From Hostels to 5 star Hotels

After one of Niamh nights shift, the brave girl, was up for a day of sight seeing, so after a quick break, we trotted on our way towards the tram and got it to the stop near the Shrine of Remembrance. Where we realised, that after our visit the last day, the shrine was closed, this time, we were able to go inside, and observe a months remembrance service and the passing of the light at 11 am. After further exploring the shrine including the views from the balcony, we trekked from here towards the Eureka Tower. We used a flyer to get 20% of the admisson price, the 360 degree views of the city and the surrounding suburbs were quite breaktaking and because the weather was clear and favourable, we were actually able to see the Island of Tasmania in the distance. We spent a small bit of time here and took in the views.

  
               
        
We hopped on the City Circle Tram and Visited the State Library and its Dome exhibition which has various artifacts of Melbourne and Victorian History including articles about Ned Kelly, and information about the foundation of the city. We then walked the shortish distance to the Old Gaol where we used our iVenture Card to gain entry, firstly, we entered the City Watch part, which involved a 30 min interactive tour, which was both scary yet fun. The City Watch only closed in 1994, the exit brought us into the courtyard of the prison. We entered through the shop into the prison and saw the inner works of the cells and the prison history. The highlight of the prison itself, was seeing where Ned Kelly spent his final days. and getting to try on a replica of his famous armour.

                         

                           

We decided after the Gaol, that we would spend some time exploring the CBD, and managed to stroll upon a formula 1 racing car. From here went ended up having an early bird dinner at Pancake Parlour before making the journey home. Must say it was a long but quite enjoyable day, no idea how Niamh managed to stay awake.

Since I gone back working in hospitality, I've definitely gotta seen how the other half live. Which is quite removed from our travels and our stays in sometimes quite basic accommodation. From my first shift at a quite posh and upscale Italian eatery along southbank, to my next at a 5 Star Hotel which involved a VIP Gala dinner with some guests been Spanish and Australian Political Ministers, naval officers and ambassador. One of the most unusual, was doing a cocktail/buffet function, in a quite nice hotel, for a travel agency Christmas party and observing the effort some of the city branches went into their costumes and party entertainment, was a hilarious yet rowdy shift. After all these Hotels and Convention Centres shifts, was quite different to be working in a boardroom for law firm.
However one of my highlight to date, was whilst working for a restaurant in the famous Crown Casino. Who was I serving drinks to, but none other than Draco Malfoy i.e. Tom Felton, his girlfriend, and family, must say, he was very nice and a pure gent. Working in a casino must say been quite an experience, the behind the scenes is like a maze, so ease to get lost back there.

After my 10 hour shift, at the casino (Saturday 23rd), I made the 20 min walk into Flinders street to see what White Night was like before catching the tram home. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it despite the tiredness kicking in. It was beautiful to see light designs been projected on to various famous Melbourne buildings, street performers, light installations, water/light feature and a personal crowd favourite hearing Cat Empire perform from the steps of Flinders train station. Even at the time I made it into the CBD, there was tens of thousands of people everywhere - 2/3 am Sunday morning (3/4 pm Saturday afternoon Irish time). The city had laid on free tram transport throughout the duration of the White Night event.

Melbourne Part Deux

For my birthday, Niamh surprised me by bringing me out for lunch at my favourite veg chippy, Lord of the Fries which was delicious. As we all in the house we having few drinks, the girls got me by surprise with a homemade chocolate birthday cake with special candles and all, was quite sweet of them and it was delicious. Also was given passion pop, sparkling wine. We had an interesting night.

The next morning, Niamh and myself got ready to head to St Kilda festival along the beach front, was quite busy but it had a good family atmosphere and was good laugh. There was bands playing everywhere, free stuff been given away, amongst other activities.

