New Beginnings

Gabbi's Birthday!!!!

2007-07-29T19:07:00.000+10:00

This day is shared by Gabbi and my brother Jason so a double celebration every year. We decided to have a night together at one of our favourite restaurants and one of the first we ever went to together. 'Wasavie'. As usual we arrive early and place our name on the waiting list as they don't take reservations. In the meantime we head down to the royal hotel and have a few drinks whilst waiting for the phone call to let us know our table is ready. Once we arrive and sit down at the communal table with about 18 other people they bring out our chilled wine for us to enjoy and they have an ice bucket built into the table in front of us to use. We had great seats tonight in front of the chef so were able to watch how he prepared all the different meals. Our order is usually the same with a large serving of sashimi omakase and other sides to fill us up. Once again a lovely meal and a lovely night together..... I gave her 3 gift vouchers to her favourite masseuse to enjoy.

Josh's 10th Birthday!!!!

2007-07-29T18:46:00.000+10:00

HAPPY 10TH

BIRTHDAY JOSH!!!!

Turning 10 is a big achievement so were else to go than somewhere big. Sydneys centrepoint tower with his friend Liam. Your probably wondering why Myself or Gabbi aren't in the photo. Well I took the photo whilst mum was waiting downstairs as she doesn't do heights..... We had a great time once we go to the top and looked over the whole of Sydney and even go to see Liam's house as well as other famous landmarks whilst the sun was setting.

Once back down to street level we went on the sydney tower ride and somehow they had given us an extra ticket so Gabbi could come along too. The boys had a great afternoonn, followed by hungry jacks which we had to force ourselves not to have and then back home for a sleepover. The party continued into the next day with Josh's grandparents, Auntie Maree, Uncle David, Margie and Holly coming over for more presents and cake.

Our Honeymoon

2007-05-04T12:47:00.000+10:00

We ended up deciding to go on our honeymoon to Gabbi's favourite holiday destination.... Noosa. I had memories of going there when I was young but didn't remember too much about it so I was more than happy to be going with Gabbi to her favourite place. We spent the first half of our holiday at the Hyatt Coolum where we just relaxed in the quiet secluded surroundings enjoying lazing around the pool, a game of tennis and eating out every night. We were told we would be put in a quiet area as requested and when we arrived to our room it was definitely quiet. Couldn't hear a thing and couldn't see anyone else staying close by. Well that didn't last long. The next morning there was hammering and drilling going on outside at a conference room where they were repairing the deck. We let it slide and then complained a few days later to be then upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite. It was well worth being troubled to move as we got our own kitchen and lounge room to relax in.

The remainder of our trip we spent in Noosa where most days were spent just lying on the beach soaking up the fantastic Queensland weather and relaxing more. Relaxing can get quite tiring so we would have to go and have a drink in the shade. We had a wonderful apartment over the beach with an outdoor spa and spectacular views. We spent the nights dining out and had a seafood platter and bottle of bubbly together on our balcony one night also. It was hard to leave and head home but the time we had there felt like weeks away and a

great time together.

Our Wedding Day - 3rd March 2007

2007-05-02T09:44:00.000+10:00

The first location we went to visit we booked straight away as it just grabbed us both with its size and location, backing onto Collaroy Beach. It was like everything else, well nearly everything else that we first saw that just fell into our laps. Gabbi's wedding dress was another first look that she just knew right away it was exactly what she wanted. We went shopping for my outfit and found it all in the one place. Leading up to the day the weather was looking horrible and we started to worry about a wet weather alternative as the house had no outdoor area under cover. We eventually decided to book some shade structures in case of bad weather. As we got closer to the day the forecast showed that the 2 weeks prior and week after the wedding it was due to rain. Yet on the wedding day it was to be perfect and sunny. We couldn't believe our luck and just knew it was going to change. Thank god it didn't. The weather was perfect. Well a bit hot but otherwise blue skies everywhere.

We arrived at the house the day before with Jason and Zabrina in my car and Gabbi and Josh in her car. We settled in and relaxed for a while with some lunch and then unpacked everything. Then the hire company arrived with chairs, cutlery, structures and the rest to drop off. We then started to arrange the shade structures in different positions till we ended up placing them next to the back doors in case of rain. Josh and I then went off into the surf for a boogey board before racing back and getting into the warm spa. In the evening we had some dinner together with wine and then Tania arrived to put together the flower arrangements. She spent hours on them and they looked fantastic. The centrepiece was excellent for the buffet table as well as Gabbi's bouquet. Then it was time for us to say good night to each other.

