Travelling Post 25 - "I got a tat down under"

Now there are only a few people that will get the joke of that title, should their memories be good enough and should they still be reading, but it is self explanatory in it's meaning. So what do you think? - and look at that tan line!




















now for a closer look




















Actually it's only a transfer I just couldn't keep up the ruse, but I had you all fooled into believing that I really got a tattoo, not yet maybe in NZ rather than Oz. I got the transfer at Mildura Mardi Gras, which was held a week last Saturday, on the the same day that Sydney held their more impressive Mardi Gras. Mildura's Mardi Gras wasn't in any way what many people associate with a Mardi Gras as there wasn't any representation for Gays and Lesbians in the 60+strong parade of floats and displays, neither was it held on Pancake Tuesday, or as a further meaning described on Wikipedia it wasn't even the end of a Carnival but the start of a month long Arts Festival. However miss-named the festival was it, was still a enjoyable to watch all the floats go by from the hostel, and it ended with a grape crushing contest. The Riviera Backpackers entered two teams, I wasn't in any, which is probably why none of them won, probably















There were a number of floats with a fruit theme.















The local Library sent representation in the form of the story 'The Hungry Caterpillar,' I think that was the books title it has been a long time since I read it.















Many local businesses were represented, from pubs and restaurants to this gentlemen who sells manure at a bargain price.















The two Riviera teams in the grape crushing contest.

and on the poker front
On Monday 5th, I came in the top 18 and on the final three tables. Then on Friday 9th I came second in the losers game. Being on the losers this may not seem like much but there were 16-18 people in the losers game and I purposefully put myself on it by betting on cards that I didn't even look at, all because I'd had a bit too much to drink. On Monday 12th I came in second again on the losers table, which is the closest I've come to winning a cash prize, if I'd have won I'd have won $130, so close yet so far.

Whilst at the poker i saw poker kits for sale, a 500 piece set costs $122, so I have decided that before I leave Mildura I will treat myself (as if 18 months abroad is not treat enough) and buy myself one and post it home. Those thrifty ones amongst you would point out that I could save on the $30+ postage and purchase one at home upon my return, but I want a keepsake of my time in Mildura, and there pretty much is nothing else to buy.