My First Rugby Game

My first Rugby game was long over due.

It all started so innocently, however it wasn’t to last that way for long. When two Western grads joined by a South African friend meet up half way around the world and go to a rowdy Super 14 Rugby game in Johannesburg at famous Ellis Park٭, copious beer consumption soon becomes the overwhelming aspect of the night. The setting demanded it.

We arrived 30 minutes late, but that didn’t matter. We had been cruising downtown in our taxi, windows up and doors locked, in a shiny new blue Benz, already downing beers in the back working on our pre-game buzz

Once arrived, we bought our tickets at the gates amongst the roars from the crowd inside the open aired dome. Excitement was in the air.

We made our way inside, but before we reached our seats, or should I say the best empty seats we could grab, we had important business do get to: beers.

Now, we’ve all been to the Skydome, or another stadium in where the lines are long, beers are flat and the price is high. Many places will often even limit your consumption. They don’t want to get the crows too rowdy now. This rugby game in South Africa changed all this for me. Here are their rules, and how it all went down:

First off, the beer tent was exactly how it should be – rammed, sloppy and filled with drunks. Empty beer cans were three deep on your feet, with the spilt beer turning the ground beneath to mud. Crowded all around with drunk white Afrikaners with their mullets were a plenty. These aren’t the people with mullets that you’d point at make fun of, no, no, no. These are some of the thickest, rowdiest, liveliest, scariest and drunkest sports fans I’ve ever came across. They were awesome. But back to the beer.

Secondly, you could only buy beer in 6 packs at R90 a pop (roughly $11CAN). To make things tricky, the South Africans had a rule that no beer cans were allowed into the stadium. This was solved by what is known as outright illegal back home in Canada. They give you giant plastic pitchers as your cups. Between the three of us, we immediately bought four 6 packs and pored them into 2 pitchers (pitchers were hard to come by, which complicated the process a bit) Once the beer was bought, it was a mad dash to get as much beer without spilling into the pitchers. Many a men soon found out that a 6pack does not easily, nor neatly, fit into that pitcher. Chugging became the name of the game. And you had to hurry – you had a game to get back to.

We managed to chug as much as we could, filled the two pitchers, and hid a few of the last cans into our jeans. It was now time to actually enter the stadium and watch this game called Rugby – that’s what we came here to do no?

Although the game was well under way, our entrance was timed perfectly. As soon as we walked in and saw the field, the Home Team (Golden Lions) scored a diving try, lighting up the audience around us. If I didn’t ask the South African we were with, I’d still be yelling out touchdown. That’s how much I knew of rugby.

And it went on like that – learning the game, boozing, screaming, chatting up our neighbours, chugging contests with our neighbours, and sometimes even watching the game; it was great. What a game it soon turned out to be.

The away team tied the game up to 31 a piece with 50 seconds to go. The air was thick; everyone was tense and many people a-cross-eyed by this time of night. The Lions needed to work their magic. A few scrums, and a few fine plays later, and ‘TRY’ (I agree, it doesn’t have the same ring as ‘TOUCHDOWN’ does it?) the win with 5 seconds left. The crowd was already rowdy – but now it was just drunk mayhem. Definitely not the scene after a Toronto Blue Jays win; rugby is crazier.

The best part of the game, however, was yet to be had. In the middle of the second half, the three of us had our ‘Field of Dreams’ moment, when we all heard a magical voice over the speakers telling us to ‘be sure to stay after the game to go out onto the field’. What’s this? We all looked at each other in disbelief. We can go and run out onto the field? We were quite drunk by then, and thought for sure it was our minds playing tricks on us. What stadium would allow the rowdy fans onto the field to muck-about? The legalities, the condition of the field, security, and so on would all be in jeopardy. But were in South Africa; rules are different here; and this is exactly what happened.

What better way to keep fans love of the game alive than to allow them onto the field that their heroes touched and played on only a few moments ago. The game had now ended, and we were watching from our seats in disbelief – fans were actually going on the field. We had refilled our pitchers in the second half, and so still had quite a bit of booze left. Add the fact that we were pretty much sloshed by this point, there was no way we were going to be allowed on the field. Kids were playing mini-games in their own pockets on the fresh grass. People were kicking their rugby balls high and through the posts, and others were simply tackling whomever they could find. We needed to at least try to get on that field.

And that we did; pitchers in hand, we walked straight past security and onto the field. What a surreal experience. We were running around and laughing like school children, still not believing that this was possible. We were waiting for security to politely ask us to leave, but they never did. We stood right in mid-field finishing our pitchers, like any fine gentleman would.

