All Work and Little Play, allows fun later?

G'day mates.

At this point I really never say g'day. Some people do, but I think that it is not really something that is said in cities. I am starting to equate it to "Howdy." I would imagine that an Aussie who started a blog documenting a year long stint in America may start off each post with something to the effect of:

-Howdy Y'all!
-Sup Dawgs?
-Yooooo

I'm still going to stick with g'day to keep your Hollywood depictions of Oz alive and well.

Real life in Oz has not been filled with any Kangaroos or Crocs recently. Although, lots of chefs at work wear the Croc shoes. Gay. Riley and I have been doing everything we can to save money. We typically get about 4 shifts per week at the restaurant and 1 catering event every two weeks. Last night (Sunday) we catered for a massive Jewish wedding. The Jewish population is very different here. They are an EXTREMELY tight knit, and wealthy, community. They are scarcely allowed to socialize with, let alone marry outside of said community. That being said, there are some issues within the Hacidic groups. There tends to be a fair amount of inbreeding that produces some noticable genetic deformities...I don't want to say "Super Jews"...but, you get the idea.

The wedding was really glamorous. It was in a venue that overlooks the whole of Melbourne with nearly a 360 view. Luckily, for the second half of the evening, I got to work alone behind a low traffic bar with an amazing view in 65 degree weather and plenty of kosher wine at my disposal. Maziltoff (when it comes to Hebrew, I'm strictly phoenetical, correct me if you want Ely).

The Kosher aspect of the event was interesting. It was extremely strict with a Rabbi in our kitchen making sure everything was Kosher (in a non-colloqiual sense). The kosher wine was pretty horrendous, but the food was all pretty tasty. Overall, it was a really fun event to work because of the great weather, views, and the fact that I snagged the best job available.

All of the money earned from work has gone to eat and paying rent with the occasional night out. Recently, however, we decided to splurge and go to the Australian Open. Then we realized that the tickets to the main stages were sold out. Oh, well. We got grounds passes, which ended up being a much better investment. We only watched two matches live. Both Men's Doubles. Eh. The highlight was a match involving Fernando Gonzalez. He is an outstanding player, so naturally doubles means nothing to him. He was getting into it with the crowd and his coach and girlfriend (good looking Chilean Tennis player = ridiculous girlfriend) were sitting right in front of us. That was interesting because after close calls he would look up to his coach to determine just how close it was. It was great being there just to say I have gone. The best tennis experience of the week, however, was during the Murray vs. Cilic semi-final.

Riley and I went to a place called Federation Square with all of our English friends to watch the match. Federation Square is a public area with a massive projection screen that plays lots of significant sporting matches. For events like the Australian Open, it draws quite a crowd. This is what it looks like:



It was a great atmosphere. We brought some "goon" (box wine) and made a night out of it. The English dudes love their chants. My favorite one was stolen from the entourage that followed prize fighter and blue collar Brit Ricky Hatton. Sung to the tune of Winter Wonderland..."There's only oneeeee Andy Murray! There's only oneeeee Andy Murray! Walkin' along, singin' a song. Walkin' in a Murray Wonderland...There's only oneeeee Andy Murray! There's only oneeeee Andy Murray! He used to be shite, but now he's alright. Walkin' in a Murray Wonderland."

Another humorous line I heard a lot throughout the match was the British folk shouting, "C'mon Tim!" This being an allusion to Britain's Champion that never was, Tim Henman. Poor Guy. I, for one, would never want to have the weight of British fans resting solely on my shoulders to win in Tennis.

The funny thing is, Murray is Scottish and has been quoted, when asked who he will support in the world cup, "Anyone who is playing England." As England is playing the USA in the first round, I guess he is supporting America. And William Wallace.

FREEEEEEDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!


Unfortunately, we worked last night so we couldn't watch the final. As if there were a chance that Murray would win.

Before lacrosse starts, we really want to take some sort of trip outside of Melbourne. As of now, the plan sounds pretty awesome.

For all of you who have no idea where Kansas is, let alone Melbourne, it is in the very South-East of Australia. Our plan is to rent a camper-van and drive North through the Bush/Outback until we are parallel with Sydney and have taken out a minumum of 3 dingos each through any means necessary. At that point we will go East to Sydney, spend a few nights there with Casey Krauss (Pete's sister lives there currently), then travel down the east coast hitting all of the major cities. Should be a blast. If we remember to drive on the wrong side of the road, that is.

In other news, Trance Armstrong and Beat Sampras will be headlining Ladies Night at the 29th Apartment tonight. So if you want to catch a $1500 return flight, get on it now. We start at 9pm-3am. Free Champagne for girls from 9-11. Then they will all leave. Getting paid $40 and free drinks. We are in the big time, I tell ya.

4 months down, 8 to go. Cheers.