tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48871871753949339402024-03-05T09:28:11.639+00:00Under Grey Lancastrian SkiesMichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-40861893638768188932020-04-24T21:59:00.001+01:002020-04-24T22:03:52.812+01:00England in South Africa - Cape Town 2020With the current COVID-19 lock-down limiting the things we're all able to do, I've decided it's about time I got back on the writing horse. So where better to begin than going back a few months, before any hint of travel restrictions, to January 2020 and a trip to watch England's 2nd test of the 2019/20 series against South Africa at Cape Town's Newlands Cricket Ground.<br />
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Newlands is a ground I've always wanted to go to and is, without a doubt, one of the most picturesque cricket grounds, nay sports grounds, in the world. A few years back I even joined as an overseas member, one of two Lancashire members (that I know of) to do so. So once dates were confirmed for the latest series it was a no-brainer that I was straight online and booking my accommodation and flights via Munich. Tickets in the members' pavilion were sorted without much of an issue and so it was just a case of letting the excitement build before the trip.<br />
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Of course, excitement was slightly tempered by England's performance in the first test, but still, in the cold, early hours of January 30th I got to Manchester Airport, absolutely flew through check-in and grabbed some breakfast airside. There was nothing much else to write home about until I touched down in Munich for a full five hour layover.<br />
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Me being me, I slipped up a tad, here. I passed through our arrival terminal, which was bustling with an array of shops, bars and eateries. I jumped on the link train to my departure terminal, walked a fair distance, passed through a security check and found myself in a smaller area with only three places to eat/drink and a handful of shops. After exploring as much of the terminal as I could I settled down for a bit of beer ticking and currywurst. <br />
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Eventually I got on a flight I'd rather forget, thanks to the kids next
to me and their parents who couldn't keep them in line. Despite being
leaned on, interrupted, kicked and so on, I somehow managed to get some
sleep which helped pass the time. The rest wasn't too bad, a mixture of in-flight entertainment, eating and my own games/music actually made light work of keeping myself entertained. I could've done with some duct tape for them kids, mind.<br />
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Still, I guess it was only a minor inconvenience in the end and I found myself in country no. 21 and continent no. 5 on NYE 2019. Customs was easy as you like and, after a swift change of t-shirt and an attempt to stop myself from stinking the place out after such a long flight I found a cab just as easily and was off towards my accommodation to drop the bags off, as I couldn't get into my room for a few hours yet. The view of Table Mountain on the way in was superb and there was a bit of groundspotting as well as I tried to work out what one stadium was from a distance (the Athlone Stadium, it turns out). Once at my digs, a self-catering apartment which was an absolute bargain, I sorted out all the paperwork, made friends with the staff and then headed off up to the railway station with the intention of catching a train to Newlands.<br />
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That plan soon went out of the window when a) there was a lack of a reliable timetable and b) trains were cancelled. The area around the station wasn't the most salubrious, so when I found myself in a battered old car with a taxi sign plonked on the back seat, I also found myself questioning my sanity. Still, it turned out fine, he was even a United fan, but he didn't seem to grasp that I wanted to get to the cricket ground and dropped me by Newlands Stadium, more famous for rugby union that cricket. Still, I told him it was fine, jumped out and had a look through the gate before getting my bearings. I wound past Newlands Brewery (owned by AB Inbev, ugh) and the rather uninviting looking Springbok Pub before stumbling upon the railway station. Even before I heard the stories from people later in the trip, I got the distinct feeling that I was probably better off *not* getting the train. Still, negotiating the underpass to the other side, I came out by the cricket ground and made it round to the main gate.<br />
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After a bit of a misunderstanding with the woman on the gate, I ended up inside main reception and talking to Shimmy on the front desk. I'd been in email contact with her previously, so a few hiccups with picking up my membership card as well as the tickets were soon sorted and I had them in my hands. A slightly amusing moment was included when it turned out Dave's tickets were on the row usually reserved for older spectators... After a bit of a natter with a very busy Shimmy I left her to it and walked a few hundred yards down the road to the Kelvin Grove Club. A rather nice sports and social club, they have reciprocal agreements with a few clubs around the world, including the WACA, where I also just happen to be a member. A rather confused security guard led me to main reception where, within a couple of minutes, I'd got my temporary membership pass and the last main job I needed to do prior to the cricket was done. I could finally relax a bit. I bumped into a mate, Andy, here, who was sorting his reciprocal pass through the MCC, and after a catch-up with him I walked the 20 minutes through Newlands and Rondebosch, passing through parkland and a couple of cricket squares, up to the main sport and social site of Western Province Cricket Club.<br />
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I'd decided that the opportunity to make full use of the facilities available to me as WPCC member was too good to pass up, so I headed over and not only wandered round the outside pitches (no games on, unfortunately) but found myself sat at the bar as well. For quite a bit longer than intended. I ended up speaking to a few people, making some good friends - especially Thurston behind the bar. I was welcomed like an old friend and time passed with some good old fashioned cricket natter. Eventually, the lack of food, quite a bit of booze and the fact that I'd not settled properly after travelling started to kick in. With it being NYE and my check-in time looming large, I decided it was time to start heading back. Of course, I was miles away from the centre in a suburb with limited transport options, so I ended up breaking my Uber duck to get 'home'.<br />
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Once I checked in I went for a wander looking for food. One Russian and chips later (some sort of sausage) I headed to bed with the intention of catching up on a couple of hours kip before going to a bar up the road for NYE. Of course, when I did come back round, I felt like absolute crap, so I went back to bed until midnight before watching the Waterfront fireworks from my balcony. Still, it worked out alright as it meant I didn't feel awful the next morning when setting out for the tourist trail. There was nowhere open, so I was left with no food and a can of pop to sustain me. For some reason I thought it would be quiet, so I wasn't too perturbed at setting off for Table Mountain later than intended. Unfortunately it seemed that hundreds of tourists hadn't let a silly thing like NYE get in the way and I was stood baking for an hour and a half before getting the cable car up to the top. It was a 360 degree rotating cable car, giving a good view of everything around us, and we ended up being serenaded by a large African group singing. I think it was religious from what I picked up, but never mind. The last few seconds were unnerving, travelling at pace it looked, from my perspective, like we were going to crash straight into the mountain itself. Emerging unscathed I found myself on top of one of the most iconic natural places on Earth. I grabbed food (even in a tourist spot the prices were cheap and didn't take the piss), took a photo for, and chatted with, a Leeds supporting family who weren't going to be around for the cricket as they'd banked on the Cape Town test being Boxing Day and then went for a walk round as far as I could manage on a pair of trainers. I even managed to get a pint up there. There was a bit of wildlife on show and the views were spectacular, the Southern Atlantic Ocean glistening below me. After a while it was back down in the cable car followed by a shuttle bus back to the main road. There was a bus stop there, but it seemed you couldn't pay on the bus from what I could gather, so I attempted to figure out just how I was going to get down to Camps Bay and the beach that awaited.<br />
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I decided to take a punt on the fact that I'd be passing through a rather nice area and started walking down. It was a pleasant walk, downhill which was a relief, through houses that were either occupied by the well-to-do or rented out by them to holiday makers with more money than sense. There were some wonderful views of Table Mountain itself and the Lion's Head peak on the other side. I wound down to the beach, took in the view across the Atlantic, took in the sights around the beach itself and trudged back onto the main road. By this point I reckoned I was pretty safe and started the long walk back towards Sea Point. The sight of minibus taxis rammed to the brim with locals along with kids riding in the back of pick-up trucks was a little bizarre and unnerving, but they didn't seem to mind, so hey.<br />
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After a stop-off for a bit of shopping (and getting asked to remove my cap briefly so that the camera could see my face, before putting it back on again) I found myself in Mojo Market. I grabbed a spot near one of the bars and made my way through a few brews from Newland Springs Brewery, as well as grabbing a rather lovely lamb wrap to soothe the hunger pangs that had kicked in. After letting my eyes wander quite a bit, I moved over to another bar for a beer flight and then jumped in another cab back to base. After a bit of time to sort myself out I headed up the infamous Long Street to Beerhouse.<br />
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I'd been warned to be careful round Long Street, not of anything violent, just petty crime. I got approached a few times wandering up and down, but most of the time ignoring them, being firm and carrying on walking did the trick. I was half tempted by a curry, but the restaurant I'd found looked tiny and packed, so I stuck to the beer. Parking myself at the bar in Beerhouse, I was surrounded by England supporters. It was boiling and I started to feel tired and rough again, so I made my way through a handful of the huge range of beers on offer before heading back, dodging the requests for food.<br />
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I must give a special mention to the old Yorkshire couple in Beerhouse, who made no attempt to dial down the accents, particularly when the woman kept saying "ta love" to the fella behind the bar, oblivious to the fact that he more than likely didn't have a clue what she was blathering on about.<br />
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Before heading out for the evening I'd taken the last minute decision to book myself on a tour down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope the next day. By the time the bus was leaving Cape Town it was rammed and we set off on the long journey. It took almost as long to make the last few hundred yards once we'd joined the queue to get into the National Park. Once we were in and at Cape Point I had a walk up to the lighthouse, grabbed a bite to eat (along with a chat with some Durham based Yorkshire fans) and then shit out of hiking down to the Cape of Good Hope itself and got the bus down instead. It's the most South-Western point on the African continent, so it was a good tick. I took in the views across the rocks before the bus headed out, past even more traffic and a few baboons watching what was going on.<br />
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I ended up talking to the American lass sat next to me at this point as well. Turned out she'd got family round Sheffield and Manchester and was visiting them within a few weeks, so we had a good chat. I warned her she was going into the cold! The next stop was Boulders Beach in Simon's Town, home to a penguin colony. Everyone likes penguins, right? There were plenty around, along with a few dassies as well. We didn't have long, but we had queue-jumping tickets, so it was straight in and I managed to head down a quieter route than most people, making penguin watching a lot easier.<br />
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I do have to also mention what I heard from one tourist outside, "I went to Robben Island yesterday and I'm pretty sure there's worse places I could've spent..." I didn't hear exactly how that ended, but I'm sure we can all guess. Unbelievable.<br />
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Back at base, I ate the snoek and chips I got in a takeaway on the way down, trying to pick out the countless bones, and then headed up to Greenmarket Square where Dave, Shep and Stewart were staying. They had landed that day, so I met up with them to say hello, make arrangements for tomorrow and drop off Dave's tickets. I had a few pints with them and hung around whilst Dave and Shep took advantage of the buffet, which made me regret my crappy fish, bone and chips. Still, I took advantage a couple of times later in the trip. After listening to Shep telling me how he once "took a shit in the town hall where the Boer surrendered to Kitchener" we decamped to the adjoining pub and tried to have a quiet drink with loud Scousers and two loud Gloucestershire women behind us before I declared for the evening. After shaking off one particularly persistent beggar on the square (there was a large refugee camp outside a church there, the occupants of which were desperately trying to get something out of anyone who walked past) I got back and headed to bed.<br />
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The next morning I met the others back at the hotel and we got a cab to the ground. Stewart and Shep were with others in the Century Club whereas myself and Dave swanned into the pavilion. A good day's cricket followed, which ended pretty even. Conversations were made with locals, with one amusing moment when somebody told David to speak English when they couldn't understand him; "ha, actually, he's Welsh." Thurston was back behind the bar and the importance of knowing and being good to your barman showed itself quite well throughout the five days. I also enjoyed watching the trains going back and forth behind the ground, but I think I was on my own with that one. After the day had finished we attempted to meet our cab - but the driver had done a runner. After a bit of a nightmare we eventually ended up back at Greenmarket Square. Beer, food and a chat with another Lancs supporter, Tim. I headed back again, having to shake off another chancer - "you don't give me money, you come to the market and buy me food." "It's 10 o'clock at night you idiot, fuck off" - and braced myself for day 2.<br />
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Day 2 started with a wander round the ground, so I'd seen more than just our little corner of it. After picking up a couple of bits and pieces to bring back we perched in the Oaks Room again for the day's play. We had a good chat with a young Kent fan called Jack. Only in his 20s, early at that, and he reckoned t20 should be scrapped! That lad will go far. The Welsh connection also continued when Dave came back from the loo saying someone had been singing Bread of Heaven in the traps. After the day had finished we went next door to the Kelvin Grove Club. After a couple of pints in the pool bar, getting talking to another local, we found Shep in the champagne and sushi bar. No champagne was drunk on this occasion, but the sweet and sour chicken was spot on.<br />
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After I had an unintentionally late start, Day 3 became the day myself and Dave tried to get our hands on some WPCC goodies and, with the help of John and Nabu, we got ourselves a decent mixture of bits and pieces. With that job successfully completed we headed back into the Oaks Room feeling quite smug with ourselves. Whilst watching the cricket, I noticed a fella eyeing my Lancs tie up. A broad Scottish accent came across, "ah, Lancashire. My mother was a Lancastrian." It turns out our new friend, Hamish, had played over 350 games for the MCC and represented Scotland as well. He'd played against Lancs for them in the first year of the Benson & Hedges Cup, scoring 1 not out after doing his hamstring. The best bit was when he told us he had to retire hurt at Trent Bridge after Richard Hadlee knocked his teeth out. The delivery of the last story, whilst pushing his false teeth out of his gob at the punchline, had me and Dave in stitches. We had a good hour or so nattering to him before watching the rest of the day. The test itself was still ebbing and flowing in true, fascinating test match fashion. We had another evening in Kelvin Grove, meeting up with Warwickshire member Darren and his good lady Denise, even going for a proper meal this time. One jalapeño steak later and it was time to regroup for day 4.<br />
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After sitting in my designated seat outside for a very brief moment before play, we started the day upstairs in the Long Room, which Dave had lovingly termed the "dregs bar", a name that will now stick with me for eternity as well. We got a good perch up there and bumped into some of the Barmy Army lads we know, who were taking advantage of WPCC's reciprocal agreement with Surrey. We went back downstairs and picked up another tie, with our new friend Nabu taking a photo of her "friends from England."<br />
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We then watched on as England attempted to get into a commanding position with some much more assured batting the second time around. A superb knock from Sibley and a quick-fire cameo from Stokes had put England in a good position before South Africa went back into bat. An Iris was making a regular appearance on the outfield and we watched as the game seemed to be drifting. Afterwards we found our cabbie, after watching security confiscate fake taxi signs and talking to another Kent fan who bemoaned "football fans" invading test matches abroad, and headed back for beer and food.<br />
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Actually, that seems a good time to note, the only First-Class County I didn't see represented on the trip was Leicestershire. But 17/18 is better than the 16/18 I saw in Perth.<br />
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The following morning I got my first glimpse of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreshore_Freeway_Bridge" target="_blank">motorway to nowhere</a> on the way to the ground. Myself and Dave found a quiet spot in front of the window, before a snotty nosed older woman helped her husband into the seat right in front of the window and turned to us. "Those are the worst seats in the house, you'll be sat behind us." She was probably pretty smug when we buggered off upstairs. We didn't fare much better up there with people standing in the way so we ended up back downstairs. I had my own issue when I tried the chicken burger for the first time - whether it was a coincidence or not I don't know, but later on I claimed two quick wickets for England whilst I was traipsing backwards and forwards to the loo. Oops. Mind you, the amount of booze drunk and crap eaten over the previous few days probably didn't help, either.<br />
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On the pitch England made inroads in spurts, but towards the end it started to look a bit twitchy. We got chatting to another local in the afternoon about all things cricket, but eventually he conceded defeat, even when we were still wondering if the breakthrough was coming. Some superb fielding was on show and eventually Philander, in his last Newlands test, was the last man out and we could celebrate. England levelled the series and I'd seen us win a test match abroad. After watching the presentation and saying goodbye to the staff, we headed back to the Kelvin Grove pool bar, chatted with an old Bolton lad and his wife, then headed back to the champagne and sushi bar. Shep, Darren and Denise were there and we were also joined by Dave and Ray. This time, champagne did flow along with quite a lot more Chinese food going round. We stayed quite late and had a good natter. There was another Englishman in who was commiserating as he was now assimilated with South Africa. We just thought he was a bit strange. Still, England had just won in Cape Town for the first time in 63 years, so we shrugged it off and made the best of the evening. When I got back to base I stayed up watching the Manchester derby for a bit, until the Berties scored, then I decided it was time to rest my weary head.<br />
