3 February
Wow – this is bloody awful. I’m not sure how I turned off my first alarm, or how I managed to get up for the second one at 9.30am, but I did. I don’t really remember what happen in the shower (although the girls were no present) or how I made it downstairs just before 10am for a banana and yoghurt. However with no one else in reception, and after making a trip upstairs to clean my teeth (because my mouth tasted like a sewer... and no, I don’t know what it tastes like, other than I’m pretty sure it was close to this) I took my laptop and headed into 3Four2, my new favourite cafe. I ordered a black tea (because surely that would help) and did something on the internet... blog, facebook, before leaving just after 12 with the shakes, sweating and the feeling I may well pass out or throw up. Luckily the fresh air outside removed that feeling and I headed for the backpackers and straight to bed. My roomy (who was still in bed) said ‘turn on the light, I should have gotten up hours ago’ to which I replied ‘well I should’ve stayed in bed!’ I lay down expecting to be instantly asleep.... and lay there for over an hour – I was overtired and sleep was not the answer. There was only one thing I felt could bring me back from the deep, dark hole I was in... and that was under those magical golden arches! So I headed over for a fillet of fish meal (I really should have just gone with the burger, but I needed the coke (the proven hangover cure) and chips (something else to soak up the alcohol). I asked for the burger with beetroot, and the girl had no idea what the hell I was talking about (is that not a requirement on the Citizen Test – knowing what beetroot it?) but they no longer put it in their burgers anyway. I had a few chips – good – before seeing what Dan had made all the fuss about, both in Sydney and Melbourne – yes, I was seriously in love with this burger, it was the best thing I had ever tasted. It would either cure me, or make me throw up, with either option being preferable to the state I was in. I drank the watery substance they call Coke and wondered how long it would take for the magical powers of the burger cure me.......... Back up to my room and onto the internet when I got a message from Gwyn that they were downstairs in the bar – how could they??? Got organised to head out and met them downstairs at 5pm, before we left not long before 6pm, with Ali meeting the guys from Aussie Open at the Casino, and Gwyn and I headed out for dinner and Carl Barron. Stopped at an Italian restaurant on Flinders Lane, a secret little place downstairs. We had the pick of the tables, and the guy behind the bar (bit of a larrikin) offered drinks, which we gracefully declined, prompting a conversation about where the drinking had taken place last night. We assessed the menu, both deciding on pizzas (prawn, goats cheese and something else). I wasn’t particularly hungry, until the pizza came out. It was the best pizza ever (and not just because of the state I was in). Bloody awesome, the only downfall would be that I couldn’t eat it, and wasn’t going to take it with us (although Gwyn did!). Worked out at less than $15 each and seriously rocked!!! Continued down Flinders Lane, spotting some graffiti art along the way (that we would revisit tomorrow) before arriving at the Princess Theatre. Bought the tickets and headed up 3 flights of stairs (where Gwyn was told to cloak his pizza or bin it) and nearly got vertigo in getting to our seats. Funny (old) theatre, seats were really close together and steep! Show started just after 8pm, and Carl went for just under two hours. Very funny. We walked back, arriving around 10.45pm just as Ali and her new room-mate got down the elevator. I went to reception to book for a few more nights, while they went to the bar and ordered drinks – was lucky to escape that one. We finished up just before midnight, vowing to make breakfast the next day!
4th February – houses birthday!!!
Quick shower (after missing my first alarm) before heading downstairs. No sign of them I searched high and low for a bowl, and then a mug, when they turned up about 9.15am. No chairs either we ate in the bar and were heading out by 10am to check out the graffiti art. Map in hand I took over (although I didn’t mean to) and we walked the streets of Melbourne –really really interesting, not just for the graffiti but to find the little streets and their cafes, restaurants and ba
rs that you would otherwise not know existed!!! Left on the tram just after noon, heading for St Kilda for lunch, and whilst I was all up for a new location when asked if I’d been anywhere I couldn’t help but say yes! So back to La Roche and another round of parma, chips and beer.... but wine for me. Headed down to the beach and then out along the pier – one of the nicest days I’d been at in St Kilda for a while! Caught the tram back and dropped into the hostel (to dump my heavy camera and change from thongs to sneakers) before getting another tram to Rod Laver, which we couldn’t get entry to because they were still packing it up. Over to the MCG for a look, and with a cricket match on I thought we might be able to go for a squiz, but no such luck so after the token photos we headed back, finally getting a tram. With Ali needing to get organised I quickly jumped on the internet before having a shower and getting ready to go to the movies later. Down to the bar for a glass of wine (couldn’t face beer!) we had a drink before Ali left briefly for a ‘date’ in MacDonalds – very very amusing!!! Gwyn and I walked Ali to the tram stop where we said our goodbyes and headed back for a quick drink before I said mine to Gwyn and left for the movies. Stopping at Coles & Liquorland along the way (no point being good now!) 
