The Final’s Cruise

Well I apologise for the lack of any post’s lately but I managed to avoid the cold that was going around for the entire first cruise but came down with it hard on this trip. Well I am blaming the cold and not the 10am happy hour at the cricket in Grenada. Yes can you believe it there was a happy hour at 10am and how can you not drink solidly when you can buy 2 beers for $3. Any self respecting Aussie just can’t pass up a chance like that. Anyway back to the posts, I have put on 2 today so make sure you read all the way down.

Well a lot has happened since the start of this cruise and unfortunately it is almost over. We absolutely slammed the kiwi’s at Grenada (and we were in full voice thanks to the happy hour) and the celebrations in the rum/beer houses along the sides of the grenada streets were huge. Then it was back to the ship for a big one, unfortunately I noticed a sore throat during the celebrations which I thought was from yelling but it was the dreaded lurgy. So it was to bed for me for a couple of days and I missed Lara’s last game. Gave my ticket to a local waiter and he had a ball at the game (even though the WI lost) it was a great one and the stadium was packed.

Our free day on Tortola was great, when we arrived it was a bit overcast but we had set the challenge for the second beach cricket test match so we headed over the mountain to cane garden bay for a day of what we thought would be sun and surf. The trip over in the taxi was an absolute laugh since gino shit himself with the tiny steep winding road. The taxi man had to pump the breaks on the way down so they didn’t glaze too much but they still stunk like hell. But that was nothing compared to the trip home (but that in a bit). The cricket was huge, pub on the edge of the beach provided the pavilion and everyone headed to the deep (water fielding). It was all going well till the lunch break when we were rained out. So we set to drinking the bar dry. It was at this stage the boys got a little toey so what else would a pack of Aussies do but a Nudey run. So three brave men headed out the back an then erupted onto the beach as the rain was bucketing down for a beach sprint (apparently it was quite cold, or at least that was there excuse). The bar ladies started to squeal in excitement and the pavilion crowd erupted in applause. So we hit the taxi’s home while it was still raining and the flood was starting. We all crammed in a Toyota Hiace (didn’t now you could fit that many in) and bottoming out we headed up the mountain. Gino was freaking, he had his head out the window trying to use his nostrils as air breaks but it wasn’t working. Hubbard had hold of his pants so he wouldn’t jump out. Some one yelled toughen up and someone else commented that he must have balls the size of sucked tick tacs but it was unquestionably the funniest 30 minutes of my life. We sung world cup victory songs and hung shit on gino the whole way.

But back to the cricket, we had made the first semi final and we were to do battle with the South Africans at St Lucia on ANZAC day and we had tickets. It was an early start with the dawn service at 5am and then we had to get organised because this time we were tendering assure in small boats. The scene was set, as the sun rose on the 25^th April we boarded our boats in the hundreds and we hit the beaches that were lined with rugged hills. They knew we were coming but they had no idea how many and we were to fight to the death but this time it was the SA not the Turks. No wonder the Proteas collapse in a screaming heap, they had no hope on such a memorable day with inspiration pouring out of our Aussie hero’s. But we did take some casualties and they fell to the usual rum punch or similar cocktail as we sat sweltering in the sun for was seemed like an 8 hour sauna. But we prevailed and partied as would be expected by the Aussie masses. In fact we partied so hard that they ran out of beer at the ground so we hit the pubs and they ran out there so the boys headed on a beer crawl and that is where I lost them. Hubbard even indulged herself in a cold one for the first time since 1989. What a day we had, and there was even a game of two up in the back stands. A perfect day!!!

The next day we were all a bit slow back to shore for a leisurely trip around St Lucia, and what an island. Very beautiful, and we even got to drive into a volcano (very cool). Gino of course did not make it ashore, mainly due to his hasty proposal for a local girl the night before and the planned marriage in the park the next day. Weak Gino weak!!

We are now all waiting for the big game. Hope I get sober enough to make a final post before we head back, but there is another pub crawl planned the night after so not sure. Make sure you check out the gallery of photos as I have added a heap more.

Cheers – Shaz

PS – The new best beer is Piton from St Lucia

The Highlights of the Super 8’s

Well before we start the finals cruise, and with the leaving of all but 20 of us, I thought that I would summarise the highlights. Which on the surface seems like a good idea but when I now get down to it the whole thing has been a highlight.

I suppose it has to start with the lost luggage. I suppose many people would have panicked, but not us Aussies, we just headed to the nearest bar and started the celebrations. That night turned out to be a sensation (which by the way has turned out to be the word of the trip) with long island ice tea’s, trany’s with great tits, a lost credit card and the chunder of the century.