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The next day was a slightly slower start than intended, which you might well have imagined, before I wandered over to the Castle of Good Hope, originally a Dutch fort. I also passed a bus to Harare, which I would not have wanted to be on... I had a good mooch around the castle, watched a cannon get fired (and jumped a mile despite knowing it was about to go off) and found a great trainspotting vantage point. It was just a pity I had less than five minutes to admire the view. After a chat with a woman who spotted my Lancs polo, "that looks like a good English shirt," I headed across the famous Grand Parade and met the Three Amigos to get a taxi up to the WPCC clubhouse for a drink.<br />
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We had a few pints in there, said a few final goodbyes to staff and members and headed to a pub called The Foresters - "<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Oldest Restaurant And Bar In the Country – Est 1852" according to their website. A few more beers were ticked off in there and I had a rather nice ostrich burger as well. Darren and Denise joined us, however cabs were proving tricky to come by and I had to leave them all to make my own way back towards town. After a brief stop off back at base, I was back in a cab and up to Green Point and the Cape Town Stadium.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Built for the 2010 Football World Cup, the 55,000 capacity stadium sits not a million miles away from the waterfront. It's a bit of a political hot potato in the city, as it has been criminally under-utilised since the World Cup and there have been some calls for it to be demolished. However, alongside the gigs that have taken place here, it is also called home by Cape Town City FC, who play in the South African Premier League. They were at home to AmaZulu that night, so it seemed rude to not go and check it out. I certainly wasn't the only English person there, either. The official crowd I've seen recorded is 5,000, although that seemed generous to me, but either way, rattling round in such a large stadium seemed bizarre. Not quite the few hundred I saw inside Hampden Park for a Queen's Park game, but still strange. I found the ground to be far more impressive on the inside. Only one side was open and there were still touts outside, which was a bit ridiculous, really. It only cost just over £2 to get in as it was! It finished 2-2, after City were 2-0 up, and all the goals came in the first half. It wasn't the best game, but entertaining enough. The officiating was interesting as well, they certainly didn't stand for any shit from either side. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atmosphere wise, there was a small group of "Ultras" standing front and centre, who only let up with the slow, African chanting to celebrate the goals. Not to mention the dreaded vuvuzelas that were being sold inside. Once the final whistle went I was on my toes and back to base via a cab driven by a very talkative Zimbabwean who kept talking about wanting someone to invite/sponsor him to visit England. I didn't take him up on that part of the conversation.</span></span><br />
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The next day was my last full day and I was up and out, walking up to the V&A Waterfront to jump on a ferry to Robben Island. At least, that was the plan. A long story short, there was a strike on due to a pay dispute and all tours that were running that day were booked up already, so I spent an absolute age queuing for a refund and set about having a wander around the Waterfront instead. It wasn't a bad thing in the end. I had a nosey at a museum on the jetty where boats to Robben Island went from when it was in use and wandered around one of the shopping centres. After a lap of the Waterfront, a couple of beers in a food hall and watching a bridge get raised and lowered for an incoming ship I met Dave and Shep in Mitchell's Brewhouse. It turned out the place was Scottish themed, to the point where Flower of Scotland was playing in the toilets. Still, we were joined at one point by another Lancs member, Colin, so we actually had a Lancashire enclave in place. Myself and Colin also discovered we were sharing the same flight home the following morning. I ticked off a few beers, Colin went wandering and myself, Dave and Shep got a cab back to Greenmarket Square.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/6sWxvtmTVbSMoERTkB5_x0sMDtpCQ4bqQxCB30-IclZ3ZhKjfixYIm2hiWI9l8CKWUegXio9jCz-SKViIsF5hYGZtLHjYMFBimLY7irK-p4rXNhrxC4zkijCY5B-feo9UNtTytbSUncUHhUZhxXlvzVSXutkx_K6f_PiUAPTJV4PzUnU5kFn0JpIEQQgpduCw8f8-v8VWS-F0FjntbqE4w5vB7FuO6EeOeNpwrYM6EqX46JalpN6jzD_CdCYd2gPNMQWU_Lnup-EkmPHIwGnOtETCkmIA3Amy3g_ci1uMcK4ubXRFzUG0uHpxOKdIpbMeH_ILee-GLFU4q2qBEF_9KgkyWab-CzSCorWke7E9e2yMwR1PtafsLmTHwpmmJDseiNUOwPf2ZlaNLhn7uK02VQftLezUlU71Wo-idcPzNCSQO6V4fP_1r2fvJlexUcOQZQ8syFhkFN1aXnGssob1KlZz1nzEenE-LrhMy4i70BSK-llLqIFCSkIlxp4uvNAJy7aNSuLO63rxQx7nAO-hV2uWL10_9Lnl48s5gRiF8YvNTSswhZKM6OYYuW6KtKEoN4IFL3ODJ73Olmd1DkOeJJkQk94k0E5P1zH0pIDZlOO0IgUtJ4-HmyLhuZCNTGjGUO_3wr5hJYL7IfSYirSKtTCNVHw-XODNx4AInAsitS_kyVzq06woVITbl9rg2EphwmILQg3IKV3GR3WktqDWIF_2KxID9zIs7NLjbwuXVZOgiJ5jdupcoc=w872-h654-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="872" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/6sWxvtmTVbSMoERTkB5_x0sMDtpCQ4bqQxCB30-IclZ3ZhKjfixYIm2hiWI9l8CKWUegXio9jCz-SKViIsF5hYGZtLHjYMFBimLY7irK-p4rXNhrxC4zkijCY5B-feo9UNtTytbSUncUHhUZhxXlvzVSXutkx_K6f_PiUAPTJV4PzUnU5kFn0JpIEQQgpduCw8f8-v8VWS-F0FjntbqE4w5vB7FuO6EeOeNpwrYM6EqX46JalpN6jzD_CdCYd2gPNMQWU_Lnup-EkmPHIwGnOtETCkmIA3Amy3g_ci1uMcK4ubXRFzUG0uHpxOKdIpbMeH_ILee-GLFU4q2qBEF_9KgkyWab-CzSCorWke7E9e2yMwR1PtafsLmTHwpmmJDseiNUOwPf2ZlaNLhn7uK02VQftLezUlU71Wo-idcPzNCSQO6V4fP_1r2fvJlexUcOQZQ8syFhkFN1aXnGssob1KlZz1nzEenE-LrhMy4i70BSK-llLqIFCSkIlxp4uvNAJy7aNSuLO63rxQx7nAO-hV2uWL10_9Lnl48s5gRiF8YvNTSswhZKM6OYYuW6KtKEoN4IFL3ODJ73Olmd1DkOeJJkQk94k0E5P1zH0pIDZlOO0IgUtJ4-HmyLhuZCNTGjGUO_3wr5hJYL7IfSYirSKtTCNVHw-XODNx4AInAsitS_kyVzq06woVITbl9rg2EphwmILQg3IKV3GR3WktqDWIF_2KxID9zIs7NLjbwuXVZOgiJ5jdupcoc=w872-h654-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dave had been dying to find somewhere doing an ostrich steak on the trip, as the place he went last time had shut down, and a burger wasn't deemed a suitable substitute. As it was, he found somewhere on the square, a place called Mesopotamia, and we settled in for the last meal of the trip. Well, the last meal in Cape Town for them as they were off to Port Elizabeth for the third test. Whilst they sampled the ostrich, I took a punt on a springbok steak, and I have to say it was bloody marvellous. Washed down with a rather nice bottle of white, too. <span style="font-size: small;">Once we'd done, it was back to their hotel where Stewart, Darren and Denise were plotted up already and we settled in for a few pints. I stayed for a couple more than first intended. Yes, it was a 4am alarm call, but with it being my last night and with us still celebrating a win, it would have been rude of me to head back *too* early. Still, I eventually called it a night and wandered back. I did have a, by now to be expected, send off from one last chancer who was waving some sort of white stick around - almost like a shattered lighting tube, which he smacked against the floor, shattering it that little bit more. The only bit that I understood of what he was saying to me centered on someone getting "fucked up." I still don't know if it was me, him, or someone else who was meant to be getting "fucked up", but after being told to go away for the third time he eventually walked off just as I was about to tell him exactly where the stick was going to end up if he didn't leave me alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So my time in South Africa was almost at an end. I made my way to the airport only to discover I was an hour early for check-in. For one last bizarre experience, I ended up having breakfast in a Wimpy with sit-down table service. This was after being "mugged" by an attendant in the toilet for a bit of cash after handing me a paper towel and turning a tap on. The cheeky bugger looked disappointed with what I gave him, but sod it. I finally got checked in, bumped into Colin and passed through the most relaxed security and passport checks I've ever seen at an airport. I had a wander round the terminal before settling down for a chat with Colin. Boarding was delayed and we set-off about half an hour late. There was slightly less time to kill in Munich this time around, although a second security check proved to be a bit of a ballache, but there soon time to wander and relax before a fairly straightforward flight. Manchester Airport provided an easy security and bag collection experience before I met my dad and we set off back to Preston.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">All in all, it was belting trip. Some people had been apprehensive when I told them I was going out to Cape Town and questioned if it would be safe, but I found a wonderful, welcoming city that I can't wait to visit again. Yes, there was hassle, but I've had more uncomfortable moments in European cities, to be honest. A great place, a great trip, and I saw England win a test match on a ground that has been a graveyard for them over the years. Roll on the next visit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/tqpCyCgdg9VJqZiC7" target="_blank">The full set of photos can be found here.</a>MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-22070356782635405782018-02-06T15:24:00.001+00:002020-04-23T19:49:43.890+01:00Where beer does flow and men chunder - The 2017/18 Ashes in PerthOne rather large item on my bucket list has always been to watch England play an Ashes Test Match in Australia. I've also set myself a target of eventually having watched them play at all the Test venues in Aus. So, when it was announced that the WACA in Perth was going to be replaced by a brand spanking new stadium and that the 2017/18 Test would be the last one at the historic old ground I decided I'd best get myself over to the other side of the world and get it crossed off.<br />
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The initial flight out was on the Monday morning before the game was due to start. I met Shep and Dave, two fellow Lancashire members, in a bar on the other side of security and settled into various cricket related discussions. Typically we were delayed due to a buildup of air traffic at Manchester Airport, but we were soon up in the air and on the way. The flight itself was uneventful, with the discovery of the original Ghostbusters on the inflight entertainment system aiding with passing the time. However, at just under 13 hours, this was by far the longest flight I'd ever done and at both the 7 (the usual flight time to Toronto) and 9 (the previous longest flight I'd done to Chicago) hour mark I felt like I was trapped in a bit of a nightmare...<br />
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Still, now in Tuesday, we arrived at Changi Airport, Singapore. The delay meant we were seriously pushing it to get across to the next gate, especially with having to go through security again. So there was a bit of a sprint
across the airport, but in the end we had plenty of time as the flight to Perth was delayed by about 10 minutes. This one was only a short
flight (5 hours!) but on a 'lesser' plane and I was struggling at the end of it. However my first Singapore Sling did help to ease the suffering!<br />
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Once down in Perth Airport things got a lot easier. The e-visa system and electronic gates made customs ridiculously easy, although it did mean I got no stamp in my passport, which I was a bit annoyed about. Still, the ease of getting in is worth it I guess, so you can't complain too much. The airport had expanded since my companions were last here and, unbeknownst to them, there were now four terminals. So we opted to get a cab into town rather than sticking to the original plan of meeting the other travellers coming in on an internal flight and sharing a hire car with them.<br />
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I arrived at the Ambassador hotel, which was very nice indeed, checked in and got my head down for a bit before heading back out
for a walk to explore my surroundings. It had gone cool out by this point and the wind was actually cold, which I wasn't quite prepared for. I'd heard about the Fremantle Doctor, but I didn't realise how strong it actually was! I wandered across Langley Park (Middleton all over the world...) and to the edge of the River Swan before following the riverside path up towards Elizabeth Quay. I passed the rather impressive Supreme Court and marvelled at a rather large
Dinosaur advertising a local exhibition. There was even a Woolworths in a shopping centre and an EB Games store to continue the extinct species theme. After checking out the town hall and getting most of my souvenir shopping done early I dropped a few bits back at the hotel and met Shep and Dave in the rather peculiarly named Fenians Irish Pub for a pint or three.<br />
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The day before the Test was one of only two full free days I had in the city and the only one I'd get to myself, so I was determined to make the most of it. Jet lag had other ideas, mind, aided by a nearby alarm going off at about half 6 in the morning. Twice. Eventually, after getting out of the hotel a good couple of hours later than planned, I was walking through Perth and up one bloody great big hill to the majestic King's Park.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/ylSGwIQyuFN5ebiSGVKV6kJ9QLAheSFgQ3RSGOxyWuejfEOcFsx7DRAA6k8pPZsUZWQF7Z25EIUADcX6b9plqnURDg35tgTj7Ww2nqCBO2iSKWVzOzViB02BxNp8Z9HE2hpbtlxMYW5GY2VkmgECgJpo5JRz5oNR31yS9szUr8VYFKW-RdB58CvVuDvXAgCyVbbgFPgSwLNwFdCpWJwMlPNm0UwgMVv5Y_MuF5ZF9yEkhNzr6ANtJ88qCCy9RM4rwFCu7lUD3VDU-4wzlWeNZlbW3XHqQSHKY3Vou5Hek-UH9CkBeL728DxwV9-6EYgnWcidTo2JAV-ReQPSWsMn0uPV1pM4NMEKNEx3VuPZHgzygDj1pNETKvdsua-IqGAEIfnnOvp3n0QxcWqNYf5BdOo1KPSk2AAv10kDR1AZyXXd4lK6ZWhW0mWH1fpbB7OYLAnLApHrJ9sVM8Oa_KrjP4iSejO45gIPLZtFu1N0rG8TLl30CtqRn5M0hkbBLP0SqEvxaunZR9wIYlSdXXKDpJbaeBssqFxxnqiOrZZVbFuTgNjDw3DmrbMVq199a7ESX-AR3BLH-bUUUTYjDEf_a9F3rkyctAwlyDFuPWbRkpzA3DLgARJjmAiPSBsgyyYhPRSq6BccqLUXCTz-JalnKgGMO5ZS2fY6TQ=w872-h654-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="872" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/ylSGwIQyuFN5ebiSGVKV6kJ9QLAheSFgQ3RSGOxyWuejfEOcFsx7DRAA6k8pPZsUZWQF7Z25EIUADcX6b9plqnURDg35tgTj7Ww2nqCBO2iSKWVzOzViB02BxNp8Z9HE2hpbtlxMYW5GY2VkmgECgJpo5JRz5oNR31yS9szUr8VYFKW-RdB58CvVuDvXAgCyVbbgFPgSwLNwFdCpWJwMlPNm0UwgMVv5Y_MuF5ZF9yEkhNzr6ANtJ88qCCy9RM4rwFCu7lUD3VDU-4wzlWeNZlbW3XHqQSHKY3Vou5Hek-UH9CkBeL728DxwV9-6EYgnWcidTo2JAV-ReQPSWsMn0uPV1pM4NMEKNEx3VuPZHgzygDj1pNETKvdsua-IqGAEIfnnOvp3n0QxcWqNYf5BdOo1KPSk2AAv10kDR1AZyXXd4lK6ZWhW0mWH1fpbB7OYLAnLApHrJ9sVM8Oa_KrjP4iSejO45gIPLZtFu1N0rG8TLl30CtqRn5M0hkbBLP0SqEvxaunZR9wIYlSdXXKDpJbaeBssqFxxnqiOrZZVbFuTgNjDw3DmrbMVq199a7ESX-AR3BLH-bUUUTYjDEf_a9F3rkyctAwlyDFuPWbRkpzA3DLgARJjmAiPSBsgyyYhPRSq6BccqLUXCTz-JalnKgGMO5ZS2fY6TQ=w872-h654-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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As well as being a magnificent place to come and hang out, the park is two thirds native bushland. That's right, no need at all to head to the outback and risk meeting all kinds of dangerous creatures, just head slightly out of the city centre to a park with designated trails through genuine Aussie bush. I did nearly get taken out by the huge dragonflies, though, and wearing suede trainers for the sandy, stony path back through the longer trail was a definite mistake. But other than that it was bloody magnificent and well worth the effort.<br />
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After all of that I decided that I'd definitely earned myself a beer. I headed back down the hill and into Perth Railway Station, where I picked up the train to Fremantle. I'd been told to get the ferry, but why would you do that when there's trains?!<br />
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Fremantle is a lovely little place, known for being the site of a convict jail which you can visit. The intention was to do that last, with a brewery and two bars on my list to hit first. Of course, everything went to pot when on the way to my first stop off I saw a huge sign for a craft beer bar, which just happened to be on my route. Well, it'd be rude not to, wouldn't it? A pint in the Ball & Chain it was, alongside a rather nice serving of barramundi and chips. From there I crossed a park and headed to my main target for the day, Little Creatures Brewery. It didn't disappoint. The beer was fantastic, the food looked good and the staff were brilliant. I really didn't want to leave, but with a limited time in town I had to go out and explore.<br />
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On one of their staff member's recommendations I had another extra stop off, the Norfolk Hotel. Again, I could have spent the rest of the day there. From there it was onto The Monk Brewery & Kitchen and from there I walked over the road to the Sail & Anchor. Both very good bars with an excellent range of craft beer on, although the latter wasn't quite as laid back as the rest had been which started to get to me a little bit. Hunger had a little to do with that, so with a beer head on I went to a local takeaway across the road called Hungry Jack's... For those that, like me, didn't know, it was Burger King under a different name. Still, it filled a hole.<br />
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By this point it was starting to get a bit late and the light was fading. Still, slightly tipsy Michael decided that you had to visit Fremantle Jail regardless, so armed with Google Maps I headed off to find it, passing some sort of Oval on the way (I failed to get in). Eventually I did find the jail, all closed up for the day! Still, I had a wander around the outer walls, found the aptly named Holdsworth Street and got a good snap of the lit up entrance. As I was completely unsure of the train times back I decided enough was enough and made my way back to the station, stumbling across the Fremantle Oval on my way - which I later learned was the same one I'd unsuccessfully attempted to get into earlier. A sports ground with an open gate? Well, why not? A quick diversion through there and I was back at the station and, eventually, back in the centre of Perth. I met Shep and Dave in the Grosvenor and Shep gave me a visiting members' guest pass he'd managed to get for day 4. A day out of the sun? Go on, then.<br />
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<br />
And so Thursday morning came around and your extremely giddy writer was up and out early, heading down to the WACA to take it all in before the Test Match started. After a wander round both outside and inside I found myself a spot on the West Grass Bank and settled in for a great day for England, Malan's superb ton and a very decent score filling the English in the ground with optimism.<br />
<br />
Off the pitch the 'entertainment' came from a group of Aussies dressed as chillis. They couldn't understand it when they were pulled up about singing "I'd rather be a P**i than a Pom" and there was a bit of idiotic behaviour at times, but in the main they did behave themselves. However, a run in with the exec box behind us (I still don't know what happened) and a few other incidents meant that they were first banned from every bar in the ground and then, when someone else got them a beer, they were all 'asked' to leave. The stewarding in the public areas was the only thing that let the place down for me, people were kicked out for some very harmless things. But I guess that's what happens when you've got a private firm doing security.<br />
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The end of the day was spent shivering (the Fremantle Doctor came in with a vengeance, aided by the grass bank being covered in shade thanks to the aforementioned exec box), although that was a relief from the sun. A few of us were also trying to avoid being hit by the rubber ball two lads were playing cricket with using the KFC bucket army hats.<br />
