[morp]

Hi SEA community!,

I was directed to post here from the Aussies on TL

My wife and I will be visiting Australia from the US from August 1-18. In order, we'll be in going from Melbourne (1-5) -> Kangaroo Island (6-10) -> Cairns (11-15) -> Sydney (16-18). I did some searching and there have been barcrafts in Melbourne and Sydney in the past so I'd be really excited to meet some of you, watch SC2 (which transcends cultures), stuff my face with australian junk food and beer, and learn some of your lingo!

Unfortunately, we're arriving after GSL finals so that won't work. GSTL finals are on August 4th if there's a barcraft in Melbourne for that... and I'm not sure whether there's an event for which there'd be a barcraft in Sydney from 16-18.

I'm assuming no one lives on Kangaroo island

Also, any other recommendations for things to do/restaurants etc while we're in your town?

Thanks!,
Richard

[TheGentleman]

Originally Posted by morp

I'm assuming no one lives on Kangaroo island

Nah, no one does... but we do ride kangaroos to work sometimes, it's a rarer sight now with the modernisation of the world especially in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Hope you enjoy your visit

Quick Comments

	ETL.ViTaL:	Yes
	Stallion:	lol

[morp]

Originally Posted by TheGentleman

Nah, no one does... but we do ride kangaroos to work sometimes, it's a rarer sight now with the modernisation of the world especially in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Hope you enjoy your visit

lol!

My wife (who can't wait to hug a kangaroo) immediately said "REALLY?!"

[breadfan]

I don't want to say it won't happen, but I don't think full scale barcrafts generally happen for GSTL, mainly GSL only I think. Of course, there may be smaller gatherings! My advice would be to try and find someone who would consider having a bbq GSTL event or something and trying to squeeze in on that

While in Melbourne, I recommend just going out and seeing the nightlife. There are lots of great restaurants and bars with live music every night - it's the kind of place I really enjoy just heading out without a plan and just choosing something cool to do when I see it.

Sydney is probably more of your touristy stuff... You can see the bridge and the opera house I guess. There's probably a more centralised SC2 scene in Sydney (not that I've visited Sydney in the lifespan of SC2) so I think you're more likely to be able to meet up with some guys at one of the "hubs" (like internet cafes) to play/watch some games

P.S. Australian junk food is mostly a restricted variety American junk food

[MezjE]

breadfan speaks wise words! Kangaroo Island is amazing, hopefully the weather is kind t you while your there as the beaches are certainly the best part (for me anyway)

[Mayo]

There should be a Barcraft in Melbourne, this is where you will find the info about it: http://www.facebook.com/SiliconSports

[Dox]

It's a shame you're arriving in Sydney 1 week too late for the Australia/Oceania WCS finals. It's going to be stellar.

[TAriiChard]

My names Richard too!!!

Quick Comments

	Trinion:	lolololol :D
	neKo:	Wait what
	TADivinity:	THERE ARE JUST DICKS EVERYWHERE TONIGHT~~~~

[Shinkz]

Be careful of the drop bears, especially in kangaroo island!

Here's the information you need: http://australianmuseum.net.au/Drop-Bear/

Quick Comments

ToRDjvillian:

Drop bears, gotta watch out for dem drop bears. For more info see www.dropbearaware.com

[Zepph]

In Sydney I'd highly recommend going to Taronga Zoo. I went just recently and it was the best thing ever! There's parts where you can handle the animals or walk through their enclosures so it would be cool for your wifey if she wants to hug a kangaroo :P

You can go to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to the zoo (if it's a sparkly day you're in for a treat on the water ). The ferry takes you close to the Opera house and bridge then delivers you at the zoo's front door. On return dinner in the harbour is always good!

Quick Comments

TAriiChard:

+1

[inFeZa]

Stay away from sydney. Melbourne is the better city.

Quick Comments

	NOM:	Listen to this man, he has twinkies
	Asrathiel:	How rude!! :P
	rezyn8:	TRUTH... he speaks it

[morp]

Thanks for all your advice! I'm sensing a little bit of Melbourne Sydney rivalry

Zepph - that sounds really good and exactly what she's looking for. You're describing a pretty (keen?) day.

Shinkz - I looked up drop bears so trolled.

TAriiChard - lol!

Dox - Oh that would have been perfect. Over here in NA we don't know the SEA players very well so it would have been great to educate myself on your scene.

Mayo - I'll check that site regularly.. hopefully something pops up

Combat - We're really looking forward to Kangaroo island. I've heard it's rainy this time of year so hopefully we can avoid it.

Thanks!,
Richard

[ToRDjvillian]

I'm glad someone brought up the drop bear subject in my absence. Www.dropbearaware.com

Edit: stay in Sydney an extra week and attend a tournament: http://www.sc2sea.com/showthread.php?t=5179

[ToRSpookToR]

everyone hates Melbourne really

[x5_Bard]

My parents live on kangaroo island!

Where abouts are you staying?

[morp]

Originally Posted by Bard

My parents live on kangaroo island!

Where abouts are you staying?

