Australia Day

Week commencing 19th April the before Australia Day met Ann who I used to work with from 5 East who's now in Dubbo working. So on Wednesday was on a short shift so had to arranged to meet at Rhodes shopping at 1.45 once I was finished. Met near the food court then went for lunch at coffee club where had omelette and have a good catch as been a while since seen her. It was then to go look round shops and go to Ikea as we need a new outside table for when we have our BBQ. As you can see Ikea had a lovely red table so took measurements and picture of it to see if Tiago would like it. Also Ann now changed her job and done get CNS, so gave me the idea about doing my CNS clinical nurse specialist. Then about 4ish Edna came to join us for catch so went to Lily's for cake and coffee was good then don't think ended up leaving til 6ish. On Thursday at work on a early and after work went to Ikea and dropped Kate off who had to get something aswell. As decided might as we'll get table now as easier than going at the weekend but decided against getting the chairs just use our camping chairs for now. Australia Day 26th January was hoping and praying would be a nice day. As had been a lovely day the past 3 days whilst I wasn't well. Proves how unwell I was even phoned in ill for my random one night shift on Sunday. Which is not like me I felt so guilty but there was no way I could go to work as I was. As had an upset tummy since Friday morning and probably didn't help going out for dinner on Friday night. But had arranged ages ago to go with Vanessa and Roberto to Cafe Del Mar at Darling Harbour. Which by then I felt fine but had to stop on route for toilet stop. During the day hadn't felt too good just had headache and the stomach cramps which buscopan and Panadol helped a little. The meal at Cafe Del Mar was lovely me Tiago shared the lamb. Was first time been to Cafe Del Mar was a beautiful setting and will definitely come again even just for drinks. Unfortunately was nothing what we fancied for dessert so walked harbour side for ice-cream at movenpick. We then walked to Wynyard and unfortuantely the bus was just turning up but I had to run to toilet and then luckily didn't have to wait long for next bus. On Saturday afternoon I was feeling a little better so had a BBQ for dinner which probably wasn't the best idea. As on Sunday was supposed to go for massage but ended up cancelling as still not feeling the best. Also Tiago wanted me to go to DIY store with him to get tools to put table together but ended up having to go on his own. I also ended up having to cancel my shift for Sunday night as didn't think would be the best idea to go. So went to doctors to get a sick certificate for work which luckily didn't have to wait to long only 2 in front of me. We then went to Coles to get ingredients to make a chicken and vegetable soup, which Tiago basically made for me and tasted good. Then on the Monday 26th April Australia Day luckily started to feel abit better. But still didn't want to upset my stomach too much so struck with the homemade soup. Also unfortunately it rained on Australia Day when the last few have been lovely. So didn't really do too much and a good job we hadn't organised to do anything. At night we got to watch the fireworks from the balcony but obviously not as good as New Years.

