It is only 10pm some would say, isn't it a tad too early to head home? Usually yes but not when you have been drinking champagne since 1pm. You read correctly, I was told the whole nation comes to a standstill on the first tuesday in November, and they sure as hell were telling the truth. It is Melbourne Cup Day today - put it very lucidly, the ENTIRE nation stops to gamble and watch a five minute horse race that starts at 3.05pm and then continues to drink. I just walked home and the pubs and restaurants were still buzzing.
I have to congratulate the Australians for actually being able to stop on a work day - beginning of the week no less, to indulge themselves in a tradition that goes back 150 years. It is a public holiday in the city of Melbourne. Gambling and drinking are the words of the day. Our version of something that stops the nation, no not a democratic win, it's Super Bowl Sunday. We are so conditioned to feel guilty when we let go that our indulgences can only happen over a day of rest. There is no way we would dedicate a day when the stock market is in motion to drink copious amounts of champagne and watch a thoroughbred horse race or sweaty men throw a ball around with their hands (and call it football).
I needed to redeem myself from all that bringing the aussies and their way of life down when I first moved here. And so as much as my religious beliefs prohibited me from gambling I indulged, yes, all $7 of it. The rest of it I put towards Champagne, Tequila, Jack and eye watering Thai food (you read correctly, authentic Thai red chillies do that to you) - one of the best dining experiences I have had thus far since I have been here.
I have not watched a horse race before and never this closely. The winner jockey was ways away trailing in the back and magnificently worked from the insides and beat the front runner by three quarters of a length. A beautifully orchestrated finish indeed!
Off the field it was couture carnivale. While the ladies flaunted their hats and fascinators, stilettos and fabulous cocktail frocks, the aussie men were not behind donning their tops and tails and dapper suits to prove that they too have what it takes to participate in field fashion.
And...life will go back to the way it was on Monday, although the drinking continues no matter what day it is, that is Australia!
I have to congratulate the Australians for actually being able to stop on a work day - beginning of the week no less, to indulge themselves in a tradition that goes back 150 years. It is a public holiday in the city of Melbourne. Gambling and drinking are the words of the day. Our version of something that stops the nation, no not a democratic win, it's Super Bowl Sunday. We are so conditioned to feel guilty when we let go that our indulgences can only happen over a day of rest. There is no way we would dedicate a day when the stock market is in motion to drink copious amounts of champagne and watch a thoroughbred horse race or sweaty men throw a ball around with their hands (and call it football).
I needed to redeem myself from all that bringing the aussies and their way of life down when I first moved here. And so as much as my religious beliefs prohibited me from gambling I indulged, yes, all $7 of it. The rest of it I put towards Champagne, Tequila, Jack and eye watering Thai food (you read correctly, authentic Thai red chillies do that to you) - one of the best dining experiences I have had thus far since I have been here.
I have not watched a horse race before and never this closely. The winner jockey was ways away trailing in the back and magnificently worked from the insides and beat the front runner by three quarters of a length. A beautifully orchestrated finish indeed!
Off the field it was couture carnivale. While the ladies flaunted their hats and fascinators, stilettos and fabulous cocktail frocks, the aussie men were not behind donning their tops and tails and dapper suits to prove that they too have what it takes to participate in field fashion.
And...life will go back to the way it was on Monday, although the drinking continues no matter what day it is, that is Australia!
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