Paradise part 1

Hello everyone!  So we just got back from an amazing vacation to Thailand!  I have a feeling this will be a LONG entry because there is so much to tell and so many pictures to post so I decided to split it up into 2!  I really like that people enjoy reading this blog but one of the most important reasons for doing this is so I will be able to keep these detailed memories forever (my own brain is NOT good enough!!!) I wanted to add that just in case anyone is wondering why I am writing about every little thing :)  Anyways--- here ya go!

We left for Thailand Wednesday night at 130 am (actually this is Thursday morning I guess...)  The flight was really nice because we got super lucky and no one was sitting in the third seat in our row!  yay!  So we got lots of sleep on 8 hour the flight to Kuala Lumpur (KL) in Malaysia.  The airport in KL is one where go down stairs straight from the plane onto the landing strip-- why this is cool to me, I dont know, but I wanted to take a pic of it!!  We then had a 5 hour layover, which felt like forever because we were SOOO ready to be there!

When we finally got to Phuket, Thailand (it was only an 1 1/2 hour flight from KL) we needed to get to our first hotel.  We were not 100% sure how to do this but there were so many people trying to get us around (taxi, bus drivers etc) so after we exchanged our money into Baht (thai money) we had to decide whether we wanted to take a taxi on the 50 minute drive to Patong beach for 600 baht or take the mini bus for 150 each so obviously we chose the cheaper option.....  so there we were on this mini bus with probably 20 other people, still in my jeans and sweater from the plane in 90 degree weather and on this tiny winding road where we dodged mopeds the whole time-- I was actually scared, not for my life, but for the many lives of moped drivers and each of their 3 passengers, mostly small children- no lie!  Probably 5 minutes before we got there (after we stopped for 10 minutes while they tried to get us to go on the other "tours" they offered and figured out where they were taking each of us) we realized the currency- 300 baht for the mini bus was $10 and 600 baht for the private taxi

which would have taken us straight to the hotel was $20... so basically we vowed to NOT take the mini bus on the way back to the airport to save a mere $10!!!!  Once we got dropped off at our hotel it was probably 3:30pm so we decided to change into our swimming suits, go get something to eat then walk around the beach!

Later on we decided to go have a few Chang beers along the beach down some small streets with heaps of bars.  They have a huge nightlife scene in Thailand because there are so many people who go there backpacking (because its beautiful and cheap!)  most of the backpackers seem to be between 18 and 30 -- prime age for nightlife, the bars are busier than the beaches!  While walking along Brian spotted some woman selling BUGS to eat... sooo gross,

 but we still gave it a go!  I was not aware Brian was videoing me eating a grasshopper... you can tell by my reaction I was NOT a fan.  Brian ate his down so fast I missed it-- I think chewing was not a good idea, ew.

Here is Brian....

After a few more Changs we decided that the 3 hour time difference and the fact that even though we slept more than normal on a plane, it was still not enough and we were so tired.  

The next morning we woke up had some brekky and walked around for a little bit longer before we decided to head to our final destination: Phi Phi island!!  Here are a few more pics of Patong Beach.

Our view from the hotel

Really?  A moped can pull THREE jet skis????

The parasailer had a little Thai man
 on top to help move him around--
 no harness, just hanging
 out at 100 yards over the
ocean-- real safe!

 

Around 11am we decided it was time to say bye bye to Phuket and head to Phi Phi :)  We left from the hotel to the pier on the other side of the city.  Next thing we know someones telling us to get on their boat and they would take us "Cheap, Cheap" so we said ok!  So Brian and I, along with 4 bags of luggage boarded up along with around 100 other people!  It was a beautiful sunny day and we got to sit out on the deck drink a few Changs and take lots and lots of pics!  

Rasada Pier

We passed by hundreds of little islands (a few I had picked out for us to buy and build a house on-- but then I realized I might need to then build a Target and things got a little too complicated for my plan...)  Brian LOVES ferry rides even silly ones that just take you a short way like in Port Aransas or even Bolivar in Galveston so he was super excited-- he took millions of pictures (which is why he is barely in any of them!)  Finally, after an hour and a half ferry ride we arrived to PARADISE!!  Dont get me wrong we loved being in Phuket but Phi Phi (pronounced pee pee) is just unreal!  I kept saying over and over "is this real life!?!"

hmmm I think I'm going to have to stop writing tonight at catch back up tomorrow..... This is such a cliff hanger, I know!  This may end up being more like 3 entries since Im still only on day 2 of our 6 day trip-- oh well :)  LOVE YOU!

time flies when your having fun :)

HI!!!  I haven't been too good about updating so Ill put up a few pics of the past few weekends!
The most exciting news of lately is that Brian and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary!  WOW- I seriously cant believe how fast this year has gone by!  We have had the best first year together!  Our lives are so full of love and excitement and adventure!  I can not imagine being so far away without being here with my love, my best friend and my family-- all rolled into one person :)  I am so blessed!  I love you, Brian!