During the week, we decided to see some more of the sights, beginning with a guided tour of the parliament of Victoria which included the library, the vestibule, Queen's hall, legislative assembly chamber which had 3 massive Waterford crystal chandeliers and council chamber. The Parliament House took 74 years to babe constructed, starting in 1856 and been completed in 1939. After this tour, we strolled down the street to the old treasury building and got to see a glimpse of melbourne and Victorian transport and political history and see some of the vaults used during the gold rush in the 19th century. Once we finished here, we hopped on to the tram to the Melbourne aquarium. Our entry into this aquarium was covered by our iventure card. Some of the highlights in the aquarium were the penguins, variety of sea horses, sharks, starfish, swordfish, stingray, turtles amongst other exotic fish and jellyfish.
After our journey through this aquatic environment, we hopped on the city tram and transferred then to a different tram and jumped off at domain interchange. Once here, we walked along the park observing the various monuments along the way, including a police memorial, order of Malta, a variety of world war memorials until we arrived to the shrine of remembrance. We strolled around shrines gardens and ever lighting flame.

With both of us working, we try enjoy our days off lol.

Melbourne

Monday 21st, Niamh, myself and the girls in the house, all decided to head to the Australian open for the day. It was a nice hot fun day and one of the highlights had to be seeing Martina Higgins, Martina Navratilova and Lindsay Davenport playing in  a women doubles exhibition match.

Later that evening, we finally got to settle into the house, the craziness that is house 49. It's always nice not to be living out of a suitcase. At least we are settled for the time been. Some of the highlights have been the visit to the Immigration Museum on Flinders st, which has a special exhibit called Leaving Dublin, documenting stories of people leaving Ireland for Australia. Other interesting aspects of the museum were documenting and highlighting, the high and low of immigration, in particular immigrating into Melbourne over the years. The museum was definitely an interesting way to spend an afternoon. Niamh and me decided to purchase the summer offer on the 3 museums within Melbourne for 20 dollars.

After the immigration museum, we walked back towards Flinders station, and across to Federation Square, and Niamh, Helena and myself, decided to explore the square before heading down to the Yarra river to relax for a while. So as we had the voucher, we decided to the Melbourne museum the next day. I meet Niamh at parliament station after her agency meeting. We strolled to the museum and used the voucher to gain entry. The museum had quite interesting displays on dinosaurs, fossils, various plants, animals and insects  and about the history of planet earth and meteorites. However some of the highlights were the exhibits on Victorian history, be it social, industrial or technological. We both agreed that the museum was a pleasant and fun experience and well worth the time and effort. On route back into CBD, we didn't to go to the state library and do some genealogical research which proved positive and helped to answer some questions but possessed others, typical, always the way.
Saturday was Australia day ere, the 26th, which ended up been quite a random day and night involving falling upon a handy vegetarian chain called Lord of the Fries, which was yummy, and later that night, we all crazy fun in the house.

After the bank holiday weekend, and some mixed weather, on Tuesday, we decided to go to the 3rd and final museum on the summer museum voucher, Scienceworks. This museum however was a tad outside of the city, and it accessible by bus or train, i'd recommend train, then a ten minute walk. The museum was like a lot of the other museums around  Australia and are quite interactive. Out at the back of the science museum, was the old pumping station for Melbourne.
Doing another RSA course, was like been back in school with the questions and role playing and exams. At least that over for now, hoorah for that. It was quite fun and an experience trying to run in the rain towards the tram on that thursday evening, it was really pouring down.
Besides the usual daily routines  stuff you gotta do, Friday night definitely wasn't routine, as I helped Niamh minus a slight mishap with directions, to get to her nursing agency night out. I was allowed to stay, and some how I managed to get some free drinks and food. Both Niamh and I agreed the food that was on offer, was superb. It was a fun night and on the plus side, Niamh managed to get talking to other nurses here and other people which is always good.

Sunday February 3rd, here in Melbourne was gay march/pride, there was some cool and fun entertainment in the Catani Gardens near Fitzroy including drag shows, singers, dj and dance acts. We decided to for dinner along St Kilda beach, which was tasty.
Monday morning after both, Niamh and me, had our individual meetings completed, we meet each other at Federation Square and hopped on the city circle tram. This tram is a free hop on hop off tram service which brings you around the city. Something Niamh came across on Thursday evening waiting for me. Once we got to see some of the local city sights, we got off at the Flinders Street tram stop and as we had some free time we went to the ACMI - Australian Center for the Moving Image. This center has the history of moving image, such as TV, movies, and game consoles, was surreal yet interactive and fun. Typically as we were having fun but luckily, Niamh got a call from agency for immediate shift.