After watching everyone else kicking and passing their rugby balls around, we felt underequipped. But we were drunk and therefore quite resourceful. The lid of the pitchers became a Frisbee, and we played our own version of rugby with that for awhile. But then a stroke of brilliance came upon us. The idea of using the now empty pitcher as a rugby ball itself came to mind. We immediately went and lined up a field goal.



It never even came close to the posts, but it didn’t matter. The night was already a Touchdown, or at least a ‘Try’ I should say.

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٭ Entire books have been written on a historic event that happened here in 1995. This one event unified a divided nation, and brough Mandela into the hearts of whites. Read more here.

Just as Central Park acts as the lungs of Manhattan, so does Maiden Oval provide the same for south Mumbai. This open field is not known for leisurely strolls however. This place acts as sacred as any sport arena in the world. Yet unlike Yankee Stadium, Wimbledon or Wembley, entrance here is free - both to play on, and to watch India’s revered national game.

Palm trees are lined around the long perimeter, providing much needed shade from the hot sub-continent sun; whereas the rest is grass which has turned into a permanent tint of brownish green. The field needs much water and rest from those that use it; but as with the rest of Mumbai, there is no rest to be found here.

On weekdays you will find gentlemen dressed in white, in funny hats running after a ball that is harder than a baseball. They will break for tea, for lunch, and for tea again as games last as long as the sun shines. Sometimes they go on for days. Unlike Mumbai however, no rush is to be found here.

On weekends the number of games and participants multiplies. School is out and so to are the children. They are pretending to be the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar. The riskier ones call themselves Brett Lee or a fancier Shane Warne; but they are rare. These are Indian school children remember. Can you imagine a young Canadian wanting to be an Ovechkin over a Crosby, a Jagr over a Gretzky?

The pitches are so many they quickly begin to overlap themselves. Outfielders are soon standing on the pitches of 10 other games, not to mention the 50 games that are a step over to the right; but they make do. Imagine 10 baseball games being played on one field. To make it work you simply shift everyone, home plate included, over 10 feet and you can start a new game. Repeat until there is not a patch left for homeplate. This is the scene here on Saturday afternoons. Open space in Mumbai is a luxury – an open-air grass field is heaven. It is simply hard to come by.

But so too are the wickets and the stumps; the equipment needed to make this game happen. Rocks, garbage bins, sticks, popcans, old shoes, etc. will do just fine. The one thing they do have in abundance are people – which means more games are to be played. To an outsider it looks as if they are playing a poor, scaled down version of the game. To the Indians the spirit is alive within the sport more than ever, and they are all rich for being apart of it.

The scene is dramatic. The Bombay High Court and Mumbai University act as the ever present officials, towering over the grounds dressed in their neo-gothic architecture. It’s a formidable sight, both in style and location. The crowd is the city itself. It’s always packed to a full house

It’s a setting unlike anywhere else in the world. India has many of these, yes; but here on this ground, the Maiden Oval, it’s stronger. You see all of India’s history; it’s past, present and future rolled into this one story. From the game itself and the towering brick officials that the English build and left behind, this former colony still vibrates their former ties with the Crown. The present is displayed in real time, through the method and mode of the sport highlights India’s resilience and versatility to having and owning little but playing on, living on, indifferent to their situation. The future is shown through their eyes, for the promise to win and to be great is what fuels dreams for a better tomorrow. Many first learn to dream once walking on this field. It is here where they can dream of becoming great.

The saturated colours of this hazy, tropical city leave an imprint on the mind that no Polaroid will ever capture. These images carry more than pictures; they carry a substance which will only greet those who dare to experience it for themselves.

And it’s this idea that makes this country, mother India, so fascinating. Pictures of her will bring you a hint or a clue of what she looks like. All the possibilities will only be unveiled and unravelled to those in person. You must show your ticket before entering; accessing her beauty is not that easy.

Once you are in, it’s yours to explore. Through the good, the bad, the ugly to the downright difficult. Through the smiles, the crowdedness, the horns and the head wobbles. The street cows, painted foreheads, the bumble bee taxis and their numerous Hindu Gods. Through Bollywood and Big B, to curry and thalis, and the masala chai wallas; the experience is there for the taking. Go out and get it. Why not stop by the Maiden and catch some cricket while you are at it – the shaded areas are great for a long and lazy afternoon.

'ride the recession out on a beach'

A friend of mine, when asked what he was going to do for work, after he was finished backpacking around India, replied ‘I’m going to ride out the recession on a beach’. The only thing that will be crashing here will be the waves. This is the attitude I am talking about.

