nov 1st - 14th
1st November
Enjoyed breakfast at the hotel before going next door to the day spa for some last minute luxuries. Mike enjoyed a hot rock massage and then headed off whilst Bec stayed for a full 4 hours and enjoyed a massage, pedicure and manicure.
Spent the day doing a little bit of last minute shopping and swimming in the pool.
We then checked out of the hotel and went out for cocktails and dinner before picking up our bags and going to the airport for our flight.
Did the usual airport things like customs etc and boarded our plane for a short flight back to Darwin.
2nd November
Arrived in Darwin very early and caught a cab back to the caravan park to find the bus good and well. Went straight to sleep as we didn't manage to get any sleep on the plane.
We woke to any empty fridge so some shopping was a high priority. Off we went to Woolies excited by the fact that we can have some fresh Aussie meat!!
No surprises that it’s as hot if not hotter than when we left so we coped this arvo by hitting the pool. We met a couple from Bunbury whilst we were there. He was lovely and very genuine but his girl friend wasn't very sociable at all.
Called our friends Kath and Graeme who we met in Tassie as they're up here working and we are hoping to catch up with them. They told us to check out of the caravan park and come and spend some time at their house that has been supplied to them by their boss, it sounds pretty nice.
3rd November
Checked out of the caravan park and did some shopping before arriving at the mansion!! We thought it sounded nice but it’s bloody lovely. No expense spared here, there a multitude of toys including a boat, motorbike, 4WD, fishing rods, swimming pool and pay TV etc. Kath and Graeme have been fantastic and have told us to stay as long as we like and have given us our own keys, we can hardly believe our luck its certainly a lot better than sitting in the heat at the caravan park.
We spent the arvo catching up on each other’s trips, swimming and having a great bbq and some bevies.
4th November
Woke late after a fantastic night’s sleep on the best linen in the air con.
The rest of the day was spent swimming, reading, watching crappy but very addictive American TV before taking a drive through Darwin in search of cocktail mixes. Unfortunately on a Sunday we didn't have any success!
Dinner and the sunset was enjoyed on the upper deck before a late night swim to top off a fantastic day in Cullen Bay with great mates.
5th November
Mike woke up feeling a bit under the weather - the extreme heat and humidity here seems to really be knocking us around, Kath and Graeme reckon they were the same when they arrived here.
As a lazy day in the air con was in need for Mike - Bec decided to get the diary up to date as it hadn't been looked at since Bali!
This arvo Bec and Kath went on a hunt for some seafood so that Graeme can cook us up a feast tonight. They were successful in finding some banana praws, squid and dhufish which Graeme turned into a culinary delight yet again. Thankfully the seafood had a great effect on Mike and we managed to tear him away from Jerry Springer for long enough to enjoy the great meal and a late night swim.
Another day in paradise!!
6th November
Today is Melbourne Cup Day so after Graeme put in a few hours of work this morning to make us all feel like bludgers we all got dressed up and kit Star City Casino. We will never let anyone pay out on Burswood ever again because whilst it’s not the Crown its certainly got a lot more going for it than the Star City - we've probably been to RSL's of similar size.
After Mike got kicked out for wear rubber thongs he returned from the car with some very attractive leather thongs which looked like something from the days of Jesus! We all made a pact that if anyone won we'd use the winnings for a lovely meal. The drinks were flowing and there was plenty of entertainment to be had - not only was the Melbourne Cup on the big screen live from Flemington we also had numerous local females strutting their stuff in some very classy outfits.
Bec picked the winner 'Efficient' purely based on its name but it proved her well as it was paying $24 for a win! A few more bevies were enjoyed before hitting the shops to get all the ingredients for Mikes infamous Lamb Roast!
This evening we enjoyed a fantastic meal followed by cards and a few drinks.
7th November
Another lazy day in paradise enjoying the facilities here at Cullen Bay and each others company.
We're definitely not going to get Foxtel at home, it’s too bloody addictive!!
8th November
Tonight we're flying to Melbourne to attend Em and Shan's Engagement Party this weekend so packing is our main objective for the day.
Once that was all out the way we relaxed and tried to stay out of the heat before visiting the local RSPCA to walk the dogs. Kath and Graeme volunteered their services for this program when they arrived in Darwin and today is their first night and the coordinator welcomed us along too. After not seeing Charlie for about a month we were definitely ready for a puppy fix as we're missing our little man terribly. We all got completely filthy but had the best time, it was a shame to see so many beautiful animals there but also rewarding to know that we'd been able to give them some TLC that they desperately need and deserve.
