Australia v Turkiye @ BC Place

 It's only day 3, and I'm exhausted.  Another huge day in Vancouver.

The day started at Yolks, right next to the Airbnb, where the first of many Aussie fans were spotted leading up to tonight's big game.  A hearty breakfast before we jump in an Uber out to the University of British Columbia, where we are going to spend the morning at the Museum of Anthropology.  I had caught the bus out here in 2000, and I remember it being a blast.  A friend had also mentioned it to A, so it was a no brainer.  And it was as good as I remembered.  The Pacific Northwest Native Art is all over this place.  Totems, sculptures, paintings, I can't get enough of it.  The Museum definitely scratched an itch.

After spending a couple of hours inside, we waled around outside and found a trail which lead to some stairs down to the beach.  It's a long way down (460 steps we counted on the way back), but we thought we'd go and have a look.  The weather was good, not too hot, and we're out to explore things so we made the trek down.  Then, only 10 steps off the beach is a sign telling us that the beach is clothing optional.  Great!  We've just dragged 2 x 15 year old boys to a nude beach.  Parenting 101! I was surprised about the variety of people, and available clothing, but it was a learning experience for everyone, topped off by 2 boys squirming when we wanted to talk about it more later that day.

Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Bill Reid's "The Raven & First Men", 

Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

DMB&L, Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

We caught an Uber straight back to lunch.  The boys and I had spotted a pie shop, so Peaked Pies supplied all the Australian favorites for lunch, including a lamington.  Good food, hopefully we'll get another chance to eat here the day we come back to Vancouver.

After lunch it was a couple of blocks to be down on the water at English Bay, so we followed the path all the way along the seawall until we got to the Burrard Bridge, where we cut up to the Airbnb.  We hung there and relaxed for a while before making our walk over to BC Place for the World Cup match of Australia v Turkey (the reason we're in Vancouver)  I wanted to take one of the little ferries down to the stadium, but L was insistent that we walk.  And I'm glad he won that argument.  The city , from Granville Street onwards was jumping.  And chock full of Aussies!  There is a much larger contingent of my countrymen than I thought.

We reached BC Place near 6.30pm - kick off is not until 9 - but we just soaked it all in.  There are a ton of Turkish fans here as well, and the atmosphere is electric.  There is is positive energy coming from both fans.  We lined up for some merchandise for the boys, each one of them got a either a home and away Aussie shirt, and B took a half and half scarf as well.  Overpriced, but delicious, meals were bought before we walked down to our seats.  Wow!.  We are 6 rows from the field and sitting in line with the 18 yard box.  I was like a kid in a candy store.  My American family decked out in Aussie gear (though it may not go that way next week).  The Aussies warming up right in front of us.  At the same end, but the opposite side as the official Australian Supporters Group, whose yellow wall dominated the landscape of the crowd.  The crowd built and built, and BC Place was packed at kick off.

BLM&D inside BC Place, Vancouver

DBL&M, BC Place, Vancouver

I was surprised Mat Ryan had been dropped.  The captain left out for a young Patrick Beach.  Not sure what that was about, but not the start I thought  Turkey attacked our end of the field in the first half.  Not that the Aussies were walk overs, but the Turks dominated possession - yet.  Especially Baris Yilmaz, playing on the left wing in front of us.  He was a constant threat.  Italiano worked hard to keep him under wraps.  Then a hydration break changed the whole game.  Turkiye had a cross they volleyed, and new Aussie keeper Patrick Beach made a good save.  15 seconds later a long ball put Irankunda through on goal.  Two touches from him, and he slotted the ball past the Turkish keeper.  The Aussies are up 1-0 in the 27th minute, almost against the run of play.   The Turkish fans, while outnumbered 60/40, had been loud up until this point.  Whistling and booing every time we had the ball, and chanting every time the Turks pushed forward.  They remained relentless all through the first half, even after going down.  3 minutes after our goal, Turkiye's Bardakci blasted a left footed shot from outside the box, only for Beach to push it on to the woodwork and keep us in front.  Phew!  Irankunda had another chance just before the break, but his shot was straight at the Turkish keeper.  It would've been amazing to be up 2-0 at the half, but it wasn't to be.  We seemed to pick up steam after the break.  Harry Souttar dominated in the air and almost had a goal from a corner early in the 2nd half.   Turkiye's Gular was a problem for Australia.  He was everywhere and a handful for the defenders.  It was a huge relief when Beach pushed away his good free kick in the 58th minute.  Another near post save from Beach from Celik, in the 72nd minute, saw the now quietening Turkish fans start to get nervous.  Not 3 minutes later they were silenced when Connor Metcalfe picked up the ball in the Turkish half, turned, ran at the goal , and slotted in a 25 yard, left footed belter.  2-0 The Socceroos.  We were going mental!  Not to mention Metcalfe's knee slide was right in front of us.  Beach made another vital save Akturkoglu from 6 yards.  And after that, the Turkish fans were leaving quietly.  The noise at the fulltime whistle was just as loud, and we stuck around until the Socceroos did a victory lap as we all sang Down Under.  They stopped at the next section over from us.  It must have been where their families were.