Many of you, I hope, still have your jobs in tact. Others that haven’t been so lucky, or for those wanting a change in lifestyle – this post is for you, and now is the time to listen.

The smart thing to do in today’s economic shit hole is to save your cash. Put it under your mattress and hope for better days. It will come in handy. Stop eating out at restaurants and staying at home away from late night partying. Don’t buy that new shirt or new pair of shoes; they can wait. Practice austerity and exhibit discipline.

Or you can book one way flight to the Philippines, Peru or India and live like a king for six months.

Welcome to the New Rich (coined by Tim Ferris, author of Four Hour Work Week), welcome to currency leveraging, welcome to adventure, welcome to a great life. Many have already been enjoying this secret lifestyle in places that most people can’t even pronounce, such as Vang Vieng, Varanasi, or Koh Phi Phi – let alone point them out on a map. But you should be able to - these places seem to be on the edge of some alternative universe and are fantastic.

It’s hard saving money and surviving in Toronto or wherever you happen to be living now, especially if you are job hunting in this already difficult market. So why not make it easier on yourself and ‘ride the recession out on a beach’, like my mate said. C’mon, I know those winter months aren’t anybody’s favourite, and haven’t you always wanted to learn how to surf in Chile or learn Muay Thai in Chang Mai? And what if I told you it’s cheaper to live out there in paradise then to be burning your bucks on burgers and beers back home.

Blowing your savings on an extended vacation may not be the responsible thing to do, but with a bit of planning and a few thousand dollars, it's the easy thing to do – and the most enjoyable. Trust me, it will be well worth it.

To make it easier, I have laid out 4 classic destinations that include great weather, beautiful beaches, flavourful food and cheap beers all for under $30/day. And no this is not schlepping it out in a hostel with 10 other bunk-beds stuffed into one room. My suggestions include your own private bungalow on the beach, 4 meals a day, taxis, tourist museums and alcohol a plenty. Sure the airfare is the most expensive, but deals are-a-plenty and with a little effort you can fly half way around the world for $600. I’ve done this many of times already. And anyways once you've arrived you can live on a fraction of what you'd spend and live on at home.

Destination #1 - Goa, India

Known for it’s outdoor parties, laid back culture and endless miles of beaches, Goa will suck all negative thoughts out of you and replace them with a cool ocean breeze. Visit the old Portuguese churches and ruins, get lost in the sub continent’s jungle, and check out one of the largest hippy market in the world. Rent a scooter for $5/day and drive around this State sans shirt and get that tan you’ve always wanted. All beach bars serve the fresh catches of the day with sides, for less than a cheeseburger at McDonalds. Your bamboo hut is thin enough to let the ocean breeze cool you down at night, yet sturdy enough to make you feel secure. This can be home for a few motnhs.

#2 Southern Thailand’s Beaches

All the rumours about this place are true. Hot bodies from Sweden, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong all come down to play in Thailand’s gorgeously landscaped beaches where volley ball games never stop during the day and the music never stops at night. Once a month there is a mass exodus of backpackers and holiday makers throughout South East Asia, and they all funnel onto one beach known as Hat Rin on a tiny little island off the West Coast, all for the famous Full Moon Party. Ticketed as the largest beach party in the world, it simply will not let you down.
Rumour has it that it was the Israeli woman whom invented the bikini. After a few days on these beaches, you’d believe it in a heart beat. Not only do they where them, they where them well.

If the party side is wearing you out, take a Muay Thai Boxing course and train for just dollars a day. A few weeks time you’ll be able to kick anyone’s ass.

#3 Essaouira, Morocco

Looking for some extreme action adventure, then this is your place. Nestled right on the ocean, the old Medina still to this day acts as the heart of the city. Just outside the old city walls you can enjoy a beach stretched out for miles out on the Atlantic. Not only is this city a UNESCO World Heritage Listed City. In the 60’s Jimi Hendrix wrote a song about the place, and other notables such as Orsen Welles and Sir Winston Churchill have wandered through this dazzling ancient city. Today the beach is filled with kite surfers, windsurfers and board surfers catching the wind and the waves swooping across the water. Take lessons and become a pro within a week for $10/day.

History buffs can be rewarded too, as you will learn of the Berber tribes which once ruled the land, to the Arab conquer to the subsequent battles against France, Netherlands, Spain and England. Every nook and 1.5 foot width walkway will lead you to another treasure of discovery within the walls of this immaculate town.
Take an Arabic class and learn from the locals, enjoy Berber Tea and desert trips on a camel out to the Bedouin tribes whilst climbing up dunes of sand bigger than you can imagine – all for dollars a day.

