We were in the Gabba for much more of a day four than I had anticipated which was no bad thing given that our seats for day four were the best we’d had throughout the first two tests. ‘Throughout’ he says- two tests cleaned up in less than six days. Not ideal. We were close enough that, had one wanted to, I could have easily got autographs from the players of both sides- I passed on that. I did however get spotted by Stuart Broad as I blew him a kiss (in amongst all the England fans waving at him.) He acknowledged it with a nod… of sorts. I could have died and gone to heaven. Hardly a blossoming romance but a start.

Despite the results, both losses and the manner in which they unfolded, being in the stadiums with the other cricket fans (of both stripes) and most importantly with my dad has been a truly wonderful experience. Hanging out with dad has been great and it’s noticeable the difference the last three weeks has made to both of us. We both seem lighter in our demeanour if not our actual weight which is to be expected with days filled with sitting on our arses and drinking lager. Thank God we opted to walk everywhere, including a long evening detour back to the hotel at the conclusion of that day’s play. The less said about the winning runs being scored by that infernal cheat Steve Smith the better.

With the cricket finally at an end in Brisbane, and nursing another day’s hangover (what with the day lasting more than the anticipated hour or so) Monday was a quiet day enjoying the botanical gardens and the city beach. The former was a favourite spot of mum and dad’s when they were out here so it was a lovely and calming experience walking the gardens with dad, and to hear him talk about the time they enjoyed here together.

Our last day in Brisbane, and hangover free, was another active day spent in the sun. We kicked the day off with a river boat tour of the city which was informative and really helped get a perspective on how the city is shaped by the river. Probably would have been a good idea to do such an excursion on our first, rather than last, day but there we are. Live and (don’t) learn.

Before lounging on the city beach one last time, I embarked on the hottest, hottest, slowest, most visually stunning city 5k I’ve ever run. God it was painful. 33 degrees in the middle of the day at 60 odd percent humidity. And I decided to run the loop with the steep incline up the bridge rather than down. Moron. Still, not bad to be able to tear off my running vest, shoes and socks and dive straight into the pool for a cool down. Fairly sure other pool users would have rather I took a quick shower before wading in but again, such is life.

As for the cricket, England still lost and we go into the third test already two down. I saw ‘we’- dad has now flown back home and I have taken the 12-hour train down the coast to Newcastle. I’ve embarked upon my first solo travelling for years and am on my own for the first time in many, many months where I haven’t deliberately shut myself off from the World feeling depressed and struck by grief. I shall miss dad who has made this first leg of my trip incredibly special.

We push on.

“Right”

[CLAPS HANDS TOGETHER AND RUBS THEM ENTHUSIASTICALLY BEFORE STRIDING FORWARD]