was a beautiful and clear night in the Theatre Royal’s courtyard and 30 to 40 people turned up for the show. LCI was last on the program of about ten films and it received an excellent reception. Lots of loud belly laughs and even a “Go, Lachie!” shout during the credits. Nobody really recognised me because of the Clark Kent effect of my glasses.

Castlemaine’s a very pleasant town but the accommodation left a lot to be desired. Granted, I was aiming for the cheapest thing I could find but I assumed that $55 would still buy me a reasonable room. Check this out:

The TV didn’t work — it was a backup mirror

I swear there was a blood stain on the pillow

The publican informed me that it would cost only $50 instead of the quoted $55 because there was no lock on the bedroom door. The previous occupant had thrown the only key over the back fence into a paddock in a fit of drunken rage and they’d had to bash the door in.

This is what a $5 discount looks like

“But it’s okay, mate. Your stuff’ll be right in the room.”