Saturday January 3rd

I still can't believe how lucky I am to have been in the Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open!
We had fantastic seats thanks to Tristram and Sara, exactly the view one sees on TV. In fact the cameras were just below us.

 

The first game was a women singles match between Strycova and Muguruzu, won by Strycova against the 3rd seed. Azarenko , seeded 14 then beat Osaka and Stan Wawrinka beat Lucas Rosol. Wawrinka was wearing vivid orange and yellow which I remarked looked like a high vis outfit. Funnily enough he then remarked on it in his after match interview. There was a funny moment in Azarenko's interview when the commentator alluded to her listening to country and western music which she hotly denied. Instead of leaving it the interview went on to insist that she liked country and western which she had to deny again. It was very amateur stuff from the interviewer and made everyone laugh. He was not to be bowed though and insisted on his point. All very odd. 

 

It was all well organised with free buses from town and plenty of places to eat (and buy expensive merchandise!) As usual there were empty seats where blocks had been sold for corporate hospitality; all very necessary perhaps but still annoying for fans who then cannot get seats.

 

After our stint on  Rod Laver we went to watch some doubles. We saw Heather Watson and Jamie Murray, (so fast!) and went to see Ivanovic but the match was suspended following the collapse of her coach. (Now recovering) and we had time for a glimpse of Andy Murray who seemed , as usual, to be making heavy weather of his match.

 

In between matches the hoover the court! Everything sounds so much louder, the twang on the strings, echoes on the court , exhaled breath, everything. The atmosphere really is electric.  A wonderful day!

 

Sunday 24th

 

Today we went to see some of Melbourne's highlights, starting with breakfast in the popular café district. Despite a grey start to the day the pavement cafés were full, and there was a lively, noisy atmosphere. Melbourne is apparently well known for its café culture and Charles really enjoyed it but  I'm not convinced. I prefer my Sunday breakfast to be more leisurely and less visible!

 

We then walked to the lovely Botanic Gardens, where we had a very late lunch

 

 

and Charles went off to explore whilst I sat in Federation Square and watched the Djokavic game on the big screen with a very participative crowd!

 

The Melbourne Centre for Contemporary Art has a wonderful exhibition of modern furniture, and a stunning sculpture garden. The entrance hall has an exhibit made entirely from bicycle frames.

 

 

  In the evening we visited the food stalls on the south bank of the river and watched the entertainers and the tennis. (Every few hundred yards the pubs, cafés and even restaurants were playing the singles match with the new Aussie favourite; Daria Gavrilova).