The morning sunrise was amazing and I was able to get up early and take some good shots. The day looked perfect, even at 6am in the morning. I was so excited. This was going to be the best day. After breakfast Jason and Zab got to work on the finishing touches to the decorations whilst I set up the seating and also last minute sweeping and tidying up. Then it was time to sit back and watch a bit of basketball to relax. Then guests started to arrive so it was time to get ready. The sun was getting hotter and I could feel the temperature rising. The food arrived and the drinks were ready to go.

I was dying to see Gabbi and couldn't wait for Josh to walk her to out towards me. I was guzzling water down due to the heat and my shirt covered with sweat. We postponed the ceremony about 10 minutes whilst we waited for some late arrivals. This gave me a good opportunity to dry off a bit. Then it was time and I stood there waiting in excitement.

Our song came on and then she came around the corner and WOW!!!! She was so beautiful in her dress and with her son walking her out. He was very proud of his role in the wedding. A tear came to my eye as the love I have for her came over me. It was a beautiful ceremony that we had written together from readings to the i-do's. It was perfect. After the signing of the marriage certificate we made our way into the shade where there were speeches accompanied with lots of laughs. Photos with all the family and then some photos of us on the beach. The afternoon was spent eating, dancing, drinking and enjoying the company we had. Sunset came and everyone left so we had this amazing house to ourselves. Sunday was another relaxing day with walks on the beach and lazying around the backyard. Monday morning we woke to thunderstorms around 1am which we didn't even care about as we had the perfect day that we wanted. Then it was off to Noosa four our honeymoon. More relaxing......

My 32nd Birthday

2007-05-02T09:03:00.000+10:00

February 20th..... I woke with my beautiful fiance next to me and a huge smile on my face knowing how lucky I was to have met her and how fate guided us to each other that night back in July which seemed years and years ago by now. She gave me my birthday presents and had a surprise dinner location planned for that night. That day whilst at work a delivery of balloons came for me. I presumed they were for a function so I took them and then realised they were addressed to me. WOW!!!! what a surprise, so I put them up in my office and everyone commented on how lucky I was. We drove into Surry Hills and I didn't have a clue where we were going to end up. Gabbi had booked dinner for the two of us at 'Tabou'. A french restaurant where we sat in the front window and just gazed into each others eyes.

We were so into the french moment that we started discussing changing our honeymoon plans to travel to Italy and Paris as we thought why not? If not now when would we be able to get another chance... The food was fantastic and didn't skimp on the servings which was great as I love to eat. We enjoyed 3 courses and a bottle of french wine before heading home for the night still dreaming of a trip to Europe. Over the next week we contemplated it but then decided it was too rushed and so close to the wedding to plan it all properly.

Valentines Day

2007-05-02T08:19:00.000+10:00

I wanted to surprise Gabbi somehow and decided I would do something different to just sending roses to her office. So, I went to a local florist and organised a box of rose petals to be ready on the day. I took a couple of hours off work and picked them up on the way to seeing Gabbi for lunch. Afterwards I raced home and placed rose petals from the entrance of our unit, down the hallway and into the lounge room where there was a love heart made from petals with her wedding ring placed above it and one of our first photos together inside the heart. I then had our song playing on a loop for when she arrived home.Gabbi and Josh arrived home and she loved it. Below the heart were our cards written to one another that we later read together.

NYE

2007-05-01T15:27:00.000+10:00

One of my rare New Years Eve's off work. Probably the first in about 6 years. Gabbi and I spent a few weeks before deciding what we were going to do for it. We looked at house parties, restaurant parties, nightclub parties, watching fireworks, just going out and seeing where the night took us.... so we ended up doing the best thing out of all and have a house party at home with just the two of us.

Our first NYE together and I couldn't think of anything better to do on it. I had to work for a few hours in the afternoon and early evening whilst Gabbi looked after all the food (she is amazing with creating the best dishes I have ever tasted) and when I came home I was her private barman. We ate, drank and danced together having a great night until....... I fell asleep on the lounge before midnight. I couldn't believe it. All I wanted was to rest a little before the countdown to midnight and I woke up after midnight.....

XMAS day

2007-05-01T14:57:00.000+10:00

Xmas morning we awoke to find Josh's stocking stuffed to the brim with toys and presents. Gabbi and I joined Josh in the lounge room as he passed out gifts to each of us and we gave some back to him as well. In his stocking he found a fishing rod, yo-yo, other gadgets and a star wars light saber. We spent the morning opening gifts and playing with Josh and his toys. His light saber was his favourite and he put it together so we could have a duel. He won.....

That afternoon we drove over to my dad's house and spent the rest of the day with them. More presents and food were had by all and a great way to end the xmas break.

