Ashes Test: Cardiff

The First Ashes test between England and Australia in the middle of this year was in Wales - at Sophia Gardens, in Cardiff.

The much anticipated tour after the last encounter in Australia, which saw the Aussies dominate, but then also the Aussies even performances against South Africa and then dismal showing against Pakistan in the UAE, and England's gaining as a top test nation again.

The English summer did not disappoint expectations, delivering a dull, cloudy and chilly couple of days. Light sent us to the pubs in Cardiff a little early on a few occasions. But the civilised start times in the morning allowed for a walk to the ground through town.

Past Cardiff castle each time, and through the gardens along the river, getting to the ground was a pleasure each time.

The English side won the toss and went in to bat on Day 1, following a bizarre play-delaying opening ceremony on-field. The Aussie bowlers get into the action pretty early, and quick wickets made for entertaining viewing to warm the Aussie section of the crowd a little.

The Poms finished on 7/343 at the end of the days play, which included Root's impressive 134, and we went on to find a few watering holes in the streets between the ground and our hotel.

The next day saw the handful of Sheilas in the traveling Waving The Flag group display our pink, adding some much needed variety to the grey, green and gold sea of our allocated section. And captured in a rare moment of sun!

England's Ali added a further 50 to his overnight total, to eventually fall at 77, and Starc then finished them off, grabbing a 5 wicket haul for the innings. England has 430.

The Aussies were soon in trouble, and the struggles of newly crowned best batsman Smith began with the English summer - they just seemed to have him worked out!

Rogers went on to score 95, creating anticipation and just missing out, and then the Aussies finished the day on 5/264.

Australia ticked past 300 in the morning of Day 3, but then were all out just 8 runs later. For the most interesting day of the test, the Aussies then took a few quick opening wickets, before England dug in until Root and Bell were both dismissed for 60 a piece.


England were all out for 289, setting Australia the unlikely target of 412 for victory, with talk of rain on the final day.

The Aussies were ticking along initially on Day 4, with Warner and Smith putting together a 78 run partnership. We celebrated Luke's birthday in the stand with cake and hats, and the Australia's were then 2/92 at lunch.

What followed was a session of capitulation, with England taking six wickets for 65 runs. The tea break saw the scoreboard says 7/162 - a blessing that we couldn't read it properly with the angle of our seats!

The great Mitchell Johnson was the only joy for the rest for the day, with 77 runs next to his name, but soon after Australia was all out for 242, 196 runs short of the target.

This led to us having an unexpected day off in Cardiff the following day - which I totally wasted with a hangover. Usual story on tour!

Lantern At Belfast Town Hall

A gorgeous lantern around the outside fence of the beautiful Belfast Town Hall. I have been reminded by the date that this time last year I was on my week long trip to Ireland for a wedding, which included my day trip to Belfast.



The Belfast Town Hall is an impressive building, and these lanterns are lit as the light or weather get gloomy, as it was on my visit.

Royal Windsor Lamp

One of the lamps on the walls of Windsor Castle, on a day visit from London, back in 2005! It seems my fascination for lamps and light fixtures is long engrained!

Belfast

On the Tuesday of my week in Ireland, I decided that I would pop up to Northern Ireland to see Belfast as a day trip. I caught the train early from Wicklow, with the ticket seller insisting that I wait till Dublin to buy the onward portion, to save some euro. Two hours from Dublin, I arrived in Belfast's main train station, to find myself in the UK, with road signs in miles, and using Pound again.

A rainy day, as I walked around the grand City Hall building I was accosted by a tout selling tickets for the City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off tourist bus, and given the weather, jumped at it as the price fell in negotiations.

Taking the small group on the bus past the leaning Albert Memorial Clock, we then went along the riverfront, to the Titanic Quarter, having the dock where she launched pointed out. The bus then went out to the grounds of Stormont Estate, which was quite impressive.

Back through the city centre, the bus then took us out to the North Western areas of town, where 'The Troubles' occured, and an undercurrent still exists between Protestant and Catholic sides. This gave me a good overview of what all this is about, and pointed out many key spots, including many of the murals and the wall between the Shankill and Falls areas.

