After Malaysia, the eagerly awaited Ashes starts in earnest.
Following a fabulous time in New Zealand, we all said our goodbyes, some extending their holidays, others heading home. For me, it was on to a couple of weeks in Malaysia.
The weather in New Zealand had been rather indifferent: cold, cloudy, and with just enough rain to abandon two matches. Kuala Lumpur was not much better in terms of cloud and showers, but at least it was warm. The street food was delicious, the narrow lanes bursting with colour and street art. Much of it has been featured in books and magazines, and the crowds jostled for the perfect angle to capture selfies with the murals.
I am starting to think that, going forward, I might build in more stopovers. Some of our guests do exactly that, and it certainly makes a change from diving straight into a tour.
Kuala Lumpur to Perth
My final days in KL were spent revisiting a few favourite spots and discovering some new ones, before switching into tour prep mode: washing, ironing and getting everything ready for my first week in Australia.
You learn quickly that being away for so long requires a very different mindset from a normal holiday. A friend on tour bought a new pair of sandals, only to find they were both left footed. I must admit, that did make me laugh. As for me, I always pack too much. After all these years, I still have not quite got it right.
Soon enough, it was time to leave Malaysia and head to Perth.
I stayed at the Pan Pacific, where many familiar faces were also based, people who have become friends over years of touring together. As the first Test came and went in the blink of an eye, we organised extra excursions: Rottnest Island, Fremantle, and a wine and chocolate tour. Some of us also went to Belmont Park for a day at the races. Google Maps told us it was a 30 minute walk, 2 miles. Forty-five minutes later we were somehow even further away. In the end, we walked 4.3 miles, though to be fair to Darren, it was an enjoyable stroll.
Touring, Talking and a Surprise Ending
We held our event at the QT Hotel with Dan Norcross and Aggers.
I was surprised by how many guests were only doing the first Test, which explained why so many were less than impressed with England snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Aggers laid out his thoughts, almost word for word from his BBC Sport column, and then we ran our heads and tails quiz, which everyone seemed to love. I received plenty of thanks afterwards, which I will happily take.
My final day in Perth was meant to be low key but turned out to be anything but. I went to the gym, then, for the first time ever, tried the steam room.
Afterwards, I wandered around the city before visiting the Perth Mint, which was excellent. Later, I went to Gloucester Park for harness racing. Without the English contingent, the attendance would have been little more than a man and his dog.
Moving On Again
The next morning, I left Perth for a week in Bali between Tests. I always feel a bit sad leaving because I have made so many friends over the years.
I also found myself wondering how many more tours Sara will do, given that she created this wonderful company.
After Bali it was on to Brisbane. Once again, I will not mention the cricket. I have been fairly busy meeting clients, so I have not had much chance to get out and about in this beautiful city.
A leisurely cruise along the Maiwar River and a trip up the Sky Tower with Richard were lovely ways to round off my time here.
All the best
Gary.