XMAS eve

2007-05-01T14:25:00.000+10:00

Xmas eve we went and had dinner with Gabbi's family. Gabbi has 2 younger sisters (Nicole and Maree) and a younger brother (David) so it was a large gathering at the Henson household. We had xmas songs playing and family love and laughter all around.

There were presents handed out by Josh the xmas bearer of gifts. He then got stuck into his origami book and made all different objects to display to everyone. At the dinner table we popped xmas crackers and put our coloured hats on whilst telling the jokes around the table. Josh gathered all the little figurines and toys that also came out of them. After dinner xmas pudding came out and it was divine.

We're Officialy Engaged

2007-05-01T13:19:00.000+10:00

After deciding to get married in September it became official on Saturday 2nd of December. We had already gone to the jewellers in the city and Gabbi had chosen her ring that she wanted. It was great as we were able to choose the diamond.... well Gabbi was able to choose the diamond that she wanted and then choose the setting she wanted it in. Our jeweller was fantastic. About a few weeks later Gabbi was asking me if I had contacted him yet to pick it up. I said no and then that afternoon on Friday 1st December I secretly called him up to organise to get it the next day. I told Gabbi I was off to see mum for a few hours and would be back soon. I took Gabbi's car into the city and found a park. As I was reversing into the spot the car died. I managed to push it back into the spot and then give the engine a rest while I got the ring.

After returning to the car it wouldn't start. Nothing!!! I freaked. How was I going to tell Gabbi that the car broke down in the city when I should have been at mums in Malabar...... We had planned to take Josh and a friend of his to the movies so I jumped in a cab and raced home. On the way I called mum and she helped me come up with a story. I have never been any good at lying but would give it a go. I arrived home and decided to quickly run out to the back garage and hide the bag. As I did this I saw Josh's friend arrive so it was perfect timing. I quickly raced back to the front of the units and followed them upstairs.

When I saw Gabbi I explained to her that the car broke down and I was actually in the city trying to surprise her and get the ring early, but the jeweller said it still wasn't ready. She believed me as I had nothing in my hands to prove otherwise. I just hoped the ring would be safe for a few hours. It was well hidden. We took the boys to the movies and then on the way home I met the NRMA at the car and got a new battery put in. That night Josh's friend slept over and they stayed in his room watching a movie while Gabbi was preparing a lovely meal for the two of us. I thought that it was the right time to ask so I grabbed the garbage and raced down to the garage to retrieve the ring. I the raced back upstairs so I didn't seem gone for too long. I had the ring in my pocket so I then took it out of its box and wrapped in a tissue and placed it back in my pocket again.

After dinner I started to tell her how much in love with her I was and how much she means to me then I got down on one knee and showed her the ring while asking her to marry me. She said YES and couldn't believe that I had tricked her and gotten away with it..... It was a perfect night and I will never forget it.....

XMAS tree

2007-05-01T13:13:00.000+10:00

It was early December and time to put up and decorate the xmas tree. Gabbi, Josh and I retrieved the boxes from the garage and then commenced the construction of our own little tree together. We put on the customary xmas cd and then sang and laughed as we placed piece by piece together. We had a great time putting it up and also with the decorations. We took plenty of photos and were very happy with our end result. It stood in the corner of our lounge room where everyone who entered the house would be able to see it. Josh finished it off with the angel on top and the colourful lights around the tree.

Kristie's 18th

2007-05-01T10:38:00.000+10:00

November 3rd 2006...... my little sister Kristie turns 18. Well I guess she's not little anymore. Gabbi and I made our way over to Dad's place to catch up with them and Tania's brothers Jason & Nick who had flown over from NZ for the event. We then made our way on foot to a friend of Kristie's house as they were having a combined 18th party in their backyard. On the way we made the usual stop past the bottlo and stocked up on our refreshments for the night.

We arrived at the house with two of the security guards from my work manning the door for the night to keep unwanted guests at bay. Once inside the backyard was huge and decked out in decorations for the evening. The latest music was playing with Dad's speakers set up around the place to create a great atmosphere. Watching 18 year olds drink was quite scary and showed how free they were at that age.

Time passed and we were also able to catch up with Tan's mum who had also flown in for the party. Speeches then came up and the two birthday girls were starting to hit the wall. By the time the adults finished their talks albeit over the 50 teenagers who wouldn't shut Kristie was on her way out (not out into the city.... out for the count). Gabbi and I along with Kristie's boyfriend James went out to the front lawn where she was lying on the grass about to be sick. The party was a success!!! We all looked after her and then got her home and safe to bed. Next day she said she didn't remember a thing. Well she didn't miss a thing either......