for refreshments! Worked out where I was going and got on the right tram at Flinders St following the crowd to the cinema. The weather was perfect and after finding a bathroom pulled up a little piece of the grass and made myself comfortable. Moulin Rouge – what a flick (although definitely a chick’s one!). I drank my white (and then red) wine and munched on popcorn and biscuits. Dashing to the toilet in the dark was interesting, with a number of girls opting out for the ‘lemon tree’. Finished and we headed out, but with a 20 odd minute wait for the tram I started walking... and made it all the way home in about 40 minutes. Got a text from Dave who was finishing work and had headed out, but by the time I got a response was literally crawling into bed. Contemplated getting up before falling asleep with my phone still clutched in my hand..... around 1am.
5th February
10.45am and in serious need of some water. Had an apple and lots of water while I tried to sorted out a box to send off home, along with washing. Got a phone call from mum, who read out a letter from Gerard, the guy who’s lost his photos from Cradle Mountain, offering me accommodation as a thank you for sending on photos – how nice! Back up and down between floors to sort out my clothes, the washing/drying machines and my stuff. Once I had the box sorted I headed back for some food, but had slim pickings (carrot and rockmelon for lunch!) before I headed off to the post office and some food shopping . Lunch at 4pm was slightly more creative than that, cooking up some pasta and vegies, which would hold me in good stead for the ... HOCKEY game I was going to be playing later that day. So more water (which may be the only thing that would save me) I headed upstairs and onto the net for some job applications. My phone went off about 6.15pm, and thinking it would be a reply to one of the few text I’d sent that day (bout time!) read it, and was completely shocked beyond disbelief ‘Hi Alisa Not sure if u remember me Tony from the Black Sorrows We are at Ravo tomorrow night so if u want to cum along give a call or sms Ta Tony’. Holy Crap!!! No Way!!! I was giggling like a schoolgirl. So I fired off a few texts (not to Tony of course) and procrastinated about the best time to call while I finished on the net and got organised for hockey. I’ll ring at 7.30, no I’ll ring at 8, no I’ll ring while I’m waiting for Bec, I’ll call tomorrow...... I literally sat there with my phone and his number not having enough guts to call it – chicken shit. With Bec due at 8.30 and not wanting to get in the car on the phone I put it off. Bec arrived and we headed off to the hockey, catching up on the goss. Arrived and got ready – no warm-up, no stretching, straight into it, at full back thank Christ (although my stick was a 37.5 inch, so I was slightly concerned about my hitting capacity.) My first touch was a reverse stick tap tackle – beautiful (how I reached it I’ll never know). With about 10 to go Bec called for a change in possy, so I went to... Right Inner! We were 2-0 down at half time (after a dodgy penalty corner resulted in a goal to them) and I was in need of some water! Back on and spent the second half in right inner, with a couple of windies (shorter stick, so converted to playing a short game) and some near goal opportunities I did much better than expected. Off, stretched and cool down, Bec drove me home, arriving just after 10.30pm. Still thinking about Tony I headed up to the room, only to realise my pj’s were drying in the car. Back down to George and screw it – rang Tony, figuring he’d be on Perth time. Told him (what I thought was my) funny story about having seen them play last week, while we discussed what his and my movements were (he actually sounded jealous of my trip – can you believe it??). Ended with him saying he was back next week, and about to head into a performance at Friends. I was on cloud nine! Headed back to the room, running into Steve (roommate) in the lift and went to grab my stuff for a hot shower, only to misplace my room card and spent the next 10 minutes looking for it! No luck I headed to reception for a replacement before finally jumping in the shower, and then on the net before hitting the sack about midnight! What an interesting day!
