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Race day

So Sunday was F1 race day. I had stuff to figure out about the rest of my stay here Down Under, so I spent most of my morning in the McDonalds, using their Wi-Fi. By the time I got to Albert Park it was pretty crowded. A lot more than Saturday during the qualifying sessions.

Just as I arrived the F18 display started. I'd seen and taken some video of it on Saturday, so this time I just watched. The pilot was clearly enjoying himself and his routine was a bit longer than the previous day. I wonder how they decided who got to do it. Rock—paper—scissors?

After the F18 disappeared into the skies—straight up and away—one of the Qantas pilots got their turn at playing around. Pretty impressive to see such a big bird like the 747 flying around so low and slow over the city.

Soon after the action on track started up. First the formation lap, where one of the cars already had problems (can't remember which). Later, the warm–up lap, and then the race itself.

It's a great experience to have been at the track for a race, but really, you're a lot better off watching from your couch at home if you really want to follow the action on track.

And, of course, too bad that the Mercedes competitors still seem to have a large gap to overcome before they can challenge them. Hope that soon there will be a bit more competition at the front.

Too bad also that the first race of Max Verstappen ended up as a DNF due to engine troubles. Hope to see him finish strongly in Malaysia.

Saturday some culture, and qualifying

On Saturday Sam and I met up in front of Southern Cross Station. We were both late, so I had been worrying in my delayed train for nothing. We went for a walk and ended up at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image on Fed Square. Admittance was free and there were some interesting exhibitions.

After that little bit of culture we walked to the Queen Victoria Market, where Sam bought some mango's and I bought a couple of hats. You like?

That second one was pretty cheap, so…

After the market we ate a late lunch at a Chinese restaurant. My dish was very good, but a bit too much for a simple lunch. I ended up skipping dinner and settled for a large chocolate sundae later at McDonalds because of that.

After lunch we parted ways and I headed up to Albert Park for the Formula One Qualifying sessions. It was a nice experience to be there, but you're a lot better off following all the action from your comfortable sofa at home in front of the television. Not that I'd rather be there at the moment, though!

The F-18 display was pretty cool. I've actually managed to get some video footage that looks pretty good, so I hope to get that online somewhere soon.

The qualifying itself was as expected. Too bad Max Verstappen made a small error on his fast run, missing the top ten qualifying session. He starts from 12^th tomorrow. I'll be interested to see what his race pace is going to be.

Looks like the Mercedes dominance is still there this season, so let's hope the other teams quickly manage to catch up and make it a bit more interesting than last year. I doubt it, though. In which case I hope Rosberg gets his act together and beats Hamilton. Also not very likely.

Pictures of the F1 cars racing on the track are pretty hard to get. I might try my luck on Sunday. The cars on display next to the track are a bit easier to get on film.

And then, when the action ends, the exodus starts…

The crowd waiting to be transported to the city centre by tram was also big, and the trams that came from further up were constantly full with people from the other gates. Took a while to get back to Flinders Station. Sunday will probably be worse…

Hunting for a camper

After updating the blog this morning using the free wifi of the local McDonalds I went to the city center to collect my Formula One race ticket.

Anyway, I got my F1 ticket. Tomorrow around 12:30 the first free practice session is scheduled (I think, need to check the schedule—another visit to McD), so I think I'll go and check where I can get a reasonable view. I only have general access, so I won't be able to sit in one of the grand–stands. Which is fine.

Then later in the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, I have an appointment with a guy to view his camper he's selling on gumtree. It's an old 4x4 Mitsubishi camper van. Not a problem if it's still in reasonable repair. I thought it had registration until next year, forgetting for a moment that it's already 2015. That could be a bit of a problem. So I'm not so sure about it. I'll go see and if it's really looking good I might be tempted. But at least I would have to have a test–drive. Which is unlikely if it's not registered.

Anyway, another reason to re–visit the McD, as I have a few other potential camper van ads I want to check out further. I was in a cafe with wifi, but it just works better with a laptop instead of a mobile.

And, of course, I need to upload this piece…