Leaving for Down Under

Today the National Rust delegation leaves for a trip Down Under to Australasia. We asked each of the party for their views

 

Algy Bellville

“Think New Zealand wines and you think Sauvignon Blanc but their cool climate with hot summers produces a lot of interesting wines. I am particularly looking forward to meeting up with my old pal John Buck at their  family Te Mata Estate near Napier on North Island. I rate his Coleriane and Elston amongst the very best.”

 

Tom Hollingworth

“New Zealand punches well above its weight with the almost perpetual hegemony of the All Blacks in world rugby: athletes like Peter Snell and John Walker: cricketers of the calibre of Sir Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, and now Kane Williamson. It’s not their sporting season but I’m looking forward to some stimulating conversations over their wine. Then it’s Melbourne, the sporting city of Australia.”

 

Doug Heath

“I have an unpleasant feeling that by the time we arrive in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test the Ashes will be done and dusted. the last time I was there in 2006/7 we lost 0-5 and I fear the same result.  The wind ups will be painful but Australia is a great country and Sydney and Melbourne two wonderful cities. I will be think of the readers as I down a glass of chilled Chardonnay al fresco at bar on the Yarra river.”

 

Daphne  Colthard

“Australia does not have a specific food culture  but I rather like that as countries that lack one tend to open their arms and restaurants to all forms of cuisine. From my last trip I recall cool sea food restaurants in lovely coves in Sydney and superb food in Melbourne.”

 

Bob Tickler

“I had a few problems with my visa when the agency applied on the wrong form and the second application took 72 hours. I asked a good friend with excellent connections in the High Commission to help and had to put with much banter from him about all my criminal convictions.  I replied that these could only enhance my application. I like Aussies but you have to give as good as you can get.'”

 

Nancy Bright -Thompson

“Aside from Bob’s visa difficulties I was impressed so far by the agency and the itinerary. Of course we worked most of this out in advance-that is half the fun. Bob has insisted we fly Emirates as he likes the horse shoe bar where he holds forth.”