MBD&L, Pretty Good Seats, BC Place, Vancouver

BC Place was rocking as we left, and the walk back to Granville Street was electric.  Aussies everywhere, singing and chanting.  But that was nothing compared to Granville Street itself.  It was a zoo.  Yellow shirts everywhere, and party mode had been hit by a boost of Aussie steroids.  What an amazing night.  I hope that is something we will never forget.

Australia 2 (N. Irankunda 27th, C. Metcalfe 75) defeated Turkiye 0

Crowd: 52,479

Socceroos 2 - Turkiye 0, BC Place, Vancouver, BC

Luna Park

We've promised to take the boys to Luna Park the last 2 times we were in Australia, so this time we had to come trough.  And thanks to the organisation of Kel we went and spent the day at an old childhood haunt.  Mum used to take me here when I was really young.  It was so long ago, you could get in for free if you bought 3 Stork margarine lids (yep, I'm that old).  That all came to an end in 1979 after the horrific Ghost Train Fire.  A tragedy which closed the park for 16 years.  It would be another 9 years of openings and closing before it went back to business as usual in 2004.

We went full tourist today, catching the train down from Gosford to Milson's Point and getting to the park at near midday.  And a beautiful day it was!  Sun shining, shorts and t-shirts in the middle of winter. Couldn't ask for more.  And what a great day.  We watched the kids ride the Tango Train, the Volare, The Hair Raiser, the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel.  We all then went into Coney Island.  This was always my favorite spot as a kid, though it didn't seem to have the same appeal as what it used to.  Anyway I even got on the slides and the kids did the Turkey Trot, Joy Wheel and Barrels of Fun before we headed back outside for them to ride some more.  And watch out fearless cousin L go on The Big Dipper and the Sledgehammer.  Better her than me!

It was a great day, in that we got to share it with cousins and Nanny, and it was great to be back at a place I haven't been to since my early childhood.  Great fun had by all - even riding the night train home.

Kel, M, Me, L, B, L & Nanny @ Luna Park

L, L, M & B on THe Tango Train @ Luna Park

Me @ Luna Park

Me, M, Kel, L, Jase, L, B & Nanny at the end of the day @ Luna Park

Colombia v South Korea @ Allianz Stadium

We're in Australia and the Women's World Cup is on.  How could we not go to a game!  Even though we couldn't get Australia tickets, and the US is playing in New Zealand, this was still a spectacle to behold.

After driving home after the Yeah Yeah Yeahs last night, it was back on the freeway and into the same parking space for the game next door at the Allianz Stadium (I know it's a completely new stadium, but it will always be the Sydney Football Stadium to me).  This time with B, L, Dad and Kathleen in tow.

We got there pretty early and soaked in the atmosphere around the ground.  I was confident there would be a good contingent of South Korea fans, but I was really surprised by the amount of Colombians that were there - and in large groups at that.

We got into the stadium pretty easy and watched the Colombian team warm up.  Then we made the hike up to our seats.  We weren't given a choice when I bought the tickets yesterday, but I thought Row AA would be good.  It was actually the 4th last row - way up in the nosebleeds.  Oh well!  Once I calmed down about the height it was all about enjoying the game.

The crowd around us was evenly supporting South Korea and Colombia, but we chose Colombia, as their national anthem was much more upbeat. The game started evenly with South Korea maybe having a slight advantage.  South Korean Son Hwa-Yeon seemed strong on the ball and was causing some problems with movement around the pitch.  But in the 30th minute a handball in the box allowed Colombia to take the lead. Catalina Usme sent the keeper the wrong way, and Colombia were fortunate to be up 1-0.  Less than 10 minutes later Linda Caicedo got Colombia's second.  This time from a mistake by Korean keeper, Yoon Young-Guel.  A relatively gentle shot slipped through the keepers hands (above her head) and into the back of the net.  You know she's made that save a million times, but at the worst possible moment, it didn't go as planned.  I felt bad for her.

After going into the half up 2-0, Colombia came back out and took control of the game.  While their attacks weren't completely effective, they killed the game when Korea got the ball, not giving them an inch.

Nearing the end of the game we went down to the exit level and watched injury time closer to the pitch, and were there when the final whistle went.  Viva Colombia!

We picked up a World Cup shirt for mom on the way out.  Though got nothing for ourselves.  A great day had by all and an experience I hope the boys remember for years to come.

Colombia 2- Catalina Usme (30 min penalty), Linda Caicedo (30) defeated South Korea 0

Colombia: C. Perez, D. Arias, J. Carabali, M. Venagas, L. Santos (M. Restrepo 76 min), D. Montoya (D. Ospina Garcia 87 min), L. Bedoya Durango, C. Usme, M. Ramirez, L. Caicedo.

