Wednesday 5th May 2004, Day 235/366 - Melbourne, Australia.

Why's it called a Goal?

Glennis and I went to the Old Melbourne Gaol ($12.50). An american was heard to say "Why it's called a Goal?". He looked even more confused as they tried to explain to him that it's old english and is pronounced jail. Poor guy just couldn't get it. I'd like to say more, but I'll bite my tongue. Needless to say I had a good old rant at Glennis about imbeciles.

The gaol itself is fairly interesting. There are lots of death masks and stories to read. Really they could do with tape recording so you can listen and not have to read. The most famous inmate and person to be hanged here is Ned Kelly. They still have the gallows and trap door in the gaol.

We then walked down to the Crown Casino down on the Yarra river. It's almost on Vegas proportions with its indoor dancing fountains. We met here as Ian, being a former pro footballer, loves a punt on the nags. No stereotypes here. Actually we all do.

When we got back home Ian got out his scrapbook. He was signed by Bill Shankly at Liverpool, but suffered a broken leg in his first reserve game and never made it back. He ended up spending 11 years at Aldershot ending up as manager just before the old club went bust and that is why he is a legend. "Ian McDonalds Red and Blue Army".

Went to football training again in the evening. I had a run out. I thought I'd stayed relatively fit, but I was wrong. I was okay on the long distances, but the doggies killed me. It was nice to have a session. If only I had the ability to match my enthusiasm.