Met more people from the internet today!
Months ago (before I had even considered my own trip to Texas), I received a message on Reddit from a fellow Dallas Stars fan, in Texas, who was planning a trip to Sydney with his wife. He told me a small amount about himself, and his interests, and asked if I had any suggestions of things to do while they were here.
So I gave them a three page list of things to do, places to visit, options for transport, and a list of websites to help them research.
He responded that his wife was very confused that a random Australian on a Dallas Stars forum, would give a complete stranger such a huge list, and so much help. He said he'd be in touch if they had any more questions, and they would be happy to meet up and get a drink or a meal when they arrived.
I heard nothing back until yesterday. They had arrived in Sydney, and planned most of their trip around my suggestions! So today was
ANZAC Day, and there are a lot of services and commemoration in honour of our armed forces. (It was something I recommended they attend of they were here for it), which they did attend, even though it meant getting out of bed at 4am!
But they had the rest of the day free, and asked if I was available to meet.
So I've just spent 4 hours having a beer and a burger with them and their daughter, and showing them around parts of Sydney.
They also brought me some sweet Stars swag, and a patch from their local law enforcement agency.
I also now have two more people who are encouraging me to return to Texas sooner rather than later!