South Korea: Y. Young-Guel, L, Seon-Joo, S. Seo-Yeon, K. Hye-Ri, J. Sel-Gi, C. Hyo-Joo (M, Mi-Ra 88 min), J. So-Yun (P, Eun-Sun 68 min), L. Geum-Min, C. Yu-Ri (C. Phair 78 min), S, Hwa-Yeon (K. Chae-Rim 68 min).

Crowd: 24,323

Yeah Yeah Yeahs & Automatic @ Hordern Pavilion

I like to take any opportunity to see a good show, but to have the chance to do it when I'm back at home is always a blessing.  So when timeing saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at an old haunt, the Hordern Pavilion, how could I say no.  

I even got Moz to come along with me.  The only other time I've seen the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was with Moz at Coachella in 2009.  We met at Mary's just outside the front doors for dinner before the show.  I love that in Australia you can still sit outside and eat dinner in the middle of winter (but also because of some well placed heat lamps).

The Hordern is smaller than I remember.  I've seen a lot of shows in there: Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bodycount, Alice In Chains and more, where a frenzied floor took you all over the place.  The complete opposite of that occured with Automatic.  I didn't go for them and I'm not sure the rest of the crowd cared too much - though no one was rubbishing them.

The crowd picked up when the Yeah Yeah Yeahs hit the stage.  And why wouldn't they?  Karen O's energy from the start was on fire.  As was her voice.  Such a unique voice!  This would have to be one of the hardest bands to cover, just for her voice alone.  3 songs in, Black Tongue, and I was fully hooked.  Rockers To Swallow followed that - the only ong they did off Is Is.  A third of the set contained songs from the new album Cool It Down. I didn't know them but they mixed there way into the set really well.  Soft Shock lead in 3 new songs in a row and they finished the main set with Maps and an amazing crowd-dancing-confetti-bombing Heads Will Roll.  Y Control and a faster Date With The Night were the 2 song encore, that had everyone buzzing as they left.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Hordern Pavilion

I know it is good for the band overall that Karen O has "it".  You can't not watch her (like Nick Cave, or Iggy Pop, or Les Claypool), and that voice draws you in even further.  Many times you forget that a great band is playing behind her, and tonight was no exception.

I wish I'd bought the boys (not that they're into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), as tomorrow I have to come all the way back to next door to see the Women's World Cup.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 488th concert.
This is my 22nd concert at the Hordern Pavilion.
This is my 29th concert in Moore Park.
This is my 186th concert in New South Wales.
This is my 189th concert in Australia.
Automatic are the 557th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Yeah Yeahs concert.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are the 100th band I've seen in at least 2 states.

Magic Dirt @ Entrance Leagues Club

23 years since I last saw Magic Dirt (playing at the Gold Coast Big Day Out in 2000).  How lucky they are playing at The Entrance Leagues Club while I'm at home.  It was a no-brainer that K & I would go to the show.

With some time to kill we drove down to The Entrance to have some dinner.  Unfortuantely this is not the place I remember as a kid, or a teenager for that matter.  This once vibrant tourist town is a shadow of its former self.  Gone are the bingo halls, pinball parlours, and people in general.  We drove past quite a few empty restaraunts before heading to Saigon Chopsticks, where we had dinner.  I don't dine at many different places since we left Vegas 10 years ago, but I still am a fan of a nice meal in a Fine dining restaurant.  Having said that, I do miss the casualness of Australia, and the Central Coast in particular.  This restaurant was the epitome of that.  We could've been in someone's dining room it was that casual.  But the food was outstanding (as is usually the case for Asian food in Australia).

I had been trying to find out all day what time Magic Dirt were coming on, but getting no help from the club.  So it was a bit of a suprise to get there at 8pm only to find out they weren't on till 10.30pm.  Shit!  Anyway K & I ended up getting a drink and just talking in front of the footy in one of the lounges.  After so many years apart it's always good to catch up on some rare one on one time with my sister.  We walked into the venue, got our spot and it wasn't long before Magic Dirt were on stage and tearing into the Young & Full of the Devil album, which they are playing in full to celebrate its 25th year.  She RIff and Rabbit With Fangs are the only 2 songs I know off the album, but Adilita and her boys played the album like their life depended on it.  Once the album was done, they launched into Redhead, my favorite Magic Dirt song.  It was a ripper.  Worth travelling half wasy accross the world just to hear that song.  A very cool version of Dirty Jeans finished off the 13 song set and Magic Dirt walked off to a (finally) hyped up crowd.  Moments later they came back on to finish it all with Bring Me The Head Of...

This is my 7th time seeing Magic Dirt.  They have come a long way since I saw them play in the front bar at Max's at Petersham back in 1993.  That night they were playing between bands, who in the main room.  People were shuffling out between Screamfeeder, Crow and Pavement.  I believe it was there first ever Sydney show.  They didn't do much to impress me then, but each subsequent show got better.  Their Gold Coast Big Day out show in 2000 was mid-afternoon awesomeness.  I'm glad they're still playing, and tearing it up on stage.  I wish I was old enough (and in the right place) to enjoy the great sounds of G-Troit back in the day.  I finished the night by grabbing a vinyl copy of Signs of Satanic Youth so I can relive Redhead over and over again.