   

Sydney, Canberra & Melbourne

As the weather was quite nice on Tuesday, we decided to walk the 3km walk from the hostel to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and the most easterly point of Australia. It took in excess of an hour getting there as we got a tad lost. The views there were something, with the sights of the nearby beaches, local park and the old lighthouse master house. Lucky the journey back into Byron didn't take half as long. We enjoyed out last few hours in Byron, by going swimming, and watching a movie; Jeff lives at home before packing our stuff to catch the midnight bus to Sydney. The bus journey from Byron to Sydney took in excess of 12 hours.

We finally around into Central Station after 12.30pm. We arrived at our hotel, which we got half price on line, well done Niamh. The Y hotel was about 15 mins walk from Central Station. We rested for roughly about an hour, before heading out on the big wide city that is Sydney lol. We walked to Central Station and got the free bus 555 towards Circular Quay. From the Quay, we walked along the towards  the Opera House and had a look around. As the weather was so hot and nice, we walked through the Botanic Gardens. Whilst in the Gardens, we walked to the famous Mrs. Macquarie Point and  Mrs. Macquarie Chair. The views from this point have been some of the best, we actually seen in Sydney.
After a quick bite to eat, we strolled through the CBD to the Darling Harbour, as we were going to Madame Tussauds. Madame Tussuads wax museum,  was such a fun, random and enjoyable experience.

 
After our fun time in the wax museum, we walked the short 10 mins distance to the Westfields building, for the Sky Tower Eye. The ticket included a short 4 D movie promoting aerial views of Sydney. After the movie, we went through metal detector, which we both thought was usual for such an experience. Then got the lift up to the observation deck of the tower. We arrived on the deck such before the sun was setting, and  the views of the city and suburbs were unbelievable and only got better as twilight approached. Before walking the 30 mins back to the hotel, we stopped off in Woolworths for some essential items.

The following morning, we got up early as breakfast as included in the price of the room. Then we walked to Central station, where we got the Multi Day ticket for 22 dollars and the train to Circular Quay. Once there, we went to Wharf 6 and got the ferry to Manly Beach. We spent our Morning and early afternoon, where we strolled the length of the surrounding 3 beaches along the beach front, which was relaxing. From Manly beach, we strolled towards Shelly beach passing Cabbage Tree Bay, which has its own unique marine life. The weather was in the high 30's when we were there. As recommended on Tripadvisor, Niamh got Fish and Chips and had them by the wharf near the walk of the Olympians. After lunch, we walked along little Manly beach which is the home of the Olympians.

  We got the ferry back into Circular Quay, then got the train from here to King Cross Station. We walked around here for a while, of course seeing the famous, Coca Cola sign, the El Alamein War memorial and then walking into Oxford street. On Oxford st, we went into the famous Stonewall Bar, for a quick drink. You can sense the building is full of history.

                            

Friday Morning, after a quick breakfast, we made our way to Central Station, which wasn't fun in 42 degrees at 10 am in the morning. We organised ourselves and caught the 12.30 pm bus to Canberra. We arrived into Canberra just before 5 and made our way to YHA hostel, which was quite central. We decided to discover the local area. We had been warned by someone that you could probably see Canberra in  an hour, we of course thought they were only messing. How wrong were we, in just under 75 mins we saw what Canberra had to offer, Capital Hill, International Flag Display, Captain Cook Memorial and National Buildings. As there wasn't much to do that night, we decided to spend some more time doing ancestry research.

Saturday morning, we made our way towards the Bus transit centre, and caught the 2pm bus towards to Melbourne. We both weren't sorry to see the back of Canberra. The bus journey took just over 8 and half hours, passing through Wagga Wagga, which of course was made famous by Dame Edna Everage.
When we arrived into Melbourne, we got a taxi to Niamh's Friends house in Windsor near St.Kilda. Some how, I found my self been dragged out for a while in Richmond, ended up not being a bad night.
Sunday, we spent recovering before going down to Fitzroy beach for lunch with the girls in the house. After some so so food but amazing wedges, we walked along the pier, where we got to see some kite surfing and a cute penguin. 

