After an amazing week away to exciting and wondrous places, we had the final weekend of our trip in Cairns. The boat bought us into dock, and we we able to walk to our hotel for the next two nights, to the Pacific International. Probably the least impressive hotel of our trip, and yet right where we wanted to be.
After check in, we wandered down the Esplanade, and found a spot for dinner, and took in the crowds and kids about dressed up for a big night out. We walked over to The Pier to check out the places to be, but ended up at the Reef Casino watching the footy, after our massive day.
Waking up to a crazy temperature day of 30C, we had our buffet breakfast before walking through town, to seek refuge in the main shopping centre, for some retail therapy. Hiding out here for the afternoon, we eventually ran out of shopping patience, and steeled ourselves for the walk back...with the promise of a swim in the hotel pool.
As the sun went down, we got ready for a big night out, with the first mission being finding coverage of the footy being played on the other side of the country, whilst Brisbane was playing AFL, and both types of rugby was being played. We thought we were on a winner in a pub near the shopping complex in the heart of town...only to be disappointed as the game was about to start. A mad dash back to the Casino, we found the Hawthorn v West Coast game, and settled in.
Many, many beers later, a small entourage, and heavy heart at the Hawks loss, we were led by a local to a bar called Gillians, which he said was the place to be on a Saturday night. A massive backpackers bar, more beers, loads of people....that'll do! And like most in the world on this Saturday night out, we managed to have a dance to Michael Jackson, marking his death this week.
Buffet breakfast the next morning, we requested a late check-out so that we could spend the last hours of our winter escape week away in the hotel pool, soaking in the sun. Perfect!
Getting all packed up to go out to the airport, we received a text to say our flight was delayed by a few hours. I had just put the double pegs on for flying! More time in this heat!!?? Filling time, we went to the docks to check out the US Navy ship which pulled into shore for a week stay....just as we were leaving.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Green Island
Leaving Palm Cove, Melissa and I drove down to Cairns, dropping off our treasured new hire car, to board another boat to get out amongst the Great Barrier Reef - this time across to Green Island. One of my new favourite places in the world!
As part of Melissa's package, we were to be Resort guests for the night over on the little island, 27 kms from Cairns in the Coral Sea. This island is actually a sea cay on the Reef, which is covered in rainforest vegetation - the best of both worlds. But to make it better, there is a resort of just 46 rooms, and a day service, of which the last departs at about 4.30pm, leaving the island to it's night guests.
We arrived and were greeted at the dock and taken to the resort, and shown the facilities. Here we checked into our room, which overlooked the rainforest, and could have seemed like there was noone else around.
Getting a lay of the island and it's activities on offer, we walked to the beach for a look, before having lunch and watching some nervous beginners prepare for their scuba dive in the resort pool. Ready for some sun and water, we collected snorkeling equipment (now that we were such experts!) and staked out our place on the beach.
Getting into the water sports idea, we decided to check out the water by first hiring two kayaks, and paddling around and over the reef. Getting used to the whole concept of rowing, but also taking in the sun and sea, the horizon and the alive water of fish and coral below us, we got a feel for what we would see with the snorkel.
But then taking on mask and flippers once more, and dipping our faces in, we really got to see the world of activity just under the surface. Again, so amazing! The colours, the array of fishies. We would just float over them, watching them go about their day. Such a treat!
With so much to squeeze into our night and two days on the island, we eventually called it a day in terms of all our water activities, and got ready for a night on the island. First up, from the jetty, there was the fish feeding, where different fish were pointed out, tempted to the surface with their daily feed from the marine biologist. Here we got to see stingray, turtles, and even a shark!
From here, we went to the bench again for sunset drinks. Champagne was served to guests, as the sun sank into the ocean in front of us. We then had dinner at the restaurant, Emeralds, Melissa having the risotto and I had the seafood laksa, with wine, of course!
