My 25th Birthday

Three days after we returned from my Honeymoon, it was my 25th birthday. Unfortunately, I fell ill the day before, so was looking and feeling quite bleak. Fortunately my new and wonderful husband arranged for a surprise party for me and my family and friends came along to share the day with me. It was a wonderful afternoon and a great end to our 2 week vacation.

Pictures from the day - note my new present direct from Seaworld - a plush polar bear!!

Seaworld - The World of the Polar Bears!!

Our last day on the Honeymoon saw Cam and I head to Seaworld. I had been awaiting this day since we booked the trip - I couldn't wait to see the Polar Bears!

After a rather hectic journey (thanks no doubt to the Indy that was scheduled to commence the following day on the Gold Coast), we arrived at Seaworld and set about scheduling activities to coincide with shows of the dolphins and seals (which conversely starred Nathan Harvey for those playing at home!) and a visit to the impressive Shark Bay.

A Dolphin performs at the show; Nathan Harvey and the talented Seal in 'Quest for the Golden Seal'.

Me posing with a rather large fish; Cam and scary shark at Optus' Shark Bay

But of course, the thrill was building to seeing those Polar Bears - and they didn't disappoint! Cam and I happily spent two hours viewing these gentle giants (they appeared so anyhow, as they frolicked in the water!) and learnt some interesting facts - for example, they enjoy watermelon, like me :)


Clockwise from top left: The twin cubs having a rest after lunchtime; Lutik playing in the water first thing in the morning; Lia enjoys some fish in the afternoon; I pose with Lia; Lia playing in the water with a floaty toy.

As the polar bears could not be on display at the same time, due to mating and territorial issues, we saw the male, Lutik, in the morning, the twin cubs in the afternoon and the female Lia, late afternoon.

Lia cheekily sticks out her tongue!

All in all, I enjoyed Seaworld the most, mainly due to the variety of educational displays and of course, because of my Polar Bears!!

Movie World

After 5 days in Palm Cove, Cam and I boarded the plane for Brisbane with our ultimate destination being Surfers Paradise and the Crown Plaza.

A trip on the airbus saw us collected by a real limo and dropped off at our Hotel. We went for a stroll into town - it is like Oxford Street!!! - and then settled in for a night of in house movies (Batman Begins!!).

The next day we headed out to the Pacific Fair shopping centre (courtesy of the...hmm..Crown plaza courtesy bus!). I had never been there before - this place is mostly outdoor like a marketplace. I brought some jeans, a top and a book...oh and an ice-cream from Copenhagen..yum!

Cam and I under the sign!

Day 3 saw us heading to Warner Bros Movie World.."Hollywood on the Gold Coast"! I had been twice before (it is a favourite of mine) but this was Cam's first visit. The good thing about this place is that they are always updating the attractions so there is always something new. This time round we saw Shrek in 4D (4D means the chairs shake etc..) and there was a matrix exhibit and street show. We also saw the Police Academy stunt show and the looney tunes music review. Cam did not take kindly to the batman simulation ride (I must admit I had a mini anxiety attack when they ushered us into a small room and warned us to wear seatbelts and hold on!!).

Cam poses with a saucy catwoman; we pose with wonder woman and her crew; some dummies from the matrix exhibit.

All in all, it was a good day but we did leave thinking that it was a small theme park in comparison to some. We are keen to see what that Superman ride can do though!!!

The Daintree

Day 5 of the Honeymoon (aka 14 October) saw Cam and I set out for the Daintree. It was the first time we were referred to as Mr and Mrs Burgess too (yay the Tour Bus Driver!).

Cam and I at Port Douglas

Our first stop was at Port Douglas before heading up to Mossman Gorge. Apparently the Gorge becomes so flooded during wet season, that you can't drive up there!

The Mossman Gorge - the water reaches up to the tree branches in wet season.

After our brief stop, we moved straight on to the Daintree - I never knew how big it was! I also found it particularly interesting that there was no electricity once you crossed the Daintree River. There were little homes and schools in this otherwise tropical rainforest too.

