I was told this morning that I would be visiting a casino before lunch.  With thoughts of blackjack, roulette and slot machines on my mind, I’d have to say I was very surprised to show up to what was an illegal 2UP ring.  2UP is an Australian game played with 2 coins.  You bet on the odds that either it’s 2 tails, 2 heads or 1 of each.  Very simple rules, but since it was illegal to play, people would travel to the bush to play 2 UP in rings with an aluminium sort of wall. Adults would have their children climb up in the trees to watch for police and restrooms were provided (see my picture of the women’s room.  Today you have to have a permit to play 2UP.

After the visit to the 2 UP “casino” we went to Broday Burger (known for the best hamburgers in Australia).  I had a Broday burger and then played a few games of pool with the rest of the team.

The whole purpose of the study exchange is to study both the culture and my industry in Australia.  I was shocked to hear that after lunch we would be taking a tour of a local brothel.  Ok honestly I was shocked but excited.  I knew this would be one of the more interesting parts of this trip.  The tour lasted an hour but seemed to fly by since it was so interesting.   Each room had a theme, a bed and a shower.   Clients are required to take a shower before and after their visit.  I was not able to take pictures, but I purchased a brochure book which has pictures I will scan in and post online.  The brothel is full of history and the stories they have are endless and unforgettable if you can imagine.

The evening ended with a little shopping downtown, dinner at a Chinese restaurant and then an evening at a pub called The Wild West.