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Talking of avoiding the sun, I have to mention the free sunscreen dispensers around the ground and the water fountains. Between them and volunteers going around with sun cream, water and frog sweets they did everything they could to help people protect themselves from the Perth sun. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/V9zgTzpaePCT-1xXWmSSYHVuN2l9jDzfR5sT69vfCmBW0vBjut0SjTqASURq7tSy_-T4GFZtY1V59T6Cgn_OaUPZDefwRWvzNewC709V016cEt1TmLdJcVFuhTtZLOcVdgoYQd3oEOUNhunPScaNFEz0-wtMWqYkReSgCDK2J3BjtOhlUn3BKDrdkmrunG4gb5FMIbvOobxi8AD3kCbjFulG8mJcNQ8O9DM3E_-KfsZcoZrNiCNIGOEIjORo_qbyx1VApD0MuIwPundz6LgYiDKjrB9rM-W11ZEpOVwUZqtGvFPnFzBXIjqJvZ-QouDhAl06Cy-p8HSygohjUjLSXsYnQsEgsKXpGrVZZJ9YashuUM_3SGDM7sTC7DfeeXldsiYezoJJORloDBfrC1BiaosHCBrk8qXP12EhaN3_os0KTYMmPVrvVCxqyKhMYaLA1bOA-pEdCpO6sA3HntuHLpRkXvPYWRSlJqicffj1eA3At2JFb-hvFlcWIcYqqdmpcWuRePngXVHA4caqlZn4QEDsbiICHoXvXvkSmas6b2Tk3CPUa2iiNVdOnfFNZne7F5XPoArj3klIJMLiAMRPBLDVDtFhxUtlHaeCSmrm7W-0r4IxePJe4pQaGdecwPYzqkrNGHJu5gBN6KfAkDwa87LKORu6yD3jEA=w872-h654-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="872" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/V9zgTzpaePCT-1xXWmSSYHVuN2l9jDzfR5sT69vfCmBW0vBjut0SjTqASURq7tSy_-T4GFZtY1V59T6Cgn_OaUPZDefwRWvzNewC709V016cEt1TmLdJcVFuhTtZLOcVdgoYQd3oEOUNhunPScaNFEz0-wtMWqYkReSgCDK2J3BjtOhlUn3BKDrdkmrunG4gb5FMIbvOobxi8AD3kCbjFulG8mJcNQ8O9DM3E_-KfsZcoZrNiCNIGOEIjORo_qbyx1VApD0MuIwPundz6LgYiDKjrB9rM-W11ZEpOVwUZqtGvFPnFzBXIjqJvZ-QouDhAl06Cy-p8HSygohjUjLSXsYnQsEgsKXpGrVZZJ9YashuUM_3SGDM7sTC7DfeeXldsiYezoJJORloDBfrC1BiaosHCBrk8qXP12EhaN3_os0KTYMmPVrvVCxqyKhMYaLA1bOA-pEdCpO6sA3HntuHLpRkXvPYWRSlJqicffj1eA3At2JFb-hvFlcWIcYqqdmpcWuRePngXVHA4caqlZn4QEDsbiICHoXvXvkSmas6b2Tk3CPUa2iiNVdOnfFNZne7F5XPoArj3klIJMLiAMRPBLDVDtFhxUtlHaeCSmrm7W-0r4IxePJe4pQaGdecwPYzqkrNGHJu5gBN6KfAkDwa87LKORu6yD3jEA=w872-h654-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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The evening was then spent on a solo bar hop across Perth. The rooftop Bob's Bar was a pain in the backside to find, but find it I did. I would have eaten if the Doctor wasn't blowing so strongly up there. The Belgian Beer Cafe was excellent, although they rung last orders not much after 8pm. The Generous Squire was nice, but by this point I'd found out my companions were staying in their hotel bar for the evening so I thought I'd tick off as many of the craft beer bars on my list as I could. I headed off on a bit of a walk to Northbridge and attempted my first stop off at The Bird, but as it was five dollars to get in I politely declined and headed over to Lot Twenty. A wonderful bar with very friendly staff in a very interesting environment. And there was audio from Blackadder Goes Forth playing in the gents. Another one to put down on the "I wish I could stay longer" list.<br />
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The main reason I wasn't stopping longer was Northbridge Brewing (also going by Beerland Brewing Co. which confused me to no end when trying to find it). After trying a pint I settled in with a rack of tasters and a pizza whilst listening to the live music. I also bumped into a couple of Essex members that I knew through a Lancs supporting mate. All in all, a very good evening.<br />
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<br />
With the initial excitement of the first day long gone, Friday was a very sluggish
start indeed. It was a warmer day which was already in evidence when I met Shep and Dave at their hotel to walk down to the ground. Cricket wise it started brightly with Bairstow getting his ton and England setting a record partnership at the WACA. However the usual story of quick wickets put paid to that and England finished with quite a few runs less than we'd hoped for. By the end of the day I was bored of watching Australia rack up the runs. Queuing up for an expensive XXXX gold in a slow queue were people were getting brassed off with a, by now, one beer limit just added to my frustrations. Add in the chunnering buffoons in the posh bit behind me and I was glad when the umpires called time for the day.<br />
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The evening saw another solo bar hop. I should probably have stayed in Petition Beer Corner which had about 15 draft beers on and countless bottles and cans. After a few drinks and a chat with the staff in there I headed back towards Northbridge in a failed attempt to be sociable. There was something on at NBC, so I got turned away, and after a wander, I ended up in a bar called Universal. I tried a beer which everyone had told me to avoid and instantly regretted my bravado. After standing at the back feeling awkward as the place got busier and louder I headed a couple of doors down to an American sports bar called Patriots, drawn in by the promise of food. I ate, I drank and then I gave it all up as a bad job and walked back to the hotel. There was a large police presence around as well, but I guess that was a usual Friday night thing.<br />
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Saturday saw another slow start, with the snooze button getting a bit of a hiding. I regretted both that and going straight to the museum in the ground when I wandered onto the hill and discovered that I'd lost my spot. I tried to get on part of the back wall where people had been sitting, just inside an area cordoned off for the kids taking part in the lunch break activities. Unfortunately there was a different steward working that section to the previous couple of days and he was a bit of a jobsworth, so I ended up settling a bit further down the hill. However, as people moved around I managed to get to move back in, easing the slight anxiety that was building as I did so.<br />
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The cricket again went to pot with England seemingly happy to throw down declaration bowling. Marsh's ton and Smith's double ton helped you spot the English supporters on the bank around me. Throw in England reviewing a decision that ended up being not out due to a no ball and, well, it was one of those days. I'd started keeping a track of the different county supporters around the ground. My main criteria was that non cricketing flags and shirts didn't count, so sorry Derby County, Derbyshire joined Gloucestershire as the only two first class counties I didn't see represented in Perth.<br />
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The Chillis were spotted again, this time in normal dress and behaving themselves. There was a Scottish bloke engaging in a friendly (genuinely) exchange with the English fans below him. Until he was thrown out for bending over and pretending to lift his kilt up, much to the dismay of everyone else. Being near the kids' section provided a few bits of entertainment, with one little girl excitedly pointing out a "balloon" to her dad, whilst everyone else tried not to laugh as they watched an inflated condom drifting across the stands. Later on, her brother got extremely upset because other kids were picking up and playing with one of the large amount of cardboard bucket hats he had collected over the day, protesting as if they were all priceless artifacts. And people wonder why I'm in no rush to have children!<br />
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I left slightly earlier than usual as I'd got a ticket to watch a bit of football. Perth Glory were at home to New Zealand side Wellington Phoenix in the A League. I've watched all sorts of nonsense to tick a new ground off in the past, so this was too good an opportunity to pass up. I headed up there with enough time to wander the ground beforehand, picking up a few bits and pieces and the usual programme. I resisted the temptation to go into the away section (although a few England fans who were also groundhopping did end up in there) and spent the first half sat at the back of the top tier behind the goal. I spent the second half wandering around until settling back into the top tier, this time down the front. It was an impressive ground, with the old facade still there amongst the modern backdrop. I was also impressed to see a terrace at one end. The game, however, was dreadful, although whether that's the standard of the league or the standard of the two teams at the bottom I don't know. Glory won 1-0 and as soon as the final whistle went I bolted out of the ground to the next craft beer place I had down to visit.<br />
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I'd seen Meat Candy on a list of places to try beer wise, but as impressive as the selection was, I ended up coming away more impressed with the food. A fried chicken restaurant, which was a 20 minute walk from the football ground, it was cosy, the lass serving me was very friendly and the hot chicken sandwich was amazing. I loved it and when I next make it back to Perth they'd better still be open. <br />
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With the state of play and the fact that I'd got a members' area pass, Sunday was a much later start. There wasn't much to report during the day, aside from being in a nice, air conditioned members' area with a bar just behind me serving decent beer at decent prices. With the state of England's batting it soon became clear that the end was nigh, but the rain came to make sure it was definitely pushed to a fifth day. In fact, the rain was absolutely ridiculous and contributed to everyone hanging around the ground gates waiting for an opportunity to leg it. We gave up and jumped in a cab instead.<br />
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That night was spent mainly in the bar at the Mantra, Shep and Dave's hotel. We met up with an Adelaide lad, Andy, that we'd met at Old Trafford in 2013 and some friends of Shep and Dave's from the Notts Taverner's bar at Trent Bridge were in as well. A couple of us ended up back at the bar in my hotel before I declared and called it a night.<br />
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Monday started off very wet indeed. For a few, brief hours we thought we may well save the match and keep the series alive. I had breakfast at a place called The Coffee Club just by my hotel before heading down to the ground and back into the members' area. After more rain and the hope of the pitch being damaged by leaky covers all hope was lost as the teams came back out and we lost a wicket straight away. From there on in it wasn't all that long before it was confirmed that my first experience of watching England abroad was to see us lose The Ashes. Not unexpectedly, I know, but still, it wasn't pleasant.<br />
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I reconvened with Shep and Dave at the Mantra, as they had bailed before the end. After a few beers and a postmortem I headed round the corner to Aachi, an Indian restaurant I'd spotted by chance a couple of days previously. As it was, a very good curry was just what I needed to make me forget about everything I had just seen.<br />
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The plan for the next day was to meet up with Shep, Dave and another Andy to go out for a drive. However, in the morning I reverted back a few decades by visiting the rather wonderful Nostalgia Box, a retro video game and console museum. I cannot do the place justice, I really can't. Some of the things they have need to be seen to be believed. The consoles going back to the 70s were just amazing. Not only that, but I got to remind myself how bad I am at Duck Hunt and I got to play Pong on a 40 year old machine. Honestly, it was a slightly aging video game nerd's dream come true.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/bTsmbqq04RpadToOxd-Cqrm2HUKVvjgrP10wfFZ-fzspc4qDm5QlUV8panc_JhpvkTtrFephuL7Fy_nR_2zrRfYk4Ye6J8pGt602ucUOERA4M4U-MNOnF2U-9N8HNEBphpllSPH5VzGAU9a-5izRS4Y6UMscorTkRJbGCju_m3Eo9O8NKk78l1KNJS8BHLOoy5YfeJALzpu5vGzz70JiV3hSUCGe5U_FdQOw2x-bQUaJFr-7HnyWJpr08LZLIaues3bajw3h7SWy_WhHXGkj-0W0BSdAMKbK04WGLxzuPBgVVLBJTORjHQqKFtzzVsq1LWCy3OjoOefayB-kZeK2FcqTpfpmFHm3iJZaKAXOo-AWlSaZE_vqW48CJd9qUgOpJLgvEAFjiUQuFlcWCyY7lnhOYUxjzbAALwkn0vWUt2Y6-Ztpyg7T3YSAj1cxSDnSQlaXw8pC02XheAr5y7szhV6wj3fZ6GM5jtobWhsj-DxDoJffAPzgsJ0DvO6ISvPysULgE57j73bUSOX3SzT7IyfpVVwsBbGcz1v0e6mRLj7pUthsZLzY_vdJYyO4_1Z-jeAWseA8cxQ9dACgyoPKhbgy3F_CqKkGZm3D1oqdyEglvX4xCnhUhvJzuIkdvwTPVZuwrTUMrSA8U-EpO5e6Um13u4N53Ug38w=w872-h654-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="872" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/bTsmbqq04RpadToOxd-Cqrm2HUKVvjgrP10wfFZ-fzspc4qDm5QlUV8panc_JhpvkTtrFephuL7Fy_nR_2zrRfYk4Ye6J8pGt602ucUOERA4M4U-MNOnF2U-9N8HNEBphpllSPH5VzGAU9a-5izRS4Y6UMscorTkRJbGCju_m3Eo9O8NKk78l1KNJS8BHLOoy5YfeJALzpu5vGzz70JiV3hSUCGe5U_FdQOw2x-bQUaJFr-7HnyWJpr08LZLIaues3bajw3h7SWy_WhHXGkj-0W0BSdAMKbK04WGLxzuPBgVVLBJTORjHQqKFtzzVsq1LWCy3OjoOefayB-kZeK2FcqTpfpmFHm3iJZaKAXOo-AWlSaZE_vqW48CJd9qUgOpJLgvEAFjiUQuFlcWCyY7lnhOYUxjzbAALwkn0vWUt2Y6-Ztpyg7T3YSAj1cxSDnSQlaXw8pC02XheAr5y7szhV6wj3fZ6GM5jtobWhsj-DxDoJffAPzgsJ0DvO6ISvPysULgE57j73bUSOX3SzT7IyfpVVwsBbGcz1v0e6mRLj7pUthsZLzY_vdJYyO4_1Z-jeAWseA8cxQ9dACgyoPKhbgy3F_CqKkGZm3D1oqdyEglvX4xCnhUhvJzuIkdvwTPVZuwrTUMrSA8U-EpO5e6Um13u4N53Ug38w=w872-h654-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once I had run out of time in there, it was off on the drive to Lilac Hill and Midland Guildford Cricket Club. England have played a number of tour games here in the past. It really was a lovely setup, with a picturesque park as the backdrop. There were a couple of (Aussie Rules) football grounds around as well, Swans Districts being the biggest one around here.<br />
<br />
From there it was a drive back to Fremantle, where Andy went to a cafe for a bite to eat and we three went to the Ball & Chain for a couple of pints. On the way back we pulled into Cottesloe so that I could take in the view of the Indian Ocean across the beach. Again, there was a picturesque golf course and Aussie Rules football ground in the vicinity as well.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/gx8BC2aILSUPHIoLA8uC97myrSnnzivXXEeKap2vRQOA15h-_-PpatrYVHBmn93rLVk_dntwzzGz0CHcrt9X0ZoxRmjbIuesgSSbB3wXoWmv5SFG7-y_e2bRvQaFAgbb34NM1KRNuwdv3pYqmwqKXY1iVcVA3sKeBY-SaOXqzAnYqh36RIliuzeWKMrEhsxGXKuhA0uzPESsHBEj6K-9aTzRmPTrlX15HPTJC0SWB2a1HbeUSIjUhQEicplo5OQoGGJkCXHeynXS9fXLPJkVABD1Qq3LhRYisKQvqLibY8NGHRhuJGuTs88zqw7a-srUXElPYff_KEf5yYIvaN8BZkzMIhxRQzyXGR74vEeuhI3zm6Jukjj51-IHLEJqitbEFyxNIaZBhyySh8wvby5RYbRxqVJdJbmva1EJSc0fRSYFGKg_nu0Focf1pKXB-IreviDfEkEm0wRK33s6iW964cy0F--j3xAusfNvMGb59yeUnyRaSqJiYI0dLy47ScndVnLhnMLWzyNHAukCewTCe8KBUCR1TAKNuX-2nGCJOrZJ9zO_OY0Ofhnb8Da9DaXjFPOlBjKf-_46HAoDS-nMMFvqTfruELZCm4svEFkbJDb7TRK6qvaCQWOKml90BDkmz9YapMP2QZBdVa_OBMbH5mbVCSQZbsdiwQ=w872-h654-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="872" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/gx8BC2aILSUPHIoLA8uC97myrSnnzivXXEeKap2vRQOA15h-_-PpatrYVHBmn93rLVk_dntwzzGz0CHcrt9X0ZoxRmjbIuesgSSbB3wXoWmv5SFG7-y_e2bRvQaFAgbb34NM1KRNuwdv3pYqmwqKXY1iVcVA3sKeBY-SaOXqzAnYqh36RIliuzeWKMrEhsxGXKuhA0uzPESsHBEj6K-9aTzRmPTrlX15HPTJC0SWB2a1HbeUSIjUhQEicplo5OQoGGJkCXHeynXS9fXLPJkVABD1Qq3LhRYisKQvqLibY8NGHRhuJGuTs88zqw7a-srUXElPYff_KEf5yYIvaN8BZkzMIhxRQzyXGR74vEeuhI3zm6Jukjj51-IHLEJqitbEFyxNIaZBhyySh8wvby5RYbRxqVJdJbmva1EJSc0fRSYFGKg_nu0Focf1pKXB-IreviDfEkEm0wRK33s6iW964cy0F--j3xAusfNvMGb59yeUnyRaSqJiYI0dLy47ScndVnLhnMLWzyNHAukCewTCe8KBUCR1TAKNuX-2nGCJOrZJ9zO_OY0Ofhnb8Da9DaXjFPOlBjKf-_46HAoDS-nMMFvqTfruELZCm4svEFkbJDb7TRK6qvaCQWOKml90BDkmz9YapMP2QZBdVa_OBMbH5mbVCSQZbsdiwQ=w872-h654-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/i0wdhNgJGMPCd3StVMgCogdAvpkVf9iEKVDMWulsRHQdnN3SDduUdRDt34guWGNJpl1z0MYVZmw3YCYWqmhwT2OOLbBP8KmknzC6gzIVPP3DR8Nw_QfBE7Pa7n38F7joCSl3FauXpDrbDf5WK_Ntp9F0931vnl7XH1UmgSlcGiUDZG81CqZU0i33UZQKmlShfMJAjRwLp11v2ezbSG9EHzEUddXhsJl91OfqCoeLsUvSZ8gBQatOEnNnRVsOW-B5zXqx3LptzsaRswqMFPfivREwrH4blyrBoSq_h9QiY2Ld41mmKrnzbrDYS8mtaIoS7Foods2af4ID0HvEPlG1wjX7gSDTIxMQ5vTSblh-YzSPyqaScOboF_9bbsu9qhXoLfMLVt-YeXig6mFy-zyCOagZNOBmyA_EmS2ZAj667RnWKgiNrq1my56exh0Ub9NlIEv2jiklI_Yynwfq2QWc0e5FtOYdTrBood9uqRSuEcwF3cLhEHgUW03-QC6bQm0DCcKKPYrbxGeLHC-BYlSsFMntYUUgi4HrHSLzgITSAOaJdbxLzdTU7cgY1Pf8DF6l0ZFfbGf9lMoWfSoQd7q-NvisNGf82gcj2u8ZhtvLulO7TDN_pvPEZdNI0i8a_xQtGmBftq9xh28AJHG_TG4-ruGaz3XhZzH5KA=w872-h654-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="872" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/i0wdhNgJGMPCd3StVMgCogdAvpkVf9iEKVDMWulsRHQdnN3SDduUdRDt34guWGNJpl1z0MYVZmw3YCYWqmhwT2OOLbBP8KmknzC6gzIVPP3DR8Nw_QfBE7Pa7n38F7joCSl3FauXpDrbDf5WK_Ntp9F0931vnl7XH1UmgSlcGiUDZG81CqZU0i33UZQKmlShfMJAjRwLp11v2ezbSG9EHzEUddXhsJl91OfqCoeLsUvSZ8gBQatOEnNnRVsOW-B5zXqx3LptzsaRswqMFPfivREwrH4blyrBoSq_h9QiY2Ld41mmKrnzbrDYS8mtaIoS7Foods2af4ID0HvEPlG1wjX7gSDTIxMQ5vTSblh-YzSPyqaScOboF_9bbsu9qhXoLfMLVt-YeXig6mFy-zyCOagZNOBmyA_EmS2ZAj667RnWKgiNrq1my56exh0Ub9NlIEv2jiklI_Yynwfq2QWc0e5FtOYdTrBood9uqRSuEcwF3cLhEHgUW03-QC6bQm0DCcKKPYrbxGeLHC-BYlSsFMntYUUgi4HrHSLzgITSAOaJdbxLzdTU7cgY1Pf8DF6l0ZFfbGf9lMoWfSoQd7q-NvisNGf82gcj2u8ZhtvLulO7TDN_pvPEZdNI0i8a_xQtGmBftq9xh28AJHG_TG4-ruGaz3XhZzH5KA=w872-h654-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ended up joining Shep and Dave back at their hotel for another couple of drinks before we went over the road for food in Blue Rock. This was also where something that started out as a bit of a joke actually came to fruition - my 50th unique new beer of the trip. The bottle was raised to the restaurant with the comment "that's one half century more than most of our batsmen will be going home with" ringing in my ears. There was just time for a few last drinks with my two companions before our farewells. They were off out to Melbourne in the morning, I was flying back home in the afternoon.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/GBnobWG2afmIn_pmRQGvDRSlZrCE3_bZZLII9NZ41zMffsmtHnLvNZHQjEm-iIyQwyjMgfOaLOaDLFoj3__56wraBvESVjC5-Y9RjQL2nyg457DxOD7L_waTnsNccTtLygy6ysL5WvlwcBDxO8QUIfLYCpw5YRuJIPoL5OKDfvzkbmMyD6F0IhS25ij0aROqXwwv0usGwHYKbhuyWtG9H9V97MEgYvq8en6oEOT57CAT21L27tgjLI1S2CeTvuIibMm25LrvoGtH1nhMy7ebfq8vEjSmr50g68od3zFog4Jd5gxckfzmaq8zUNhj_opaItYTTXz5DuzjqRPu2j_Y_kwDDZCfZrP2C0a6Z6RyNzKFcivSM9CLdUTdyqaTDb7qXXz-nukCz304ccnqD9wA0uCcUG2jlu5vE6xByQKsyEzZDMQcAUsz2diDUltL0Pn_kdxbd6jX1ROneyg1YLhtOh29_TWwxZ6WeVEERaC0cLhOhyY5zRO3Ecrz3Z6Drx1gt1OpptYiih3R8yJ1yITbAhDUXfxsn7v1-BYXArCi8i8nZNqXt7J-dVBQw7YQ3nVfIPuxntduAgxMSsklbdgOxhhYbl3OS90bHihJMA1CATk9GcTZ-8u9_hTxp8MYgAGPgjVkUPWV-BvScZnuyv5mPl6FhwDCIDaeXQ=w491-h654-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="490" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/GBnobWG2afmIn_pmRQGvDRSlZrCE3_bZZLII9NZ41zMffsmtHnLvNZHQjEm-iIyQwyjMgfOaLOaDLFoj3__56wraBvESVjC5-Y9RjQL2nyg457DxOD7L_waTnsNccTtLygy6ysL5WvlwcBDxO8QUIfLYCpw5YRuJIPoL5OKDfvzkbmMyD6F0IhS25ij0aROqXwwv0usGwHYKbhuyWtG9H9V97MEgYvq8en6oEOT57CAT21L27tgjLI1S2CeTvuIibMm25LrvoGtH1nhMy7ebfq8vEjSmr50g68od3zFog4Jd5gxckfzmaq8zUNhj_opaItYTTXz5DuzjqRPu2j_Y_kwDDZCfZrP2C0a6Z6RyNzKFcivSM9CLdUTdyqaTDb7qXXz-nukCz304ccnqD9wA0uCcUG2jlu5vE6xByQKsyEzZDMQcAUsz2diDUltL0Pn_kdxbd6jX1ROneyg1YLhtOh29_TWwxZ6WeVEERaC0cLhOhyY5zRO3Ecrz3Z6Drx1gt1OpptYiih3R8yJ1yITbAhDUXfxsn7v1-BYXArCi8i8nZNqXt7J-dVBQw7YQ3nVfIPuxntduAgxMSsklbdgOxhhYbl3OS90bHihJMA1CATk9GcTZ-8u9_hTxp8MYgAGPgjVkUPWV-BvScZnuyv5mPl6FhwDCIDaeXQ=w491-h654-no" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
And so, my time was done. I got up, packed, checked out, left my bag at reception and made the long walk up to the brand spanking new Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium, for sponsorship purposes). I'd hoped to get up close and walk around the outside, especially as there'd been a test event there a few days earlier, but alas it was still a building site all around, so I had to make do with a pleasant riverside walk and admiring it from a distance instead. I wasn't expecting much from Perth from what I'd heard, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is a lovely city and the views you can get are wonderful. There's plenty of parkland and no shortage of things to see. I still couldn't quite get over seeing Christmas stuff in summer weather, though.<br />
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I had one last meal in The Coffee Club before retrieving my bags and having one last walk through town to kill a bit of time. I was feeling a bit tired by this point, though, with such a long walk in the morning and the heat was cranking up, too, so I gave in and jumped in a taxi to the airport. The driver was Iranian and we had a good chat, with him reminiscing about adjusting to the weather when he first arrived.<br />
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It turned out the check-in desk only opened three hours before the flight, not four as I'm used to for long haul flights, so I went for a drink at a bar just further down from the desks. There seemed to be quite a lot going on at this side of the airport, which makes a change to most places. Eventually I was in and heading through security, where myself and others were 'randomly' selected for screening and testing for explosive materials. Only it wasn't random, if you walked past when there was a group being screened you didn't have to stop, if the benches were empty, you got waved in. I have no problem with these measures being in place, but don't lie about the methods used to screen people.<br />
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First impressions of the terminal were not good, but the more I wandered, the more I saw. I did a bit of last minute shopping and got ready for the flight, with another delay before boarding.<br />
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The flight to Singapore passed fairly incident free, although I was sat next to some entitled git who needed the odd sharp reminder about personal space. And across from me was a total pisshead and his wife who sank far more wine than I think they should have been served. He struggled to stand upright and walk off the plane in a straight line, that's for certain.<br />
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I didn't have much time in Singapore again, but I did have a bit more breathing space this time as we actually arrived early.