After dinner and a relaxing evening the guys very kindly took us to the airport.
It was an ok flight and our first time flying with Jet Star. As Em works as Cabin Crew for Virgin it makes you very observant and subsequently we weren't too impressed with Jet Star, the plane was filthy but then again it was only a 4 hour flight so we coped!
Enjoyed breakfast at the hotel before going next door to the day spa for some last minute luxuries. Mike enjoyed a hot rock massage and then headed off whilst Bec stayed for a full 4 hours and enjoyed a massage, pedicure and manicure.
Spent the day doing a little bit of last minute shopping and swimming in the pool.
We then checked out of the hotel and went out for cocktails and dinner before picking up our bags and going to the airport for our flight.
Did the usual airport things like customs etc and boarded our plane for a short flight back to Darwin.
2nd November
Arrived in Darwin very early and caught a cab back to the caravan park to find the bus good and well. Went straight to sleep as we didn't manage to get any sleep on the plane.
We woke to any empty fridge so some shopping was a high priority. Off we went to Woolies excited by the fact that we can have some fresh Aussie meat!!
No surprises that it’s as hot if not hotter than when we left so we coped this arvo by hitting the pool. We met a couple from Bunbury whilst we were there. He was lovely and very genuine but his girl friend wasn't very sociable at all.
Called our friends Kath and Graeme who we met in Tassie as they're up here working and we are hoping to catch up with them. They told us to check out of the caravan park and come and spend some time at their house that has been supplied to them by their boss, it sounds pretty nice.
3rd November
Checked out of the caravan park and did some shopping before arriving at the mansion!! We thought it sounded nice but it’s bloody lovely. No expense spared here, there a multitude of toys including a boat, motorbike, 4WD, fishing rods, swimming pool and pay TV etc. Kath and Graeme have been fantastic and have told us to stay as long as we like and have given us our own keys, we can hardly believe our luck its certainly a lot better than sitting in the heat at the caravan park.
We spent the arvo catching up on each other’s trips, swimming and having a great bbq and some bevies.
4th November
Woke late after a fantastic night’s sleep on the best linen in the air con.
The rest of the day was spent swimming, reading, watching crappy but very addictive American TV before taking a drive through Darwin in search of cocktail mixes. Unfortunately on a Sunday we didn't have any success!
Dinner and the sunset was enjoyed on the upper deck before a late night swim to top off a fantastic day in Cullen Bay with great mates.
5th November
Mike woke up feeling a bit under the weather - the extreme heat and humidity here seems to really be knocking us around, Kath and Graeme reckon they were the same when they arrived here.
As a lazy day in the air con was in need for Mike - Bec decided to get the diary up to date as it hadn't been looked at since Bali!
This arvo Bec and Kath went on a hunt for some seafood so that Graeme can cook us up a feast tonight. They were successful in finding some banana praws, squid and dhufish which Graeme turned into a culinary delight yet again. Thankfully the seafood had a great effect on Mike and we managed to tear him away from Jerry Springer for long enough to enjoy the great meal and a late night swim.
Another day in paradise!!
6th November
Today is Melbourne Cup Day so after Graeme put in a few hours of work this morning to make us all feel like bludgers we all got dressed up and kit Star City Casino. We will never let anyone pay out on Burswood ever again because whilst it’s not the Crown its certainly got a lot more going for it than the Star City - we've probably been to RSL's of similar size.
After Mike got kicked out for wear rubber thongs he returned from the car with some very attractive leather thongs which looked like something from the days of Jesus! We all made a pact that if anyone won we'd use the winnings for a lovely meal. The drinks were flowing and there was plenty of entertainment to be had - not only was the Melbourne Cup on the big screen live from Flemington we also had numerous local females strutting their stuff in some very classy outfits.
Bec picked the winner 'Efficient' purely based on its name but it proved her well as it was paying $24 for a win! A few more bevies were enjoyed before hitting the shops to get all the ingredients for Mikes infamous Lamb Roast!
This evening we enjoyed a fantastic meal followed by cards and a few drinks.
7th November
Another lazy day in paradise enjoying the facilities here at Cullen Bay and each others company.
We're definitely not going to get Foxtel at home, it’s too bloody addictive!!
8th November
Tonight we're flying to Melbourne to attend Em and Shan's Engagement Party this weekend so packing is our main objective for the day.
