I liked the Pimms best
It's funny how being in a different place compels you do things you would never usually be inclined to do. In my case, this includes attending a sporting event. It's funny how it had never even occurred to me to go to the Australian Open, but when we were offered tickets to Wimbledon, I suddenly decided I needed to go.
Wimbledon tournament takes place at the rather grandly named All England Tennis Club, and the Club has a wonderful sense of history and prestige. One of my favourite aspects of this were the army officers who were posted at the entrance to the smart seats:I also loved the very twee looking linesmen/women and ball boys/girls, who were decked out head to toe in adorable Ralph Lauren outfits:
Given that we were in the cheap seats and didn't have access to Centre Court and therefore the famous players, we hung out at the smaller courts and watched some unknown/washed up Aussies play. First up was Wayne Arthurs, who is apparently 36, so I have to admire the fact he was still playing and actually won after five marathon sets. We were right next to the court which was amazing, and got to demonstrate our full repertoire of tennis noises....
'Oooohhh' = very good
'Aaauuuuu' = what a shame
'Arrrrrhh' (followed by sucking in air through teeth) = that was crapUnfortunately we were not the only ones feeling vocal. There was the mandatory group of drunken Aussie blokes that yelled commentary, some hilarious but most inane, from the sidelines for the *entire* match. They were irritating in the extreme and I felt very embarrassed in front of the chilled out Dutch supporters of the opponent. But, when 'Wayno' took it out in the end, he rushed over to them, so it made me think they might have had something to do with it.
The Age has written an article that sums the match up beautifully and features a photo of Wayne with his cheer squad. The guy at the back with the flag was particularly annoying.
We then saw a few bits and pieces of other matches, including catching a brief glimpse of Venus Williams, and then went to see another unknown Aussie, Chris Guiccone, play a British wild card.
It has to be said that the British fans were extremely boring on the cheering front: 'Go Alex!' was pretty much as creative as it got. So much so I was actually pleased when Team Australia showed up again and started chanting 'Get on the G-train!' and 'Go the Goochinator!!'.
And yes, strawberries and cream and Pimms and lemonade were both crossed off the list!