Nathan's Insights

World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas

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Flight Reviews | Lounge Reviews | Destinations | Short Breaks | World Trip 1986 | World Trip 1998 | World Trip 1999-2000 | World Trip 2006 | World Trip 2009 | World Trip 2009-10 | World Trip 2010 | World Trip 2011 | World Trip 2012-13 | World Trip 2015 | World Trip 2016 | World Trip 2017 | World Trip 2017-18 | World Trip 2018 | World Trip 2019 | Australia 2022 | World Trip 2023 | World Trip 2024 | World Trip 2024-25 | World Trip 2026-27

  • Australian Tennis Open 2008

    I had a great time today at the Australian Tennis Open 2008 with Andrew and my sister Kara.   Found out my serve speed is 127 kph, on his second attempt Andrew managed to get a serve at 160 kph but I say his average speed when trying to hit hard is 140 kph. With a ground pass you can just walk between matches whenever you want.

    Some of the matches I enjoyed were Akiko Morigami beat Michella Krajicek 6-2, 6-2 (watched the first set), Janko Tipsarevic defeat Joseph Sirianni (Aus) 7-5, 6-2, 6-7, 0-6, 6-0 and Fabrice Santoro defeated John Isner 6-2, 6-2 & 6-4. Both Andrew and Kara however thought watching Justin Henin and Nadal practising up close was worth the entry fee.   Last year I missed the Aus Open for only the second time since it was moved to Melbourne Park (in 1988).   Most people rarely get a chance to see a Grand Slam event and I get to do it every year!

  • Catherine and Glenn’s Wedding

    On 12 January 2007 I had the pleasure of witnessing my good friend and former mixed doubles partner Catherine Coutts marry her soulmate one Glenn Orton. The new Mrs Catherine Orton looked stunning all day.   The ceremony was held at Our Lady of Mt Carmel with the reception at Catherine’s (and my) old school Rupertswood Mansion.   A real stunning day, Catherine even got me dancing at one stage!   A also had the pleasure of sitting next to another former mixed doubles partner Jacqueline, who match to climb over all the other girls and get the bouquet like a good Essendon supporter that she is! The next day went very slowly, seems like champagne has a big effect on me after all 🙂

  • Christmas 2007

    Had a very enjoy time this Christmas at my place in Southbank with my family, mum (Helen), Reagan (brother), Kara (sister), Jason (brother-in-law), Andrew (nephew), Erin (niece), Lana (sister), Steve (brother-in-law), Harry (nephew) and Darby (niece).   As the day wasn’t too hot we didn’t brother with the pool but a few matches on tennis were enjoyed (well by Andrew since he won every set!).

  • Crazy Travel in 2007

    Well I’ve finished my last flight for the year and incredibility I took 95 different flights, with 2 of them being personal flights (to Auckland and back to Melbourne).   A crazy amount of flying and I now have a better understanding of why I’ve struggled with my weight.   Hopefully next year I won’t hurt the planet as much.

    Since February 2003 I’ve undertaken 298 different flights, but this time it included a world trip.   I don’t know how many before then but I’d guess about 100 more (most on Ansett now gone, and a world trip in 1999-2000). Each flight I suppose I increase the odds I’ll be in an accident but no problems so far!

  • Darby’s 2nd Birthday

    We all had fun watching Darby enjoy her 2nd birthday.   Boy time flies, watching the next generation of the family – * Andrew jumping on the trampoline * Erin ripping up the paper * Harry running around and wanting all the toys and * Darby eating her ice-cream I really could see the joy that being young brings to us all.