Australian Open, so that's what Tennis is about
I haven't written anything for a while. OK, so, what have I been up to.....besides lot's. Let me talk about my adventure to The Open down in Melbourne. My gear box failed in the family car, so 1100 km in a borrowed Kia Rio with four adults on board it was. Now I know what a sardine feels like, at least I wasn't the designated driver, so no complaints.
Instead of the 1 day travel, we thought we'd take it in 3, just because we wanted to be a tourist for a change. Lunch at the Sir George, Jugiong, is a must, delicious food, good beer and a great atmosphere.
The hotels presented their challenges, however, wasn't expecting much due to the price we paid. Going to have to say, the Yarra Valley offers some picturesque driving and great ciders. Lodging in the centre of Melboune included a lot of stairs and gave me the workout I needed, both physical and vistibular. So much walking..... The city has definitely been cleaned up since I was here about 20 years ago. I'm sorry to say guys and gals, the coffee is better in Sydney. If anyone is like me and loves stairs, then visit the war memorial, especially the viewing platform at the top, will not disappoint.
The Tennis tournament was fantastic and very inclusive.
Following is the feedback I provided to The Australian Open, which I thought you might like to read:
What a great tournament, first time visitor from interstate and I really enjoyed myself. I thought you might like a little feedback from someone with compromised abilities.
1. I know the tram controllers were doing their best, however, every tram from Flinders Street was jam-packed, yet it was only a 500 m walk from Flinders Street station to the courts. Maybe some signage may have assisted with this human traffic control. Definitely an interesting sight watching disabled people make their way to the Tennis via footpaths and watching able people catch public transport.
2. Maybe consider extra portable loos for less able people. I was waiting at an accessible toilet alongside a police constable who complained to an official that she was unable to use a regular toilet as she had to derobe most of her uniform. Eventually, a young able lady emerged from the toilet and after receiving instruction from the police officer, retorted with "whatever". I guess respect must have another meaning.
3. I am fortunate enough to be able to use able body seating, as long as it is close to access points. I am also lucky enough to pay normal abilability prices rather than pay the inflated prices for disability seating. I am not sure it's a known fact, but we are not the richest demographic in the community. In fact, this trip was in the making for 3 years, we knew it was not going to be cheap.
4. This blew me away. We were admitted to court 3 and the official requested my wife take my "stroller" (walker) back to the Rod Laver arena to be stored. It took a young girl in a wheelchair to educate the official on the impracticability of the suggestion. I am hopeful this is a one off and put this down to part of the entertainment.
All being said, I found the event to be clean, friendly, well organised and safe. By the time I save up for next time, you will be a well oiled machine.
We did the drive back in a day, all highway, so nothing to report.
On Separate note, ran into these two at the local shopping centre. Great to see, spread the word I say.
