Not Quite New Orleans

I realize I haven't blogged for awhile. But after looking at my calendar seeing if there were any cool events coming up, I realized the blog would soon explode with posts. This is the first of this explosion. My finger came across two words and one giant gay parade/festival, Mardi Gras. In the states, this parade is not intended solely to show gay pride (with the beads and all that accompany them...you know). HOWEVER, here it's a totally different story. Big old gay pride parade. I'm only here once so I was totally in. We're not in New Orleans, but I figured it wouldn't disappoint. Oh no, not another excuse to drink and wander the city. 

Truthfully, the only reason I was so aware of the upcoming festival was that a friend from home (Wuttup Tina!) was coming to stay with me in Sydney with a friend. I've dubbed this weekend the Wollongong Invasion (Tina studies in Wollongong, AUS) to pay homage to the Mass Invasions which occur annually in North Carolina. This paragraph is a 7.8 on the digression scale. 

The day of Mardi Gras came and could not be wasted. Tina and Megan (Wollongobstoppers) wanted to see the city, and since I pretty much know every nook and cranny, I was happy to share my expertise. So we basically wandered aimlessly. We walked by the famous St. Mary's Cathedral, a massive structure. To get an idea of its size, take Ste. Marguerite D'Youville (Margaritaville) from back home and multiply it by the entire town of Dracut. There were multiple alters and huge beams supporting the incredibly tall ceiling. After taking about 5-10 pictures inside this place, I walked into the gift shop in the back (because all churches have gift shops these days) and found out that you need to purchase a permit in order to take photos inside. All of us ignored this and walked back into the pretty part of the church for more pics. I don't think God will be as mad at me as he'll be at whoever scarred this place by deciding to put an obnoxious gift shop inside such a beautiful place of worship. On my last post I may have had the New South Whales police after me for posting pictures in the opera house. This time it'll be the pope. 

The cathedral is really awesome though. It's the kind of place that makes you sit and stare in awe, wondering if you're really there. It even had a cool little spiral staircase that led up to the slightly offset pulpit. I'd like to catch a mass here before I leave. Unfortunately, I'll be away for Easter. 

Anyways, we continued on to the Sydney Botanical Gardens and then on to the Opera House for some more photo opps. It was a long and hot day of walking, sweating, and picture taking. There was only one way to bring the daylight portion of Mardi Gras to an end: 30 cent soft serve from McDonalds. 

The Mardi Gras night life was finally here. YES!

So with high hopes of a smashing Mardi Gras extravaganza, my pals and I bought the very best 2-for-18$ boxed wine Liquor Land had to offer and swallowed them both. It may have been the wine talking, but I instantly decided I needed facepaint before we left for the parade. Unfortunately there was none in sight. But, it is a gay celebration after all. And Emily did have some pretty face paint-like eyeliner...I put makeup on my face is what I'm trying to say. I realize every man who was reading this has now closed the internet window in disgust, but I thank the ladies who are sticking with me to the end of the post. 

It was probably a 50 dollar tube of eye liner, but this moment called for it to be rubbed all over my face in no particular design. It doesn't count as wasting when you're drunk. Let me stress that it was not neatly applied under my eyes. Emily was kind enough to smear it on my cheeks, forehead, ears, and neck. I think I can find a picture. 

Tina y yo

Unfortunately, we were exactly on time for the parade. What this meant was that we were going to have the worst view of all time since thousands had packed the streets early due to something they have in Australia called thinking ahead. We fought our way through the crowd until we got as close as we possibly could. Through the arms, legs, masks, and feathers, we could barely make out any of the parade. I was confused. Where are all the beads being thrown about? Why are we all looking at the parade rather than mingling/partying? It seemed like everyone's eyes were so focused on the street that they forgot we were all trying to have a good time. This surprised me since there's no way everyone except me was able to perfectly view the parade. 

From what I could see of it though, the parade was good. There were extravagant costumes that left very little to the imagination. Clothing was apparently optional for parade participants....unfortunately. They were also allowed to whip each other which I found interesting. There were crazy masked dancers frolicking about back and forth across the street. Rainbow flags flew everywhere. It probably would have really been something to see if only I could have seen it. My hopes were so high for my first ever Mardi Gras that I was unfortunately left with an empty feeling of  "what now" as the parade came to an end. I probably won't ever go out of my way to experience the New Orleans version. This was the closest I may ever come and it was only mediocre. 

In no way was this going to ruin the night. We continued on (me almost getting into a fight with some non-English-speaking hooligans who intentionally bumped into me on the street) and ended up having a pretty good time. Late dinner and drinks at Scruffy Murphy's and a bit of dancing at Side Bar. It was an amazing time until Tina ended up with someone's drink all over her. That put a bit of a damper (pun intended) on the night, but overall I'd say it was groovy. Did I just say groovy? Anyways, I hope the Wallygongers decide to visit again so we can further explore this crazy city with them.

I'd post some Mardi Gras pictures up here but you'd only like those if you're into blurry photos of nothing. Keep an eye on this TNT-stuffed blog. It's gonna blow (in a good way).