Other highlights have to include: South Africa getting beaten by the Bango’s, Droopy getting sea sick and being a Bust of Barry, Buckets of Beer at the pool deck, Home made lime (rum) punch in Dominica, Reidy snoring through Merve’s briefing, Reidy being decorated with furniture and a cone at 3am on the pool deck, Old mate asleep on a grave, The boys erupting into a corus of Row Row Row your boat at Antigua when Freddy came down to field near us, The commentary team at Kensington Oval (yes boys the microphones were on you idiots), Tony drinking (or being force fed by his brother) JW Black through a witches hat(cone), Drinking 8 rums in an hour then sleep walking around the ship in your jocks with your shorts in your hand, Razor falling for Merve’s coin on the head cone down the pants trick (nice wet crutch mate) funny thing was he got 2 more that night, Luke Flying his Aussie flag on the ships main flag pole all night (Aussie, Aussie, Aussie – Oy Oy Oy) and last but not least the first ever and no doubt the last Galaxy Ship pub crawl – Go boys and luckily, no the entertainment manager Jody didn’t get the sack.

No summary is complete with out the best of’s and here they are:

Best Beer: Definitely Banks (Tony would argue that it should be Red Stripe but his opinion doesn’t count because he drinks XXXX)

Best Cocktail: Indians with extra mango, although I prefer the pineapple (Bombay Safire Gin with stuff)

Best Spew: Filling the Miami hotel foyer with a power chunder takes it but a close second was the dual effort out the back of the boat when we were fishing.

Best Cricket Ground: Antigua for the best position to stand and drink beer in the shade and still watch the cricket.

Best Beach: Very hard they are all so good, the one with the Boat Shack and Lobster Alive at Barbados was pretty good. But I think that the best was Pelican Point at Tobago where we played beach cricket. That was a post card!

Best Day: Definitely fishing then a day at the Beach and Lobster Alive with Reidy and Bourney.

Best Island: Very Very Hard, but I think it was Dominica

Best Win: Ireland over the Bango’s (Who would have thought)

Best Loss: South Africa loosing to the Bango’s

Best Waiter: Gede (pronounced Gidday) he looks just like Tattoo off Danger Island (Banana Splits)

Best Drinker: Gino wins this hands down. No-one can even get close. The man gets a bill summary every day and his last weeks bill was the size of a telephone number.

Best Hair: I think Gino wins this again for his braids and managing to put up with them for so long. Good luck getting back into Saudi with those mate.

Best Fish: Mine (Sorry to rub it in Droopy but you busted yours off, it was much bigger but if it’s not in the boat it doesn’t count).

Best Rum: God knows what it is called but it is 75% proof and they free pour it. How can you possibly remember anything after a few of them.

Best Injury: Has to be the knock to the head with the cricket taken by Mark Waugh’s luv child when keeping to Paul who was trying a reverse sweep. 4 stitches later he was back in the bar.

Moto of the Trip: AST World Cup Cricket Tour West Indies 2007 – Don’t Miss The Boat.

Well we are off now on the finals cruise, it was sad goodbye’s on the dock to the boys and myself, Razor, Gino and the Brothers were left to hold up the Aussie bar and induct the new comers. So we headed off to Lobster Alive for a nice day at the beach before heading back to meet the new crew.

Shaz

The Last Days/Nights of Super 8’s Cruise

Well this is the last post of the Super 8’s Cruise and it is with much sadness that most of the Boys will be heading off. However there is a lot of happiness as well at having met some great blokes.

I should go back a few days and fill you in on some cricket, since that was the idea of this blog in the first place.

The Australia vs Sri Lanka match was awaited with much anticipation by all, as it was thought to be the first match to really push the Aussies. None of us were confident of the outcome and as such there was a packed house for Merve’s morning briefing where we heard that we should look out form Vaas and Murili, because if they have good games we may struggle and also that the toss was crucial. So we headed off once again to the Grenada National Stadium but on arrival quickly learnt that the Sri Lankan’s were resting all their best bowlers for some strange reason. So in the end it was another walk in the park for the Aussies, but it was a great Aussie crowd in full voice and a good day was had by all. Since it was all over a little early we headed back to our now local the “House of Lords” for a quick drink of some of the local beers and generally soaked up the Caribbean atmosphere.