Surfers Paradise & Byron Bay

We managed to get a lift to the Roma Street Coach Station, for our 11.30 journey to Surfers Paradise. The Journey took roughly about 75 mins. We then waited for the free YHA shuttle bus to our hostel in Marinars cove on Seaworld Drive. After we got checked in and settled, we caught the bus to Seaworld for the afternoon, as we has our VIP passes. In the park, I went on the 2 rollercoasters, the Sea Viper and Jet Rescue and We both went on the Viking log flume ride. Once the park had closed, we got the monorail from where we were back towards the main entrance. We left the park and got the 750 bus into Surfers Paradise for some evening wanderings. We had dinner near the esplanade and from here we walked along the beach front. We got the bus and decided to chill and relax as we were up early the next morning.

Wednesday morning we were up early and at Seaworld about 9, which was hilarious as the queue for the VIP passes was down into the car park. However once we finally got in, we had such a relaxing, sunny and fun day. We got unlimited free refill drinks for 10 dollars, and we made sure to make use of it through out the day. During the day we got to see Spongebob Square Parade, Jet Ski Extreme Stunts, and meet Spongebob and Patrick. Throughout the day we got to see various animals and shows such as the Buddy and Clawde Sea lion fish detective show, Dolphin Imagine show and Seaworld is the only place in Australia to see Polar bears and 3 species of penguins. It was unusual to see Spongebob in 3D, and it was funny. A new feature of the park was the Dinosaur Island and discovery centre. We didn't manage to get everything done as there so much to see.

Thursday Morning, we decided to go Wet n Wild water park, the VIP pass queue was low here compared to the one at Seaworld. The water park was very busy, and queues for most rides were unbelievably long. For certain rides, the queues were in excess of over an hour plus. Some of the class rides include Aqua loop, Black hole and Tornado. One of the long queue rides was for the Constrictor, we waiting in excess over 90 mins for the ride, lucky enough the ride actually was worth it, unlike waiting 70 mins to go on the River Rapids. Lucky as the park was open until 6, we got to get on most of the water rides. We got a bus to Helensvale Station and got the connecting 715 back to the hostel.

Friday Morning we went on Island adventure Tall Ship cruises, to South Stradbroke Island - Mclarens landing. This was quite a peaceful, chilled out afternoon with live entertainment provided. As we decided to spend 2 extra nights in Surfers, we had to change room on Saturday morning. So while we were waiting for the room, we decided to do Paradise jet boating. Jet boating involved 360 degree spins and we all got quite soaked, was hilarious yet fun. Once we got back to the hostel, we got our new room and showered before getting the free shuttle into surfers where I meet 2 mates from home.
We managed to get a small lie in on Sunday before, deciding to head to Seaworld to spend a few hours to do the stuff we had missed out on before. When we arrived after ten, there was no VIP queue this time. During our time here this time, we went on the skyrail, saw 2 polar bears - orphaned twin brothers playfully fighting in the water, Niamh got her photo with Mrs Puff, and went to Seaworld's new area, Castaway, where we had fun with the Battle Boats, some how I yet again got totally soaked. After relaxing for a while and dinner back in the hostel, we went into surfers paradise and skypoint. The views up in Q1 area of Sky point, are breath taking both times we have been here. We decided to take the long walk back to the bus stop, by strolling along the Esplanade and through the beach front markets. We spent Sunday night watching Sherlock Holmes in the hostel, with free popcorn provided by the hostel.

Monday morning was an early rise, to pack and check out from the hostel and catch the shuttle to the transit centre. Once at the transit centre, we booked the next bus 11.15, for Byron bay. Although the journey itself only takes in theory about 75 mins, as we pass from Queensland into New South Wales, we lose an hour. However as went entered the areas near Byron, we were meet with traffic due to the Downpour so we didn't arrive into our stop until gone 2pm. Lucky for us our hostel was only 2 mins walk from grey hound and woolworths. The afternoon has been spent relaxing as the weather been quite wet and is a day for been indoors.
   

