S. J. Leahy
Bio
Love writing about travel, random happenings and life in general. Many different muses, from being a conflicted skateboarding scientist to living in Japan and touring Pakistan with the Australian Over 40s Cricket Team.
Stories (27)
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Karachi Chronicles Chapter 19
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. After three amazing weeks in Karachi we finally packed up and took one last armoured escort back to the airport. Goodbyes always suck, and this case was no different. Chatting to our entourage, as we prepared to leave the hotel complex for the final time, I could only think how this would be my last time here. Trying to drink everything in for one concluding moment, I was emotionally spent from trying to live every minute on this trip of a lifetime to its fullest.
By S. J. Leahy20 days ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 18
After a fantastic but draining tournament, we had one last official engagement. On the final night, we attended the closing ceremony, which was conveniently held in the cavernous function room at our hotel. This was probably the final time I would get to wear my Australian blazer and was likely the last chance to see many of my opponents. Some teams were even scheduled to depart later that night, straight after the ceremony, so it was definitely the last hurrah.
By S. J. Leahy27 days ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 17
One of the most important, yet over looked aspects of cricket is umpiring. Being an umpire is a tough and often thankless job. Spending the whole duration of play on the field, unlike me waiting around for hours before going out and snicking off or leaving one on middle for a blob, takes immense concentration. All while making split second decisions between the lulls in action and also trying to keep the peace. With every decision you can’t please everyone. For example, each appeal shout ends up in either a happy bowler and an angry batsmen or vice versa.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 16
According to the conditions and our tough schedule, we spent a fair amount of time recuperating in our bubble. For some, these periods were spent watching movies or just lounging around. I was very appreciative of the extra sleep time on those mornings and it definitely helped the body recover. Others, who were more active during their downtime, had the gym and pool to keep their heart rate going. This was also a valid past time between visiting the eateries and passing the time until we could visit room 105.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 15
I feel Pakistan is widely misunderstood in the Western world. Although the warnings of terrorism, crime and bombings were coming from the ill informed, it was still clear that security was important for this trip. Regular correspondence from the Australian Federal Police and consular staff on the ground, along with a raft of Pakistani security intelligence had as more informed than those at home on professor google. We were also fortunate, that our arrival was preceded by tours from the Nepalese Men’s and South African Women’s teams.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 14
When travelling overseas, one of the things that I get the most pleasure from is visiting local convenience stores and supermarkets. Mainly because it’s an easy introduction to local snacks, drinks and vices. Although it may be slightly materialistic and safe, beyond this, I find it an interesting window into the day-to-day life of local citizens. This fascination probably stems from my time living in Japan, where konbinis† are quite literally on every corner. To be clear, I’m talking about a world before Facebook and where every Aussie with a passport hadn’t yet “discovered” the Karaage-kun and dollar chuhais at Lawson.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 13
Although we didn’t have a license to free roam, there were plenty of establishments in the hotel to keep us fed. Each morning, for breakfast we had the expansive Marco Polo buffet. In the evenings, there was a traditional Pakistani buffet for a local flavour. As for Eastern Asian flavours, we had Taipan yum cha and the “best restaurant in Pakistan,” Sakura Japanese. Catering to the Western palate, you had the Steakhouse or executive lounge. Room service, a café in the lobby and the Kwikimart† rounded out the plethora of options at our immediate disposal.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 12
Due to our security protocol, as I’ve touched on frequently, there wasn’t a heap of out and about. For that reason it was pretty exciting when we got the privilege to play a round of golf at the Augusta of Pakistan, Karachi Golf Club. Established in 1888, this twenty seven hole course is the oldest golf club in Pakistan. We were assigned to play the yellow course, which are holes ten through eighteen. This nine features both the longest par 4 and shortest par 3 on the entire course.
By S. J. Leahy3 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 11
As visiting international cricketers, we were kept under a high level of security. This meant we weren’t able to freely cruise the streets in our downtime. Although our main focus was playing cricket and recovering, the thought of being confined to the hotel complex was an interesting situation. Working with our conditions, our gracious hosts made sure we still got to attend multiple functions and rub shoulders with a host of influential people.
By S. J. Leahy3 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 10
Our social currency is somewhat pegged to the strength of your nickname. Personally, growing up I’ve had a few including Bazza, Layba, Layknot, Leahy.D.D. and the staple Leahy. However, none of these come close to some of the classics we have at my club. We’ve got the relatively risky Nuts, Pubes, Ballbag and Mootface. There’s also the more politically correct yet catchy ones like Hooter, Teach, the Plumb, Donka, Lizard Man, Ship, Jesus, the Real, Patrick, Choofa, Yowie, Rowdy and Bluey. Personally, I’ve gotten the odd Scientist or Bobby (Willis or Sideshow) but have not yet graduated to full blown “what’s that bloke’s real name” status. Trust me, I’m not channelling my inner George Costanza*, because I know a lifetime nickname is only one stuff up away.
By S. J. Leahy3 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 9
Acquiring a brilliant keep sake is part and parcel of travelling overseas. As a collector, or borderline hoarder if my mum has a say, I definitely like getting little knickknacks at every new destination. Some of my main go-tos are stickers and patches, generally specific to the place I have visited. On this trip, during our short stay in Sri Lanka, I managed to purchase a patch and was off to a flying start. Little did I know, finding the right goods in Pakistan would prove slightly more challenging.
By S. J. Leahy3 months ago in Chapters
