Origin Adventure

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We're off again - nothing like our last epic European adventure (http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/GrantD/), but this time we're heading to Queensland on an Origin pilgrimage! Highlight will undoubtedly be State of Origin 2 as the mighty Maroons fire up to square the series at Fortress Suncorp! Can't wait for all that drama to unfold next Wednesday.

It's not all about the footy though (it IS Jeanettes birthday treat after all!). When we arrive on Friday we'll grab a rental and head to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland - via Australia Zoo and the famous Ettamogah Pub. We've booked two nights staying at Curramore Country Cabins - 10 minutes from the arty/crafty village of Maleny in the heart of some prime Aussie rain forest. On the way back to Brisbane we'll hopefully catch up with Jeanette's brother Steve who lives nearby.

Our time in Brisbane will be spent staying with Don and Sue, who we first met on our big European trip a couple of years ago. Since then they have come over and stayed with us and we all had a great time. Really looking forward to catching up and exploring their 'backyard' with them. They're massive League fans as well so REALLY looking forward to sharing the build up/game/post game celebrations and analysis.

In terms of HUGE sporting events we've attended so far; and there's been plenty - Rugby tests, League Tests, Netball tests, Cricket Internationals - all forms, Football Internationals. Warriors games, the usual Wellington fare of Phoenix/Hurricanes/Lions (not much joy to be had there!) to name a few - our top two so far are:

Number 2: Manchester United v Arsenal at the great Stadium that is Old Trafford (VIP experience - fantastic hospitality, prime seats). United won 8-2 (Rooney hatrick), watching Fergie stalking the touchline, 76,000 screaming fans - pretty awesome.

Number 1: All Whites v Bahrain World Cup Playoff at Westpac Stadium - only a 35,000 seater Stadium but the drama/theatre, Paston penalty save, Fallon thundering header to put the AW's in front, tension of defending such a slender lead. The huge prize (World Cup finals qualification), wild celebrations afterwards...MASSIVE!

Looking forward to see how Origin stacks up - all the 'mail' suggests its an unforgettable experience, stay tuned and we'll let you know....Our plan is to update our Blog daily so family, friends and anyone interested can follow our trip....

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Photos

Queenslander!
Well not quite but proudly wearing the 2008 Origin jersey, personally signed by Maroons (and Warrior) legends Steve Price and Brent Tate (thanks to our great mate the Mad Butcher). To be fair the jersey appears to have shrunk a bit over the last 5 years!

Number 1!
The All Whites v Bahrain World Cup Qualifier will take some beating for tension, atmosphere - everything! But we're expecting Origin to be right up there - can't wait! I'm guessing FIFA will be wanting their trophy back soon too :)

Comments

[Donna]

so, you are off again . . . . .
Have a great trip, I am sure you both will.