The next day it was back in Barbados and we were hoping for a better showing from the Pommes this time and that they would kick some South African Butt, especially because the SA’s on the boat were really loud and really annoying. However it wasn’t to be, the pommes display was absolutely dismal. They won the toss and we thought we were in for a good game, but the pommes chose poorly and elected to bat and the ball was moving and bouncing everywhere and after a short time and 155 rd in typical pomme manner they came out defeated and bowled tripe to smith. As you can imagine he tonked them all over the park and it was great to watch. Unfortunately we then had to put up with the South African’s, but the partyuns it was practically over. An was good. We went straight to the party stand after being enticed by some very good looking local girls and then kicked back to our local last drink before the ship, where there were about 100 South Africans in full voice.

Well that was our last game of cricket for the Super 8’s and it was off to Tabago for some R&R in the sun. The challenge was set the night before in the bar and it was to be the Aussies vs the S.A’s on the beach for cricket. As it turned out though it was a slog fest hitting the ball out into the water and laughing at the Indians drop catches. “ Sledge then sledged them by saying for all the millions of indian’s there are that love cricket we get the couple how can’t catch a cricket ball” Very funny

Anyway we had a lovely day swiming with the fish and checking out the coral on a glass bottom boat. Tobago is one of the best islands we have been to, up there with Dominica.

So that was it, we were at our last night on the cruise and the boys were set for a big one, infact Jody the entertainment girl had organised a pub crawl and the boys were set for it after the free AST drinks in the back bar. When I left the boys were in full voice and it looked like a heap of fun. Anyway they were all prety sick this morning when heading off the boat for the trip home. But also in a good mood for their big night in LA tonight.

Well I am off now so Cheers - Shaz

The Fishing Trip

Well where are we, I have finally come out of the daze of alcohol to make another post. This one is about the best day of the trip to date.

It actually started the day/night before when we all decided to have a quiet night before heading out for a big fishing trip with Merve, where we were intending to scare the absolute crap out of all the bill fish in Barbados. Lots of talk anyway. Merve had organised a 7am briefing so we could hit the ground running and everyone was prepared. Also to set the scene you need to know that Droopy is a mad keen fisherman, so keen in fact that he purchased a rod, reel, line and lure here in Barbados for the sole intention of fishing off the back of the cruise ship. Whether he actually succeeded in this legend status feat has yet to be substantiated. So here we are set and relaxed so we head off to the cricket in Grenada the day before and the boys were so relaxed they actually slept at the cricket (see photo). Unfortunately it went down hill after lunch, so down hill that chucky re-invigorated his name by drinking 8 rum punches in an hour and then rocking up for the local happy hour for some more. So it was an early morning with many seedy faces that headed out to face the large confused swells of Barbados. I think myself and Bourny were the only ones not extruding rum out our pours.

As you can imagine it wasn’t long before some boys turned very green and we were burlying up with avengence. Well I don’t think that I have laughed so much in years. But the funnies part was Droopy, how after telling the man “We are all fishermen Here” when he was trying to explain how the system worked he then proceeded to loose his entire stomach over the back of the boat. But it gets better because he then jumped on the first hit we got, grabed the rod, forgot to strike, lost his footing, let the rod tip drop and it was all over and he had a new nick name “Bust off Barry”. So he dropped his head in shame and went and slept in the cabin with Paul and Merve, who were feeling equally sick.

Anyway it was a great trip for those of us who weren’t sick, we caught 2 fish (Sledge got a barracouta and I got a Wahoo) and we kicked back in the beautiful weather drinking beers and having a wow of a time. Myself and Reidy amused ourselves, when we weren’t catching fish, by telling vomit stories to Sledge to try and get him to spew as well. He was very green and nearly went a couple of times, but he lasted our tag team onslaught.

So after the fishing trip from Hell (good hell for us that were not sick and bad hell for those who paid $60US to spew there ring out or lay down in the cabin for the trip). There was only myself, Reidy and Bourny left to kick on, so it was off to the beach from an absolutely awesome afternoon of Beer, Spicy Margaritas, sun, sand, surf and lobster with a local Jazz band playing in the background. I thought that I had died and gone to heaven.

Well that’s it for this post, don’t forget to check out the photo album, there was a small incident with it and all the photos got their order muddled, that’s what happens when you do a blog while drinking Gin and Tonic (And yes Jo it was Tanqueray). Anyway I have given each photo a caption so you can understand what is happening.

Cheers – Shaz

Check out the latest photos

Hi All,

I have just updated the photos and put captions to them all so check it out. There is a link at the top of the page to the left

Cheers
Shaz

Grenada, Barbados & Day at Sea

Well it has been a few days since my last post, and My God what a few days. There is one minor problem, the days have blurred into one and I can’t seem to remember what or when things happened.