Magic Dirt Setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 487th concert.
The Entrance Leagues Club is the 134th venue I've seen a concert at.
Bateau Bay is the 56th city I've seen concert in.
This is my 185th concert in New South Wales.
This is my 188th concert in Australia.
This is my 7th Magic Dirt concert.

Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans @ CommBank Stadium

My first Rugby League game in 27 years.  Yikes!  And the boys first ever.

Thanks to legendary Michael Cronin (my brother-in-law's brother-in-law) and the also legenday Peter Wynn, the boys, nanny & my sister's family got 8 incredible seats (in the Michael Cronin Stand, no less) to see th Eels play the Gold Coast Titans - a team that didn't even exist the last time I went to a league match.

We drove down early and started at Peter Wynn's Score to pick up our extra tickets and meet Peter himself.  What a gentleman!  I remember watching him play for Parramatta when I was a kid.  He always had that sports store, and it looks like game days are good to him.  The store was packed, but he made sure to spend time with everyone that walked through the door.  And the amount of time he spent with us was amazing.  He really hyped up the boys for their first league game and talked to, and shook hands with, all of us.  I am honored and humbled to be able to use his tickets, which are the 4 next to the Cronins.  

Peter Wynn-signed ball for B&L

Near the CommBank Stadium is Club Parramatta, where we had our pub dunch (as L like to call it).  While a limited menu, because of the volume of people coming in before the match, still some good food.  

L, M, Nanny, L & B @ Club Parramatta

A quick walk over the river and we are at the stadium.  Turns out CommBank Stadium is in the same spot as the old Parramatta Stadium, where I last say Wests v Cronulla in a semi-final in 1996.  We are in the 7th row on the 22 years line.  Perfect!  as for the footy - it was great.  A biased Parramatta crowd giving to the referee non-stop, and just a great back and forth for 80 minutes.  Parramatta ended up winning by the slimmest of margins 25-24.  A Moses field goal the difference on the day.

J, Nanny, K & Me @ CommBank Stadium

We stuck around after the game as the Parra players came out to meet the fans, as footballs and merchandise were thrown into the crowd.  I managed to score a mini-footy for the boys, only after dropping a real sized ball moments earlier.  Another great first experience for the boys, which I don't think they get at this age, but will hopefully appreciate one day.  And the opprotunity to do it with family, made it all the better.

Parramatta Eels 25 (R.Campbell-Gillard, W. Penisini, B. Cartwright, C. Gutherson tries: M. Moses 3 goals, field goal) vs Gold Coast Titans 24 (A. Khan-Pereeria 2, P. Sami, T. Boyd tries; T. Boyd 4 goals).

Crowd: 12,599

Sunshine Coast

So we've been in Australia for 2 weeks, doing the family thing. On the 7th Mom, was flying back to the US, so I booked flights for me, B & L to go to the Sunshine Coast and catch up with some friends who I haven't seen since at least 5 years ago when I was here last.

We only had a couple hours wait with Robbie before we were on any easy 2 hour flight to Maroochydore. We were picked up by Tawnie and taken to the Kern's house. Kern, Robbie, Luke, & Luvvo I've known for 35 years, and they've known each other longer, so even after 5 years, when we get together, it's like it was last weekend. Kern has a couple of boys, SK & BK, around B &L's age. They were weirdly wary of each other for about an hour, when they started playing a game on the trampoline. That was it - they were as good a friends as the adults were. They were inseparable for the weekend. After spending the afternoon at Alexandra Headland Beach, we had an evening in at the Kerns and were joined by the Luvvos, the Marshes and Creany. Just fantastic to see everyone.

S, L, B & B at Alexandra Headland Beach, Queensland

Saturday morning was BK's soccer match in the morning, then we headed up to the Cooroy Bowls Club. Taken over by Your Mates Brewery, this casual Bowls Club does a barefoot Saturday afternoon for all and sundry. So about 20 of us had a bowl and a couple of beers. B & L did really well for 2 kids that had never heard of bowls before today. The did Grandddad Great proud. Fun afternoon in a Queensland "winter".

Your Mates Brewery @ Cooroy Bowls Club

After bowls it was off to Noosaville and a night at the Luvvos. As soon as we got there, all the boys (kid boys, not adult boys - gotta distinguish that now) headed into the backyard and were playing soccer like theyd known each other 24 years - not 24 hours. Luvvos, Kerns, Marshes, Creans, Robbie and even Hayden and his 2 girls enjoyed the evenings barbie, music and catch up around the fire. A tinge of sadness that I don't do this more often couldn't beat the overwhelming happiness of the night for me. Catching up with great mates and a second generation forging new friendships. Very cool. We all stayed in various parts of the Luvvo house. A couple of caravans parked in the driveway, B, L & I had the guest house, while the main house filled out with a tom other people.