Cairns

Get up 3.15 have shower and get ready to go on our travels again. Got picked up 4.05 was actually early for a change by 5mins and was first pick up only picked up one other person got to airport 4.40 nothing open til 5. Ended up going through to departure lounge so Tiago could get something to eat and both have a coffee, I didn't feel like food at this time. Plane departed at 6.50 and was about 2 and half hours tried not to sleep this time so listen to music and read. Got to cairns before 9 and organised the shuttle bus to hotel and got there just before 10. Hotel not ready til 2 tried to get breakfast at hotel but said since not checked in couldn't have. So decided to have wander into city got breakfast a lovely omelette with ham, mushroom and Brie. Also city different to how I remembered last time I was here but didn't come into city to much. Got back to hotel only 11ish so still too early for room so decided to go play in the pool. Must off gone back to luggage twice first for waterproof camera, then for Tiago's snorkel and doritos. We had fun playing in pool with camera much more fun going underwater with it. So glad I didn't do the diving as not sure i would like it as not too confident under water. Before 2 went to the bottle to get some wine and at least when got back room ready. So sat and drank wine and looked to see where could eat tonight looked at the Brazilian restaurant. We aimed to go to bushfire the Brazilian restaurant as if before 6 was cheaper. But when got there not too sure if would be enough food as only had til7pm. So instead went to restaurant which we gone past, where we had seafood platter and mussels to share was very good. Then had a walk to see where we have to be tomorrow found a lovely outdoor pool. On the way back to hotel we looked up at the sky and it completely like rain but then realised it was all bats. When got back chill and not too late a night as early start tomorrow for diving  cruise. On Friday woke up 5.30ish and then out complimentary breakfast which was buffet plenty of choice. It was then to walk to the reef terminal to check in and only took us 10 minutes to get there going with ocean freedom Adam recommended. Was on boat 7.30 and left just before 8 had pastries, fruit, coffee and tea but already so just had coffee. We also took a sea sickness tablet just in case. Got to first stop wonderwall on upolu reef. Tiago was the first group to go diving I just chilled whilst he was doing as unfortunately missed the glass bottom boat. When he got back which he really enjoyed and his buddy was an English girl Diane. Went to snorkelling together but a little unsure and not really seeing much then came on had water. Then went back out with the guide whilst Tiago did his own snorkelling and o got to see a turtle. I also got to touch a piece of coral and a star fish felt a lot better someone showing us. It was then time for Tiago to do his second dive I just sat on end of boat relaxing. Got on glass bottom boat to go he fed the fish and then said it was cancelled but still did see some fish through the glass and see Tiago coming back from his five. It was then lunchtime was chicken, meat, salmon, prawns, salad, sweet potato salad lots of choice. Trust me to bang my bang my head when getting out on to the front but think most do it. Favourite was the beef and sweet potato salad but Tiago not feeling too good so didn't eat too much and took his other and my sea sickness tablet. It was then to Upolu reef cay second stop which was only ten minutes away so stayed at front were got a little wet. Once there was time to do some more snorkelling and got on glass bottom boat which took us abit further out. This time stayed with Tiago but was a few guides there aswell too direct us. Trust us to drift off twice but at least didn't have to get picked up by the other boat. Left last stop about 3.30ish on way back got fruit, cheese & biscuits and cakes, got back 4.30. When got off all the crew were there for you to thank and would definitely recommend. Once back at hotel had wine had a nice relaxing bath then go for dinner which wasn't til about 8ish. Wasn't really sure what we fancied ended up sharing marina pizza and spaghetti bolognese. When got back think must off feel asleep quite before 10.30. Woke up 5.15 as another early start this time got white water rafting got ready then breakfast which luckily opens at 6.30am. Also realised that there have a chef to cook omelette and eggs but was only just starting when we had to leave will have tomorrow. Supposed to get picked up at 6.30 so no time for coffee but then bus running late didn't arrive til 6.50. Straight to there shop to check in and get our hire shoes as didn't want to wear amours as would be too wet for tomorrow. After that was on a second bus to the bar where we got our coffee journey was about hour and half. But trust me when on 3rd bus to Tully river I managed to spill the coffee luckily mainly got the bag not me. Was 12 on bus and we were