Buskwalking with Roo's

I have failed to mention until now, that I have once again been humbled by the kindness of friends and Aussie's alike, and have been fortunate enough to stay the last two weeks at a friend's house in Macleod, Victoria (just outside Melbourne).

Andy, who is Australian, worked with me years back when Hillsboro Parks & Recreation and Campfire USA where in partnership. I remembered him as being a great guy who enjoyed tennis. So, when I looked to attend the Australian Open, I wrote him heading some advice about days to go, places to stay while in town, etc. He was gracious enough to allow me to stay with him and his adorable wife, Carrie (who is an American) and thus, here I am. Andy and Carrie moved to Australia about a year ago from Portland.

After a long week of tennis, the second Sunday I was here, they treated me to an Australian delight - Kangaroos. And when I mean treated, I mean, we didn't eat them, but got to SEE them in the wild! I was so excited to hear that a local Wildlife Reserve offered the chance to see them, up close and in their natural habitat. I had seen a couple in Eildon, but was eager to seem more. Little did I know we would see heaps of them that night...

We went for a short walk to the Gresswell Wildlife Reserve just as dusk was upon us, which is when the Roo's like to come out. We were talking along the way, and then all of a sudden there were two Roo's lining the pathway. (Andy had the best eyes for spotting them!).

Kangaroo's!

Mesha pointing at a kangaroo that lingered behind her

As we walked around the far side of the reserve it seemed as if they were EVERYWHERE! A few times they were right on the path and more often than not, I'd pass one without realizing it until Andy or Carrie pointed it out. It was liked they were lining the pathway, as if we were a parade passing by.

I managed to only get a couple photos as the daylight was fading so I vowed to go back earlier and get some more photos...so I did.

I wen to find the reserve on my own...and crazy enough went all over the neighborhood looking for it. Tired from the blazing sun, I sat down to rest on a park bench before drinking the last of my water and venturing home.

The next day I thought for sure I'd find the reserve with Carrie's directions to it...and I did! What was even more funny was that when I reached the entrance to the reserve I looked over my should and about 100 ft away was the bench I rested upon the day before...

Referencing this Map helped me not to get lost in the reserve

I walked around the reserve, but no Roo's were to be found. I was impatient. I paced around. I knew they were here - but where was the question? I was distracted on my hunt momentarily with the sighting of another small animal. At the time I had no idea what it was, but stood on the path studying it for clues... (later than night, Carrie helped me identify it as an Echidna).

I didn't get a good pic myself, so borrowed this, nor was I able to see it's face

Then just as I was about to give up and head home for the night, I looked over and along the path stood two Roo's staring at me. While these Roo's are pretty use to people, I kept my distance and tried to not scare them - or myself...

Perhaps an Aussie-version of a "Deer in the Headlights'?

I think they were talking about me...

This one did not move until I was out of sight

As I kept walking they were everywhere! It was glorious! One hopped along the path in front of me - another nudged it's young to hop along as I approached. Others looked at me with the same curiosity as I looked at them, and some didn't even bother to take notice of my arrival.

I love it! A Roo just hanging out...

As I walked around the path, I came to the edge where the fence of the reserve budded right up against a few homes. You could here children talking, cars zooming by and such, yet the Roo's went along as they pleased.

This one stood tall, and waited for me to pass by - near the Western Border

Mamma and her Joey...she kept an eye on me, as she nudged her baby along

And they bounced away...

Late evening snack?

Bounce. Bounce. Bounce.

They hogged the path...I waited for them to let me by.

One just feet from the entrance/exit...

Just as daylight was fading, I made it back to the entrance and headed home, satisfied that my hunt had been a success. I guess now I truly believe that Kangaroos do exist.

That's all folks...and off I go.

Aussie Open: Take 2

Over the next four days I enjoyed my return to the Australian Open. I watched heaps of matches and saw some exceptional players and games, won.

The sun appeared and by day four, it was so hot out, I was constantly leaving matches in search of water (which to my surprise they offered free water bottle refill sites all over the grounds) and shade.

Day 4: It just happened to be ANZ (one of the major banks here) Ladies Day. So while seeking out shade and a break from the scorching sun, I wandered around Grand Slam Oval and pampered myself by going in the Panadol Tent for a free massage, The Leathers Luxury Lounge for a cool cucumber eye treatment and massage, and to take some fun photos at the ANZ and Wilson Tennis booths. (Don't worry, all this took only about an hour - and I did return fully refreshed, back to the courts for plenty of more tennis).

Proof I was there...I blended in with my blue on though

Inside the tournament

Yep, they even put down blue floor mats...the Aussie Open is a very "blue" event

At the Wilson Tennis booth you could sit down and get your picture taken, sitting on a couch that looked like a tennis ball. Most people too their photo with other friends they were attending the Open with. Attending it alone, I found someone even better to pose with me...Roger Federer (SUI) [2].

Mesha & Roger Federer hanging out. He's quite nice. I love the Swiss!

At the ANZ booth you could get your picture taken with a large over-sized tennis racket and ball. They even printed it out for you on the spot, and put it in a plastic sleeve on a lanyard for you - free of charge. The most convenient aspect of having this was that you could put your ticket in it too (which you had to show each and every time you wanted back in the arena or grounds.

