Mardi Gras!

One of the big events in Sydney is Mardi Gras and since it was on while we were here, we had to go along.

It began with the Mardi Gras Fair on 18th February at Victoria Park. Kate and I were joined by Suzanne and Lincoln (who worked with us at Insearch) and Rich (who we randomly met in the Botanical gardens the day before!) After (correctly) guessing our way there, we headed straight for the beer tent and settled ourselves down under a tree to watch events. I felt something brush my hand and when I looked it was a $50 note. No-one seemed to be chasing after it so we claimed it and used it for beer money for the rest of the afternoon!

We wandered around and came across what Rich described as the 'gayest tree ever' - it had silver wind chimes hanging from every branch! They were also offering 'free hugs' under the tree and Kate ran over and took them up on their offer!

People had made a great effort in their outfits (although some were a little too bright) and some even had the perfect accessory - their dog! (poor things!) The best one though was this greyhound that we nicknamed 'the spangly dog'!!! Enough said really!

They were also selling pink Australian flags so we got one for our gay friend, Luke, who'd been unable to make it as he had to work last minute. They also gave us miniature Aussie flag tattoos so the girls wore them with pride!

The day was very enlightening but it was nothing compared with the Mardi Gras Parade that took place on 3rd March.

We met up with Luke & Lincoln on Oxford Street and found a place to stand (& bought $10 stools to stand on so that we could get a better view!).

The parade began with 'Dykes on Bikes' followed by the floats. It seemed that almost everyone wanted to have a float in the parade (including IKEA and ANZ bank!)

Lots of the floats had dancers after them and they were very good (including the Asian Marching Boys and Kylie's Impossible Princesses). It was very bright and colourful and there was a great atmosphere to it!