Lone Hill

The morning was mostly a day of sorting finances, laundry, etc. We had a nice family lunch with the full crew in preparation for heading out for our first cricket match ever. We were all very excited! We even watched cricket on TV a few times with Bennie while he gave us a tutorial on the rules. We were ready for this!

The excitement continued to mount as we drove towards the stadium and as you could see it rise among the masses of the city for it embodied these two forces of gladiators that were about to battle it out to the joy of the hoards, for only one could emerge victorious.

As we came closer still, the busy-ness of the streets grew with cars jostling for parking, and people streaming in to score prim seating for this grand rivalry. We arrived early enough to score a parking spot a mere jaunt from the entrance. Walking in, we were given a bucket hat, flags, banger/noise maker thing-a-ma-jigs, temporary tattoos… all free and part of the experience! I learnt latter that this is not the norm, but I we happily enjoyed this stroke of luck.

We walked past a variety of food and beverage vendors… well, okay, we did not make it past the beverage vendors, but now supplied, we made our way past the grass seating area, where spectators bring their own chairs and umbrellas. Feeling a bit more akin to the nobility, we decided we would splurge on the assigned seating in the grandstand area.

By the time we were in our seats it was around 2:30pm, with a full hour before the spectacle would begin. The announcer did an amazing job of ensuring the audience remained hyped and ready, while we watched these fine athletes warm up by using a large club to smash the rounded skin of a beast to their comrades, who would catch it with their calloused hands of strength. At around 3:15, we first noticed people pulling large tarps across the field, and looking up quickly revealed what was about to happen, as a very dark cloud emerged from the heavens to blanket the gladiators and onlookers alike.

The skies continued to pour rain down upon us for the next 2 1/2 hours before it seized its relentless soaking of the field. With great machines of liquid removal, the workers worked tirelessly to ensure this unparalleled match could still be witnessed in all its glory. Knowing the spectacle we would revel in, the crowd remained the entire time. At around 6:10, it was announced it would begin at 6:36! With a cheer from the throng, we made a quick run to acquire another beverage and back to our seats by 6:20, where it was the announced the game was canceled.

We went home and went to bed. We were tired from this day of great excitement.Read more