After getting off the bus, I walked along to one of the sights they had pointed out, being The Cathedral Church of Saint Anne. This captured my attention because of the large steel spire which seemed to be skewered into the roof, and through to where the alter would be. Walking in I took in the military reverence of the much of the chapel, including a stained glass window outlining the fourth stanza of the Ode to Remembrance. I read about the Spire of Hope, placed into the roof of this church dedicated to 'Nine 11' and the messages of hope and peace in relation to much of the world's conflicts.

Seeking a much more personalised, and on the ground look at the areas of 'The Troubles', I put a call in to the Black Taxi Tours, which I had had a recommendation about, and had found in one of the guide books I had picked up. My your picked me up from where I was, in his black cab, and took me back to the murals and trouble areas, but with a much more individualised and personal tour, explaination, and the chance to ask questions. This was really worthwhile, from a local's perspective and experience, and a more intimate look at the art around the areas, the monuments and memorials to different clashes and protests, and the significance of these sentiments today.

Old London Town

A seven hour flight from Bridgetown to London Gatwick had me back in my old home of a couple of years back now, albeit in a jetlagged state. The train from Gatwick into Victoria included a little shudder as it passed East Croydon, I arrived into Victoria with ease. Everything about arriving back to the UK was easy on Wednesday, with my old Oyster card for the tube working, limited crowds at that hour on transport, and my pre-existing knowledge of where to go, led me to meet Charlotte and rest out the morning at her flat in Notting Hill.

I headed across town to Camden to meet up with Charles for lunch at The Prince Albert, for a three course treat, before meeting Miss Charlotte and Alison at the flat once they had finished work, for dinner at Nyonya for old times sake. Laksa....mmmmmm!

Yesterday I met up with Renee in Fulham for lunch at The Chancery and a catch up with her and her Pommy accent in the sunny beer garden, before spending some quality shopping time in old favorites like Primark and then Oxford Street.

Last night I caught up with Chantal, Nat, Jess and Andrew, Dave, Charles, Charlotte and Alison for many many Pimms and Lemonade at The Champion, across the road from Hyde Park.

Today I have finally completed some classic London tourist sights which I did not visit when I lived here! I made my way into town and walked through Westminister Abbey, with the audio of Jeremy Irons taking me past the corination chair, the varios resting points of royals and literary names, and pointing out the grand and breathtaking ceilings in this majestic church.

I then met Jess for lunch at Pret, before we made our way to join a Yeoman Warder tour of the Tower of London. Having had my interest in Henry VIII spiked following the reading of The Other Bolyen Girl, I was keen to see the executioner's block and be taken through the times of treason, torture and scandal. Walking, and then travelling on the slow moving people mover, past the crown jewels, being each set of sparkly bits per monarch, Jess and I also took in the Torture Tower and Beauchamp Tower, with it's graffiti.

An attempt at visiting St Paul's Cathedral upper elements was thwarted by time, and thus, I may never see the much talking about whispering chamber! A Pimm's on the Queen Mary as another token of old times, my big trip is coming to an end - with just the task of packing and getting to the airport in the morning the last bits left!

A Host Of Farewells

This week I have had a whole load of farewell catch ups with mates here in London, to say goodbye in UK drinking style.

Wednesday night I met Jess at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, along The Mall near Buckingham Palace, to see Candy. An Aussie film with Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish, it was an Aussie take on the spiral of herion addition. Hrad going, but very good. Tiny intimate cinema in a grand building. We then tubed across town to meet Andrew and John for a pint at the Marlborough Head. A pub decked out in Addam's Family decor, with the loos through a door cut into bookshelves. It was goodbye to the Wilson's, for now. It's been fun living in the same city as them, even if for just a short time.

Thursday night I met Niny, Hilary, Chantal, and Scott for tapas and sangria in Clapham, where many HCML stories were told. I was reminded of all the crappy desks I have been sat at during my time at work, my black eye, and our many laughs during our pod silliness. The social side of work has been awesome, with a bnch of people in similar life situations as me, and thus, ready and willing for trips and nights out at the drop of a hat! Further drinks at The Fine Line made sure I was feeling a little seedy for my last day of work!