6th February – U Pete’s and Rosalyn’s birthdaysAlarm at 7.15 to get up and organised for George’s service. Wasn’t feeling too bad considering hockey the night before. After going about twice as far as I needed to I got parked and dropped him off. Back via the markets and some more fresh fruit and veg. Upstairs for a bit on the internet before heading to the kitchen to organise lunch - a big serve of spag bol to soak up some alcohol later! All done by 12.30 I went back for a little nap and met Dave and the crew in the foyer at 1.30pm, headed for the cricket. Arrived at the ground and it was quite warm we bought our tickets and headed in through gate 3 a
nd around to the general entry – about 3 bays from The Fanatics. I sat next to Louise and Hannah and told them about some of the antics. We were 2 wickets down early, before Dave Hussey got himself run out not long after moving out of the shade and into the sun – bloody hell – and next to George. With lots of beer being drunk the boys in front made a cup chain (even sacrificing my beer for the cups) before holding it up and attracting cups from everywhere... including the row above us, so I’m glad we were sort of protected by the upstairs floor! Waited until the end of the break (after scoring a meagre 226, although Pup and my mate Huss did their best, just not fast enough). Upstairs to level 4 for a better view of the pitch, but less of one on the Fanatics antics (who I found out later had at least 50 evictions). Bec joined us a bit later on, so we sat and talked and tried to distract ourselves with the crowd (and half assed streaker attempts – yes plural) as the game was getting away from us. We didn’t take enough wickets, with Hilfy being very expensive, and a couple of dropped chances (although Huss’ would have been catch of the century if he’d taken it). So with 7 balls remaining NZ had won the game – very sad! 
The crowd were ecstatic (I thought it was our home game???). So we left, heading around Hisense Arena and along the river, taking some photos of the water from the southern end of town, and running into some turtles... Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! So I did the only thing that seemed reasonable and asked why TMNT, and got a variety of answers (which they realised later they should have conferred on). They were heading out, while Dave and crew were heading back, so I took the turtles into Melbourne, but we couldn’t get into the first pub, only to find we were all staying at the backpackers. So we walked back, with half of em stopping with me for the 11pm fireshow... which didn’t happen. Arrived back at hostel and I dumped my camera and headed to the bar, with Jim buying me a drink before they left to check in. I decided food would be a good idea, so had some more spag bol (sooo good) and back to chat with Dave, Louise and Hannah before heading back over to the turtles.... and managing two more drinks! Sat up chatting to Cheesecake and our Japanese friend Iki and heading to bed near 2.30am.
7th February
8.15am my alarm went off. Up, shower and down to reception to see if I could get another room... just, but I would need to change. Bugger. In for a quick breaky and onto the internet to check a few things out – like the weather (44 degrees) and the St Kilda Festival (seriously looked like it was going to rock). Ok, stay for the weekend, head off on Monday. Paid for the two nights, only to find out there wasn’t going to be any parking available tomorrow through until about Wednesday (lucky I’d planned to move on!). Down to Ultratune to collect George and back to the hostel and realised I had the wrong job sheet, so back to Ultratune to get the right one. Upstairs to clean up my stuff and after a few loads had my room cleaned out and had checked out. Ran into ‘the Turtles’ who were heading off for all day breaky at Subway and headed into the kitchen for some fruit... it may be the only healthy thing I eat all day! Was blogging and eating when ‘April’ (me) was invited to PJ’s in the Southbank Plaza, so I finished and headed off about 1pm – holy shit!!!! It was really, really hot. Down the street and past the Crown it seemed to be much further than I ever remember it being! Got to the plaza sweating that I had to go to the bathroom, which was hot and humid, and by the time I walked into the pub I was sweating again! So the boys had pretty much gone from breakfast to the pub, and were on rounds of beers. I had intended to drink wine, however was so thirsty I would have skulled it, so went with a beer instead... which then put me in with the rounds. 46 degrees outside (the wonder of iphones) – no wonder I was sweating! So we drank and talked (mainly crap) until Todd slipped off his stool – no more drinks for him!!! So we finished the round and moved on, through the wind that was literally burning my feet, and arrived at the Young and Jackson, mainly to see ‘Chloe’, the painting Kel and I had been told about on the Carlton United tour. Chloe was upstairs, so Todd, Skip, Pete, Forest and I headed upstairs for a look, with Skip and Todd heading straight through a wedding reception to find her. Forest (an ex WA boy) and I drank Little Creatures while the others chewed through Crackenback, with Pete still managing to smoke outside in what we found out later was the hottest day in Melbourne... ever! 47 Degrees I’d heard. We found Chris and Jim downstairs and took them up to see Chloe, where we had a few more drinks... and then it was my buy – on a water run, with everyone dehydrated (April looking after the Turtles, who do not handle extreme heat at all well!). Time to head home, so bracing ourselves we headed outside – and it was cool! Bizarre!!! Down by the river and Pete dared Forest to go for a swim, so I held onto the $50 wager (and there was talk of another $40 or so being thrown in for good measure) and we found a spot (a bit closer to home than from where we started) and Forest stripped off and was in and out in a matter of seconds, scoring the money and a cut finger just for good measure. Wandered back with Pete, loosing everyone and deciding sleep over food was the answer. Checked into my room and crashed on the bed. Awake and downstairs for some food, leftover spag bol was on the cards, although there was more in the bag than I anticipated, and I seriously struggled to get through it all. Met the boys next door in the bar, with Jim and Chris having been going all afternoon (and were showing some signs of wear!). 