Sally

I have had the BEST day today.

I traveled down to Sydney from Newcastle this morning leaving at 7.45 and arriving at 9.45. There were quite a few people there already. Some had arrived at 5.30am and got front row seats. There were people who traveled from Darwin, Auckland, Melbourne, Perth as well as many from country NSW. We were entertained with a promotional DVD. Many clapped, sang and swayed to the music. As midday approached the excitement grew. We were given some housekeeping instructions for the signing. Andre's own film crew were there for the whole day. I think he is making a DVD about Australia like "On the Way to New York".

And then HE arrived.

Andre played "My Way" It was so moving! This was followed by "Waltzing Matilda". Andre then played it again and we all sang. He talked about his forthcoming tour in November and December next year with concerts at Melbourne Telstra Dome, Sydney at Telstra Stadium, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

He then sat on the edge of the stage for signing. There were about 4000 people there today.( I asked a security guy.) With that in mind I didn't think I had a chance but decided to try anyway. As I was lining up everyone was talking to one another. I had my scarf on and had decided to take my copy of the book Marjorie had written. Everyone wanted to know where I had got them from. Of course I told them. We were chatting and it turned out that I was talking to Shirley from our blog. How amazing is that!!!!! We talked for quite a while as we moved ever so slowly towards Andre. Finally we got past the first hurdle that being the security guard who was letting people in the official queue. We got separated then. Shirley and Norm were about 10 people behind me. Once we were in the "queue" we were moved along fairly quickly. As I got closer I tried to take a photo but there were so many security people it was impossible.

Andre signed my book and I thanked him. The guy behind me offered to take my photo if he could. You weren't allowed to stop for a photo. I was so pleased as that photo turned out well.

As I left the area I also lost Shirley and Norm. I went to the back of the stage to see what was happening there. I met Anne and Kate who I had seen in the audience of Ch9 Kerry-Anne's show and who I have spoken to online. We waited near a black Mercedes hire car which we were pretty sure was his. Then Shirley and Norm turned up again - I was so pleased I hadn't lost them.

Finally Andre left the stage and was whisked away to a small room (probably to have a drink and something to eat.) After more waiting we saw all his gifts including a huge painted portrait being loaded into a Tarargo. Then he finally emerged and very quickly got into his car security all around. We waved goodbye and that was it.

His film crew and security all piled into the Tarargo. It looked quite funny.

Shirley, Norm and I had lunch together and discussed the day's events as well as some of the scenes in his DVDs.

All in all it was well worth the traveling and waiting time. And it was great to meet so many like minded people. I will try and send you some photos.

Regards

Margaret