spilt into 2 groups of 6 for the raft. Once at tully river was time to get our gear on and couldn't find an helmet to fit so had to get me a smaller one and was the only one with a yellow one. It was then to make our way to our raft and unfortunately not enough red rafts for the extreme groups so our group got a yellow one. Then to get our seats in the raft me and Tiago ended up at the back, the American couple at front and the other couple in the middle. We then made our way way down the Tully river for our rafting experience but first our raft leader went over all the safety. Like how to pull someone if there fall in the river and everything else we needed to know. I liked that our guide was funny but also serious and safe when it was needed. We were rafting for about an hour or so before lunch, the rapids were great before lunch and a lot more extreme than after lunch. During this time unfortuantely the couple in front of me knocked there oar into my teeth when going through a rapid. It was abit off a shock but luckily nothing broken which was a relief but put me off jumping off the cliff as still abit shock up. Before we stopped for lunch got to have our pictures taken and our instructor tipped the raft so we all ended up in the river. Lunch was a BBQ by the side of the river off burger and sausage sandwich where  you watch the fish. After this it was more rafting and overall this trip was good, there were plenty off opportunities to swim in the pools of water. Jump from rocks which I was bit unsure about so just watched and took picture off Tiago doing it. But once when swimming in the water went into a deep bit off water and the person behind nearly landed on me. We also got to go under waterfalls but not once did I feel scared or nervous as my guide knew exactly what he was doing. Unfortunately on the last swim we did the American lost there go pro in the river and had no float on as already cone off earlier. I'd highly recommend this for anyone travelling near this near in the future. Also definitely do the extreme group not the regular rafting as get to go faster and do more fun things. Once finished the girls carried all the oars whilsts the guys had to carry he raft up to the trucks. It was then to stop at the bar we stopped at coming to buy pictures and have a drink before the drive back to Cairns. We got to view our picture before deciding if we wanted them and cheaper to buy as a group otherwise is $100 for a USB stick. Luckily all off our group were interested in getting the pictures so for 3 USB sticks was $120 so only $40 per couple. Was worried might be at the bar a while once people started drinking but luckily not to bad. But then wasn't sure which bus we came on and when asked bus driver wasn't helpful, but not on his. Once back in Cairns time to drop everyone at their hotels stop but first stop at the shop to drop the guides off. Then make our way to our hotel we werent the first drop off probably about the 4th and stop opposite off road. Once back get changed and then go for dinner but not sure what we fancied so had a luck at our few restaurants. Before we decided to go to place where we ate the first night we arrived in Cairns to have surf and turf steak, was good. After dinner we went for walk to the Cairns Esplanade to go for a drink ended up at Salthouse bar and restaurant situated at Marina Point. The Salthouse is a unique dining, bar and entertainment venue offering a panorama view of the ocean, marina and city. Was a great place to relax for a drink where we got a bottle of sparkling wine surrounded by flowing ponds and fire features. The Salthouse offers a space that is glamourous, funky, chilled out, stylish, calming, lively and welcoming all at once. Definitely a nice place to have a drink but only had one bottle of wine then headed back to the hotel as needed to pack for tomorrow. On Sunday 11th january early start again as flight at 9.10am back to dydney but had to get sorted first. So first was breakfast and luckily got to have the omelette today made fresh which was good. It was then back to the room to get sorted and then wait for our bus to collect us to take us to the airport. Luckily bus was on time then wait a little bit to check in and then we sat outside to have a coffee before we went though security. It still feels strange not having to show your passport for domestic just your driving licence is ok. Flight at 9.10am and this time I got the window seat and just read my book most of the flight whilst Tiago play his game. Landed back into Sydney at 13.05 and Tiago had a message from his brother saying could collect us. But wasn't sure if he still but by time we had picked up our bag which took abit typical then go to the car park Diego and Gabrielle were there. As we haven't seen them in a while as their went to Tokyo and Japan skiing just before New Year. So was good to catch and find out about each other's holidays and then we went for food at Outback as we hadn't eaten since breakfast.

