“You have to pace yourself. If you have a day off, take it as a whole day off. Just relax. That’ll help in the long run.” Chris Shelton

Today we had a day to relax and enjoy the sights of Seattle. It was a chance for our tour participants to have a day off the court and enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer.

The girls returned from their homestays full of vigour and after picking up the boys who had enjoyed a night of rest in the motel, we headed off to do, what else but watch a game of basketball. We headed off to Seattle University to watch the WNCAA Seattle University Redhawks take on the Sacramento State Hornets. We hit “kid’s day” which was appropriate for us, so there was a lot of cheering and dancing (a lot of flossing) from the crowd. The kids were excited to see Australian patriots Courtney Murphy, Georgia Keho and Mandy Phillips suiting up for the Redhawks. With the announcers making a special mention of the Aussie contingent in the crowd, the crew cheered loudly for the Redhawks (well, apart from Joel ‘Romeo’ Dent (see below) who defiantly went for the Hornets). After Redhawks took the win by 7 points, we took the opportunity for some photographs with the Redhawks Aussie team members and who can forget the Redhawk mascot. As a footnote, have you ever tried to organise a photograph with a mascot that can’t talk. It’s not easy, and not particularly pleasant when you have a bird phobia either.

After our sporting outing, the focus turned to tourist mode. We were off to the Seattle Space Needle. The Space Needle is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world and is a treasured Seattle icon. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair—the Century 21 Exposition whose theme was “The Age of Space”—the tower’s futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure to symbolize humanity’s Space Age aspirations. Since its grand opening on April 21, 1962, the landmark continues to symbolize the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. Located at Seattle Center, the Space Needle stands at 605’ tall and is one of the most photographed structures in the world. And photograph we did. There were photos on the top floor with floor to ceiling glass, and then there were photos on the bottom level with the glass floor. The latter level made a few a tad cautious to step on the see-through flooring (adults and children alike), while some revelled in the chance to lay on the floating floor – I’m not sure if that’s out of tiredness or just purely for photographic purposes.

From here we took the monorail downtown and enjoyed the sights of Seattle in all its Christmas light glory. As we wandered the streets we were serenaded with the sounds of Christmas carols as the ‘Figgy Pudding Carolling Competition’ hit full swing. Each year approximately 40 carolling teams take their places among the streets of downtown to sing their hearts out to raise money for the Pike Markets Senior Centre and Downtown Food Bank. After getting our carolling fill (and a bit more shopping) we headed back for an early night and well deserved rest.

Before I launch into my announcement of the Flag for Day 6, can I make mention of an incident that has only just came to light that should have earnt a flag nomination. It seems some of our poppets are a little remiss in remembering incidents from the day before, so despite the fact that there is a moratorium on flag nominations only being for the prior, this little beauty is getting an airing. After Stuart’s game at La Conner High School, he decided he was a bit peckish and felt like some popcorn so headed out to the canteen. After making polite conversation he ordered his bag of popcorn, expecting to pay $2.00 so he was a little surprised when the gent asked for $4.00. Not wishing to be overcharged, he pointed to the price list on the counter and said “but it says $2.00 here” to which the attendant replied “that’s an old price list”. Not missing a beat, Stuart questioned how the one up on the board said $2.00 as well, but the guy said that was out of date and the price was now $4.00. Stuart really wanted his popcorn, so he conceded and paid the princely sum. As he was putting his change in his pocket, a young girl came up to the counter and ordered popcorn and a drink – she was charged $3.00. Work that one out – is it the girl fact or the Aussie factor? (On a side note, Stuart admitted popcorn was worth the extra $2.00….

The Flag!

As well as drawing attention from passers by due to our accents, matching tracksuits and witty humour (wait, that might be just me), it seems one of our tour participants has been capturing the hearts of our American friends for his charm, charisma and cuteness appeal. That’s right we have a resident Romeo on board – also known as Joel Dent (it’s always the quiet ones you need to watch out for). Joel has earnt his turn with the flag after casting his spell over a young Granite Falls (or is that Sharon Falls) lass. While we noted he was talking his magic with a little poppet after the game on Day 4 to be honest we didn’t think too much of it. That all changed however, when Day 6’s game arrived for the girls at Jackson High School and we realised the full extent of Joel’s magical powers. Low and behold the little poppet and two of her compadres had made the one hour drive to support our Titans (and Joel). Now that’s dedication. We’re now planning on quarantining Joel to limit his affect on the American female population.