The New Year is thirteen days old so I figured it was time to clear up a bit of blog housekeeping from last year. There were a lot of people I meant to thank here online – particularly during my tour of OZ – but I either didn’t get the time or a reliable internet connection to do it.
Like Simon Rumble who got me into the A-League match between Sydney FC and the Queensland Roar on a friend’s season ticket. OK, the football was a little ordinary, but the evening was balmy and the beer cold(ish). I even got to see David Beckham. He walked around in a circle in the middle of the pitch with his Galaxy mates to promote their match with Sydney later in the week and disappeared into the night.
Then there was the night at the Espy. That’s me with Caine and Sumire at one of the outside tables above. They travel with Nina Fuentes, a Filipino girl who was in town to visit her sister. I’ve had my photo taken with fans a couple of times, but never with tiny plastic dolls with an attitude. They seem distinctly unimpressed about meeting me.
Nina’s card says she is a backpacker, blogger and babysitter. You can read her work at evilmartian.org and justwandering.org. She was telling me how she plans to travel around her homeland a bit more this year.
It made me reminisce about my own visit to the Philippines ages ago. It’s one of those places that not many people think of going too. Shame, it’s a cool place.
Anyway, better go. More housekeeping tomorrow.
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No problem for the game mate. Was crap football but a nice afternoon out.
Sydney’s form has picked up, BTW. We’re now top of the ladder. Can you believe it?
Nice place to launch a book. Actually, the Espy is a nice place to do pretty much anything. Back when I was living in Melbourne I moved from Flemington to St Kilda to be close to the Espy for sunday afternoons looking over Port Phillip bay drinking Melbourne Bitter. And listening to Vacation in Harlem, one of the greatest unknown bands ever.
Of course, the first time I walked up Grey st into Fitzroy St I was amazed at the number of used syringes on the ground. The best places are always the grittiest, that’s why I now live in Hackney. London and love it.
Hey Simon – I must admit, I’ve been keeping an eye on Sydney’s progress. Things are pretty tight at the top. And I noticed Sydney and Queensland Roar played out another 0-0 draw!
Wheee, fangirl moment! It was awesome meeting you and Brian at the Espy. You guys inspired (and shamed me) into seeing my country more. And that’s exactly what I’m doing this year!
P.s. Daisy is so cute!