After jumping on the SkyTrain between terminals I picked up a couple of Singapore souvenirs and went to look at the Koi Karp. I didn't have time for the butterfly gardens, though. What an airport, seriously, it's amazing. After trying not to lose the plot with the clueless passengers in the security line I was eventually through and able to relax before the boarding scrum. There were some interesting flights on show,
Stockholm via Moscow being one and my flight to Frankfurt was then going onto New York.<br />
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I found my aisle seat, on the end of a middle row of four, and could barely contain my joy when the seat immediately next to me was left vacant! It was good to be able to stretch out, although after an initial good bit of sleep something woke me up and I then struggled to settle. It wasn't the best of flights after that, but it really could have been a lot, lot worse.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/7wG3OTVi67NI6qI3jam18jb2qXmTZvKgXEXorIjdVvE6u7M1krdQA6KVBk9wptwqs5OEjh4COWanexJAIpMqIPWzVA-4e5D9AvxUFfXqmU7qWg57ScpGInFD0x0rbpQoNLET_OzLmRQWQqAL_GGiSCTFFuiAYrcp3HoSPkd7ggZiwApibHqhchinV3iZpDv33Fs04Y3NjqkVLJA2zDZygPDSEDM-eKVAGs4jppDxKB503khlAMm4o9TGPaexhKqvc0Y8Aq1PuZItaBI8yLbkNXgaNUKQi_QmCcKlz9jbn42hl_CqS6mDtF0J2Rrt1tjI6Ds3KVZGqeXquvZItiJFYmUaJu772KPbs3chU91VhY6MYZmYukxo4M_JyCuJfbgcx4f1O0H6OuvN-R4s_D9WXw6TPjrtcFGaQM65kjKofLYsMAyeHdG3uZSkSdG2CTUsQE_DGxEp-DEtz-ettlh1QvLk5YHVx-rukD2592smvj8bZnSBu6h-BJVb8YGl0sWdlWWv6MTCDvCWZiLQl7rSpyOHYdNDVd_pxLBNaT-W7W4kGVPs98nIptsjyJ31upgawORPD4RtUH7GaVrkggKdx4IVh0CtjNKS3OuGvV4aZaTSHFB3T3y8niWooj0p6wadXb9iN8xPwAsZsknqBrvu6xI88rpRHgghng=w872-h654-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="872" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/7wG3OTVi67NI6qI3jam18jb2qXmTZvKgXEXorIjdVvE6u7M1krdQA6KVBk9wptwqs5OEjh4COWanexJAIpMqIPWzVA-4e5D9AvxUFfXqmU7qWg57ScpGInFD0x0rbpQoNLET_OzLmRQWQqAL_GGiSCTFFuiAYrcp3HoSPkd7ggZiwApibHqhchinV3iZpDv33Fs04Y3NjqkVLJA2zDZygPDSEDM-eKVAGs4jppDxKB503khlAMm4o9TGPaexhKqvc0Y8Aq1PuZItaBI8yLbkNXgaNUKQi_QmCcKlz9jbn42hl_CqS6mDtF0J2Rrt1tjI6Ds3KVZGqeXquvZItiJFYmUaJu772KPbs3chU91VhY6MYZmYukxo4M_JyCuJfbgcx4f1O0H6OuvN-R4s_D9WXw6TPjrtcFGaQM65kjKofLYsMAyeHdG3uZSkSdG2CTUsQE_DGxEp-DEtz-ettlh1QvLk5YHVx-rukD2592smvj8bZnSBu6h-BJVb8YGl0sWdlWWv6MTCDvCWZiLQl7rSpyOHYdNDVd_pxLBNaT-W7W4kGVPs98nIptsjyJ31upgawORPD4RtUH7GaVrkggKdx4IVh0CtjNKS3OuGvV4aZaTSHFB3T3y8niWooj0p6wadXb9iN8xPwAsZsknqBrvu6xI88rpRHgghng=w872-h654-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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We arrived into Frankfurt early and after being flagged up by the scanners and having my feet checked by security (that German sense of humour, feeling your toes and going "six?!" Mate, I've been travelling for nigh on 24 hours, leave it out, will you?) I was into the not very impressive airport and having a bit of a wander. I picked up a nice German bobble hat and then settled down by the gate, only to find out that we were going to be delayed due to the fog in Manchester. There was something mumbled about construction work as well, but it didn't make sense.<br />
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After more wandering and resisting a McDonald's, I eventually made it onto the plane. I took my seat on the back row and couldn't believe my luck when, this time, I had two empty seats next to me. Time to sit back and relax. The flight passed off incident free and, once again, immigration re-entering the UK at Manchester Airport was a complete pain. It says a lot when getting into Australia was far easier and much less hassle than coming back home.<br />
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All in all it was a brilliant trip. I'd not expected anything from England, so I couldn't let that ruin the experience. It was everything I'd thought it would be and more. Plans for South Africa in 2019 and a return for the next Ashes Down Under are already being made.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/3fIjGQVQ4JRTMiPs1" target="_blank">The full album of photos can be found here.</a>MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-56865369476338457152017-10-01T20:41:00.001+01:002020-04-23T20:19:13.996+01:00Canada - February 2017Back in February I headed back to Canada for the fifth time to see Nicole and Tony's wedding. After a few months of having a brief draft of the trip ready to write up, I decided it was time to get back into the swing of writing again with <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> coming up, as well as a few big trips abroad, including another Canadian wedding, so a touch belatedly, here we go again.<br />
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I actually landed on the 31st of January (pedant alert) and actually had the most pleasant experience I've ever had at Canadian Customs. The last words the official said to me were "enjoy the wedding" - a big change from previous visits. Thanks to the fabulous Union Pearson Express I also managed to get downtown quicker and much cheaper than the previous trip and the taxi debacle. I was checked into the hotel by late afternoon and headed upstairs for a lie down...<br />
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Rather stupidly, some might say, I'd decided to ignore the inevitable jet lag and had bought a ticket to watch the Toronto Raptors play a home game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. It was mainly a chance to tick a new sport/league off and I headed to the very back of the Air Canada Centre to get my standing room spot (basically a small walkway with a rail to lean on) and take in the game. I also stumbled upon a craft beer stand on the lower level which saved me from drinking Molson...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LQHBsCb9PXztOA7Pzq2-RxvXuJ8OwhlYy90qf7tnncK5df6WFylAEPJfaRqrAZoKEkO73clX-jmxBHwclhx9qSQTTUKGZPa-QZvfcU0poYa7I-zDhdV7wbh0t37DqsPOyUcXayhafIhX/w879-h659-no/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LQHBsCb9PXztOA7Pzq2-RxvXuJ8OwhlYy90qf7tnncK5df6WFylAEPJfaRqrAZoKEkO73clX-jmxBHwclhx9qSQTTUKGZPa-QZvfcU0poYa7I-zDhdV7wbh0t37DqsPOyUcXayhafIhX/w879-h659-no/" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/ttfbUzufoJWs5Wck2uri64vyc6VjgLE62RQ6EZEt9fQZjUq0rjLfkvGbM0Uu-3uNPVlxeGEVgHYvxAgM0UJZRrra8psfDz05W1O_QEFk1FLLBRNpvukvArKmRX-glVHfxsn96z2zGjsEAriQKhcdwDHvqM-tZGK98ObEcySgcN_n3uuj3Ic_V3GA80-loGXmeiwmGFFa8nEYNlwZPJ1jmX2PJGVP-AwOr01wo0cp7k3TNJEj-LXuYlYwwr_TEVzyj9xRCmwTdO2QLlkzf1PlK4DY57aLdJ-5_J_cYHqBkEiUtxFHOTyuzrdWfOSbbZLNPzUkb4_Vvq-vBTcLd9kPWPbw2NtUfWlKkk74Zm7l-AGSYYqXAKf5_L4t493uEW8ZyuOQ_n09qPuqZ7WB40XwZUKUwDbwrt3Ne2hg2csJDELXYSLfyRMUpuwwa6wCbpO4sgc3GX2txX7gdS04gnJzWPGp-U-uZ-yKk3Ho1ALR4rQJT1QO7VFuvkk9AwPZlgU_fayGswae4slqdeDHVclZfKsaWL9-YMbkxYNuZ1Bkxx1wsyNFqii32G9batrEKAJNxVaYSptylQxlJZUwQNalTxYV_KvSH2HWONr8fKR4USpvqsj_STtn2o8JzncAoYaR_L7gVXp0QMJQI_YOVQTW2z-0qdh_77EcWTWP=w495-h659-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="494" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/ttfbUzufoJWs5Wck2uri64vyc6VjgLE62RQ6EZEt9fQZjUq0rjLfkvGbM0Uu-3uNPVlxeGEVgHYvxAgM0UJZRrra8psfDz05W1O_QEFk1FLLBRNpvukvArKmRX-glVHfxsn96z2zGjsEAriQKhcdwDHvqM-tZGK98ObEcySgcN_n3uuj3Ic_V3GA80-loGXmeiwmGFFa8nEYNlwZPJ1jmX2PJGVP-AwOr01wo0cp7k3TNJEj-LXuYlYwwr_TEVzyj9xRCmwTdO2QLlkzf1PlK4DY57aLdJ-5_J_cYHqBkEiUtxFHOTyuzrdWfOSbbZLNPzUkb4_Vvq-vBTcLd9kPWPbw2NtUfWlKkk74Zm7l-AGSYYqXAKf5_L4t493uEW8ZyuOQ_n09qPuqZ7WB40XwZUKUwDbwrt3Ne2hg2csJDELXYSLfyRMUpuwwa6wCbpO4sgc3GX2txX7gdS04gnJzWPGp-U-uZ-yKk3Ho1ALR4rQJT1QO7VFuvkk9AwPZlgU_fayGswae4slqdeDHVclZfKsaWL9-YMbkxYNuZ1Bkxx1wsyNFqii32G9batrEKAJNxVaYSptylQxlJZUwQNalTxYV_KvSH2HWONr8fKR4USpvqsj_STtn2o8JzncAoYaR_L7gVXp0QMJQI_YOVQTW2z-0qdh_77EcWTWP=w495-h659-no" width="239" /></a></div>
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The game had been marketed as a special one for Chinese New Year, with various things going on around that. There were quite a few Chinese at the game as well, seemingly a lot of them were at their first game as well and didn't seem used to being in a stadium/arena. It would be interesting to know how many have been back since. The start time had been brought forward half an hour as well, which also showed when loads of people started piling in at the original time.<br />
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The game itself was difficult to follow, although the increasing tiredness may well have had something to do with that. The end to end nature of the game was extremely quick paced and the turnover of possession was at lightning speed a lot of the time. There also seems to be no advantage rule, every foul saw the game stop, even if players had possession in dangerous territory. The atmosphere was aided by a DJ in the middle of the stand behind one end (no, really), cheerleaders and some blokes walking around into each block encouraging people to start the generic chanting.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/oNRCLh9HO-ZhI468dqPf2mnFled3AMPVljUn_aQKfLgNNt1uokE8KiAWVBdqkduZpB1Px1fTXREM5s7TAIL6MrJQdAihbVMAxJ0cznVZzBtzc6Kyz7Lq2mvc0qUB03uJYF5KmKWdyG84ETrpSNc0b36XUuYFHC2-mnzdTtHxXLO-kL0N6WXa-5FEPv5ikn2-hxtpG5dn3ayuqg1-k-ikP9UUrmHaXr4echhKQrmQUT7VhMC9MRAXw2bFboA3ufpHe92DnosN6FHrWE1m9fqKfVBU4l2cFmeiCvxS9erXQwcNuUB_2c1N3W_D2fXicaJt1zGYEc4EIk3NVShpixARi8uz4mIb2W8WQ0yf8ZCdEvD2PQr5fcOUtKmMw-AFfS953NFwMRCSk4Ux5JEPrq3VghV51oI59kCBRzeNFpzuOO80kKoNRFa_zgqIZqvaK7nX7aWJE273phe0st3vJih_-1bjIhuQs9r3iGd3vb0LFqmSbyAbKcfLac2GFFae7bsCEnCvHJdgBZ1AFmrU607TFENNGtts806IR19XV2TlrdzRvvQrQo-84SrtSIqT5x02t5M2DxPzy57SY9jvXWUbZ0OP2A_nu80WGMZer05Tn6oeZOs21In606_8KecTTFzVZ-pJJoNvT8fCh3lv8nQEZqzZbde6n-zjiLvp=w879-h659-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/oNRCLh9HO-ZhI468dqPf2mnFled3AMPVljUn_aQKfLgNNt1uokE8KiAWVBdqkduZpB1Px1fTXREM5s7TAIL6MrJQdAihbVMAxJ0cznVZzBtzc6Kyz7Lq2mvc0qUB03uJYF5KmKWdyG84ETrpSNc0b36XUuYFHC2-mnzdTtHxXLO-kL0N6WXa-5FEPv5ikn2-hxtpG5dn3ayuqg1-k-ikP9UUrmHaXr4echhKQrmQUT7VhMC9MRAXw2bFboA3ufpHe92DnosN6FHrWE1m9fqKfVBU4l2cFmeiCvxS9erXQwcNuUB_2c1N3W_D2fXicaJt1zGYEc4EIk3NVShpixARi8uz4mIb2W8WQ0yf8ZCdEvD2PQr5fcOUtKmMw-AFfS953NFwMRCSk4Ux5JEPrq3VghV51oI59kCBRzeNFpzuOO80kKoNRFa_zgqIZqvaK7nX7aWJE273phe0st3vJih_-1bjIhuQs9r3iGd3vb0LFqmSbyAbKcfLac2GFFae7bsCEnCvHJdgBZ1AFmrU607TFENNGtts806IR19XV2TlrdzRvvQrQo-84SrtSIqT5x02t5M2DxPzy57SY9jvXWUbZ0OP2A_nu80WGMZer05Tn6oeZOs21In606_8KecTTFzVZ-pJJoNvT8fCh3lv8nQEZqzZbde6n-zjiLvp=w879-h659-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/ZZk8qb2_r3IhyGFE3LhDZ5sPtWwyCcBHXOGybeLcei00NDvfSjz3_otPCoN2zA-h12uF2jSYkAATpcqTdU6gmEulYxnMnmAtVHfOZ_500_nkWeaXj8d6S3HBRPthaM1eQ-uv40QiBfdttYEL3T09Vce71KJkt3dXs1hfo168r2NLmS--qjsHTPWnoMcbKGSI54bnms970G_EmPoELiXxdXyqWAe-J03ScgeDdUQN-jy3NZdk3d1WV_FLWYa8L2Fa791D4DDE1qT5ZVG7GAAr3RbtmibO0rcU2WOh39oT8AVijqmQsRtM-kFR8ElFd9maijtXOnQoiDv-jCP0whrX_wx8o72vuukDrmqv_N7LyL7ZWzEeLt9nVm2teA3XvmAc5wdXanV37sBj2-S3FgOO8dHbjiyzqtOZ8cLLuHoU_EILmLOtihDaQassI-54omKm1QRJcE9f5M922xbwOkVGzyIhuL4neFthCO9SchLwoittZN6w4Gds98RuvEtUZQBOiwpQ5DZyIwV3DSCFwkM3sCF9l_MrwRnx9IKEnHN6KZtArzzGkvEGLH7EY8iH47RMcpysajvRWw_SBoWu8EdWFv6V25Cf7yi-1CYwgiH5MVXV_DUJMSSp3-mfHpBdEik8hGYE3O7SZUcVzX9FYZAxr5Q_8_j6nUSg3sZD=w879-h659-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/ZZk8qb2_r3IhyGFE3LhDZ5sPtWwyCcBHXOGybeLcei00NDvfSjz3_otPCoN2zA-h12uF2jSYkAATpcqTdU6gmEulYxnMnmAtVHfOZ_500_nkWeaXj8d6S3HBRPthaM1eQ-uv40QiBfdttYEL3T09Vce71KJkt3dXs1hfo168r2NLmS--qjsHTPWnoMcbKGSI54bnms970G_EmPoELiXxdXyqWAe-J03ScgeDdUQN-jy3NZdk3d1WV_FLWYa8L2Fa791D4DDE1qT5ZVG7GAAr3RbtmibO0rcU2WOh39oT8AVijqmQsRtM-kFR8ElFd9maijtXOnQoiDv-jCP0whrX_wx8o72vuukDrmqv_N7LyL7ZWzEeLt9nVm2teA3XvmAc5wdXanV37sBj2-S3FgOO8dHbjiyzqtOZ8cLLuHoU_EILmLOtihDaQassI-54omKm1QRJcE9f5M922xbwOkVGzyIhuL4neFthCO9SchLwoittZN6w4Gds98RuvEtUZQBOiwpQ5DZyIwV3DSCFwkM3sCF9l_MrwRnx9IKEnHN6KZtArzzGkvEGLH7EY8iH47RMcpysajvRWw_SBoWu8EdWFv6V25Cf7yi-1CYwgiH5MVXV_DUJMSSp3-mfHpBdEik8hGYE3O7SZUcVzX9FYZAxr5Q_8_j6nUSg3sZD=w879-h659-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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The arena hosts both ice hockey (more of that later on) and basketball, so the layout changes for each sport, mainly down on the lower tier. Extra courtside seats, which are basically folding seats, are added in for players, coaching staff and celebrity fans. The game itself was an exciting affair, with Toronto pulling level late on in normal time and then winning 108-106, the winning points coming with 4.3 seconds left of overtime. An enjoyable experience, although I was completely lost by the end of it.<br />
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The following day started with a gentle walk through the Eaton Centre before heading towards the Harbour Front for a walk through the snow. This was my first experience of Canada in the winter and, by god, it was cold, particularly in the evening. After a bit more of a wander and a look in a few sports shops, I settled in <a href="http://realsports.ca/BarAndGrill/Toronto/" target="_blank">Real Sports Bar and Grill</a> for food and a couple of beers. A superb place that I always make sure I visit whenever I'm in town.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvnfBh6K_YzRZqMAEGBno6KgLE-VBJds01IlEO9Chw8MfiA9eJ7KpgJuh8iQZ24YSzmluGyL05bqqaRbZucEp-Az2WJ90PneRvxh6rU94g_aDtguosfi8re1SUVnivfxd2GTlPwIa1yOf/w879-h659-no/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvnfBh6K_YzRZqMAEGBno6KgLE-VBJds01IlEO9Chw8MfiA9eJ7KpgJuh8iQZ24YSzmluGyL05bqqaRbZucEp-Az2WJ90PneRvxh6rU94g_aDtguosfi8re1SUVnivfxd2GTlPwIa1yOf/w879-h659-no/" width="320" /></a></div>
The photo from this time around doesn't do the place justice. <a href="http://realsports.ca/BarAndGrill/Toronto/Gallery/" target="_blank">Their gallery</a> will give you a better idea - or just go!<br />
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From there I jumped on the Go Train to BMO Field, home of local MLS side Toronto FC. It had been expanded since I last visited, so I had a wander around the outside to check out the impressive new stand. The ground itself was built on the site of the old baseball park, Exhibition Stadium. In the car park there are stone plaques marking the positions of the plates, although home plate had been removed for repair. Very interesting for a ground nerd like me, though. Next door to BMO Field is the Ricoh Arena, where the Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliate side of the Toronto Maple Leafs, play their home games.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/A3w7DIRxSjafwHxhrH_hY_gqUuZ6Eotj36Mx9v6G3k_prmgxfcxEnrEHVp_6mTuEx73G3vE2AKkfTnwP53E-rYA_3NtpGh_S-nc73RMmtbQScYju4Gn_E617-6R5NHahu78soISNvED3FfL0IvDNVJ8JLohSbfSWEUl2mzR1fvkDzoHgPGrh_08lw8OxDAsI5-i_RJro4FOiYl4OSOURvIi6zpERJMNB-4RnMJK4As6pHef5Xns1ins8TC-ovNhJQH2s7bfkXfebwxM9WRstHoXtlgVY260M2R69J1ViXk3YD2df_kWBkAXJ9-uhntAQWMM0Op2Mg6lFQYG7v5iXjYpxNsTm9QHzLxgRUaDDY1sCsnt1ihsuosc4SkHmgMK1DvHbLkU-TUVPFKyOKe0LtuTd-MJ9nP-dEI_C7SM21PDYK-Gv8W51PDGgLfLjA1iHwUKnONk5dhksTp9Qv0wo_Guz-r9l3CD5_yzu_SqE_Ci-l3apgMB7X3G6r8dTZYsVQIhnmBTMQFvhGgQMPGONQF7J0T0toHfNGYGCvgadcvU8blLmQCYhh5xE8fd5-idOLB-mzcEk5_pA3YFwSQ5fPRRyUvHZwdE3CT_sP4eVpdwV4MZvfB8JuKfUbYqmril8O2GkeeCHCWXVtc5nKe3z-eA6L7_yxlM80m0Z=w879-h659-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/A3w7DIRxSjafwHxhrH_hY_gqUuZ6Eotj36Mx9v6G3k_prmgxfcxEnrEHVp_6mTuEx73G3vE2AKkfTnwP53E-rYA_3NtpGh_S-nc73RMmtbQScYju4Gn_E617-6R5NHahu78soISNvED3FfL0IvDNVJ8JLohSbfSWEUl2mzR1fvkDzoHgPGrh_08lw8OxDAsI5-i_RJro4FOiYl4OSOURvIi6zpERJMNB-4RnMJK4As6pHef5Xns1ins8TC-ovNhJQH2s7bfkXfebwxM9WRstHoXtlgVY260M2R69J1ViXk3YD2df_kWBkAXJ9-uhntAQWMM0Op2Mg6lFQYG7v5iXjYpxNsTm9QHzLxgRUaDDY1sCsnt1ihsuosc4SkHmgMK1DvHbLkU-TUVPFKyOKe0LtuTd-MJ9nP-dEI_C7SM21PDYK-Gv8W51PDGgLfLjA1iHwUKnONk5dhksTp9Qv0wo_Guz-r9l3CD5_yzu_SqE_Ci-l3apgMB7X3G6r8dTZYsVQIhnmBTMQFvhGgQMPGONQF7J0T0toHfNGYGCvgadcvU8blLmQCYhh5xE8fd5-idOLB-mzcEk5_pA3YFwSQ5fPRRyUvHZwdE3CT_sP4eVpdwV4MZvfB8JuKfUbYqmril8O2GkeeCHCWXVtc5nKe3z-eA6L7_yxlM80m0Z=w879-h659-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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From there I walked across to Fort York, a National Historic Site. After a quick wander around the bits you could get to without paying to get in (I only got there with about 40 minutes left before they closed) I set off walking again to Lamport Stadium, where the Toronto Wolfpack rugby league side where making their home. I can't see them being able to play there if they ever get to Super League, but then again I also can't see where else they could actually, realistically play.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/YxuwFtnn6bobixVgbi88InBPIe3fyo9wJw2x9Mf6FjT4a5v7yXhBJISBbeibXdnW0H2-5HS8QtcsmnX7dWDwaIoyKJCThpDRRJDfpI5G0jNhJ8XwoYIYQ9EABEBkyt78VjxvaJbUycvzpQ5lP5cLEvYb6zUpUvgPeFtR9gC04_3n1eixMS4tQO7cPeaMtH7Sju5iu9k76J57CBXiL2i03J44nTBvwGgbYGLBTYoYPsLjorn0Bd-iS2IJq1FivspQkhmsVQ5jNZY3PqLyxjz_zR4PKUZnQWrYgN7NfeEfQoeXkzW_DFh6disV09102mi2DNk32f4nBYSo9HmY_5oV2xP08Ur7Y5m4BgneqrMYJFWIFCgmMq6FqO0-qhnBbFccvPVgSdXjZzC3xeIIhKM3EmO_Vky7GZMA-qR92Ur9UauiysntDKMxGmk1lv7U8Iieslpdi3jE47PU3_-JOFrghwN5XsFUfpubJFHgLTnS1cx-LYgmCsna7YtlG4vIBcIL8JgzbP-FOpKgjQauAT8bL5jmR-HdVLiIV1EA735a7Kw3iNwELXKBKGIOSBmX6IsZ-pr1wQGY_glFRqJK4EEh3wi6HE43LbGS0HG6DlshThdE3ryCayMQ1Jpp3qluLF9RV_CbEHqwGg-bMBRshDkR-cHnrgaxAhJKowPh=w879-h659-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/YxuwFtnn6bobixVgbi88InBPIe3fyo9wJw2x9Mf6FjT4a5v7yXhBJISBbeibXdnW0H2-5HS8QtcsmnX7dWDwaIoyKJCThpDRRJDfpI5G0jNhJ8XwoYIYQ9EABEBkyt78VjxvaJbUycvzpQ5lP5cLEvYb6zUpUvgPeFtR9gC04_3n1eixMS4tQO7cPeaMtH7Sju5iu9k76J57CBXiL2i03J44nTBvwGgbYGLBTYoYPsLjorn0Bd-iS2IJq1FivspQkhmsVQ5jNZY3PqLyxjz_zR4PKUZnQWrYgN7NfeEfQoeXkzW_DFh6disV09102mi2DNk32f4nBYSo9HmY_5oV2xP08Ur7Y5m4BgneqrMYJFWIFCgmMq6FqO0-qhnBbFccvPVgSdXjZzC3xeIIhKM3EmO_Vky7GZMA-qR92Ur9UauiysntDKMxGmk1lv7U8Iieslpdi3jE47PU3_-JOFrghwN5XsFUfpubJFHgLTnS1cx-LYgmCsna7YtlG4vIBcIL8JgzbP-FOpKgjQauAT8bL5jmR-HdVLiIV1EA735a7Kw3iNwELXKBKGIOSBmX6IsZ-pr1wQGY_glFRqJK4EEh3wi6HE43LbGS0HG6DlshThdE3ryCayMQ1Jpp3qluLF9RV_CbEHqwGg-bMBRshDkR-cHnrgaxAhJKowPh=w879-h659-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/IIRtiOEeoOmbfH4t1utD0vEc6PmEJ1Mr6GXAsm27B2NUyTe92Eq-y5KTbRiXvY3Aea_gLZaZz9X4wT4C2AWad-DBaC2W-QYsjy8Dim9Civ9MMNMm1y3XKqeyukZI9ZlWzNznjCyqRT25URyU63P_XrnxTeIIGB6O9ql59KPmBk5kl5WXpDW_nMlbKxk0s1JHV7Ey9Tz0O56TuEZG5kPj2745Sj4pL6z4nxs5pUE8DfTM8e-5cT7Q_ftJDpHQUWJ1EWh2KNXUlEGQ1c6GwMG-1EyB7QxpSo7aYE3NuxTVzqTsOpRzICPwPSPSa1o52cASo5gTIZP_Ilo12VfjjXE62-KErk8zEJkRuKDHWsbuUySgFCZ7FAmWJxfirQVFi1wpfBRQLYBoztIugkXyH1ULaWCMTNj6gidFpJGo58C1OC9OhDuSwWlUzLFP1AMEj0FDDfI_J1WQEXts1X0g8Ncnx_wR_bajQhPhAkQZm7t4lT0l9mSRJGJ1S_tNGfSO_D0NiF6PM6rL3VFGtNKbQgF48-I8OzacOiL53SgmeGjGx-qJ4jXopjQP5m5HQhTDDeoslS7IKhKTZc0R1l9RSWhx0DLKGnz9FTANjDdJ2CJPT9qpdSGenSopt_1BruhrGDUfo5xC889io_ZNYkswHBI0f29UZWdfzwYXeuya=w879-h659-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/IIRtiOEeoOmbfH4t1utD0vEc6PmEJ1Mr6GXAsm27B2NUyTe92Eq-y5KTbRiXvY3Aea_gLZaZz9X4wT4C2AWad-DBaC2W-QYsjy8Dim9Civ9MMNMm1y3XKqeyukZI9ZlWzNznjCyqRT25URyU63P_XrnxTeIIGB6O9ql59KPmBk5kl5WXpDW_nMlbKxk0s1JHV7Ey9Tz0O56TuEZG5kPj2745Sj4pL6z4nxs5pUE8DfTM8e-5cT7Q_ftJDpHQUWJ1EWh2KNXUlEGQ1c6GwMG-1EyB7QxpSo7aYE3NuxTVzqTsOpRzICPwPSPSa1o52cASo5gTIZP_Ilo12VfjjXE62-KErk8zEJkRuKDHWsbuUySgFCZ7FAmWJxfirQVFi1wpfBRQLYBoztIugkXyH1ULaWCMTNj6gidFpJGo58C1OC9OhDuSwWlUzLFP1AMEj0FDDfI_J1WQEXts1X0g8Ncnx_wR_bajQhPhAkQZm7t4lT0l9mSRJGJ1S_tNGfSO_D0NiF6PM6rL3VFGtNKbQgF48-I8OzacOiL53SgmeGjGx-qJ4jXopjQP5m5HQhTDDeoslS7IKhKTZc0R1l9RSWhx0DLKGnz9FTANjDdJ2CJPT9qpdSGenSopt_1BruhrGDUfo5xC889io_ZNYkswHBI0f29UZWdfzwYXeuya=w879-h659-no" width="320" /></a></div>
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Walking was definitely the activity of the day, as I set off on another leg stretch into the Trinity-Bellwoods area of town. The first stop off was a brief wander through Trinity Bellwoods Park and then onto the main reason for me being out in this part of town -<a href="http://www.bellwoodsbrewery.com/" target="_blank"> Bellwoods Brewery</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAj4VmX6rz5fUp93cP_f1rtz_2IS65dbZ5AM3J7fx00tyRdV4XjKGpp6oxkGycdj73NOZdPAUnXLAr1kbbVLOzNYmUKUfCH_5GH2QfK4m9Wj5dX3TL4f01mqECso5vmFjaEw9V5E9nUBa/w879-h659-no/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAj4VmX6rz5fUp93cP_f1rtz_2IS65dbZ5AM3J7fx00tyRdV4XjKGpp6oxkGycdj73NOZdPAUnXLAr1kbbVLOzNYmUKUfCH_5GH2QfK4m9Wj5dX3TL4f01mqECso5vmFjaEw9V5E9nUBa/w879-h659-no/" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a pity that I could only hang around for a couple. A small, quiet, laid back little bar with a large range of different beers on. Their signature Jelly King was a lovely drop and I would have liked to have tried a couple of the other variations of it, but food plans were getting the better of me. After trying a couple of different beers I walked back towards BMO Field and got the Go Train back to Union Station.<br />
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The original plan was to head out to a curry house that was recommended to me years ago that I've still not made it out to. But by the time I got back downtown I was starting to feel more than a little tired and rough, so I headed into the Eaton Centre and grabbed an Indian from the food court. It was decent, saved me a trip out on the streetcar and I headed back to get my weary head down.<br />