I was scared at first the racket may be taller than me....

You also could have your picture taken at the Evian booth. You were given a shirt to put on and then they said they'd email the picture. I haven't received mine yet. However, I did find this one of the tennis superstar, in the same shirt. Perhaps I wore the same one she did for her picture...most likely not. 

Maria Sharapova (RUS) [14]

I looked funny in the shirt anyways, as A. It was too large (I think it was a XL) and B. The shirt graphic was of a lighter skin tone than that of myself.

Oh well - back to the TENNIS...

Margaret Court Arena is the top outside court for players and fans alike. I knew that during my time at the Open that I had to watch a match there. Ground Passes give you access to any outside court, granted there is seat space. When I decided to wander over to Margaret Court, it was packed. Ques formed for people to go in, and people were only being let into the arena when someone else came out, who did not plan to return. It was that packed. Luckily, being a solo person, I did not have to wait long for a single seat to become available. It was great to watch the match surrounded by people cheering and applauding tricky slices, and grand slams. 

Margaret Court Arena

Among other matches I also made sure to watch a few in the Show Courts, which were slightly larger than the ground courts, and thus drew better players. At Show Court 3, I was lucky enough to watch John Isner play. 

John Isner (USA) [20]

I like his 6'9" shadow here...

He shook my hand. (I wasn't prepared for an autograph)

I found the American Flag...

After 8hr days, five days in a row of tennis...you would think I had enough. Yet, I plan to watch the games over the weekend and through the finals if I am able (perhaps at Fed. Square on the big screen). But for now, the sun has got me beat. 

As the sunsets, the courts empty.

Waiting for the tram...leaving Rod Laver and the Open after Day 5....

Australian Open 2011

So, after seeing a kangaroo on my recent trip to Eildon (2hrs east of Melbourne) I only had one thing left to do in Australia, and that was to attend the Australian Open...so back to Melbourne I went.

Melbourne's weather is very temperamental to say the least, changing from blazing hot to cold and rainy in a heartbeat. So - I have learned, you need to be prepared for all occasions. Checking the forecast for rain, I debated which days I would attend the Open. I ended up buying Ground Passes which allowed me to roam as I desired, amongst the 21 outside courts, in addition to being able to upgrade my pass to a seat in Hisense Arena, for only an additional $20. With the schedule only being released the night before play, I decided this was the best way to get into the tournament and watch a lot of matches, and be able to decide the day of, if I wanted to upgrade my ticket, depending on who was playing.

Day 1:

I had noticed the night before the tournament started that Day 1 had Andy Roddick and Venus Williams, both top seeded players from the USA playing in Hisense Arena. I decided that I would try and arrive early to the Open and upgrade my Ground Pass for the day, to watch these two.

I boarded the train into the city with unsettled nerves. I expected large crowds, long lines, and a hot, sunny day. To my surprise none of which greeted me that day. The que to get in was pretty short. Within 10 minutes of arriving I was in the arena and in a smaller line to upgrade my tickets. Five minutes later I was the proud holder of a ticket for Hisense Arena!

When I went into the arena and found my seat, it was only 30 minutes before play began, yet the place was nearly empty. I took my seat, as I quickly noticed that there was a player warming up on the court, that just happened to be Andy Roddick! I watched him warm up, with glee and then settled in for a day never to be forgotten.

Andy Roddick -warming up, Day 1 of the Australian Open

Gael Mofils was up first, a French player who was quick on his feet, and always shuffling and sliding across the court. Despite his amazing moves and great match (which he won against Thiemo de Bakker (NED), to advance to the 2nd round) I just wanted his to be over, so that Andy would come on. Mofils' match lasted nearly 4.5 hours.

Gael Mofils - he advanced, but lost(3rd rnd) to the same man that knocked Roddick out

Between matches I stood up and did jumping jacks to try and warm up. With the wind blowing cold breezes every so often, I sat in my chair curled up in a ball, trying to stay warm.

Next up was Andy Roddick (USA) [8] vs. Jan Hajak (CZE). Roddick served first, opening the match with 3 aces and a 40-love hold on serve. This was no surprise as they say Roddick is one of the best servers in the sport, for the last decade.

Game on!

Monster Serve...he had 18 aces this match!

Thanks for Playing...

The powerhouse server plowed over his opponent, winning in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. As Roddick walked off the court, I was definitely glad I came, and definitely, proud to be American. (I know, that last part was so cliche).

Next up, was the most anticipated match of the day. I was still frozen however, so I quickly vacated my seat to get some hot cocoa and then settled in for another match. Venus Williams (USA) [4] vs. Sara Errani (ITA). Venus like her American proceeder, open the match with a few aces herself and also won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. It was so much fun to see her play and listen to the commentator's discuss her outfit selection - which she has designed.

Venus William [8]

The last match of the day began at 7pm at night. It was Justine Henin (BEL) [11] vs. Sania Mirza (IND). Already having sat thru 8 hrs of tennis, and still frozen, I watched the first game of this match and decided to head home for the night.

All in all it had been a great day of TENNIS! I was excited to go back over the next 4 days to watch more...I just hoped that I wouldn't get sick of it, by the week's end. I also wouldn't mind if it warmed up a little.