But enough of that mushy stuff haha  I will go ahead and catch you guys up on what we have been doing.  A few weeks ago we went for a drive in our new car-- did I mention we got a new car?!  Yes.  We sure did!  It is a fun little convertible for our summer beach trips :)  We have had it since August but haven't been able to take it out yet because, of course, it was having a few problems.  First, it died after about one week so we had to get a new battery.  Then, as we are heading out on our first little road trip- we got a flat tire!!!  So Brian had to get out on the highway to put on the spare then we had to get 4 new tires.  Ugh, two expensive fixes and NO actually driving (well, maybe five minutes but who's counting!)  So when the weather got nice we decided to take her out for a little drive along the coast.  It was very nice and we both think we are going to love having a convertible!  Here are a few pics from our drive!

Brighton beach bathing boxes

The next few weekends we stayed busy working on the house (getting more storage space for all of our things) and the yard.  It is finally springtime here and we really wanted to plant a few veggies and herbs.  Plus, we wanted our yard to look pretty!!  While I was out in the yard one day I kept hearing this annoying squawking noises (not pretty chirping) so I looked up and there was about 10 PARROTS in the tree right above me!!  It was so crazy and amazing!  I tired to take some pictures but it was hard since it was so bright!















Now, I feel like I get to see parrots out and about all the time!  I am loving it, I feel like I'm in a tropical location haha!  

We also took some time out to go and watch the GRAND FINAL!  AKA the superbowl of australian football or Footy.  It was crazy and we all had way too much fun at a bar right down the road from where they were playing the game.  GO CATS?!?! haha

This past weekend we celebrated our actual anniversary.  The day started out by listening to KState win in football then we finished up the patio we had been working on (I'm not sure why we don't just relax-- Brian is in love with renovation type projects I think!)  Afterward we went to a park where they were having a little neighborhood festival for springtime.  Then we went to a delicious dinner that evening!  (we went to Pure South-- thanks for the recommendation Richard and the Zahn family!!  We miss you guys!)  All in all a great anniversary!!  I cant believe I am lucky enough to celebrate even more in Thailand next week!!  YAY!  We are going to Phi Phi Island (pronounced PEE PEE-- weird) near Phuket!  I will take lots of pictures and definitely write all about it when we get back!

In more anniversary news-- Today is our 6 month in Australia anniversary AHH!!  After half a year I feel like we are feeling very settled and happy!  We actually know our way around with public transport, can understand the australian accent and lingo, can follow a footy game, can order coffee and even sometimes meet up with people for a "cuppa" (coffee or tea), we can jaywalk with the best of them and we will soon have people over for our first barbie :)  

We are also, more than ready for visitors!  LOVE YOU ALL!

Opportunity :)

I cant stop listening to this song, so thought I would share!!  

I love the words, the sweet melody- plus- Pete Murray is not too bad on the eyes!  ENJOY!!

"Don't be scared of what you cannot see

Your only fear is possibility"

Singapore!!

Hi!! Last week we got back from our trip to Singapore!!  We had a great time-- got to see lots of great sights and stay at some amazing places!

Brian had to attend a conference Mon-Wed so we came up the weekend before to check out some of the city!  I arrived before Brian (I have to say, Im very proud of myself-- I traveled to another country alone and got to the hotel and did a bit of shopping alone before Brian got there later that evening!!  It helped that Singapore is so super easy to get around and everyone there speaks English!  Anyways, I was feeling pretty good about my solo travels especially since I got some birthday presents for myself at the TopShop in the mall!)  The next morning we started off on basically a walking tour of the city -- one my feet were not prepared for!  We checked out Marina Bay where they had the super cool Marina Bay Sands hotel (the one that is 3 columns and the top is a huge pool and outdoor area) and the floating stadium, and the techno looking Helix bridge.

Next, we went to Thian Hock Keng temple.  It was built in 1839 and every single space is covered in the most beautiful details!  It was so pretty-- but smelled soooo strong on incense!!  Here are a few pictures:

Chinatown was very close by so we went there next!  It was neat and there were soo many little shops and cafes!  We ended up getting an Asian teapot and cups set (partly because of the "you break, you buy" policy haha clumsy Brian!)  but they are really cool and even came in a beautiful chest.  We also had the famous "Chili Crab!"  It is basically crab legs with the delicious chili sauce allllll over it!  It was super messy but super yummy!  After that, we went to the Kampong glam area, where they have the Sultan mosque.  They were finishing up ramadan so had a festival with tons of food!  We got delicious kebabs over there! The mosque was beautiful!