A barbeque breakfast made for a slow start to Sunday morning, but once we cleaned up, it was back to the Kerns for lunch before Kern, Robbie & I went out to Mudjimba Beach and hung out for the afternoon. The kids were somewhere in their own world. From there we took Rob back to the airport, and then spent the evening at the the Kerns in Buderim.

Me, Bob & Kern @ Mudjuimba Beach

On Monday Queensland kids went back to school after their winter break. This was the perfect opportunity for L, B & I to go to Australia Zoo. Just an absolute ripper of a day. Perfect weather and barely anyone in the park. We saw literally every animal as B controlled the map. And we spent a full 7 hours in the park. The highlight was wathcing the boys feeding and patting the kangaroos - not something they'd get to do most days. Also was a big fan of the Crocoseum. You can definitely see the legacy of Steve Irwin when you seen the show they put on. One last, exhausted night with the Kerns. What a treat! It was special to finally meet his boys and see the life they have set up for themselves on the Sunshine Coast. And to see our boys mucking around like we did as kids (and in out 20's) was just the best.

L & B @ Australia Zoo

Obligitory Koala Picture @ Australia Zoo

Kangaroo Feeding Area @ Australia Zoo

On the Tuesday morning, after the Kerns left for work and school we were picked up by Aunty Trish and driven out to Mooloolabah, where we met my cosuin and her family for lunch at the surfclub. It was great to spend time with Trish, Kara, Cameron and Archie. Again, these trips back to Australia only come about once in a blue moon, so any chance for a catch up is a blessing. Trish drove us out to the airport and the boys and I said farewell to a magic 4 nights on the Sunshine Coast - their first venture ouside Sydney and the Central Coast, and only my 2nd visit there (the first in nearly 30 years).

Till next time

Bateau Bay, NSW

On 13 November I flew back to Australia to attend Nanna F's funeral.  As awful reason to go home, but glad I got the chance, after missing the last 2 funerals of my grandparents.  Didn't spend a lot of times with friends, but got to be with family when it was needed.

Nanna F

L, Me, B, Nanna F & Nanny - August 2018

b 23 March 1926
Paddington, New South Wales, Australia

d 7 November 2018
Killarney Vale, New South Wales, Australia
Aged 92

Preceded in death, in 2014, by husband of 66 years, Ivan 

Survived by her children

Garry (d 2009), Suzanne, Lindsay & Margaret

her grandchildren

Joanne, Michael, Shayne, Grant, Luke, Kelly & Holly

her great-grandchildren

Erin, Brooke, Hayley, Daniel, Kody, Dylan, Ethan, Riley, Leila, Indiana, Lucy, Jayden, Barrett, Leland,  & Max

and her great-great grandchildren

Oliver, & Jonathan

A beautiful memorial was held for Nan on 16 November 2018 at Palmdale, where family and friends gathered to celebrate life Nan's life.  I made the trip home to join the celebtrations, and so glad I did.  I will never forget the childhood summers we spent with Nan & Granddad at Long Jetty.  The teenage years where she would visit me on every shift at Best & Less, and know every teenage girl's grandparents from the Bateau Bay Bowling Club.  The adult years of dinners and pokies waiting for Granddad and Col on Anzac Day.  And the joy of seeing my twin boys be with Nan and her twin Aunty Vi.  I'm so glad  we came home last summer to see you.

Central Coast Advocate Obituary - 22 November 2018

Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite @ Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

Well, what an amazing end to a wonderful weekend!

I started the day at Pancake on the Rocks for breakfast and the walked around to the Opera House to pick up tickets for tonight's show.  I'm still amazed I have never seen a concert in this room (there was the 1996 Crowded House fiasco on the steps), though I vaguely remember seeing the Sydney Symphony Orchestra perform on a Year 10 excursion.  But that was 30 years ago.

A arrived in Sydney just after 1pm and we spent the afternoon walking around the Rocks Market before coming back to our magnificent room (32nd floor Harbour View of the Four Seasons) to relax as she is still struggling a little with the time change.

Our plan was to walk to Otto and meet the Barnes' and Cammells' for dinner.  Unfortunately I forgot about the Botanic Gardens shutting their gates each night.  But a quick Uber rectified that problem and it wasn't long before we were sitting outside catching up for the first time in 4 - 7 years.  The fact we were sitting outside, even though under a gas heater, is a testament to the wonderful weather we're having during the Sydney "winter".  Dinner was outstanding, and the company as fun as always.  Then to top off dinner we caught a water taxi back to the Opera House - acting like that's how we get to every concert.  Many a photo was taken using this spectacular harbour as a backdrop.  I truly count my blessing for the friends and life I have.

We got into our seats and literally moments later Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite and band walked onto the stage.  I had seen them 5 years ago at The Fillmore and had a blast.  Tonight was going to top that.  While it took a few songs for Harper to acknowledge the crowd, when he did, he shared the love.  He seemed happy with the reaction, more than happy to share the adoration with his great band and be completely humbled by the room.  And let's talk about that for a minute.  The sound was shear PERFECTION.  In complete contrast to the mixing disaster that was Tumbleweed last night, I am not sure I have had better sound at a gig before.  So good were the acoustics I, and everyone else in the audience, were afraid to talk in fear of interrupting this most beautiful of sound.  

