Back from the Land Down Under! Feat. Cruising Sydney & A Roadtrip

With the wedding done, and everyone recovering, we had a bit of downtime on our hands. Monday was very quiet. The three of us went off to return the suits and other hire items, and then for lunch in Paramatta. For the record, Luciano’s makes the best food! I had a divine risotto, Ash had a spectacular burger & Steph had a fabulous pizza. It was a very laid back afternoon, but such fun all the same. The chilled days are sometimes better than the fun-filled ones.

On Tuesday, Steph had us booked on a harbor cruise. It was fantastic! We had such a blast! We caught the train into the city, and made our way straight to Darling Harbour, where our journey started. We stopped in at the Lindt Store (also known as: Died-and-gone-to-Heaven), where I spent a good few dollars on amazing Lindor balls in flavours to die for. Hello, Cookies and Cream?? PEANUT BUTTER????

I die.

They made for a great desert after the buffet lunch and very vinegary vino. It was far too chilly to brave going out on the deck, but we were lucky enough to have a fabulous window table and a gorgeous view, so we just stayed inside and took it all in, warmly.

After our cruise, we caught the ferry to Manly, where we met Andrew and went to Steph's parent's house for a visit. We ended up having supper with them, and then headed off to visit her brother and his girlfriend. After that, we went for a drive, and ended up doing a Bondi-by-Night drive-by while in search of a bathroom.

The following day, Andrew decided we needed to hit the road and see a bit of the countryside, so we piled into the car and off we headed, north. We were headed to The Entrance, where Tuggerah Lake meets the Pacific Ocean. It being absolutely freezing when we got there, we ordered some fish and chips and coffee (which, to everyone’s dismay, turned out to be more like luke-warm dish water than anything resembling cocoa beans!) and tried to thaw out in the sun. Fail. We watched the pelicans for a bit, and made our way back toward the car.

Via a Cold Rock store. Oh my word! What an awesome idea! It’s not so much an ice cream shop as an ice cream experience! You don’t just get a cup or cone of ice cream with sprinkles on top. Oh no! You get to choose your ‘toppings’, which are then pounded into your ice cream. So if you, like me, go for Australian Vanilla Ice Cream with Caramel Fudge and Cookie Dough, you get your ice cream with chunks of fudge and cookie dough inside. I die. Again.

That night we ended up going to Kiribilli to see the bridge nice ‘n close up. It was absolutely breath-taking!

Gasp!

But it was also bloody freezing! It was a case of ‘jump-out-the-car, take-a-snap, stand-in-awe-for-three-seconds, pile-back-in-the-car-and-snuggle-for-body-heat-while-admiring-the-view-from-inside’. Later, we drove through the red-light district (which was a bit like merging the streets of Sandton and Hyde Park with a couple of girls from Melville and Oxford Road). Andrew got a sudden craving for kebabs, and the shop he had a straaaaaaange experience with someone who thought he was Ben. It was pretty bizarre, to say the least.

It was a strange feeling, having all this fun, but knowing that it was only a few more sleeps until we left for home.

X
Coming Up: Newton Part II; Coming Home; What I Learnt in Australia

Back from the Land Down Under! Feat. Steph and Andrew's Beautiful Wedding

Some of Ana's gorgeous little touches throughout the day

Early on Saturday morning (and I mean EARLY, as in 5am) we dragged our cold, sorry asses out into the cold, dark morning, and headed off to Flemington Market for flowers. Once I was awake, I was reeeeaaallllly excited, and as the sun started to rise over Sydney, we made our way into the market in search of beautiful hot pink roses. And damn, did we find! It took us a little while to figure out that under the artificial light, the colours were a little different, but once that penny dropped, we found just what we were looking for. And then some! Once we were laden with roses, we stopped for a coffee, and then, on our way home, got a take away brekkie. By the time we got home, my stomach was revolting against me for the assault the night before, and I had to lie down for a little while. When I got up, I felt MUCH better, and got to work on the crafting and flowering and creating stuff, which we did for most of the day. We went out for pizza that night – deeeeviiiiiiiiiiiine!!!!! – and got all our stuff together while Steph made her last few schedule revisions before turning in.