Gold Coast

Time for holidays up early 3.30 as getting picked up at 4.15 by taxi to take us to airport. Get to airport in about 30minutes already checked so just drop bags off. Whilst waiting for flight have a coffee but didn't feel like food at this time as too early. Flight departed at 6.05 was only a short one 1hr 20minutes I slept whilst Tiago play on phone. Arrived at Gold Coast at 6.25 as there a hour behind Sydney. Once there get luggage didn't have to wait to long and then how to get to our hotel. Saw a shuttle bus sign which included airport transfer and theme park transfers so decided to get that for 3 days only $78 each. Unfortunately we just missed the bus at 6.45 so had to wait til 7.30 til the next one and trust it to start raining. But at least whilst waiting arranged for pick up to go to Dreamworld theme park and airport pick up. We were the last to be dropped off at our hotel QT and obviously hotel not ready as can't check in til 2. QT Gold Coast is an extroardinary hotel where an eclectic mix of design and art come to life. But we needed something to eat and couldn't see anything at hotel we fancied as only a little coffe shop. So walked about 5-10 minutes found a cafe just had a bacon and egg bap but do breakfast buffet for $15 so might come tomorrow for that. When walking back to hotel thought our pick up was there and by time got to hotel bus gone but was 15minutes early. Luckily it wasn't our bus and ours arrived at 9.20, 5 minutes after pick up, picked up a few other hotels. First stop wet n wild then movie world we were last to be dropped off but dreamworld looked so much better than movie world. Got there 10 am, as soon as got through trust it to start raining but luckily can get pass to go between both parks Dreamworld and Whitewater World park, which we got. Then off course it stopped raining so decided to stay in dreamworld in total went on 8 rides first was. My favourite ride was the BuzzSaw which was also the longest queue and is a 15 storey roller coaster where you plummet down with speeds of up to 105km/hr. Most extreme was The Giant Drop a 120m free fall ride which I was abit unsure about doing where I did have to close my eyes at one point and gripped Tiago's hand tightly. The calmest was the Rocky Hollow Log Ride but you have to do it and was quite fun and the one felt the funniest was the Claw where felt abit lightheaded after. We also did Zombie Evilution last which is laser tag but unfortunately lost Tiago so didn't do too well but was first time but still quite fun. Got picked up at 16.15 and was 2nd drop off. As soon as back at hotel got changed then go out for dinner since not really had lunch only coffee and chocolate panettone, so quite hungry. So went to Hurricanes for dinner as remember seeing this morning when arriving. Unfortunately we couldn't get a window seat which would off been nice with the view off the beach. We both decided to have the beef ribs for a change me half and Tiago full. Was very nice but abit more fatty than the pork ribs which we usually have was very full afterwards. Then decided to go find Coles to get a few nibbles which took abit to find had to use goggle and trust it to start raining. Luckily once been to Coles it had stopped raining then to get some wine. Once back at room drunk wine whilst looking out the window admiring the view but was not late night must of been asleep about 9pm. Tuesday got up about 7ish and then to the place we saw yesterday for buffet breakfast, first take pictures of view in the nice chair near lifts. The buffet breakfast was very good lots of choice must of gone up twice had full breakfast first then pancakes. It was then back to the hotel to get collected by the bus at 9.15 to go to Whitewater world. Got there just after 10am and first stop to get Pass so can go between both parks again. First stop Whitewater World a waterpark situated in Coomera next to Dreamworld with 10 water slides and 2 children's areas. First ride was The Green Room which accelerates riders from a 75 metre tunnel to a 15 metre funnel very enjoyable. Tiago then wanted to do the wedgie which was a drop and loop water slide which was unsure about doing. So thought would watch him do first but looked better from bottom than the top of the slide. Also the lifeguard let me press the button to release Tiago from the wedgie. It was then to do the Super Tubes Hydrocoaster which was a very long queue but probably ended up taking less than a hour. The Super Tubes Hydrocoaster is where you are blasted from the 18m tower down the 236m track of terror was lots of fun. Next was the Bro a blue ring octopus which is a thrilling race between 8 riders on mats unfortuantely Tiago beat me. Then it was the Rip which is a launch from the 16 metre tower into a 12 metres of pitch black terror. We then decided to the Triple Vortex where we queued quite a while to get the two person tube which Tiago carried to the top. After queuing for so long to go the ride was a big disappointment no drops and a flat ride compared to the others. It was then time for coffee and pringles before going on the Green Room again one of our favourite would of gone on Super Tubes Hydrocoaster again but a long queue. So then