I have one word to say: WOW! How many g-strings, sequins, and super high-volume Kylie Minogue tunes can one person take without going into complete sensory overload? We attempted find out at Sydney's world-famous Mardi Gras parade last Saturday night...
It all began innocently enough: Brian and Rob came by the flat for an early dinner and a few (hundred) glasses of wine before heading out on foot towards Hyde Park, the beginning point of the parade... This is actually where the floats line up and prepare for the parade route down Oxford Street towards and the fairgrounds... From here, we had a great close up view of the participants rehearsing their dance numbers, adjusting their minuscule costumes, and getting in some all-important, last-minute grooming... Feathers, sparkles, and other bits of costume shrapnel littered the sidewalks, as we shuffled along amongst the 300,000+ spectators, well-wishers, tourists, and the menagerie of outrageously attired revelers...
Once the parade began, we moved further down Oxford Street towards the action, but eventually, I completely succumbed to the CRUSH of the crowd: at one point, it felt as though every single drunk person in Sydney was pushing against me from all sides! Good views of the action was seriously limited due the wall of people, 5 or 6 bodies deep, standing on bar stools, milk crates, and anything else available to elevate themselves above the crowd for a better view of the parade... Even on tip toe, I could see little else but the backs of the crowd! Being the middle-aged travelers that we are, we soon headed back to the flat, quite early in the evening, avoiding the after-party bar scene... all in favor of a BBC documentary on the tele, a cuddle of the sofa, and another slice of coconut cake... How civilized!
This is one of the those experiences in life that I can proudly say: "I've Been There!" but in all honesty, would I do it again? Of course I would... in my next lifetime! x More Soon! Jason
3 comments:
Party on Dudes! No Fat Tuesday parades to speak of here in Minneapolis...too dang cold. Glad you are starting off lent in proper fashion. So what are you giving up...he he.
Now that Mardi Gras is complete, are you going to engage in the next big party...St. Patrick's day? I remember Philadelphia had one of the bigger St. Patrick's day parades in the USA, but it is not that big a deal in the Twin Cities. Is it a big deal down under?
Catch you later and safe travels.
Absolutely incredible reading about your travels. Makes me itch to be out in the wider world again. JSP and I have been working to firmly take root and settle back in Minneapolis... so your images and words provide a fantastic creative tension. I am going to start socking away money for our around the world trip.
Keep writing and seducing us with your images and descriptions of exotic people and locations.
I miss you SOOOOOO MUCH! have been keeping up with your posts---- and I love the promo vid---
We're still planning on going abroad when we find the right situation. You're an inspiration for that....
Don't forget me in Thailand (batiks!!!)
Talk to you soon
Lisa
Post a Comment