The evening stargazing was offered from the pier as we finished our meal, and away from the lights of civilisation we had all the constellations pointed out to us, with an up close view through the telescope. Next up was a night walk - and our walk led us to the underwater observatory to see the reef activity at that hour.
The next morning, Melissa and I had agreed to get up early enough to have the island to ourselves, and complete a full lap around it - I mean, how often can you say you walked around the circumference of an island? Taking just under an hour, it was peaceful and calm, with Cairns coming into view for the last third of our walk. Buffet breakfast awaited us, before we prepared for a day in the water.
More kayaking, getting amongst the turtles, before we snorkeled at the same beach for the morning. A lunch snack got us through to join the glass bottom boat tour out to more Reef spots just off the island, with more big fishy activity and coral formations explained and wondered at with awe.
The water was so clear, and as we were told this day was the best they had had in years, we then snorkeled off the jetty to take in the colour and activity in this section. Breathtaking....even with the snorkel in place!
So much to do and see on this little island, with the sense that there is next to noone else around. Plus it seemed like such a privilege to be able to swim around and take in the natural activities of the underwater world below you.
As part of Melissa's package, we were to be Resort guests for the night over on the little island, 27 kms from Cairns in the Coral Sea. This island is actually a sea cay on the Reef, which is covered in rainforest vegetation - the best of both worlds. But to make it better, there is a resort of just 46 rooms, and a day service, of which the last departs at about 4.30pm, leaving the island to it's night guests.
We arrived and were greeted at the dock and taken to the resort, and shown the facilities. Here we checked into our room, which overlooked the rainforest, and could have seemed like there was noone else around.
Getting a lay of the island and it's activities on offer, we walked to the beach for a look, before having lunch and watching some nervous beginners prepare for their scuba dive in the resort pool. Ready for some sun and water, we collected snorkeling equipment (now that we were such experts!) and staked out our place on the beach.Getting into the water sports idea, we decided to check out the water by first hiring two kayaks, and paddling around and over the reef. Getting used to the whole concept of rowing, but also taking in the sun and sea, the horizon and the alive water of fish and coral below us, we got a feel for what we would see with the snorkel.
But then taking on mask and flippers once more, and dipping our faces in, we really got to see the world of activity just under the surface. Again, so amazing! The colours, the array of fishies. We would just float over them, watching them go about their day. Such a treat!With so much to squeeze into our night and two days on the island, we eventually called it a day in terms of all our water activities, and got ready for a night on the island. First up, from the jetty, there was the fish feeding, where different fish were pointed out, tempted to the surface with their daily feed from the marine biologist. Here we got to see stingray, turtles, and even a shark!
From here, we went to the bench again for sunset drinks. Champagne was served to guests, as the sun sank into the ocean in front of us. We then had dinner at the restaurant, Emeralds, Melissa having the risotto and I had the seafood laksa, with wine, of course!The evening stargazing was offered from the pier as we finished our meal, and away from the lights of civilisation we had all the constellations pointed out to us, with an up close view through the telescope. Next up was a night walk - and our walk led us to the underwater observatory to see the reef activity at that hour.
The next morning, Melissa and I had agreed to get up early enough to have the island to ourselves, and complete a full lap around it - I mean, how often can you say you walked around the circumference of an island? Taking just under an hour, it was peaceful and calm, with Cairns coming into view for the last third of our walk. Buffet breakfast awaited us, before we prepared for a day in the water.More kayaking, getting amongst the turtles, before we snorkeled at the same beach for the morning. A lunch snack got us through to join the glass bottom boat tour out to more Reef spots just off the island, with more big fishy activity and coral formations explained and wondered at with awe.
The water was so clear, and as we were told this day was the best they had had in years, we then snorkeled off the jetty to take in the colour and activity in this section. Breathtaking....even with the snorkel in place!So much to do and see on this little island, with the sense that there is next to noone else around. Plus it seemed like such a privilege to be able to swim around and take in the natural activities of the underwater world below you.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Palm Cove and Kuranda
Over dinner at the Sheraton Mirage, we were offered the treat of coming over the next morning for the full buffet breakfast and a swim. Hard to say no to! This is how we spent our morning on Tuesday, before leaving Port Douglas. Sun blazing, and swimming in the lagoon of this resort. Not bad! Ha!