Hunter Valley Trip

2007-05-01T09:52:00.000+10:00

After returning from my shortened trip we finally got a chance to get away and spend some time together in the Hunter Valley. Gabbi booked the accommodation for the long weekend in October and it was all a surprise for me. Having driven past the wineries so many times on trips to Tamworth and back I had never actually stopped there and looked around. We arrived Friday afternoon and checked into Billabong Moon, an amazing place to stay. It had about 6 new cottages placed in there own private areas over a huge property so it felt like we were alone.

We settled in and then did the right thing and opened a bottle of wine that they had left out for us. We sat and watched the sun set together before enjoying a home cooked meal. The next day we were up early and then out to visit the wineries in the area. Over the next two days we were able to taste and buy wines from Brokenwood, Tempus Two, Peppertree, Peterson House and also the usual taste tests and many other wineries.

Saturday afternoon we returned in time to see the end of the AFL grand final and the swans go down by a point to west coast. Sunday night we planned to go out for dinner and found a wonderful restaurant just around the corner from where we were staying. It was very romantic and the food was sensational. All in all a very relaxing weekend away together and some well needed time alone with each other.

Home

2006-09-08T11:01:00.000+10:00

Well the year trip was all over in 3 weeks after missing Gabbi too much to stay away any longer. Plus seeing sights by myself and travelling alone is just not my thing and never has been. It's what I thought I needed to do as there was no motivation to stay in Sydney and going to work everyday with no enthusiasm about life. I still want to see the sights I missed out on but I want to see them with Gabbi by my side so we can share the moment. We planned to meet in Italy in December, so we are still going to go but some time next year when it will be summer there and the sun won't be setting at 4pm. Flights home were terrible as usual and by the time I left Holly's school until I arrived in Gabbi's arms it had been 36 hours. Due to the terrorist threats I had to check in 3 hours before flight and also I had to change my ticket so plenty of time. Lucky to walk straight to KLM desk and check in with exit rows for the main two flights which where 21 hours in total. Flight from Heathrow to Amsterdam was delayed by nearly an hour so most passengers missed there connecting flights but I still had an hour spare. Amsterdam to KL was a good flight with me being so tired from two nights out in a row I got some sleep in for about half the 12 hour trip. Then I had a 6 hour layover in KL airport. I wandered around for an hour just checking it out and came upon a lounge that was $80RM ($35 AUS). For this I could have unlimited internet access, shower, food, carlsberg on tap, putting green, massage chair..... It was a small price to pay as in the end I had about 6 beers (which where $20RM at airport bar each) and ate plenty of food along with hours on net. Then a nice shower to refresh before last flight home. Sitting in an exit row makes so much difference and I think I will check in 3 hours early on every overseas flight from now on. Well worth it. Even more so that it was only 40% full so I had all 3 seats to myself. Not so great in the end as the arms of chairs couldn't be raised as they have tray tables in them so i had to move around to get comfortable. I ended up using all 3 seats at one time or another. Arriving in Sydney I couldn't wait to get through customs and be in Gabbi's arms. I waited at the baggage carousel and wasn't worried as my bag was usually the last to come out on most of our flights so I waited as patiently as possible. Then it got down to about 5 people and 30 minutes since the bags started to come out. I knew then that my bag hadn't made it..... Then another 30 minutes in line to put a claim in for delivery. As I thought, it didn't make the connecting flight in Amsterdam so would arrive the next day. I didn't care I just wanted to get out of there. I came out of customs and as soon as I saw her I ran down and picked her up in my arms. I was so happy to be home and holding onto her. It had been a hard three weeks away I felt so happy and knew I made the right decision to come home early.

Friday 18th August - London nightlife

2006-08-21T18:41:00.000+10:00

Friday had been planned to meet up with the roxy crew who were over here holidaying, working, drinking, partying and in the end it was a great night.... well night and into the next morning.... Plan was to meet the 3 cheeks (Rachel, Sharon, Heather) along with Mo for a night out. Well things changed, mostly due to copious amounts of alcohol we drank before 11pm. I met up with Mo and his flatmate Johnsy at Liverpool Street station and then over the road for some alcoholic beverages for the house. We got back and met Friesy who also lived there and was travelling from AUS and decided to watch the big brother finale and went through the carton of Stella in about an hour and a half. Next was finishing off a bottle of Frangelico i had bought in Rome. Well then we needed more so Mo went off to the supermarket and grabbed a bottle of Bacardi and coke. So the four of us had hit it quite hard and was too late to head out far to meet girls so we went around the corner to a wharehouse that had been transferred into a nightclub. The secret entrance around the back would save us 5 pounds each so we gave it a go. Usually the guys have no trouble sneaking in but toinght the guards were all over there scam and along with others who had tried the same thing.

