New Zealand

I've booked and paid for a Contiki trip to New Zealand over September! I get to travel on the North an South Island and discover many places within the country. I need to save up some spending money, so hopefully I can get enough in just over 4 weeks! :D
Checklist of thing to organise:
-Passport
-Travel wallet/document holder
-Travel blow up pillow
-Raincoat
-Runners/Sneakers

We go to Surfers Paradise this week! Woohoo! Can;t wait for the sunshine and time away with my man.

Organisation

I've required a lot of organisation this week. Work, a birthday, shopping and transport for when we're away. This week I was Anna twice, Jenna and Kath at work! With a total of 46 hours I'm not sure how I'm still standing, let alone had the time to organise everything else.

I traveled to and from Chadstone and Southland to shop for Jordan's birthday presents. I organised parking at the airport for when we're away and return transfers from Coolangatta Airport to our accommodation in Surfers Paradise.

I'm looking forward to the beginning of this new week. I get to spend sometime with my man, eat some great food and have a break from tying balloons and cutting fabrics. My thumb joint is actually a little bit tired and even hurts to type today. One more day of work before I can have a little bit of a rest and relax.

Marionettes of Prague

I stumbled along a toy shop that sell gorgeous, hand crafted marionette puppets. The main fact that excited me the most, was, I may have a chance to see them whilst I'm over in Europe. They are hand crafted by artists in Chezch Marionettes in Prague and can be made for order.

Have a look at Lady Simone...


Look at the detail with her fascinator and make up..


And then there's this cute old couple..


Adorable.

I would love to visit one of their studios whist traveling over there. Have a look at the website!

http://www.czechmarionettes.com/

Friendship

Today Ashley, Leigh and myself learned and weeped about true friendship. We attended a late english teacher's funeral and were truly touched by the stories from her friends and family. Especially her friends, who were by her side the entire way through her journey. Whether they were celebrating birthdays, graduations or even meeting over a coffee, they supported each other every day. Tears ran freely when the friends made a promise to her, to surround her children with love, support and laughter, to continue on their book club and toast their champagnes in honour of her. Today I take time to appreciate my friends and what we do for each other. I accept them for who they are, and will continue to cherish their individuality and support them with what they would like to achieve.

European Vista Contiki tour

This is the route the 21 day, Contiki, European Vista tour takes during the winter months. It is a lot cheaper than travelling during the summer periods and I'm sure the queues for all the attractions will be a lot quieter.



The total cost for the tour in October 2010, is $2759 which includes 20 breakfasts, 11 dinners, tours, all accommodation and transportation during the trip. It works out to be about $140 a night which is fairly descent price for what is included. I was worried about having some free time in the cities. After talking to a travel agent and fellow friends that have been on a Contiki tour, I discovered that you can choose whether to attend tours or do your own thing during the day. I'll need to study up on the countries so I have an idea of what I would like to see in my free time to make the most of it!

Camberwell delights

Today we had an afternoon tea stroll around Camberwell, with hopes of some inspiration for my high tea 21st function. Have a look at some of the yummy thing we found..


Pistachio profita roll..


Peach, Raspberry Jelly, Passionfruit and Blood Orange chocolate..


Pistachio, Strawberry and Mango-Passionfruit Macaroons..

Queensland, part2

Boy am I organised today. I'm really surprised after working 5 days in a row with massive sales at work. I am organised though! I have booked in accommodation and knocked off $25 a night of the price. Have a look!

http://www.stayz.com.au/20393

This stayz company has some real jems with them. You do need to do your research carefully and talk with the owners to make sure everything is up to scratch. I stayed in this particular property in 2008 with some girlfriends. It was amazing. They have a lagoon, indoor pool, restaurants and coles underneath the building. It's a short walk to the beach and the night life if that interests you.

Now to work out how to pack enough with the 7k limit on our bags hahaha. Oh and I may have stuffed up the flights, so that we need to have one night stay in sydney. Not sure where we'll stay for that, but we'll find something shortly!