New Year 2013

After some morning relaxation and a few pre-drinks on NYE, we got ready to make the trek towards South Bank for the New Years Celebrations. Once off the bus, we made our way towards one of the many entrances, were all bags were checked on entry. We had dinner at a quaint little Italian. The city had arranged live music through out the day and evening at various spots in South Bank. After a slight mishap with flying a medical helicopter, the 8.30pm show finally got under away at 8.40pm. The Fireworks during this show was nothing compared to what the countdown and show was at midnight. The atmosphere was electric along the river bank with in excess of 65,000 people gathered for the celebrations. When the countdown to midnight and 2013 began, everyone got into the spirit by shouting and cheering together, and suddenly getting to their feet. The show at midnight included a light show which involved the use of surrounding office blocks across the river, an unreal fireworks display which made the previous show seem like just a warm up act and was fantastic.

 Translink, the transport body in South Queensland provided free transport between 9pm till 5.30am including buses, trains and ferries. It was a fun and enjoyable night.

Over our routine coffee on Wednesday in Gloria Jeans, we started discussing and arranged plans for the next few weeks including booking the hostel for our next port of call, Surfers Paradise. It was an earlish start the following morning, to make our way into Culture Quarter to catch the River Cruise Ship, Miramar II, which departed and made it way towards Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at about 10 am. On route we got a running commentary about historical events and buildings that we passed. We decided to only get a one way cruise ticket, so we could spent more time in the sanctuary.
We arrived at about 11.15, we got a map and schedule and made our way towards our first animal talk of the day, at the main enclosure: Wild Enclosure, Fur & Feathers. From here we went and purchased the photo ticket required for the Koala Hug. It was a surreal feeling holding the female koala.

As we had a few mins to spare before the Birds of Preys show, we checked out some of the adorable koalas, and birds. During the Birds of Preys show, the birds came at times scarily close as they flew over your head.

After this show, we made the sort journey to the Sheep Dog and and Sheep Shearing show. As we watched the Sheep Dog maneuver the sheep, we both immediately thought of the film, Babe. Watching Dan shear the ewe, was an unusual experience, and even more so as you got to touch and feel the sheared sheep after the show. On the way towards the Main Enclosure to see the Snake talk, we got to see various barn animals and reptiles  such as Perentie which is Australian Monitor Lizard, next to this exhibit is the Tails and Scales reptile house. This reptile house has on exhibit, various species of snakes, komodo dragon and turtle nursery. At the Snake talk we got to see the python, that wasn't in the reptile house.

As we had free time till the next talk, we decided to go explore more of the sanctuary, along the way we got to see, Crocodiles, Kangaroos, Wombats, Dingos and various species of Birds. Some of the prettiest birds included princess parrot, lorikeet, and kookaburra. During the platypus feeding, we learnt, that this one was a male, and was one of the first successfully bred in captivity in Victoria. The male platypus has a large spur located on his hind legs connected to venom gland and that platypus lives mainly along the east coast near Tasmania. From here, we went the short distance to the Tasmanian devil exhibit for our last presentation of the day. During the presentation we got to see the devils been feed, which was unique as these carnivorous marsupials devour everything including the bone. When they bite down on the bone, you actually hear a bone crushing noise.

On the way out, we went to the cafe, to collect our koala photo and then made our way towards the bus. It was an unique experience and well worth the visit, resulting in a fun filled day.  

We decided to spend our last Sunday in Brisbane by going to various different Theme Parks, so we got the 9.04 am Gold Coast train from South Bank To Coomera, where we got the connecting bus to Dreamworld. It was my goal to get on the remaining thrill rides I had so far missed and Niamh's to finally get to meet Po in land of awesomeness. As we had World Pass we were able to skip the queue and go straight in. First ride we got on was the Thunder River Rapid Ride, where poor Niamh got soaked. From here I braved the fears and went on Buzzsaw followed by the Giant Drop, both were scary and nerve-wrecking but yet exciting. We  finally got to meet Po at about 11.30 in the courtyard, third time lucky. We went into the tiger lair and was able to see 2 tigers above our heads, was an unique sight.

