Australia, my new home

to be married in April of 1956. Her parents received me well and everything seemed just so. However, our relationship did not develop enough on which to build a future life together. I couldn't see it at that time as I lacked maturity, but Christa had enough sense to call the wedding off, just a month before the set date. I was caught unawares, and it took me some time to get over the shock. My self image and pride were hurt. In retrospect I can see how much I needed a thorough shake-up to come to my senses. Had Christa been a lesser girl, I would probably have married her and been sorry afterwards. Bill and Jean were wonderful to me in those days. I don't know what I would have done without them.

As I had saved up quite a lot of money for the wedding, in spite of my low salary, I decided to spend it then on a car. I sold the Lambretta. The NRMA finance would lend money only on new cars, and only up to 50% of the price. I paid cash £518 for a new Volkswagen, registration No.BDG 851 Ñ grey colour with dark red trim. The balance would be paid off by instalments of £22 per month. What luxury after the Lambretta! Having been exposed to all weather before, this beetle car was wonderful, and so reliable! I can still remember the smell of the new car, driving it out of the VW sales yard. A new life would start for me.

The Dekyvere's were kind enough to allow me two weeks' holidays while the sales were still on. I wanted to go to Melbourne to see some of the Olympic Games. Soon I was heading South along the scenic Princes Highway. The NRMA had provided me with plenty of maps. In those days there was still a 100 mile stretch of unsealed road south of Bega to the Victorian border. It was a bad patch, but my VW managed very well indeed. Most nights I would just sleep in the car. The back of the front seat would fold back, giving me quite adequate space for sleeping.

I arrived in Melbourne during the second week of the Olympic Games. George Egert was able to put me up in the house he rented, and I went to as many events of the Games as I could. Officially, there were no tickets available, of course, especially for the swimming events, but I got them from scalpers who sold them after the sessions had started at a price I could afford.

One session for the water polo match between Hungary and Russia cost me £3. I was hesitant to pay so much for it, but the match turned out to be one of those historic events, where Hungary beat Russia by brutal force. Russian tanks had recently invaded Hungary to overpower an uprising. Before our eyes unfolded an act of revenge. The Hungarian team played so aggressively that they punched and nearly drowned their Russian opponents. There was blood in the pool. We all felt the tense atmosphere and watched the umpires unable to prevent the players from injuring each other. The vast majority of spectators were siding, of course, with the Hungarians. It was an unforgettable experience.

Encouraged by this I went again to the swimming stadium for several finals. This time I had to pay £5, and once again I was not disappointed.

287