8.30pm and it was time to get ready – 10 minutes they said (yeah right – I’ll see you in 20, which turned out closer to 40...). No sign of them back in the bar I headed to George and found Pete and Skip on my way back – and they didn’t recognise me, amazing what a skirt and some make-up can do! Jim and Chris joined us, and with Todd and Forrest already there we set off – for a classy dinner at the food court! Upstairs and back to the sports bar, where we were lining up for drinks when Jim and Chris were stopped by the RSA – How many drinks have you had today – 1 Jim replied (pftt yeah right), A couple said Chris (in your dreams!). She didn’t believe him, and Chris argued the point a bit (proving even more that he was too close to the limit) finally agreeing to have some water with his drink. So we hit the tables, and Chris and Skip did alright for a bit (on number 10, thank you very much), when we changed from roulette to gambling, where Chris, considering how he was looking, did very well. Pete headed home – shattered (again) before we found Todd and Forrest, and having had enough to gamble I took them to The Steakout Bar, where 5 Cougars Thanks was out in fine form!!! Had a couple more drinks, the boys seemed to come and go, before we got up on the dance floor for a bit of a groove. Now Chris was a bit pissed and headed home with the other boys while Jim and I stayed on the dacefloor. We stayed on til the band finished before walking home and deciding (for some unknown reason) that the nightclub next door would be a good idea, so after the $20 cover charge (what the?) we headed into Eve, which was rather interesting. I got the (expensive) drinks but we weren’t there for long before heading upstairs to our rooms. Think it was about 5.45am.
8th February
10ish and I was sorta awake, although my brain was definitely not functioning properly. A text messages and then a random phone call got me up (later to be identified as Pete) before heading down to breakfast for copious amounts of fruit! Text from Chris to say they were at the Queensbridge Hotel (QBH) and I made myself presentable and found them there just after noon. Weather had turned bloody awful, with me packing an umbrella and wearing a cardy! We got chatting and they boys were trying to find out if their flights were still going ahead, due to the fires. I was shocked when told that 14 people had died in widespread fires across Victoria (people don’t die in fires anymore!! He must be having me on!). Not so, and as we were to find out that was only be beginning of the devastation. Declining a drink Jim snuck into the bar and delivered a beer anyway – not good only half an hour after brushing my teeth!!! But I can’t turn down a drink and so I battled through the first couple of mouthfuls, finishing it and then having another one bought. Ridiculous, but probably a good thing because the boys were seriously having a go at me, so if I’d not been able to stomach the beer I would have had very little credibility! Turtles found out the flights were all go, calling the taxi for 1.30pm. We said goodbye and as they headed
off I jagged a tram to St Kilda for the St Kilda Festival – holy crap! It was unbelievable, with thousands upon thousands of people in the streets, on the foreshore, in cafes and restaurants – it was like the Perth Skyshow meets the Royal Show. There were carnival activities, street vendors, comedians, circus performers, beach volleyball, 4 stages with music, temporary bars set up, stalls with everything from hats and sunnies to free back checks, jewellery and temporary tattoos. So I wandered down to the foreshore and soaked up the atmosphere (and the sun as it turned out), getting freebees (fairy floss does not go down well after beer!) from the Foxtel stalls, watching the beach volleyball and then listening to some music on the foreshore. Deciding food might be a good idea I headed up for a kebab, although the garlic sauce was not the best idea, and on any other day I would have sussed out the price and the other stalls before deciding, but this was not any other day! Down Ackland St and into Coles for a coke before heading back down and dropping into 
Greasy Joe’s to say Hi to Dave, who was flat out behind the bar. Kept walking, more bands on different stages before needing to sit down for a bit. Walking again down to the main stage to hear Jackson Jackson who had a massive following, before The Angels came on. Doc Neeson is looking really really old!!! So the crowd sung and danced (or surfed on a blow up mattress) to their classic hits. Leaving just before they finished to try and beat the crowds to the trams I walked straight past the street, and had to backtrack. Stading room until a few stops when I was able to grab a seat, and although I was quite happy to play with my phone Andreas from Italy was quite keen to talk, so we chatted about travel and found out he was a lifeguard. Awesome accent I was kinda sad to say goodbye to go to the backpackers (where it turned out his friend was staying). Headed in, shower and internet in bed, resisting the urge (and invite) back to St Kilda to party with Dave. Big day tomorrow it was after midnight by the time I got shut-eye!