We began winding our way up the mountain and stopped off at the Daintree Discovery Centre - although rich in information, I felt it was the kind of place that would be more suited to a school excursion than a Honeymoon but then again, I have a short attention span and Cam and I managed to finish all for recommended walks in the time it was supposed to take to complete 2...

Cam turns Lleyton in the Rainforest; Me wandering the paths of the Daintree Discovery Centre.

After the Discovery Centre, we visited a look out or two before dining at a very nice restaurant alongside the Beach. The day ended with a cruise along the Daintree River and a rather suspect spotting of a crocodile who looked like she had possibly been planted there...I found the day a little boring all up but it was great to see a new place and the rainforest was beautiful.

Cam and I on the beach in the Daintree

The Great Barrier Reef

On Wednesday 12 October, I with much trepidation, set out with Cam for a day at the Great Barrier Reef. Having always been somewhat anxious in and around water, I wasn't sure what to expect but the mere idea of snorkeling brought claustrophobia fears to mind...

After a 2 hour trip out to Moore Reef (inclusive of humorous snorkeling instructions "look at your foot, look at the fin...If they match, you're good to go!"), we arrived at the Sunlovers Pontoon. To say I hesitated in getting my gear would be an understatement but before I knew it, I was perched at the waters edge sharing a look of fear and a nervous giggle with a Japanese lass. After a false start, I suddenly found myself in the water - and absolutely having a ball!! I was one with the snorkel...It was if, innately, I knew how to snorkel!! I swam for over an hour, looking at the beautiful coral, swimming above it, swimming amongst the fish and even spotting a turtle. It was one of the best achievements (other than the wedding of course!) that I had made in a long time and I was very proud of myself.

Cam and I also partook in the semi-submersible boat and glass bottom boat for a closer look at the beautiful coral - a great day had by us both!

The Honeymoon Begins - Palm Cove

Our Honeymoon began on Monday 10 October with a pleasant flight to Cairns, our ultimate destination being Palm Cove.

Upon arrival in Cairns, we were greeted by a blast of humidity and sedan masquerading as a limosuine...upon arrival at our accomodation at the Sebel Reef House, we settled in for a relaxing time by the pool and beach. One of the highlights of our stay here was the Reef House Spa - Cam and I had a his and hers massage for an hour, followed by a refreshing herbal tea - ah, I could get used to that lifestyle!

Another highlight was definately the fine dining and wining - I was quoted as saying 'infusion of flavours' on more than one occasion.

A downside of our stay would have been our newspapers being stolen from our door each morning, subsequently forcing me out of bed at 7am to ensure I secured it before the resident thief did!

Our room at the Sebel - very spacious and resort style; The Verandah Spa - very relaxing and romantic!

Cam enjoys a break during our stroll along the beach; Me feeling very much in honeymoon mode.

The Honeymooners!

The Hen's Party

Ok, so this is in a dodgy order but one can certainly use ones imagination...we held my Hen's night (as organised by the talented Ms Wilson) on the saturday 2 weeks before my wedding (the 24th Sept). The evening began with a cruise around the harbour before we alighted for a Mexican feast at La Cita in King St Wharf. We then kicked on to Retro before heading back to Cockle Bay for some chocolatey dessert and then home to bed...a great night had by all!

"I'm Flying!!" Wendy and I begin the night on the cruise by posing, Titanic style.

Mum and I on the town! Conversely, mum was the only one whom the boys tried to pick up and the bouncer tried to kick out - go mum!

The Hen and her...hmmm...henee?? LOVE the fluro coloured veil - very modern.

Anna and Andrea share a giggle..

Al and Claire on the town.

The MERLINO LADIES!!

Mel, Claire and Anna...looking deceptively lady-like for a Hen's party. Hmmm....

I encountered some lads out on the town. When I questioned their outfits, the response was "Nah, we dress like this every week"