Brisbane and the 1st ashes Test

Sunday 26th November 2006 – We were up for an early breakfast before making our way to the Gabba. Ticketmaster had laid on free shuttle buses from the city to the ground which worked very efficiently – oh for something like this in the UK! We got to the ground by 8-45am for a 10-00am start and entry to the ground was easy – later I think it was more difficult as bags were being checked. We were pleased to find that we were under cover and at the end of a row.

It did not take long for us to find that we were with a large contingent of the Barmy Army although at first it seemed that they were some rows in front. As time went on it became clear that there were a number behind us and gradually other seats seemed to be filled by more – how do they do it? At first it was good fun, always good natured and there was a good relationship with the Aussies although they were chanting at each other. The leader of the Barmy Army, known as Jimmy (after Saville – if you have seen him you will know why), but whose real name is Vic Flowers, stood right next to me waving his flag and leading the singing. He was about as close as he could be without getting very personal!

The Aussie equivalent of the Barmy Army is called the Fanatics and the exchange between the two was amusing. They appear to be absolute enemies but if you read the excellent magazine produced by the Barmy Army you will note that at every test venue they have two social, or otherwise, events together. There is one evening out and also their version of a cricket test match. We also observed some of the fanatics on leaving going across to Jimmy, shaking his hand and having their photo taken with him. It really is great to see and so different to football (soccer to you Aussies) so called supporters.

All this was fine until it was not possible to see the cricket. The steward responsible for that section offered us other seats – we did not ask for them – but they were in the sun and it was very hot – over 30C. In the end we went to our other seats – yes, you heard right and don’t ask! We had two sets of tickets- the ones downstairs and another set that were up in the gods by the scoreboard. The view was slightly restricted but otherwise it was superb, they were also undercover and there was a breeze up there. In addition as there were empty seats around them we could spread out. We stayed there until close of play and enjoyed some good batting from England but it was a shame that Collingwood had to do something rash when only four from his century and got out to Shane Warne.

It was an enjoyable day but very tiring. It was clear, though, that England were not going to survive on the fifth day and so it proved as they were all our before lunch. That is one up to the Aussies but that was the case last year and we all know what happened then. Having said that, it will be much more difficult here and the likes of Harmiston must do much better and Monty Panesar has to play. It is clear that the Aussies respect him particularly Warne and he should know something about spin bowling. We will not win unless we play an attacking team!

Monday 27th November 2006 – We spent the morning doing things that unfortunately have to be done even when on holiday. Elizabeth used the guest laundry to do our washing and I caught up with the emails sorted the finances. There were a few issues to be chased up such as the hotel in Sydney failing to tell the company that lent us a modem that it had been returned. It would have been alright if only they had not taken a deposit of some £90. In addition the hotel charged us for parking for the four days we were there but neglected to tell us at any time that there was a charge. The first we knew was when it appeared on our credit card statement. The matter is not closed!!

In the afternoon we drove out to the home of Jan and Brian in the city. Jan was someone else who I had met on the internet whilst doing family history research and whilst we are not directly related we have an interest in a common ancestor through marriage. Also there were Geoff and Lorraine who are related through the same family but Jan had invited them to be present as there was a possibility that Lorraine and Elizabeth might be related. From what was learned during the day and the similarity of Lorraine to members of Elizabeth’s family it is almost certain that there is a link. More research will need to be carried out when we finally get home. It really is a small world. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and evening with a constant flow of conversation. This is an aspect of the holiday so far that we have enjoyed the most in that we have been able to spend time with Australians in there home rather than only coming across them in public places. It is from this that we find how many things we have in common but also where the differences are and to learn about each other’s way of life. Thank you to Jan and Brian for inviting us into your home – we had a great time.

Elizabeth has really enjoyed the time with what she refers to as “my ladies”. I had been corresponding with all three that we have spent time with for some years. However, I had not met any of them until this trip and we both hope that we will meet them all again sometime. We assured them that there was a bed for them in Suffolk if they visited the UK.

Tuesday 28th November 2006 – This morning we took a very gentle and enjoyable trip on the River Brisbane and then back to the air conditioned hotel room for a siesta – well you cannot keep going all the time particularly when the temperatures and the humidity are so high.

In the evening we ate on the South Bank in what is called the cultural centre where there is the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, incorporating a number of halls and theatres, the museum and the art gallery. In addition there is some delightful parkland, river walks and a good selection of restaurants. We had a good meal only marred by the need to rush it so that we could get to the theatre. We saw a very good production of the “Pirates of Penzance” by Opera Australia who were in Brisbane for there first time in 19 years so we were lucky to catch them. Before someone who may have read the Sydney entry as well pipes up I know that we have been to the theatre twice and both times we saw something British! It goes to show that British is best – only joking you Aussies!!

Wednesday 29th November 2006 – Our last full day in Australia and the time has gone incredibly quickly. We have driven about 4,000 kms, all the way from Adelaide to Brisbane and had many great experiences.

This morning we did some shopping. Elizabeth and I are buying each other’s Christmas presents together. Usually we try to make them a surprise but that is not easy when we are together so much and the paces to hide them is limited. We have done our Christmas shopping that needs to be done before Christmas and Elizabeth wrote the cards before we left the UK – sorted! It makes a real change from the normal Christmas routine. Not only is the weather hotter but we do not have to do all the buying and putting up of decorations that we usually do. We will do that again next year but we do feel that it is great that we have to do so much less this year leaving us free to do other things.

This afternoon we saw Jan and Brian again which was great. They were in our hotel for a Christmas lunch for the retired persons of the bank for which Brian used to work. We spent about 30 minutes together in the lobby before they had to go to get their train home. Not long afterwards it actually rained! Well, rain may be too strong a word as it was a few drops but it has been rare in the last four weeks.

This evening we went to the Il Centrino Restaurant on the Riverside are of the city and we had a very good meal with excellent service. We always try to find somewhere nice for our final meal wherever we go and this certainly filled the bill. It has won many awards and it is easy to see why. It was packed out and we were glad that wee had booked a table earlier in the day.

So what are our impressions and lasting memories of Australia? Well, firstly it has to be the people who we found to be friendly, chatty, laid back (to extremes in some eating places!) and very welcoming. This was particularly so with those people we spent time with such as Carol and Norm Cheryl and Mark and Jan and Brian. As we told all of you, if you ever get to the UK we would be very happy to put you up and show you around.

All the cities had something that we enjoyed immensely and we have no overall favourites but Adelaide was the most beautiful. The Great Ocean Road is very dramatic and we really loved the various rock formations. We would love to return one day.

Tomorrow we are off to New Zealand for the next 6 weeks.