Bright and early on Sunday morning, the pre-wedding mayhem began. The make up artist and hair stylist arrived and pinned Ash and I down and went to work. When they were done, Ash had beautiful tumbling curls and I had movie-star make up. I may have gasped when I saw my reflection… I want airbrushed foundation every day! It makes for such smooth skin! Anyway, once that was done, I went off to wrestle with my hair while Ash had her make up done, and then I got tangled in my dress. By then, the photographers had arrived. I think that’s when it started to sink in… our best friend was about to get married! Cue squeeing and eeping!!! Once I wriggled it into some kind of order, Ash helped me get it all together, and I sewed her into hers. I fear there may even be a snap or two of that! Hehe Once Stephy’s hair and make up were done, it was lacing time! I was nominated to lace her into her magnificent dress, and I was damned if she was going to fall out of it! Scenes from Titanic and Pirates of the Caribbean came to mind as I asked her if she could breathe. Her reply? “It doesn’t really matter if I can breathe, as long as I don’t fall out.” Hehehe We got her all dressed and looking gorgeous and then raced around adding the finishing touches to our own ensembles, before rushing out the door.

Breathtaking!

The drive to the church was short enough that the glowing bride didn’t stress (too much), but long enough for us to giggle at the appropriate playlist on the radio and wave to random people who gushed as they were crossing the road. And suddenly, it was time! We got there and before we knew it, we were being ushered down towards the ceremony site.

Ash descended the stairs gracefully and beautifully in her sensibly-heeled shoes, setting an impossible standard for me to follow. Naturally, on Step No 1, I almost tumbled down. The only way I could prevent ending up face down in the centre of the aisle, with my dress over my head and my gorgeous shoes* on opposite ends of the garden, was to go with the momentum and literally bounce down the stairs.

Relief! I made it!

Most Rocking Bridesmaids Ever?

There was nothing else for it.** Somehow, I balanced without waving my arms around like a lunatic, and got down the aisle unscathed and not the butt of anyone’s jokes.***  

Here she comes!

The ceremony was incredible, just gorgeous! Craig, the celebrant, was fantastic! There was humour and tenderness and I know I was grinning like a Cheshire cat through the whole thing.

Peter & Julie

Very proud mom & dad

It was so special to watch my friend, the one person who’s been at my side since I was ten years old (even if it was in spirit for a lot of that time), on one of the happiest and most cherished days of her life so far. I felt so proud and honoured to be a part of that.

Mr. and Mrs!!!!!

Once the ceremony was done, there were some huge group shots, and then everyone moved off for canapés and cocktails on the balcony while the bridal party did photos. And photos. And hey, more photos! We had such a blast with the photographers! They were just great, so much fun and they put everyone at ease.

Dashing brother / MC / All round awesome

Ash and I giggled our asses off for most of them! Especially when I snuck in a Blue Steel for the individual bridal party portraits, which gave Matthew a good laugh. Also: I rocked the hell out of the smize. Thanks, Tyra! I fear that Ash and I may have disturbed Andrew’s best man and groomsman a little with our crazy ramblings, but hey, we kept them entertained, so our mission was complete! We eventually got a few minutes to sit and have a drink (Vodka and Lemonade, the drink of champions!) before the official introductions and then… the marvelous meal! It was just spectacular! Delicious risotto stuffed into a banana pepper, succulent lamb shank, chocolate glace on a Ferrero Rocher base… and divine mini chocolate cupcakes, iced in hot pink! Deeeeeeelish!

There was craziness and randomness, but not too much chaos and mayhem, which just meant that everyone was laughing and having a fantastic time. I'm pretty sure Steph's vision for her wedding was realised when she saw how happy everyone was.

Then, suddenly, it was time for the bouquet toss. It was hysterical to watch the not-so-keen girls step to one side as the flowers flew through the air, and the more enthusiastic girls rushed forward. It was also completely bizarre to not be shoved into the crowd of single ladies. It was quite strange to know that the pressure of the bouquet toss will never again be thrust on me, because I ain’t gotta catch no flowers to get hitched! Hehehe Once that was done, it was time for the newlyweds to head off into the sunset for their first night as Mr. and Mrs. in their gorgeous vintage car! We waved them goodbye and then it was all over.

Bon Voyage!

Until next time, my darlings!

X

* I was totally impressed with my Iron Fist shoes, by the way. They were super comfy for the most part, except for the last hour.

I think it was when I started sinking into the grass for the last few photos that the pain started, and then it just. wouldn’t. stop. But all in all, they were perfect. They made me bounce, got lots of envious stares from the most unexpected people (Hi Marina! Hi Luke!) and made for one very rock-n-roll bridesmaid and one infinitely cool wedding.

** Hope the video doesn’t show the momentary panic I felt when I started going off-kilter. I tried to smile through the whole ordeal, but might have looked a little… maniacal. Sorry Steph! Sorry Andrew! Sorry Opa!!