We eventually called an end to our bonus resort experience, and started our drive down south for our next accommodation destination. After talking through our plans, we decided to pop into the outskirts of Cairns this afternoon, to see the Royal Flying Doctors Service headquarters. Here we walked through the museum like history room, before going out the back to board one of their old planes for a peek inside.
Taking me back to my beloved memories of one of my favourite TV shows, the Visitors Centre then had one of the nurses talk about the service, and then show a video about the work they do. Amazing service, and we were amazed at the coverage and numbers of people who use this service in the remote areas of our country.
Driving into Palm Cove, we actually trawled the tiny town to see if we could book ourselves in for a spa treatment for the afternoon. Not having any luck, we found out hotel and checked into the Rockford Esplanade - only to find that they had a service that could come to our room. So we both had a massage, much needed!
Walking along the main beach road of resorts, we had dinner at El Greco, with a full array of Greek goodies...sitting alongside Kevin Sheedy! There is no escaping footy, is there! An early night, ready for our early start the next day.
This morning we were picked up from our hotel by the Down Under Tours bus, and driven to the Freshwater train station. Here we ate breakfast, and walked through the museum to read about the history of the railway and it's feat of engineering, being built by hand, before boarding the train.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way through the mountains and rainforest, past Barron Falls, up to the town of Kuranda. Being told about the area, the history, and all the sites to see out the window of the train by the Michael Catton voiceover, we reached Kuranda. Here we wandered through the markets, before having a light lunch of scones and jam and cream at the pub.
From here, we walked to the SkyRail, and boarded a gondola for the ride down the mountains. The little pods allowed you to jump off at two different spots to take in the ranges and rainforest around us, including the other side of Barron Falls.
Next to the end of the SkyRail, we entered the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. We watched live actors and holograms enact the history of the Tjapukai people in the Creation theatre, after viewing art depicting these stories also. We then walked out to the grounds of the Park to watch a dance demonstration, with music, fire making...and even the chance to see American school kids called up to attempt to join in with the show.
From here we got to establish that Melissa could throw a boomerang and a spear...and that I throw like a girl! A lesson on bush medicines and an explanation of the challenges of Didgeridoo playing was next, before we were back to the main complex and the History Theatre, to hear the impact of white man's arrival to the area and to the Tjapukai people. They also told of the impact of having the above mentioned train track built through their sacred mountain ranges.
After such a full day, and again returning to our hotel as the weather started to cool, we talked ourselves into going for a dip in the hotel spa. We then moved to the hotel bar for Mojito and Pina Colada to mark the fact that I don't have DVT this year, one year on. Touch wood!! A massive curry for dinner, with wine, and we were exhausted and pissy enough to call it a night!
We eventually called an end to our bonus resort experience, and started our drive down south for our next accommodation destination. After talking through our plans, we decided to pop into the outskirts of Cairns this afternoon, to see the Royal Flying Doctors Service headquarters. Here we walked through the museum like history room, before going out the back to board one of their old planes for a peek inside.Taking me back to my beloved memories of one of my favourite TV shows, the Visitors Centre then had one of the nurses talk about the service, and then show a video about the work they do. Amazing service, and we were amazed at the coverage and numbers of people who use this service in the remote areas of our country.Driving into Palm Cove, we actually trawled the tiny town to see if we could book ourselves in for a spa treatment for the afternoon. Not having any luck, we found out hotel and checked into the Rockford Esplanade - only to find that they had a service that could come to our room. So we both had a massage, much needed!
Walking along the main beach road of resorts, we had dinner at El Greco, with a full array of Greek goodies...sitting alongside Kevin Sheedy! There is no escaping footy, is there! An early night, ready for our early start the next day.
