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Published: August 25th 2008
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Well here we are at Sydney Airport all keen and eager to go, like kids on their first day at school - well, until they get to the school gate that is and the handbrake goes on.
There'll be no crying this time though as we leave our loved ones to go off into the big wide world of strangers - okay, there'll be a little crying but it'll be a manly, rugby player sort of cry that proves we are real men who, just like prisoners on day release, are over the top excited about the prospect of getting away for a couple of weeks boozing with the boys - this HAS to be the ultimate boys weekend away.
Suprisingly, no one arrived late for the check-in although some of the boys didn't wear their tour shirts and a pending fine was noted. For those who haven't been on a tour one of the highlights, if not pocket emptying, traditions is the fine system. You can be fined for anything that is dubbed fine worthy from misbehaving, perfroming a life saving operation (
pay attention Bob) to missing the bus (
that's got to be worth some serious bucks) or just doing something stupid like leaving your bag at the pre-tour dinner (
who could that be now????). There's sure to be a freight charge involved in that fine once it's presented back to him in the UK. We're evil bastards aren't we........
A really nice surprise was seeing Bruce Robertson who came out to see us off. Bruce is a stallwart of Gordon Golden Oldies rugby who is dissapointed not to be joining us this time.
Is there anything more life sapping than an airport. You arrive 3 hours before the flight leaves keen and excited to be going on your trip to find you need to queue for an eternity just so you can wait around some more, all the time hoping your flight doesn't get delayed causing you to make another stop at the McDonalds counter. There's nothing like scoffing down 4,000 calories just before you sit on a plane for 24 hours to make you feel good about yourself - I hope those pants have elastic tops on them - mine do, I've got my Gordon Tracky Daks on.
Speaking of the Gordon Tracky Daks something really funny (
depending on your sense of humour/) I noticed is peoples reaction to seeing someone wearing a tracksuit that has big green and gold stripes down the side around the time of the olympics. First is that little smile of excitement and pride that they can't hide thinking they are about to see an Australian Olympian followed by the look of confusion/annoyance when they realise they have been let down by an old guy in a rugby tracksuit - very funny
Of course the best/worst part about going on a group tour is finding out who the good, the bad, and the ugly travelling buddies are. Who will be the cruiser, the slob, the stinker, the pain in the arse, the snorer, the farter, the bludger, best room mate or worst room mate? And to throw some more uncertainty into the mix we're travelling with the Orange Emus, who I'm sure are a bunch of good guys, but you know what it's like when your travelling in close quarters. We'll start to get some indications of award winners in the group after the first leg of our trip when we stop over in Bangkok.
We boarded on time with a minimal fuss check-in and we were on our way. with plenty of room because of a half full plane and private screens it was all good. We arrived at Bangkok about 10:30 at night to change flights. How Big is that place!!! it took us an hour to walk from our arrivla to to our departure gate through what has to be the worlds biggest duty free shopping mall - WOW!!
The trip to London was a little different on a jam packed older plan with no personal screens. We made the most of iot though and indulged and a group Hieneken mouthwwash session at 3am - those who declined were noted ( remember that fine system I spoke about earlier.....).
Anyway, enaough from me and I'll get back to you once we're in London and have some photos to share.
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