Another day in paradise

Spent today watching the old Australian diggers march through Sydney. Its a national holiday over here and custom suggests that you spend the day respectively reflecting over the fallen. And then go and get pissed and play “two up” in a bar.

So thats what I did.

Watched and listened to the bands, a great majority of pipe bands, in the rain as the soldiers marched past. The sense of pride and nationalism over this day was so moving. Australian flags, waltzing matilda, VB beer and old and young celebrating the values of being Australian. In the UK it would turn into a rally for the BNP. Or the nationalistic approach would be seen as discriminatory over other races. Here, you are seen to be Australian first, your home nation second. You came here through choice so celeberate what this fantastic country gives you.

Went over to Coogee beach in the afternoon to have lunch with friends and supped a few beers then went to the pub and played “two up”. A simple but effective way of winning $140 in 30 mins. You basically bet on the outcome of 3 tossed coins to whether 2 will be heads or tails. So simple, great fun and illegal except for Anzac day.

(It wasa a game played by the diggers in the trenches - so they let them play it once a  year in public places)

I didn’t go back to Brisbane today as it was too far to hop and off planes only to get back up at 4.30am to come back down the bext day, so I missed Josh and the twins marching in the Brisbane parade. (Josh is drum sergeant in the school pipe band while the twins are in the cubs)

However, when the pipe bands went passed playing, “I’m no awa to bide awa” it brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes, not only for the family in Brisbane but for Scotland as well.

I guess it just brings out the patriot in me. But maybe thats the real point of the day.