This morning we were picked up from our hotel by the Down Under Tours bus, and driven to the Freshwater train station. Here we ate breakfast, and walked through the museum to read about the history of the railway and it's feat of engineering, being built by hand, before boarding the train.The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way through the mountains and rainforest, past Barron Falls, up to the town of Kuranda. Being told about the area, the history, and all the sites to see out the window of the train by the Michael Catton voiceover, we reached Kuranda. Here we wandered through the markets, before having a light lunch of scones and jam and cream at the pub.
From here, we walked to the SkyRail, and boarded a gondola for the ride down the mountains. The little pods allowed you to jump off at two different spots to take in the ranges and rainforest around us, including the other side of Barron Falls.Next to the end of the SkyRail, we entered the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. We watched live actors and holograms enact the history of the Tjapukai people in the Creation theatre, after viewing art depicting these stories also. We then walked out to the grounds of the Park to watch a dance demonstration, with music, fire making...and even the chance to see American school kids called up to attempt to join in with the show.
From here we got to establish that Melissa could throw a boomerang and a spear...and that I throw like a girl! A lesson on bush medicines and an explanation of the challenges of Didgeridoo playing was next, before we were back to the main complex and the History Theatre, to hear the impact of white man's arrival to the area and to the Tjapukai people. They also told of the impact of having the above mentioned train track built through their sacred mountain ranges.After such a full day, and again returning to our hotel as the weather started to cool, we talked ourselves into going for a dip in the hotel spa. We then moved to the hotel bar for Mojito and Pina Colada to mark the fact that I don't have DVT this year, one year on. Touch wood!! A massive curry for dinner, with wine, and we were exhausted and pissy enough to call it a night!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Cape Trib and Hanging in the Canopies
Today we drove up from Port Douglas, up through the road where rainforest meets the sea, to Cape Tribulation. We crossed the Daintree River on the barge, and drove through fields of sugar cane, dwarfted by mountain ranges. Such a beautiful drive.
Driving past all the sugar trains had Darryl Braithwaite in my head instantly. We took at walk on the near deserted beach at Cape Trib, before a quick snack at the pharmacy in the middle of rainforest, where we were being met for our mornings activities.
Picked up in a 4WD, with a family of four and a couple, we were driven through the forest and mountain, to find our starting point for Jungle Surfing. The 8 of us were soon strapped into harnesses, complete with character hard hats, but two joking guides, who then too us up to the first of 5 platforms.
Melissa, being branded Lara Croft by her hard hat, was selected to fly through the air among the canopy of the rainforest first, flying fox style.
WonderWoman, um, that would be me, was up next, hooked up in full safety gear and instructions, before being flown over the rainforest floor on a cable from tree to tree.
Our guides catered to the fears of the kids, and one of the girls, in the group, with ease, and humour, and upmost professionalism. It was a safe and crazy adventure, flying through the air above the trees, learning about the area, how the platforms were placed, and a unique way to feel the life of the rainforest.
Once we had our feet back on the ground, we were returned to our car, and we started our drive back down South. We stopped at another gorgeous beach along the way, and at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, for ice cream flavours of the local and unusual plants.
From here, we drove back over the Daintree River, and into Mossman to the Mossman Gorge. Here, the rain started as we pulled in...which made us not so brave to take a dip in the waters of the gorge. It had grown a little cooler by then, but we walked through the paths to thr Gorge, to find a couple of people swimming in the icy waters.
Walking through the rainforest at ground level, the smells and sounds, we were taking in forces of nature at it's best, and least touched! A coffee and snack break back in Mossman itself, at the Junction Cafe, before driving back to Port Douglas.
With Melissa finding it very hard to switch off from her job, she had found herself telling a contact that she would met them for dinner tonight. Bringing me along for a free feed, we were picked up from our hotel, and greeted with drinks at the Sheraton Mirage. A full a la carte dinner, and much wine later, we had filled another amazing day up her in Far North Queensland.