It all started with the West Indies Vs South Africa match, which was well anticipated amount us cricket tragic’s since it was our first (and some only) change to see the West Indies play at home. We were all anticipating a huge day of drums and a general West Indies fun crowd. However we were all a bit worried at the same time after the Richie Richardson briefing where he indicated that politics has badly affected the WI’s ability to put on a party at the game for us. With the $100US per ticket cost and practically a full cavity search at the gate had caused a lot of locals to be pushed away. And unfortunately he was not too far from the mark, the WI home support crowd was very small, however us Aussies made up for it in full voice.

The Grenada home ground was lovely, there is a picture of it here, many of the locals sat up on the hill bank and watched from some distance, which was pretty cool. On the way to the ground we passed the “house of lords”, also very funny see picture.

It was then off to Barbados to see the Bango’s thrash the Pommes. Well the pommes won but not convincingly by any means. A few of the boys took the opportunity after lunch to wander around Barbados. After having Sledges shoe blow out fixed by Freddy and smiley (see picture) they found the boat shed which was beer, beach and music. Needless to say they were in full voice on return to the ship. Talking about full voice though before they left the ground they snuck into the press box (see picture) and sledge was mucking around with the microphones giving a post match brief, the funniest thing is that when they left they were informed by a large local security guard that the microphone was turned on and the had piped out to the entire stand. Maybe that was another reason that they left early.

Well the next day cruising all day was much fun at the pool bar (now renamed to the Aussie bar). There was a pole competition that you hit each other with pillows till one falls off. Funnies thing was droopy fell in before he even got git. But it was a Aussie vs South Africa final and thanks to gilly we were victorious and celebrated well. Reidy went so well that the sun turned him into a racoon. Our waiter at the Aussie bar is Gede but he says it as gidday and he looks like tattoo off danger island (you know banana splits). Anyway he is a legend and there is a photo of him in the GALLERY.

Well the next post will be for the big match of Australia vs Ireland, which is also much anticipated but mainly for the party with the Irish.

Will catch you all again soon from the Caribbean Party - Shaz

Free Day in Dominica

Well the day of leisure in Dominica was absolutely wonderful. Fortunately I didn’t have a hangover so got to enjoy it in full. We headed out at 10:30am after a leisurely latish breakfast after laughing at one of the boys who came in looking very seedy. He did better than Reidy who was left sleeping on a deck chair with some furniture piled on him and a witches hat in an embarrassing spot at about 3am. So much for mates hey!!!

Anyway we got the best taxi on the island (or that is what we reckon) his name was Glenford Baron and he took us for the tour of a lifetime. We started by heading to Trafalgar Falls, where we hiked passed the look out and over boulders to the base of the falls to swim. What an experience. He also took us to some volcanic springs and a game of local cricket, where they play without pads and a home made bat. But they steam in still with the cricket ball and the guys tonk it around everywhere. Very cool. Then it was off to snorkelling in the champagne area where the bubble rise from underground and you swim through them. Sooo cool, it is like swimming through hundreds of streams of bubbles. We hired our snorkel gear for about half the normal price from the Clouds Bar, Melvina Boyer set us up and on returning the gear we got some complimentary Lime Punch (WOW!!!!), well it turns out the Melvina is a local celebrity and does a radio show on cooking, and is obviously one of the best cooks on the island since while we were there a heap of locals were pouring in to sample her wears. Anyway she says that her claim to fame is that Jonny Depp shit in her toilet when they were filming Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and she didn’t even know it until later.

Well it was a great day and finished it off with a frozen cappuccino from the ships cova café while watching the sun set as we sailed to Grenada. Jealous yet.

Tomorrow will be another great day at the cricket because the West Indies are playing South Africa, so we are hoping the locals will be out in force.

Cheers - Shaz

Australia Vs England (The flogging of the Pomms)

Well it was with much anticipation that we all woke up for our first day of cricket on the tour. We were all up bright an early (6am) for a quick breakfast and off to Merve's breifing at 7am. It was at this time that we found out that some of the boys had only just got back to the boat after a huge day in antigua which ended up with $2 rums (wow that must of hurt). Anyway Merve didn't look too good himself and had to give the briefing in his sunglasses. Apparently after the AST cocktail party. Which by the way was huge because Merve jagged Richie Richardson to give us a talk. Apparently they headed off for a big night.

So Merve told us all what to expect and since it was going to be hot we had to drink lots of water and look out for our mates if they pass out in the sun. We all headed off to the game in our individual taxi buses (which is also an experience). We were with Big John, and you will have to ask Ross and Hubbard about the hand size of Big John because they were discussing it at length and I had to tune out. Merve reakons that he needs big Gloves. Anyway back to the cricket so we arrived at our seats at about 9:30 and here were the Rum lads on it already and having a fine time with some Red Stripe. Well I have to give them one for that because the first one definitely has lumps, in fact they all have lumps with that stuff.

