Oz XIII - Leaving Sydney

After 6 months I have finally left Sydney and headed up the coast. I popped down to Canberra and then was back in Sydney for Anzac Day. Anzac Day is the day of rememberance for Australian and New Zealand troops who died at Gallipoli in the First World War. I didn't manage to get to any parades or to a dawn service. However, I did see the buildup to the traditional Aussie Rules Anzac Day match between Collingwood & Essendon. I had seen adverts for this all week telling of the importance and tradition of the match and this year was the first year that it was being televised. It turns out that this match has only been going on since 1996! A coincidence more than a tradition. The pre-match buildup was in large part AFL players talking about the meaning of the game in relation to Anzac Day. I then joined in with true Anzac traditions, getting drunk and gambling. All the pubs were packed in Sydney. At each pub they play two-up. This involves throwing 2 pennies into the air and seeing if they both land heads or tails. Before they are thrown you bet with someone across from you in the circle. The police turn a blind eye to it.