Wow – this is bloody awful. I’m not sure how I turned off my first alarm, or how I managed to get up for the second one at 9.30am, but I did. I don’t really remember what happen in the shower (although the girls were no present) or how I made it downstairs just before 10am for a banana and yoghurt. However with no one else in reception, and after making a trip upstairs to clean my teeth (because my mouth tasted like a sewer... and no, I don’t know what it tastes like, other than I’m pretty sure it was close to this) I took my laptop and headed into 3Four2, my new favourite cafe. I ordered a black tea (because surely that would help) and did something on the internet... blog, facebook, before leaving just after 12 with the shakes, sweating and the feeling I may well pass out or throw up. Luckily the fresh air outside removed that feeling and I headed for the backpackers and straight to bed. My roomy (who was still in bed) said ‘turn on the light, I should have gotten up hours ago’ to which I replied ‘well I should’ve stayed in bed!’ I lay down expecting to be instantly asleep.... and lay there for over an hour – I was overtired and sleep was not the answer. There was only one thing I felt could bring me back from the deep, dark hole I was in... and that was under those magical golden arches! So I headed over for a fillet of fish meal (I really should have just gone with the burger, but I needed the coke (the proven hangover cure) and chips (something else to soak up the alcohol). I asked for the burger with beetroot, and the girl had no idea what the hell I was talking about (is that not a requirement on the Citizen Test – knowing what beetroot it?) but they no longer put it in their burgers anyway. I had a few chips – good – before seeing what Dan had made all the fuss about, both in Sydney and Melbourne – yes, I was seriously in love with this burger, it was the best thing I had ever tasted. It would either cure me, or make me throw up, with either option being preferable to the state I was in. I drank the watery substance they call Coke and wondered how long it would take for the magical powers of the burger cure me.......... Back up to my room and onto the internet when I got a message from Gwyn that they were downstairs in the bar – how could they??? Got organised to head out and met them downstairs at 5pm, before we left not long before 6pm, with Ali meeting the guys from Aussie Open at the Casino, and Gwyn and I headed out for dinner and Carl Barron. Stopped at an Italian restaurant on Flinders Lane, a secret little place downstairs. We had the pick of the tables, and the guy behind the bar (bit of a larrikin) offered drinks, which we gracefully declined, prompting a conversation about where the drinking had taken place last night. We assessed the menu, both deciding on pizzas (prawn, goats cheese and something else). I wasn’t particularly hungry, until the pizza came out. It was the best pizza ever (and not just because of the state I was in). Bloody awesome, the only downfall would be that I couldn’t eat it, and wasn’t going to take it with us (although Gwyn did!). Worked out at less than $15 each and seriously rocked!!! Continued down Flinders Lane, spotting some graffiti art along the way (that we would revisit tomorrow) before arriving at the Princess Theatre. Bought the tickets and headed up 3 flights of stairs (where Gwyn was told to cloak his pizza or bin it) and nearly got vertigo in getting to our seats. Funny (old) theatre, seats were really close together and steep! Show started just after 8pm, and Carl went for just under two hours. Very funny. We walked back, arriving around 10.45pm just as Ali and her new room-mate got down the elevator. I went to reception to book for a few more nights, while they went to the bar and ordered drinks – was lucky to escape that one. We finished up just before midnight, vowing to make breakfast the next day!
4th February – houses birthday!!!
Quick shower (after missing my first alarm) before heading downstairs. No sign of them I searched high and low for a bowl, and then a mug, when they turned up about 9.15am. No chairs either we ate in the bar and were heading out by 10am to check out the graffiti art. Map in hand I took over (although I didn’t mean to) and we walked the streets of Melbourne –really really interesting, not just for the graffiti but to find the little streets and their cafes, restaurants and ba
rs that you would otherwise not know existed!!! Left on the tram just after noon, heading for St Kilda for lunch, and whilst I was all up for a new location when asked if I’d been anywhere I couldn’t help but say yes! So back to La Roche and another round of parma, chips and beer.... but wine for me. Headed down to the beach and then out along the pier – one of the nicest days I’d been at in St Kilda for a while! Caught the tram back and dropped into the hostel (to dump my heavy camera and change from thongs to sneakers) before getting another tram to Rod Laver, which we couldn’t get entry to because they were still packing it up. Over to the MCG for a look, and with a cricket match on I thought we might be able to go for a squiz, but no such luck so after the token photos we headed back, finally getting a tram. With Ali needing to get organised I quickly jumped on the internet before having a shower and getting ready to go to the movies later. Down to the bar for a glass of wine (couldn’t face beer!) we had a drink before Ali left briefly for a ‘date’ in MacDonalds – very very amusing!!! Gwyn and I walked Ali to the tram stop where we said our goodbyes and headed back for a quick drink before I said mine to Gwyn and left for the movies. Stopping at Coles & Liquorland along the way (no point being good now!) 
