Grand Final Day!

After waking up and having breakfast, we had a look at some packing.  Then we walked to the train station (Mio wanted to drive us :)).  It took us 3 trains but we made it to Roppongi, and after about a 10 minute walk we were at the Hobgoblin bar.  This was the place I had found for us to watch the Grand Final.  We got there around 12.00, because we were concerned that it would get busy and we may not have a seat.  It was a good thing too, as we did get a seat, but within half an hour it was standing room only.  We met the couple sitting next to us (Richard and Jessica) who were from Sydney – Jessica’s brother had just done a 100km run around Mt Fuji, and they were in Japan as support crew.  So now they were in the “tourist” part of their trip.  They were from Sydney (so were mad swans supporters) but have just bought a house in Ascot Vale – small world!

The game was great, but the service at the bar was unbelievable.  There were 3 very inefficient staff behind the bar, and they really weren’t prepared for the day.  It took nearly 10 minutes of waiting at the bar to get a drink – luckily I planned on not having a big one anyway!  Near the end of the first quarter Mio arrived – she said she may come and join us, and luckily we had brought a 3rd Hawthorn scarf with us.

At half time there was a raffle.  We had bought tickets before the game – 3 for 1000 yen.  There were about 7 prizes in all, and I came out with the 3rd one – a bottle of Russian Vodka!  Luckily we hadn’t reached our duty free allowance yet – we were still wondering what other bottle to buy.  And this one was quite heavy, so must be a good one.  The other people we were talking to (who bought the tickets immediately before us) won the gold printed football!

After the game I chatted to people at the bar a little longer, and then we had to head back home.  We met Mio at a train station on the way, and she drove us the rest of the way home.  I quickly got changed, and then we walked to dinner for Youichi’s birthday.  This was a very formal restaurant, and served delicious Italian food.  Youichi brought along a very nice bottle of wine as well which we enjoyed.

Back at the house after dinner we had a beverage at Mio’s bar, and then called it a night.