This set of songs were also amazing.  Between Harper's voice, the unreal band Musselwhite's harmonica and occasion blues-graveled voice each song was better than the last.  The Trump dedicated I Don't Believe A Word You Say received a rapturous welcome and then a fantastic follow up of I'm In I'm Out and I'm Gone were the 2 songs which really set the tone for the rest of the night.  Trust You To Dig My Grave was a great song and of course everyone was super pumped for the finale - When The Levee Breaks.

A five song encore made you wish this night would never end.  Long Legged Woman was fantastic.  A cover of the Beatles Yer Blues was a song I didn't recognize but still very bluesy.  However the show stopper was All That Matters Now.  Like the Charlotte show, Harper sang this without the aid of a microphone.  Unlike the Charlotte show where we fought to hear the song, Harper's voice carried perfectly to all corners of the room and left everyone stuck in their seats when it was done.

When I was home and looking for something to take Amy to the Opera House to see, I was blown away that Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite was an option.  The fact we could get 6 good seats together was more amazing.  But there was nothing that could prepare me for how good the performance was - I'd hate to be the next show I see at the Opera House as standards have been set super high.  I read a review a couple of days later that also summed things up well in another perspective.  People coming to see Harper play his well known Innocent Criminals songs may have been initially disappointed, but would have left with a whole new respect for this great music.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 444th concert.

Concert Hall is the 122nd venue I've seen a concert in.

This is my 50th concert in Sydney.

This is my 184th concert in New South Wales.

This is my 187th concert in Australia.
This is my 2nd Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite concert.

Tumbleweed, Pink Fits, Electric Guitars & Enfant Terrible @ Marrickville Bowlo

20 years since I've seen my favorite Australian band, and this my 19th time.  And they happen to tour on a rare occasion that I'm at home.  Too good!

I had come to Sydney from Mum's earlier in the day to spend some time wandering Sydney.  I'm staying at the beautiful Four Seasons, in a room overlooking the Harbour, Bridge and Opera House.  Very Spoiled!  The day took me from the Rocks, to the Opera House, up to my beloved Red Eye Records, before coming back to the hotel to rest before the night, and take in the sights.

A train out to Marrickville made to see a gig.  Home sweet home!  Met Marbs there and we went in search of dinner.  Fortunately Regs and Phil found us and we headed to The Henson for dinner.  A good Aussie pub meal  on top of the day and what was to come.  Talk about trying to persuade me to move back to Oz.

We got to the venue way to early.  I usually try and at least listen to the opening bands, but good company kept me distracted and Enfant Terrible, The Electric Guitars and The Pink Fits came and went without grabbing my attention.

For the Weed, Regs and I moved up front.  They were playing their self-titled debut from start to finish and I wanted to be right there, taken back in time to my early 20's, and see if the band still had it.  They do.  From the opening chords of Sundial, Richie had the arm-waving, hip-swaying, doubled-over, hair-flying moves I can no longer do.  The pace was a bit faster than the record, but the band was into it.  Unfortunately the sound guy wasn't!  It was so ear-piercingly loud (of course I'd forgotten earplugs) even I was uncomfortable.  After God we retreated to the back of the venue where, despite the crowd's lack of interest so far back, sound was bearable.  Acid Rain sounded great, considering I once heard the band say they'd never do that song live.  But I thing the set really kicked on after the album was finished.  The 4 song bridge from album to encore were the magnificent Daddy Long Legs, Stoned, Carousel and Shakedown. 

After hearing Silver Lizard and Hang Around we decided to leave (hey it was after 1am and we're not getting any younger).  I wish I had stayed as I could here Rainbow Waterwillow being played at a cracking pace to finish off the encore.

I can't believe that Tumbleweed can still put on as good a show as when I first saw them 25 years ago at the Zoo in Long Jetty.  I'm glad that they are still together, after a couple of hiatuses, and hope I get to see them again one day.  In the meantime I'll remember the good music and great company of the night.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 443rd concert.

Marrickville Bowlo is the 121st venue I've seen a concert in.

This is my 2nd concert in Marrickville.

This is my 183rd concert in New South Wales.

This is my 186th concert in Australia.
Enfant Terrible are the 511th band I've seen.

Enfant Terrible are the 1000th time I've seen a band.
The Electric Guitars are the 512th band I've seen.
The Pink Fits is the 513th band I've seen.
This is my 19th Tumbleweed concert.

Jeff Martin @ Long Jetty Hotel

It's been 4 months shy of 20 years since I had seen a show at the Jetty (Sprung Monkey back when it was the Zoo).  The set up has changed drastically as the pub is rarely used for concerts anymore.  Gone is the larger stage and the bar running along the far wall.  Now a small stage sits in the corner of the room - perfect for The Tea Party singer's solo show.