#4 Kullu Region, Himachal Pradesh, India (the Himalayas)

Want more challenge and a change of scenery? All those beaches taught you 1001 ways to do nothing – now it’s time for something new! Hiking the Himalayas will bring an unforgettable experience. The clean crisp air, the scenery and the challenge are all things that will make and force you humble again - you are great, yes; but these mountains are stronger, harder, older and more impressive than you will ever be.

Hiking village to village (usually 4-6 hours to the next village) will provide you with a sense of accomplishment, whip your butt into shape and along the way you will meet some of the friendliest and most incredible people you will ever come across. More Chinese looking than Indian, these people are originally from Tibet/Nepal who have since moved Eastward for safety sake.

Be sure to smoke and finish all your hash at each village, as the police roam the foothills watching for smugglers with pounds of some of the finest and purest Himalayan Hashish you will ever come across, stuffed down their pants. It’s no worries though, as you can get your next supply higher up in the next village, where it will be smoother than butter. One village in particular holds the men who cultivate the cannabis as living gods, becoming not only Chiefs but living deities within the village.

A sturdy pair of shoes from the city prior to departing for the mountains will run you $20, with food becoming more expansive ($2/meal versus 50 cents) the higher and further in you go.

Read a book, write a book, do whatever you want. You will have all the time in the world.

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All these globetrotter getaways are safer than the streets of your home town at night, even for woman travelling alone. A money belt is a great idea to secure your passport and money, and you can always lock up your luggage at the Hotels. But don’t worry about fitting in or finding other people to learn to surf with – you’ll be surrounded by people just like you, in a surrounding that can’t the difference between a recession to a recess – and simply doesn’t care too.
So what are you waiting for – go out there and enjoy what this world can offer. I guarantee you it will open up your mind to ideas and ideals you never once imagined. The easy part is just doing it. The hard part will come six months later when it’s time to go home.

For those naysayers out there, continue with that attitude. Stay at home. It leaves the beaches cleaner, trails less beaten and the experiences more unique for me and the others. But hey, you are always welcome.

Guiness

I've had what I have missed

Beers with friends, dinner with family. 1/2 chicken with french fries, double the sauce and an extra bun at Swiss Chalet. Dairy Queen ice cream cake (double fudge inside of course). Egg McMuffins, a double double and the St. Lawrence Market eating a peameal bacon on a bun.

If you are not from Canada, you won't get this. If you are living in Toronto, you forget what I have craved for these past 8 months.

The only thing thats left is 2 Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers and a Frosty from Wendy's.

Checking off stupid food items that you missed is more enjoyable than looking for work let me tell you.

By the way, you know of anyone looking to hire a seasoned traveller?

PS. Will work for boxed wine and lodging.

Home

After living and working in Cairo and Dubai for the past 8 months, and visiting other weird places in between, I've landed back home in Brampton, Ontario.

Greatful of my work experience but moving forward into the unknown without it, was a hard decision; but it was the right one.

That is right, I have quit my job in a cool city to come back to live in Brampton for awhile. I think there was something in Cairo's water...

Either way I'm happy, and looking forward to my next job, my next residence, my next adventure. I heard McDonalds is hiring.

a Story

This is taken from 'The 4-Hour Workweek', by Tim Ferris. Pick it up and give it a read. Here is a little dose with a great message:

An American businessman took a vacation to a small coastal Mexican village on doctor’s orders. Unable to sleep after an urgent phone call from the office the first morning, he walked out to the pier to clear his head. A small boat with just one fisherman had docked, and inside the boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.
“How long did it take you to catch them?” the American asked.
“Only a little while,”the Mexican replied in surprisingly good English.
“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the American then asked.
“I have enough to support my family and give a few to friends,” the Mexican said as he unloaded them into a basket.
“But...What do you do with the rest of your time?”
The Mexican looked up and smiled. “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Julia, and stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, senor.”
The American laughed and stood tall. “Sir, I’m a Harvard M.B.A. and can help you. You should spend more time fishing, and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. In no time, you could buy several boats with the increased hall. Eventually, you would have a fleet of fishing boats.”
He continued, “Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the consumers, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village, of course, and move to Mexico City, then to Los Angeles, and eventually New York City, where you could run your expanding enterprise with proper management.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, senor, how long will all this take?”
To which the American replied, “15-20 years. 25 tops.”
“But what then, senor?”
The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right, you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.
“Millions, senor? Then what?”
“Then you would retire and move to a small coastal fishing village, where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings where you would sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos...”