Friday I finalised all the dramas on my cases, and handed them all over - such a relief!

Drinks after work were at All Bar One in Clapham, with a large group from work. Many pints later, and I said goodbyes to Beate and Heather here. Train back to Wimbledon, and the remaining crew of Nathan, Fletcher, Scott, Kylie and Caitlin, headed to Bar Sia. This turned into a rather large evening, in the club downstairs which is a former swimming pool! Very strange!

After a decent hangover yesterday, and a struggle to meet the trying-to-get-up-while-it's-still-light with the darkness coming so early now here in London! I eventually made it over to Putney to meet Laura, Blake and Scott for some medicinal pints, dinner, and more goodbyes.

Now, I am all packed, and my taxi to Heathrow is just 45 minutes away from collecting me...and it's goodbye old London town.

Friendly Football?

Just when you think the game of soccer could not be any more wimpy, they also play "Friendly"s! Now when the real footy play games for exhibition or practice, it usually ends in brawls or pitch invasions....but last night I went along to the Australia verses Ghana match for none of that!

Nathan, Kylie and I headed over to Shepherd's Bush, and the QPR ground after work yesterday, to a swarm of Aussie fans. It felt like we were walking into a suburban ground in Melbourne, with the strong ocka accents everywhere - with the exception that everyone was wearing the same colours. The Socceroos jersey was everywhere!

Sitting in the cold stadium, in the Aussie half of the ground, we listened to the band in the Ghana side of the stadium play all night, while the action got under way - kick off....(I was thinking bounce down, but no!). The first half carried on, with our man Aloisi scoring the first goal of the evening at the 25 minute mark.

The stadium was out of beer at half time, which was very un-Australian, and the temperature dropped another few numbers. A reported fumble and clash at the other end of the ground ended in a Ghana score, and the match was a draw.

After watching quite a few soccer matches now, it's not as boring as it used to be for me. But still, bring on season 2007 for the AFL! Looking forward to good football matches at the MCG again.

Monopoly Finale

On Saturday, I attempted to meet Jess at St Paul's to see one of the many touristy things here in London that I still haven't seen. Not really paying enough attention to the Rememberance Day and the Lord Mayor's Show Day information, I arrived at Bank tube station to chaos, delays on the tube, and the two minutes silence - was a little weird! Then a pararde kicked off with all the Queen's men... The St Paul's plan was abandoned after realising I was on the wrong side of the parade, and Jess reporting minimal entry to the cathedral.

Instead, Jess and I headed to the first stop of the second half of the Monopoly Pub Crawl, which was the plan for the day! A farewell London adventure for me, and the last chance to finish the crawl that I had been part of back in March.

The first stop for the recommencement of this crawl was Whitehall on the board, and thus The Lord Moon Of The Mall, where our first half pint was drunk, and a hearty pub meal of bangers and mash was consumed.

Charles joined us at the Northumberland Avenue stop, at the Sherlock Holmes, for a half pint of the Sherlock Holmes brew. A walk in the cold London air, and a short tube ride later, another pint was had at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese for the Fleet Street stop.

Andrew, Kristy and Scott joined us at this stop, for the walk over to The Strand and The Wellington pub. Here we were joined by Nat, who wins the award for the most travelled to join the crawl, after flying in from Copenhagen (she's mad! we love it!).

Finding the Marquess of Anglesey was easier this time than the very first time I completed this leg, before we got to The Chandos near Trafalgar Square, and The Moon Under Water for the Leicester Square stop, where we were joined by Laura.

The Comedy for Coventy Street, with the half pints still coming, and a food and half pint stop at The Captain's Cabin for Regent Street on the board. A glimpse of the Xmas lights here showed that they were the same as last year - lame! No pub found at the location outlined in the instructions for Vine Street, and the posh looking establishments and their burly bouncers were none too keen on letting us half pint in there!

A wander along Carnaby Street before O'Neills for Marlborough Street, and a half pint upstairs in The Duke of York as the closest pub to Bond Street.

Our finale was the Oxford Street pub, which was quintessential English pub, The Woodstock, after another peek at last year's Xmas lights repeat! A Winter Pimm's, and then another full pint for good measure, the crawl was done!

