Girls Day in Hobart

Day Trip Around Hobart

Hobart CBD > Cascade Brewery

The boys headed out to their fly fishing tour early – like 6am early. Alison and I took the opportunity to sleep in because a) we could and b) we had no plans.

The night before, Alison and Kyle complained to the concierge that their room smelled like smoke and they got a free breakfast coupon and we took advantage of it.

Hearty Breakfast For the Long Day Ahead

We decided to walk along the harbour front and around Battery Park towards the Cascade Mountains, where the famous Cascade Brewery is. We walked roughly 6km along the rivulet (a fancy word for river?) until we reached the infamous Female Factory. Alison had done her research and one of the best tours in town is 'Louisa's Walk'. We signed up and quickly walked a few hundred meters to the Cascade Brewery.

Cascade Brewery

Australia's Oldest Brewery

I had heard of Cascade beer, but it's not usually not my go-to beer as I'm more a red wine person. If I do get a beer, it's a Hoegaarden. If I get an Aussie beer, I'll have a Little Creatures. Either way, beer tours are great because you learn a lot about the history of the city because back in colonial times, the beer factory is one of the main drivers of economy.

We were lucky enough to get to the tour at 10 minutes before the 12am start. Alison didn't wear the proper footwear, so had to borrow some shoes and socks from the factory. That's thinking ahead!

Alison Did Not Come Prepared.

Borrowed Shoes & Socks from Cascade Brewery

This was my first beer tour, so I learned a lot about what goes into beer and the brewing process. Beer is made of some natural and fragrant ingredients, but there are some smelly ones too. The brewery had each ingredient in a jar for us to smell and when we got to the malted barley, it smelled like sewage!

Brewing Beer

The best part of a beer tour is the end because it's beer tasting time! For $25, we got a 1.5 hour tour and 3 tasting tokens. Alison and I both went to the pale ale and lager. Normally, I would go for another ale, but I had to try their stout and fell in love with it.

Cascade Brewery Bar

Cascade Stout & Lager

We had only 10 minutes to drink 3 beers because at 1pm, the Louisa's Walk would be starting. Thankfully, they were starting in the park right next to the brewery. We ran down the driveway, a bit buzzed and discovered a group of 10 listening to a woman in period clothing talk about Van Diemen's Land, former name for the Dutch colony in Tasmania.

We met Louisa, an Irish immigrant to England who was living in London when the city was overcrowded and there was a big divide between the rich and poor. She had stole a loaf of bread and was sentenced to Van Diemen's Land, leaving her sons and her country for an unknown fate in the British colony.

Live Action Theatrical Tour

The two actors on the tour did not skip a beat. They played their parts perfectly. The actress played Louisa the entire time whereas the male lead was the police officer, magistrate, judge, captain, female factory doctor and eventually Louisa's husband.

They had us play along too. When they were on the boat to Van Diemen's Land, they talked to us like we were passengers. When we reached the female factory, the holding ground for female convicts, we too were convicts.

They demonstrated the harsh life female convicts lived in the female factory where there was very little food, unfair treatment and injustice.

About Louisa's Walk

After Louis's walk, Alison and I were exhausted. We had not eaten since our massive breakfast at the hotel and had walked nearly 12 kilometers to get to the Cascade Brewery, join Louisa's walk and head back to the hotel to meet the boys. We ended our day with a stop a local bakery for some afternoon tea. When we got back to the hotel, I passed out for an hour. Alison and the boys joined me in my room and we got to exchange stories from each of our days.

That night we were craving cheap Asian food. We ate at the Chinese restaurant next door and talked up our girl's day out - an inexpensive day where we got exercise, history, beers and a live theatrical performance for about $60 each.

The boys on the other hand had been out on a fly fishing tour - a $350 tour! We hadn't heard from them all day because they were out in the middle of Tasmania at various streams to catch something.

When they rehashed their day, the one highlight was Kyle catching the one and only catch of the day - a brown trout. The tour guide gave him a Cherry Ripe as a reward. Dave wanted some too, but the tour guide teased him saying he had to catch something first. 

Poor Dave didn't get anything, but did learn a lot about fly fishing technique. He's decided ocean fishing is more his style. 

Although their day was spent with an eccentric tour guide, got sun burnt and had little luck, they enjoyed their day out in nature. Too bad they didn't go a week later when all the may flies were set to hatch - that's when the fish are out like crazy!

