Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
London - New York - LA
Ok so I am now in LA after having the best last few weeks in London and New York. Here's whats happened...
I saw Blood Brothers in London which was really cool and ended up going to the A Team after party. Thanks Rhi! I had a few meetings with agents and casting agents which was really cool. I hadn't sung in such a long time (well it felt like a long time, 6 weeks!) so i did a really big warm up before hand and went in there and did my best musical theatre audition. Not for anything in particular, just let them know that i'm around if something comes up. It gave me such a buzz.
Went for a few more runs around Hyde Park, had a few more moments just staring at Royal Albert Hall, just trying to picture what it would be like to perform at the awesome venue. I also had a similar moment in New York just staring at Carnegie Hall. But i'll get to that a little later.
Met up with some more friends and finished my second book of the trip, Tim Winton's Breath. Really cool story of life and the choices you make. Now reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and i'm completely hooked. No book has got me like this since Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
So after cooking dinner for my mates Trav and Jade, bless their hearts for letting me doss on the couch for that long. I promise to repay the debt ten fold one day. Thanks also to Chris as well...
So New York with Wendy started off really cool, a yellow taxi driving (with awesome driver) over the bridge and looking onto Manhatten. We stayed in the Upper East right next to Central Park which was just perfect. I took the couch, Wendy took the bed. Good move Mills, there was a bit of traffic noise in the morning that i didn't get. yesss. We changed positions a few nights later. I'm a good boy.
I went for a huge run the first morning around the park and ended up catching the last bit of Black Eyed Peas for GMA in the park. So cool. I think i ran around and through the park 3 times in the week that we were there.
The best thing about New York for me was that i got a chance to see some new cool shows. The first was Memphis which was spectacular. It is quite possibly the most polished piece of musical theatre that i have seen. A must! I can't see it coming to Australia so get to it people.
Next To Normal - Is the one everyone is talking about in New York. It was a really cool story and had a sort of Spring Awakening type vibe to it. Rocky riffs (which were not mixed well at all, i hate bad mixing) and some really emotional moments but i think only one memorable song.
American Idiot - Just brilliant. It was mixed like a rock show so you could feel the music deep in your body but still had the vocals up loud to get all the lyrics and story to your ears. It was like moving art. I really enjoyed this and hope it comes to Australia. Would love to play the best mate in the show.
In The Heights - The best dancing/choree i have ever seen. The songs and story a little lack luster. But all the performances were incredible. I can see why it won all those awards. It took musical theatre to a new level.
Lend Me A Tenor - This was my favourite of the week. It is a old play which was brilliantly cast and acted. Check the website for the details. It is a must see and i would love to do this show in Australia. I laughed the whole way through. Genius.
So they're the shows and i also went on a bike tour, well i can't really say it was a whole tour of people, i was lucky enough to be the only one on the tour, so i rode around Manhatten with my tour guide Rob. He was a Belgium guy who had been in New York for 7 years and worked about 30 different jobs. He was working three at the time i met him. I suppose you just have to keep yourself busy to stay afloat in that city. He was a really top bloke with his head screwed on right and full of awesome information. We rode for a bout 3 hours, checking out Time Square, Madison Square Garden, Wall St, Brooklyn bridge, Ground Zero and the new awesome riding track up the west side of Manhatten. Free Wi-fi in the parks there!
Also checked out MOMA and a little bit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They had the coolest moving sculpture on the roof. Beautiful sunset up there too looking over Central Park. Oh and went up to the Top Of The Rock. I think the best views in the city.
Went to the east village and the west village a couple of times for dinner and drinking. Both amazing places, so many bars and restaurants. Went to one bar which i had to enter through a telephone booth. Ridiculous. Good Cocktails though.
One thing about New York in Summer... It's so MUGGY! Hot and Sticky is not cool for travelling to meetings when you're all dressed up. Loved the vibe there though and would happily move there in a second.
So now, in LA, had a few meetings and have a few more to go... Went and saw B.B.King and Buddy Guy last night at the Hollywood Bowl which was awe inspiring. Such presence and warmth and generosity from both artists. And all of the muso's on stage were so tight. Awesome mix too. Had a great time and caught up with an old mate after.
Think we are going to check out this Art Walk in Downtown LA tonight. Free music and entry to art galleries. Sounds really cool.
Speak soon
Behave....
And let's hope the Hawks make the finals... I'm home next week!!!
Rob
I saw Blood Brothers in London which was really cool and ended up going to the A Team after party. Thanks Rhi! I had a few meetings with agents and casting agents which was really cool. I hadn't sung in such a long time (well it felt like a long time, 6 weeks!) so i did a really big warm up before hand and went in there and did my best musical theatre audition. Not for anything in particular, just let them know that i'm around if something comes up. It gave me such a buzz.
Went for a few more runs around Hyde Park, had a few more moments just staring at Royal Albert Hall, just trying to picture what it would be like to perform at the awesome venue. I also had a similar moment in New York just staring at Carnegie Hall. But i'll get to that a little later.
Met up with some more friends and finished my second book of the trip, Tim Winton's Breath. Really cool story of life and the choices you make. Now reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and i'm completely hooked. No book has got me like this since Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
So after cooking dinner for my mates Trav and Jade, bless their hearts for letting me doss on the couch for that long. I promise to repay the debt ten fold one day. Thanks also to Chris as well...
So New York with Wendy started off really cool, a yellow taxi driving (with awesome driver) over the bridge and looking onto Manhatten. We stayed in the Upper East right next to Central Park which was just perfect. I took the couch, Wendy took the bed. Good move Mills, there was a bit of traffic noise in the morning that i didn't get. yesss. We changed positions a few nights later. I'm a good boy.
I went for a huge run the first morning around the park and ended up catching the last bit of Black Eyed Peas for GMA in the park. So cool. I think i ran around and through the park 3 times in the week that we were there.
The best thing about New York for me was that i got a chance to see some new cool shows. The first was Memphis which was spectacular. It is quite possibly the most polished piece of musical theatre that i have seen. A must! I can't see it coming to Australia so get to it people.