Feeling suprisingly well on Sunday morning, I met with Jess and Nat for brunch of the much anticipated eggs benedict at the Glow Lounge. A chance to say goodbye for now to Nat, who has been a great provider of floor space, crazy travel ideas, a great travel companion, and someone who is up for anything, during my time in the UK. Love your work, Miss Nat!

Hanging out in old London town

I have had quite a lovely week, catching up with people, despite the winter weather and darkness creeping in.

Tuesday night, Charlotte and Laura and I met Hilary in the city, at Momo for dinner and drinks. Apparently a place for cool people and stars - we just hung out for a good gossip session and a general catch up! Food was Morrocan, and very yummy! Red wine was very good too! I had forgotten the ordeal of travelling into the city though, on the train and then the tube - how quickly the memory blocks! Such a mission.

Wednesday night Charlotte and I went off to see The Departed, after hearing rave reveiws. Brilliant movie, loved it. Haven't seen a movie that envokes a real stress response for a long time! And Leo was very good...

Last night, Charles took me to the theatre for my impending birthday, to see the long-running musical Blood Brothers. A story about twins seperated after birth, and their experiences growing up in two very different family, and socio-economic environments.

Quite a depressing look at the hard working class English experience. For quite sometime during the show, adults played the role of seven year old, which was a little odd. The actor portraying the mother of the two boys was fully into her role, and played the full emotions...and poor Marylin Monroe got a workout in the song sung throughout the show. Was quite good, and amazing to think that this production has been going for so long.

The narrator in this production was quite creepy, and funny, popping up throughout the show, speaking rather than singing, and just geerally being a presence.

Thanks heaps, Charlie!

I took the tube over to Camden...

to wander around. Yesterday. One of the things I have wanted to do in London, and have only just gotten around to!

After the very long tube ride up to Camden, I walked around in the autumn sunshine, taking in the sights and smells. Very busy, the network of markets had the full variety of wares on offer - and all variety of people wandering around too! Hippy, punky, funky, Camden markets have it all. Alot of people dressed in very weird stuff, too. I got quite lost, but could always find the collection of food stalls in every section!

On Saturday I went down to Brighton for the arvo with Laura, and her mate Dave. Walking around the pebbled beach, along the pier, past the palace, and through the Lanes. Several pints in a few of the very old pubs, it was a lovely way to spend a lazy Saturday.

I'm in London still. However, the end is near. I have resigned from my job, booked my flight, started thinking about what I want to be when I grow up...and I have five weeks till I am on that long haul flight.

London all-nighter - the Metro Life Hike

Friday night after a study day on brain injury for work, I met some of my work mates for farewell drinks for Chantal, at Be At One, in Clapham. She is leaving work for a new job, so two for one cocktails was deemed the appropriate way to see her off!

After two or three, Charlotte and I headed into the Guildhall in the city, to meet Caitlin and Jack, for the Metro Life Hike.

The Metro Life Hike is a 17 mile hike around London's Circle Line, above ground. A chance to see several open houses along the way, and raise money for the Maggie Cancer Caring Centres. Although we haven't managed to raise much money so far, we are hoping to raise more now that we have finished - you can donate here.

We completed our registration, and received our t-shirts and maps, in the rather grand interior of the Guildhall. After the provided pasta preparation for the long walk, and a warm up in the Guildhall square, the walk started at 10pm.

The walk, with loads of other people, started out through Farringdon, and then up to King's Cross. A rest stop at the Wellcome Trust Gibbs Building, before moving on to Regent's Park and Paddington way, and down to Notting Hill, and another rest stop.

Walking on through the early hours, we made our way past Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall, down through the embassy area of London, and past the Argentine Ambassador's residence. I must admit, I was way too tired by this stage to take in the light show here!

On through the little posh streets to past Buckingham Palace, we made it past Big Ben, across Westminister Bridge, to the London Eye. Here we were treated to a 30 minute rest, and the chance to enjoy the views from the first ever night flights on the Eye. At 3.30am, the lights on London were taken in with bleary eyes, and a round of Percy Pigs for our pod!