Driving past all the sugar trains had Darryl Braithwaite in my head instantly. We took at walk on the near deserted beach at Cape Trib, before a quick snack at the pharmacy in the middle of rainforest, where we were being met for our mornings activities.Picked up in a 4WD, with a family of four and a couple, we were driven through the forest and mountain, to find our starting point for Jungle Surfing. The 8 of us were soon strapped into harnesses, complete with character hard hats, but two joking guides, who then too us up to the first of 5 platforms.
Melissa, being branded Lara Croft by her hard hat, was selected to fly through the air among the canopy of the rainforest first, flying fox style.
WonderWoman, um, that would be me, was up next, hooked up in full safety gear and instructions, before being flown over the rainforest floor on a cable from tree to tree.
Our guides catered to the fears of the kids, and one of the girls, in the group, with ease, and humour, and upmost professionalism. It was a safe and crazy adventure, flying through the air above the trees, learning about the area, how the platforms were placed, and a unique way to feel the life of the rainforest.
Once we had our feet back on the ground, we were returned to our car, and we started our drive back down South. We stopped at another gorgeous beach along the way, and at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, for ice cream flavours of the local and unusual plants. From here, we drove back over the Daintree River, and into Mossman to the Mossman Gorge. Here, the rain started as we pulled in...which made us not so brave to take a dip in the waters of the gorge. It had grown a little cooler by then, but we walked through the paths to thr Gorge, to find a couple of people swimming in the icy waters.
Walking through the rainforest at ground level, the smells and sounds, we were taking in forces of nature at it's best, and least touched! A coffee and snack break back in Mossman itself, at the Junction Cafe, before driving back to Port Douglas.With Melissa finding it very hard to switch off from her job, she had found herself telling a contact that she would met them for dinner tonight. Bringing me along for a free feed, we were picked up from our hotel, and greeted with drinks at the Sheraton Mirage. A full a la carte dinner, and much wine later, we had filled another amazing day up her in Far North Queensland.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Port Douglas and The Reef
With a very early pick up in a Lincoln style 'car', Melissa took me out to the airport for us to meet our flight...with me feeling every bit of my accidental large night just hours before. Double peg legs on for the flight up to Cairns from Melbourne, we were grossly over-dressed the moment we hit the tarmac and took in the sunshine and high 20C of Far North Queensland.
This trip is actually the result of Melissa achieving Employee Of The Year last year. A package of accommodation and assorted tours was her prize. Wow! And given that Cairns is the last pocket of Australia for me to visit, I had kind of invited myself along! A much needed winter escape for both of us.
We picked up our brand new hire car from the airport, and made the one hour drive up to Port Douglas. Checking into our home for the next three nights on the main street of town, our apartment at Ville San Michele was over-looking the pool below. After finding something for lunch, and getting a lay of the land along the main street, we spent the rest of the afternoon walking along Four Mile Beach.
Dinner last night was an 'intimate dining experience' with Flames Of The Forest. We were picked up from our hotel, and driven to the outskirts of Port Douglas to rainforest and bush area. Here under a canopy, we were seated and the wine started to arrive. Canapes soon arrived, before entree arrived as a Chef's plate, with crocodile, duck and prawn bits of goodness. Main was a choice between trout and sirloin, and then an amazing group of little desserts arrived on the table. The wine was constantly topped up. And all this while sitting in the middle of the forest surrounded by candles, fairylights and the stars!
The Quiksilver bus picked us up from our hotel this morning, and took us the whole block (maybe two!) to the jetty where their cruise leaves from. Here we boarded our boat out to the Agincourt Reef, which is part of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Melissa and I checked out the fishes and what all the fuss is about about the Reef in the underwater observatory once we had arrived at the Quiksilver platform over the reef. Awesome. But then it was time to prepare for the plunge, get wet and amongst the fishies....for two non-swimmers, this was a little daunting!
