I had spent the evening at Olympic Park with some friends watching the Melbourne Victory beat the Perth Glory 1-0 in a pre-season match (no, the game was not much a of a spectacle but thanks for asking) and we strolled up to the Richmond Club Hotel for a quiet one before we went home. OK, the group of friends I was with were a bit younger than me and if I was by myself I'm sure I would not have been asked, but still I was newly-shaved and my face is well-moisturised and exfoliated and etc etc and my youthful purity and innocence play across my boyish, alabaster features and I had to prove I was 18 or over before they let me in the venue.

The last time I was asked for ID was way back in the winter of 2000. Australia was playing Paraguay in a friendly at Olympic Park—again! Perhaps there is some sort of youth-bringing essence to that stadium—and one of the vendors there, when I went for my half-time pint, asked for my ID. Even back then the idea was comical. I didn't even reach for my wallet, we both laughed and I told this vendor she was delightful.

So, yes. I'll be going back to the Richmond Club Hotel. The staff there have won my good opinion.

¶ 3:30 pm