After a while, we entered White Water World through the World Pass area, We got comfy and I finally got to go on the Wedgie Ride, which was different but awesome. I didn't get to go on a few of the previous rides I had been on and we had fun also in the Cave of waves,before deciding to get dressed and catch a bus to Movie World to go on some rides and finally get to see the All Star Movie World Street Parade, as it wasn't on the last time we were there, due to White Christmas. We both got to go on our favourite rides too before we got to leave. Scooby Doo Disco Pop Video was on 2.40 pm which was like a live action mini detective episode, was unusual but neat. About 3.30pm, the Parade began led by Bugs Bunny himself which was full of Looney Tunes Characters and Action Figures, and had elements of dancing and meeting the public which was all fun and energetic.

After the Parade, we managed to get on the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster before the crowds filled up again. Lucky for both of us, we managed to get onto Justice League 3D ride and for me the Superman Escape before closing time at 5. I just got into the queue at 4.55 before the ride closed. All in all, was a tired but fun filled day.
Monday, we managed to book our greyhound bus tickets and get the packing underway .

  

Movie World Magic!

Some of the Magical Moments that Niamh and I shared throughout the Day and Night at Movie World and White Christmas. Beginning with me bravely trying the Batwing Spaceshot and finishing with the Christmas Parade. 

Xmas 2012

Thursday 6th, we got a pleasant surprise, when Niamh received Xmas cards from our Granny and our folks and surprisingly got a Christmas Card from her agency. It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. I needn't have felt left out as my Christmas cards arrived the next day along with a heart felt letter from the folks wishing us a Merry Christmas.

I met Niamh in town after her shift and we went christmas shopping, so after some searching, we found our tree and decorations. We made the journey home to excitely put it up and make the house christmasy. As we rushed out the door to get a few necessary supplies from Coles before it closed, what did I spy lying on our porch step, but two parcels, one for me and one for Niamh. So after quickly putting them into the fridge and dashing to the shop. We came home and excitedly opened our parcels, to find inside all the goodies one would miss from Ireland, Irish Cadburys, Hunky Dorys, Nestle, few Christmas Chocolates and to our expectant delight in each parcel was a Christmas decoration with our name on it, was really so cute and meant so much.

On the Saturday, we decided to make the trek towards the River Stage in the Botanic Gardens, for the Lord Mayors Carols in the City Concert, starting at approx 5.30 pm with a pre-show and the Main evemt beginning about 7.30, with artists such as Marina Prior, Troy Cassar-Daley, Belladiva, Christopher Wayne, New Empire, amongst others performing that night. The venue was at Capacity from early on, with thousands in the venue and a queue outside still trying to get in. One of the highlights of the evening, was witnessing the Jingle Bells Aussie version, we were in stitches.

On the Sunday, We decided to continue this wave of celebration by going to Brisbane Square to the Chanukah in the city, for the celebration which was the lighting of the Menorah. It was an interesting experience to witness. To round off the night they had the International Mini - Bike Stunt Team perform, who came to prominence on Australian Got Talent reaching the Semi Finals. To round off this evening we had a skype call with our folks and Granny, who it was great to see and talk to.

After our routine coffee, at our local spot, Gloria Jeans, we decided to go shopping once the rain had ceased . We had to go jeans shopping for one of us, coughs Niamh, on the hunt for her annual Christmas outfit. After we found a nice cheap pair, some how we ended up in Pandora, where Niamh got her Aussie charm, a kangaroo one, for her bracelet. Later on in the week, we decided to go to cinema, we managed to get cheaper tickets online, and we saw Pitch Perfect, which was an hilarious comedy with a catchy soundtrack. Niamh through the cinema app and membership managed to get 4 dollar medium popcorn.

On Friday, I met Niamh at Central Station, after her shift, on our way up Queen Street, we stumbled upon Betty and the Bettys, who were performing on the specially constructed Xmas Stage. One of the highlights was their version of 12 Days of Christmas and Wishing you a Merry Christmas, which had us and the gathered crowd in stitches. Been one of the highlights so far of the festive season.