Next To Normal - Is the one everyone is talking about in New York. It was a really cool story and had a sort of Spring Awakening type vibe to it. Rocky riffs (which were not mixed well at all, i hate bad mixing) and some really emotional moments but i think only one memorable song.
American Idiot - Just brilliant. It was mixed like a rock show so you could feel the music deep in your body but still had the vocals up loud to get all the lyrics and story to your ears. It was like moving art. I really enjoyed this and hope it comes to Australia. Would love to play the best mate in the show.
In The Heights - The best dancing/choree i have ever seen. The songs and story a little lack luster. But all the performances were incredible. I can see why it won all those awards. It took musical theatre to a new level.
Lend Me A Tenor - This was my favourite of the week. It is a old play which was brilliantly cast and acted. Check the website for the details. It is a must see and i would love to do this show in Australia. I laughed the whole way through. Genius.
So they're the shows and i also went on a bike tour, well i can't really say it was a whole tour of people, i was lucky enough to be the only one on the tour, so i rode around Manhatten with my tour guide Rob. He was a Belgium guy who had been in New York for 7 years and worked about 30 different jobs. He was working three at the time i met him. I suppose you just have to keep yourself busy to stay afloat in that city. He was a really top bloke with his head screwed on right and full of awesome information. We rode for a bout 3 hours, checking out Time Square, Madison Square Garden, Wall St, Brooklyn bridge, Ground Zero and the new awesome riding track up the west side of Manhatten. Free Wi-fi in the parks there!
Also checked out MOMA and a little bit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They had the coolest moving sculpture on the roof. Beautiful sunset up there too looking over Central Park. Oh and went up to the Top Of The Rock. I think the best views in the city.
Went to the east village and the west village a couple of times for dinner and drinking. Both amazing places, so many bars and restaurants. Went to one bar which i had to enter through a telephone booth. Ridiculous. Good Cocktails though.
One thing about New York in Summer... It's so MUGGY! Hot and Sticky is not cool for travelling to meetings when you're all dressed up. Loved the vibe there though and would happily move there in a second.
So now, in LA, had a few meetings and have a few more to go... Went and saw B.B.King and Buddy Guy last night at the Hollywood Bowl which was awe inspiring. Such presence and warmth and generosity from both artists. And all of the muso's on stage were so tight. Awesome mix too. Had a great time and caught up with an old mate after.
Think we are going to check out this Art Walk in Downtown LA tonight. Free music and entry to art galleries. Sounds really cool.
Speak soon
Behave....
And let's hope the Hawks make the finals... I'm home next week!!!
Rob
Monday, July 26, 2010
Cape Town - London - Scotland - London
Welcome back,
As it is a bit of a rainy day here in London i thought what better way to spend the day then to get you up to speed with life OS.
I spent the rest of my time in Cape Town with some cool blokes from Perth. They had had their own "Frothing" tour going for the entire World Cup. Complete with matching shirts, jackets, shorts, you name it. It was very very clever. And by the sounds of it, a lot cheaper then the Fanatics and they stayed in Hotels, not camping in tents! Well done lads, hats off to your ingenuity.
Before i get to London, i must tell you about my time spent in the Joburg airport (waiting for my connecting flight). I sat in the Club room and read my book (The Book Thief) and pretty much wept for like 45 mins whilst finishing the book. I tried to cover my face from all the people in there... I don't know whether it was the sadness of leaving SA after three tremendous weeks or the the way the story was told. Probably a combination. But girls, if you loved the "Note Book", You'll love The Book Thief. Ok, i know that sounds pretty girly of me, but i just really enjoyed the story.
Now once in London, i got myself a SIM card for my phone and headed to one of the other terminals to meet up with The Doff (mate of mine who i travelled with in 06). That all went swimmingly. Went for a long walk through Hyde Park to get to my mates (Trav) place in Paddington and put on my Hawks strip for a kick in the park. It was all going well until Doff kicked one off the side of his boot and the ball and i ended up in the pond in the middle of the park! I grabbed one of the circular flotational devices (can't think of the proper word) which was attached to a rope and decided that we could throw it over the ball and drag it back to the edge. Nice in theory. I think it probably took us about 20 mins to get the ball. Doff with quite an expert throw lured the ball back to safety. We had gathered quite the crowd us by this stage and there was thunderous applause at the end of the saga. Even the copper, who had stopped to watch, seemed to be pleased. She said she would have fined us if we had've jumped in. haha!
I checked out Les Mis with one of the Jonas Brothers in it during my first week in London. It was just simply spectacular. I loved the staging and the darkness of it all. I don't think i would've liked it 4 years ago, but now, i feel i have a better understanding and appreciation for the style. I got fairly emotional at the end with Jean Val Jean, as this was the role that Rob Guest had played for many a year and the lead guy looked alot like Guesty. I urge you all to see it. I would love the chance to play Marius some day.
I checked out Tap Dogs as well here in London which was really really cool. My mate Sam, who you may have seen in Wicked, was kind enough to organise some tickets for me. It was only his second show but damn he was good! They all were. Jesse Rasmus, you're a little freak. And Adam is just spectacular. Make sure you check it out when it comes to Australia. Doff, who is not a big theatre lover, sat spellbound. He loved it, we all did. Had a cool little catch up drink after the show as well and saw some familiar faces from theatre back in OZ. I really like the vibe here and could definitely see myself fitting in ok in the London theatre scene.
Because London often has the stigma of drinking sessions attached to it, Doff and i were unlucky enough to be caught up in one of those sessions the night before our flight to Scotland. Needless to say, after getting home at 4am and needing to be up at 4.30am, we should not have gone to sleep that night. I slept through my alarm and the taxi man who had called to say he was out the front. Not cool. We did our best to try and make the flight but basically were laughed at by cab drivers saying "You'll never make it". They were right. With our heads down, we booked another flight for the next morning and decided to cut our losses. Fast Forward to arrival in Glasgow. We are in the wrong airport to where i had booked the hire car for pick up! Doff and i exchanged a few words and glances. "How was i to know?" i remember was the best defence from Doff. Earlier in the day at Gatwick we were informed that there would be a £20 fee to print our tickets as well. Damn you Ryanair!
