The photo tonight was taken in Chatswood, a suburb about five kilometres for me. For some reason, I thought this shot looked better in black and white, (although I have the colour version too).In the late 80s, early nineties, I would cross this road every morning on my way to work. Do you see the building on the right? that is a relatively recent development, a hotel and apartment complex - built on the site of a building that used to mean a lot to me.
On that spot used to stand the Charles Hotel. Gee, it was a rough tough pub, but it also had accommodation. When I was undergoing chemotherapy, I would book myself in most weekends just to get away from people close to me. The accommodation was very basic, and often I had to hold the curtains closed by using Sellotape. You could say it was an unlikely oasis, but it was a place where I didn't have to pretend.
Some nights I would pop down to the bar and play a few games of pool. It wasn't just the pub that was rough and tough - so were the girls! Maybe that's why my hair fell out!
Wherever you may be - be safe!
