Since it is possible that we may be in France for much longer than expected (due to Australian international border closures), we have been thinking about getting a flat-screen TV for the barge, so that we can watch movies, sport etc. But in order to be able to watch TV from Australia (ABC, SBS etc) we need to be able to watch ABC iview and similar apps, which are currently geoblocked (i.e. not able to be watched outside Australia). So I spent some time this morning researching VPN software (Virtual Private Networks) which trick the broadcaster into thinking you are online in a different country to where you really are (e.g. you look like you're in Australia when you're really in France). After a few hours research, I concluded that Essential VPN looked like one of the better packages, and so signed up for a 12 month subscription (with a bonus 3 months which will cover all of the 2022 barging season).

With that, I was able to watch (on my laptop) the AFL Grand Final between Melbourne Demons and Western Bulldogs, and the NRL Preliminary Final between Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers. One Melbourne team won, but unfortunately (for me) it was the wrong one! The Demons stormed home in the second half, scoring 74 unanswered points to run out 140-66 winners, and take their first premiership in 57 years. Unfortunetely, the Storm did not storm home, and lost 10-6 to Penrith. So after a brilliant season, where they tied the record with 20 consecutive wins, they failed to play up to their own standards and did not make it into the Grand Final next week.

But, in yet another code of football, the Wallabies beat the Argentinian Pumas 27-8 in the Rugby Union. In a milestone event, the Wallabies (in their indigenous-themed jerseys) sang the national anthem in a First Nations language!

That evening another concert took place in the port, but this time it was a gypsy jazz band, and they were a tad more melodious that the rock group last night!