So Mo and Friesy went for it and were caught straight away and made to pay the $5. Johnsy (local lad) and I then hid behind some cars and gave it a go. i gave him a 20m head start so if he did get caught/chased (which he did) i could slip in undetected. So he came back to us after paying his cover charge but also followed by the security guard asking them about the other bloke that came in with them (ME) who was looking the guard in the eye. Mo and Johnsy did well in telling him some stories and then he asked for our stamps. Well I had done the old wet the wrist and try to copy Mo's stamp. Well I had a speck of black on wrist which in no way could resemble what i needed. I then showed him my wrist and said I had one. he barely looked and said ok then checked the others. As soon as i heard that I was outta there and headed towards the bar to buy a round. Lucky.....

Had a great night out with the boys and then after about 3am it closed so off home and then out again somewhere else for a pint until they also closed. What to do next. The bledisloe game was due to kick off at 630am so the natural thing to do was to go to Walkabout pub and watch the game with another pint. So back home before that and Mo and Friesy put on there wallaby jumpers and handed me a spare. The 3 of us then hit the tube and off to the game. Well great first half with us in the lead.... ( I then called Gabbi back home who I was missing so much) and came back in to see we were losing the game. So I saw the best half we have had and then missed the misery.... Oh well..... back on the tube and then back to my sisters school. 11am arrival.... bed time.....

Wednesday 16th August - London

2006-08-17T05:59:00.000+10:00

Today we met up with my cousin Eamon who is living in London for a few months teaching before he backpacks through Europe over our Summer. We spent most of our time sitting on a tourist bus which stops at all the main attractions in London town. Our first stop was Hyde Park and a walk around the beautiful lake (although it smelt at one end quite bad) and around to Diana's memorial. I was very disgusted in what they had made for her. Although she was divorced from Charles and not involved with the royal family anymore, for a person who dedicated much of her life to help others and amazing work with charities and the poor it was very poor. As you can see in the picture it is a water feature that looks like a slip n' slide in a circle. The feature is fenced off by cheap garden wire with 2 plastic signs cable tied to the fence descibing the rules of entry. It was so degrading to the erson she was and what she deserved was somehting more dignifying that represented who she was. I left there feeling disgraced but feeling for the people of London who loved her so much and had to go through what I did all those years ago when it was first constructed....

From there we visited Harrods and walked through there amazing department store unable to buy anything as it was ridiculously priced. The main floor area with females bags was so expensive they didn't even have price tags attached and most of them were in glass boxes. So obviously whoever buys them is so rich they don't need to know the price as they can afford anything in this world. After covering the 4 floors quite quickly we then headed back on the bus tour for the remainder of the day. The tour passed Big Ben (name of the bells not the clock), london eye, river thames, london bridge, 10 downing street, westminster abbey and trafalgar square. A lot of old stories and building that still had blast marks from WWII which brought reality back about what happened all those years ago and how close to the city it was.

Saturday 12th August - Amalfi Coast

2006-08-13T22:34:00.000+10:00

Another long day was ahead with a trip to the Amalfi Coast. And it was all worth it in the end. A train from Rome to Amalfi took about 2 1/2 hours then a local bus ride for an hour to the coast. The drive was hair raising with the bus fitting around tight bends along the coastline whilst traffic and other buses came from the other direction. These drivers had talent and were born to do this job. When we arrived we sat and had a wonderful lunch and gelatos before walking around the lovely coastal town of Amalfi. It was so nice and we wished we had of spent the night there. Somewhere mum would love to come back to next year and have a family holiday together for a few weeks. Sunbaking and relaxing is all we did before heading to the markets before catching the evening bus back to train station and home by midnight

Friday August 11th - Rome

2006-08-13T21:08:00.000+10:00

Up at 6am and off to the Vatican and St Peters Museum for the day. Onto the metro train system which was quite clean and fast. Had some brekky outside the Museum and then joined the queue to enter. We stood in line for just over an hour before it started to move and we were inside within 30 minutes. The end of the line stretched on forever and it would have taken the last people over 4 hours to get in. The museum was huge (as is everything else in Rome), nothing can be done on a small scale. We ventured through all the rooms and saw old statues, baths, paintings, tapestrys from the 1800's the size of soccer goals that took 2 years to make. We then came to the sistine chapel and the painting. No photos or filming was allowed but Holly snuck a few photos in whilst she was hiding the camera. Down from there we went into the cattacombs and saw all the popes tombs and the late Pope John Paul. Outside of there we went up to the Vatican and inside to see the amazing pieces of art, statues, tombs and tapestries. The ceiling was so high and there was so much in there. After 4 hours we finished and headed out for some lunch.