I love The Tea Party, so to see Jeff Martin in my home pub, when I just happen to be in Australia, was an opportunity I was not going to miss, and the start of my weekend of rock.  It was a mellow night (except for a few in the crowd that needed to fuck it up for everyone).  A great mix of Tea Party songs and covers.  For me the highlight was actually his cover of U2's With or Without You, a song I'm not a fan of, but I enjoyed this version.  

Was surprised that I didn't run into anyone I knew, but after 20 years I may just not recognize people.  This weekend back in Charlotte, Liverpool is playing, and I was devastated that this was announced the day after we booked our trip back to Australia, however if the rest of the weekend goes well, I be more than happy.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 442nd concert.

This is my 22nd concert at Long Jetty Hotel.

This is my 22nd concert at Long Jetty.

This is my 182nd concert in New South Wales.

This is my 185th concert in Australia.
Jeff Martin is the 510th band I've seen.

Disney On Ice @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre

Before we came out to Australia and we were looking for things to do, K bought all of us tickets to Disney On Ice up at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.  I'm not sure why I've never been here before.  Much smaller than the Sydney Entertainment Centre, and not a bad seat in the house as seen by the fact we were in the last row and had a fantastic view.

The Boys, Nanny and us drove up separately from the K, J, LF & M and we arrived a little early.  But a beautiful winter's day let us sit in the sun while we waited.  A few years ago, a show like this would have been my worst nightmare, but I love taking the boys somewhere where I can watch them take it all in.

The show itself was great.  A bunch of Disney classics were told in a shortened skating version.  LF & M knew all the characters and stories, while the boys and I had no idea who some of these people were.  The kids loved it.  And the performers were fantastic.  The stuff they did in those costumes and on ice, defies all forms of logic.

Never have I seen so many kids in one spot, but no nervous breakdown was had.  Everyone, parents and kids alike, had a blast.  And for me the drive up the Freeway and back home via Swansea and the back way, was a great trip down memory lane.

L, Me & B @ Disney On Ice - Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow, NSW

Oxnard, CA to Bateau Bay, NSW

On 30 June we started our journey back to Australia to see family.  Flying out to Los Angeles, we drove up to spend a couple of days with AC before flying out to Sydney on 2 July.  

The fight was just me and the boys.  A would join us in the middle 2 weeks of us being there.  Boys slept well on the fight and when they woke up, they were able to watch 2 World Cup games that took us all the way to arrival in Sydney.  Unfortunately the motion of the plane didn't agree with either of them and L will pretty ill going through customs and immigration.

Bateau Bay, NSW

This is it!  Last full day in Australia.  It started with breakfast for A and I at the Surf's Up Cafe at The Entrance with Barnesy.  After 3 weeks of the summery, outdoor life, I'm sure it's gonna be hard to adjust to the Charlotte winter when we get back.

We bought the boys back down to the water park at the Entrance. We took Mum and Nan with us and met Lindsay and Val, and Dad and Kathleen down there. Wanted the boys to see the pelican feeding, but there were so many people around, it was a miss for them.  The kids got one last ride on the carousel, something Nan so desperately wanted to see.  The kids were only glad to oblige.  Mum drove Nan home, so this was our last goodbye to her.  It was tough.  And hard to explain to the boys why dad was crying.  After Nan H and Granddad F not ever meeting the boys, having Nan do so was the most important part of this trip for me.  And makes me resolve to get back sooner rather than later.

 L, LF & B - To The Carousel

We stopped for dinner at the Entrance Leagues Club.  Again because there is a play area for the kids to go wild in, while the adults ate.  I like that this is where we spend our last light at home.  I ran into Bairdy, from the old soccer days, it was somewhere A hadn't been to (Still can't bring myself to take her to the Ming yet - maybe next trip) and I saw a club that is unrecognizable from when we use to come here as young adults and hang out.

I really am dreading tomorrow.

The rarest of photos - Mum & Dad, Me & K and the 4 Grandkids

Bateau Bay, NSW

Because the boys love Thomas, and the tram in Charlotte, I thought I'd take them, and Mum, out for a ride on the train.  Just a quick one - Tuggerah to Woy Woy and back. We were out at Tuggerah at 10ish, later than peak hour.  Shouldn't be a problem right?  Except that it's New Years Eve and every man and his dog is heading to Sydney for the day / night.  The train is packed to the rafters , so we only got as far as Gosford, before we jumped off and came back.  The train back was great, pretty much had the carriage to ourselves as the boys enjoyed the view and the thrill of being on a train.

B, Nanny & L @ Tuggerah Station

We picked up A on the way back to Shelly Beach to eat lunch.  A stop at Blythe's Fish n Chip shop (my favourite food place on the planet) had me over order for one last time as we set up on the grass at Shelley.  Uncle Lindsay and Aunty Val also came down to join us.  Here is another activity I'll miss - the luxury of always being so close to the beach.

After lunch we went down to Kincumber, to the K & J's, for LF's Birthday Party.  K & J have a great house for hosting and have put on a great do for family, neighbours and friends.  B loved the opportunity to hold some more animals again (hold a crocodile - sure!) while L was in his element on the slip and slide.  King Of The Kids, J, had everyone entertained all day.  While K put on a spread that was fit for kings.  No wonder her business, Yummy In Their Tummy, is a success.