The last portion of the walk was the hardest, with zombie-like foot in front of the other walking to the next stop, City Hall, via Embankment and St Paul's (surely that was the long way!!??). Very tired as we walked across Tower Bridge with the hint of sunrise on the horizon. We finally made it back to the Guildhall after passing the Gherkin and Liverpool Street, and made it by 6.30am. (More photos.)

Just able to walk around now, that was 17 miles of walking when I should have been sleeping, that I am still feeling!!

Weekend out of hand

Plans for a quite, money saving weekend backfired, and as I am sitting at my desk this morning, a little seedy, things had just gotten away from me! But that's London - there is always someone doing something....awesome!

Saturday just after lunch I went into Wimbledon for a pint with a few of the members of my new house. Holly, Belinda and Mark and I were in search of the Aussie verses South Africa rugby (I think!!) match - but no luck. Given the nationality divide in the house now, it could have been interesting...but none of the pubs had it one.

Facing a quite Saturday evening at home, I got a text from Toni, who is back after her travels, and so I headed into Clapham Junction to meet up with her, Ben and Clare for dinner. Three bottles of wine later, a mini pub crawl had commenced! Was lovely to see Toni, and catch up on the last few weeks, and all the changes. Was quite nice wine, too! Hee hee.

Waking to a headache and a text message, I pulled myself together and made my way into town to meet Jess and Andrew, and Nat, at the Queen Mary for lunch. Fresh off the boat, Jess and Andrew have just arrived in big, bad London for a year of adventure! Soaking in the sun, the skyline and the Pimm's, the four of us we caught up, before walking through London streets to Covent Garden.

One the way home, I called into the Walkabout in Wimbledon, to have a drink with Renee. Haven't seen her for a bit, and it was lucky I was keen to catch up with her, cos the Walkie is gross!! Hee hee!! Lucky for her, there was an AFL replay on, and then I watched the first set of the US Open!

Back at work for a bit of detox now, after a weekend of catching up with friends over drinks, all over London! It's all good!

NW6 to SW19

After Council Tax dramas hit the fan not too long ago in the MaxiPad, I decided that it was time to give the girls notice and move somewhere cheaper, and closer to work. Last night I completed a large part of the move, and now I am a Sowf London lodger!

Yesterday was my last tube ride from West Hampstead to East Croydon to work, ever! I savoured the sausage roll stop at the yummy, but grumpy pie van at London Bridge. And farewelled my one and a half hour commute to work!

So I have traded the Bakerloo/Jubilee tube line combination, for the Northern/District Lines, and the tram straight to work, in just 30 mintues! I arrived at work this morning, pre-coffee, and awake!! The extra hour and a half sleep in is going to be bliss!

I have moved from a top floor flat with a balcony, to a house in a leafy street, with a backyard. Way more savings, lots more sleep in the mornings, and stressless on the way to work.

Kilburn locals

For Toni's last proper night in the MaxiPad, before more travels and then her relocation to the valley, I decided we should do a tour of the local pubs that we have always heard so much about. For dinner we ate at Speedy Noodle, which is one of those places near home that people have mentioned to me...fast service, huge dishes, and cheap, cheap!

First pub stop was the North London Tavern, a busy and chilled vibe pub. Pretty people locals (I think this is where that hot guy that applied for one our rooms recommended!!), we polished off our first Magners.

Next up was the Brondes Age, which we had spotted one night when we had had dinner up this way, where we sat outside and soaked up the Kilburn High Road atmosphere(this end is a little like Lygon Street!), and another Magners.




Aware poor Toni had to get up very early in the morning to get her taxi to the airport, we walked down to The Kilburn next, which was my favourite of the crawl last night. This pub is very cool.

The Good Ship was our last stop, and despite hearing good things, probably my least favourite of the crawl. A bit try hard pretentious, and well...empty! Set up for a dark and dingy nightclub style evening....a little sleazy and gross for us! More Magners and a short, and then home.

Have fun on your travels, young Tones-sta, and good luck in your new whizz bang job!

Dreamy Midsummer Night

Last night after work, I met up with Renee and Graham for dinner, before Nae and I headed over to Regent's Park and the Open Air Theatre to see A Midsummer's Night Dream.