We went out for dinner, ended up in Wagamama in the Wintergarden, I tried my regular dish Yasai Katsu Curry which was I found even nice than home. We tried and shared sweet potato kubasi side after it was recommended by the waitress and agreed was yummy. From here we made our way out on the Mall, to get an observation spot for the Myer Christmas Parade, which was to followed by a Pantomime in  King George Square where also a twilight Indie Market was taking place. The Parade itself, actually had real live animals taking part such as camels for the 3 wise men, sheep, Donkey for the Virgin Mary and of course a few reindeer to pull Santa's Sleigh. Other acts included Little Drummer Boy, Dance Troupe, Brass Band, Marching Band, Carol Singers, Story telling, Aerobatics and of course no Aussie Christmas parade is complete without Jingle Bells Aussie Style. The Pantomime involved a story around the Little Drummer Boy. Once the panto was finished, Santa made his way in his sleigh towards the Myer Center, where people got a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer. I felt like such a kid, getting the opportunity to touch the reindeer and their antlers, which felt a bit like velvet.  

Procession of Christmas Animals

Cirque du Brisbane

Santa and his Sleigh

In the excitement for our return trip to Dreamworld and heading to Whitewater Theme Park Sunday 16th,  we ended up buying tickets to WB Movie World Theme Park (VIP Pass) and White Christmas for this Thursday to celebrate Christmas, food, show and all.

After a slight detour, we finally made it to Whitewater World, and Dreamworld. First thing we did was check out the Kung Fu Panda's Land of Awesomeness, newly opened ie the day before. First ride of the day was the Skadoosh Bumper Cars, lots of bumping and crashing into each other. Niamh was out for revenge. Ironically karma bit her in the ass, as she got rejected from Kung Fu Academy, oh well. After this, we queued to go on the new thrill ride, Pandanonium. Of course, when it was my turn, the ride was on the hard cycle, which sends you round and round, side to side and upside down at up to 3.8 G-forces. Soaring eight metres high under the watchful eyes of the mighty dragon, only martial masters will be able to outlast theses 150 seconds of kung furious pandemonium. Pandamonium is one of the Big 8 Thrill rides in Dreamworld.

                 Pandamonium

As I was on an adrenaline rush, I decided to go on the Big Claw right after. We decided to go to the water park after this, however we got sidetracked on route towards the Cyclone roller coaster ride, which actually goes through the water park. Once in the Water Park, we got a quick bite to eat and souvenir drink cups, which we got unlimited free refills as we are pass holders and can use the next time we go to Dreamworld/Whitewater World.

The afternoon in the water park, reached a temperature of 30 plus degress. Once we had ourselves organised, stuff in the locker and creamed up we went on the Green Room ride. The Green Room towered 20 m above the ground which accelerated us through a 75 m tunnel to a 15 m funnel before literally dropping out. Ye are thrown into the upper hemisphere off back to back vertical banks before a neddle nose splashdown. After a quick recover and ejecting from the 4 clover shaped raft, we made our way towards the Temple of Huey. Where we got our donut rings and went on both the 2 Broken Heads and Cut Snake. 2 Broken Heads was fast and a thrill. The Little Rippers was a cannon bowl of fun, I nearly got stuck duelling with the ride but was all go in the end. From here we strolled towards The Bro which consists of a race head first into a maze of twists and turns. We decided to chill and swim in the Cave of Waves when horn beep for the next onslaught of waves, which was class. Towards the end of the afternoon, we managed to get on to The RIP ride where again the tube was a clover shaped raft, and it was full on carnage, crazy fun. We just about managed to get on Super Tubes Hydrocoaster before the park closed at 5 pm, this was a pretty full on water coaster ride and was a highlight of the day.

On route home, we got off at central station to get a bite to eat in a restaurant on Queen st called Jo-Jo's restaurant, oh my, where do I begin, I ordered Tofu Thai Green Curry but it came with also pieces of chicken, lucky I noticed before I had any. The manager refunded me the cost with his apologies. So as a treat we got some Danish ice cream and got to see the Menorah fully lit, prior to getting the bus home.

An early but excited rise, to make our way to Park Road,to catch the Gold Coast train towards Helenvale Station, which is the nearest station to Movie World, where we got a bus. On route we passed Wet  n Wild and in awe we saw the crowds queuing to get in, which was something unreal. We were counting our lucky stars that we weren't going there then. Once we entered Movie World, we got started queuing for the rides. The first queue we joined was the Batwing Spaceshot, once I was strapped into the ride, there was no going back, it literally shoots 60 metres into the air at a 4.5 G of extreme power. It was an out of this world experience to say the least.