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The next day started with breakfast back in the Eaton Centre, followed by my standing outside the entrance to the <a href="http://hhof.com/" target="_blank">Hockey Hall of Fame</a> waiting for it to open. I've talked about this place before in previous Canada write-ups, so there's no need for me to do it again here. I spent a good couple of hours wandering around looking at the various exhibits, with the main focus as always being the Stanley Cup. Maybe one day I'll be able to stand next to it after the Leafs have won it again?<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/oFAT0Yra3Iw3154rGISKcfRNMBY3wFyX9UZOIT32-ICGVVbfO7N7bkHofrrfMZB5RzpzSe6byoI629Ts9BX_Alt3gI8bgbWzDQldFLOBUHoC2iFBiXdZs6WBI_q1eldv9EosWBOXnkqaHoKamFZnV2VhsgamVro03GSOCxNroOmG2nq_TmNuoygkRzjQIcDng1SlNBkjPGuTMA4qAlq_jw3RNEpR4uVvEUMj4KrlnlFw_l9hcZorOcdPUN43karaSkUYlzqvV1FmMkMWFnfH6S6oD--A3KHe7L-zU_roIwkMBzHbtOYc9sQYAHMz0uvEblE9OVdT0AM7mj0UmrE4eQkqQ0iehRz7RUr8AqvLrHwRGlbs6WVMMGLO2DlrfpKsrFLTEsa3SFZV5M28NeZmvWp9sr_F_MLmCqQtmNr_744dD5WFN0lFgGVMHuPwgLeD16iOwfz6g1fxK_84_98CUhXHL82b-3gMhOSehMRGvDvAW36o0FbA8XYtOpo6Lu4OloQFgrWYrXIIUWb-Yr0gfqRyhOv1bauKzZOoTNR8QN4THkQBNxL1LJ8NwDHuZ3lTsrVNohDdCzLH3NE7--PXUaJ0FtkUY4Oyz2Ox3-T60S_Hsu2-VmMjPAi8eKPS1EYf8ScuHQVMQu3KklYEQF8JoD9V-eCUTcidFy2_=w495-h659-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="494" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/oFAT0Yra3Iw3154rGISKcfRNMBY3wFyX9UZOIT32-ICGVVbfO7N7bkHofrrfMZB5RzpzSe6byoI629Ts9BX_Alt3gI8bgbWzDQldFLOBUHoC2iFBiXdZs6WBI_q1eldv9EosWBOXnkqaHoKamFZnV2VhsgamVro03GSOCxNroOmG2nq_TmNuoygkRzjQIcDng1SlNBkjPGuTMA4qAlq_jw3RNEpR4uVvEUMj4KrlnlFw_l9hcZorOcdPUN43karaSkUYlzqvV1FmMkMWFnfH6S6oD--A3KHe7L-zU_roIwkMBzHbtOYc9sQYAHMz0uvEblE9OVdT0AM7mj0UmrE4eQkqQ0iehRz7RUr8AqvLrHwRGlbs6WVMMGLO2DlrfpKsrFLTEsa3SFZV5M28NeZmvWp9sr_F_MLmCqQtmNr_744dD5WFN0lFgGVMHuPwgLeD16iOwfz6g1fxK_84_98CUhXHL82b-3gMhOSehMRGvDvAW36o0FbA8XYtOpo6Lu4OloQFgrWYrXIIUWb-Yr0gfqRyhOv1bauKzZOoTNR8QN4THkQBNxL1LJ8NwDHuZ3lTsrVNohDdCzLH3NE7--PXUaJ0FtkUY4Oyz2Ox3-T60S_Hsu2-VmMjPAi8eKPS1EYf8ScuHQVMQu3KklYEQF8JoD9V-eCUTcidFy2_=w495-h659-no" width="239" /></a></div>
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The next place I was visiting was a first time visit to the <a href="http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/" target="_blank">St. Lawrence Market</a>. A myriad of different food stalls with other craft and souvenir places dotted throughout. The sights and smells were wonderful, although I was a bit surprised that the biggest queue was for fish and chips... I settled for a peameal bacon butty and a box of fabulous brownies. Yes, I was a pig! There was quite a bit more walking to make up for it though, as I headed down through the magnificent <a href="http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/" target="_blank">Distillery Historic District</a> where I spent an hour or so sampling a few wares at <a href="http://millstreetbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Mill Street Brewery.</a> A cracking line up of beers were on offer, although they didn't advertise percentages for their seasonal beers... One or two caught me out with their strength! <br />
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From there it was back out into the cold and yet another walk to the <a href="http://www.torontorailwaymuseum.com/" target="_blank">railway museum</a> at Roundhouse Park. As well as looking round at their displays, I also ended up chatting to a fella who'd moved to Toronto around 50 years ago... From Preston! He was completely gobsmacked by the fact that he was talking to someone who was over from his old hometown.<br />
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From there I crossed the road and walked past the outside of the CN Tower and then round the outside of Rogers Stadium before resting my legs inside the good old <a href="http://steamwhistle.ca/" target="_blank">Steam Whistle Brewery </a>for a couple of drinks. After that it was back to the hotel for a rest before the next bit of sport.<br />
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My first port of call that evening was the old site of Arena Gardens, which was the first ever arena used by the Toronto Maple Leafs (then called the Toronto Arenas) - opening in 1917. I then carried on up the road for a bit and re-visited Maple Leaf Gardens (the previous, famous old home of the Leafs until 1993), only on this trip I was heading up to the Mattamy Athletics Centre in the roof of the old building to watch a local university ice hockey side, the Ryerson Rams, play a home game. Basically because it's as close as I'm ever going to get to seeing hockey at Maple Leaf Gardens. It was a good night and a good game with the home side running riot. After that I had a wander to Nathan Phillips Square to see the Toronto sign lit up at night, before trudging back in the -7 degree cold to get back to the hotel.<br />
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Friday saw my last few hours of staying in Toronto, so after a monster breakfast at <a href="http://www.fransrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Fran's</a> on a recommendation, I headed up to <a href="http://casaloma.ca/" target="_blank">Casa Loma</a> on the subway to have a quick nosey around. It's a lovely old building and it would have been nice to have gone inside, but time was against me, so it was eventually back downtown before heading to St. Paul's Catholic Cathedral and then getting the streetcar back to take in the excellent <a href="http://www.amsterdambeer.com/" target="_blank">Amsterdam Brewhouse</a> down by the Front. A few beers were sampled in there alongside a good chat with one of the bar staff about all things beer related before I collected my things from the hotel and boarded the Go Train to Burlington from Union Station.<br />
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After meeting up with Nicole and Tony, it was back into St. Catharines and food and drink at the Lazy Lizard before heading home for the night. Saturday saw a real lazy day and on Sunday I ended up in Chip 'n' Charlie's bar in Niagara Falls for the Super Bowl (I had no idea what was going on) before a quiet night at Nic's uncle Bobby's turned into a bloody late finish... It was no surprise, then, that Monday also turned into a day of doing absolutely diddly squat.<br />
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Tuesday actually saw me leave the house with all traces of jet lag finally gone. So it was off to the <a href="http://www.flyingsaucerrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Flying Saucer</a> for a spot of dinner joined by Nic's brother Alan and Theresa and her husband Martin. And my word, is it good. Saucer fries... Just try them if you're ever there, trust me. After Nic did some running around for the wedding and a quick visit to Theresa's house it was back to Nic's for a few beers with her and Tony.<br />
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The next day saw the obligatory trip to the Falls themselves. I was on my own for a few hours and with it being out of season, it was nice and quiet with a chance to wander round and take everything in without thousands of tourists getting in the way. I crossed over to the American side for a bit, but as most of it was shut and the temperature was getting towards -10 I decided to go back to Canada and warm up in the fairly new <a href="https://niagarabrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Niagara Brewing Co</a>. - which was a very good idea. The beer was spot on, including an ice wine beer which was one of the best I've ever tasted. The two girls serving were extremely friendly and knowledgeable making it a very nice hour or so in there. After grabbing a burger at Wendy's and having a last wander round I met Tony when he'd finished work and we headed back to St. Catharines, where, as there was now a house full of kids, I moved into the Capri Inn for a couple of nights.<br />
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The next day started off quite lazy, with a walk up to Montebello Park and back from the hotel and taking the opportunity to try a Bacon Big Mac, purely for the novelty. Later on I wandered back into St. Catharines and, after a quick walk round, got the bus back into Toronto to finally watch the Leafs play. I was stood in the same spot that I was for the Raptors game to watch them take on the St. Louis Blues, ticking the NHL off the leagues list meaning the only major North American league I've not seen a live game in now is the NFL.<br />
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The game itself started off poorly for the Leafs, but they came back into it and should have won. Instead, 20 seconds into overtime, the Blues won it and I trudged back through Toronto to get the coach back to St. Catharines. It was a late night, but it was worth it, despite the result. I fully enjoyed the whole experience a lot better than I did for the Raptors game. Knowing the sport in question probably helped with that, though.<br />
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The next day I dragged my tired and groggy self back to Nic's house before the drive to Niagara on the Lake, where the wedding was taking place. I was staying at the Best Western, but the wedding itself was at the Pillar and Post. After settling in with a drink at my hotel, I walked across and met Nic for a couple more as well as the rehearsal. After that, we went for something to eat at the Olde Angel, a British themed pub in NOTL. From there it was back to the hotel, a few presents were dished out and I eventually got back to my own bed for the night.<br />
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The wedding wasn't until the afternoon, so after getting up I went for a walk through the snow, taking in the local golf club (you wouldn't have known it was a golf club thanks to the snow), Lake Ontario, a monument to the Battle of Fort George and, after a failed attempt to find what Google Maps had labelled Mississauga Beach, back to the main town, through Simcoe Park to Queens Landing and a spot on the harbour looking across to the USA. After all that I needed food and beer, so I headed back to the Olde Angel for a few halves before the wedding itself.<br />
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Not a lot I can say about the wedding itself. I managed to survive doing a reading and the service itself was a lovely, quiet affair and it was really just ace to see Nicole happy. The night descended into the usual with me waking up the next morning with an unfinished beer in the room!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/ZEvWF6ZRGG7lJe9Gu0vcZ1bLN15J8OAre3yugfNrGhJNB89_232QG4EpVYXbsv_X0GQnWoKvacc5XnCgBx25U5hYoNs1UXjuoiVlKmzrIIsj7_UAD4Zvsy9RxFVWd88UiDOoInnxT2SuyZBadEqDlqLoaxt0Yk2YyoGDanLQqt1D0tPpUCUqUNrVCmSiMem5RHTHZMtGGLePjW12O7z0r1LxA47MY7yVK4ign5NyZk4qUMRU5kannaJfJYnTDatE1bK5gg863QfALo4cvibYr9NZi2dr98n0MjS04EdB5kNBpPZjSW0lSL-7378aXQ1NjDqnVWcX7Wt0GdL07DH2elPumRobUTEw207LEIyh_udV61YBqI6WFdiw1AV4h30txxiV3DUmBlQdloV8nzu2gwdW7wYMF02AhKwb8y4YWUEvX6ISbkVeBPhQ4LtGohv4Od7ZWsUyjpiYZ4BJ6rPWFU3tJrmh-2Qbq52ALchARIVq6CFCEdmGqIoWrfNAAZbEGNZCQtF7ArqhOIHvLTAhKWV24QEfBVACb1lBSK8LMFcu1H5_ji8KqGL9wUR1Mby8YVn9DtQq0KvXn1gta_xYd-NHVCQnyHR_DJUtBMhzq_Evme4e7JqyGxCDysPUiwoUzipNyLWsg4dWfLI5xOmQ0EcerJoQDjR1QG0p=w440-h659-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="439" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/ZEvWF6ZRGG7lJe9Gu0vcZ1bLN15J8OAre3yugfNrGhJNB89_232QG4EpVYXbsv_X0GQnWoKvacc5XnCgBx25U5hYoNs1UXjuoiVlKmzrIIsj7_UAD4Zvsy9RxFVWd88UiDOoInnxT2SuyZBadEqDlqLoaxt0Yk2YyoGDanLQqt1D0tPpUCUqUNrVCmSiMem5RHTHZMtGGLePjW12O7z0r1LxA47MY7yVK4ign5NyZk4qUMRU5kannaJfJYnTDatE1bK5gg863QfALo4cvibYr9NZi2dr98n0MjS04EdB5kNBpPZjSW0lSL-7378aXQ1NjDqnVWcX7Wt0GdL07DH2elPumRobUTEw207LEIyh_udV61YBqI6WFdiw1AV4h30txxiV3DUmBlQdloV8nzu2gwdW7wYMF02AhKwb8y4YWUEvX6ISbkVeBPhQ4LtGohv4Od7ZWsUyjpiYZ4BJ6rPWFU3tJrmh-2Qbq52ALchARIVq6CFCEdmGqIoWrfNAAZbEGNZCQtF7ArqhOIHvLTAhKWV24QEfBVACb1lBSK8LMFcu1H5_ji8KqGL9wUR1Mby8YVn9DtQq0KvXn1gta_xYd-NHVCQnyHR_DJUtBMhzq_Evme4e7JqyGxCDysPUiwoUzipNyLWsg4dWfLI5xOmQ0EcerJoQDjR1QG0p=w440-h659-no" width="213" /></a></div>
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It's safe to say I didn't feel my brightest on Sunday. When checking out of the hotel one of the women on reception saw my name and started going on about Reg from Coronation Street. I just smiled and went along with it... I then attempted to drag a suitcase with a broken wheel through a few inches of snow in the rain... It wasn't going well, until a couple pulled up and asked if I needed a lift. Back home you'd have had people laughing at you as they drove past... I got back to the Pillar and Post in one piece and joined a few others for brunch. There were a few sore heads to say the least. Nic and Tony were staying at the hotel for a few days, so I said my final goodbyes to them and Dave (Tony's best man) and his wife Natalie ran me back to St. Catharines. The day ended with me in front of the telly doing nothing with a pizza...<br />
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And so began my last day in Canada. After clearing up quite a bit of poo thanks to an upset dog (I'll let him off though, because I just love him) I spent the last few hours in St. Catharines sat round with Bayleigh and her boyfriend Dryden, with Theresa popping in to say bye as well. Eventually the Airbus came and took me back to the airport, where a bit of duty free shopping and the odd beer killed the time before I flew back to Manchester.<br />
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As always it was a top trip and it was good to see so many friends again. After promising I wouldn't leave it as long again before coming back, I didn't quite realise I'd be back in May 2018... Before you know it the next adventure will begin.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMxZ6_5RrXX7fThrmA5D57iN2Uw1Aetz4ACKENJhu4cRP95a9OKbV8Jc7ySL-JDVw?key=SC1jcHE1dXRVY1FRWHVkZmJGMVFsSjJFempaNUZB" target="_blank">The full set of photos can be seen here.</a>MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-7415272639943737682017-10-01T16:48:00.001+01:002017-10-19T21:13:12.059+01:00Ireland 2016I visited Ireland last August for Colm and Maritine's Brigadoon themed wedding in Dingle, which we went to via Dublin. The first time I'd ever set foot in the country. It was a cracking trip, with an unexpected game of football and a trip out to see a local dolphin thrown in. Really enjoyed it, I'll be back.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/UNynHot9DpzKdpml1" target="_blank">Full set of photos.</a>MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-16531994270261181082016-06-11T22:35:00.000+01:002017-10-01T16:31:35.914+01:00FC United in America 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
In one of those "am I dreaming?" moments, FC United of Manchester were invited over to Detroit to play Detroit City FC in a friendly match to mark the grand opening of their redeveloped Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, which they had funded through a community share scheme, in the same way FC raised a fair chunk of the cash needed to build Broadhurst Park. So with half a mind to visit NYC this year anyway, I decided it was a good compromise to do this trip with a few other places thrown in. Hursty was up for it as well, so we came up with a plan and jetted off to the US of A for a week.</div>
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Of course, it couldn't start smoothly, and trying to get through the American Airlines check in at terminal 3 was an absolute ballache. An apparent blockage in the baggage system, despite every other check in desk working perfectly... But 2 hours later we were finally through security with just enough time to queue up at the gate. The flight itself was okay, but dragged a bit, particularly towards the end. But then just when you thought you were past the worst, the queue at Chicago O'Hare to clear customs was ridiculous, moved from one line to another, then another, then another. Eventually we got through after chatting with a fella from Denver who was due to miss his flight because of the security queue and got the metro to the hotel.</div>
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It was a fairly late arrival and we were both knackered, so after faffing around with the fact that the hotel had booked us in a room with one bed rather than two (perils of using Hotwire) we decided to walk round to a nearby pizza place, because y'know, when in Chicago... However, it had started bouncing down with possibly the longest lasting thunderstorm I've ever known. But still, we made it, soaked, had the largest, most filling pizza I've ever had, then walked back again through the still raging storm, via a brief respite stop in a late opening Barnes and Nobel.</div>
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The next morning we wandered down to the Oak Street Beach on the shore of Lake Michigan and followed the Lakeshore trail for a while, cutting off into Millenium Park and stumbling across the sculpture Cloud Gate, otherwise known as the bean, a reflective, bean shaped structure that really had to be seen to be believed. In itself, it's nothing spectacular, but through in the reflective qualities and the visual effects of it were stunning.</div>
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After marvelling at that and wandering through back off the park and into the city, we grabbed a cab back to the hotel before getting the metro out to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, for a tour. As a part-time baseball fan second and a groundhopper first, this was a very enjoyable experience as we wandered around with a tour guide who was a dead ringer for Alistair Cook. A place to go back to for a game if the chance arises.</div>
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From there we went straight to US Cellular Field, the home of the more successful Chicago White Sox. No tour and the cold, corporate exterior and surroundings left a lot to be desired. After an unsuccessful attempt to find a view into the stadium we gave up and headed to the neighbourhood of Pilsen and got food at Carnitas Uruapan, a Mexican restaurant that deals solely in carnitas. It was superb meal and the owner told us he'd been there for 41 years. Not the sign of a bad gaff...</div>
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After a wander round a Mexican supermarket so Hursty could get some supplies, we headed back to hotel via a proper stop off at Barnes and Nobel. From there we met an Irish United fan, Don, who's lived in Chicago for over 20 years, in Hub 51. After a few beers and chewing the fat for a while, we headed to Sunda for sushi. The food was superb and a special mention to our server, Bree, who was brilliant, friendly and had a good knowledge of Manchester music. We left her a few extra recommendations before we headed back to the hotel for a quick nightcap.</div>
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There was a slightly more delayed start than planned on Friday, but we headed to Hash House a Go Go for a delayed breakfast before check out and a final wander. We had a mooch down the Magnificent Mile and ended up in the John Hancock Center, getting the lift up to the 96th floor and the Signature Lounge Bar. We stopped for a couple of drinks and, whilst it was <span class="st">$9 a drink, one trip up to the observation deck was </span><span class="st">$18, so after a couple of drinks and a free nosey at the view we were actually even, although considering we got ale in there, we were really in profit. The original plan was to have one drink, take in the view, then carry on wandering. However, when one massive storm came across the city, we decided to have one more to ride it out. Once we were able to make a break for it, we headed back to pick up the bags and then onto Union Station for the train to Detroit.</span></div>
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We hit another storm on the way to the station, but we got through relatively unscathed and settled in for the 5 hour train journey. We eventually got off at Dearborn as it was closer to the hotel, after a pretty decent train ride. The train passed through Indiana before hitting Michigan, adding another state to the trip. Memorable highlights include stopping at Kalamazoo and passing Martin Luther King Jr memorial park. There also decent meal deal and ale options on the train that put the offerings in the UK to shame.</div>
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After arriving at Dearborn we got an Uber to the hotel. A top fella, it turns out he was a Beatles fan and was asking us loads of questions about Manchester, Liverpool and the band, eventually we arrived at the hotel in Romulus and settled in for the evening </div>