Trevi fountain was our next stop as it was so beautiful the first time we decided to head back for afternoon and evening rest. We arrived at 2pm and spent 4 hours sitting by the fountain relaxing and having cheese, salami and camambert crackers whilst sipping on frangelico. A lovely afternoon and evening. Then it was off to the Spanish steps for dinner where 3 little kids tried to steal my camera, but they weren't going to get me. Whilst two of them put postcards in front of our faces whilst eating, the other one covered my camera (on table) with his postcard and then swiped it. As soon as they got there I knew something was happening so grabbed him and told him to put it back. It was put back and then told them to leave (in a nice way).

Thursday August 10th - Rome

2006-08-11T06:27:00.000+10:00

Today we took the on/off bus tour around the city. We spent the first half of the trip just seeing the sights from the open air bus as they covered what we saw yesterday. We then got off near Trevi fountain and headed over to the Pantheon to get some pictures there and also to have lunch. We had some fabulous italian food and also another great coffee. The Pantheon was amazing and the hole in the roof had a strong beam of light shining on an old piece of art.

After that it was on to a massive town square (well rectangle) with a fountain in the middle and at both ends. I will get the proper names for these and put in soon. It was beautiful. Restaurants lined the side whilst people sold souveneirs, holly got a temporary tattoo, and others selling paintings, and the usual fake bags.

Wednesday 9th August - Rome

2006-08-10T05:02:00.000+10:00

Up early to the sounds of builders working right outside our windows at 7am. Well complaints made and they are going to move us tomorrow. Feel sorry for the next group to use that room. €100 per night ($190 AUS) for 3 beds and a bathroom. Bathroom is main feature with room very tight and a tv the size of my hand with only channel english being MTV. So we ventured off on foot today and decided to head towards the Colosseum. We were lucky to be pulled from the line (1.5 hour wait) and go straight to the front as long as we paid an extra €9 for a tour.
Amazing the size of the stadium and how it has held up over 2000 years. Stories of hippoes been thrown in the ring along with chimps and other animals without chains as depicted in Gladiator. Also the character based on the movie actually won 1000 fights before he was defeated. The man who defeated him was then stabbed to death outside by the dead mans fans. I guess he was going to die either way then. Also when the floor was removed they found the pit underneath could be filled with water so they then decided to throw 50 crocdiles in there and then put the christians in for entertainment..... So many bad things were happening all those years ago. Then it was through the ruins and onto the palace (i think) see picture of me outside.

It was huge. Then to Trevi fountain where we threw our coins in for good luck. Then to the Spanish steps for some window shopping through the designer shop district and a gelato on the way back to hotel.

more photos @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/49503160843@N01/

Saturday 5th August - Tuesday 8th Galway

2006-08-10T02:35:00.000+10:00

Time in Galway was just time to relax and recouperate from the previous week. We spent most days just shopping and I spent most days on the net catching up with Gabbi and others. Not the most exciting place to visit but it was more for mum to catch up with her friend so I was happy that she was able to do that. Monday afternoon it was a 2 hour drive to the airport and we were able to pass through the village of where my grandfather was born and raised in Ennis. Mum felt at home their and liked the town. Flight to Rome was good and only took about 2 1/2 hours. Arrived at midnight and then had to wait an hour on a bus to be taken into the city where our hotel was. Lucky we booked a hotel only 2 blocks from main station and were in our rooms by 2am. Then at 7am builders started making noise outside our window and it sucked.... Kept awake all morning and now trying to change rooms in a fully booked hotel. Hopefully someone will leave in next day or two so we can swap and give our room to some unsuspecting sole who checks in.

Friday 4th August - Dublin to Galway

2006-08-10T02:28:00.000+10:00

As soon as we woke we went into the city and got had some brekky before jumping on the on/off bus that toured through the entire city and sights. First stop was the Guinness factory and took the tour through the whole place. It was great to see the history behind one of the most famous beers in the world. Then it was up to the top floor and the glasshouse bar with veiws all over Dublin and time to enjoy 'the best Guinness you will ever have' and they didn't let us down. Mum and Holly had one sip before putting theirs down but I had to finish mine. I couldn't go all the way there and not have a whole pint of Guinness. It tasted so good. It tastes so much better than the colder and thicker stuff we pour in Australia. It was so smooth and although warmer than a usual beer it tasted good. I was impressed and will look forward to my next one. But now I guess I will be let down as no pint I will have in the future will taste anywhere as good!!! The rest of the day we visited the jail and several castles, museums and small towns before heading home grabbing our bags and back on the bus to the main bus station for our trip to Galway. 3 hours on the bus and we arrived around 930pm to meet Lorraine, a friend of mums who she hadn't seen since she moved back home to Ireland 6 years ago. We stayed up late drinking and catching up.