Practicing His Release

The Setting

Large Brown Trout

The Outfit

The Mayfly

Male Bonding

An Unforgettable Experience

Tasmania: The Natural State

Sydney, New South Wales > Hobart, Tasmania

I have lived in Australia now for over two years, but there is still a lot to see. This week, I ticked Tasmania off my Australia 'bucket list'.

The trip was planned with perfect timing. Monday was Labour Day and Thursday was my birthday, which my company fortunately gives paid leave. So I only took three days of holiday time.

September was a whirlwind. I took over my marketing assistant's work because she quit and I was still playing catch-up on many projects. I'm usually a beach destination type of traveler, but being away in the mountains and coasts of Tasmania is the peace and quiet I needed and very much was looking forward to.

Early Flight From Sydney to Hobart

We booked our Jetstar Hobart flights three months ahead, so they were only AUD $300+ return. The bad news was that the cheap flights had us flying at 6 am, but we would have all day Saturday to see what the capital city had to offer.

Our Purple Micra

After the three hour flight, we woke up at 10am landing in Hobart, Tasmania. The airport was very small tucked between the Tasman Sea coastline and mountains surrounding Hobart. As soon as we stepped off the plan onto the tarmac, we felt the chill in the air. After all, we were 42 degrees latitude. We weren't in Sydney anymore! First order of business (after putting on some extra layers) was to grab the car. We ordered a a Getz 'or something like it' and received a purple Micra. It looks cute at first, but is not comfortable at all. The passenger seat doesn't even have an armrest! Dave and I would spend the rest of the trip fighting over the driver seat armrest.

First Sign Out of the Car Park

Entrance to Salamanca Markets

We heard Tasmania life is 'slow'. We expected quaint slow-paced towns and that is exactly what Hobart is. One of the major attractions on a Saturday is to visit the Salamanca Markets at the wharf. Over the years, Dave and I have been to our fair share of markets and this one was mediocre. It sold leather goods, soaps, candles and bites to eat. What we did encounter different from the rest were fudge, Tasmania honey and mead. This would make perfect presents for our colleagues picking up the slack while we were away.

3 for $10 Fudge

Lemon Poppy Seed, Passion Fruit, & Hazelnut

 

Live Music Is Nice to Hear While Strolling Through the Markets

After a few hours at the market, we decided to roam around Hobart. It's quite spread out, so going anywhere past the CBD meant we needed to jump in the car. During our stroll through the markets, we decided we couldn't bear the cold any  longer and needed to find some gloves. We drove through Hobart, North Hobart and Newtown to the first Kmart we saw. They had already turned over their winter stock to the spring line. Luckily, we found some grey women's gloves in the clearance section for $3!

During this time, it began to rain. The downpour coupled with the winter chill, made us want to check into our hotel room. It wasn't quite 2 pm and we hadn't had lunch yet. One thing Dave needed to do while we were in Hobart was visit his former colleague Ian. For the past few years, Ian saved up money and apprenticed at a few restaurants in Sydney, so we he could open up his own Malaysia restaurant. He did his research and found that Hobart would be the ideal place especially since he loves fishing. Myu has been open for over a month now.

The weather made parking very easy. Ian and his wife said restaurant traffic is highly affected by the weather and in Hobart, you can experience all four seasons in one day. The restaurant could seat around 20-30 people. Although it was small, it had a cool cafe vibe about it. Ian lit up when he saw Dave. They gave each other hugs and Ian could not stop smiling. At 2 pm in the afternoon, we were the only customers in the restaurant, so they gave us their full attention. We had a taste of his homemade sambal and Malaysian buns. On a cold rainy day, he served us the perfect Malaysian comfort food. 

Entrees

Pork Belly & Calamari Buns

Mains

Chicken Laksa & Beef Rendang

 He gave us a few ideas of where to go in and around Hobart. He also told us about a local insider tip about salmon fishing. Around Hobart, there are many salmon farms - ever seen the brand Tassal? The salmon farms are enclosed with netting. Sometimes the netting breaks open and a diver is called in to patch up the hole. During this time, the salmon break free into the open waters. For some reason, herds of people are there fishing gear ready. I wonder who tipped them off?

After the Malaysian feast, we said our goodbye's and headed to the Quality Hotel Hobart Midcity. It reminded me of the Quality Inn in the States my family often used on road trips.

That evening our friends Kyle and Alison would be arriving in Hobart from the east coast. They had taken the Friday off and had a day ahead of us. Kyle is Dave's new friend and volleyball teammate in Sydney. Dave had met Kyle and Alison at an American Expat kickball game and we all became fast friends. On Sunday, Kyle and Dave would be on a fly fishing tour, so they needed to get back to Hobart on Saturday night. They would be arriving around 7 pm, so Dave and I slept for a few hours until they arrived.