Once that was all out the way we relaxed and tried to stay out of the heat before visiting the local RSPCA to walk the dogs. Kath and Graeme volunteered their services for this program when they arrived in Darwin and today is their first night and the coordinator welcomed us along too. After not seeing Charlie for about a month we were definitely ready for a puppy fix as we're missing our little man terribly. We all got completely filthy but had the best time, it was a shame to see so many beautiful animals there but also rewarding to know that we'd been able to give them some TLC that they desperately need and deserve.
After dinner and a relaxing evening the guys very kindly took us to the airport.
It was an ok flight and our first time flying with Jet Star. As Em works as Cabin Crew for Virgin it makes you very observant and subsequently we weren't too impressed with Jet Star, the plane was filthy but then again it was only a 4 hour flight so we coped!
9th November
Shan very kindly picked us up from the airport and as it was very early and the girls (Em and Sar) had had a very big day and night at the races yesterday we decided to go to Peppers in Flemmington for a coffee to allow them some more rest.
We caught up on all the goings on and eventually returned to their place to find lots of tired hung over bodies. It was so great to see Em, Shan, Chris and Tony for the first time since April and Sar since her last visit from Germany about 2-3 years ago.
After the guys had woken up we went to Damien and Libbies (Shan's Brother and Sister In Laws) to wish their son Josh a happy 1st Birthday. He and his sister Charlotte are both little cuties and we had fun playing around with them.
The afternoon was spent in town. Mike and Shan went clothes shopping for Shan (well done Shan he'd never be so patient if it was for Bec) whilst Bec and Em met up with Sar, Chris and Di to go and have a look at wedding dresses - how exciting!!
This evening we all regrouped and shared a lovely pre party celebration at Em and Shan's. We had a lovely night out in the court yard catching up and discussing last minute plans for the special day that is to come tomorrow. Tonight Em asked Bec if she'd be her bridesmaid!! Naturally very excited and quite emotional Bec shed a few tear and happily accepted the honorable role!!
It’s so great to be with our family and special friends yet again.
10th November
Today is the special day and this morning we were awoken by an early phone call from Tom and Tash to tell us they'd arrived safely from Perth and were waiting down stairs. After a great catch up (the first in 11 months) we all had some sleep before heading just down the road to Fidels for breakfast and to surprise Em and Shan with Tom and Tash.
The party will tonight be held at Fidels which is a Cafe by day and a private function venue by night and as we are due to met the crew here this morning to discuss the decorations we thought it would be a great timing to surprise the guys. And surprised they were, they all walked in and their jaws dropped to the ground when they saw the towering inferno which is Tom and of course the lovely Tash. Em and Shan are so appreciative of the fact that they've made the effort to come to Melbourne to help them celebrate this amazing occasion.
After the morning surprise Mike took Tom and Tash to see some of what this amazing city had to offer whilst Bec joined Em and Sar at the hair salon for a champas and some stunning hair do's.
Time was now ticking by and there was 100 balloons to be blown up so whilst Mike and the boys did that back at the apartment the girls got ready at Em's. Everyone looked amazing but of course it was to be Em and Shan's night and the effort they had put in stood out. Mike made the comment that Em looked like a Super Model and it wasn't far from the truth! Every detail was perfect and she looked a million dollars!!
The party was a huge success and everyone was as merry and as happy as could be hoped. The drinks flowed, there was amazing food, all their great family and friends and some very emotional speeches. All in all it was a huge success and fantastic trial run for what will no doubt be an awesome wedding this time next year
11th November - Happy Birthday Nat!!
After an amazing night we all pulled up relatively well and as Tom and Tash fly out tonight and Tom has never been to Melbourne before Em and Shan kindly offered to show him around and you guessed it he wanted to see the Crown.
We all met at Em and Shan's and took the tram into town. We showed Tom around the city as well as the Crown and he enjoyed a flutter on the tables.
The guys and gals then went their separate ways and regrouped at a great little Indian restaurant in Fitzroy for dinner that night. We enjoyed a truly fantastic meal before it was time to get the guys to the airport. Em and Bec went with them to Tullamarine whilst everyone kicked on to a local pub. Em and Bec then rejoined the team but after such a huge night last night we all hit the wall and went home to our respective beds for some well deserved rest!
12th November - Happy 21st Angela!!
Today the guys and gals will again be going their separate ways. They boys went off for 9 holes of golf whilst the girls visited and exclusive bridal shop in Brunswick. Em looked fantastic in everything (no surprises there as she's a hottie) but thankfully she's got plenty of time so there is no race. The girls then visited a dress maker to make enquiries about their bridesmaid dresses and to get measured up.