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We got up the following morning and after watching the planes come into the airport, which was literally across the road, we got another friendly Uber driver (a surfing volleyball player) who dropped us at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. We had a nosey around the outside of the ground, with a good view inside, and had a bit of a nosey at the outside of Ford Field next door, home to the Detroit Lions NFL side. After that, we had a nosey down through the small, urban Grand Circus Park and then had a good meander around the Downtown.</div>
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From there we walked to the Motor City Casino, an absolute behemoth of a place on the outskirts of downtown which was where the FC team were being put up. Whilst there was no one about, we had a walk around and grabbed some food at the Assembly Line all you can eat buffet restaurant inside. After far too much food (well, for me anyway) we got an Uber into Hamtramck, towards the Fowling Warehouse. After the odd detour due to the policing having roads blocked off, we got out and joined the Detroit supporters, with a few FC add ons, taking part in a march to the ground. It was a bit mental and nothing like we're used to!</div>
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We made it into the ground for the match and plotted up with Ste and Jane, trying to keep out of the 35 degree heat as much as possible. The game, or at least my recollection if it, was pretty inconsequential. 6,245 people saw a 3-3 draw, where FC came from behind twice to lead 3-2, before late substitute Nick Culkin forgot how to catch a ball and the hosts gained a 94th minute equaliser. But it didn't really matter and, after a quick stop off at Ste and Jane's hotel (them to get changed, me and Hursty to grab a drink), we headed to the Hopcat for the post match party. Everyone was mingling freely and it was good to catch up with people and take the whole atmosphere in. We had a good chat with Dale Johnson in there as well, before being told people were moving to the Old Shillelagh (yes, an Irish bar...) so obviously we joined them.</div>
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The rest of the evening is a bit of a blur. It started going downhill when the band who were on played Country Roads, there was a bit of a sing-a-long for 500 Miles ("Kevin Elvin, Kevin Elvin, Kevin Elvin, Kevin Elvin...") but it was Dirty Old Town that stopped the show. A good few minutes of "This Is Our Club" at the end turned into fans and then players singing away to themselves whilst the band decided to take a break. Eventually the players left to go back to the hotel and a few of us hung around until it just became too much. We shared yet another Uber back with Neil and Des and the promise of an early evening in readiness for the drive in the morning had long gone out of the window.</div>
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The next day, or later the same day if you're a pedant we drove to Cleveland. There was a brief detour via Toledo so Hursty could have a brief nosey at Fifth Third Field, a Triple-A baseball ground that's home to the wonderfully named Toledo Mud Hens. From there it was into Cleveland and we eventually got sorted and checked into the Hyatt Regency, which is probably the swankiest gaff I've stayed in. They don't normally allow the likes of us through the door...</div>
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After a brief meander towards the FirstEnergy Stadium, home of NFL side Cleveland Browns, and realising we couldn't get there quickly due to construction work, we went straight over to Progressive Field where the Cleveland Indians were playing the Baltimore Orioles in the MLB. We passed the Quicken Loans Arena, where Cleveland Cavaliers fans were queuing for miles for a special NBA Finals hat. As a follower of Toronto sports teams in North American leagues, I wasn't impressed... After getting through the airport-esque security we saw the Indians fall short and headed for a nosey at Champs Sports shop in Tower City Center.</div>
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We got back to the hotel and found a wedding going on in the arcade that the hotel is based in. We skirted round and went back out for a walk around the place, including a further mooch around the outside of Progressive Field. We then tried a couple of local bars which were either shut or dead, before attempting to go back to Harry Buffalo for food and ale, although we arrived to be told the kitchen was closed. So we ended up in a Mexican gaff, Zocalo, where any plans to have a further walk back to HB or anywhere else were cut short by another bloody storm. After hanging on as much as we could, we legged it back to the hotel where the wedding was still going strong.</div>
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The following morning we set off on the long drive to NY. I should mention the fact that, due to numbnuts here not having a clue what to do behind the wheel of a car, Hursty did all the driving. On the way down we did a bit of number plate spotting, with us managing to spot 36 different US states and 3 Canadian provinces. There was also a load of roadkill knocking about, deer and other large animals making a mockery of the squirrels and pigeons you get in the UK. Not to mention the rather large mosquito that made a mess of the windscreen!</div>
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We diverted into State College for a brief stop to look at Beaver Stadium, which is the college football stadium for Penn University. At a capacity of around 106,572 it is the second biggest in the US behind Michigan State, the second largest in the western hemisphere and the third largest in the world... We also had a nosey around Medlar Field baseball stadium next door as well.</div>
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We set off again, the drive enhanced by finding Road Trip Radio throwing out some belting tunes, before a food stop off at Curt's Smokin' Ribs in Lamar PA. After raiding a nearby Maccies for their WiFi (and drink supplies) it was off again, just as it started belting it down once more. A real corking storm which seriously reduced visibility on the drive... We also became aware of an accident and large hold-up, so we took a diversion through Pocono. Seemed a decent enough place, with a horse racing track and a decent looking school sports ground. There were a few Donald Trump signs around though, the largest of which (and it was bloody big) getting flipped off on the way past.</div>
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Eventually we hit New Jersey and dropped the car at Newark airport before getting the Airtrain to the main Airport railway station and then NJ transit over into NY Penn Station. The subway from there took us, eventually, to our hotel where we got settled and then headed over to meet Alok. It was a belting night, taking in Alphabet City Beer Co.,7B Horseshoe Bar, Doc Holliday's and finally Bull McCabe's back near our hotel. Alok headed off, seeing as he had to work in the morning, we hung around and then got a bit of falafel from Mamoun's across the road. After that it was time to hit the hay. </div>
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The following morning, as a first-timer in NY, I went for a wander on my own. I had a walk down Broadway, but I was heading in the direction of somewhere I've been waiting to visit for nigh on 30 years... The fire station for Hook & Ladder 8, slightly more famous for being used for the external shots of the Ghostbusters HQ. Of course, this being me, I wandered onto the street it's located on to find it surrounded by scaffolding as part of a major revamp! Oh well...</div>
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From there I took in the World Trade Center and the 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero. Not a lot I can say about that, it was a surreal and moving experience to walk around. I then headed to Battery Park, had a long distance nosey at Lady Liberty, spotted someone in a Leicester shirt and then the Staten Island ferry terminal. After a brief bite to eat, I wandered along the various piers towards Brooklyn Bridge before hopping on the subway up to the Flatiron building. After a quick break on Madison Square Park I walked up 5th Avenue past the Empire State Building, down to Madison Square Garden and up to Times Square, which was pretty disorientating on the first visit. The plethora of roadworks around the place didn't help! From there it was up to the much more sedate surroundings of Central Park.</div>
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As much as CP is a NY institution in its own right, I had my own reasons for being here. More Ghosbusters reasons. I found Tavern On The Green, where Louis Tully had tried to escape from a Terror Dog, before marvelling at Dana Barrett's apartment building across the road, with the church that Stay Puft stepped on next door. I was grinning from ear to ear, even trying to pinpoint the spot on the park boundary where Louis fell over the wall...</div>
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From there I walked to Strawberry Fields, back on the park, where the area for quiet contemplation (park signs, not my own thoughts) was taken over by buskers singing Beatles/John Lennon songs. After a brief rest around there, I walked back across the park and got the subway back to the hotel via a slice of pizza a couple of doors down.</div>
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In the evening we went over to Citi Field to watch more baseball, the NY Mets against, ironically, the Chicago White Sox. We didn't stay to the end as we were heading towards the Fulton Center to meet Alok again. After visiting his gaff and trying some mega expensive whisky (I'm no aficionado, I've no idea what it was) we went on another little bar run. Again, the evening is a tad hazy, but a friendly welcome and shots to go with the ale in the Fish Market, more ale in Jim Brady's where Alok once again shit out on us due to the excuse of work in the morning before we headed to Jimmy's No. 43 near the hotel. More food was obtained from a nearby Taco gaff before retiring for the evening.</div>
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The following day was our last, so we left the bags at the hotel and went for a mooch. We got the Staten Island ferry, which has to be the biggest bargain in NYC. It's free, you're on it for about 15 minutes either way and you go right past Lady Liberty. After a quick, from a distance look at another minor league ground, the Ballpark at St. George, we got the next ferry straight back over. We had another wander to Times Square and got more books at yet another Barnes and Nobel. After returning to the hotel for the bags we headed back to the airport, checked in and indulged in a Chinese after security. After that there wasn't a lot to report, aside from the flight home being pretty awful due to a terrible plane with shit legroom. Just couldn't get comfy. Still, we landed back at Manchester and I got a rather uneventful train back to Preston.</div>
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It was a belting trip, Chicago was great, Detroit was a pleasant surprise after everything we'd been told about it, Cleveland seemed decent and NYC was, well, NYC. A few places there on the list to go back and spend more time in. I wonder if we could wangle any more international friendlies?! </div>
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<a href="https://goo.gl/photos/2xgWH38nwJ6o3R9E6" target="_blank">The full lot of photos (and there is a lot!) can be found here.</a></div>
MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-8764532645424986432015-11-29T16:11:00.001+00:002015-11-29T16:12:04.081+00:00NaNoWriMo 2015 Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJcKIDHHq054lP2f9t7Ki1q06hbHVUiB1y09MfIAdmQ0F3auvFVaEpsmNt3sZDJsFeGLkRQ84SVtfXFM5JDD2GEyDWsMZhs5VqxARQ6PliLKucFI3npB8FneYSQekCI05llEb95r9puKS/s1600/NaNo-2015-Winner-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJcKIDHHq054lP2f9t7Ki1q06hbHVUiB1y09MfIAdmQ0F3auvFVaEpsmNt3sZDJsFeGLkRQ84SVtfXFM5JDD2GEyDWsMZhs5VqxARQ6PliLKucFI3npB8FneYSQekCI05llEb95r9puKS/s320/NaNo-2015-Winner-Banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, for the third year on the bounce I decided to attempt good old National Novel Writing Month. And, for the second of those three years, I have crossed the 50,000 word mark before November 30th and can proclaim myself a winner.<br />
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The story's a bit shit, I've 'rebelled' slightly in parts of it and taken a few shortcuts when I've fallen behind the target. But, I've got there. And bloody hell it feels good. Especially as I almost gave up last weekend.<br />
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But we're not done yet. I haven't finished the story and I've got until the stroke of midnight on December the first to get there and keep updating the word count. But at least I can do it in a relaxed way, now.<br />
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Always good to get something out of your head and onto paper. Even if no one else ever sees it, being creative and getting something out into the world is a wonderful thing and does the mind good. It's certainly helped mine.<br />
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<br />MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-3649545755175211232015-11-15T21:19:00.001+00:002015-11-15T21:25:49.323+00:00Madrid<div dir="ltr">
Recently visited Madrid for a mate's birthday. Enjoyed it, very nice city, although I'd recommend you do a bit of research on the bars before you go. We ended up wandering aimlessly quite a bit, although we did stumble on one place that led to us making friends and being out until half 5 in the morning...</div>
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Got a match in at Rayo Vallecano as well, just a shame it had been shifted to the Friday night meaning there was no atmosphere inside the ground in protest...</div>
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Still, some good sightseeing, some good beer and food in good company and a game of football. Makes for a good trip!</div>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskkQVnuV">Photos can be seen here.</a></div>
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MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-35339511635765424732015-10-19T21:24:00.001+01:002015-10-19T21:33:16.272+01:00Lance Todd's Grave<div dir="ltr">
Wigan (Lower Ince) Cemetery</div>
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MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-65470460435297889882015-10-19T20:56:00.001+01:002015-10-19T20:56:26.265+01:00FC United of Manchester<p dir="ltr">Broadhurst Park, Moston, North Manchester.</p>
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<br />MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-51722600642274064452015-07-25T18:13:00.002+01:002015-07-27T12:13:55.320+01:00Colwyn Bay Cricket ClubGlamorgan v Lancashire, County Championship Division 2 2015.<br />
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<br />MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-48629887967967373392015-07-25T18:09:00.003+01:002015-07-25T18:09:25.000+01:00PNE v Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Preston played Hearts on a pre-season friendly on the 18th of July and I decided to pop along. The photo kinda sums the game up... North End won 1-0, but it was terrible and the day was more memorable for the drinking. Ale Emporium, Moorbrook, Princess Alice and a reinvigorated Eldon. Although I've not touched a drop since...<br />
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<span id="goog_1980755856"></span><span id="goog_1980755857"></span><br />MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-55664922437758182772015-06-26T21:43:00.003+01:002015-06-26T21:45:29.262+01:00Toronto, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, NY<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The other week I hopped on a plane over to Canada to see one of my closest friends and her family after a two year gap. I spent a fair chunk of the trip on my own due to Nicole working which, whilst not ideal when you've travelled a long way to see someone, at least gave me the chance to put my own plan together and get out and see and do things I normally wouldn't get the chance to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I landed in Toronto mid afternoon and faced the usual friendly welcome from Canadian customs. Considering all the stereotypes, mainly true, of how polite they all are, you think border control would be less menacing. "What are you doing when here? How do you know these friends? What do you do for a living?" Still, I got through without the need for rubber gloves, picked my gear up and got an expensive taxi to the hotel. At least I'll be able to get a train next time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After setting myself up in a swanky 4 star gaff and failing to get a conversation going with two young ladies I went out for a wander. Maple Leaf Gardens, former home of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was just around the corner. There's a university athletics centre in the roof and the rest is now a supermarket with recognition of the building's past around the place. Including centre ice marked in aisle 25. Canned goods, if you're making notes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18770807982" title="Maple Leaf Gardens by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Maple Leaf Gardens" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/459/18770807982_a2558797e1_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18778642211" title="Maple Leaf Gardens by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Maple Leaf Gardens" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/457/18778642211_eb546ab395_z.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After that I had a mooch down to the Eaton Centre, grabbed a quick drink before I passed out and thought about buying something in the Blue Jays store before I realised I hadn't brought anything more than change out with me. So with jet lag and the lack of food catching up with me I headed off back to hotel before jumping on a streetcar out of the city centre.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18778925161" title="Eaton Centre by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Eaton Centre" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/475/18778925161_541597d55a_z.jpg" width="240" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The area I found myself in found a mixture of Canadian natives of varying backgrounds as well as immigrants going about their daily lives, side by side, without a care in the world. I loved it. Felt like home. One belting curry at Alok's recommendation later and all felt right with the world. A trip home with the same cultural melting pot and an encounter with a local piss-artist (non threatening, I hasten to add) and I was back at the hotel armed with breakfast and ready to turn in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next day started off quite leisurely in anticipation of the potential runaround ahead. I got the subway to Union, wandered around Maple Leaf Gardens and the station before mooching to Harbourfront. It was nice to wander around at my own pace, do my own thing and see things you don't normally get taken to as a tourist. After all, you're on your holidays, surely you want to see "x, y and z" instead...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18776526655" title="Union Station by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Union Station" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/443/18776526655_48536597e7_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18589698210" title="Air Canada Centre by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Air Canada Centre" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/372/18589698210_e196526af2_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18157756993" title="Harbourfront by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Harbourfront" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/497/18157756993_0ee7eacdf5_z.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But, from this moment on, I was playing tourist for a bit. Thanks to Nicole I'd got a cheap ticket for the Hockey Hall of Fame and a half price voucher for a "photo package" with the Stanley Cup. Why the hell not? I was second in line behind dad and two lads and, whilst they went straight to the immediate exhibits, I belted straight for the Great Hall. Previous experience counting in my favour...