Anyhoo after a £60 cab ride to the other airport, we picked up the car and starting driving out with Doff, Cam and some new Canadian guy we picked up in the plane called Greg who had an incredible moustache, to LochLomond to watch our mate Marcus Fraser in the Scottish Open.
It was wet, windy and pretty miserable to tell you the truth. But watching Marcus was very very cool. He ended up -1 for the tournament and finished in the top 20. We headed into Glasgow and drove around for a bit (with Greg the moustached Canadian) looking for a hotel. After comparing a few we dropped off our bags and i parked the car. I was left to share a room with Greg. Thanks boys. He was harmless, although just a little strange. I never trust a man with a moustache, unless he's my Dad.
We found a pub near by to watch the World Cup Final but didn't stay out too late... To tell you the truth i think i had driven for about 2 hours that day, walked for a bout 3 hours and had been up since 6am... It was nice to have a quiet one. Just not what i had invisiged for the Final after being in SA for the lead up to it. Not one person did the Waka Waka in Glasgow that i saw. And i couldn't hear one Vuvuzela (not necessarily a bad thing).
After dropping Greg back in Loch Lomond and deciding not to go to Edinburgh (i'm still a bit shattered about that. I was out voted 2-1) we started the big drive back to London. We did however have a stop over at Anfield Stadium for Doff. And we had a really awesome pub meal at a local pub near the Stadium. We given a few dirty looks as we sat in the pub by the locals mind you. I guess judging by our teeth they could tell we weren't from around there.
I have spent the last few weeks here in London just seeing some cool sites and doing a bit of shopping. I went and saw Get Him To The Greek which is ridiculously funny. I also saw Inception which is definitely worth a look also. I saw a great comedy act called Vinegar Knickers as well which was hilarious.
I had a really cool Xmas in July party with my mates friends in little Venice on Saturday and am now ready for a few meetings and a few shows this week.
I watched the Hawks play the Saints live on TV at a Walkabout pub last friday morning which was quite devastating. A DRAW!!! Bring on Extra Time i say.
Oh and a friend of mine got me tickets to the Knight and Day premiere last Thursday night which was a bit of fun.
Speak soon everybody.
Rob x
As it is a bit of a rainy day here in London i thought what better way to spend the day then to get you up to speed with life OS.
I spent the rest of my time in Cape Town with some cool blokes from Perth. They had had their own "Frothing" tour going for the entire World Cup. Complete with matching shirts, jackets, shorts, you name it. It was very very clever. And by the sounds of it, a lot cheaper then the Fanatics and they stayed in Hotels, not camping in tents! Well done lads, hats off to your ingenuity.
Before i get to London, i must tell you about my time spent in the Joburg airport (waiting for my connecting flight). I sat in the Club room and read my book (The Book Thief) and pretty much wept for like 45 mins whilst finishing the book. I tried to cover my face from all the people in there... I don't know whether it was the sadness of leaving SA after three tremendous weeks or the the way the story was told. Probably a combination. But girls, if you loved the "Note Book", You'll love The Book Thief. Ok, i know that sounds pretty girly of me, but i just really enjoyed the story.
Now once in London, i got myself a SIM card for my phone and headed to one of the other terminals to meet up with The Doff (mate of mine who i travelled with in 06). That all went swimmingly. Went for a long walk through Hyde Park to get to my mates (Trav) place in Paddington and put on my Hawks strip for a kick in the park. It was all going well until Doff kicked one off the side of his boot and the ball and i ended up in the pond in the middle of the park! I grabbed one of the circular flotational devices (can't think of the proper word) which was attached to a rope and decided that we could throw it over the ball and drag it back to the edge. Nice in theory. I think it probably took us about 20 mins to get the ball. Doff with quite an expert throw lured the ball back to safety. We had gathered quite the crowd us by this stage and there was thunderous applause at the end of the saga. Even the copper, who had stopped to watch, seemed to be pleased. She said she would have fined us if we had've jumped in. haha!
I checked out Les Mis with one of the Jonas Brothers in it during my first week in London. It was just simply spectacular. I loved the staging and the darkness of it all. I don't think i would've liked it 4 years ago, but now, i feel i have a better understanding and appreciation for the style. I got fairly emotional at the end with Jean Val Jean, as this was the role that Rob Guest had played for many a year and the lead guy looked alot like Guesty. I urge you all to see it. I would love the chance to play Marius some day.
I checked out Tap Dogs as well here in London which was really really cool. My mate Sam, who you may have seen in Wicked, was kind enough to organise some tickets for me. It was only his second show but damn he was good! They all were. Jesse Rasmus, you're a little freak. And Adam is just spectacular. Make sure you check it out when it comes to Australia. Doff, who is not a big theatre lover, sat spellbound. He loved it, we all did. Had a cool little catch up drink after the show as well and saw some familiar faces from theatre back in OZ. I really like the vibe here and could definitely see myself fitting in ok in the London theatre scene.
Because London often has the stigma of drinking sessions attached to it, Doff and i were unlucky enough to be caught up in one of those sessions the night before our flight to Scotland. Needless to say, after getting home at 4am and needing to be up at 4.30am, we should not have gone to sleep that night. I slept through my alarm and the taxi man who had called to say he was out the front. Not cool. We did our best to try and make the flight but basically were laughed at by cab drivers saying "You'll never make it". They were right. With our heads down, we booked another flight for the next morning and decided to cut our losses. Fast Forward to arrival in Glasgow. We are in the wrong airport to where i had booked the hire car for pick up! Doff and i exchanged a few words and glances. "How was i to know?" i remember was the best defence from Doff. Earlier in the day at Gatwick we were informed that there would be a £20 fee to print our tickets as well. Damn you Ryanair!