It was a very long day so I had a much needed Singapore Sling back at the hotel!  YUMM   We then had a delicious seafood dinner by the shore then had a few more drinks in the bar district along the river- Clarke Quay.  It would have been really cool, if I was only a few years younger and not quite so exhausted from walking ALL day!  

The next day was still a little overcast so we decided to check out the Botanical Garden instead of going straight to the beach on Sentosa Island where Brian's conference was being held.  I am sooo glad we did because besides the fact that I was incredibly hot from the horrible humidity, it was beautiful! -- Especially the Orchid Gardens!  We had such a great time just walking around and snapping pics of all the pretty orchids!

We finally had to get to Sentosa Island for Brian's conference.  We took a subway back to get our luggage and when we got inside the station, we realized we were also in a huge underground mall!  There were all the luxury stores-- Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc all 4 floors underground.... I guess that is the only way to add more and more shopping in a small island city/country but it was kinda strange-- Brian said he felt like an ant haha!

We finally got to the Shangri La hotel on Sentosa island.  It was a very nice hotel but we went straight to the beach for a little sun and cold drinks :)  For the next few days Brian was gone most of the day for his conference and I spent most of my time by the pool reading the last of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books (sooo good)!  One of the days I did a bit of sightseeing around the Island because it was raining and not good pool weather!  But it was really an ideal vacation getting to lay by the pool, with food and drinks, catching some rays (after 2 winters in a row!!) and reading a good book!  Can't complain :)

By far the coolest thing was all the monkeys!  I had heard that they often crawled around the balconies of the jungle view rooms so was excited that we were in one of those rooms!  The first day, right after I left Brian from our breakfast, I went back up to the room to change and decided to stand out on the balcony for a few minutes to see if I could see any monkeys!  After about only 1 minute I saw some rustling in the tree and then a few seconds later, out popped a monkey!!  I was so excited I grabbed my camera and started taking pics!  It went all the way up to the 8th floor where we were staying and only a few balconies away-- where apparently someone left crackers out.  It was so nice because I was a perfect distance away to take more and more pictures, although I was so excited/nervous that they mostly turned out all blurry, oh well!  I kept making a clicking noise with my mouth to get them to look at me for the pictures, but they obviously thought that meant I wanted them to come over to me-- so next thing I knew he was on my balcony!!!  (dont worry I ran inside and shut the door before he actually got there!!)  I got a few pictures with him on my balcony before he realized I did not have any food for him and left.

I was feeling guilty that I got to see amazing monkeys and Brian didn't but that evening, while we were downstairs about to go for a Tiger beer :), I was explaining to him how they got from the tree to the balconies and how they just hopped in between them without falling, when we noticed that there were multiple monkeys on the ground right in front of us!  So Brian got to see for himself the way they swing and jump around!  They are really cool animals and its crazy because you can tell that they are really actually smart and are thinking all the time!  The man who checked us into the hotel said that we need to make sure and keep our balcony door shut because they will go in our room and take stuff-- and that one time they even put on a woman's bikini!!  Im not sure I believe that one but who knows, monkey see- monkey do!  Anyways, it was really cool to see them in action and hopefully it wont be the last time (since we are planning on going to Thailand in october for our 1 year anniversary!)

All in all we had a great first trip to Asia!  It was a great place to visit and I would recommend it to anyone!  So nice and clean with loads and loads of shopping!

Also-- we REALLY REALLY appreciate our friends Tim and Lauren for taking care of Brody for us while we were gone!!!  So nice!!!

Nanny Diaries

Hello!!!  Just wanted to let everyone know that Brody is home and is doing GREAT!  All he does is sleep.  All day and all night!  I'm sure he was so exhausted after a month of chaos and dogs constantly barking (plus he is the type of dog who can't not bark when others are!)  He was so excited when he walked into our new house and there was the couch and the bed that he remembered (his favorite sleep spots)!  He was very very very stinky and desperately needed a hair cut but now he is refreshed and all back to normal.  We are sooooo excited to have him home with us, it has been 4 whole months without our little puppy and we couldn't be happier to have him here!  It is finally feeling like we are settled with our new cozy home, our comfy furniture and, of course, our BRODY!  Here is a picture I took a day or two before we brought him home.... DIRTY DIRTY!