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18753243476" title="Stanley Cup by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Stanley Cup" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/386/18753243476_09e8d69b7d_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had a good ten minutes on my own in there with the Cup, having a good look at it and the other stuff in the hall, including the original bowl. Once the kids piled in and it got a bit noisy I headed back to the rest of the museum. It was a bit of a quick race around, I could come in and out all day and had other things to fit in before the evening train. So I headed on over to Roundhouse Park, by the CN Tower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18775723732" title="Toronto Railway Museum by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Toronto Railway Museum" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/540/18775723732_9626c17470_z.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The two things to see here were Steam Whistle Brewing and the Toronto Railway Museum. After a good look at the old engines, station buildings and carriages outside on the park, I headed into the brewery for the half 11 tour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was a corker. I was trumped on distance travelled by a young couple from New Zealand and there were people from across the States, too. After an interesting hour and a couple of free beers it was back down to the bar, another freeman's, chatting with locals and a few more drinks before deciding being half cut at 1 (I hadn't eaten since breakfast) was a bad idea. So I headed out and into the museum next door. I'd recommend the tour to anyone, well worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18785443931" title="Steam Whistle Brewing by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Steam Whistle Brewing" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/327/18785443931_467e1b61e6_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://steamwhistle.ca/" target="_blank">http://steamwhistle.ca/ </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The railway museum building itself was small, but there are plans to expand after a long battle for being recognised as a legitimate organisation. Plenty of interesting stuff, the chance to drive a simulated train and the stuff outside meant the $5 was well worth it to help keep the place going. The history and heritage of the human race should be celebrated and preserved. Just a shame the miniature railway wasn't running. I had a good natter with the woman in there and then headed over towards the CN Tower and Rogers Centre (or Skydome, if you prefer) wondering what to do next.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18597504899" title="Toronto Railway Museum by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Toronto Railway Museum" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/301/18597504899_ed3dc1fa72_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.torontorailwaymuseum.com/" target="_blank">http://www.torontorailwaymuseum.com/ </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After wandering into the base of the Tower and deciding against paying the asking price to head up, I stumbled on the ground tour for the Rogers Centre. Surprisingly, considering there was a game on that night, they were still doing tours. I booked myself on the next one, grabbed a hot dog, nosied around the shop and then headed back for the tour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was very enjoyable, seeing bits of the ground that were normally blocked off. The guide was a touch eccentric, but very knowledgeable and had family from the north of England. He knew the value of HP Sauce well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18599413678" title="Rogers Centre by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Rogers Centre" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/333/18599413678_c6250a4e52_z.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From there I went back to the Hall of Fame for a final wander around before retrieving my bags from the hotel. Which turned into a harder slog than intended due to the ensuing thunderstorm that rattled the city. Eventually, piss wet through, I got into Real Sports Bar & Grill for food and a pint. After that it was onto the GO Train and off to Burlington.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There I met Nicole and Tony and we headed off to St. Catharines. It's always good to see her and even though it's usually only every couple of years or so, it's as though we've never been apart. A good couple of days followed, including a family barbeque which ended drunkenly in the early hours of the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course, itchy feet got the better of me on Sunday, as well as the urge to groundhop. Which is why I found myself hopping on a bus then hiking through Niagara Falls to get to Niagara United and watch a bit of the Niagara Cup Classic tournament that was going on. Only it turns out it is a youth tournament and I was sat on the main pitch watching an under 15s girls' final. Still, it was football at a new ground and it was good to tick it off. It was also a walk through familiar territory. Some old haunts greeted me on the way down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18600767268" title="Niagara United Soccer Club by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Niagara United Soccer Club" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/281/18600767268_3a3b681f11_z.jpg" width="240" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Monday saw me with a day to myself so, after negotiating an annoyingly late coach to Niagara Falls, I finally walked over Rainbow Bridge and crossed into the United States of America for the first time. Country number 16. This really did turn into a box ticking exercise, but it was good to do and I'll be heading back over again in the future. Niagara Falls State Park is lovely and it's nice that they've done their best to keep it more natural and scenic. Even the border guards were friendly and human. Take note, Canada!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18763504476" title="International Border Line by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="International Border Line" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/18763504476_0825fbc410_z.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After getting stuck behind a couple changing $US3,000 worth of cash, I eventually got some US Dollars of my own and wandered off into the park.</span></div>
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After a mooch around Goat Island and Terrapin Point, I headed down to the Cave of the Winds for a good old drenching. Back up onto the surface and it was now chucking it down, although it didn't take long to pass and I ended up relatively dry. A wander onto the observation deck later and, after just a few hours, I was ready to head back over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18606886569" title="Observation Deck by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Observation Deck" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/517/18606886569_9bd798bb4d_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F6aUduPCn0" target="_blank">VIDEO - Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point, Niagara Falls State Park, NY</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Canadian Customs were at it again. When I said I was over visiting friends, after the questioning on how I knew them, I got a pearler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"And did she not fancy walking out with you today?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Well, she would have loved to, but she's in work."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Oh..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18171253244" title="Pedestrians to Canada by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Pedestrians to Canada" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/492/18171253244_2f89bcfbb4_z.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After all that I had a brief wander around the Canadian side of the Falls for old time's sake and then went for the coach back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next day was fairly lazy, which I needed. A lie in, finally working out the local transit buses and meeting Nicole at work for dinner were followed by a gentle walk around St. Catharines. And, having been introduced to the musical delights of The Trews by Nic, I had to go and have a mooch around Montebello Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18795240865" title="Montebello Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Montebello Park" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/297/18795240865_95e295558e_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEXKGNOC8mg" target="_blank">The Trews - Montebello Park</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next day was a bit more adventurous. A long walk through St. Catharines, off the beaten track once more (not that there is a beaten track around there, they don't expect tourists to get to S.C.) taking in the railway station (nerd alert!) and Club Roma, where a dilapidated ground marked the home for St. Catharines Roma Wolves. Once of the Canadian Soccer League, they now just operate junior sides. Politics. It's a long story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18769534316" title="St. Catharines Railway Station by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="St. Catharines Railway Station" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/487/18769534316_afc159ef60_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18175954123" title="Club Roma Stadium by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Club Roma Stadium" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/299/18175954123_866e29c0a8_z.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a look at a baseball field next door it was off back into downtown St. Catharines, getting into a bar just before the rain came down. Not quite on the levels of the Toronto storm, but it was a good downpour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a nosebag and a couple of pints, it was back to meet Nic and later on we were off out for more food and drink in the familiar Celtic Club. Well, I say familiar, some parts of my last visit are a bit hazy to say the least. No such shenanigans this time and it was a pleasant last full evening in the company of good friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not a lot to report after that. I had a final wander around St. Catharines, finally got into Preston Pies, did a spot of people watching in Montebello Park and had a look at the cathedral and armoury. Then it was spend a bit more time with everyone before the airbus whisked me away to YYZ. My usual routine at terminal 3 ruined by the ongoing building works. Still, time was killed easy enough and a smooth flight brought me back to the North West.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/18609430708" title="Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/18609430708_f9e1507e23_z.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's never good leaving close friends behind, especially when they're such a long way away, but there's something comforting about the familiarity of home. And knowing you're leaving them behind settled and happy helps as well. Here's to the next one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Flickr set of <u>photos</u>: <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHske918Ba">https://flic.kr/s/aHske918Ba</a></span></div>
MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-14795653498902238652015-04-28T10:19:00.000+01:002015-04-28T11:01:44.324+01:00Glasgow Groundhopping<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The other weekend I decided to hop up to Glasgow on an early train to watch Queen's Park at home to Annan Athletic in Scottish League 2. The main reason being, of course, that Queen's Park own and play at Hampden Park, which is a ground I've always wanted to go to and this seemed a good way of doing it. I always wanted to have a nosey at Lesser Hampden next door and the site of the two original Hampdens, including the rather wonderful Cathkin Park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When the first Hampden was knocked down (which I'll touch on later), a second site was bought and developed by Queen's Park and opened in 1884. In 1903, Queen's Park had moved to their third site, which is the ground currently known as Hampden Park. Third Lanark A.C. took the ground over and renamed it Cathkin Park. They played there until 1967, when the club went under. Over the years, the decaying body of the ground was removed, however a large part of the terracing still remains in what has now been made into a public park. The pitch itself is still in use, a reformed amateur Third Lanark side used the pitch for a couple of seasons but seemed to have disappeared and a side called Hampden AFC play some home games in the Glasgow Colleges FA League there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16945372728" title="Cathkin Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathkin Park" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7621/16945372728_5ac8d02bc5.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's also become home for the Jimmy Johnstone Academy, who have use of a clubhouse on site. It was one of their teams who were playing when I headed up the steps and onto the back of the terracing around the ground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16512953983" title="Cathkin Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathkin Park" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8785/16512953983_670abc2c3e.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a surreal experience wandering around the place, looking around at the old terraces and being able to perch on a crash barrier with all the trees and wildlife around you. It was strange to think that you were once surrounded by large stands and structures that were no longer in place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17131561552" title="Cathkin Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathkin Park" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7590/17131561552_aec1205ec5.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16945587770" title="Cathkin Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathkin Park" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7719/16945587770_50f8895733.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the game going on had finished, I wandered down onto the pitch to have a walk across and take in the view pitch-side. The large empty gap along one side where the main stand used to be added to the strangeness of the view. It was a bit spooky wandering around, but also a great thrill to see such a huge piece of football history still in place. Even bits of the track around the edge of the pitch were still visible underneath your feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17133136155" title="Cathkin Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathkin Park" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8825/17133136155_05f69d56da.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst I was wandering around the terracing, I was beckoned by one of the fellas who'd been organising the game. Both sides had vacated the clubhouse and dressing rooms, so, noticing that I was wandering around looking at the history of the place, he took me into the clubhouse to have a look around. There was another bloke from the academy in there as well and the two of them took the time to show me various things and have a chat about the club and football in general.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16945378018" title="Jimmy Johnstone Academy by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Jimmy Johnstone Academy" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7726/16945378018_8f676df3b2.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once that was done, it was a quick hop up the road to the site of the first Hampden Park. Queen's Park vacated the ground in 1883 as t</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">he Glasgow City Corporation decided that the new Cathcart railway line should pass through the site. What is left of the site is marked by Hampden Bowling Club, which is handily placed for you to nosey at from the bridge over the railway line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16510731894" title="Lesser Hampden by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Lesser Hampden" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8798/16510731894_017d84b7f2.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17107212236" title="Lesser Hampden by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Lesser Hampden" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8827/17107212236_3b31944a11.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I'd been there I headed for the next stop, Lesser Hampden, a small ground in the shadow of Hampden Park. Recently done up for the Commonwealth Games, the ground is used by Queen's Park for training and youth/academy games. Their clubhouse (branded a bistro...) is in there overlooking the pitch, so I wandered up there, had a pint and watched two of their youth teams playing Dundee FC on the pitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16925773247" title="DSC00519 by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC00519" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7720/16925773247_18c495eb23.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16945642060" title="Lesser Hampden by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Lesser Hampden" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/16945642060_e2e93ba405.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16925775137" title="Lesser Hampden by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Lesser Hampden" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7722/16925775137_046579abbc.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once that was done, I walked over for the main game of the day - Queen's Park v Annan Athletic at Hampden Park in Scottish League 2.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17132537841" title="Hampden Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Hampden Park" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7605/17132537841_52ff7ff764.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's strange to think that Queen's Park themselves own the ground and lease it out to the Scottish FA for Finals and Internationals, as well as leasing office space and so on. It was the first time I'd been to the ground and it was hard to imagine the chaos there may be on large match days when there's less than a thousand people knocking around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16513010403" title="Hampden Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Hampden Park" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7704/16513010403_f8f987486a.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The match itself wasn't the best, with Queen's Park 2-0 up at halftime the game was over as a contest and the second half was a tad pedestrian. The crowd was 462, spread across 5 blocks, 4 of which were open, one of them separated from the rest by the unused press area in the centre of the main stand. A few people were in a directors' section at the back, but most were out in the open, leaving three quarters of a 52,000 seater stadium completely unused. Some of the taping off of blocks seemed a bit draconian,but then again it was G4S providing the security, which seemed very OTT for me, but I suppose it's a drawback to playing in a ground such as Hampden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17131625532" title="Hampden Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Hampden Park" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8814/17131625532_6fd90898e2.jpg" width="500" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17132556781" title="Hampden Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Hampden Park" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8720/17132556781_da2e6976da.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/16510765804" title="Hampden Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Hampden Park" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8753/16510765804_70ccd2d376.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17131633802" title="Hampden Park by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="Hampden Park" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8743/17131633802_2ffa6fff85.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queen's Park are completely amateur and staffed, in the main at least, by volunteers. A small club shop on the concourse did a decent trade and the home supporters were a decent, knowledgeable lot who did quite a bit to encourage the team in front of them. Annan didn't bring that many with them, but there was a group of meddlesome kids at the back acting like you'd expect young teenagers on an away trip to act. Pity about the drum, mind, lads.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By the time the final whistle came around I'd retreated to the back of the stand to avoid the rain and wind that was blowing into the front of the stand. A quick dart to the nearby Mount Florida railway station and I was soon back at Glasgow Central and jumping on a train back home. It was a good day out and I'm glad I did it. I'd be tempted to go back to Hampden for a big game, just to be able to fully compare the two. I'll also be eyeing up another League 2 fixture to compare and contrast the difference. And I'll certainly have another wander around Cathkin Park if I get the chance, something which I'd highly recommend to anyone who finds themselves around there with time on their hands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/sets/72157651869063136/" target="_blank">Full set of photos can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/sets/72157651869063136/</a></span><br />
