Ready Steady Go

The countdown for the Commonwealth Games is almost over. 1 day to go and Melbourne is alive with all sort of activities. And yes, most of them are Games Related. The last week has seen rehearsals at the MCG each night so I have been watching lots of coloured lighting shows (must be practising the timing). Fireworks have been a feature of these rehearsals as well. Being able to see all this happening, albeit in the distance, really makes it feel like we are part of the event.

The city has been spruced up and now has an air of excitement about it as you wander around. While the Opening ceremony has been kept (mostly) under wraps - I think everyone has seen the shot of the tram with wings on the news, the River Festival, the opening for the opening, has been prepared in the open for the last 4 weeks. There are 72 large fish sculptures, one from each country competing, on barges up the middle of the Yarra between Princes Bridge & Swan St Bridge. This is where the Queens Baton will be carried along these pontoons, run up a flight of stairs from the river to Swan St Bridge and then across the road and into the MCG. We saw some rehearsals last night and it looks truly magical. We will join thousands of others at the river's edge tomorrow night, hoping to get a look as they pass by. We joined many other people on Saturday getting a first hand close up look at these fish and they really will look spectacular.

The fish I have included is the Regal Fish from Malawi. The Rift Valley lakes are world-renowned for the diversity of cichlids that evolved in their waters. There are about 800 species found in these lakes. The Fish representing Australia is the Southern Short Fin Eel. Apparently these eels are commonly found in the upper reaches of the Yarra. I believe that a lot of Melbournians have learnt something from reading that sign.

Tonight after work, I watched Lauren Hewitt bring the Baton up the Bourke St Mall to a huge stage where a Street party was in full swing for the occasion.

Also during the Games period is Festival 2006 and the centrepiece of the festival is a Beach, complete with colorful bathing boxes, at the open area besides the Arts Centre. There will be 9 'live sites' (big screens) around the City, Southbank & Docklands, giving thousands of people the opportunity to watch events as they happen.

So with everything spick and span, the Queens Baton almost knocking on the gate of the MCG, there seems to be nothing else left to say other than 'Let the Games Begin'

until next time.........