Outside at the moment in London has been awesome, with the ongoing heatwave, although wouldn't you know, last night the weather was a touch dodgy! Cooler than it's been in awhile, and quite windy.

The stage is set in the Park, hidden amongst the trees, with the stands radiated out from it. Tucked away, where you could be anywhere!

The wind in the surrounding trees added to the mystic of the play, although did force the actors to work harder on their voice projection!

As the night grew darker, the stage lighting was more effective, and more enchanting. Lots of fun and silliness throughout the play, and the actors rolling all around the set was very amusing. The rain started just towards the end of the play, and we got soaked getting back to the tube!

Anyway, I am off to Manchester today for work. Better get going....

Primrose Hill

Charlotte has moved into our house for the next 5 weeks, subletting one of our rooms. After showing her the dreadful commute for the morning routine, and our days at work, she thought it would be fun to get off the tube and walk home.

After a pub meal at The Salt House on Abbey Road, a place that we have always walked past and wanted to sit out and enjoy a pint, we spotted the sign to Primrose Hill.

The highest point in London, it has been talked up as having the best overview of the city. And despite all the inclines, it did not disappoint. From the Battersea Power Station, to St Paul's, the orange lighting of Westminister, and the Gerkin...we could see it all from way up there.

Cambridge, for work

Last week I went out on an assessment for work, to met a new client and complete a worksite assessment, to see what he would need to do to get back to work. Far away little town, we traveled to an industrial estate, and arrived at a large factory. Clearly for confidentiality, I can't give details, but lets just say huge factory with many on the line, doing all sorts of monotonous jobs!! Dorita and I did a walk through of the factory, and then completed the assessment of physical demands, but not before being kitted out in coat, hat, and earplugs! So hot!!! Not! I think they were having a laugh.

Today, I went out to Cambridge for another assessment for a new referral. Getting around!! After the work was done, I headed into town and had a pub lunch by the River Cam (while making some work related calls, of course!).

I was told I should take a punt down the river by everyone I asked, so I joined a tour group with one of the many punting companies near the pub. The punt was Venice gondola style, but with an English lad pushing the boat along and giving the tour talk.

The ride takes you through the back tour of all the huge and very grand college buildings of Cambridge, under bridges, and battling the punt traffic all the way up and back.

Past the colleges famous for housing Issac Newton, Charles Darwin, and even Prince Charles!! Names like Trinity, Queen's, and King's. The chapel of King's is very ornate and impressive.

Today was graduation day for many of the new graduates of Cambridge, and so we got glimpes of grad drinks along the river, and people in their black gowns...with funny white fluffy cape!

Feeling quite like I was back in Venice - the sun was even out! - we passed under the Bridge of Sighs, which, like the one in Oxford, is a replica of the one we saw in Italy. Our guide produced lots of stories and facts about each college as we guided past. The story of the Mathematical Bridge, where legend has it it was frist built with no bolts in place, due to it's angles, among others.

A good little day out, out of London and the office, despite walking forever to find the train station back to London! Was not as impressed as I was with Oxford, but it is the breakaway from the scholars in Oxford, so a worthy second runner!! Hee hee! Hopefully my next assessments are somewhere equally as interesting, and in places I haven't been to... (More photos.)

Wimbledon 2006

I watched the Australia verses Italy World Cup match at work on the screen yesterday, with a few other devoted fans, while work was put on hold, and the company supplied the beer! What kind of game is this soccer business!!?? It all come down to a Matthew Lloyd style dive, and a horrendous free kick in the dying minutes...and the dream was over! It seems the whole of Australia got a taste of how we felt in the 2001 prelim....ROBBED!! Absolutely GUTTED! What a bloody stupid game! Soccer is such a lock out right now!

Lucky for me, yesterday's play at the tennis was rained out in typical London summer weather, and all those matches were scheduled today! A big chance to watch some Aussies play, I took a 'duvet day' (doona day, to us Aussies!) today, and joined the line for a ground pass at around 9.30am.

Two hours later, and drier than the same time last year, I was inside and ready to watch Day 2 of the Wimbledon Championships for 2006. A quick peek on the warm up courts found Philippoussis going through his paces, and then walking through the centre court area, I spotted Alicia Molik wondering about.