for refreshments! Worked out where I was going and got on the right tram at Flinders St following the crowd to the cinema. The weather was perfect and after finding a bathroom pulled up a little piece of the grass and made myself comfortable. Moulin Rouge – what a flick (although definitely a chick’s one!). I drank my white (and then red) wine and munched on popcorn and biscuits. Dashing to the toilet in the dark was interesting, with a number of girls opting out for the ‘lemon tree’. Finished and we headed out, but with a 20 odd minute wait for the tram I started walking... and made it all the way home in about 40 minutes. Got a text from Dave who was finishing work and had headed out, but by the time I got a response was literally crawling into bed. Contemplated getting up before falling asleep with my phone still clutched in my hand..... around 1am.5th February
10.45am and in serious need of some water. Had an apple and lots of water while I tried to sorted out a box to send off home, along with washing. Got a phone call from mum, who read out a letter from Gerard, the guy who’s lost his photos from Cradle Mountain, offering me accommodation as a thank you for sending on photos – how nice! Back up and down between floors to sort out my clothes, the washing/drying machines and my stuff. Once I had the box sorted I headed back for some food, but had slim pickings (carrot and rockmelon for lunch!) before I headed off to the post office and some food shopping . Lunch at 4pm was slightly more creative than that, cooking up some pasta and vegies, which would hold me in good stead for the ... HOCKEY game I was going to be playing later that day. So more water (which may be the only thing that would save me) I headed upstairs and onto the net for some job applications. My phone went off about 6.15pm, and thinking it would be a reply to one of the few text I’d sent that day (bout time!) read it, and was completely shocked beyond disbelief ‘Hi Alisa Not sure if u remember me Tony from the Black Sorrows We are at Ravo tomorrow night so if u want to cum along give a call or sms Ta Tony’. Holy Crap!!! No Way!!! I was giggling like a schoolgirl. So I fired off a few texts (not to Tony of course) and procrastinated about the best time to call while I finished on the net and got organised for hockey. I’ll ring at 7.30, no I’ll ring at 8, no I’ll ring while I’m waiting for Bec, I’ll call tomorrow...... I literally sat there with my phone and his number not having enough guts to call it – chicken shit. With Bec due at 8.30 and not wanting to get in the car on the phone I put it off. Bec arrived and we headed off to the hockey, catching up on the goss. Arrived and got ready – no warm-up, no stretching, straight into it, at full back thank Christ (although my stick was a 37.5 inch, so I was slightly concerned about my hitting capacity.) My first touch was a reverse stick tap tackle – beautiful (how I reached it I’ll never know). With about 10 to go Bec called for a change in possy, so I went to... Right Inner! We were 2-0 down at half time (after a dodgy penalty corner resulted in a goal to them) and I was in need of some water! Back on and spent the second half in right inner, with a couple of windies (shorter stick, so converted to playing a short game) and some near goal opportunities I did much better than expected. Off, stretched and cool down, Bec drove me home, arriving just after 10.30pm. Still thinking about Tony I headed up to the room, only to realise my pj’s were drying in the car. Back down to George and screw it – rang Tony, figuring he’d be on Perth time. Told him (what I thought was my) funny story about having seen them play last week, while we discussed what his and my movements were (he actually sounded jealous of my trip – can you believe it??). Ended with him saying he was back next week, and about to head into a performance at Friends. I was on cloud nine! Headed back to the room, running into Steve (roommate) in the lift and went to grab my stuff for a hot shower, only to misplace my room card and spent the next 10 minutes looking for it! No luck I headed to reception for a replacement before finally jumping in the shower, and then on the net before hitting the sack about midnight! What an interesting day!
