This weekend was it. The big one. The AFL Grand Final. The Aussie rules football version of the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, it is too much like the Super Bowl in that the only way to get tickets is if you belong to a corporation. Die hard fans are left watching the game on TV. Somewhat reminescent of the BCS National Championship as well. So, needless to say, I was not one of the lucky ones to get a ticket, but I watched it in the 2nd best seat in the house - a Melbourne pub. Jeanette, Pete, and I went to the Golden Gate in South Melbourne and met up with some of their friends. The game was between the Geelong Cats (from Victoria) and the Port Adelaide Power (from South Australia). The Cats were the favorite simply in the fact that the fans of AFL were trying to will the cup to return to Victoria, the original home of AFL. Before settling down in the pub, we strolled down to the TAB to place a bet on the game. I weaved through all the old men intently watching horse racing and placed 2 $5 bets. One that Geelong would win and one that Geelong would win by a margin of 20-39 points. Geelong won by 119 points. The largest point difference in AFL Grand Final history. OK, I lost that bet. I thought I was being brave by betting that they would win by as many as 20 points. I made $2.50 on the bet that Geelong would win (the odds were pretty lame). So, I ended up only losing $2.50. Not too bad. I've never bet on a sport before, and I'll more than likely never do it again. I'll just chalk it up as one of those once in a lifetime experiences one must do when Australia for the Grand Final.
I finally had good food!!!!!!!!!!!!! Before the pub we went to Nando's and I had one of the yummiest chicken burgers I've ever had. THEN, after the game, we walked into some random noodle bar and had the best Chinese noodles I've ever had. Aaaahhh....long overdue satisfaction.
Today, I booked my trip to Sydney! I'm going in a couple of weeks and staying 2 full days. I'm not sure what I'll be doing yet. The only thing I've booked so far is the Sydney harbor bridge climb (Sssshhhhh.....don't tell my mom. She'll probably freak out)
Interesting Australia fact of the day: Bell peppers are known as "capiscums"
Listening to: Guster
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You are so right to be doing the bridge climb. I did it twice I loved it so much. They won't let you take pictures from the top, but you can buy the ones they take of you for a small fee. It was SO much fun!!! The first time I went, I had the HOTTEST Aussie guide ever!!! Good luck getting a hottie!!
Reading your blog is bringing back fabulous memories. I want to go back!!!
April
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