First up for the tennis was a trek to Court 7 for the compatriot battle of Johannson and Bjorkman. Torn about who to cheer for, my mind was made up when Tomas showed that not all Swedes are placid to his deteriment too. Jonas played one of those tough, hard fought matches he is known for, and won in 4 great sets.

While this was going on, Philippoussis was playing on the court next door. I watched a set and a half of his, from the same standing nose-bleeder section as I watched him last year, in which he was playing absolute rubbish, before spotting that the men's match on Court 9 was coming to an end. I worked my way into the tiny court, and got a good seat for the next match up.

Alicia Molik played a great game on her first back from a long illness, and was looking good. All while The Poo won the second and then third set on the court next door...

Over onto Court 13, I watched Tommy Haas fight out his first round match - and saw the roar of the crowd on 2 when Poo won his match...well, what do you know!! Hee hee. Tommy looked good (although not as good as he did in the year of the red muscle shirt....), and he joked with the crowd at times, swore and pulled faces at his coach, before winning comfortably.

I then induldged in the infamous strawberries and cream, which I didn't get around to last year, while sitting on 'Murray's Mound', as it's called this year, and watched Andy Murray win on Centre Court, via the big screen.

Eight hours of tennis, a little sunshine amongst the overcast day, and no rain! Aussie wins, and some great tennis! (More photos.)

Royal Ascot

Yesterday a big group of us went to the races! Royal Ascot is steeped in history, fashion and high stakes - apparently!! I was just there to enjoy the day out!

After showering and dressing in the morning, I was attacked with hairdyer and powder brushes, and whatever else, by two of my housemates (thanks Toni and Nata!!), before trekking down to Chantal's house for our pre-racing breakfast gathering.

Champagne, bagels, cream cheese and salmon, the gathering was the perfect way to get charged for our big day out. We then caught the train out to Ascot, and finished off our travelers on the way.

Having quite a large group, once we got into the Silver Circle area, we all seemed to disperse, and in between drinks and walking around, and soaking in the sun, the task of regrouping was an effort!



Usually I've been to the races back home, and have never seen a race (usually concentrating on people and drinking! You know how it is!). But yesterday I surprised myself by actually watching at least two races!! Hee hee!

Selecting my dress in the first store I went into after work on Friday night after work, it was still shocking to see about 12 other girls in the same dress in the Silver Circle! There were a group of dress clones actually, not just my little number. (More photos)

When the last race finished, we took some time in the shade tent for some much needed respite from the sun, before heading to the massive pub just near the Ascot train station - which was so much fun! People mingling, mucking about, introducing themselves to anyone and everyone - everyone was just brimming with the good day that Ascot put on.

Wireless

Yesterday, Laura, Charlotte and I took half a day off work, and went into Hyde Park for the O2 Wireless Festival.

First up for the day was little Missy Higgins from Melbourne. Cute, sitting up on the stage at her keyboard, and belting out her songs. She's a bit more polished than those first tv appearances she made when she hit the big time back home, and has lost that ocker Aussie twang in some of her songs. Ending with Scar, of course, but she mingled in some new stuff, and all the big numbers from her album.

Next up was Violent Femmes...a little blast from the past! So early uni days for me! Add It Up, Please Do Not Go, Blister In The Sun and Kiss Off all sung by men in their late fifties...very weird!

After them was KT Tunstall, another cute little lass, from Scotland, who I have been listening to a lot since coming to the UK (thanks, Charles!!).

The park started to fill up for KT, and the temperature started to drop! People finally stood up, and KT gave long monologues between each song in her cute Scottish accent.

Big numbers like Black Horse and The Cherry Tree, Under The Weather, and Other Side Of The World, plus she did my favourite, Miniture Disasters. Ended with Suddenly I See, after doing a few newbies too.

A quick score check on the big screen in the back of the festival area for the soccer, we then returned to the main stage for David Gray as the sun was setting behind us. He was very mellow, and quite sexy!! Hee hee!

Sounds like whilst I was enjoying the music in the park, I missed one of the most exciting, most intense games of football in Australian history...lucky Australia won, and there's another one to watch on Monday!!