Anyhoo after a £60 cab ride to the other airport, we picked up the car and starting driving out with Doff, Cam and some new Canadian guy we picked up in the plane called Greg who had an incredible moustache, to LochLomond to watch our mate Marcus Fraser in the Scottish Open.
It was wet, windy and pretty miserable to tell you the truth. But watching Marcus was very very cool. He ended up -1 for the tournament and finished in the top 20. We headed into Glasgow and drove around for a bit (with Greg the moustached Canadian) looking for a hotel. After comparing a few we dropped off our bags and i parked the car. I was left to share a room with Greg. Thanks boys. He was harmless, although just a little strange. I never trust a man with a moustache, unless he's my Dad.
We found a pub near by to watch the World Cup Final but didn't stay out too late... To tell you the truth i think i had driven for about 2 hours that day, walked for a bout 3 hours and had been up since 6am... It was nice to have a quiet one. Just not what i had invisiged for the Final after being in SA for the lead up to it. Not one person did the Waka Waka in Glasgow that i saw. And i couldn't hear one Vuvuzela (not necessarily a bad thing).
After dropping Greg back in Loch Lomond and deciding not to go to Edinburgh (i'm still a bit shattered about that. I was out voted 2-1) we started the big drive back to London. We did however have a stop over at Anfield Stadium for Doff. And we had a really awesome pub meal at a local pub near the Stadium. We given a few dirty looks as we sat in the pub by the locals mind you. I guess judging by our teeth they could tell we weren't from around there.
I have spent the last few weeks here in London just seeing some cool sites and doing a bit of shopping. I went and saw Get Him To The Greek which is ridiculously funny. I also saw Inception which is definitely worth a look also. I saw a great comedy act called Vinegar Knickers as well which was hilarious.
I had a really cool Xmas in July party with my mates friends in little Venice on Saturday and am now ready for a few meetings and a few shows this week.
I watched the Hawks play the Saints live on TV at a Walkabout pub last friday morning which was quite devastating. A DRAW!!! Bring on Extra Time i say.
Oh and a friend of mine got me tickets to the Knight and Day premiere last Thursday night which was a bit of fun.
Speak soon everybody.
Rob x
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Cape Town
Well, It's been a while and i apologise for my absence on Twitter as well. It seems it would've been best for me to take my iphone all along. There is so much free Wi-fi here in London.
Let me start by saying that Cape Town is one most beautiful city i have ever been. I should also point out that it's still quite a poor city once you get outside the main parts. However, it has a great layout and everything is very easily accessible. I spent my remaining time in Cape Town doing a bit of sight seeing on the Hop On Hop Off bus which was cool. Checked out the markets and the District 6 museum. I still can't believe that happened. They just took people out of their homes and moved them to these Townships! Check out the movie District 9 by Peter Jackson, it pretty much sums it up.
I was lucky enough to have met a cool guy called Dan who worked on SEN and we had dinner with one of my favourite commentators/journalists Francis Leach. That guy has a super brain and is an absolute champion. Thanks Dan.
Took an afternoon drive up to the Stellenbosch region and went to Ernie Ells' Winery. Some very tasty wine and quite the spectacular view. We ended up heading to a food and wine festival which was a bit naff, they were teaching oldies how to latin dance on the main stage, which was hilarious. However the food was delicious and so was the boutique wine.
Ended up going to a few different night clubs with some Aussie boys i had met in Nelspruit. One of them had a full Cirq show, acrobats, fire breathers and almost burlesque type stuff. It was quite a cool club. I even saw Mick Jagger watchin the show from the balcony above. Big shout out to the "Frothing Team" for putting me up in their apartment. And also a big thanks for sending my camera over to London, i thought i had lost it for good.
Oh, i also went Shark Diving with a few of the lads. It was a long cold tiring drive up the coast, but we managed to get there, even with a few a misdirections. haha, thanks Spud. We saw 5 sharks that morning as we were hanging from the cage, pushing our bodies under the water. Man they are the scariest creatures i have ever seen.
I met a cool chick who took me down south to see the penguins and check out the amazing coast line of Cape Point. I literally sat on a rock talking to a penguin. So cool. I will post some photos so you can see just how beautiful the coast road is. Thanks Gabbs for the day trip.
The Cape Town stadium was a buzz, as were the streets, for the Germany vs Argentina match. It was hectic how many people were walking to the stadium. It was a full street parade and then everybody just sort of followed along. I had the best time at the game. I kept getting texts from my German mate who was understandably over the moon with his teams performance. They won 4-0! That means i saw the Germans score 8 goals live! That's more than the Aussie's scored in the last two world cups! Almost.
Gotta run, but more to come soon... London to Scotland and back, Les Mis, Tap Dogs and the movie Get Him To The Greek.
Rob.
P.S Just wanted to say thanks heaps to Jase and all his mates for an awesome World Cup experience. It was one of the best times of my life. Hopefully i will be seeing you all in BRAZIL 2014!
Let me start by saying that Cape Town is one most beautiful city i have ever been. I should also point out that it's still quite a poor city once you get outside the main parts. However, it has a great layout and everything is very easily accessible. I spent my remaining time in Cape Town doing a bit of sight seeing on the Hop On Hop Off bus which was cool. Checked out the markets and the District 6 museum. I still can't believe that happened. They just took people out of their homes and moved them to these Townships! Check out the movie District 9 by Peter Jackson, it pretty much sums it up.
I was lucky enough to have met a cool guy called Dan who worked on SEN and we had dinner with one of my favourite commentators/journalists Francis Leach. That guy has a super brain and is an absolute champion. Thanks Dan.
Took an afternoon drive up to the Stellenbosch region and went to Ernie Ells' Winery. Some very tasty wine and quite the spectacular view. We ended up heading to a food and wine festival which was a bit naff, they were teaching oldies how to latin dance on the main stage, which was hilarious. However the food was delicious and so was the boutique wine.