6th February – U Pete’s and Rosalyn’s birthdaysAlarm at 7.15 to get up and organised for George’s service. Wasn’t feeling too bad considering hockey the night before. After going about twice as far as I needed to I got parked and dropped him off. Back via the markets and some more fresh fruit and veg. Upstairs for a bit on the internet before heading to the kitchen to organise lunch - a big serve of spag bol to soak up some alcohol later! All done by 12.30 I went back for a little nap and met Dave and the crew in the foyer at 1.30pm, headed for the cricket. Arrived at the ground and it was quite warm we bought our tickets and headed in through gate 3 a
nd around to the general entry – about 3 bays from The Fanatics. I sat next to Louise and Hannah and told them about some of the antics. We were 2 wickets down early, before Dave Hussey got himself run out not long after moving out of the shade and into the sun – bloody hell – and next to George. With lots of beer being drunk the boys in front made a cup chain (even sacrificing my beer for the cups) before holding it up and attracting cups from everywhere... including the row above us, so I’m glad we were sort of protected by the upstairs floor! Waited until the end of the break (after scoring a meagre 226, although Pup and my mate Huss did their best, just not fast enough). Upstairs to level 4 for a better view of the pitch, but less of one on the Fanatics antics (who I found out later had at least 50 evictions). Bec joined us a bit later on, so we sat and talked and tried to distract ourselves with the crowd (and half assed streaker attempts – yes plural) as the game was getting away from us. We didn’t take enough wickets, with Hilfy being very expensive, and a couple of dropped chances (although Huss’ would have been catch of the century if he’d taken it). So with 7 balls remaining NZ had won the game – very sad! 
The crowd were ecstatic (I thought it was our home game???). So we left, heading around Hisense Arena and along the river, taking some photos of the water from the southern end of town, and running into some turtles... Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! So I did the only thing that seemed reasonable and asked why TMNT, and got a variety of answers (which they realised later they should have conferred on). They were heading out, while Dave and crew were heading back, so I took the turtles into Melbourne, but we couldn’t get into the first pub, only to find we were all staying at the backpackers. So we walked back, with half of em stopping with me for the 11pm fireshow... which didn’t happen. Arrived back at hostel and I dumped my camera and headed to the bar, with Jim buying me a drink before they left to check in. I decided food would be a good idea, so had some more spag bol (sooo good) and back to chat with Dave, Louise and Hannah before heading back over to the turtles.... and managing two more drinks! Sat up chatting to Cheesecake and our Japanese friend Iki and heading to bed near 2.30am.7th February
8.15am my alarm went off. Up, shower and down to reception to see if I could get another room... just, but I would need to change. Bugger. In for a quick breaky and onto the internet to check a few things out – like the weather (44 degrees) and the St Kilda Festival (seriously looked like it was going to rock). Ok, stay for the weekend, head off on Monday. Paid for the two nights, only to find out there wasn’t going to be any parking available tomorrow through until about Wednesday (lucky I’d planned to move on!). Down to Ultratune to collect George and back to the hostel and realised I had the wrong job sheet, so back to Ultratune to get the right one. Upstairs to clean up my stuff and after a few loads had my room cleaned out and had checked out. Ran into ‘the Turtles’ who were heading off for all day breaky at Subway and headed into the kitchen for some fruit... it may be the only healthy thing I eat all day! Was blogging and eating when ‘April’ (me) was invited to PJ’s in the Southbank Plaza, so I finished and headed off about 1pm – holy shit!!!! It was really, really hot. Down the street and past the Crown it seemed to be much further than I ever remember it being! Got to the plaza sweating that I had to go to the bathroom, which was hot and humid, and by the time I walked into the pub I was sweating again! So the boys had pretty much gone from breakfast to the pub, and were on rounds of beers. I had intended to drink wine, however was so thirsty I would have skulled it, so went with a beer instead... which then put me in with the rounds. 46 degrees outside (the wonder of iphones) – no wonder I was sweating! So we drank and talked (mainly crap) until Todd slipped off his stool – no more drinks for him!!! So we finished the round and moved on, through the wind that was literally burning my feet, and arrived at the Young and Jackson, mainly to see ‘Chloe’, the painting Kel and I had been told about on the Carlton United tour. Chloe was upstairs, so Todd, Skip, Pete, Forest and I headed upstairs for a look, with Skip and Todd heading straight through a wedding reception to find her. Forest (an ex WA boy) and I drank Little Creatures while the others chewed through Crackenback, with Pete still managing to smoke outside in what we found out later was the hottest day in Melbourne... ever! 47 Degrees I’d heard. We found Chris and Jim downstairs and took them up to see Chloe, where we had a few more drinks... and then it was my buy – on a water run, with everyone dehydrated (April looking after the Turtles, who do not handle extreme heat at all well!). Time to head home, so bracing ourselves we headed outside – and it was cool! Bizarre!!! Down by the river and Pete dared Forest to go for a swim, so I held onto the $50 wager (and there was talk of another $40 or so being thrown in for good measure) and we found a spot (a bit closer to home than from where we started) and Forest stripped off and was in and out in a matter of seconds, scoring the money and a cut finger just for good measure. Wandered back with Pete, loosing everyone and deciding sleep over food was the answer. Checked into my room and crashed on the bed. Awake and downstairs for some food, leftover spag bol was on the cards, although there was more in the bag than I anticipated, and I seriously struggled to get through it all. Met the boys next door in the bar, with Jim and Chris having been going all afternoon (and were showing some signs of wear!). 