In other news, I got a job!!!!  I am so lucky and got a perfect job of watching two kids 3 days a week!  They are such adorable kids, Max- 4, and his little sister, Indigo-2 1/2.  They are very sweet and will be so much fun to watch!  They live close to the beach and close to many parks and cafes so we will have lots to do!  I am very excited!  Soooo, I guess I am a nanny now :)  I am sure with this will come many fun and funny stories to share!

The Exxon Mobil social club winter ball was a ton of fun!  I loved getting all dressed up, drinking champagne and eating a three course meal!  Plus, everyone was so nice and sooo much fun!  I got to meet a bunch of new people who work with Brian!   The theme was black tie or a "splash of color" so lots of people went all out and wore colorful suits or dresses!  Not us, we were a little boring (dressed) but still had a good time!  The venue was the National Gallery of Victoria and was beautiful.  The whole ceiling was colorful stain glass!  Unfortunately, I did not take many pictures, just this one from the pre-drinking party and only 1 or 2 others that didn't really turn out.  They had a professional photographer there and we bought a few pictures from him that turned out really good, when I set up the scanner I will add them!

Here's a pic I stole from their website of the ceiling!

The only problem of the night was that I realized I can no longer walk in heels!  I'm a total beginner AGAIN!  The only time I have worn heels since we have been here was a few months ago and that did not go well.  I ended up FALLING (literally to the ground) walking down a ramp in the train station, in front of hundreds of people.... soooo embarrassing!!!  So the ball was only the 2nd time I have worn them in 4 months and I wobbled around all night, then decided to take them off and dance it up!  Great night all around- totally worth my feet killing me for the next 4 days!  

Leaving for Singapore next week!!  YIPPPEEEEE :)

Life's Good

So it has only been 3 weeks since I have last posted but so much has been going on!

First of all, WE MOVED!!!  YAY!!!  It took a long while but we finally got out of our lease.  We then had to VERY quickly find a new place to live!  Brian rented a big moving van and we were able to get everything in 2 trips!  I don't know how he did it but he got everything by himself-- with a teeny bit of help from me (but honestly I didnt do that much when it came to moving stuff like the china cabinet and couch!!  They are soooo heavy so he was mostly on his own with a dolly)  Anyways, we are so excited about our new house!!  It is only a little over a mile away from the other house so it's still close to all the fun shops and cafes but its on a quiet, cute, tree lined street-- much more neighborhood-like which we love!  It was such a whirlwind of packing, unpacking, cleaning and paying but we finally got moved into a home we are planning on staying in for the next few years-- or until it's time for us to come home!  There are still lots of boxes around so I only have a few pictures (maybe Ill take some more later if anyones interested!)

Still really messy!!!  But getting better :)

I forgot to post any pictures of our car but while I was out taking pics of the house I snapped this one... looks just like a Ford Escape from America- until you get inside and the steering wheels on the right!

His Jail Cell :(

Our happy boy! (It's red from the heat lamp)

Next exciting news-- Brody is here!!!  He has actually been here for awhile- I just haven't been too good about updating!  He seemed a little whiney and confused when we first went to see him -- but it was also after he was living in LA for 2 days by himself and then a 16 hour flight (in the underneath luggage area!!)  But needless to say he was THRILLED to see us.  We couldn't take him out of him little concrete pen until the vet had time to see him but the next day when we got to take him to an outside grassy pen he was happy as can be!  He has been that way ever since!  He is mostly concerned about what the other dogs are doing so he is constantly barking at them-- so much that we think he lost his voice!!!  We get to pick him up on Saturday,  August 13th, so only 9 more days!!!!  It has gone by so fast!!  It probably makes it easier that Brody is just a happy dog regardless of where he's living so its making us feel better about the whole thing!

Also, we just booked a trip to Singapore for the end of August!  I am super excited to go and see some fun sights in the city and also to relax on the beach (or pool).  Two winters in a row has been too much for me and I am just dying to lay out in the sun!!!  Brian has a conference for work and we are going to go up the weekend before to hang out- then I'm going to stay and spend some extra sun time while hes at his conference!  If anyone knows of any MUST SEE'S let me know!!  :)

Other than that we are just busy unpacking and getting the new house set up!  It has been fun for me getting everything just the way we like it!  We also have a "ball" to go to on Saturday so it will be fun getting all dressed up (luckily I brought my only formal dress -- even though Brian probably thought I was crazy-- but it looked a little disheveled after being in a box for 4 months! haha)  Anyway, life is great, we couldn't be happier!   (well maybe, if our friends and families were here!-- We miss you!)