Collecting flippers, and snorkel mask, we ventured down to the submerged platform...and I quickly decided that I would take on the wetsuit like bright blue suit on offer, to shield from the cold water. Not Victoria cold, but I was just eliminating any issues apart form the fact I cannot swim!
Back to the water, we sat at the edge and loaded up with our equipment, trying to reassure ourselves that we wouldn't be breathing in water, and that we could both do this. Sticking my masked face into the water for a peek and test was a full anxiety moment for me.....but just had to harden up and get out there. Paddling out into the Coral Sea, and finding the space away from other people, we both got used to the whole swimming, and breathing, and snorkeling....and took in the breathtaking world that was below us! So amazing!
After being blown away by all the fish, and the colours, the coral, and the activity below the water's surface, we eventually made it back to the platform, and had a taste of the buffet lunch back on board the boat. But with much to do in our afternoon, we soon got back to the platform, and took a seat on a semi-submersible tour, for a guided trip over the coral and through the waters, with fish and other life forms pointed out and explained by the marine biologist.
Such an amazing experience, and a well organised day tour. I was totally blown away by the reef and it's living world out there. Wow! And so very proud of us both for venturing out with those funny breathing masks to take a look!
This trip is actually the result of Melissa achieving Employee Of The Year last year. A package of accommodation and assorted tours was her prize. Wow! And given that Cairns is the last pocket of Australia for me to visit, I had kind of invited myself along! A much needed winter escape for both of us.
We picked up our brand new hire car from the airport, and made the one hour drive up to Port Douglas. Checking into our home for the next three nights on the main street of town, our apartment at Ville San Michele was over-looking the pool below. After finding something for lunch, and getting a lay of the land along the main street, we spent the rest of the afternoon walking along Four Mile Beach.
Dinner last night was an 'intimate dining experience' with Flames Of The Forest. We were picked up from our hotel, and driven to the outskirts of Port Douglas to rainforest and bush area. Here under a canopy, we were seated and the wine started to arrive. Canapes soon arrived, before entree arrived as a Chef's plate, with crocodile, duck and prawn bits of goodness. Main was a choice between trout and sirloin, and then an amazing group of little desserts arrived on the table. The wine was constantly topped up. And all this while sitting in the middle of the forest surrounded by candles, fairylights and the stars!The Quiksilver bus picked us up from our hotel this morning, and took us the whole block (maybe two!) to the jetty where their cruise leaves from. Here we boarded our boat out to the Agincourt Reef, which is part of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Melissa and I checked out the fishes and what all the fuss is about about the Reef in the underwater observatory once we had arrived at the Quiksilver platform over the reef. Awesome. But then it was time to prepare for the plunge, get wet and amongst the fishies....for two non-swimmers, this was a little daunting!Collecting flippers, and snorkel mask, we ventured down to the submerged platform...and I quickly decided that I would take on the wetsuit like bright blue suit on offer, to shield from the cold water. Not Victoria cold, but I was just eliminating any issues apart form the fact I cannot swim!
Back to the water, we sat at the edge and loaded up with our equipment, trying to reassure ourselves that we wouldn't be breathing in water, and that we could both do this. Sticking my masked face into the water for a peek and test was a full anxiety moment for me.....but just had to harden up and get out there. Paddling out into the Coral Sea, and finding the space away from other people, we both got used to the whole swimming, and breathing, and snorkeling....and took in the breathtaking world that was below us! So amazing!After being blown away by all the fish, and the colours, the coral, and the activity below the water's surface, we eventually made it back to the platform, and had a taste of the buffet lunch back on board the boat. But with much to do in our afternoon, we soon got back to the platform, and took a seat on a semi-submersible tour, for a guided trip over the coral and through the waters, with fish and other life forms pointed out and explained by the marine biologist.Such an amazing experience, and a well organised day tour. I was totally blown away by the reef and it's living world out there. Wow! And so very proud of us both for venturing out with those funny breathing masks to take a look!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Chi Lounge
Finishing off my work as much as was possible for a week off, I was the only one left in the office as I headed out into cold Melbourne...unsure if I would be having a drink, given my rule about not drinking on my own. Text conversations, however, confirmed participants in Project drinks for the week, and thus I thought I would have a few quiet ones before going home to prepare for my trip and early flight the next morning.....hmmmm.