*** Well, not that I heard, anyway!

Back from the Land Down Under! Feat. Hot Child in the City

Via

After the tender-hearted (and, if I’m honest, tender-headed) Koala Park excursion, we had a manic day in the City to look forward to on Friday. I think, if we’d known what was in store, we might have prepared a bit better. With, say, milk thistle?! Instead, we settled on the Hair-of-the-Dog method, which resulted in some preeeety interesting stories. We took the train into the city central station, which is just gorgeous! Steph protected me from a weirdo who started making his way over to me – thanks honey! – and we swiftly set off on foot into Sydney.

First port of call: Paddy’s Market. It was fun wandering around all the different stalls, from fresh produce to souvenirs to random crap that seems to feature at every flea market worldwide. It’s at Paddy’s that I picked up my beautiful didg, along with the bulk of the souvenirs and gifts I brought home. When the artificial light and noise got too much for us, we slipped out of Paddy’s and into Chinatown, which is where Steph introduced us to the confectionery interpretation of Heaven: Emperor Puffs. Bitesize hot, fluffy, light pastry, filled to bursting with hot, gooey custard. I’ve decided that Heaven is being inside a hot Emperor’s Puff and eating your way out.

Straight from Heaven
Via

We meandered along the main market walkway of Chinatown, and I pouted when I found a McQueen-esque scarf, but in the wrong colours. The vendor didn’t have any other colours, so my budget remained roughly intact.

From there we headed toward Darling Harbour, and Ash and I were mesmerized as we turned the corner and were faced with the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

What better way for the three of us to celebrate our journey together?!?!

So we forked out our $6 each, slipped past a pregnant, semi-corseted bride-in-black and wandered around for a while. I fell in love with the beautiful little island of tranquility and peace in the middle of the bustling city, and went off at a tangent for a while.

There was a fleeting moment when I thought I’d been abandoned, only to see my friends totally absorbed in the twinkling water near the entrance. (I think they may also have been listening in on the wedding ceremony happening behind them, but hey…)

We wandered through Darling Harbour and, after deciding against a water taxi that cost $25 to Circular Quay (!!!!!), we caught the ferry, and some GORGEOUS sights (including another Friday Bride!). We strolled around a little, but ultimately ended up at the Orient again. We had a couple of drinks to warm up while listening to a cute boy play the guitar not-very-badly-at-all, backed my Friday-business-drinks-talk. And when Steph and Ash went to the loo, I was almost – almost­ – offered a drink by yet another weirdo. Lucky for me, they got back in the nick of time, and bought me one for my troubles! The end of the Orient-leg of the night came shortly after they changed the channel from a Super 15 game featuring the Stormers to some other sport channel featuring a tiny local rugby league club.

 We met up with Stephy’s parents and aunt (who all looked super cool and cosmopolitan chic!) and we all headed over to the Sydney Tower 360 Restaurant, which is a revolving restaurant. You get the most spectacular night views of the whole freaking city.



Via



Via

It revolves quite slowly, but when you’re a leeetle bit tipsy, the motion is quite fun. It took me a while to balance and actually see evidence that we’d moved at all, but once I saw the motion, I was thrilled. It was so much fun! Also: the chocolate tart! It’s a chocolate martini that tastes like heaven, but somehow sobered me up. It was fantastic!!

When we parted ways a little while later, the three of us decided to call it a night and headed back to the station. When we got there, we saw that we had loads of time before the next train, so we pulled into McDonald’s for a bite. We were lucky, because as we nibbled and nommed, Ash had a wonderful time perving at a group of cuties and we discussed their merits in Afrikaans. Rude? Maybe. Worth it? Totally. Set the trend for the ride home? Without a doubt! When we ambled back toward the platform, we realized that we’d miscalculated something somewhere, because we’d missed our train by about 17 minutes. Ha! We scanned the boards and came up with a back up plan: Epping Station. Once we’d got our tickets, we scuttled off in search of the platform and leapt onto the train, giggling like the tipsy three we were! I settled in and took in my surroundings, letting slip an “Ooh, asseblief ja!” as I laid eyes on a cute boy in the upstairs carriage.