Tonight we are very honored to be attending Shan's Noona and Nonos for a traditional Italian meal. Bec has been lucky enough to have experience Noona's culinary delights on a previous trip to Melbourne so she knew not to eat too much lunch. We all had the most amazing time and enjoyed the Italian culture, hospitality and fabulous food! We enjoyed Noonas Garlic Praws, Oyster and Prawn Fettuccini followed by both Chicken and Veal Paramas topped off with prosciutto and Cheese and accompanied by veggies. Mike drew the short straw and sat between Bec and Sar so when neither of them could finish their parmas Mike ended up nailing 4 which has earnt him a lifelong pass to dinner at Noona and Nonos!!
Another great night with great family!
13th November
This morning we checked out of the apartment and girls went off for an appointment with another dress shop. Whilst they were busy doing that Mike and Shan went and had some pictures that Mike took of the party printed. They had to wait for the photos so decided to pass the time by playing tin pin bowling - no surprises Shan beat Mike!!
For our last arvo here we all caught the tram to St Kilda for lunch and a look around. Di and Eric had never been there so it was nice to show them around the seaside suburb and get the classic photo shot in front of Luna Park.
The day had soon passed and it was almost time to be at the airport so we said our goodbyes to the team and went back to Em and Shan's to get ready.
Em and Shan dropped us off at the airport and it was time to say goodbye. Thankfully Bec doesn't get as emotional as she used to at saying goodbye to Em partly because with Em's work we get to see her quite often.
We then boarded our flight and enjoyed a bumpy flight full of turbulence due to the storms in NT.
14th November
Enjoyed a well deserved sleep in after a long weekend full of sleep deprivation and then caught up with Kath and Graeme. Our friends from Albany WA Nadine and Wayne are up here in Darwin for a few days to celebrate their first wedding anniversary that occurred earlier in the year so we are very thankful to be able to have some time with them.
They came around to check out our pad and met Kath and Graeme before we went out to Humpty Do Crocodile Park. There were some amazing crocs to see and we were lucky enough to be there at feeding time. It was a lot more action packed than Australia Zoo as these Crocs are not in a man made clear pool, they are in swampy water that are far from clear!
Later that afternoon Nadine and Wayne joined us back at Paspaley Place for a great BBQ and one of the best features of the house - an amazing sun set over Cullen Bay.
Tea was quite rushed as we had a date at one of the local pubs, The Ducks Nutts for a Quiz Night. Kath and Graeme went there a few weeks before we arrived and managed to come 2nd last even though it was just the two of them so we were sure that with 6 of us, including Wayne we'd kick some butt. A few hours later and after enjoyed a few drinks we were disappointed to find that we had come second last again!! Oh well we had fun.
Shan very kindly picked us up from the airport and as it was very early and the girls (Em and Sar) had had a very big day and night at the races yesterday we decided to go to Peppers in Flemmington for a coffee to allow them some more rest.
We caught up on all the goings on and eventually returned to their place to find lots of tired hung over bodies. It was so great to see Em, Shan, Chris and Tony for the first time since April and Sar since her last visit from Germany about 2-3 years ago.
After the guys had woken up we went to Damien and Libbies (Shan's Brother and Sister In Laws) to wish their son Josh a happy 1st Birthday. He and his sister Charlotte are both little cuties and we had fun playing around with them.
The afternoon was spent in town. Mike and Shan went clothes shopping for Shan (well done Shan he'd never be so patient if it was for Bec) whilst Bec and Em met up with Sar, Chris and Di to go and have a look at wedding dresses - how exciting!!
This evening we all regrouped and shared a lovely pre party celebration at Em and Shan's. We had a lovely night out in the court yard catching up and discussing last minute plans for the special day that is to come tomorrow. Tonight Em asked Bec if she'd be her bridesmaid!! Naturally very excited and quite emotional Bec shed a few tear and happily accepted the honorable role!!
It’s so great to be with our family and special friends yet again.
10th November
Today is the special day and this morning we were awoken by an early phone call from Tom and Tash to tell us they'd arrived safely from Perth and were waiting down stairs. After a great catch up (the first in 11 months) we all had some sleep before heading just down the road to Fidels for breakfast and to surprise Em and Shan with Tom and Tash.
The party will tonight be held at Fidels which is a Cafe by day and a private function venue by night and as we are due to met the crew here this morning to discuss the decorations we thought it would be a great timing to surprise the guys. And surprised they were, they all walked in and their jaws dropped to the ground when they saw the towering inferno which is Tom and of course the lovely Tash. Em and Shan are so appreciative of the fact that they've made the effort to come to Melbourne to help them celebrate this amazing occasion.