The Chi Lounge in the middle of Chinatown was upstairs, where I found Jenny, Kata and Renee soaking in some colourful cocktails. Sitting in a curtained off booth, surrounded by Asian themed fittings, we were treated to table service, making the ordering of drinks effortless....
Jules soon arrived, and then Annie and Josie found us. I haven't seen Annie since spotting her in an Irish pub, years ago, and the catch up began.
I remember bites of food being had, many beers for me, cocktails for the girls, before we decided to move on. The lure of our favourite Project 2009 destination, and it's amazing sangria, took us to Canary Club.
Discovering the time eventually, and knowing I had an early, early, early ride to the airport, but also being our of destination ideas, we finally called it a night....in all sorts, drunk, tired, and not at all packed! Opps! Great night, though! Ha!
The Chi Lounge in the middle of Chinatown was upstairs, where I found Jenny, Kata and Renee soaking in some colourful cocktails. Sitting in a curtained off booth, surrounded by Asian themed fittings, we were treated to table service, making the ordering of drinks effortless....
Jules soon arrived, and then Annie and Josie found us. I haven't seen Annie since spotting her in an Irish pub, years ago, and the catch up began.
I remember bites of food being had, many beers for me, cocktails for the girls, before we decided to move on. The lure of our favourite Project 2009 destination, and it's amazing sangria, took us to Canary Club.
Discovering the time eventually, and knowing I had an early, early, early ride to the airport, but also being our of destination ideas, we finally called it a night....in all sorts, drunk, tired, and not at all packed! Opps! Great night, though! Ha!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Asia Qualifier in Melbourne
Last night I used tickets that I barely remember buying, back sometime last year, when Stevie talked about getting them. Finishing work off with a beer, he and I made our way down to Flinders Street and pre-match beers at Phoenix Bar. Here we met Rob for a last beer, before we walked down to the MCG.
As part of the qualifiers for the Asia grouping for the World Cup next year, both teams had secured their spots in the next segment of play-off to the big tournament, so this match was a 'friendly', playing for the pride of being top of the table. Reaching the steps to our seats on Level 4 just as the two anthems played, we found our spots just in time for kick off.
The first half reminded me just how very boring soccer is....and why I rarely pay attention to it! Nothing much happened, ball went from one end to another, a few near miss goals...oh, and a Japan goal.
I went down to join the ridiculous bar line at halftime, and as the game got started, I persevered knowing not much happens, and given it was my shout! And I was thirsty!! Hee hee! Of course, Australia scored during this time, making that beer a triple round really!
Back to my seat, I saw the third goal of the night, the second for Australia, and Aussie Tim Cahil. The team did go bananas, as did the crowd, which certainly pulled in some excitement for the night. All over very quickly though, and the game ticked over to time.
As part of the qualifiers for the Asia grouping for the World Cup next year, both teams had secured their spots in the next segment of play-off to the big tournament, so this match was a 'friendly', playing for the pride of being top of the table. Reaching the steps to our seats on Level 4 just as the two anthems played, we found our spots just in time for kick off.The first half reminded me just how very boring soccer is....and why I rarely pay attention to it! Nothing much happened, ball went from one end to another, a few near miss goals...oh, and a Japan goal.
I went down to join the ridiculous bar line at halftime, and as the game got started, I persevered knowing not much happens, and given it was my shout! And I was thirsty!! Hee hee! Of course, Australia scored during this time, making that beer a triple round really!
Back to my seat, I saw the third goal of the night, the second for Australia, and Aussie Tim Cahil. The team did go bananas, as did the crowd, which certainly pulled in some excitement for the night. All over very quickly though, and the game ticked over to time.
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