BEN COUSINS: Such is Life

It's a long story how it came about but last year in July I had the pleasure of having dinner and breakfast with Ben Cousins and a few others. I was working as a journalist/photographer for a community newspaper at the time and luckily got to take a few snaps of him. At the time, I didn't know what to say to him as what do you say to someone who has done so much and had so many extreme experiences? But he wasn't rude, he was just like any other normal guy having dinner at a table and making general conversation. But gosh! when he flashes his smile that is full of energy, it is easy to see that cheeky little boy streak inside of him.
And what did we think of his recent documentary?
Personally I thought it was very brave and vulnerable of him to show some of the extreme footage. His dad was also very impressive how he was supportive and placid the whole time with him. He treaded very carefully and never had a big blow up with him, perhaps it is a testament to his father how Ben has now been able to turn his life around.
Here are a few of my own photos that have been sitting in my pictures folder on my computer of him - can anyone guess what beach it is in the background?