Rugby World Cup

Fantastic weekend and just what I needed. Two days of warm, balmy weather and a city transformed. Friday night, went out to Croydon to hang with my mate Aaron and his darling sister Sam, neighbours, family, friends stopped in and we chatted Aussie-style until 4am. Sat around talking, Aaron played a bit of guitar, laughed my head off at the typical Australian crass humour and jokes. The night ended with Aaron pounding away on the piano to "Piano Man" and the rest of our little crowd slurring the lyrics. Saturday morning, got to see a bit of Croydon and the Inner West before heading back to the city, where I swam laps in Victoria Park's outdoor pool. That night was the semi-final rugby game, between France and Wales. Pascal and I met up with my French friend Margaux at a bar in Surry Hills, packed with fans ready to drink 5L each of beer. The place was half and half in terms of French or Welch fans, we would compete who could sing "WA-LES" or "Aller les BLEUS" louder. It was lovely to meet so many French people in one bar (I was in heaven) and even better when France narrowly defeated Wales (9-8, ouch.) We all danced around, belting out La Marseillaise and cheering. That night, Drew and I went to a birthday party out in Stanmore, a costume party where you had to dress up like your favorite hero -- whether that's Harry Potter, Robin Hood or Jasmine. I didn't have a costume, and was given some ears and a furrrrrr jacket. I just said that Puff Daddy was my hero.
Sunday was the last celebration of Sydney's Bike Festival in Pirrama Park in Pyrmont. I rolled out of bed nice and early on Sunday to get the early-bird special (free bike tune-up). There was a nice lady there who pointed out to me all these sa-weet bike rides around the city, hidden bike paths and trails, and best of all, a stress-free way to ride to Centennial Park (the park is so lovely, but trying to get there on Cleveland Rd can be hectic and quite dangerous. I'm just waiting to get doored, smashed into by a bus, or play chicken with a driver...)
Pascal and I hit the gym for a serious workout-- 10 rounds in the boxing rink! He's helping me out with my moves and skills, although I'm still rubbish despite the drills we do. If I ever did real boxing, I'd be hit so quick I wouldn't see it coming!
After boxing, I headed with the boys to Bronte beach (longest bus ride everrrr) but totally worth it since Bronte is one of the coolest places in Sydney. The park has communal barbecues, alongside picnic tables and facilities--great atmosphere for a Sunday barbecue. It felt like half the city was there! Such a great vibe, barbecues going, right next to the beach, music playing in the background, guys playing pickup footy. I got there and thought "This is why I moved to Australia." The weather was so nice, Sam and I even swam in the water for a good while (although I'm still finding sand in my scalp..)
I rushed from Bronte over to North Sydney, just in time for the BIG GAME Australia-NZ at the Commodore Hotel with Aaron. We got smoked turns out, the ref was a prick and kept making bad calls against the Wallabies. Oh well!