We'll be staying 3 days right near Flinder's Chase Park and then 2 days near Kingscote. After researching, the island is deceptively big so we decided to split up our stay locations in order to see everything.

[SleekDaElite]

Coming from a neutral city. Melbourne city is awesome especially at night, dont miss the casino, but in Sydney Kings Cross is lame. stick near the beach, Bondi Beach is AWESOME

[ToRSpookToR]

sleek you are from adelaide we hate Victorians!!!

Quick Comments

SleekDaElite:

haha ah yes my bad, how foolish of me

[NOM]

Melbourne has the most bi-polar weather cycle. be prepared for awesome sunniness then hail after a couple of minutes.

Quick Comments

Maynarde:

LOL @ sun in melbourne

[morp]

Sleek - Is it true that Aussies love to gamble? I keep hearing about that. And your popular game is apparently something I've never heard of I've never been a big fan of casinos... what is cool about the Melbourne one?

Djvillian - I wish Taking this much time from work is already really tough. I'm going to try to avoid checking email while down under.

Originally Posted by NOM

Melbourne has the most bi-polar weather cycle. be prepared for awesome sunniness then hail after a couple of minutes.

You're not the first to mention the weather in Melbourne being crazy so maybe we should be concerned!

Also the lol @ sun in Melbourne posted in response to your post......



Thanks!,
R

[ETL.ViTaL]

Melbourne is better than either Adelaide or Sydney so I'd aim to spend the majority of the time there :P

Quick Comments

breadfan:

Truth.

[ToRozliam]

Mt hotham in Melbourne could be something to look at aswell as it is snow season, and the snow fields have just been opened i live in the country at night it could get to -3, and yes melbourne changed weather really quickly, one day it was sunny the next it was raining full on and i was flooded in ahaha, but melbourne is a good place to go maybe going to a Afl game at either the MCG or Etihad stadium?

[Baldie]

Spend a day selling "The Big Issue" in Melbourne

[eCKoa'coolbeans]

Make sure to have a schnitzel at the pub in kingscote, best ive ever had to this day. I dont think there will be much sc2 on kangaroo island though :P

Quick Comments

asdfSchnitzel:

make sure not too! i'd like to not be eaten :(

[morp]

I would love to learn the rules to Australian football and catch a game.... unfortunately my wife doesn't even like American football. I think she'd revolt if I tried to take her to a game. (or at least give me those eyes that tell me I've been laddering too long )

Wow - I'll DEFINITELY try that Schnitzel in Kingscote on that recommendation. Schnitzel is one of my favorite foods and I rarely get to have it. To this point, the best I've had was in Darmstadt in '05 - plate sized with a layer of bacon in the middle, drenched in mushroom gravy, then piled high with fried potatoes... couldn't walk for a while after that

Thanks!,
R

[morp]

Baldie I have no idea what 'The Big Issue' is but I think I'm getting trolled again

[ToRDjvillian]

Originally Posted by morp

Baldie I have no idea what 'The Big Issue' is but I think I'm getting trolled again

The big issue is a magazine given out freely to those in bad situations who then try to sell it on every corner of every block in an effort to make some money... Dole bludgers.

[mGGDrGooSe]

Originally Posted by ToRDjvillian

The big issue is a magazine given out freely to those in bad situations who then try to sell it on every corner of every block in an effort to make some money... Dole bludgers.

Actually, they pay 2.50 per magazine and then try to sell it for a profit. It's a way that they can earn money through hard work, not dole bludging (Morp, The Dole is slang for social security).

[TheGentleman]

Originally Posted by morp

Baldie I have no idea what 'The Big Issue' is but I think I'm getting trolled again

Not every Australian is a troll

[ToRozliam]

ahh, well the Australian footy is alot different then the american more fun to watch, and when you go to a live game the crowds are amazing, its such a good atmosphere

Quick Comments

rezyn8:

AFL is dieing because they change the rules too much - umpires confused players confused - terrible game atm

[breadfan]

Originally Posted by ozliam

ahh, well the Australian footy is alot different then the american more fun to watch, and when you go to a live game the crowds are amazing, its such a good atmosphere

This is false.

[YurickHarmon]

I think if you are going to visit the club/bar scene in Melbourne, might be worth learning some of the slang a) people will think you are hilarious and b) you will actually understand what the hell we are on about.

[morp]

lol!

I was puzzling over 'Dole Bludgers' for a while... thanks for clearing that up Goose. What is a bludger? I mean I can infer what it means but I don't think I've heard that word before.

Yurick - hahaha so true.

How long is an AFL game? Is it tough to get tickets day of the game and pick up the basic rules?

Also, I'm seeing a lot of people from Melbourne/Sydney etc. Back to the original topic - do you have a favorite restaurant you'd recommend?

By the way, if any of you are on NA and would like to practice my ID is morp.277 (Diamond Protoss). I'm always up for ego-less practice, strategy discussion, and replay analysis.

