2016 Annual Review

2016 will go down as a strange year by anyone's reckoning. While the Brexit referendum, Trump's election victory and the deaths of so many people in the arts dominated headlines, the year will also be remembered in sport as the Year for the Dreamers, the true believers and romantics. So, without further ado, here are my highlights from this year:

• Gaining a variety of teaching experiences through Vibe Education, which included two stints at different high schools teaching French and Spanish, and several days of special needs education. Also being able to test the Michel Thomas Method as a private tutor, and seeing that it really works when it comes to teaching / learning a language.
• Returning to Melbourne in time to witness the most amazing AFL finals campaign by the team I have followed since 1997, the Western Bulldogs. First they went to Subiaco against a red-hot West Coast team and beat them by 47 points. Then the following week they faced the then reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG, which I went to with my best mate from Big W and Doggies brother Ben. In the best night of footy I've ever experienced, we were among the 87,000 fans who saw the Dogs "reverse the curse of '61" and run out 23-point winners. Then came a night of unforgettable drama the next Saturday as I sat glued to the TV for the preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney. The euphoria of getting through to our first Grand Final in 55 years carried me through the week as I proudly wore my scarf to work. On Grand Final day, I went with Ben to the Bulldogs' training ground and spiritual home, Whitten Oval in West Footscray, to watch the game on the big screen with thousands of other supporters. At the end of two hours of hard-fought footy against the Swans, we managed to pull away in the dying minutes to finally win our first premiership since 1954. Like many fans, I've watched the highlights of that match hundreds of times since that amazing day, and it's still hard to believe we've finally done it. 
• Celebrating 3 years with Vanessa, showing her around Europe and introducing her to my wider circle of friends and family from over there, and attending various weddings. Of course, we've been asked the question several times already when our turn will be, but we're happy to take our time.
• It has been another unforgettable year of music, doing a series of memorable concerts with the London Philharmonic, finishing with a rousing performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony as part of the Proms concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. Then upon returning to Melbourne, I promptly rejoined the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic in time for my first-ever Messiah and another round of Carols at the Cathedral concerts. 

Here's wishing everyone much health, happiness and success in 2017!
For the last time in 2016, Cheers and God bless