After the morning surprise Mike took Tom and Tash to see some of what this amazing city had to offer whilst Bec joined Em and Sar at the hair salon for a champas and some stunning hair do's.
Time was now ticking by and there was 100 balloons to be blown up so whilst Mike and the boys did that back at the apartment the girls got ready at Em's. Everyone looked amazing but of course it was to be Em and Shan's night and the effort they had put in stood out. Mike made the comment that Em looked like a Super Model and it wasn't far from the truth! Every detail was perfect and she looked a million dollars!!
The party was a huge success and everyone was as merry and as happy as could be hoped. The drinks flowed, there was amazing food, all their great family and friends and some very emotional speeches. All in all it was a huge success and fantastic trial run for what will no doubt be an awesome wedding this time next year
11th November - Happy Birthday Nat!!
After an amazing night we all pulled up relatively well and as Tom and Tash fly out tonight and Tom has never been to Melbourne before Em and Shan kindly offered to show him around and you guessed it he wanted to see the Crown.
We all met at Em and Shan's and took the tram into town. We showed Tom around the city as well as the Crown and he enjoyed a flutter on the tables.
The guys and gals then went their separate ways and regrouped at a great little Indian restaurant in Fitzroy for dinner that night. We enjoyed a truly fantastic meal before it was time to get the guys to the airport. Em and Bec went with them to Tullamarine whilst everyone kicked on to a local pub. Em and Bec then rejoined the team but after such a huge night last night we all hit the wall and went home to our respective beds for some well deserved rest!
12th November - Happy 21st Angela!!
Today the guys and gals will again be going their separate ways. They boys went off for 9 holes of golf whilst the girls visited and exclusive bridal shop in Brunswick. Em looked fantastic in everything (no surprises there as she's a hottie) but thankfully she's got plenty of time so there is no race. The girls then visited a dress maker to make enquiries about their bridesmaid dresses and to get measured up.
Tonight we are very honored to be attending Shan's Noona and Nonos for a traditional Italian meal. Bec has been lucky enough to have experience Noona's culinary delights on a previous trip to Melbourne so she knew not to eat too much lunch. We all had the most amazing time and enjoyed the Italian culture, hospitality and fabulous food! We enjoyed Noonas Garlic Praws, Oyster and Prawn Fettuccini followed by both Chicken and Veal Paramas topped off with prosciutto and Cheese and accompanied by veggies. Mike drew the short straw and sat between Bec and Sar so when neither of them could finish their parmas Mike ended up nailing 4 which has earnt him a lifelong pass to dinner at Noona and Nonos!!
Another great night with great family!
13th November
This morning we checked out of the apartment and girls went off for an appointment with another dress shop. Whilst they were busy doing that Mike and Shan went and had some pictures that Mike took of the party printed. They had to wait for the photos so decided to pass the time by playing tin pin bowling - no surprises Shan beat Mike!!
For our last arvo here we all caught the tram to St Kilda for lunch and a look around. Di and Eric had never been there so it was nice to show them around the seaside suburb and get the classic photo shot in front of Luna Park.
The day had soon passed and it was almost time to be at the airport so we said our goodbyes to the team and went back to Em and Shan's to get ready.
Em and Shan dropped us off at the airport and it was time to say goodbye. Thankfully Bec doesn't get as emotional as she used to at saying goodbye to Em partly because with Em's work we get to see her quite often.
We then boarded our flight and enjoyed a bumpy flight full of turbulence due to the storms in NT.
14th November
Enjoyed a well deserved sleep in after a long weekend full of sleep deprivation and then caught up with Kath and Graeme. Our friends from Albany WA Nadine and Wayne are up here in Darwin for a few days to celebrate their first wedding anniversary that occurred earlier in the year so we are very thankful to be able to have some time with them.
They came around to check out our pad and met Kath and Graeme before we went out to Humpty Do Crocodile Park. There were some amazing crocs to see and we were lucky enough to be there at feeding time. It was a lot more action packed than Australia Zoo as these Crocs are not in a man made clear pool, they are in swampy water that are far from clear!
Later that afternoon Nadine and Wayne joined us back at Paspaley Place for a great BBQ and one of the best features of the house - an amazing sun set over Cullen Bay.
Tea was quite rushed as we had a date at one of the local pubs, The Ducks Nutts for a Quiz Night. Kath and Graeme went there a few weeks before we arrived and managed to come 2nd last even though it was just the two of them so we were sure that with 6 of us, including Wayne we'd kick some butt. A few hours later and after enjoyed a few drinks we were disappointed to find that we had come second last again!! Oh well we had fun.