Cheers!,
R

Quick Comments

mGGDrGooSe:

bludger is someone who takes more than they give. Sometimes also just means lazy

[mGGDrGooSe]

Circular Quay and The Rocks in sydney are quite nice - nice view and lots of food. Botanical gardens is also near by. Luna Park as well, although i dont think its worth the money they charge. Sydney aquarium and reptile park are right next to each other, although a bit pricey - close by is the imax theatre. The aquarium is freaking awesome though. I recommend doing it at night with the mrs for a more romantic atomsphere . There's also the maritime museum (darling harbour?) and natural history museum and art gallery (musuem train station). Is Fox studios still open? Never been there, no idea if its any good. If you wanna travel a little bit west of the CBD there is olympic park with some gardens and stuff out at Homebush Bay - perhaps worth a day. Go for a swim at the aquatic centre, ride a bike through the gardens or whatever they are called. If you really wanna travel, then the blue mountains are about 2 hoours west of the CBD. Go out to Katoomba (dress a bit warmer) and see the 3 sisters 'mountain' thingo and do some bush walking, zigzag railway (really steep train ride through the bush) and whatnot.

PS, all my american friends say that australia is pretty expensive, and sydney is more expensive than most. Be prepared to throw some cash around if you wanna do the touristy thing.

[Asrathiel]

Originally Posted by mGGDrGooSe

zigzag railway (really steep train ride through the bush)

Zigzag Railway is further up the moutains and is gonna close (and isn't steep), you're thinking of Scenic World I think.

If you go up to the mountains then there's Echo Point (where you can see the Three Sisters from), Leura Cascades and a bunch of cool bushy lookouty places to check out.

[SleekDaElite]

Sleek - Is it true that Aussies love to gamble?

very true. if u aren't too drunk you can take all our money. I just liked their casino because of the size of it. its much bigger than ours and looks very flash

[morp]

Goose - Sounds great! As for expense... there's no way around it. Traveling is expensive even without paying for my wife to cuddle every animal in existence

Asrathiel - Not enough time to visit the blue mountains this time. It would have been cool (keen?) to check out bushy lookouty places! We're trying to see so much of your very large country in one visit that a lengthy trip out of Sydney couldn't be put in unfortunately.

I think we're staying right by the Casino so we'll visit there for certain.

Cheers,
R

[morp]

4th day in Australia...

We did 3 days in Melbourne and just arrived on Kangaroo Island.

LOVED Melbourne. What a beautiful city. It was so busy and diverse with lots of cultures, delicious food, fun laneways etc while at the same time being friendly. We had a great time. Also, the Casino is scary sized.

My wife touched noses with a wallaby today so I think she'll be thrilled for the next month. Hoping to try that Schnitzel in Kingscote in the days to come...

Cheers,
m

[TCPLemminks]

If you stay around there's tastosis at WCS Australia next weekend

[Shieldz]

lucky guy!!

[LordByrnsy]

WCS Next weekend WOOOOO! Be in Sydney for that or be Square!

[morp]

It would be so wonderful to catch WCS Australia at a Barcraft! I'd love to be educated on the notable SEA players and study SEA strategies... I bet a lot is different from the NA server.

Unfortunately, we're in Cairns on the 12th - we don't arrive in Sydney until the 15th. Is there a Cairns barcraft by any chance?

Saw a few more wallabies today, something like 20 'roos, and an echidna. The animals are amazingly unafraid of humans here as the roos will let you get within a meter or two before hopping a few steps away.

cheers,
m

[Asrathiel]

Originally Posted by morp

Is there a Cairns barcraft by any chance?

Wouldn't think so. Glad you're having fun!

[Meatex]

you can go to some areas (not zoos) where the roos will come right up to you, if you got something for them to eat at least
SEA server I think tends to be more late game oriented. More players will try to punish greed with greater greed rather than trying to all in you

Enjoy Australia man, I know I miss it

[morp]

lol! My wife was thinking the same and brought around some apple and pear cores all day in the hopes of luring a 'roo. I guilted her into not pulling them out though... it can't be good for roos to learn to eat out of her hand.

As for styles, that sounds a lot more like NA than Korea. I know personally (as protoss) if I go one gate expand in PvT and find out that terran went CC first, I'm more likely to respond with a quick third nexus off 1 gate rather than a 2 base all in. Then again, my control is definitely a weak point so it may be from necessity.

Boo on the Cairns barcraft. Hopefully I'm staying somewhere with free wireless so I can check out WCS at least on the laptop. Which players should I be watching out for?

Cheers,
m

[FSNiseH]

I think the players considered top of SEA right now are Moonglade, Pig, and mafia (zergs), the first 2 of which have been to tournaments such as IEM and done pretty well. I think every other player has a chance though, and it gives a good chance for the lesser accomplished ones to have a good showing. Be prepared to watch a lot of ZvZ, because this is SEA after all :P

Edit: Oh crap, how did I forget tgun? He's a player for the ItsGosu team and like glade and pig has had showings at overseas tourneys.
Edit 2 : Now that I think about it, just watch out for everyone. This event is going to be awesome! (But I'm cheering for moonglade :P)

[ToRSpookToR]

bigbird will win it dont you deny it

[ToRsupapower]

Originally Posted by ToRSpo0k

bigbird will win it dont you deny it

Spook will win ! What a same you can't stay and watch WCS It would be amazing.