8.30pm and it was time to get ready – 10 minutes they said (yeah right – I’ll see you in 20, which turned out closer to 40...). No sign of them back in the bar I headed to George and found Pete and Skip on my way back – and they didn’t recognise me, amazing what a skirt and some make-up can do! Jim and Chris joined us, and with Todd and Forrest already there we set off – for a classy dinner at the food court! Upstairs and back to the sports bar, where we were lining up for drinks when Jim and Chris were stopped by the RSA – How many drinks have you had today – 1 Jim replied (pftt yeah right), A couple said Chris (in your dreams!). She didn’t believe him, and Chris argued the point a bit (proving even more that he was too close to the limit) finally agreeing to have some water with his drink. So we hit the tables, and Chris and Skip did alright for a bit (on number 10, thank you very much), when we changed from roulette to gambling, where Chris, considering how he was looking, did very well. Pete headed home – shattered (again) before we found Todd and Forrest, and having had enough to gamble I took them to The Steakout Bar, where 5 Cougars Thanks was out in fine form!!! Had a couple more drinks, the boys seemed to come and go, before we got up on the dance floor for a bit of a groove. Now Chris was a bit pissed and headed home with the other boys while Jim and I stayed on the dacefloor. We stayed on til the band finished before walking home and deciding (for some unknown reason) that the nightclub next door would be a good idea, so after the $20 cover charge (what the?) we headed into Eve, which was rather interesting. I got the (expensive) drinks but we weren’t there for long before heading upstairs to our rooms. Think it was about 5.45am.
8th February
10ish and I was sorta awake, although my brain was definitely not functioning properly. A text messages and then a random phone call got me up (later to be identified as Pete) before heading down to breakfast for copious amounts of fruit! Text from Chris to say they were at the Queensbridge Hotel (QBH) and I made myself presentable and found them there just after noon. Weather had turned bloody awful, with me packing an umbrella and wearing a cardy! We got chatting and they boys were trying to find out if their flights were still going ahead, due to the fires. I was shocked when told that 14 people had died in widespread fires across Victoria (people don’t die in fires anymore!! He must be having me on!). Not so, and as we were to find out that was only be beginning of the devastation. Declining a drink Jim snuck into the bar and delivered a beer anyway – not good only half an hour after brushing my teeth!!! But I can’t turn down a drink and so I battled through the first couple of mouthfuls, finishing it and then having another one bought. Ridiculous, but probably a good thing because the boys were seriously having a go at me, so if I’d not been able to stomach the beer I would have had very little credibility! Turtles found out the flights were all go, calling the taxi for 1.30pm. We said goodbye and as they headed
off I jagged a tram to St Kilda for the St Kilda Festival – holy crap! It was unbelievable, with thousands upon thousands of people in the streets, on the foreshore, in cafes and restaurants – it was like the Perth Skyshow meets the Royal Show. There were carnival activities, street vendors, comedians, circus performers, beach volleyball, 4 stages with music, temporary bars set up, stalls with everything from hats and sunnies to free back checks, jewellery and temporary tattoos. So I wandered down to the foreshore and soaked up the atmosphere (and the sun as it turned out), getting freebees (fairy floss does not go down well after beer!) from the Foxtel stalls, watching the beach volleyball and then listening to some music on the foreshore. Deciding food might be a good idea I headed up for a kebab, although the garlic sauce was not the best idea, and on any other day I would have sussed out the price and the other stalls before deciding, but this was not any other day! Down Ackland St and into Coles for a coke before heading back down and dropping into 
Greasy Joe’s to say Hi to Dave, who was flat out behind the bar. Kept walking, more bands on different stages before needing to sit down for a bit. Walking again down to the main stage to hear Jackson Jackson who had a massive following, before The Angels came on. Doc Neeson is looking really really old!!! So the crowd sung and danced (or surfed on a blow up mattress) to their classic hits. Leaving just before they finished to try and beat the crowds to the trams I walked straight past the street, and had to backtrack. Stading room until a few stops when I was able to grab a seat, and although I was quite happy to play with my phone Andreas from Italy was quite keen to talk, so we chatted about travel and found out he was a lifeguard. Awesome accent I was kinda sad to say goodbye to go to the backpackers (where it turned out his friend was staying). Headed in, shower and internet in bed, resisting the urge (and invite) back to St Kilda to party with Dave. Big day tomorrow it was after midnight by the time I got shut-eye!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment