Not singing anymore - Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia
We arrive at Karen's Uncle Richard's house in sunny Sydney a few days before the second Ashes test match is due to begin. The neighbourhood looks a lot like Ramsey Street and straight away we meet a Mrs Mangel type who moans to us about the state of Australian paths as she nosily peers over her garden fence. This makes a change from me moaning to Karen about the cricket but I'm eager to put the 381 run defeat in the first test down to a bit of rustiness. Karen isn't convinced but I rush to reassure her. I tell her 'It's a long series' and 'We can't play that badly again' although it sounds suspiciously like I'm the one needing reassurance. We do of course manage to play very badly again and having spent the summer teaching Karen the Mitchell Johnson he bowls to the left song, I feel quite embarrassed as he dismantles our batting order for the second time. 'I'm not sure we can sing that anymore Kaz' I say and she looks genuinely disappointed. With the test over and done with, I strive to ignore every newspaper and news channel and attempt to see plenty of Sydney. We love the city, it really does have a bit of everything. A terrific harbour, plentiful beaches, city sights, a good vibe and at this time of year, great weather. A week of pretty intense sightseeing follows as we rush to all the tourist stops before the school holidays begin. Bondi Beach is first up and the beach itself is surprisingly small. After watching Bondi Rescue on Sky back home I was expecting to see miles and miles of coast line but it's probably only half a mile long. It's a cool area though and as we eat dinner at a small restaurant that overlooks the beach, Karen is more interested in the surfers that walk past than her food or me for that matter! We are told later by Ric*************di is 'for the tourists' and that there are much better beaches in North Sydney but we did enjoy ourselves and Karen is keen to return before we leave! Next we head down to the harbour to do the bridge climb which is expensive but worth every penny. You are provided with a headset as well as a funky grey and blue jumpsuit (designed specifically so the cars below aren't put off their driving!) and the guide talks to you throughout about the history of the bridge and various points of interest that become visible the higher you walk. It really is a top experience and I can see why over 3 million people have done it since it's inception in 1998. Among the 3 mill are Robert De Niro, Will Ferrell, Oprah Winfrey, Kylie Minogue and Prince Harry. I know this only because their photos are in the reception, not because they were on our climb! I'm certain that every British person who has ever been to Australia for Christmas says this but it does feel strange to see Christmas lights and decorations up when we're still walking around in shorts and flip flops. Not that you'll catch us complaining and I am already making plans for a beach cricket match on Christmas Day when Karen's family arrive. I'm just hoping to bat better than Matt Prior! We also feel quite cultural as we take in the Australian short film festival called Tropfest. There are three big screens situated in Centennial Park for the event which happens once a year. The sixteen films which can be no longer than seven minutes are mainly made by debutant directors and they turn out to be really good. We thoroughly enjoy watching them as we have a few drinks in a true festival atmosphere. I swear blind that Karl Kennedy from Neighbours stars in one but Karen's not having it. I'm delighted when I get home and the internet proves me right! Other sights visited during the week are the Sydney Tower, the Olympic park and Richard and I take in a Sydney FC game in which Alessandro Del Piero strolls around like its a reserve game but is still the best player on the pitch and Harry Kewell misses a penalty, badly! At the weekend we enjoy a lovely sunset harbour cruise after a strenuous journey to the boat. Running late, Karen reminds me a lot of the Verve's Richard Ashcroft from the Bittersweet Symphony video and she knocks and bounces her way through the people traffic. As it happened, a couple who were also on the drag had called ahead so we stay docked on the ship for fifteen minutes waiting for them! The Ashes third test comes and goes quickly and Australia regain the Urn which is obviously disappointing but even more so when we have 4th and 5th test tickets in Melbourne and Sydney respectively. I cheer up slightly when I come across the new barmy army song for Mitchell Johnson. To the tune of Dads Army: Who do you think you are kidding Mitchell Johnson, we still think your bowling's *****. We are the boys who inflicted all your pain, soon you'll be bowling left and right again! So who do you think you are kidding Mitchell Johnson, we still think your bowling's *****! 'Kaz, I've got a new one for you!' I shout into the kitchen! Next Stop: Melbourne