<br />MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-63303703213808117102015-04-23T10:12:00.001+01:002015-04-23T10:12:29.364+01:00FC United of Manchester - Northern Premier League Champions 2014/2015<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On Tuesday night FC United beat Stourbridge Town FC 1-0 at the Tameside Stadium, earning the points needed to seal the league title and promotion to the Conference after seven years in the division.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Three playoff final defeats in a row. A playoff semi-final defeat immediately following them. Each one followed with an increased sense of doom and gloom. Now, finally, all of that can be forgotten as we start next season in a new ground and a new league.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's been a hell of a ten years. We've had our detractors and we still do. From "it won't last until Christmas" to "you're just a bunch of Judas bastards" we've heard it all. But we're still here and proving that there is a better way for football.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17240742042" title="FC United of Manchester, Northern Premier League Champions 2014/2015. by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="FC United of Manchester, Northern Premier League Champions 2014/2015." height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8759/17240742042_72a0f71fcb.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17242475415" title="FC United of Manchester, Northern Premier League Champions 2014/2015. by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="FC United of Manchester, Northern Premier League Champions 2014/2015." height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8728/17242475415_4f6c6b01e9.jpg" width="422" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/17056291209" title="FC United of Manchester, Northern Premier League Champions 2014/2015. by Michael Holdsworth, on Flickr"><img alt="FC United of Manchester, Northern Premier League Champions 2014/2015." height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7594/17056291209_ae3ec4168f.jpg" width="375" /></a> MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-40857197935265315732015-04-02T16:36:00.002+01:002015-04-02T16:36:34.626+01:00She Makes War at The Wonder Inn, Manchester<i>I had intended to do a blog a month this year, so the second of April to do the first one since November is a bit of a failure. I'm intending to kick my arse into gear from here on in and also try to do a few smaller updates to plug the gaps...</i><br />
Last Friday (27th March) I went to watch She Makes War (Laura Kidd) at the newly opened Wonder Inn in Shudehill, Manchester. I stumbled across Laura's music on Bandcamp last year and fallen in love with it straight away. This gig was the first chance I had to watch her perform live. I bought the ticket in advance as part of a pledge for her self-funded new album (<a href="http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/smwdot/">http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/smwdot/</a>). After finding my way into the venue (the door was at the back, rather than the front) and buying a bottle of ale, I got a spot by the front wall in readiness for the evening's entertainment.
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Support came first from Forgery Lit, a three piece from Bristol, who started things off with a bang. A cracking set with some superb, rhythmic sounds driven by lead vocalist and drummer (yes, that's right) Ami. There was a good interaction between the band, both during and between songs, that just added nicely to their performance. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.
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Next up was a spoken word set from Steph Pike, with a good old left-wing, equality for all theme that stuck a chord with everyone in there, including yours truly. Her poem about David Cameron had everyone laughing for probably both the right and wrong reasons - I'll not spoil the surprise and just say, if you get the chance, go and see her perform.
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Then it was Louis Barabbas' turn. He usually performs with his band, Bedlam Six, but was on his own tonight, first performing songs that he'd written for a musical and then some of his older stuff, taking requests from the crowd. It's an energetic, manic performance full of leg twitching, stomping and leaps into the audience. The performance of The Tell Tale Hound at the end is superb, as Louis performs a song as three characters - including a dog. Impersonation included. It's a hell of a sight.
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There was a further spoken word interlude, this time from Rebecca Audra Smith, in much the same vein as the previous one and equally well received. Again, well worth a listen if you get the chance and agree with angry, lefty, feminist type poetry. It certainly works for me!
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Finally, it was Laura's turn and, unusually for her, she was joined by Ami from Forgery Lit on drums and a lad called Simon playing guitar and violin. This is unusual for SMW as she usually does everything herself using loop pedals and effects. As it was, this still worked well and she did do some songs on her own as well. It was a wonderful performance and her chattiness between songs, opening up about the influences of each song (boiled down, at one point, to "how shit my love life is") endeared her to everyone even more and added a much more personal touch to the songs and performance. Even a rather loud talker at the back of the room, banging on about his own self-importance and some piece of art or other, didn't affect her pleasantness as she dismissed it with a glib sarcastic comment. It went straight over his head, but the rest of us appreciated it.
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Laura's live work is as much about the visual as the audio, something which came to life when she performed Delete, walking around the audience with a megaphone. It's a sight that brings an extra level to the performance and captivates everyone in the room.
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The gig closes with an invite to hang around for a drink and a chat. As I had to bail for a train, I had a quick chat with Laura to thank her for the evening and got thanked back for coming out, before heading off home. She'll be playing again around September and I'll definitely be making the effort for it. Look up Laura's music and, if you get the chance, go and see her.
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Finally, The Wonder Inn looks set to be a cracking little venue for Manchester and will be well worth supporting.
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The Wonder in are <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Thewonderinn">on Facebook here</a> and also <a href="https://twitter.com/WonderInnNorth">on Twitter here</a>.
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<a href="https://forgerylit.bandcamp.com/">Forgery Lit's Bandcamp can be found here.</a><br />
<a href="https://louisbarabbas.bandcamp.com/releases">Louis Barabbas' Bandcamp can be found here</a> and his Bedlam Six stuff <a href="https://bedlamsix.bandcamp.com/">can be found here.</a><br />
She Makes War's website <a href="http://www.shemakeswar.com/">can be found here</a> and her <a href="https://shemakeswar.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp can be found here.</a>
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Full set of photos here:- <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/sets/72157651291041349/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/sets/72157651291041349/</a><br />
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MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-2999875188659399042014-12-22T14:15:00.001+00:002014-12-22T14:15:14.174+00:00LisbonFor the last weekend in November, myself and Hursty decided to disappear to Lisbon. We had intended on going back to Berlin to see Babelsberg play again, but the flights were a bit more expensive than last time, so the plan changed to going somewhere new instead. At £60 for a return flight, Lisbon seemed too hard to turn down.
It turned into an excellent decision. Still warm, friendly, easy to get around and the cheapest city I've been to in Western Europe. It was brilliant and I'd highly recommend going. Plenty to see and do and a short train ride gets you to some picturesque beach towns as well (we ended up in Estoril for a few hours).
There were a couple of games of football thrown in (because why not?), Sporting on the Saturday night and Clube Oriental de Lisboa on the Sunday afternoon. The latter was bizarre. We'd been sat in the stand drinking at Sporting, then turned up to a second division game with segregation, police everywhere and no alcohol on sale... Still, that turned into the better game of football, so swings and roundabouts.
Overall, a brilliant place to go and spend a few days. I'll be going back.
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Full set of photos can be found here:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/sets/72157649564861832/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/sets/72157649564861832/</a>MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-86249305307815027062014-10-07T11:31:00.001+01:002014-10-07T11:40:59.456+01:00Brighton and Hove<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, I spent a few days in Brighton & Hove for Lancashire's last away game of the County Championship season. It was a crucial game which we needed to win to give ourselves a realistic chance of staying up. Of course, the script went as it had done all season and we were eventually relegated when Middlesex beat us at Old Trafford.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Still, it was a good few days away. I'd only ever been to Brighton twice, once to the old Withdean Stadium and didn't get to see the town, the other was to Hove where I didn't see a ball bowled and didn't see much of the town beyond a stretch of beach and a large number of pubs... So it was good to get there and be able to have a proper nosey around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There was still the pub ticking to do. Food from a few recommended places and others that had been spotted when out and about. A good pint, a good curry and a good burger, always a nice addition to any trip! And a proper walk along the front and a gentle evening mooch along the pier. It was good to have the time to wander around and see a bit more of the place. Just a shame it'll be a couple of years, at least, before I get to go back. But the cricket itself is a whole other post...</span><br />
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<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/15207569307/in/set-72157614145177702/player/" width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe><br />MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-32320100240938529102014-07-22T20:39:00.001+01:002014-07-22T20:42:20.239+01:00Carl Woods has a lovely haircut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Preston railway station, Lancashire, UK</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTxaZhlH82fJsg0HgwWT06qnS4zVpR_LpZXHVza1k0CDeh-CNkdUtpnks86CtSAJcQ6Eqa6ORiGPscPCPPflfOeSXqF1N5ly_hyphenhyphen_c-K_pcb8IGEpYsF4k_m2QqGkzO5nHOV6Tr-6U46Il/s1600/IMG_20140722_195839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTxaZhlH82fJsg0HgwWT06qnS4zVpR_LpZXHVza1k0CDeh-CNkdUtpnks86CtSAJcQ6Eqa6ORiGPscPCPPflfOeSXqF1N5ly_hyphenhyphen_c-K_pcb8IGEpYsF4k_m2QqGkzO5nHOV6Tr-6U46Il/s640/IMG_20140722_195839.jpg"> </a> </div>MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-66206635107193740092014-05-27T13:36:00.004+01:002014-05-27T13:39:03.079+01:00Winterthur and Vaduz, May 2014<div dir="ltr">
FC United were invited to play FC Winterthur, a fellow fan owned club in Switzerland, in a friendly given the tagline "The Real Spirit of Football." Of course, it would have been rude not to attend, so a handful of us joined the other few hundred Reds making the journey and made the short flight into Basel, before driving over to Winterthur.</div>
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We got there late on the Friday before the match, so only had time for a brief wander around and a couple of (expensive) drinks before hitting the hay. On the Saturday a couple of us found a nice, quiet restaurant across from the brilliantly named Töss station, far from the madding crowd. We then made the short train journey into the main station in the centre of Winterthur.</div>
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The game itself was a bit one-sided, with Winterthur winning 4-1. Considering they play at a higher standard and were training all week, it was no surprise that they beat our lads, especially when they'd been out most of the night before... The ground was lovely, the setting was beautiful and the welcome was friendly. A few beers and a curry later we went back to the hotel fairly early as we were planning on doing a bit of cross-country mooching. Quite literally.</div>
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First port of call was Vaduz in Liechtenstein. One of the smallest and richest countries in the world, it was also one we'd never been to, so with it only being about an hour from where we were it seemed an obvious choice to go and visit. We weren't disappointed. A lovely place, with stunning scenery. We had a nosy around the local football stadium, had a bite to eat and got our passports stamped at the tourist information office. Once we were done, we had a drive into Austria, before then heading back through Switzerland, a brief stop in Germany and into the airport which, with it actually being on French soil, took us to six countries in one day by the time we'd landed back at Manchester. Not a bad effort.</div>
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A very enjoyable trip. Whilst there wasn't much to see and do in Winterthur, I'd suggest you visit the ground and club. I'd also definitely recommend a visit to Liechtenstein if you're ever nearby. Stunning.</div>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYmk2CY">https</a><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYmk2CY">://</a><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYmk2CY">flic.kr</a><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYmk2CY">/s/</a><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYmk2CY">aHsjYmk2CY</a></div>
MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-16519165479920268072014-05-13T20:52:00.001+01:002014-05-13T20:52:42.784+01:00Abbey Road<p dir="ltr">First entry for a while (again...)</p>
<p dir="ltr">Spent a couple of days in London watching Lancashire at Lord's. On Sunday we were casually talking about how Paul McCartney lived round there as it was near Abbey Road Studios. On Monday morning I walked passed the bloke outside the ground.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So, between that and wanting to giggle at a few tourists, we took a detour back to St. John's Wood tube station after... Via a certain studios and Zebra Crossing. Even after 7 in the evening, in the pouring rain and the dark there were people there. Amazing how such a mundane feature can become so iconic. </p>
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Well, with three days to spare and after a few marathon writing sessions, I stumbled over the finishing line. My first novel written under NaNoWriMo (well, my first novel full stop as well) is complete at 50,881 words. I may have done a little dance. The certificate is soon to be printed and placed on my wall somewhere.<br />
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It's a great feeling and I'll no doubt be having another go next year. It's certainly strange to see an idea from inside my own head down on paper, no matter how random or poorly structured it may be in places. The main thing is, it's mine, it's done and it's a bucket list item ticked off. There'll be another one ticked once the publishing options are available...<br />
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All on Lancashire day, too. Can't be bad.MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-47811349093675123702013-11-22T16:10:00.001+00:002013-11-22T16:10:48.589+00:00Scottish Forlornment<p dir="ltr">New Zealand v Scotland, Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final, Headingley, Leeds, 15/11/2013</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aTpxtIRrA1cUbqXVswhPFF7KspLK7rFaWDnso_9iEbX10F1S-8pCLuKBlq75aLrMBv0kccBSNeyQjTLAZLh1PwEI821Cp4kCWPv5b09lTU99198AxHShlz8fnxF7owQdqS1Jy1HYXl1J/s1600/IMG_20131115_211854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aTpxtIRrA1cUbqXVswhPFF7KspLK7rFaWDnso_9iEbX10F1S-8pCLuKBlq75aLrMBv0kccBSNeyQjTLAZLh1PwEI821Cp4kCWPv5b09lTU99198AxHShlz8fnxF7owQdqS1Jy1HYXl1J/s640/IMG_20131115_211854.jpg"> </a> </div>MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4887187175394933940.post-40893019281257021052013-11-22T15:43:00.001+00:002013-11-23T22:28:34.680+00:00Marian Call & Scott Barkan, Nexus Art Café, Manchester<p dir="ltr">Last Thursday I had the pleasure of seeing the wonderfully talented Marian Call play a show at Nexus Art Cafe in Manchester, ably assisted by the equally talented Scott Barkan. If you're a nerd, like folky type music, or a combination of such, check Marian's music out. After all, what's better than someone singing songs about zombies, sharks, Battlestar Galactica and a whole host of other geeky subjects?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Scott was also excellent, it was the first time I'd heard his stuff. Well worth checking out as well.</p>
<p dir="ltr">@mariancall<br>
@scottbarkan</p>
<p dir="ltr">http://mariancall.com<br>
http://scottbarkan.bandcamp.com</p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Despite being named National Novel Writing Month, NaNoWriMo is actually a world-wide thing. From Kansas to Kraków, they'll be beavering away, churning out 50,000 words. Some of them will be pretty good and end up being published. Others will be absolute turd and never see the light of day again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But that's the beauty of it. It isn't so much the quality of the finished product, nor is it the structure. It's getting that story out of your brain and onto paper/pixels. The idea is that you just write, pushing you past every creative fear you have and every possible bout of writers block. Just get something, anything down on paper that can take the story forward. You can always tidy up after November if you wish to show it to a wider audience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Regardless of how this goes, I'm looking forward to it. I've never written as often as I should, so this will be a good thing to get me back in the groove. I have picked a bad November, what with the Rugby League World Cup being on and the Ashes starting towards the end of the month, but still, the extra challenges provided should help spur me on. Here's hoping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://nanowrimo.org/</span>MichaelGT83http://www.blogger.com/profile/10238104589496800456noreply@blogger.com0