we went to play in the Cave of Waves where you can relax on the tubes but none left but luckily just hit it right for the waves. It was then to dry of on the loungers before going back through to Dreamworld to play on a few more rides. Since enjoyed the Wipeout yesterday went on there first and trust as soon as we got on it it broke down. But we decided to wait and was only a wait of about 10 minutes and this time sat in front where felt the spins, twists and tumbles more. Was tempted to do the BuzzSaw again but was a queue so did a few which never did yesterday like the Shockwave and Pandamonium. Since the Pandeamonium was near the kids thought it might be quite tame but got to choose fast or mild we went fast were you spin, twist and upside felt abit dizzy afterwards. It was then to play the Zombie Evilution again as Tiago wanted to play struck with him this time but got an even lower score than last time. Before we got picked was time to get some picture and got picked up at 17.15 today and was the first drop off. Once home chill for abit then go out for dinner and had seen a nice restaurant last night overlooking surfers paradise beach below Hurricanes. Went to Elston bar and restaurant which does Mediterranean cuisine I had duck and Tiago the portions looked abit small but was actually very filling and delicious. It was then to Coles afterwards to get a few nibbles and walked past the slingshot on way back to hotel, which is a human catapult but decided against doing it. Once back at hotel chill with wine looking at the nice view from our window helped by been high up. I ended up falling asleep early which Tiago not impressed about and he ended up going for a walk along the beach at about 10pm. Got a lie in on Wednesday think woke up about 10am but by time got organised must of been nearly 11ish. Was going to go for the breakfast buffet again where we went yesterday but unfortuantely was just finished thinking about 11.30am. So ended up going to the pub 'The Clock Hotel' which we had seen near Coles for $7.95 sirloin with mash. Unfortuantely when it came out Tiago's did not taste right and he ended up having to send it back. The annoying thing is their tried to tell him it was because of the spices there had put on it but had tasted mine aswell and definitely different. It was then to the coles shopping outlet to look in phone shop as Tiago needed a cover for his new iPhone 6 plus, which he got. We were then off to find the Q1 tower as included in a package we got with Dreamworld, white world passes. The Q1 (abbreviation of Queensland number one) is a skyscraper in Surfers Paradise, on the Gold Coast. It lost its title as the worlds tallest residential tower to the 348 metre building the Marina Torch in Dubai on 29th April 2011. As of May 2012 it is the sixth tallest such building, the Q1 is the tallest in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. Q1 skypoint offers spectacular 360 degree views of the Gold Coast with breathtaking views of the shoreline and you get to the top in less than 2 minutes. So we sat at a table near the edge to admire the pretty amazing view which went on for miles and have a coffee on the 77th floor. The only thing it was a shame that we hadn't known there did food as could of had afternoon tea instead of our steaks. It was then to walk round the observation deck and look at all the distances from all the different places but disappointing not one for England. The height and the magnificent view blows you away from the beautiful beach strip to the Hinterland and is a great way to take in the sites from the Skydeck. You can get some great pictures up there and luckily the weather was nice so we could see everything. Whilst up at the Q1 skypoint we had our passport pictures and you can also do the skypoint but decided against it as didn't look that amazing. After doing the skypoint it was too walk back to the hotel but not before stopping at the Surfers Paradise sign to get pictures. But it was very difficult to get the full picture of the Surfers Paradise sign due to the traffic. We then walked on the beach as it just had to be done was a few on considering it was windy and a few jellyfish on beach. Once back at hotel was still early so we decided to go down to the pool to chill for abit. Unfortuantely the pool not that warm so just went in the jacuzzi instead which was nice apart from all the kids. It was quite funny was a few kids in jacuzzi unsupervised and parents not taking any notice even though should be supervised under 12years. We stayed in for a while but then the kids started to get abit annoying as kept going under the water. After that was time to get changed to go for dinner decided to go the Greek take away/restaurant next where we ate yesterday as looked nice. Even though we got there quite early was still busy and couldn't get a seat outside but luckily got one inside. At the Greek Steet Grill we shared the mixed meat platter which was reasonable priced, got plenty and tasted good. It also reminded me a little of working in Cyprus eating this food just a shame no room to fit in halloumi. After food was back to the hotel to pack and finish our last bottle of wine as fly to Cairns tomorrow.