Thursday August 3rd - London to Dublin

2006-08-10T02:21:00.000+10:00

Another long day of travelling with a train and bus ride to Stanstead airport in London to then fly to Dublin. Flight was good because it only took about an hour after spending a few on the train and bus. A cheap flight like virgin blue so no free drinks or food to get through the flight. Once in Dublin it was a taxi ride to a friend of mum's place who lived near the city. Maurice was kind enough to let us stay the night at his place so we got settled in and then went out to a nice restaurant for dinner. Still had to adjust with the sunset at 10pm and the smell of the Guinness factory which was really close to his house. After dinner we ventured down temple bar and saw all the nightlife there was to offer, before heading through the famous trinity college were Oscar Wilde once went.

I'm in London town - Wednesday August 2nd

2006-08-02T02:56:00.000+10:00

Wednesday morning we had plans to meet Denise at Victoria station and then head somewhere for the day and grab some lunch. We decided to go to Trafalgar Square and then walk sown to the Thames and see Big Ben, Downing Street and the London Eye. All four sites were amazing but the most amazing thing was the other kilometre after kilometre of old buildings that surrounded everything. Then there were places from the Monopoly board everywhere. Red phone booths everywhere. Pubs everywhere. Everything was everywhere over and over again. We took plenty of photos and then headed into a pub for some cold ales and lunch. After that it was back on the tube to Victoria Station to get a sim card sorted out (+447880791540) and some dinner to cook back at Holly's dorm.

Holly's arrival - Tuesday 1st August

2006-08-01T15:34:00.000+10:00

Well it wasn't as hyped up as it was made out to be. Holly rang from the bus and said she would be in around 6pm. So from around 555pm mum and I sat in her lounge room looking out the window for her arrival. Every minute mum got more and more anxious until it got too much and she couldn't bear the wait. We finally got another call just before 7pm and she was coming through the front gates of the school and would be here in 5 minutes. We went downstairs to wait for her and then the cab came through the gates and mum was so excited. As soon as Holly opened the door the tears started o flow, then there was laughter, more tears and hugs and kisses. It was beautiful. Then onto me for my reunion with my little sister who had grown up so fast over the past 8 months away from home and becoming an adult very fast. We sat down together with Holly and 2 of her friends for dinner in their living quarters and heard al lthe stories from her 21 day Contiki tour through Europe. Amsterdam was the main story where her and friend Sally went through the red light district and then to a sex show. Thats right a sex show, not a strip show. They paid €26 euro each to experience a once in a lifetime thing taht they can always look back on and laugh about. But they didn't walk out they stayed for then entire 1 hour and watched it all. Mum was a bit shocked but happy that holly had ket herself go and see the world for the good and bad things that happen.

Flight from KL to London - Monday 31st July

2006-08-01T01:36:00.000+10:00

24 hours of travel..... Don't wish it upon anyone. We departed my brothers house in Pantai Hill Park at 8pm (KL time), arrived at airport by 9pm, checked in, ate with them , said our goodbyes and went through customs. We had asked for an aisle seat and to be seated next to each other as there were no exit rows available for leg room.As soon as we got on the plane we were next to each other but with an aisle between us. The next thing I noticed was that there was no screen on the back of the chair in front of me. I had to spend the next 13 hours like this!!!!! We were able to do some swapping of seats so we were at least next to each other. It wasn't all that bad in the end as I watched the in house movie 16 blocks with bruce willis (ok if not average) then took 2 sleeping tablets after a few heinekens (the only reason to fly KLM - their beer is the best on flights) and passed out for a few hours. We landed in Amsterdam for an hour and a half layover before finally arriving at Heathrow in London at 730am local time (1pm KL time so 14 hours later), then it was onto a train to main terminal, 1 hour bus ride to Victoria Station in the city. We stopped there and bought some food and a phone card so I could call my girl. Then another 45 minutes on a train and a 15 minute cab ride to the school. We arrived 24 hours after we left Jas and Zabs house. We were exhausted and am writing this 4 hours after that. Relaxed now and Holly is due to arrive in an hour with some cool beverages to wind down and some wine for her and mum to enjoy. I have the camera by my side and will capture all the tears and upload for everyone to see.