The girls were curious, and Ash summed him up pretty well. “He looks like a mix between Victor Matfield and Mick Jagger.” Testosterone and glitter in one? “Yes please!” The trouble was that Steph thought we were talking about someone else, a little dude who looked to be about 14. We tried really hard to be subtle, but I’m not sure it worked, what with the sniggering and giggling and, every now and then, a cackle. We tried our best to explain the situation to her in Afrikaans, but it all just ended up like a game of VERY broken telephone. When she finally got onto the same page as Ash and I, her only comment was that he looked like he needed a bath. I may have volunteered to give him one, but she very cruelly reminded me that she only had a shower at her house. “That’ll do,” I giggled. It was only when she brought up the fact that he would need a bed too, and it would likely be the futon-cave I’d created, that I gave up. There was no-way, no-how that I was going to share that cozy cave with ANYONE. So, score one for good behavior (for once in my life!) Still, by the time the train stopped, we were wiping tears from our eyes as we hung onto each other in hysterics.

And thus concludes the story of the dirty-train-boy.

Until next time, possums!

X


Still to come: Wedding Round Up; Cruising Sydney; The Entrance Road Trip; Newton Part II; Coming Home; What I Learnt in Australia

Back from the Land Down Under! Feat. Koala Parking

So, after a rough and crazy night in Newtown, and pouring myself into bed at 3am, I was doubtful that we would get around to what we’d planned for Thursday. But, for some weird reason, we were all up around 11h00 that morning, wrestling for the bathroom. So, once we were all cleaned up and, more importantly after such a hectic night, coffeed up, we stumbled out the door and headed to the Koala Park. It wasn’t a long drive, about half a km, and when we got there, we were thrilled to see that there was virtually nobody else there. We practically had the run of the place!

We had a fabulous time wandering around and seeing most of the animals the park offers. I was looking forward to seeing a real-live possum, but the best view we got was a possum's arse. He was snoozing, and no amount of coaxing could get him to show face! 

Incidentally, I felt like a possum's arse when I woke up!

 We were trudging along quietly at one stage and as we turned a bend, I saw a dingo perched up on a mound, and when he spotted us, he started to howl, which set off the rest of the pack. It was quite eerie!

They’re much bigger dogs than I’d thought they were, and surprisingly, much more beautiful too. I could have stood there for hours watching them, but it always breaks my heart seeing spectacular animals fenced and caged in, so I shuffled off behind the girls and paid the birds a lot of attention. It was then that I learnt that the only wild animal Steve Irwin was afraid of was the cockatoo, which made me giggle.

The face of terror?

The rosy face of terror??

A Little Penguin (Not only a description, but its name too!)

Gan-Gans, or something....

The next corner we rounded was led to a pretty awesome area of the park… the koalas! I found them totally mesmerizing when I saw ones that were awake, and wholly adorable when I was watching the little ones sleeping. Bonus points for getting to touch one!!!!

I don’t know why, but I was reluctant to touch him at first… I think the uneasy feeling from the dingoes had settled in and I was just feeling a little creeped out. But, at Steph and Ash’s insistence, I relented and stepped up to tickle the little critter! I’m so glad I did, because that experience turned the dingo-creepies on their head, and I was filled with such joy! The little guy was nomming his eucalyptus branch placidly, and when I touched him, I was surprised to feel just how thick his fur was! It was like running your hands over a softer-edged, less itchy thick carpet! I gave him a good old tickle and he seemed to enjoy it, although not as much as I did, I think. I was really bummed when it was time for the next person to give it a go… I was trying to figure out how I was going to smuggle him out of the park, and country, in my handbag when his handler called the next person up.

We stuck around for a few more minutes before heading to the next area… the kangaroos! The laziest buggers I’ve come across since a pride of lions! Just look at them all lying there soaking up the chilly summer sun, not a care in the world! 

 I really enjoyed hanging out with them; they were really awesome! Higlights of that part of the day?
1) Watching a joey disappear into his mother’s pouch, right before our very eyes! David Copperfield has nothing on that little guy!


Is MAGIC!!!

2) Scratching a kangaroo's ear while her joey was all cozy and bunty in her pouch! Eeep!!

On our way out, we tried to get a good look at the sleeping wombat, but he was all “I am sleeping! Go away!”, so we gave up on that. We started feeling the ill effects of the night before and went off in search of some nourishment and recovery. We had a pretty quiet evening, punctuated by a stunning Thai dinner, and a relatively early night, because we had a huge adventure to look forward to the next day… THE CITY! That's going to be its own post, because that day (and night) turned into another crazy and random one!

But, before I go....

BONUS WALLABY!

Until next time, possums!

X

Coming Up: Hot Child in the City, Wedding Round Up; Cruising Sydney; The Entrance Road Trip; Newton Part II; Coming Home; What I Learnt in Australia