ANZAC Day

Today, 25th April, is ANZAC Day - the day on which Austraian's & Kiwis remember their fallen soldiers & in particular those from the 1st World War. Lucy & I ended up attending the 'dawn' (more like pre-dawn) service, in a very wet Martin Place (Sydney CBD). The, ultimately failed, Gallipoli landing in 1915 commenced at 4.15am on 25 April - hence the date & timing of the service.

Despite the weather (now having rained in Sydney for 4 days non-stop) a very large turn-out was present & the very sombre occasion involved a laying of wreaths & a playing of the Last Post - always reminds me of my Grandad's funeral. A few people passed out in the audience - not sure whether that was as a result of alcohol or emotion (maybe a combination of both).

It was an interesting experience taking part in the service & seeing how revered the ANZACs are in modern Australia. It is a shame that such reverence is not seen at the UK's Rememberance Sunday in November.... maybe if gambling & alcohol was as intrinsic a part of the day then it would have the same success.

Lucy & I had intended on heading to the Harbord Diggers or local RSL for a game of 2-Up (basically betting on a coin toss) but having only gotten home from the night before at 9am we had a bit of a nap & by the time we woke up the queue at the Diggers was so long that we just couldn't be bothered (plus it was raining) so we headed elsewhere for lunch & then had a quiet day nursing our hangovers.