f.a.o...johnny g

Erm not sure what Mark (or Johnny) told you all but basically we headed down to Sydney harbour thinking we could just watch the fireworks from the front and were slightly disappointed to find out that people had been camping in the best spots for days beforehand.

So instead we went to the pub with another Leeds fan for a few hours beforehand - this had the advantage of meaning by 11.3o we were pissed enough to just bundle our way to the front gig-style oblivious to all the complaints - some Ozzie lad tried to chuck us out but felt sorry for us when he found out we were England cricket fans and so let us stay.

Fireworks were suitably spectacular - though Mark / Johnny was disappointed the accompanying music wasn't New Dawn Fades - he then tried to chat up a group of Thai girls - well i think they were girls.

BTW Whilst on tour - Mark has been converted to the sounds of Ballboy and the Field Mice - basically cos i had the only walkman - and disowned New order throwing all his CDs of the Harbour Bridge. He's also developed an irrational love for Jimmy Saville.

Matt (from Paris gig - not a bloke in a dress)

I have not listened to any Ballboy or Field Mice and my NO CDs are safe & sound - just want to put this on record ;). I have been impressed by Ladytron however whos video we saw on TV in our hotel room the other night.

The cricket has been top class, basically 10,000 English lads on the piss, getting sun burnt & chanting abuse (good natured of course) at the Ozzies, e.g......

You all live in a convict colony (to the tune of Yellow Submarine), OR an adapted version of the national anthem for our Oz cousins -

God save YOUR gracious Queen...... ..long to reign over YOU....

Plenty of banter directed at the Oz players aswell, particularly if they were unlucky enough to be posted to field at fine leg at the MCG, right in front of the Barmy Army. Fast bowler Brett 'chucker' Lee took untold stick about his bowling action, every delivery getting a roar of NO BALL from the English contingent. Short arse Oz opener, Justin Langer branded us a disgrace for this & consequently got plenty the following day.

All the Oz public have been good value, making us feel welcome everywhere & even the ob have been pretty chilled, chucking out more Oz fans for the odd retaliatory gesture rather than us. Nice one. Beer on sale all day at the stadiums so it's just been hours of sitting back in our shorts, watching the play, singing away & enjoying the atmos.

Met up with Mr & Mrs Candy The Bear for a meal in Melboune, good to see you again mate

Managed to fit in a fair bit of sight seeing as well & we're now in the middle of a 5 day stop over in Hong Kong.

Back home on Sunday morning unfortunately & the thought of work on Monday is just plain depressing at the minute. Would strongly recommend a holiday with the Barmy Army for anyone into 'aving it large. Barbados & Trinidad Feb '03 is next on the agenda for me I hope.

Ps Shug, saw some lads in Scotland shirts out there supporting the team!, you know it makes sense ;)