After I exited this ride, we both hopped on the Justice League ride which is an 3D interactive ride experience. We both quite enjoyed this ride. We were on route to queue for The Superman Escape ride however was closed due technical maintenance, so I queued for the Arkham Asylum, in the past was called Lethal Weapon. Once the queuing time finally came to an end, I got strapped into the train which has electfying on-board audio, and the rocket speeds up to 85km whilst experiencing 4.2 G stomach churning inversions. We trekked to the other end of the park completely to go on the Wild West Falls Adventure, which is a water thrill action ride that contains a 20 metres drop at the end. We got completed soaked but was such a laugh. Perfectly on queue, on our way towards Main Street, we came upon Batman and his Bat Mobile on parade. I finally managed to persuade Niamh onto a rollercoaster, Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster which was inspired by the movie, has top speeds of 45 km, laser lightning and sound effects, was a spooky funtastic ride.

From here we decided to go collect our VIP passes for Movie World and sister theme parks. I tried once again in vain to get onto the Superman ride. We made the 2.40 pm showing of the Ice Age Mammoth Christmas 4-D in the Roxy theater, it was a cute funny yet bumpy wet motion experience. Along Main street  we encountered, Harry Potter Store, The Flash, Green Lantern, Marilyn Monroe among others.

As I was determined to get on all the thrill rides, we made our way towards the Green Lantern Coaster. The ride contains the steepest drop in the southern hemisphere, reaches heights of 33 metres, speeds of 66 km and 488 metres in length. Once I recovered from the Green Lantern, we went to collect our wristbands for White Christmas later that evening. We decided to try to get on Superman once more, as they were finishing technical tests, I managed to be there at the right time by getting on the first available ride. It was worth the wait, where the rides comes from 0 to 100 km in 2 seconds which was such a thrill.

We decided to rest for a small while before White Christmas, so we joined the wristband area. The opening of White Christmas celebrations commenced at 5.30 pm by the Christmas Fairy Princess. We went for dinner at Ricks Cafe for a Christmas Buffet dinner with free refills, we were so stuffed afterwards. When we came out on to Main Street, it was a superb sight with Carol singers, Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, and Lola Bunny. The countdown to illumination of the Christmas lights, which was an unreal sight. We decided to try get on a ride as we had some free time before the parade at 8pm, so went onto Justice League 3D ride. We got our spot for the parade along Main street. Whilst waiting we both got some free drink refills. The parade itself was such a christmasy sight and experience, full of Looney Tunes goodness. Once the Parade had ceased, the rides re-commenced for a few mins, and I managed to get on Superman Escape again even been allowed to skip to get on quicker as it was just me. The ride itself was a totally different experience by night, was more thrilling, fun and out of this world experience. Doing this roller-coaster at night was one of my highlights of all the rides. The journey home was in itself an adventure.    

As there was an advance screening of Les Miserables showing at our local cinema, we decided to go see it early Saturday afternoon. We managed to get a deal on popcorn and soda, well done Niamh. The movie was unreal, such an emotional beautiful piece of film. We managed to get last few bits we needed for Christmas dinner, for Niamh turkey one and my veggie roast one. Before getting the bus home, we decided to call into Irish Murphys for a Christmas drink. We left a Facebook comment on our mother page to wish her a Happy Birthday once it became the 23rd. Later we had a phone call with our parents and our granny.

Christmas Eve, to get into the Christmas spirit, we  went firstly to the Pancake Manor on Charlotte St, and shared a long stack, was so tasty after we went to see the Rise of the Guardians in 3D, was such a cute and funny movie. As we gotta home we watched Christmas shows and movies and relaxed which was nice. As the bells rang for midnight we exchange pressies with each other and had some of the chocolate, our parents had shipped over to us. Christmas Morning we received calls from our parents, granny, cousins and friends from home. We got up and began preparations for Christmas Dinner, me making the stuffing and Niamh preparing her secret potato mash. We were both stuffed, we decided to go for walk to South Bank and the beach, where it was all happening, packed everywhere.

I meet Niamh after her night shift on Thursday Morning, we went for a morning coffee where we decided to go see The Hobbit in 3D. Now just gonna wait till next year to see part two.