Ended up going to a few different night clubs with some Aussie boys i had met in Nelspruit. One of them had a full Cirq show, acrobats, fire breathers and almost burlesque type stuff. It was quite a cool club. I even saw Mick Jagger watchin the show from the balcony above. Big shout out to the "Frothing Team" for putting me up in their apartment. And also a big thanks for sending my camera over to London, i thought i had lost it for good.
Oh, i also went Shark Diving with a few of the lads. It was a long cold tiring drive up the coast, but we managed to get there, even with a few a misdirections. haha, thanks Spud. We saw 5 sharks that morning as we were hanging from the cage, pushing our bodies under the water. Man they are the scariest creatures i have ever seen.
I met a cool chick who took me down south to see the penguins and check out the amazing coast line of Cape Point. I literally sat on a rock talking to a penguin. So cool. I will post some photos so you can see just how beautiful the coast road is. Thanks Gabbs for the day trip.
The Cape Town stadium was a buzz, as were the streets, for the Germany vs Argentina match. It was hectic how many people were walking to the stadium. It was a full street parade and then everybody just sort of followed along. I had the best time at the game. I kept getting texts from my German mate who was understandably over the moon with his teams performance. They won 4-0! That means i saw the Germans score 8 goals live! That's more than the Aussie's scored in the last two world cups! Almost.
Gotta run, but more to come soon... London to Scotland and back, Les Mis, Tap Dogs and the movie Get Him To The Greek.
Rob.
P.S Just wanted to say thanks heaps to Jase and all his mates for an awesome World Cup experience. It was one of the best times of my life. Hopefully i will be seeing you all in BRAZIL 2014!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Nelspruit - Joburg - Cape Town
So let's pick up where we left off shall we? Nelspruit and headed to the Jock and Java in my Bafana Bafana top to cheer on the boys. A valiant effort but not good enough in the end to progress to the next round. The pub is truly awesome though, good food and great atmosphere, a must for any traveller.
As for the safari the following morning... eeek. Open top Hilux with 9 of us in the back, except me who somehow managed to ride up the front. It was freezing! We got picked up at 5am and drove to Kruger National Park. How's this, before lunch time, we had already seen 4 of the Big Five! Two Lions just walked out onto the road in front of our car and casually strolled up the path. Just breathtaking to see these beautiful creatures hanging out as brothers do. As this was just a day trip we couldn't actually drive off the tracks, so we were limited to seeing heaps and heaps of animals. If i come back i will definitely go to a private game park and camp out for a few days. Time was just a factor. However, i am really happy to have seen Buffalo, Zebras, Giraffes, Lions, Hyena and it's little baby cub, Elephants (one baby), Wilderbeast, and heaps of Springbok.
As for the game that night. Nothing will top the atmosphere and excitement for me for a long time. Our tickets were up the top of the stadium and we watched the first half from there. Luckily some mate had spare seats in front of them pretty much at the edge of the box (Socceroos scoring end). When Timmy Cahill nailed that header, woah, massive, beer was thrown everywhere and there were quite a few men shrieking with delight. It was a shame that we didn't progress to the round of 16 but damn we looked good when we actually had 11 on the pitch. The Aussie supporters showed their true love of the Socceroos by staying back after the match and gave the guys a standing ovation and there were a few choruses of Waltzing Matilda still echoing from the game which was nice.
We had been lucky with transport to and from the game in our last few matches but this one was a NIGHTMARE. The wait for the bus was probably 2 hours. Somehow, Jason, who has a gift, he just makes things happen, organised a mini bus and we were all heading back to the Jock and Java for a night of reminising and maybe a few hugs with fellow dissapointed aussies.
The reply of the game that night on the big screens had everybody feeling the same rushes of emotion all over again It was truly amazing. Later in the evening, after a little bit of encouragement, i jumped on the microphone and sang an ode to the socceroos and the coach. Betterman - Pearl Jam. "Can't find a better man". He clearly was not the right man for the job.
Had a quiet day reading by the pool the next day before flying back to Joburg and having another night out with Ed. We went to Melville, acccidently walked into a gay bar, who were all very friendly (haha) and then ended up a really cool bar called The Catz Pajamas talking to some engineering students about Boston Legal (ha!). It was such a fun night out. After all the media hype about how dangerous it is here, i tend to totally disagree. As long as you're sensible you can meet some really cool, friendly people.
I am now in Cape Town after one more final evening in Joburg at the Fan Fest in Melrose Arch. There was a killer Limbo going on, i may or may not have started it.
Went up to Table Mountain yesterday and picked quite possibly the best day for it. The views were spectacular. I will post photos as soon as i have faster connection speed.
I'm here all week and hope to get the bungy, a shark dive, a trip to Cape Point, The wine region all in before i leave. Oh and check out the markets.
Speak soon....
Oh and i'm heading to the Argentina vs Germany game this weekend! So pumped.
Rob
As for the safari the following morning... eeek. Open top Hilux with 9 of us in the back, except me who somehow managed to ride up the front. It was freezing! We got picked up at 5am and drove to Kruger National Park. How's this, before lunch time, we had already seen 4 of the Big Five! Two Lions just walked out onto the road in front of our car and casually strolled up the path. Just breathtaking to see these beautiful creatures hanging out as brothers do. As this was just a day trip we couldn't actually drive off the tracks, so we were limited to seeing heaps and heaps of animals. If i come back i will definitely go to a private game park and camp out for a few days. Time was just a factor. However, i am really happy to have seen Buffalo, Zebras, Giraffes, Lions, Hyena and it's little baby cub, Elephants (one baby), Wilderbeast, and heaps of Springbok.
As for the game that night. Nothing will top the atmosphere and excitement for me for a long time. Our tickets were up the top of the stadium and we watched the first half from there. Luckily some mate had spare seats in front of them pretty much at the edge of the box (Socceroos scoring end). When Timmy Cahill nailed that header, woah, massive, beer was thrown everywhere and there were quite a few men shrieking with delight. It was a shame that we didn't progress to the round of 16 but damn we looked good when we actually had 11 on the pitch. The Aussie supporters showed their true love of the Socceroos by staying back after the match and gave the guys a standing ovation and there were a few choruses of Waltzing Matilda still echoing from the game which was nice.