K, LF, M & J on LF's 5th Birthday

Bateau Bay, NSW

Today we celebrate LF's 5th birthday, so Nan, Mum, and us meet K, J, LF & M at the Davistown RSL for lunch, where the kids can play outside.  The kids, especially the birthday girl, had a great time.  A great park for kids to play in, while we sat outside in the shade.  Typical RSL food and good drink prices made for a fun day all round.

Me, Nan & Kel @ Davistown RSL

I have only noticed since being home how different the Pub / Club culture is here compared to the US.  Here the focus is on the family.  Come and have a beer, some food, we'll let the kids play in a dedicated area outside.  I just can't think of anywhere in Charlotte, or Vegas for that matter, that is that way inclined.

The leaving-blues are hitting harder and harder each day, so much so that late this afternoon I got a migraine and had to nap it off.  Meaning little was done in the evening.

Bateau Bay, NSW

Today I wanted to spend some time with Nan F.  In the last year and a half I've lost Granddad F and Nanna H, so any time spent from now on with Nanna F is precious.  I drove her out to Palmdale, where Granddad F is buried.  I hate that I didn't come home for his funeral, but I wanted to make sure that I got out to see where he is.  It's also a good thing for Nan.  Such a mixed day for feelings.  I miss all my grandparents, alive or not, so to be with Nan (on my own - awesome) where Granddad is laid to rest (sad) made for a emotional day.  We sat at the cafe at Palmdale and just hung out and talked in the good weather.  It will be hard to say goodbye to her when we leave.  We went back to her place and spent the afternoon doing the thing she loved, watching the cricket. A good day for me.

Granddad's Plaque at Palmdale

Late in the afternoon, A, the boys and I drove around to have dinner with Dad, Manuia and Kathleen.  I can't believe dad's place.  It is literally on the Wamberal  Beach.  Only 20 yards of grass separate the unit from the sand.  Salmon and a mango salad was a perfect dinner for a summer's eve.  I wish the surf hadn't been so rough so we could have let the boys have a swim.  

Wrapping up this holiday is starting to get hard.  Only a few days left to spend with everyone, and who knows when we'll get to see them again.

Bateau Bay, NSW

After breakfast with Robbie, Linda and Toby we (with Robbie and Toby) headed into Darling Harbour to wander around with the Barnesahans.  A last catch up before we head home later next week.  A nice day and the kids had fun playing in the park and the water.  We took the train (for the boys sake) over to the shopping area where we had lunch and then walked back over the Pyrmont Bridge to where the car was parked.  It has been great seeing the Robbie & Linda, and Greg & Jill and meeting their new families.  The same can be said for everyone on the trip (Reggae & Phil, Benno & Jane, Creany & Katy, Brooke & Adam, and Luke & Nikki), living so far away and not having the opportunity until now to see old friends in a different place in life has been amazing.

L&B @ Darling Harbour

The drive back up the Coast was uneventful, just another trip down memory lane.  The boys napped a bit in the car and were well up for a visit from their cousins in the afternoon at Mums.  We stayed in and ordered Thai.  K stayed for dinner, but the kids went home early, very tired.

Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers @ ANZ Stadium

This morning we drove down to Epping for our biggest adventure of the trip. Epping was the venue for Tex's birthday. A beautiful park where the kids had a blast and we got to catch up with Reggae & Phil, Barnes, Matt, Creany & Katy, Robbie and his folks (another we hadn't seen since I left Oz in 2000).  

Katy, Creany, Me & A

Thought we'd run the boys ragged and they might relax as we drove to Reggae and Phil's for a barbie lunch.  But there was no stopping them.  Even Tex powered through with a couple of buddies to run around the backyard with.  It was great to have just some alone time with Phil and Regs.  They've been great friends over the years and nearly 3 years since we'd seen them.  Not quite the same as before, now that there are 3 kids between us, but great fun.

After lunch we drove to Robbie and Linda's, where we are staying tonight.  A and Linda are staying at home as the boys are off to the cricket with a large crew.  I wanted A to come, but she didn't want to leave Linda to fend for herself, but any excuse for her not to go to the cricket.  We went to the 20/20 match (my first - this format has only come about in the last few years) at ANZ Stadium between the Sydney Thunder and The Sydney Sixers.  Thanks to Paula we have the luxury of the Commonwealth Bank's private box, right behind the bowler's arm.  The irony of being in the best box, owned by Commonwealth Bank, in ANZ Stadium, is not lost on me.  The most phenomenal seats with an awesome crew - Bob, Dave & son, Mick & Lara, Brooke, Adam and Mrs Summers, Buddha and Panos, and Philby.  The Sixers won by 16 runs, which didn't matter because both teams we're from Sydney so we couldn't lose.  Was a great game (11 sixes in a game is pretty impressive), but it was more about the company.

Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder, ANZ Stadium