The Northern Soul Wardy Weekender

Ok, so having just published the post below, I'll keep this short, especially as most of you would've seen the pictures on Facebook.

Wardy celebrated her 29th birthday on the 20th and she decided to go lawn bowling. H and I had played once before and the Aussies are mad for it. Obviously Mike, who plays regularly back in Bristol, was in his element, and if he wasn't there we would probably all still be there trying to sort things out. He organised the teams, told us the rules and kept everyone on their toes. I don't think he had ever seen anything like it - beer and barefeet on the hallowed turf and a guy in a tutu (you can see him in the first picture)! It was a great afternoon and evenings entertainment. Seeing him kiss the jack as he beat Kirby in a singles match was a particular highlight.

From there we kicked onto The Fringe Bar in Paddington where Sticky Floor Simo put on another night, this time to celebrate his 31st birthday.

The NAB Beachley Classic

On the 14th I checked out the final of the NAB Beachley Surf Competition on Manly Beach, which was the richest event on the women's pro tour. Some z-list celebrity fun and games followed. Megan Gale was my favourite. It was followed by Coopers in the Shore Club.

Coogee to Bondi

Whenever people come to visit H and I like to take them on the scenic Coogee to Bondi coastal walk. So with Jenn and Mike in town, it was on the "To Do" list. We ticked it off on the 12th. Here's some pics. Drink up ye cider Mike!

The Festival of Me (Part 33)

I turned 33 last week.

I'd brought my birthday celebrations forward this year because Jenn and Mike arrived earlier in the week, and in the Sydney 2007 time honoured fashion, I decided to turn it into a bit of a festival. Big, big drinks on Friday night, beach, drinks, pizza, more drinks and a great game of rugby on Saturday (being a Pom in Oz is always interesting), and kayaking on the harbour on Sunday (watch the videos here, here and here).

On then on the 11th a few of us went for drinks after work (and I had had a great day at work) at the Opera Bar. H had been talking about a surprise special guest who may turn up, and he did. It was a guy called Rich who H and I met and travelled with more than 7 years ago and neither of us had seen him since then.

After the drinks H and I headed back to Manly to finish the birthday celebrations in style - with a meal at Ribs and Rumps with Jenn and Mike.

It was an excellent few days, and thanks to all those who made it so much fun.