Anyway it was a great day, Tait bowled like a legend and was really the differnce, no-one else could make the breakthroughs that he did.

Freddy copped it from our Red Strip drinking peanut gallery as well as from the stadium officials. He came out on the ground to a blast of music " Dancing Queen". Anyway he had the unfortunate experience of fielding in front of us and got a very load rendition of Row Row Row you boat from the boys followed by various offers of beer. He took it very well though.

Anyway it was back to the boat for a quite night and a lovely trip around Dominica the next day. But that is a whole new story and involves home made Lime Punch. Stay tuned to this site, and don't forget to check out the photo's in the GALLARY

Copya Soon
Shaz (aka Shags)

First Night on the Boat (Oh sorry Ship)

Well what a night!!!

It was full swing on the Budweiser's after a full day of cue after cue but we finally made it on board. After an initial briefing from Merve we all headed up for Burgers and more beer on the top deck to see the boat (oh sorry Ship) off. Ross decided that it was a good night to give everyone nick names, since Chunky got his the night before and he didn't want any of us to miss out. But as it turned out he didn't actually end up with one. Anyway one lady was unfortunate enough to walk next to a fan with a short dress on, so Ross was quick to give her Marilyn (for obvious reasons that were pleasing for the boys) and I with the help of Merve and Ross got Big Shagga (shortened to shags later on) and Hubbard got Mumma Shagga. Sam got Blue Healer for some reason that got lost in the Buds but that was revised the next morning to Chucky 2, also for obvious reasons. Myself and Chunky have decided that Ross will get Magpie because Merve got him a beauty with my hat by flicking it behind his ear (Magpie Trick). Anyway I have never seen anyone duck for cover so quickly.

With that said and all the fun we had I actually didn't get to see Antigua due to a massive hangover. Got up at 7am, went for a swim, ate some food and passed out till later afternoon. Myself and Hubbard went for a quick walk but decided to settle in for an afternoon by the pool watching Bangladesh kick some South African Butt( And wasn't that sweet) However the South Africans on the ship didn't look very happy with me and hub yahooing at their batting collapse.

Anyway I have posted some photos on the album for everyone to see, here is a sample one but if you click on this GALLARY link you can see more.

During the evening (or one of the evenings that have seemed to blurr a bit already) We come up with the trip slogan of "Don't Miss the BOAT" because if you do you are up that creek with Freddy.

The Trip to Miami

Well the trip over didn’t go too bad, we arrived at LA Airport in under 12 hours and thought that was great UNTIL we encountered customs. 3 hours later we had our luggage and had to leave it in a very large pile for re-check to Miami. Everyone knew this was going to be a disaster, especially since the baggage handlers looked about as enthused as a council worker on a hot day. Anyway we arrived in Miami and shock horror Hubbard’s bag was not there. However all was not lost because several other bags were missing along with Merve’s. He quickly accosted the baggage handlers and determined that our bags were on the next plane so I sent Hubbard to the hotel and we settled in for the wait in a small Mexican bar/café. All was OK until I realised that Merve put me in his shout and after several Presidente’s (Merve was on the Corona’s) our bags finally arrived and as you can imagine we were all smiles and headaches the next morning. I actually wasn't too bad but one party animal achieved the nick name of Chunky for his evenings work (something to do with carrots he left in the hotel foyer)

But we were on our way to San Juan and everyone was smiles

PS - The photo is of Merve giving me the Bird once again. Nothing has changed there.

Off to the Caribbean 2007

Well the final preparations are being made and the suit cases are packed and we are about to head off on the trip of a life time to watch the Aussie's kick some Butt.

Hubbard has packed everything, including the kitchen sink so no doubt we are well prepared, I of course have packed nothing so will as usual frantically throw some stuff in a bag and hope that I don't forget my tooth brush.

The AST guys have been great and organised everything well, we have tickets, gear to wear and we could even check in on the cruise ship on line (how cool, I even set up an account). We did have one small hiccup with the Caricom Visa. We paid on line but they never sent a confirmation email. Anyway I just logged on with an account and printed the receipt and a few days later we had our visa.

My next post will be from the sun and sand and I hope to have some photo's by then, however if I have time I will sneak in a leaving the country snap shot.

Stay tuned and wish me luck in the land of the Rum!!!

ODI Cricket Tour of England 2005

I thought it was best to make sure I knew how to do the photo thing before I left so I have put together some of the highlight photos of our tour of England in 2005. Click this link to see this album