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Maureen's
review
How
does one even begin to describe the most
incredible day ever? I know I won't be able
to convey my thoughts coherently, but I'll
try.
When
I think back to this time last year, I had
all the usual pie in the sky dreams about
seeing Michael in concert.
In Australia.........Did he know the
country existed?
In England...........my chance of
winning lotto was not looking good. I
resigned myself to the fact that my only
sightings of Michael would be through my
video collection. News of a concert rocked
us.
Michael
in Australia.
This was too good to be true.
Then that fateful day when we could
go online and buy our tickets through
Ticketek (Jan19, my youngest son's
birthday........did we celebrate his
birthday?? I can't remember)
Did I really offer to buy all those
tickets for people I had never met,.
My husband thought I'd taken leave of
my senses and I suppose in a way I had.
The next few weeks saw hundreds of
emails exchanged all over Australia, phones
rang hot, passing on information to
everyone.
Plans were beginning to take shape
and our Mikey adventure was soon to begin.
My
day began around 4.30am.
Even though I only had to travel 100k
by car, I needed to be up really early to
ice my ankle.
I could not let a badly sprained
ankle
(LONG STORY) spoil any part of what
was going to be a day of firsts.
First time to meet all my email
buddies, first time to get up close and
personal with Michael and first time to see
him in concert.
John,
Marilyn, Judy and I , arrived at our hotel
in Darling Harbour around 8.45am after
travelling through driving rain for most of
our journey. I had spoken to Deb earlier in
the trip, so knew that she was also on her
way with Tammy. This was going to be a
weekend to remember.
As
John attempted to unload what appeared to be
an enormous amount of luggage for 1 night
(well you have to bring all the Michael
goodies to share or swap, so I told him), I
met some of the Kiwis, including Jean
Wilson, coming out of the hotel, obviously
on a Michael finding mission.
I couldn't wait to meet up with
everyone.
No John - there is no time for
breakfast, you can grab a coffee while we
are in the queue. (We still haven't
had breakfast or that cup of coffee!!) Margaret
has already rang to say there are quite a
few people in the queue and I'm becoming
antsy.
I know where I want to be and it
isn't in McDonalds across the road from our
hotel having breakfast.
There are more important things to
do.
Mikey here we come!
To
save time and my ankle, we grabbed a taxi
for the short distance to David Jones, where
a queue of around 50 had already gathered.
Margaret de Boer was spotted, name
badges given out, introductions and hugs all
around.
Our place was now secure in the queue
and the chatter was increasing.
So was the excitement. Time passed
quickly as other email buddies were
recognised and
very soon the line was right to the
back of the store.
Passers by, who were wondering what
on earth was happening, were soon informed
by plenty of eager fans, all ready to impart
their knowledge and love of Michael to the
uninitiated.
A
huge roar erupted when Michael finally
appeared, apparently looking rather shocked,
but very pleased, to see so many people
there, who in turn, were so eager and
excited to be finally seeing him in the
flesh. I say apparently, because it was to
be about 1/2 hour before I actually saw him.
Being
a shortie, and so far back in the line, I
had to be patient for a little longer.
No mean feat, when everyone around
you is as hyped up as you are.
Michael did a question and answer
session with Penny??, who put to him
questions given to her earlier by the fans.
Another huge roar when Michael answered the
question on everybody's lips -When are you
coming to do a concert tour of Australia?
The answer was everything we had
hoped for – the promise of a full tour in
July/August, 5 cities plus New Zealand.
(Surely that wasn't a groan I heard from
John!)
Michael
settled down to meet the fans and sign
autographs.
Photos were taken, gifts given and
hopefully coherent conversation exchanged.
It was around this time that my brain
decided to take leave of my body - I'm not
sure that it has returned fully.
Whether it was the wink from those oh
so beautiful, blue eyes, or that wonderful
dimpled grin,
and "Hello darling, what have
you brought for me to sign?" ,I'll
never know, but Michael Ball, you have a lot
to answer for!!
I have been a jellied mess ever
since, with barely a coherent thought in my
head.
Everything became a blur, I was on
auto-pilot for the rest of the weekend with
my feet not touching the ground.
All
too soon Michael had to leave for his
rehearsal at Star City, but only after
extending the session by 20 minutes or more,
so that no one was left disappointed.
What an experience to share, what a
thoroughly lovely person.
On
to part two
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