Mures Seafood Restaurant

That evening, we enjoyed a few bottles of wine Kyle and Alison picked up on the east coast and dined at Mures, Hobart's highest rated seafood restaurant. After all, we were in the capital city known for its oysters. Kyle and Alison were new to oysters, but were willing to try. We ordered three types; natural with lemon, Mures style (natural with cream cheese and capers) and Kilpatrick (baked with bacon and Worcestershire sauce). They were all delicious, but my favourite is still natural with lemon. We toasted to our trip to Tasmania during the long weekend away. For Kyle and Alison, they only had two days left. Dave and I still had another nine days! I'll try to keep an open mind because I'm supposed to 'Expect the unexpected.'

Grand Final

Waverley Old Boys AAW2 Grand Final Champions

Game 2 - Wish I was there.

In Australia, the championship game for any sport is called the Grand Final – sometimes there is a semi-final, then a final and finally the grand final. It boggles me considering the definition of the world ‘final’ means the end.

I'm proud to announce that my soccer team took home the grand final championship. I wasn't at the last game because I went home to be with my family when Lavina passed away, but I was so proud nevertheless.

'Thinking of You' Gift Hamper from the Team

Delivered to My House in Texas

We were beating every team in pre-season competitions, then struggled at the start of the season, but regained our stride mid-day through after a bonding night of good Peruvian food (our coach is from Peru), shots and karaoke.

Bonding Night With Coach Oz

Enjoying the Beresford in Surry Hills

Belting Out Rihanna's "We Found Love"

Our comp was split into an A and B division since there were 12 teams. For the rest of the season, we were undefeated. The game that gave me the biggest nerves was the semi-final. We played at Rushcutter's Bay for the first time (only a street over from my apartment in Elizabeth Bay) at a cricket oval turned soccer pitch. Our opponent was the Dunbar Rovers – the club’s nemesis. If we won this game, we'd be in the grand final, which made me more nervous than any game I’d played that season. It turns out that nerves make me put on a good show. I busted out moves, chasing the ball faster than the other girls, reading plays and finding my teammates even without me directly looking at their positioning. I even scored the only and winning goal of the game. I crossed the ball from a corner kick into the box. After a small shuffle, the ball came rolling back out to me and I kicked hard with my left food curving the ball towards the goal. The ball was met by one of their defender’s head and was headed backwards into the net. I fist pumped hard screaming “YES!”

There were so many club supporters and players on the sidelines screaming my name during the game and clapping and congratulating me on my performance when I asked for a break and when the game was over. I felt like my old high school superstar self again.

Semi-Final Victory Over the Dunbar Rovers!

AAW2 Grand Final Teaser

The next Sunday was the grand final against Maroubra FC – a team of very tall players who aren't good at all except for grabbing and pushing players. However, I wasn't nervous for this game at all. I knew there would be more people at this game, but what really settled my nerves was the fact that we had already beaten this team twice this season; 3-0 and 6-1.

The game was as expected – a lot of pushing, bitching and rough play. We scored two goals by half-time and knew we could probably score another two in the second half. In the 63rd minute, one of their players (a girl wide as she is tall according to my teammate Sarah) knocked down Rima, our right winger. She fell hard dislocating her shoulder and breaking her wrist. The Maroubra girl had no remorse. Rima lay on the field wailing in pain. We could do nothing until the ambulance came 20 minutes later. We gave her space and watched this tragic story unfold. Rima nearly unconscious, but still feeling agonising pain lay on the field with Coach Oz and Deb our sweeper. On another corner of the field, the officials discussed how the rest of the grand final would play out making calls to the Eastern Suburbs Football Association (ESFA) board. The Maroubra side had started to pack away their things and we were still on the field bewildered by the situation and continuing to warm up in case the game continued.

Warming Up

Ball Control

Foot Race

Preparing to Cross the Ball

Lots of Pushing

In the end, the game was ‘abandoned’ because the 90th minute rang in while Rima was still on the field. If we had played up to 70 minutes, the win would be in our favour. A re-match was called for the following Thursday.

When I found out about Lavina on the Monday, I called Oz insisting I play, but wasn't ready to go to practice on the Tuesday. “Do what you need to do Shady. You know we’re hear to support you in whatever decision you make.” I needed to play. With all that had happened, I needed to remain in control and lead a normal life.