Kuala Lumpur - Saturday 29th July - Monday 31st July

2006-07-31T01:12:00.000+10:00

We had a great flight from Sydney to KL and took the express train from airport to central station were we had rung jason from the airport to pick my mum and I up but as usual we arrived and there was no one there.... we should have been prepared and when I rang should have said we were at central station ready to be picked up. Was so good to see all the KL relatives and spend time with Jas and Zab. As soon as we arrived at their place I went to the store and bought 4 heinekens to quench my thirst after the heatwave we arrived into as it is so sticky and humid there. They went down well as we stayed up chatting for a few hours. The next day was off to meet the relo's at Zabs parents place in Bangsar and catch up with the other now 3 married children and their loved ones. As usual Zabs mum Zabeda put a feast on for us and filled our stomachs to the brim.

We then sat around and told stories of the past and watched Zachy & Emelias wedding dvd from June. It was a beautiful wedding with the theme colour red and a wonderful event.

Zab, Josh, Izan, Me, Mum & Jason went to a vietnamese restaurant called Sao Nam on Sunday night and it was great. Sat outside drinking Australian wine at ridiculous prices (79RM or $30 AUS for a $4 bottle of hardys) but Heinekens were also there for ony $4. So I was happy with that. Food was great and we had a lot of laughs.
Monday was meant to be a relaxing day by the pool but we ended up spending most of the day shopping, eating, shopping, then eating again. We then decided to try go karting in the afternoon to unwind. Mum and Zab wanted a massage so we decided that mum deserved a massage more than we deserved to go flying around a race track at 60 km/h. We tried to fit both in but in the end we gave mum what she deserved. Then it was the usual rush back home, pack fast, eat on the run and head to airport. Airport ride was great for me as I had a chance to catch up with Gabbi via 20 or so sms messages on jasons phone. Thanks again Jas from Gabbi & I xoxo

When I met Gabbi - Saturday July 22nd - July 29th

2006-07-29T12:44:00.000+10:00

I had no idea when I arrived at the Paddington Arms Hotel in Sydney that my life was about to be turned upside down by meeting such an amazing woman. As soon as I walked into Shane & Sarah's engagement party I looked across the room and my eyes came across her. She had this aura around her and I was instantly attracted to her and wanted to get to meet and know everything about her. After mingling with other guests it took me about two and a half hours to finally be by her side and be introduced to each other. Her name was Gabbi. From that moment on we didn't leave each others side. Right from then we had an instant connection that was going to flourish and go beyond our wildest dreams over the next few days. We spent every possible minute we could together and our relationship grew to amazing heights. Sunday morning we spent together and had breakfast in a cafe in Coogee whilst staring into each others eyes blown away with the connection we had found with each other only hours before. I rang Shane that night to ask about her and Sarah's reaction to the two of us. He said earlier on yesterday whilst going through the guest list they came across our names and joked about a possibility of the two of us being a match together. Well the matchmakers did a great job. On Monday night I left my dads house after seeing them off for my overseas trip and headed over to Gabbi's to see her. We spent the next 5 hours talking about what had happened between us over the last two days. On Monday Gabbi was looking into changing her xmas plans to come to Whistler and see me instead of Italy. At the same time I was looking into changing my plans and meeting up with her in Italy then having her come to Whistler and the cold snow. One day I would love to teach her how to ski or snowboard but I couldn't pass on the opportunity to spend a romantic three weeks with her in an amazing country. This all after 48 hours. We both said it was a feeling with each other that couldn't be explained in words and just felt like the right thing to be doing moreso than any other decision in our past. There were ecards going back and forth and later music cd's being made by us at the same time for each other. Thursday she had met my mum when we had dinner with her and then came to watch me play basketball. It was all happening so fast but that was what made it so special and so right. We both knew. I had asked her to come out to the Roxy on Friday night for Eskimoe Joe concert but unfortunately she had other plans with a friend so I was disappointed but understood and hoped she could come out later and meet us. Her plans fell through and I was soooooooooo happy that she would be able to come out and we could spend our last night together before flying out Saturday afternoon. We had a fantastic night with dinner beforehand at the Monkey Drum Thai restaurant in the Roxy courtyard where she met some of my friends and some friends very close by 2 degrees of seperation instead of 6. The concert was a sellout and they put on an excellent show. Afterwards we ventured downstairs to the nightclub and had a good time dancing to some old hits before retiring to our hotel by 2am. There were gifts exchanged and another up late night together as we knew we could always catch up on sleep when we were apart. Saturday was hectic sorting out last minute details before she drove my mum and I to the airport. There she then met my Dad and sister Kristie. It was a somber moment as I knew I still had to get away and take this journey to move on in my life but at the same time I was walking away from the person who made me have feelings I have never experienced and want to share more of them for the rest of my life.