We had been lucky with transport to and from the game in our last few matches but this one was a NIGHTMARE. The wait for the bus was probably 2 hours. Somehow, Jason, who has a gift, he just makes things happen, organised a mini bus and we were all heading back to the Jock and Java for a night of reminising and maybe a few hugs with fellow dissapointed aussies.
The reply of the game that night on the big screens had everybody feeling the same rushes of emotion all over again It was truly amazing. Later in the evening, after a little bit of encouragement, i jumped on the microphone and sang an ode to the socceroos and the coach. Betterman - Pearl Jam. "Can't find a better man". He clearly was not the right man for the job.
Had a quiet day reading by the pool the next day before flying back to Joburg and having another night out with Ed. We went to Melville, acccidently walked into a gay bar, who were all very friendly (haha) and then ended up a really cool bar called The Catz Pajamas talking to some engineering students about Boston Legal (ha!). It was such a fun night out. After all the media hype about how dangerous it is here, i tend to totally disagree. As long as you're sensible you can meet some really cool, friendly people.
I am now in Cape Town after one more final evening in Joburg at the Fan Fest in Melrose Arch. There was a killer Limbo going on, i may or may not have started it.
Went up to Table Mountain yesterday and picked quite possibly the best day for it. The views were spectacular. I will post photos as soon as i have faster connection speed.
I'm here all week and hope to get the bungy, a shark dive, a trip to Cape Point, The wine region all in before i leave. Oh and check out the markets.
Speak soon....
Oh and i'm heading to the Argentina vs Germany game this weekend! So pumped.
Rob
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Zambia - Joburg
Ok,
So back with some internet that works faster than dial up.
I am currently in Nelspruit in a massive new shopping centre, i know there are heaps of far more interesting things to see than a mall but i had to write this blog, so here it goes.
The final two days in Zambia were incredible. The cruise up the Zambezi River was spectacular. We saw a crocodile and a family of hippos from about 30m away. At first they were just bubbles on the water and the occaisional nostril sticking out. Then all of a sudden there were 6 hippos! two adults and four babies, well not babies, they were all pretty massive. Quite the highlight and also the beautiful sunset on the savanna.
The white water rafting down the rapids was a ridiculous amount of fun. It was pretty darn cold in that water - a few of us aussie blokes braved the icy waters with just our board shorts and life vest. Bahhh, we scoffed, we don't need the wetsuits. I kind of regretted it once we were in the water. Right at the beginning of the rafting we stopped to the side and all did a 8m cliff jump into the water. Brilliant! And then the rapids started. We didn't have any massive fallings out, except our guide which was interesting looking back in the boat and not seeing him. The biggest rapid we skillfully paddled through was a grade 5 rapid. That was pretty fun. A couple of times the guide let us jump in the water and just drift down the river... So awesome. You don't realise just how powerful the water is until your trying to swim against it back to the boat.
So after the rapids i had booked myself into the gorge swing. Basically it's a 53m drop where you hold onto a rope (which is attached to your harness) and just step off the ledge. I am saving myself for the massive bungy when i head to Cape Town. The biggest in the world. So this was a good teaser for whats to come.
I had a beer with the staff and then head back to town with them in the back of the ute. There was about 16 in the back... and i was up the front, I think I ate about 20 different types of bug.
The following morning the girls and I got up early and check out the magnificent Victoria Falls. We walked all the way around the falls (the bits that you pathed) and then down to the bottom, to The Devils Pool. I gotta tell you it was breathtakingly beautiful.
We checked out and headed back to the airport and to my amazement they had a "Qanats Club Lounge". It looked like the rest of the airport but with slightly better couches and free drinks. For snacks they had chips and popcorn! Loved it, it was like a kids party.
We arrived at the house, should i say mansion, early afternoon and was greeted with huge back yard and a kick of the footy. We scored pretty well with the house. All the people i am staying with are ripping people who like a laugh and their soccer. The first night was eventful. Had dinner at a Greek restaurant at some massive mall called Melrose Arch, all out doors with a huge screen to watch the soccer and also a live band on the stage. Ended up in the Heinekin bar and let's just say, had a lot of fun.
The next day we jumped on the bus/van. 14 under the weather individuals took the long... long... journey to Rustenburg to cheer on our beloved Socceroos. I think we must have gone the wrong way, because what was meant to be an hour and a half drive turned into nearly 3 and a bit hours! Still made it in time for the game. What I am loving/hating most about South Africa is that they weren't quite ready to have this World Cup, in my opinion. Nobody really knows whats going on, and when we were asked to stop by the police and asked for our carpark pass, we pretty much Jedi mind tricked him and drove through the road block. Classic.
One should also be told that the stadium is actually in a place called Phokeng (pronounced, well... you know), which is probably why they have just said Rustenburg to be less offensive.
The atmosphere was electric and our seats once again were prime! Thanks Emma. Once again, we were absolutely livid when the ref brought out his red card so early in the match. I think there is obviously some type of vendetta against The Socceroos. Two red cards to our two best players. Watched the replay when we got home (after massive drive home!) and clearly saw there was no red card needed.
A little more cheerful after the game then the last time. 1-1 seemed ok, but the win was so so close. Keep Kennedy on the pitch and i reckon we're a chance of winning.
Checked out the Apartheid museum the next day which was quite amazing. What a life Nelson Mandela has lived. And what a difference he has made not only in South Africa but around the world. What i couldn't get my head around was how Apartheid was brought in 1948 3 years after WWII had finished. A war that was brought upon by the oppression of a race. I can't believe nothing was done by the rest of the world to stop it.
I ended up having quite a heated discussion last night here in Nelspruit with a white south african lady. She pretty much told me Nelson was a terrorist and a white hating monger. But she had liked what he did for the country whilst in power. It's a crazy place in which segregation still exists even though apartheid does not.