By Tuesday, I couldn't handle it anymore and told Oz I was leaving the next day and to tell the girls to just win. That night, Oz broke the news to my team and by 9pm a flood of texts and emails rushed into my inbox. After 24 hours of crying, I cried again that night.

I left on the Wednesday, but due to jet lag, followed the Facebook posts to see a 1-0 victory! I was so happy at 5am Texas time. I just wished I could have been there to help secure that goal and more.

In the week following the victory, I saw photos and videos of the win that very cold Thursday night. Champagne was popped, medals were granted and warm speeches made. Man, I wish I was there to embrace my team and scream in joy.

Grand Final Highlights
Start at 2:24

A week after I came back was two weeks after the victory. That Saturday was our club’s annual presentation awards night and I was the co-host emcee. My co-host was a guy who had played for the club but didn't play this last season because he was doing a FIFA Masters in the UK. Luckily, he was fully on board and wrote our entire script because I came back to an office in desperate need of my help due to my bereavement leave.

We ‘met’ via Skype like an e-date the Thursday before and practiced once on Friday and again before the start on Saturday night in person.

Preso Night Emcees

Me and Adam

Here's a taste of our intro:


A: Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, WELCOME to the Waverley Old Boys presentation of Awards evening for 2012. Tonight, we celebrate the achievements of each and every one you, from the players and trainers, to the coaches, managers and of course volunteers.  We come together to honour achievement and recognise unselfish involvement.  Let us not forget tonight how a club like Waverley is run.  Through a potent concoction of hard work and dedication, this club has grown from the relative obscurity of just two senior men’s teams in 2001, to a total of 12 senior teams in across all competition in 2012.  This includes an uptake in the number of females participating each year and of course the inclusion of junior teams and programs in recent times.

A: Before we get into the ‘crux’ of the night, I’d firstly like to introduce myself…..my name is…..

S: ‘What!!!!!’

A: Errrrr…..my name is….

S: ‘Who!!!!!’

A: Ahhh….my name is…..

S: It’s Shady!!!!!

WALK TO THE FRONT

A: Um…excuse me….we’re here to celebrate the achievements of the Waverley Old Boys football club…. not quote 90’s Eminem songs…..you can’t just barge in like this? 

S: Yes but my name is actually Shady….Shady Lim.

A: Ok….but, can’t you see I’m in the middle of something here?….

S: Oh yes I realise but I thought….maybe we could…..share the MC duties tonight?

A: Well have you run it past Mark Ambour, or Michael Kava…..Nicole Cooney, or even Miss News?

S: No 

A: Well then, what right have you to interrupt like this?  I’ve never heard of you in my life.  Do you even play for the club?

S: Not only do I play for the club….but MY team went one better than your AA9’s last season and actually WON the premiership!

A: Well I……but we…..that might have been because…..

S: (SIGH) Besides, you don’t need to introduce yourself…..Everyone knows who Adam Giles is and what he’s been doing this past year……PFFFFT!!!!……

Ladies and Gentlemen, instead of boring you all to death with lame MC stories…. let’s look back over the past 12 months to see what Adam and I have been up to……

What Have Shady and Adam Been up to in the Last Year?

Our Eminem skit was applauded and loved by the entire room. I had never spoken in front of so many people since my Senior Breakfast speech in high school. At least I knew everyone in my senior class and they knew me. This was different because this was my first season with the club and I only knew the girls. I channeled years of watching Oscars presenters and mimicked their style and it worked. I received so many compliments that night. I've always wanted to be a TV presenter. 

And the Oscar goes to...

For the rest of the evening, we gave out awards such as Volunteer of the Year, Player of the Year and recognised all the Grand Final winners. We also presented video highlights of the season and the championship games.

Season Highlights

I Finally Got to See the Grand Final Medals
League Champions
Grand Final Champions

WOBFC All-Age Women 2 Team

On Stage With Our Club Grand Final Medals

WOBFC Blue and Gold Sweets Table

Have a Blast

Too Much Fun on the Dance Floor

Club Photo

It was so good to see my team again. The last time they saw me was at the first grand final match. The last time they had heard from me was when Oz broke the news about sister. It was a sweet feeling to come back to not only a winning team, but a group of friends who support me and care about me.

Official Team Photo

Team Love

I've definitely found the club and team I want to be a part of while I’m in Australia. I can't wait for next season to see them all again and play the game we love. Until then, I'll be seeing a few of the girls in outdoor 5-side on Monday nights.