Anyhoo, I some how managed to get tickets to the Brazil v ivory Coast game the other night at Soccer City and damn that place is awesome (the stadium that is, the travel and security logistics are not). Our seats were right on the halfway line, pretty much, and i witnessed, along with 94,000 others, some of the greatest talent in the world that night. 3-1 which was nearly 5-1.
Caught up with my mate Ed, who is over here working on this ONE GOAL initiative. It's about raising awareness of education, or lack of, in impoverish countries. It's a tremendous cause... check out http://www.join1goal.org/.
So, that brings me to now... Nelspruit. Just bought myself a Bafana Bafana soccer jersey to wear to the FANFEST this afternoon. South Africa needs to win by about 3 goals i think to continue in the tournament. Big fun ahead. Australia plays Serbia tomorrow night. Oh and we are getting picked up really early tomorrow morning because we are going on Safari at Kruger National Park! Can't wait.
Speak soon...
Hope all is well in your world.
Go Socceroos and Go Hawks. I hear they are on a massive winning streak.
So back with some internet that works faster than dial up.
I am currently in Nelspruit in a massive new shopping centre, i know there are heaps of far more interesting things to see than a mall but i had to write this blog, so here it goes.
The final two days in Zambia were incredible. The cruise up the Zambezi River was spectacular. We saw a crocodile and a family of hippos from about 30m away. At first they were just bubbles on the water and the occaisional nostril sticking out. Then all of a sudden there were 6 hippos! two adults and four babies, well not babies, they were all pretty massive. Quite the highlight and also the beautiful sunset on the savanna.
The white water rafting down the rapids was a ridiculous amount of fun. It was pretty darn cold in that water - a few of us aussie blokes braved the icy waters with just our board shorts and life vest. Bahhh, we scoffed, we don't need the wetsuits. I kind of regretted it once we were in the water. Right at the beginning of the rafting we stopped to the side and all did a 8m cliff jump into the water. Brilliant! And then the rapids started. We didn't have any massive fallings out, except our guide which was interesting looking back in the boat and not seeing him. The biggest rapid we skillfully paddled through was a grade 5 rapid. That was pretty fun. A couple of times the guide let us jump in the water and just drift down the river... So awesome. You don't realise just how powerful the water is until your trying to swim against it back to the boat.
So after the rapids i had booked myself into the gorge swing. Basically it's a 53m drop where you hold onto a rope (which is attached to your harness) and just step off the ledge. I am saving myself for the massive bungy when i head to Cape Town. The biggest in the world. So this was a good teaser for whats to come.
I had a beer with the staff and then head back to town with them in the back of the ute. There was about 16 in the back... and i was up the front, I think I ate about 20 different types of bug.
The following morning the girls and I got up early and check out the magnificent Victoria Falls. We walked all the way around the falls (the bits that you pathed) and then down to the bottom, to The Devils Pool. I gotta tell you it was breathtakingly beautiful.
We checked out and headed back to the airport and to my amazement they had a "Qanats Club Lounge". It looked like the rest of the airport but with slightly better couches and free drinks. For snacks they had chips and popcorn! Loved it, it was like a kids party.
We arrived at the house, should i say mansion, early afternoon and was greeted with huge back yard and a kick of the footy. We scored pretty well with the house. All the people i am staying with are ripping people who like a laugh and their soccer. The first night was eventful. Had dinner at a Greek restaurant at some massive mall called Melrose Arch, all out doors with a huge screen to watch the soccer and also a live band on the stage. Ended up in the Heinekin bar and let's just say, had a lot of fun.
The next day we jumped on the bus/van. 14 under the weather individuals took the long... long... journey to Rustenburg to cheer on our beloved Socceroos. I think we must have gone the wrong way, because what was meant to be an hour and a half drive turned into nearly 3 and a bit hours! Still made it in time for the game. What I am loving/hating most about South Africa is that they weren't quite ready to have this World Cup, in my opinion. Nobody really knows whats going on, and when we were asked to stop by the police and asked for our carpark pass, we pretty much Jedi mind tricked him and drove through the road block. Classic.
One should also be told that the stadium is actually in a place called Phokeng (pronounced, well... you know), which is probably why they have just said Rustenburg to be less offensive.
The atmosphere was electric and our seats once again were prime! Thanks Emma. Once again, we were absolutely livid when the ref brought out his red card so early in the match. I think there is obviously some type of vendetta against The Socceroos. Two red cards to our two best players. Watched the replay when we got home (after massive drive home!) and clearly saw there was no red card needed.
A little more cheerful after the game then the last time. 1-1 seemed ok, but the win was so so close. Keep Kennedy on the pitch and i reckon we're a chance of winning.
Checked out the Apartheid museum the next day which was quite amazing. What a life Nelson Mandela has lived. And what a difference he has made not only in South Africa but around the world. What i couldn't get my head around was how Apartheid was brought in 1948 3 years after WWII had finished. A war that was brought upon by the oppression of a race. I can't believe nothing was done by the rest of the world to stop it.
I ended up having quite a heated discussion last night here in Nelspruit with a white south african lady. She pretty much told me Nelson was a terrorist and a white hating monger. But she had liked what he did for the country whilst in power. It's a crazy place in which segregation still exists even though apartheid does not.
Anyhoo, I some how managed to get tickets to the Brazil v ivory Coast game the other night at Soccer City and damn that place is awesome (the stadium that is, the travel and security logistics are not). Our seats were right on the halfway line, pretty much, and i witnessed, along with 94,000 others, some of the greatest talent in the world that night. 3-1 which was nearly 5-1.
Caught up with my mate Ed, who is over here working on this ONE GOAL initiative. It's about raising awareness of education, or lack of, in impoverish countries. It's a tremendous cause... check out http://www.join1goal.org/.
So, that brings me to now... Nelspruit. Just bought myself a Bafana Bafana soccer jersey to wear to the FANFEST this afternoon. South Africa needs to win by about 3 goals i think to continue in the tournament. Big fun ahead. Australia plays Serbia tomorrow night. Oh and we are getting picked up really early tomorrow morning because we are going on Safari at Kruger National Park! Can't wait.
Speak soon...
Hope all is well in your world.
Go Socceroos and Go Hawks. I hear they are on a massive winning streak.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Durban - Zambia
Hello and welcome back,
Durban finished off pretty quietly, i went to the Wave park and got smashed by numerous waves whilst trying to surf and body board. The guys i was with at the time found it most amusing. Thanks heaps to Pete and Ben for taking pics too. Waiting till i find a place to post photos.
I ended up staying in that night and sleeping. I guess my last week in Sydney just caught up with me. I slept probably 16 hours before gettting up and heading to the airport with Em and Laurelle early Tuesday morning.
Arrived in Joberg... The girls' luggage didn't arrive, it had not made the flight. Ouch, mine did. They just got their bags then (thursday arvo). Anyway we headed to Zambia where i am now and are staying at a pretty cool lodge on the Zambeezi river. Em and I took a helicopter flight over Vic Falls this morning.
I'm going white water rafting and abseiling tomorrow while the girls do an adventure walk with Lions.
We are taking a boat cruise down the river tonight and will be back to watch the Soccer afterwards. Loving the World Cup atmosphere. Met heaps of cool people already.
Gotta run and have some lunch.
P.S Saw Elephants grazing no more than 50 metres from me yesterday. Amazing.
Speak soon
Rob
So we made it to Zambia along with my luggage, but not my friends.
Durban finished off pretty quietly, i went to the Wave park and got smashed by numerous waves whilst trying to surf and body board. The guys i was with at the time found it most amusing. Thanks heaps to Pete and Ben for taking pics too. Waiting till i find a place to post photos.
I ended up staying in that night and sleeping. I guess my last week in Sydney just caught up with me. I slept probably 16 hours before gettting up and heading to the airport with Em and Laurelle early Tuesday morning.
Arrived in Joberg... The girls' luggage didn't arrive, it had not made the flight. Ouch, mine did. They just got their bags then (thursday arvo). Anyway we headed to Zambia where i am now and are staying at a pretty cool lodge on the Zambeezi river. Em and I took a helicopter flight over Vic Falls this morning.
I'm going white water rafting and abseiling tomorrow while the girls do an adventure walk with Lions.
We are taking a boat cruise down the river tonight and will be back to watch the Soccer afterwards. Loving the World Cup atmosphere. Met heaps of cool people already.
Gotta run and have some lunch.
P.S Saw Elephants grazing no more than 50 metres from me yesterday. Amazing.
Speak soon
Rob
So we made it to Zambia along with my luggage, but not my friends.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Joberg - Durban - Demoralising Defeat
I have never seen such a polar opposite reaction on mass until last night. The buzz before the game, mainly created by everybody drinking in the near by casino/beach strip was enormous. The Vuvuzelas (plastic horn) were out in full force, ear plugs were needed for the faint eared. And there was literally a sea of green and gold walking up to the Moses Mabhida (Durban Soccer Stadium), thanks to the South African supporters proudly wearing their national colours as well. There was chanting and singing until early on in the first half when Germany scored their first of four goals. Our best player was unjustly red carded and we looked old and tired for the majority of the match. The sight after the game was a very sad one. Australian supporters moped home like they were school children who had just been told Santa wasn't real . Not even the German supporters were celebrating. One bloke said to me, "I'm sorry".
Well enough of the football, it is bringing a tear to my eye just thinking about it. The flight from Sydney to Joberg was your usual long flight, a couple of movies and a few beers and plenty of sleep. I watched Invictus which is bloody brilliant, Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman are superb. And i also watched aussie Rom/Com "I Love You Too". Pretty good.
So, flew into Durban straight away (nearly missed the connecting flight after not being able to find my luggage) and when i arrived i noticed my padlock was missing from my luggage. They must have cut it open. Weird. My friends Em and Laurelle picked me up in a taxi and we went straight to the pub (after a quick shower and bag drop off at B and B) to watch the England v USA match. Best headline from the world Cup so far... "Hand Of Clod" referring to the England goal keeper Green. Ouch, The Sun can be nasty in London.
I am planning on going to this indoor Wave Park today and then to the markets along the beach and then to the Fan Fest (Massive screens and stages to watch the Football) of which their are two here.
Weather and surroundings are very similar to Sunshine Coast QLD. The B and B which we are staying at is brilliant. The service is great and the omlettes, deelish!
Must run...
Go Hawks!
Hopefully the Socceroos are just leading the other teams into a false sense of security. Hopefully.
Rob.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
2 More Sleeps
Ok, This is just a trial Blog... It's been a while...
I am two sleeps away from embarking on one of the most cracking holidays of all time... Well, i reckon it's pretty good. Heading to South Africa for the World Cup, going to be taking in some of the sights while i'm there as well... Going on Safari at Kruger National Park, heading to Zimbabwe to white water raft the rapids and there could quite possibly be some bungee and cage diving in Cape Town.
Then off to London, New York and LA... Well it has been two years since i've been away, thought i'd make a real go of it.
Keep you posted with blogs and pics... if i can't do a big one i'll just tweet.
It's www.twitter.com/RobMillsyMills
Come on Aussie! Come on!
I think we've got a real chance of making the next round. If we finish 2nd in this group and England finish on top of theirs. We'll be playing England!!!
Speak soon
I need to get to bed... Night.
I am two sleeps away from embarking on one of the most cracking holidays of all time... Well, i reckon it's pretty good. Heading to South Africa for the World Cup, going to be taking in some of the sights while i'm there as well... Going on Safari at Kruger National Park, heading to Zimbabwe to white water raft the rapids and there could quite possibly be some bungee and cage diving in Cape Town.
Then off to London, New York and LA... Well it has been two years since i've been away, thought i'd make a real go of it.
Keep you posted with blogs and pics... if i can't do a big one i'll just tweet.
It's www.twitter.com/RobMillsyMills
Come on Aussie! Come on!
I think we've got a real chance of making the next round. If we finish 2nd in this group and England finish on top of theirs. We'll be playing England!!!
Speak soon
I need to get to bed... Night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)